BBC ONE

ALL Saints star Melanie Blatt says taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special stripped away her confidence.

The 1990s girl group singer, 50, said she did not feel comfortable in the flowing yellow dress she wore, which she said made her “look like custard”.

Speaking to Good Housekeeping UK she said: “I felt extremely vulnerable.

“It’s taken me 50 years to feel as good as I have ever felt about myself and Strictly stripped it away from me. Nothing dodgy went on — I think they’re on their best behaviour — but I just didn’t feel comfortable in a dress.”

Mum Mel and her professional dance partner Kai Widdrington finished fifth out of six couples after performing an American smooth in the telly extravaganza.

It was won by TV host Scarlett Moffatt and Vito Coppola, who got a perfect 40 score for their cha-cha-cha.

read more on melanie blatt

JINGLE MEL

Melanie Blatt reveals reason she’s signed up for Strictly Christmas special

BEHIND THE MUSIC

Nicole & I were pregnant – All Saints’ bosses weren’t happy, says Melanie

Despite finishing second from bottom, Mel and Kai scored 36 out of 40 and she was hailed “fabulous” by judges Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.

Mel had been tipped to take part in the full series this autumn but her comments suggest there is no way back.

Yet following her Christmas Day dance on the BBC One show, watched by 7.75million at home, Mel told host Tess Daly: “I really enjoyed it.

In a telling remark, she added: “It’s been amazing yet challenging, getting out of my comfort zone, having to wear a dress, having to look like custard . . . all of these things.”

A source insisted that Mel had taken her own dress which was “styled and adjusted” by the Strictly costume team to her specifications.

They added: “Strictly would never make anyone wear something they felt uncomfortable in.”

Mel, who had five No1 singles with All Saints, revealed last year that she was serving burgers at a North London boozer.

She is no longer in the pub but wants to start a new career in the food industry.

Mel, who performed in All Saints with Shaznay Lewis and sisters Nicole and Natalie Appleton said: “The main thing I want from life is peace and happiness.

“My dream is to do a cookery book or have my own cookery programme, something like ‘Cheeses of the World’. I will make it happen.”

• Mel’s full interview can be read now in April’s Good Housekeeping.

TOURETTES campaigner John Davidson said he was mortified after sparking a race row by shouting out the N-word at the Baftas. 

John later voluntarily left the ceremony amid shock at his swearing as Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan were on stage presenting an award. 

But the slur by John — whose life inspired the double gong-winning film I Swear — wasn’t cut from the BBC’s two-hour ceremony coverage at London’s Royal Festival Hall. 

Yesterday, bosses apologised and removed the episode from iPlayer. 

Last night John insisted he was “mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning”. 

And Bafta confirmed he left the room before the awards ended. 

BAFTA CHAOS

Row over Tourettes slur as Jamie Foxx says ‘he meant it’ but charity hits back

CUT OUT

Furious Adam Deacon launches attack on BAFTAs and claims he was cut out of show

In statement the organisation said: “Early in the ceremony a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people. 

“Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we apologise unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted.

“We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism. 

“John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen and we would like to thank him for his consideration of others on what should have been a night of celebration for him.” 

I Swear saw ­Robert Aramayo, 33, pick up Best Actor. It also won Best Casting. 

Scottish-born John, 54, is a campaigner for Tourette sufferers and aged 16 was the subject of a BBC documentary, John’s Not Mad, about living with the condition, which leads some to shout swear words. 

The Sun understands that Sunday night’s audience was not told a ­person with Tourette Syndrome was present.

Previously, at the Bafta TV awards, people have been warned in similar situations. 

A source said: “Neither host Alan Cumming nor any of the Bafta team warned people — the apology and comments came after the outbursts.” 

Cumming had said: “Tourette Syndrome is a disability. We apologise if you’re offended tonight.” 

Hannah Beachler, the production designer on movie Sinners, said: “What made the ­situation worse was the throwaway apology of, ‘if you were offended’. Of course we were.” 

It was reported BBC production staff did not hear the N-word — which meant it was left in the coverage.

However, a source added: “It was as loud and as clear as day.” 

The corporation said: “Some may have heard strong and offensive language.

“This arose from involuntary ­verbal tics associated with ­Tourette’s and, as explained during the ­ceremony, it was not intentional. 

“We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast.” 

JAMIE Foxx has claimed an audience member with Tourettes who shouted a slur at the Baftas “meant it” despite a charity saying it was “not intentional”.

John Davidson, who suffers from Tourette syndrome, let out involuntary shouts including a racial slur due to his condition during the ceremony.

The incident happened at the 79th annual British Academy Film Awards, which took place at the Royal Festival Hall last night.

The slur was shouted as actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan presented the award for special visual effects.

The actors, both stars of vampire horror Sinners, appeared to pause momentarily after the insult was heard but then continued presenting.

But Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx has now blasted John Davidson for his “unacceptable” outburst at the BAFTAs.

on gard

David Beckham’s best friend Dave Gardner takes swipe at Brooklyn

SLUR SAGA

BBC PULLS Baftas from iPlayer after audience member with Tourettes shouted slur

A fuming Foxx said on social media: “Out of all the words you could’ve said Tourette’s makes you say that. Nah he meant that s**t. Unacceptable.” 

The outburst, which was one of many unintentional interruptions, was explained as coming from John, who has Tourette syndrome.

John’s life story inspired the film I Swear which shares John’s journey from his diagnosis before much was known about the condition.

However, campaigners staunchly defended John after his outburst after criticism from Foxx.

Tourettes Action charity said: “We also want to address the negative comments that have surfaced following John’s involuntary vocal tics during the ceremony.

“We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt but, at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome, tics are involuntary.

“They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions or character.

“People with Tourettes can say words or phrases they do not mean, do not endorse and feel great distress about afterwards.

“These symptoms are neurological, not intentional, and they are something John – like many others with Tourettes – lives with every single day.”

The title is a nod to his uncontrollable swearing associated with the syndrome.

Earlier, the BBC apologised for the slur after some viewers were left shocked.

And the episode has now been pulled off BBC iPlayer after initial outrage.

The Beeb has confirmed the slur will be edited out of the version uploaded.

A BBC spokesperson said: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards.

“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional.

“We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.”

During the broadcast, the awards ceremony’s presenter Alan Cumming also issued an apology for the language viewers may hear.

He said: “You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. If you have seen the film I Swear, you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome.

“Tourettes is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language.

“We apologise if you were offended.”

But the BBC sparked major backlash after the broadcaster edited out “Free Palestine” during one speech but declined to remove the racial slur at first.

The broadcaster removed the Palestine reference after an acceptance speech made by filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr paid tribute to those who are trying to “obtain a better life for their children”.

Davies Jr. closed his speech by saying: “To the economic migrant. The conflict migrant. Those under occupation, dictatorship, persecution, and those experiencing genocide. You matter.

“Your stories matter more than ever. Your dreams are an act of resistance to those watching at home.  

“Archive your loved ones. Archive your stories yesterday, today, and forever. For Nigeria, for London, the Congo, Sudan, free Palestine.”

DANNIELLA Westbrook has finally revealed the full extent of her recent surgery makeover after undergoing a full face, neck and brow lift.

The former soap star underwent multiple facial surgeries weeks ago in Dubai and was spotted looking swollen and bruised as she emerged from surgery.

But now the ‘results’ have been revealed with Danniella sharing a slew of new snaps post-surgery but ever the perfectionist, the star couldn’t resist adding a filter or two to the images before she posted them online.

The star’s new images featured a helping hand in order to enhance her appearance even more post-surgery.

The axed EastEnders star could be seen posing on a towel as she enjoyed the Dubai heat.

Wearing a blue bikini, Danniella showed off her filtered face and her body in the images.

More on Danniella Westbrook

FILL US IN

All of Danniella Westbrook’s surgeries from lipo to screws instead of teeth

UNDER THE KNIFE

Danniella Westbrook almost unrecognisable after more reconstructive surgery

She pulled a series of sultry poses in which evidence of her recent nose operations could be seen thanks to some slight bruising still visible around the nostril area.

In another image, Danniella opted to wear a pair of glasses as she laid back and relaxed in the sunshine.

The 52-year-old, has been on a journey to rebuild her face after historic drug abuse, with this surgery following on from a nose operation last June.

Danniella had a full face, neck and brow lift in addition to a lip and nose reconstruction.

Following the operation, she left the facility in a wheelchair with a facial compression garment wrapped around her head.

A full recovery for a face, neck and chin lift can take up to nine months.

The surgery was performed by Danniella’s trusted Surgeon Dr Parviz Sadigh, who has carried out operations on her in the past.

Danniella became hooked on drugs at the age of 14 after beginning to take cocaine after shooting to fame as Sam Mitchell in the BBC soap opera, EastEnders.

The former star estimates that she has spent a whopping £250,000 on cocaine in her lifetime and was using at least five grams a day throughout her entire pregnancy with son, Kai.

Danniella was addicted to drugs throughout the 1990s and early 2000.

She then managed to stay clean before a number of relapses including in 2017 – the year after she last appeared on EastEnders.

Her latest known drug relapse was in 2021.

This abuse led to the collapse of her nose and cheekbones, with her septum – the cartilage that separates the two nostrils – falling out.

Last summer, Danniella went under the knife for a surgery to reconstruct her nose, with cartilage from her rib being used to fix her nose.

At the time, the star admitted she was hoping to rebuild her face so that she can kick start her acting career once again.

On the day of her surgery, she said: “Big day for me heading down for a very long surgery right now to rebuild my face.

“Then I can get back to work.”

FORMER soap star Danniella Westbrook has been on a journey to rebuild her face after her tumultuous past with drug abuse.

The Sun yesterday unveiled snaps of the 52-year-old looking completely unrecognisable after undergoing more reconstructive surgery in Dubai.

Danniella shot to fame starring as Sam Mitchell on BBC One’s EastEnders.

While many of Danniella’s surgeries have been constructive, some have been purely cosmetic – either way the star loves to keep her fans in the loop.

These are all the wild surgeries the TV legend has had so far.

Nose reconstruction

Following Danniella’s battle with cocaine addiction in the 90s her septum collapsed and she was forced to have a nose reconstruction.

UNDER THE KNIFE

Danniella Westbrook almost unrecognisable after more reconstructive surgery

FACE FACTS

Danniella Westbrook’s changing £500K face… from ‘Enders teen to ‘rotting jaw’

The I’m A Celeb star previously said she first tried the drug at 14 as a result of child abuse.

In her tell-all book, released in 2006, Danniella said she had her eroded septum and columella replaced.

Danniella’s many boob jobs

Danniella has been very committed to boob surgery over the years, having at least seven boob jobs and ending up a size 34DD.

When she appeared on Channel 5‘s Celebrity Botched Up Bodies she revealed she went from a 34B to a 34D.

But she didn’t stop there, wanting to go bigger despite being warned by her doctor.

Danniella even insisted she wanted them so large that they looked like “huge footballs.”

Her doctor apparently said her frame was too small for such huge breasts but Danniella claimed she didn’t care and begged him to do it anyway.

Screws instead of Teeth

The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant previously revealed she nearly died following a botched surgical procedure in 2015.

Danniella suffered a severe bout of osteoporosis, which is a health condition that weakens bones.

She was left with screws for teeth as her cheekbones “wasted away.”

In 2018, she told The Mirror: “They need to take a piece of bone out of my skull and put a plate into my face but they’ve got nothing to stick the plate on at the minute because the bone’s not strong enough.”

While Danniella was in the CBB house she was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment after suffering horrendous teeth pain.

She said: “The bone hadn’t closed around the screws so they took me out of the house three times to a dentist, which they’re not meant to, because the pain was so bad.”

The star was down bad and even contracted septicaemia, which she battled in hospital for seven weeks.

Danniella told fans they had to remove all her teeth out and give her a denture.

Liposuction on her knees

One of the most bizarre surgeries the star had was liposuction on her knees; a procedure she told The Sun was unnecessary.

Alongside the surgery the star also admitted she didn’t need her seven boob jobs, eye lift, face lift and Botox.

A rib inserted into her cheek

TV icon Danniella claimed in 2022 she made plans to have a rib put into her cheek to help reconstruct her face.

She previously told us: “I hate the way I look. I’m constantly made fun of, and trolled for it.

“People message me, saying: ‘You’re so ugly, you’re a junkie, you should just go and kill yourself.’

“I’ve also had messages saying they are glad I’m not coming back to EastEnders because no one wants me scaring their kids on the telly.”

While the planned procedure would most definitely have boosted her confidence she said it would also help her breathing and sinus issues.

Five facial reconstruction surgeries

Danniella jetted off to Turkey for her fifth facial reconstruction surgery back in 2023.

She told OK! it was a thread lift which saw surgeons put over 1,200 threads into her face.

The TV personality also said she flew over for a nose reconstruction but the surgery failed to straighten her nose despite the use of 200 threads.

In another of her facial reconstruction attempts Danniella announced she had a fat transfer.

She said surgeons took “fat out of my back, my sides and my stomach, and put it into my face to make it more symmetrical.”

But Danniella soon regretted this procedure as she branded her experience a “living nightmare.”

In 2025, she went under the knife again for another facial surgery.

She said: “Today, I got the amazing news that I’m officially clear to move on to stage 2 of my recovery. Despite a rough patch with an infection (which was a known risk), my doctors are happy with how everything’s going – and that means everything to me.”

Latest Surgery

We yesterday revealed Danniella’s latest surgery snaps as she went under the knife for a full face, neck and brow lift in addition to a lip and nose reconstruction.

Undergoing the procedure at the Gargash Hospital in Dubai, the actress was pictured in her hospital gown awaiting the surgery before finally being able to leave several hours later.

Donning a pink dress, Danniella left the facility in a wheelchair with a facial compression garment wrapped around her head.

A full recovery for a face, neck and chin lift can take up to nine months.

The surgery was performed by Danniella’s trusted Surgeon Dr Parviz Sadigh, who has carried out operations on her in the past.