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The festive season is definitely upon us as Christmas markets open up and down the country

As Christmas markets open up and down the country, many towns and and cities are joining in the festive fun.

This year Newcastle has gone the extra mile and introduced some new attractions for its Christmas market offering and not everyone is happy about it.

Newcastle’s Christmas markets opened up this past weekend on Saturday, November 15, and are set to run right through until Tuesday, December 23. Making the festive season bigger and better than ever, they have added some spots to the space that locals wouldn’t have predicted.

A huge shift in the city’s plans for this year’s markets saw 83% of its traders being local and based within 20 miles of the city centre – a positive for channelling independent brands. Although, alongside it came some tweaks and shifts that have certainly surprised shoppers looking for a fun day out.

Potentially the most random addition to this year’s market saw a silent disco take hold at the event. It offers a free entry, with no booking needed, as visitors can boogie wearing a pair of headphones, playing music that goes unheard by fellow passers-by. The Silent Disco operates every Friday night from 5 to 8pm, Saturdays from 10am to 8pm, and Sundays beginning at 10am up until 5pm. Although it may seem a little out of place for a festive market, the city is clearly trying to diversify its offering over the rest of the UK markets.

Adding to the festive fun, the market also decided to add a giant Ferris wheel to the town’s city centre. Based in the Old Eldon Square section of the market, the wheel sits at an impressive 50 feet and is believed to offer unmatched views of the city. From great heights shoppers can see the likes of Grey’s Monument to Grey Street and St James’ Park peeking through the hustle and bustle. For those not afraid of heights, they can experience the views at a considerably affordable price in comparison to some of the market’s other offerings – adult tickets are £5, £4 for children and £15 for a family of four.

After a couple shared their experience of the new ride in a TikTok video, people were quick to poke fun at the market attraction. One user said: “‘The views are lovely’ really got me, fair play!”. As another added, cynically: “I bet Level 7 at St James Park is still higher up than the Ferris wheel!”

As someone gave a virtual tour of the place in a video clip, others shared their disappointment with the lack of actual shopping taking place. Many suggested that there was too much food on offer and not enough spots for buying gifts or festive trinkets. One comment read: “We went tonight, but it’s all food outlets… hardly any places to buy actual Christmas presents.” Meanwhile, another wrote: “It seems these ‘Christmas markets’ are just mainly food stalls.”

Cllr Abdul Samad, Cabinet member for Culture, Music and Arts at Newcastle City Council said: “Last year the market contributed nearly £91million to the city’s economy, which is a remarkable amount, and we hope with an improved event this year, this can be matched or even bettered. And with most traders selected coming from the local area, small businesses are also being supported at this vital time of the year,” according to the council’s website.

The latest series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! is due to hit our screens this weekend with celebs like Jack Osbourne, Martin Kemp and Ruby Wax set to take part

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! bosses have been left stumped after Christine McGuinness repeatedly claimed she would be appearing on the show, when she isn’t part of this year’s line-up.

Just weeks ago the mum-of-three hinted that she would be going into the jungle but she hasn’t been announced to be in the show by ITV. It has been said that ITV bosses are “angry” and “confused” after the star suggested she could be taking on the challenge.

The 37-year-old seems to say she would be on I’m A Celeb when she appeared on the Pride of Britain Awards red carpet back in October. Christine said she is usually asked “every year” but the thoughts of leaving her children has always been overwhelming.

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But she said this year could be different as she said she thought “F*** it, why not” which many took as thought they could expect to see her on their screens.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Christine said: “I always get asked and it is one of those shows, every year, would you ever do it?

“And I always say there’s no way, I don’t think I could be away from my children, and I would be scared of the creepy crawlies, I have sensory issues and I have never been outside of Europe so just flying over there would be quite a challenge.

“Trying to get over to the jungle might be a bit of a mission but yeah, let’s see. I think this year most likely I’d be like f*** it, why not.”

The full contestant list was released this week and Christine’s name wasn’t on it. It’s thought bosses aren’t too pleased with Christine’s claims and instead think she should have shut the rumours down.

A source said: “ITV bosses were definitely confused when they saw the reports suggesting Christine had ‘signed up’ for I’m A Celeb.

“Usually, a celebrity would shut down speculation, so Christine appearing to confirm her appearance really infuriated those working behind the scenes.”

Christine shares three children, twins Penelope and Leo, and daughter Felicity, with ex-husband Paddy McGuinness. The pair still live together and co-parents their three children.

The parents have highlighted their children’s autism in recent years and Christine has also spoken about being diagnosed with autism and ADHS herself.

Christine has recently said that she had to consider whether she wanted to remain in the spotlight or not in order to protect her kids.

Speaking to The Mirror, she said: “I’ve had to think if I am in the right industry, and if I can continue. It may be what I enjoy and love, but when i think about my children and how the attention is going to affect their lives I have questioned it and if it’s right for me.”

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The Celebrity Traitors finale is almost upon us – however, the BBC hit show left some viewers confused when it didn’t air in its usual Wednesday slot last night

Fans of the Celebrity Traitors are on tenterhooks as they wait for the show’s highly-anticipated final, with the five remaining contestants competing for up to £100,000 for their chosen charities. However, many were left frustrated last night when they tuned into BBC One at 9pm to be greeted by Shetland’s Ashley Jensen and not the giggly Alan Carr.

Viewers took to social media to voice their disappointment, with one writing: “WHAT DO YOU MEAN TRAITORS ISNT ON TONIGHT??? #CelebrityTraitors.” Another said: “Gaslit myself into thinking celebrity traitors was on tonight. It’s not.

“I don’t even know why I thought that. I guess it’s time for big brother then. #BBUK.”

Thankfully, fans won’t have to wait much longer for their Celebrity Traitors fix – with the final set to air tonight. The show is airing its big finale on BBC One at 9pm tonight with a 70-minute episode.

“As the ultimate game of deception and trust draws to a close, the stakes have never been higher as the celebrity players face their final, explosive mission,” the BBC teases. “With the prize fund complete, will the pressure of winning cloud anyone’s vision?

“Will the Faithful banish all the Traitors to secure victory, or will the Traitors manage to deceive until the bitter end?”

The castle content doesn’t stop there, with Ed Gamble hosting the final episode of The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked immediately after the final at 10:10pm on BBC Two. All the finalists will be joining him for their exclusive first interviews alongside Claudia Winkleman as they reflect on the record-breaking series.

Earlier today, the Celebrity Traitors’ famous fans revealed who they’re backing ahead of tonight’s final – with Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas on the side of the Traitors. “Having watched every series of The Traitors, I’m hoping either Alan or Cat can win as Traitors,” she said.

“If they go, then I would love Joe to win for the Faithfuls. This year’s series has been absolutely spectacular and off the chart. My mother and I are engrossed in the whole thing.”

While Coronation Street’s Sally Lindsay said: “Alan, you have always been a legend since I met you 25 years ago and you have been the legend in this. You are the champion!”

Unfortunately, the winner has been spoiled for some fans, with the episode leaking early on Canadian streamer Crave a day early. “PSA: The finale of the Celebrity Traitors was accidentally leaked in Canada yesterday,” one concerned fan wrote on social media.

“Stay away from Traitors news and communities if you don’t want to get spoiled.”

The Celebrity Traitors airs tonight at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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