Evans

World Rally Championship: Will it be fifth time lucky for Elfyn Evans?

The former Seat and Ford driver is part of a Toyota team that have already won the Manufacturers’ World Championship for the fifth year in a row.

And as so often happens in motorsport, Evans’ team-mates are also his closest rivals.

Rovanpera is the youngest ever world champion after winning back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023.

Now 25 and in his final season before leaving WRC for new challenges, the Finnish driver has already won three rallies this year and will be ready to pounce on any mistakes from his team-mate.

Ogier, 41, is looking to tie Sebastien Loeb’s record of nine WRC titles. The Frenchman has won five rallies this season and led the championship before a crash at last month’s Central European Rally handed the advantage back to the Welshman.

Despite the competition, Evans says relationships are good.

“We all get on fairly well in the team,” he explained.

“Rallying is quite unique in that we’re racing against the clock rather than physically against each other on track.

“That normally means we get on a bit better in the background and the team has a very good atmosphere on the whole.

“Everything is shared among the drivers, so everything is very open and we tend to try and race it out on the stages, so normally we get on pretty well.”

Evans has been competing against the best of the best for years. If he is able to join his team-mates as a world champion the achievement will be monumental.

Fourteen years after his first WRC race he is as close as he has ever been to glory.

Evans will be hoping a journey that started in Dolgellau could have the greatest of endings in Jeddah via Japan.

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Chris Evans and Alba Baptista have their first baby together

Chris Evans might need some new superhero gear for his next gig. Perhaps a supercharged stroller?

The Marvel alum, 44, and his wife, Portuguese actor Alba Baptista, 28, on Friday welcomed their first child together in Evans’ home state of Massachusetts, People reported Tuesday. The couple named their newborn daughter Alma Grace Baptista Evans, according to the outlet.

Representatives for Evans and Baptista did not reply immediately Tuesday to The Times’ request for comment.

Evans and Baptista, who began dating around 2021, wed in 2023 in a pair of ceremonies in Cape Cod and Portugal, Evans explained amid much fanfare during a panel that year at New York Comic Con. The couple’s East Coast nuptials were attended by Evans’ fellow Marvel legends Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) and Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Page Six reported at the time.

During the Comic Con panel, Evans called the festivities “wonderful and beautiful,” but said that he and his belle were happy to be winding down after the whole ordeal.

“Planning a wedding, it’s a lot,” he said. “For those of you who are married, you know, it takes a lot out of you, but now that we’re through that, we’ve just kinda been enjoying life and gearing up for autumn, my favorite season. It’s like the best time of year right now. … Now we’re just relaxing and enjoying life and reflecting.”

Evans last year confided about his aspirations toward fatherhood to “Access Hollywood,” saying he “absolutely” hoped to be a “superhero dad” like his “Red One” co-star Dwayne Johnson.

“The title of ‘dad’ is an exciting one,” the actor said.

Since passing Captain America’s shield to Anthony Mackie in 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” Evans has flexed his creative muscles with high(er) brow indies including Celine Song’s buzzy romance “Materialists” and Ethan Coen’s dark detective comedy “Honey Don’t.”

But despite intel from the source himself, Marvel die-hards aren’t buying that Evans’ time with the franchise has come to a close. They’ll know once and for all come December, when “Avengers: Doomsday” hits theaters.

Baptista for her part has tacked several film credits onto to her resume since Netflix canceled her cult-favorite series “Warrior Nun” in 2022. She is notably slated to appear in A24’s upcoming film “Mother Mary,” which will feature original songs by Charli XCX and Jack Antonoff and an ensemble cast including FKA Twigs and Hunter Schafer of “Euphoria” fame.

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World Artistic Gymnastics Championships: Ruby Evans and Abigail Martin win floor medals

Ruby Evans became the first Welsh gymnast to win an individual medal at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships as Great Britain finished second and third in the women’s floor competition.

Evans claimed silver in Jakarta, Indonesia, with Abigail Martin also making the podium to cap a remarkable 24 hours for the British team after Jake Jarman and Luke Whitehouse secured a British one-two in the men’s floor final on Friday.

The haul made Britain the leading nation in the world in the floor discipline and former World Championships medallist Beth Tweddle told BBC Sport: “It’s just incredible to see the journey that British gymnastics as a whole has been on.

“Coming from where we were 20 years ago to now – four out of the six floor medals at this championships have come home to Great Britain.”

Evans, 18, finished runner-up behind Japan’s Aiko Sugihara with a score of 13.666, while Martin came third in her first World Championships.

The 17-year-old’s mark of 13.466 was the same as Romanian gymnast Sabrina Maneca-Voinea, but she was awarded bronze because her execution score was higher.

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Chris Evans reveals he turned DOWN hosting hit TV series saying ‘thank God I didn’t do it’

VIRGIN Radio Breakfast Show host Chris Evans has revealed the hit TV programme he turned down presenting.

The broadcaster was speaking with The Office co-creator Stephen Merchant on today’s show when Noel Edmonds cropped up in the conversation.

Chris Evans revealed the popular gameshow he turned down hostingCredit: Virgin Radio UK
Stephen Merchant recalled his early career at the BBCCredit: Virgin Radio UK

Stephen explained: “One of the first times I got a little bit starstruck is I first joined the BBC as a trainee and I was walking around the doughnut at the BBC and coming the other way, Noel Edmonds.

“I think he might have had Cuban heels on, I’m not sure. He had an attaché case. I thought, ‘What are the ideas in there? I bet there’s some quality in there. I bet there’s a Blobby spin-off’. I was a massive Edmonds fan.”

The comedy writer and actor then praised Edmonds’ ability to make long-running gameshow Deal or No Deal a national TV institution.

He said: “That guy, the fact that you could keep that going day in, day out of people opening boxes. I mean, only Edmonds could do it. It’s extraordinary.”

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Chris then revealed the show could have been very different if he’d agreed to present it.

“I was offered that show,” he said Chris. “Thank God I turned it down.”

When Stephen responded, “you’re extraordinary,” Chris quickly clarified that he wasn’t blowing his own trumpet, rather making the point that fate intervened and everything worked out as it should.

Chris explained that production company Endemol offered him the job without the need for an audition or pilot episode, but the former TFI Friday host never entertained it.

He said a DVD of the format lay on his coffee table “for ages” and remained unwatched.

“I wasn’t interested,” said Chris. “No, not for a second. It’s not what I do and Noel did it, it brought him back and he’s one of my heroes. It’s a genius show anyway.”

The pair then laughed about Noel turning the act of opening a box containing a mystery amount of money into a spiritual process that tapped into each contestant’s intuition.

Noel hosted the programme for 11 years between 2005 and 2016 before it was shelved by Channel 4.

The format barely changed in that time with 22 contestants all given a red box, containing an unknown some between 1p and £250,000 in value, at random.

A chosen player then has to select which of their co-stars’ boxes they want to open, hopeful of avoiding big money sums as they go

At intervals, the banker makes the player an offer for their box, which they can decide to take in exchange for their sum or play on until the very end where they will walk away with the mystery amount they were originally allocated.

The programme made a comeback in 2023 on UTV with Stephen Mulhern at the helm.

Listen to The Chris Evans Breakfast Show with The National Lottery on Virgin Radio UK, weekdays from 6:30am

Noel Edmonds revitalised his career with Deal or No DealCredit: Channel 4

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County judge in Chicago area bars ICE from arresting people at court

Cook County’s top judge signed an order barring ICE from arresting people at court. Cook County includes Chicago, which has seen a federal immigration crackdown in recent months.

Detaining residents outside courthouses has been a common tactic for federal agents, who have been stationed outside county courthouses for weeks, making arrests and drawing crowds of protesters.

The order, which was signed Tuesday night and took effect Wednesday, bars the civil arrest of any “party, witness, or potential witness” while going to court proceedings. It includes arrests inside courthouses and in parking lots, surrounding sidewalks and entryways.

“The fair administration of justice requires that courts remain open and accessible, and that litigants and witnesses may appear without fear of civil arrest,” the order states.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defended the practice of making arrests at courthouses, calling it “common sense.”

“We aren’t some medieval kingdom; there are no legal sanctuaries where you can hide and avoid the consequences for breaking the law,” DHS said in a Wednesday statement. “Nothing in the constitution prohibits arresting a lawbreaker where you find them.”

Immigration advocates decry immigration enforcement outside courthouses

Local immigration and legal advocates, including the county’s public defender’s office, have called for an order like this, saying clients were avoiding court out of fear of being detained. The office has confirmed at least a dozen immigration arrests at or near county courthouses since the end of July, when representatives said they’ve seen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s presence outside courthouses increase.

“I have had numerous conversations with clients who are presented with a difficult decision of either missing court and receiving an arrest warrant or coming to court and risk being arrested by ICE,” Cruz Rodriguez, an assistant public defender with the office’s immigration division, said at a news conference earlier this month.

Domestic violence advocacy organizations also signed on to a petition earlier this month calling for Cook County Circuit Chief Judge Timothy Evans to issue the order. This comes after advocates said a woman was was arrested by ICE last month while entering the domestic violence courthouse.

Alexa Van Brunt, director of MacArthur Justice Center’s Illinois office, which filed the petition, said she was “gratified” by Evans’ order.

“This is a necessary and overdue action to ensure that the people of Cook County can access the courts without fear,” she said in a Wednesday statement to the Associated Press.

Evans said justice “depends on every individual’s ability to appear in court without fear or obstruction.”

“Our courthouses remain places where all people — regardless of their background or circumstance — should be able to safely and confidently participate in the judicial process,” Evans said in a statement.

ICE tactics outside courthouses seen across country

The tactic of detaining people at courthouses in the Chicago area is part of a larger jump in courthouse immigration arrests across the country. The flurry of immigration enforcement operations at courthouses has been condemned by judicial officials and legal organizations, and has drawn lawsuits from some states and the adoption of bills seeking to block the practice.

In June, President Donald Trump’s administration sued the state of New York over a 2020 law barring federal immigration agents from making arrests at state, city and other municipal courthouses.

Statehouse Democrats vow to adopt resolutions condemning federal immigration crackdown

Opening the second day of the six-day fall legislative session in Springfield, Ill., House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch decried the federal government’s immigration squeeze and vowed that his majority Democrats would use floor time Wednesday to adopt resolutions condemning the action.

“We won’t sit back and let our democracy be taken from us,” Welch said at the Capitol, surrounded by two dozen of his caucus members

Questioned about the practical impact of resolutions, Welch said there also are discussions about legislation to restrict federal agents’ patrol statewide. He lambasted reports of ICE arrests in medical facilities and applauded Evans’ ruling prohibiting warrantless arrests near courthouses.

“If we can do something similar statewide, I’d love to get that done,” Welch said. “These should be safe spaces.”

Republicans questioned their opponents’ sincerity. Debating a resolution condemning political violence, GOP Rep. Adam Niemerg noted incendiary language from Gov. JB Pritzker — in the spring he called for “street fighters” to oppose the administration — although the governor has not espoused violence. Rep. Nicole La Ha, who said she has received death threats, accused Democrats of trying to stifle opposition.

“This is not a stand against violence,” La Ha said. “It is a tasteless tactic to punish dissent and difference of opinion.”

Illinois governor denounces tear gas use on protesters

Meanwhile, Pritzker suggested federal agents may have violated a ruling by a federal judge last week that said they could not use tear gas, pepper spray and other weapons on journalists and peaceful protesters after a coalition of news outlets and protesters sued over the actions of federal agents during protests outside a Chicago-area ICE facility. Pritzker said he expected the attorneys involved to “go back to court to make sure that is enforced against ICE”

“ICE is causing this mayhem,” he said. “They’re the ones throwing tear gas when people are peacefully protesting.”

The comments also come after Pritzker denounced Border Patrol agents for using tear gas on protesters who gathered Tuesday after a high-speed chase on a residential street on Chicago’s South Side.

A few protesters also gathered Wednesday afternoon outside an ICE facility in the west Chicago suburb of Broadview, where a fence that has been at the center of a recent lawsuit had come down.

A judge ordered ICE to remove the fence after the village of Broadview sued federal authorities for “illegally” erecting an 8-foot-tall fence outside the facility, blocking public streets and creating problems for local emergency services trying to access the area. On Monday, state legislators and Black mayors of nearby suburbs gathered outside the facility to demand the fence be removed and announce an executive order limiting protests in the area to designated zones. Trump has long targeted Black mayors in large Democratic cities, many of whom have voiced solidarity with one another in recent months amid federal interventions in their areas.

Community efforts to oppose ICE have also ramped up in the nation’s third-largest city, where neighborhood groups have assembled to monitor ICE activity and film any incidents involving federal agents in their areas.

On Tuesday, hundreds of people attended “Whistlemania” events across the city and made thousands of “whistle kits” with whistles, “Know Your Rights” flyers and instructions on how to use them to alert neighbors of when immigration enforcement agents are nearby.

An increasing number of GoFundMe pages have also been launched to pay for legal costs for community members detained by ICE, most recently a landscaper and father of three children detained earlier this month.

Fernando writes for the Associated Press. AP writer John O’Connor in Springfield contributed.

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Kamala Harris speaks about her upcoming book on ‘House Guest’

When the 49th Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris called, Scott Evans, the host of the YouTube interview show “House Guest,” answered in disbelief.

“I was literally gobsmacked,” Evans tells The Times. “I wanted to make sure she felt the love and that we were ready to discuss anything she wanted.”

In its short-lived history, the Webby Award-winning, self-funded show has welcomed comedian Leslie Jones, Oscar winner Regina King and actor Keke Palmer. On Thursday, Evans entertained a guest with secret service stature.

During her visit, Harris discusses her book “107 Days,” which entails her experience as a presidential candidate during the 2024 election. She revealed to Evans he was the first person she discussed the book with outside of her team.

The housewarming vibes set the tone for a conversation that allowed Harris to speak with comfort and embrace emojis, a delicacy she had been without during her time in the White House.

Harris and Evans talking on "House Guest."

Harris and Evans talking on “House Guest.”

(Ryan Handford)

As they discussed her book, Evans and Harris shared a cheese and anchovies pizza. The host made the choice to commemorate the day she found out President Joe Biden was going to drop out of the race for the house on Pennsylvania Avenue.

“The first day you found out that Joe Biden was not going to be running for reelection and that you got the go-ahead,” Evans said, “cheese pizza with anchovies is where you went.”

Harris reveals she found out Biden was going to drop out of the presidential race while playing with her niece’s daughters. She was in her sweatpants, with her hair in a ponytail, when the unexpected call went through.

“This is really happening and the only people staffing me are both under 4 feet tall,” Harris said. “My little baby nieces … firsthand witnesses to history.”

She recalls her team coming together immediately and turning her dining table from a breakfast setting to business. Work for her campaign began and as the day elongated and dinner time passed, they ordered pizza, including one with cheese and anchovies.

In her book, Harris calls the day she certified the election one of the hardest things she’s ever had to do. As vice president and president of the senate, it was her responsibility to confirm the election on Jan. 6, a date in infamy after the insurrection that took place on the same date in 2021. Evans asked her if there was ever a moment in which she didn’t want to take the high road.

“It was nonnegotiable in my mind that I would stand there and give it the process, the dignity that it deserves of showing what leadership should be about, which is a peaceful transfer of power,” Harris said.

“I was not going to let them, in any way, compromise every reason that I ran for president, which is that I do believe in the importance of the rule of law,” she added.

After conceding the election, Harris tells Evans she grieved and experienced emotions that resembled those she felt when her mother died.

“I choose not to allow circumstances or individuals disempower my spirit,” she added as an emotional Evans added: “If you can say that, if you can really believe that, then there are so many others of us who can feel confident in that as well.”

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Continuity breeds plenty of confidence for Rams special teams unit

Joshua Karty, Ethan Evans and Alex Ward still have a long way to go.

But the Rams’ kicker, punter/holder and long-snapper, respectively, have shown signs that they could have the collective staying power of former Rams stalwarts Greg Zuerlein, Johnny Hekker and Jake McQuaide.

From 2012 to 2019, Zuerlein kicked, Hekker punted (and occasionally passed) and McQuaide snapped for the Rams under former special teams coordinator John Fassel.

The current specialists can envision a similarly lengthy future together.

“We all work really well with each other,” said Evans, a third-year pro. “We all know exactly what each other’s do’s and don’ts are, what makes each other better.

“So I feel like we all complement each other really well — and I think we could do that for a long time.”

Karty, a 2024 sixth-round draft pick from Stanford, experienced and learned from the highs and lows after making 29 of 34 field-goal attempts and 32 of 36 extra-point attempts during the regular season.

Karty kicked a winning field goal against the San Francisco 49ers, navigated a stretch of misses and inconsistency and then finished by making 17 consecutive attempts during the last five regular-season games and two playoff games.

It was something of “a roller coaster,” said Karty, who aims to pick up where he left off last season.

Karty impressed coach Sean McVay with his ability to bounce back.

I’m just super impressed with his mental resolve,” McVay said. “I think there was some instances last year where you could just see he just got better and better as the year progressed.

“He’s got a consistent process that he commits to. I don’t think you can take for granted the rapport between him, Ethan and Alex. That’s a big deal as those guys are continuing to grow together.”

Special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn said Karty has a “comfortability” from experience and working with Ward and Evans.

“The confidence that’s built in the offseason together and training camp together,” Blackburn said. “Going through it and having those, knowing that he has the confidence and the complete trust of all his teammates too.”

Evans, a third-year pro, last season averaged 41.5 net yards per punt. He placed 30 of 55 kicks inside the 20-yard line.

Evans said he has a refined daily routine and is not overthinking.

“I used to think, ‘Oh, my drop had to be perfect. My steps have to be this … I have to put the ball there, there, there.’

“Now, it’s just like, wherever Chase tells me to punt it, just punt it. Don’t think about anything. Just go and do it.”

Receiver Xavier Smith held off a challenge from veteran free agent Britain Covey during training camp to retain his role as a punt returner.

Receiver Jordan Whittington, running back Blake Corum and Smith could once again handle kickoff returns.

Undrafted rookie linebacker Shaun Dolac and veteran linebacker Troy Reeder are among other players expected to make an impact on special teams.

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Georgia Evans: Wales forward condemns social media abuse over looks

Evans added: “It appears that my appearance on game day seems to be offending some people… and to that I’m so not sorry.

“Myself, my team and all the incredible female athletes from around the world are currently in the middle of the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup, celebrating the best of the best and being supported by thousands of people, including young boys and girls that are finally seeing what is possible in this incredible game.

“Yes, Wales unfortunately haven’t been at our best but I’m not here to make excuses for that.

“What I will say – the bows in my hair, the tape around my arm, the eyelashes and full face of make-up I choose to wear, has no bearing on my ability, my passion or fight for this game.

“This game allows space and room for every boy and girl, whatever their haircut, body shape or look they wish to wear on and off the field. ‘It’s not a rugby look’ – a rugby player is no longer defined by your gender or what you look like. ‘It’s childish’ – but to all those young girls it’s understanding you don’t have to compromise who you are to fit into a stereotype.

“In an old-school, man’s game, I’m bringing a bit of Barbie to the party.

“To all those that aren’t a fan, that is OK. To all the support and love – thank you. Don’t worry, I won’t be changing.”

Wales conclude their World Cup campaign on Saturday in their final group game against Fiji.

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Maine police officer arrested by ICE agrees to voluntarily leave the country

A Maine police officer arrested by immigration authorities has agreed to voluntarily leave the country, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Monday.

ICE arrested Old Orchard Beach Police Department reserve Officer Jon Luke Evans, of Jamaica, on July 25, as part of the agency’s effort to step up immigration enforcement. Officials with the town and police department have said federal authorities previously told them Evans was legally authorized to work in the U.S.

An ICE representative reached by telephone told the Associated Press on Monday that a judge has granted voluntary departure for Evans and that he could leave as soon as that day. The representative did not provide other details about Evans’ case.

Evans’ arrest touched off a dispute between Old Orchard Beach officials and ICE. Police Chief Elise Chard has said the department was notified by federal officials that Evans was legally permitted to work in the country, and that the town submitted information via the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program prior to Evans’ employment. Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin then accused the town of “reckless reliance” on the department’s E-Verify program.

E-Verify is an online system that allows employers to check if potential employees can work legally in the U.S.

The town is aware of reports that Evans plans to leave the country voluntarily, Chard said Monday.

“The town reiterates its ongoing commitment to meeting all state and federal laws regarding employment,” Chard said in a statement. “We will continue to rely on the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form and the E-Verify database to confirm employment eligibility.”

ICE’s detainee lookup website said Monday that Evans was being held at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls, Rhode Island. However, a representative for Wyatt said Evans had been transferred to an ICE facility in Burlington, Massachusetts. ICE officials did not respond to requests for comment on the discrepancy. It was unclear if Evans was represented by an attorney, and a message left for him at the detention facility was not returned.

ICE officials said in July that Evans overstayed his visa and unlawfully attempted to purchase a firearm. WMTW-TV reported Monday that Evans’ agreement to a voluntary departure means he will be allowed to leave the U.S. at his own expense to avoid being deported.

Whittle writes for the Associated Press.

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Wynne Evans makes shock return to BBC months after axing amid Strictly scandal

Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Wynne Evans appeared on a BBC show over the weekend despite his apparent departure from the corporation earlier this year

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Wynne Evans made an unexpected appearance on a BBC show tonight. It comes after the corporation said it had “no plans” to work with him following his exit from the live tour and his radio show.

Wynne, 53, however, appeared on an episode of Pointless Celebrities that aired on BBC One earlier tonight. He was paired up with Joanna Page, who was his co-star on Wynne & Joanna: All at Sea, which isn’t set to have a second series as the BBC said in June that it has “no plans” to renew it.

It comes following his apparent departure from the BBC earlier this year. It had been reported that it had severed ties with the opera singer, known for the Go Compare adverts, and had confirmed that it didn’t plan to work with him further.

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Wynne Evans and Joanna Page stood together on Pointless Celebrities.
Wynne Evans and Joanna Page competed as a team on an episode of Pointless Celebrities that aired on BBC One on Saturday night(Image: BBC)

The pre-recorded episode of Pointless Celebrities that aired tonight saw Wynne and Joanna make it to the penultimate round, but they missed out on reaching the final together. The other team, Jane Hill and Ben Boulos, who both work on BBC News, became the finalists instead after winning the round.

They had competed against two other pairs earlier in the episode. RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard had been with impressionist Jess Robinson, whilst comedians Esther Manito and Rich Hall had worked together.

Prior to the episode airing tonight, Wynne had told fans on Instagram that he would be in it. He wrote beside a photo of himself and Joanna on the set: “Tonight back on [BBC One] for Celebrity Pointless with [Joanna].”

Some viewers seemed surprised to see Wynne on the show this evening. One wrote on X: “Wynne Evans? This must have been recorded 10 years ago?” Another said: “Seriously??? Who the hell thought Wynne Evans appearing would be a good idea.” A third wrote on the platform though: “Well done [BBC] – Wynne on Pointless – common sense at last.”

It’s not been confirmed when the episode was filmed. One viewer suggested it could mark Wynne’s final appearance on the BBC though. They wrote in a post on X earlier tonight: “This could be Wynne Evans’s last BBC appearance.”

Wynne Evans on Pointless Celebrities.
The airing of the pre-recorded episode comes following Wynne’s apparent departure from the BBC earlier this year(Image: BBC)

The episode’s broadcast this weekend comes after the BBC was said to have cut its last remaining ties with Wynne. He had worked with the corporation for years, including hosting his own BBC Radio show for almost a decade.

it was announced back in May that the BBC had “no plans” to work with him in the future though. It comes following a series of scandals during his time on Strictly Come Dancing last year and its subsequent tour earlier this year.

During the tour, it was reported that he had used the term ‘spit roast’ to host Janette Manrara at a photocall. Wynne has, however, since insisted that it was instead part of a nickname for fellow contestant Jamie Borthwick and that it “wasn’t meant sexually”.

Wynne subsequently left the tour and his BBC Radio Wales show after the scandal broke back in January. It was said at the time that the decision had been made in agreement with the BBC and to “prioritise” Wynne’s wellbeing.

It was then announced in May that Wynne would not be returning to his radio show, which he had hosted since 2016. In a statement at the time, a spokesperson for the BBC said: “[Wynne] is not under contract with the BBC. He is not returning to the mid-morning show on BBC Radio Wales, and there are currently no plans to work with him.”

Whilst Wynne, who has since criticised the BBC, told fans in a statement: “It breaks my heart to say the BBC has decided not to renew my contract, so I won’t be returning to my radio show. I’m gutted. That show wasn’t just work – it was home. It was us. We laughed, we cried, we sang like nobody was listening. And somehow, through the airwaves, we became a family. Thank you for welcoming me into your homes. Into your hearts.”

He instead announced that he would host the Wynne Evans Show on other platforms. He’s since launched his new weekday radio and later told his followers on social media that he had more than 40,000 listeners for the first episode.

More recently, it was reported in June that the BBC had cut its last remaining ties with him. It was confirmed at the time that the corporation had “no plans” for a second series of his travel show Wynne & Joanna: All at Sea, which ran for six episodes between January and February.

A source had told the Sun that the decision to not renew it “marks the end” of a relationship between Wynne and the BBC. They said: “It means that Wynne has no TV show or radio show with the Beeb, and effectively marks the end of their ­relationship.”

Pointless Celebrities is available on BBC iPlayer.

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Washington Open: Emma Raducanu beats Naomi Osaka but Cameron Norrie & Dan Evans lose in DC

Britain’s Emma Raducanu is through to the quarter-finals of the women’s singles at the Washington Open after beating four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka in straight sets.

After previously upsetting Ukrainian seventh seed Marta Kostyuk in round one, the 22-year-old produced a dominant performance to overcome former world number one Osaka 6-4 6-2.

The 2021 US Open women’s singles champion will face wildcard Maria Sakkari in the last eight after the Greek player knocked out American second seed Emma Navarro.

Raducanu, who will replace Katie Boulter as British number one when the WTA rankings are updated on Monday, is also through to the semi-finals of the women’s doubles.

She and partner Elena Rybakina overcame Giuliana Olmos and Aldila Sutjiadi 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 to set up a last-four meeting with second seeds Shuai Zhang and Taylor Townsend.

However, in the men’s singles, Britons Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans were eliminated in the last 16.

British number two Norrie lost to 14th seed Brandon Nakashima 7-6 (7-3) 6-3.

After a tight first set was decided by a tie-break, American Nakashima twice broke Norrie’s serve in the second to reach the quarter-finals.

Evans, who won the tournament in 2023, fought back from 5-3 down and saved a match point to force a tie-break in the second set against Corentin Moutet but the Frenchman prevailed in straight sets, winning 6-2 7-6 (7-4).

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Democrat Dwight Evans, GOP Don Bacon won’t seek House re-election

June 30 (UPI) — Two U.S. House members — Democrat Dwight Evans and Republican Don Bacon — announced Monday they will not seek a third term in 2026 after both have served since their 2016 elections.

Evans, 71, has represented Philadelphia and Bacon, 61, in Nebraska, including Omaha.

Evans, who suffered a stroke last year and has missed several months of votes, had intended to run again in Pennsylvania’s heavy Democratic Third Congressional District.

Bacon is moderate in Nebraska’s Second Congressional District, which was won by Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid to become president last year and President Joe Biden in 2020. That gave each of them an electronic vote in the state, which is not winner-take-all.

The U.S. House currently has a breakdown of 220 Republicans and 212 Democrats with three vacancies after the deaths of three Democrats.

Longtime Rep. Jan Schakowsky, an 81-year-old Democrat from Illinois, said earlier this year she wouldn’t run again.

Republican Mark Green, 60, of Tennessee, said he will retire after the budget policy bill goes through Congress.

Dwight Evans

“Serving the people of Philadelphia has been the honor of my life,” Evans said in a statement. “And I remain in good health and fully capable of continuing to serve. After some discussions this weekend and thoughtful reflection, I have decided that the time is right to announce that I will not be seeking re-election in 2026. I will serve out the full term that ends Jan. 3, 2027.”

He succeeded Chaka Fattah, who resigned after being indicted on federal corruption charges.

“I am deeply proud of what I have been able to accomplish over my 45 years in elected office — from revitalizing neighborhoods block by block to fighting for justice, economic opportunity, investments in infrastructure and education,” he said. “I cannot express the gratitude that I have for the trust that voters put in me as their voice in both state and federal office. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to serve as their advocate in government.”

Evans was elected as the Democratic chairman of the House Appropriations Committee in 1990, serving 20 years.

Evans said he has remained “rooted in his neighborhood” throughout his career, and lived just blocks from where he grew up in the city.

He was a public school teacher and community organizer with the Urban League until he began working in government at 26 in 1980. He was elected to the state’s House of Representatives.

Politico reported there could be a fierce battle between establishment Democrats and progressives, including socialists.

State Sen. Sharif Street on Monday posted on X his intention to run for Evans’ seat, writing “I’m in.” Street, who has worked with Republicans on some issues, is chairman of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.

Two state representatives, Chris Raab and Morgan Cephas, told WCAU-TV they are considering seeking the seat. They are both progressives.

Don Bacon

“After three decades in the Air Force and now going on one decade in Congress, I look forward to coming home in the evenings and being with my wife and seeing more of our adult children and eight grandchildren, who all live near my home,” Bacon said in a statement.

“I’ve been married for 41 years, and I’d like to dedicate more time to my family, my church, and the Omaha community,” he added. “I also want to continue advocating for a strong national security strategy and a strong alliance system with countries that share our love of democracy, free markets and the rule of law,” he added.

At times, he has not gone with what other Republicans, including President Donald Trump, want.

He told The New York Times in an interview removing deportation protection for Afghans in the U.S. was wrong and has criticized Trump’s position on Russa’s war with Ukraine. He was the only Republican to vote against changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

“It’s one thing when you have the opposing party fighting you, but when you have divisions in your own party, you know — it makes it harder,” he said in May at an Omaha roundtable with business leaders to discuss Congress’ tax bill.

Bacon approved the spending bill, which went to the House by a 215-214 margin. If the Senate approves the bill and with changes, it goes back to the House.

“I think the Senate has done some new provisions in there that are concerning … But there’s a lot of amendments being voted out today. So I’m going to keep my powder dry, see how it turns out,” Bacon told reporters.

Bacon, who was born in Chicago, served 29 years in the U.S. Air Force.

He served as an aide to U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry in Nebraska’s First District, and a professor at Bellevue University in Nebraska before running for office.

Bacond is a member of House Armed Services Committee, and chairman of the conservative-centrist Republican Main Street Caucus in the House.

No one has announced plans to run in either primary.

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Eastbourne: Dan Evans and Billy Harris beaten in quarter-finals

Defending champion Taylor Fritz won two matches in one day by battling through “crazy” windy conditions at Eastbourne.

After Fritz’s second-round tie with 18-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca was suspended at 6-3 6-7 (5-7) for bad light on Wednesday, the pair resumed on Thursday afternoon, with Fritz edging the deciding set 7-5.

That match finished at 12:47 BST – and four hours and 23 minutes later Fritz returned to centre court to face Marcos Giron in the quarter-finals.

Fritz came through 7-5 4-6 7-5 against his American compatriot to reach the last four.

“I love this tournament. I’ve been very lucky to not play in very windy conditions,” Fritz, a three-time champion in Eastbourne, said.

“It’s tough for me when I don’t get to play the tennis that I love to play here. I have to scrap and play crazy tennis when it’s windy.

“I’m obviously really glad to get through it.”

Fritz, who beat world number three Alexander Zverev in the Stuttgart Open final 11 days ago, is among the favourites for the Wimbledon title.

He faces world number 28 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in Friday’s semi-final after the Spaniard beat Czech Jakub Mensik 6-4 7-5.

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Eastbourne: Dan Evans claims superb win over Tommy Paul to reach quarter-finals

Evans, who has a main-draw wildcard for Wimbledon, has just returned to the top 200 after a difficult few years.

The Englishman managed his nerves as the tension built against Paul. Evans hit just 17 winners to the American’s 31, but he also committed 26 unforced errors compared to Paul’s 43.

He will aim to be even more clinical when he faces American lucky loser Jenson Brooksby in the quarter-finals.

Earlier, Billy Harris continued his recent Eastbourne joy as the Englishman reached the quarter-finals for the second successive year.

Harris, who reached the main draw as a lucky loser having lost in qualifying, beat Italian qualifier Mattia Bellucci 6-3 6-4.

Harris will face French fourth-seed Ugo Humbert next and could potentially meet Evans in the semi-finals.

But British number two Jacob Fearnley suffered a chastening defeat by Marcus Giron.

The American dispatched Fearnley 6-3 6-1, with the Scot hitting five double faults and losing his serve five times.

Wimbledon begins on 30 June.

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Man Utd legend Jonny Evans on verge of new job just days after retirement with Prem winner offered influential role

JONNY EVANS is reportedly on the verge of securing a new job with Manchester United following his retirement.

The 37-year-old called time on his playing career last month and made his final competitive appearance for United on the last day of the Premier League season.

Jonny Evans of Manchester United applauding fans.

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Jonny Evans is set to accept a new staff role at Man UtdCredit: Reuters

Although Evans will no longer have an influence on the pitch, he is now expected to be given a new role behind the scenes.

The Athletic reports that Man Utd want to retain the ex-defender following the expiry of his contract.

Evans’ new staff role will see him put in charge of loan deals for emerging talents.

The United hierarchy were impressed with his influence off the pitch during his time as a player.

He regularly offered advice to young players and taught them about United’s heritage.

Evans also spoke passionately about staff members losing their jobs in the first round of redundancies last summer during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.

The former Northern Ireland international made 241 appearances for Man Utd across two spells.

He first spent 11 years at the club between 2004 and 2015 before joining West Brom.

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Evans returned to Old Trafford in a free transfer two years ago and made 43 appearances.

Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof were among the players to leave Man Utd at the end of the season after being denied new contracts.

Third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton has been offered a one-year extension.

Gyokeres trying to force Arsenal move | Newcastle eye Rashford deal | Transfers Exposed

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Queen’s 2025: Dan Evans causes upset but Cameron Norrie out

Evans is looking to rebuild his ranking, having dropped from a career-high 21st in the world a couple of years ago to 199th.

Given a wildcard entry at Queen’s, the 35-year-old was handed a tough start against American Tiafoe, who reached the quarter-finals of the French Open this year.

But Tiafoe has often struggled on grass and Evans took full advantage, playing some of his best tennis in years to claim an impressive straight-set win.

Evans dropped more than 110 ranking spots last year when he opted to focus on partnering Andy Murray in the doubles at the Paris Olympics, so it was apt that this impressive display came at the arena newly named after the Scot.

The pair reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros, with the match the last of Murray’s long and illustrious career.

Asked afterwards about how much Murray has inspired his own career, Evans said: “Not just mine but the whole of British tennis.

“He always has time for everyone and it’s fitting he has an arena called after him.”

Evans started strongly against Tiafoe, fending off a break point before securing the break himself at 3-3.

Tiafoe broke back immediately when Evans overcooked his forehand and momentum appeared to swing the American’s way in a 10-minute spell where his opponent had little answer to him.

But Evans, encouraged by the vocal home crowd, dug in and battled from 5-4 down to secure a second break before closing out the set – helped on his way by coming out on top of a gruelling 37-shot rally.

The momentum was now with Evans and a five-game winning streak put him 2-0 up at the start of the second set.

Evans got a stroke of luck at 3-1 up when his forehand clipped the net cord to drop over and secure a double break.

From then on he closed out the match before receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.

“Days like today, whatever happens this week, is why I’ve been carrying on – to get out here and put my game on the court and enjoy it,” Evans added.

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