Girls Aloud

Vicky Pattison has ‘confirmed’ the first star of next year’s Strictly Come Dancing as she revealed she will be in the front row every week to watch close pal Dani Dyer ‘smash it’

Strictly‘s Vicky Pattison appears to have confirmed the first contestant of next year’s series as she stated her friend Dani Dyer will return to the dance floor, after she had to pull out of the competition last minute due to an injury.

Dani, 29, and Vicky struck a close friendship during their training for the BBC dance show and have publicly supported each other online. Dani, who was initially paired with show pro Nikita Kuzmin, 27, was left gutted after she had to suddenly leave the show and her friends, just days before her first dance.

While she is unable to dance, she showed up on Saturday evening to support her fellow stars and praised Vicky on her routine to Fight for This Love by Cheryl for Icons Week.

READ MORE: Tess Daly’s very demanding job away from Strictly as sudden exit leaves fans baffledREAD MORE: Strictly Come Dancing fans praise judge for ‘subtle’ Ellie Goldstein move

Dani shared a series of images on her Instagram, including a sweet snap cuddling an emotional Vicky. She wrote in the caption: “So happy I got to watch @bbcstrictly last night.. missed you all and so proud. And my beautiful @vickypattison just love you so much and watching you live was just PERFECT!! love you all loads.”

Vicky was quick to comment back and appeared to confirm that Dani will be on next year’s series. She wrote: “I love you so much mate, my girl!!! I will be front row every week next year watching you SMASH IT”. Vicky also reposted the image to her stories, where she repeated that she ‘can’t wait’ to watch Dani next year.

It came after Vicky’s emotions poured out before her latest performance, as she reflected on the person she used to be and who she is now, before transforming into Cheryl Tweedy for an impressive routine.

As the pre-dance video rolled, Vicky said: “I first started out in this industry at about 21 and I made some bad decisions. I just don’t think at that age I had the tools to navigate that space I was in. Now I do my best to be a better version of myself – someone I can look in the mirror and feel alright about.” She went on: “What I’ve learnt about myself is that with determination and a little bit of self-belief, you can achieve stuff.”

As she opened up on her song choice for the week, Fight for this Love by the Girls Aloud star, Vicky added: “Apart from being a banger is a very important song to me. The whole idea that the comeback is greater than the setback.

“You can have the life you want. You can change the narrative. You can be who you want to be, not letting the past define you. I think that’s really powerful. I worked on myself and now I’m here in a place that makes us really happy and I’m finally becoming a woman I’m proud of.”

Following the performance, which racked up a score of 33 from the judges, Cheryl congratulated her fellow Geordie before saying she was “honoured and humbled” to be her choice of icon.

Cheryl sweetly said: “I know you’ve got it in you because you’re a Geordie. So go on, get out there. Fight for your place, and I’m sending you loads of love. I’ll be rooting for you from home.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Strictly Come Dancing star Vicky Pattison was left in tears as she spoke openly about her experience on the show, which she says is helping her become a ‘better version’ of herself

Vicky Pattison’s emotions poured out during Strictly Come Dancing’s icons week. The former Geordie Shore star, 37, reflected on the person she used to be and who she is now before she transformed into Cheryl Tweedy for an impressive routine.

As the pre-dance video rolled, Vicky said: “I first started out in this industry at about 21 and I made some bad decisions. I just don’t think at that age I had the tools to navigate that space I was in. Now I do my best to be a better version of myself – someone I can look in the mirror and feel alright about.”

She went on: “What I’ve learnt about myself is that with determination and a little bit of self-belief, you can achieve stuff.” As she opened up on her song choice for the week, Fight for this Love by the Girls Aloud star, Vicky tearfully added: “Apart from being a banger is a very important song to me. The whole idea that the comeback is greater than the setback.

“You can have the life you want. You can change the narrative. You can be who you want to be, not letting the past define you. I think that’s really powerful. I worked on myself and now I’m here in a place that makes us really happy and I’m finally becoming a woman I’m proud of.”

Following her dance, Vicky was left gobsmacked after her icon sent her a personal message. As Cheryl appeared on screen, the reality TV star couldn’t help but gasp and jump around as she was told she had been following her progress.

Cheryl congratulated her fellow Geordie before saying she was “honoured and humbled” to be her choice of icon. Cheryl added: “I know you’ve got it in you because you’re a Geordie.

“So go on, get out there. Fight for your place and I’m sending you loads of love. I’ll be rooting for you from home.” An elated Vicky joked it was amazing that Cheryl even knew who she was as she continued to showcase her disbelief at the message.

Earlier in the show, Ellie Goldstein also received a personal message of her own. After dancing a salsa to a Spice Girls medley dressed as Baby Spice, Emma Bunton surprised her with a touching message.

And fans spotted the sweet moment Ellie’s dance partner Vito Coppola moved to make sure she was okay. After staring down at the star, Vito appeared to wipe away a tear from her eye as the judges gave the duo positive feedback following their routine.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one user gushed: “Vito checking on Ellie and dabbing away a tear. #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing” They also added crying emoji faces to their comment.

Alex Kingston also transformed into Dolly Parton for an impressive routine alongside Johannes Radebe. And she too was treated to a personal message from her icon.

However, her moment came in private during training. It came about thanks to fellow celebrity dancer La Voix.

READ MORE: Suitcase packing cubes save so much space there’s ‘room for gifts’ now 45% off

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

CHERYL is selling her four million pound mega mansion she once shared with her ex husband.

The Girls Aloud singer, 42, lived in the posh Hertfordshire pad during her brief second marriage to Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini.

8

8

8

8

Cheryl has now put the huge house on the market for a cool £4M.

It was previously listed in 2017 for £5M, but has since dropped in price.

The Fight For This Love singer’s impressive property comes complete with six bedrooms, a swimming pool and a cinema.

The stunning 8,500 sq ft home also has a bar, wine cellar, huge living room and sprawling garden.

The star pad has a brick exterior and includes a round wing known as The Kiln.

The house actually featured on Channel 4‘s Britain’s Most Expensive Houses

On the show, estate agent Jeremy Fine said of the property: “It’s actually one of my favourite homes I’ve ever dealt with. It’s been super popular with a huge amount of big names, footballers, A-list celebrities.

“Cheryl Cole was living here at the height of her fame and it was an incredible hideaway for her because this house is so tucked away.” Let’s take a look inside…

Cheryl lived at the home with Frenchman Jean for the brief time they were married, and it was built not long before they moved in, in 2015.

The former couple met during Cannes Film Festival in 2014 before tying the knot in a private ceremony on the Caribbean island of Mustique in July of the same year.

However the marriage fell apart and after months of speculation, the split was confirmed in January 2016, and the couple were granted a decree nisi in October of the same year.

Meanwhile, it comes just days after Cheryl made her first red carpet appearance since the passing of her ex, Liam Payne.

The One Direction star, who Cheryl shares son Bear with, passed away last October.

On Tuesday, she was seen at London‘s Lyric Theatre alongside fellow Girls Aloud star, Kimberley Walsh, to support their bandmate Nicola Roberts in her West End debut in the production of Hadestown.

8

8

Cheryl has largely been out of the public eye since Liam Payne‘s passing.

She was last seen on-stage with her Girls Aloud bandmates when they headlined Brighton Pride last August.

The band have been closer than ever after rallying around one another following Sarah Harding‘s tragic passing in 2022.

As well as supporting each other privately, they came together for a huge reunion tour in 2024 which went on to become the UK’s biggest arena tour of the decade so far.

8

8

With Oasis fever sweeping the UK, there are plenty of other musical brands Brits dream of seeing make a comeback

Queen has been voted the top dream musical comeback by Brits, following the storming success of Oasis’ reformation.

As Oasis mania sweeps the nation, a survey asked music fans to name the artists and bands they’d most love to see return to the stage, with Queen securing the top spot with 29% of the vote.

Music legends from various eras including The Beatles (28%), Fleetwood Mac (19%), Spice Girls (13%), Girls Aloud (10%) and Aretha Franklin (9%) also feature on the list of stars we’re itching to see live again.

Elvis (23%), Whitney Houston (20%) and R. E.M (13%) also made the cut, reports the Daily Star.

A whopping 70% of respondents are thrilled about Oasis’ return to the live music scene, with nearly half (47%) confessing they’d go to great lengths to see their favourite bands if they were to make a comeback.

It’s hardly surprising that a massive nine out of ten (90%) agree that experiencing live music is one of life’s greatest joys, with three quarters (73%) loving the atmosphere and two thirds (66%) savouring the experience.

Over half (59%) say there’s nothing quite like enjoying live music with their partner, while 53% love letting loose with their mates.

The 90s (45%) was crowned the best decade for music, followed by the 80s (40%), 2000s (30%) and 70s (20%), according to the 2,000 Brits polled by Marella Cruises, TUI’s UK ocean cruise line.

A whopping 92% of Brits use music to get them in the holiday mood, with 90s tunes (49%), classic holiday anthems (36%), 00s hits (23%) and lounge music (21%) all contributing to that holiday feeling.

Yet, despite our love for music, nearly half (48%) of us believe that listening to it on speakers or phones doesn’t compare to experiencing it live, which is why Brits are planning to attend an average of three live gigs and festivals this year.

A significant 64% are keen to attend more gigs this year than last, to make the most of who’s performing live (44%) and who’s making a comeback (43%).

Other factors that make live music unforgettable include creating lasting memories (52%), dancing the night away (40%), spending time with mates (37%), belting out the lyrics (37%) and feeling the rhythm in your bones (37%).

To cater to the nation’s craving for 90s music and their dream gig, Marella Cruises has launched its ‘Electric Sunsets 90s vs 00s’ themed cruise – a three-day adult-only event, which is reviving the 90s and 00s with headline acts like Kimberly Wyatt from the Pussycat Dolls and B*Witched.

Chris Hackney, Managing Director at Marella Cruises, commented: “The latest research highlights a growing trend among Brits embracing musical comebacks-especially from the 90s, which remains the nation’s most beloved music decade. That’s why we’re over the moon to announce the return of our Electric Sunsets themed cruise for its fifth year. This unique voyage offers a chance to sail the Mediterranean while enjoying unforgettable entertainment with a nostalgic twist, featuring acts like Kimberly Wyatt from the Pussycat Dolls, B*Witched, and Booty Luv. Passengers, whether new to cruising or seasoned cruisers, can relive iconic hits while enjoying a one-of-a-kind cruise holiday experience.”

Girls Aloud’s Nadine Coyle competed against EastEnders star Jake Wood and presenter Rick Edwards on the new series of Celebrity Catchphrase, hosted by Stephen Mulhern

Celebrity Catchphrase finalist Nadine Coyle walked away with £30,000 for charity on the latest series of the ITV show. The Girls Aloud member had been just one correct answer away from a jackpot of more than £50,000, though.

Nadine, 40, competed on the game show, which is hosted by Stephen Mulhern, 48, in an episode that aired earlier in the new series. She made it through to the final round after banking more money than TV presenter Rick Edwards and EastEnders actor Jake Wood in the previous rounds.

She took part in raising money for the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, which is part of the Christie Charity. It’s named in memory of her late bandmate Sarah Harding, who died, aged 39, in 2021, just a year after announcing that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

After banking £5,000 earlier in the episode, which debuted in April, Nadine managed to add £30,000 to her winnings for the charity in the final round. She however ran out of time whilst trying to name the final catchphrase, which would have taken her prize fund up to £55,000 had she got it right.

The catchphrase began by showing a pair of legs, which had a road covered in cars, travelling down a running track in an arena. Mr Chips was then shown running past and reaching the finish line first, indicating that he had won instead.

Nadine had 15 seconds left when the catchphrase first played, after four correct answers and one pass earlier in the round. She made a series of guesses as she tried to secure the maximum £50,000 for getting to the top of the pyramind.

As the final video played, Nadine guessed: “Runway … um … pass … running past the runway … running free … winning the runway.” After a close-up of the cars was shown, she said during the last few seconds of the round: “Bumper to bumper.”

After the countdown ended, Stephen confirmed that she had won £25,000 in that round alone. He told her: “I am more over the moon than you could ever imagine. That was incredible.” The host went on to reveal the correct answer.

He shared: “It wasn’t a runway. He’s beating the traffic.” Nadine responded by saying: “Oh, beating the traffic.” Stephen however encouraged her to focus on the fact that she had won a significant prize fund for her charity.

Stephen said: “That moment has now gone. Let’s think of happy thoughts, because, Nadine, you’re talking away the £5,000 that you banked earlier on, now that £25,000 – which takes your total prize money, an incredible amount, to £30,000.”

It was also announced that because she had correctly named the star catchphrase, placed in the middle of the pyramid, that she had doubled the winnings of her former rivals. It meant that Jake and Rick won £3,400 and £9,400 respectively for their charities.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.