Gogglebox

Several Gogglebox stars were reduced to tears as they tuned into the Dolly Parton tribute at Last Night of the Proms starring Sheridan Smith and Beverley Knight

Emotional Gogglebox stars couldn’t hold back their tears during the latest episode of the Channel 4 show.

The armchair critics returns to screens on Friday (September 18) night as they offered their verdict on the latest programmes on television from Channel 4’s new reality show Apocalypse to ITV thriller Trigger Point.

However, it was Last Night of the Proms which left cast members in tears as they watched performers Sheridan Smith and Beverley Knight pay tribute to country music sensation Dolly Parton, who died on August 25 aged 80 following a brief and undisclosed battle with cancer.

The second half of the BBC concert, which aired on September 12, honoured the songstress with Sheridan singing feminist anthem 9 To 5, Beverley belting out I Will Always Love You and country-pop duo Ward Thomas performing Jolene.

Tuning into the concert from the comfort of their sofas, several Gogglebox stars including Mary Killen, Lee Riley and Jenny Newby were left sobbing as the musical stars paid tribute to Dolly.

Bryan Seaver, Dolly’s head of security and nephew announced the sad news of her passing on social media last month. In the video, he told fans: “Hey everyone. My name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I am representing the Parton and Owens family today, announcing the passing of my Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean. Sister, sis, Aunt Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.”

Tributes from around the world were shared following the news, with Elton John saying he was: “Shocked and devastated to hear of Dolly’s passing. A giant of an artist – unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart.”

Sir Paul McCartney also commented: “The magnificent star Dolly Parton has died and it is so sad. She was such a wonderful woman.” It comes after Dolly was posthumously honoured with the Americana Lifetime Achievement Award at the Americana Awards & Honours Awards last week.

The Grammy winner appeared in a pre-recorded video to accept the award. She beamed in the clip where she accepted the award. “Well, hey, it’s Dolly, and I am so honoured to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association,” she began.

“I mean, roots music, or what is now called Americana music, is what I grew up playing back in the Smoky Mountains. It’s that same music that drew me back to East Tennessee in 1997 to write and record my album, Hungry Again.”

“And that project really opened the door to a series of bluegrass and acoustic albums that changed the course of my career in so many ways,” she continued.

“Now, new fans discovered these albums, new Americana music communities embraced them, and now looking back at it all, I see this era of my career as a musical renaissance of sorts.

“I want to thank everyone at the AMA for recognising me with this award. It’s a great honor truly, and just know that I will always love you.”

Among Dolly’s many honours include a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, along with being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and Country Music Hall of Fame.

Gogglebox airs Fridays on Channel 4 at 9pm

With their unique adults-only approach to cruising, Virgin Voyages is attracting a whole new generation of cruisers

If you’d asked me a few years ago to go on a cruise, it’s fair to say I’d be apprehensive. The idea of being trapped on a floating Butlin’s, pushing past screaming toddlers to reach the lukewarm buffet, wasn’t exactly my idea of a relaxing holiday. Then I heard about Virgin Voyages : no kids, no buffets, and the few people I knew that’d tried it raved about it.

Billed by the company as an adults-only boutique hotel at sea, Richard Branson’s cruise line has won multiple awards since it launched in 2021, as well as amassing a loyal fanbase.

I thought it was time to see if I could become one of those fans, could I finally be a cruise person? I embarked on one of Virgin Voyages’ sailings from Portsmouth, an easy 90-minute drive from my home in Oxfordshire.

This wasn’t just any cruise though, this was one of the company’s specialty comedy cruises – promising top acts from across the UK, all included in your fare.

I have to say, the standard of names was well above what I expected for a cruise ship. Headliners included Celebrity Traitors star Lucy Beaumont, Gogglebox regular Babatunde Aleshé and I’m A Celebrity all-star Seann Walsh, to name a few. All of the comedy shows were excellent, but my standout has to be Matt Richardson, of Xtra Factor fame. His show was genuinely one of the funniest things I’d ever seen, and had the audience in hysterics.

This was all offered alongside Virgin’s regular entertainment offering, which includes bingo with the ship’s resident drag queen, cabaret shows and gameshows – one of which even had a prize from the on-board tattoo parlour.

A tattoo parlour at sea pretty much sums up the whole design and vibes of the ship. Stepping onboard is like walking into a chic beach club in Ibiza. We entered our balcony cabin, and within a few minutes I was sitting in the iconic Virgin Voyages hammock with a glass of champagne. Not bad for a cruise sceptic.

The Valiant Lady may only be five years old, but it’s already had a refurb with refreshed seating areas, menus and a brand new restaurant.

At the very back of the ship sits The Dock, an outdoor lounge and casual small plates eatery that feels extremely relaxed. Forget clunky plastic sunloungers, here you sink into comfortable modern seats and huge beds and look out to the incredible views.

It was here that I started to think ‘I could get used to this’, as a helpful waiter handed me my third sangria and delivered our snacks. Think charred octopus and hanger steak, all included in the fare.

That brings me to one thing I’d heard about cruising – ‘it’s a constant sales pitch’. That may be the case on other cruise lines, but based on what I experienced, it could not be further from the truth on Virgin.

Standard WiFi and soft drinks are free, and every single restaurant on board is included. The majority of dishes are included in the fare, although some venues have one or two premium menu items at an extra cost. We never felt compelled to try these as there were so many appealing options which were included.

In fact, the food is one point that I heard so much about. Replacing the traditional buffet, you have The Galley, a food market style venue with multiple cuisines offered – all made to order. Imagine lots of street food stalls, including tacos, burgers and sushi.

Then there are the sit-down restaurants, which feel like trendy London eateries that I’d genuinely want to eat at on land. There’s no traditional ‘main dining room’ here, and no strict dress code to boot.

Highlights on-board included Ariya, the new Indian restaurant which, for me, blew Dishoom out of the water with its tender lamb shank biryani, and The Wake, a high-end steak restaurant nestled at the bottom of a glamorous, cascading staircase.

There were, of course, things I didn’t love. The pool area is relatively small, and although not an issue on our chilly UK cruise, I could see it becoming more of an issue on a sunnier trip.

There is honestly so much more I could write about this ship. I haven’t even touched on the spectacular Scarlet Night, where the entire ship transforms into a massive bright-red pool party.

I left this holiday feeling fully converted into a ‘cruise person’, so much so that I even booked two more trips before we pulled back into Portsmouth.

If you’ve spent your whole life swearing you’d never set foot on a cruise ship, it might just be time to eat your words. I certainly did, and luckily, the food was spectacular.

A Gogglebox cast member has quit the show after emigrating to Australia with their partner

A Gogglebox star has bid farewell to the show.

Glasgow-based star Calum, 31, first joined the Channel 4 programme last September, alongside his best friend Jake, 27. But now, Calum has left the series after emigrating to Australia with his partner.

Speaking about the move, Calum said: “I am very far away from Scotland right now, and that’s because me and my partner have moved to Australia. That means a few things, the most obvious one being that unfortunately I am leaving the show.

“I had the most wonderful time, and I can’t sing the praises enough of everyone on and off camera, the entire Gogglebox family, so it’s very bittersweet to be leaving.” Calum will be replaced by Jake’s childhood friend, Louis, 28, who will make his debut on Gogglebox this Friday (September 11) at 9pm on Channel 4.

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The 100 year old scooped the TV presenter prize, having been nominated alongside Alison Hammond, Ant and Dec, Claudia Winkleman and Stacey Solomon

Sir David Attenborough used his National Television Awards acceptance speech to highlight the “terrible plight of our wonderful planet”.

The 100 year old scooped the TV presenter prize, having been nominated alongside Alison Hammond, Ant and Dec, Claudia Winkleman and Stacey Solomon.

Although Sir David was absent from the ceremony, a speech was delivered on his behalf.

He said: “I hope this award is a response to the part television has played in growing recognition, not only for the terrible plight our wonderful planet is in as a result of human activity but also of the fact we now have a pressing responsibility to do what we can to protect and conserve it.

“I am honoured indeed. We are increasingly aware that if we are to repair the planet we need major national and international initiatives which certainly require our support, but it is also possible to make small differences in our own spaces and neighbourhoods.

“If enough small differences are made they do add up to doing something significant, while also providing spaces that we do enjoy being in and nurturing.”

Attenborough added: “Humanity has always needed the natural world for all the practicalities of life and for our mental wellbeing. Now the natural world needs us too. Surely we must not ignore that simple fact.”

The internationally adored naturalist received two NTA nominations this year, with his nature documentary Secret Garden also recognised in the factual entertainment category.

However, it was Gogglebox that walked away with that particular accolade. Sir David launched his presenting journey fronting Zoo Quest in 1954, subsequently helming documentary programmes The Life Collection, Natural World, Wildlife on One, the Planet Earth franchise, The Blue Planet and Frozen Planet.

AS SHE counts down to the birth of her second child, Scarlett Moffatt enjoyed a sweet baby shower this weekend.

The former Gogglebox favourite – who already shares son Jude with her fiance Scott Dobinson – enjoyed a fun-filled ‘baby in bloom’ themed bash with her friends and family.

From baby bingo to hilarious games, the shower saw all of Scarlett’s nearest and dearest come together.

Guests were welcomed to a large pastel coloured balloon arch with a sign that read ‘Baby in Bloom, Scarlett’s baby shower’ inscripted on it.

A floral cake with the same colour scheme and an ‘oh baby’ topper was beautifully displayed for guests to enjoy too.

Scarlett donned a floral dress as she matched the day’s theme, whilst her other half Scott and their son Jude both opted for pastel blue shirts.

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Sharing a carousel of pictures from the day, Scarlett wrote to Instagram: “Baby in Bloom 🌸🌼🩵

“One last big celebration before our littlest love arrives. My heart (and belly 😂) are VERY full 🩵”.

She continued: “Thank you to my mam and bestie for organising it all especially getting up at the crack of dawn to make finger sandwiches lol, to everybody who came we love you so much.

“Honestly what a giggle I’ve had & @balloonsbymollyx as always for the beautiful display”.

Scarlett announced she and Scott were expecting their second child earlier this year, but recently told The Sun that the pregnancy has been far from smooth sailing.

After a very relaxing pregnancy with Jude, Scarlett says she was shocked this time around.

“This time, the first trimester I was still working and filming and I was getting bad travel sickness – I’ve never had that in my life before.

“I was also running off to throw up at work,” admitted the star.

Gogglebox fans have shared their verdict after two new families made their debut on the Channel 4 favourite

Gogglebox has introduced some new faces.

The Channel 4 hit show returned to our TV screens on Friday (4 September) night, as the sofa watchers shared their hilarious reaction on the best and worst of this week’s TV. Long-running favourites Jenny and Lee, Pete and Sophie, Ellie and Izzi and the Malone family were all back as they welcomed viewers into living rooms yet again.

This time, they weren’t alone as fans of the BAFTA-winning series welcomed the show’s first cast member with Down’s syndrome as two new families joined the hit programme.

The newest additions include Newcastle brothers Steve and Mark, as well as Sandy and her TV fanatic son Max, who is the first person with Down’s syndrome to feature on the show. Opening up about joining the show, Max joked: “I’m much funnier than my mum, so that’s good.”

“I’m all about spreading the love and showing other learning-disabled people what we can achieve. And my mum is my greatest supporter,” he added.

Sandy called joining Gogglebox “total magic”, sharing: “To have people see the superstar, who is my son, and realise that a person with a learning disability can be smart, opinionated and hilarious is very important for me. My greatest joy is being his mum.”

Speaking about signing-up for the series Max further shared: “Friday nights with Gogglebox and wine has been a tradition in our house for years. It’s one of my favourite shows ever.

“So, it’s surreal that we’re going to be part of it, and it’ll be such a laugh doing this with my brother. He’s super funny and it’s a great excuse to hang out.”

Viewers watching at home have wasted no time sharing their reaction on social media to the newcomers and it’s clear they can’t get enough of mother and son duo, Max and Sandy.

One viewer wrote: “Go Max and Sandy! Lovely friends of mine, knocking it out of the #Gogglebox park.”

Another commented: “Really like Max #gogglebox.” A third said: “This was the first time I’ve ever instantly loved a new family on #gogglebox smiled from ear to ear with Max. How lovely. Not sure on the other new additions yet.”

Another said: “#gogglebox Loving Max and his mum! Brilliant!” Another fan commented: “Love Max and his mum. The new brothers are ok too. #gogglebox.”

One wrote: “Absolutely L-O-V-E Sandy and Max #Gogglebox.” Meanwhile another fan added: “Max and his mum are a good addition. They make me laugh in a good way.”

You can stream Gogglebox on Channel 4

TIKTOK star Max Balegde broke down in tears as he confirmed he has split from his boyfriend of five years.

The Sun revealed this week that the influencer, 27, and his boyfriend Andrew Spann have now called time on their relationship.

And things appeared to have not ended amicably as they both unfollowed each other on Instagram.

Max has now broken his silence on the shock split and admitted he’s “losing the plot” and feels “devastated”.

An emotional Max took to social media with a new video as he explained his side of the story.

With tears in his eyes, the content creator started: “Hello everyone, I’m just making this video to let you know that sadly it is true that me and Andrew have broken up after five and a half years of being together.

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“We broke up around two weeks ago and obviously it’s been a really sad and tough time.

“There’s been so much love between the two of us, between our family and friends over those years.

“When you’re with someone for that long, your life becomes so intrinsically bonded together and you can’t imagine not having them in your life to be honest with you. That’s kind of how it gets.

“So I’ve been struggling a lot. I am in Ibiza right now, I’ve been here for a week.

“But the narrative online that I’m just partying and don’t give one and he’s all sad, could not be further from the truth.”

Max explained that he had this holiday booked months ago and when the break-up happened, he decided to go to Ibiza with his friends instead of “sobbing alone in his room”.

He shared that he’s been looking after himself and going to the gym and has avoided going out and boozing much.

“I’ve just been spending time with lovely supportive friends who have just been a godsend,” he continued.

Max then addressed the reason behind the split and admitted it was him who decided to end it.

“I know everyone will want an explanation because we shared so much of our relationship with you lot,” he said.

“All I’ll say is I chose to end the relationship for personal reasons that I don’t really want to discuss on the internet and out of respect for Andrew.

“There is so much love there, it’s not hate. It’s just you can’t get everything you need from someone, you have to sometimes face reality and it’s sad and devastating.”

Max admitted he was “losing the plot” as he copes with the new adjustment.

“I’ve never had a break-up like this before, I’ve never experienced anything like this, I don’t know how to navigate it, all I know is I’ve spent a lot of time focusing and looking after a lot of people but now it’s time to focus and look after myself.

“As scary as this is, I’m excited for the future, even though I can’t feel that excitement right now.

“I just feel sad, scared, anxious and depressed.

“But I have a lot of exciting work stuff I want to delve into, time with my friends and family and value the time with myself. I’ve been around people for five and a half years non-stop, I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be by myself.

“That’s terrifying, I’m genuinely terrified.”

Max said he was going to focus on his career and himself going forward.

He added: “If it looks like I’m losing the plot, then it’s because I am, I f***ing am.

“I’m terrified to go home tomorrow but I have to face reality at some point.

“I’ve got to find out where I’m going to end up living, what’s going to happen to our dog.

He then hid his face and said: “I’m going to cry again.”

The media star then thanked his fans for their support and said he was heartbroken as he felt he had “failed” his fans, especially those in the LGBT community.

Max captioned the post: “Please respect both of us, I still have so much love for Andrew and this is a really hard time for us both. thank you for the love.”

His followers raced to show their support for the star.

One wrote: “Sending you so much love… the end of a relationship when you still care for the person is so hard however put all that love into yourself now and everything will fall into place.”

A second said: “This is a very mature way to handle it. You should hold your head up & remember you are so loved.”

Earlier this week, The Sun announced news of the split.

A source told The Sun: “Max and Andrew broke up a few weeks ago and it’s been incredibly tough for both given how long they were together.

“Max is enjoying some time in Ibiza and will be ploughing ahead with work as he navigates the situation.”

Max, who has been on Gogglebox alongside his podcast co-host George Clarke, has been sharing what he’s been up to in Ibiza on his Instagram.

He shared a video of him miming to Ingrid Michaelson’s song Be OK while standing out on his balcony with a huge bottle of water.

The star can be seen wearing a T-shirt with the words ‘Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go to Ibiza’.

The two started dating back in 2021 after they matched on dating app Hinge.

Max and Andrew celebrated their five year anniversary back in April.

Andrew shared a selection of snaps from throughout their relationship with the caption: “Half a decade of us, no biggie.”