Tonight’s instalment (May 17) saw three 18 year olds, who have given up on education, as they were taken to one of Britain’s most elite and traditional private boarding schools – Christ College in Brecon.
A synopsis teased: “Three 18-year-olds who’ve given up on education bed down in one of Britain’s most elite and traditional private boarding schools, where excellent results and respect count for everything.”
Following Shadiya from Bristol, Molly from Essex and Danny from London, the synopsis continued: “For the next week, these three reluctant sixth formers will be bedding down in Christ College, a prestigious private boarding school in Brecon.
“Established by King Henry VIII, it’s one of the oldest schools in Wales and believes in getting results ‘the Brecon Way’. The strict rules and fierce competition will be a real test for its newest pupils.”
The students were forced out of their comfort zone as they re-entered a classroom for the first time in a while, but for Molly, things soon became a struggle.
Molly, a part time retailer from Essex, was distraught on GCSE results day when she found out she had only passed three subjects, leaving her with a very negative view of education. A post showing the moment she opened her results was viewed by more than 20 million people online.
On the show, Molly was recruited in the school’s chapel choir due to her musical background, but was soon seen struggling to read the sheet music and sing in French, leaving her deflated.
During practice, the 18-year-old was stunned as she admitted she struggled to keep up. Speaking to producers, she added: “When I heard I had choir practise, I was so happy, and then wow that is something different. I couldn’t sing in French and I just felt so awkward the whole time.”
She later said: “Music is literally the most important thing ever to me and that made music miserable.”
In a further revelation, Molly said on her diary cam: “Everyone is really polite which feels slightly odd. I feel like I haven’t really seen anyone express themselves properly.
“They’ve all kind of got the same humour, same kind of mannerisms, same attitude, it kind of feels like a cult.”
The next day, when it came to the performance, Molly continued to feel the nerves as she admitted: “Yesterday I was thinking about just walking out of the choir, I was like no I cannot do this.”
Getting dressed in a striking red robe, Molly could be heard telling the group: “I really don’t want to do this guys.”
However, despite her nerves, Molly performed in the chapel choir and was proud of her achievements. She told producers: “Being judged is something that really does scare me and concern me.
“I got bullied in Year 7 to 8 and that really did just ruin my time at school. I just felt really uncomfortable around everyone in a classroom watching me.”
Trading Places is available to watch on Channel 5.
Series 37 is in full swing, and in tonight’s episode (May 17), available on ITV2 and ITVX, tensions within Girl Band reached boiling point. Meanwhile, one cast member has revealed where things stand romantically following a tender moment that caught everyone’s attention.
TOWIE’s Dani has addressed her relationship status and the situation with newcomer Jonnie Gurie after the pair were spotted getting cosy during the cast’s Vietnam getaway.
In tonight’s episode, now streaming on ITVX, Harry quizzed Jonnie directly: “I want to ask a question Jonnie. On the last night I seen you basically spooning Dani on the sofa,” reports OK!.
Jonnie responded: “Listen, I think um, I said this on the last day when we was with Elma and Dani, I don’t even know how it happened, we just got comfortable with each other we spent more time with each other.”
He continued: “There was one night, we had a kiss but we’ve not really spoke about that what’s going on since we’ve been back. It’s just been chill, I said I don’t want to put pressure on anything that’s going on.”
Diags couldn’t resist chiming in with a quip: “He’s got a little Dan Edgar script.” Later on, viewers saw Dani and Ella head to the beach for what Ella described as some much-needed “scream therapy”. Letting out their pent-up frustrations, Dani yelled: “I hate that I’m a cougar, release me from being a cougar.”
She continued: “I hate it here.. keep Jonnie away from me please.” Turning to Ella, she admitted: “I feel better, I’m still a cougar though it’s not changed anything.”
When quizzed about how things stood between them, Dani confessed: “I’m such a cougar, I think I’ve been hanging around Elma for too long because why am I flirting with young boys 24/7. It’s just still like quite light hearted, it’s just a flirt but I don’t think it’s anything, it’s not anything…”
Ella probed: “Are you sure” to which Dani responded: “Yeah.”
Off-screen, it seems TOWIE enthusiasts are backing the potential pairing, as an exclusive snippet was posted on The Only Way is Essex’s social media featuring Dani discussing matters on the You Alright, Hun? Podcast.
The post, shared this week, was captioned: “Fancy an exclusive? Dani gives us the gossip on where things are with Jonnie on the ‘You Alright, Hun?’ #TOWIE podcast! Listen/Watch on ITVX, Spotify and YouTube“, with Dani being questioned about her relationship status with Jonnie.
She revealed: “I think now we’re off, but that’s only for now. We’re back in contact a little bit, we haven’t seen each other and like we’ve had conversations.
“We know we miss each other but we’re not sure where it’s going to go, so I feel like there’s a lot of conversations to be had. That’s the exclusive, we’re in contact again and we wasn’t so that’s a step in the right direction.
“We’re in contact, we’re talking. But I haven’t seen him in four weeks so I can’t really say we’re back on.”
One admirer responded: “I hope they get together, love Danni she cracks me up.”
Coronation Street boss Kate Brooks has revealed when viewers will find out the identity of Theo Silverton’s killer after the scaffolder was killed off in the soap’s latest whodunnit
Theo Silverton was killed off earlier this month
Coronation Street boss Kate Brooks has revealed when viewers will find out the identity of Theo Silverton’s killer.
The scaffolder, who was played by former Tracy Beaker star James Cartwright, was killed off at the end of the soap’s much-hyped Murder Week after almost a year of abusing partner Todd Grimshaw, and along with Todd himself, George Shuttleworth, Gary Windass, Summer Spellman, Christina Boyd and Danielle Silverton were named as official suspects.
It all came about following a flashforward, which aired earlier this year, and five potential victims were named in the incredibly dramatic storyline. In the end, it was Theo who was revealed as the victim after viewers had to sit through the same day played out over and over again, all played out from various points of view.
Now Kate, who took over as producer of the ITV soap in November 2024 and previously held the top job on Emmerdale, has told viewers that they will have to wait just a bit longer to find out who was responsible for the murder.
She said: “It’s later in the summer. We reveal to the audience who it is during late June, July. There’s lots of people you definitely think it could be. It’s a massive story, there’s so many different twists, and there’s so many different offshoots to the story as well. You think you’re watching one thing, and then it diverts into a completely new kind of story territory. It’ll definitely keep people guessing. “
In the coming weeks the investigation shifts, and pulled in for questioning are Summer, Christina and Danielle. As lies are exposed, and arrests are made, it’s yet to be revealed if any of the six are actually the murderer.
They all have motives, and upcoming scenes will reveal why they are a suspect. Todd was being abused by Theo, and the night Theo died he was trying to hunt Todd down – so did he find him?
For Summer, the last time we saw Theo alive was when he trapped her in the flat alone. So did Summer kill Theo? Gary has also been seen acting weirdly – even though wife Maria Connor has givne him an alibi.
We know Gary had threatened him and the pair had clashed, and he’s also killed before. Did Gary take revenge? George also stood up to Theo, and on the night of the murder he was alone at home.
Finally there’s Theo’s ex-wife Danielle. She was also acting suspiciously on Monday and upcoming scenes tease her marriage faced it’s troubles. So might she have killed her violent ex?
Our Yorkshire Farm star Clive Owen opens up about a travel mishap during his Ireland trip with sons Miles and Sid in Channel 5 series Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales
16:54, 17 May 2026Updated 16:57, 17 May 2026
Clive admitted he suffered a ‘little incident’(Image: Channel 5)
The farmer, who has nine children with Amanda Owen, has been appearing in his eldest son Reuben’s Channel 5 programme, Life in the Dales.
The show follows the family, who rose to prominence on Our Yorkshire Farm, as they continue to document the ups and downs of their farming life.
A recent instalment saw Clive venture beyond the Dales on a road trip to Ireland with his sons Miles and Sid, as they took part in the All Nations Shearing Champions.
However, the journey proved far from plain sailing for Clive, as he revealed he had suffered an “incident” along the way, reports the Express.
Upon arriving at the competition in Donegal, ahead of the two-day event, Clive declared: “Well boys we’re here. The sheep pens are empty but they’ll be coming we hope.”
The narrator then observed: “With the chill of yesterday’s storm still in the air, there’s a memory the boys haven’t quite shaken.”
Sid enquired: “Are you feeling better after yesterday?”
The farmer brushed it aside, responding: “You don’t let me forget yesterday, you guys. My little incident on the ship…”
Miles chipped in: “That sea air was getting to you.”
Clive then put his sons’ minds at rest: “No I’m fine, so forget all about it.”
The narrator continued: “Unlikely, but with prize sheep, sizzling stalls of Irish grub and more vintage tractors than you can shake a spanner at, Clive’s little incident might slip off the radar.”
Miles then jokingly questioned whether his dad was “up to” judging, as he commented: “You look the part but whether you’re up to it…”
“Just remember, the judge is always right,” Clive hit back.
Ahead of heading off on their lengthy journey, marking Sid and Miles’ first time outside the country, Clive shared his concerns about leaving the farm.
He told Reuben: “I’m going to take Miles and Sid because they’ve never been on a ship and they’ve never been overseas.”
He went on to the camera: “I used to skive off school and go and watch these famous sales and watch these great men sell these wonderful sheep and dream that maybe one day it might be me.
“For me, to eventually breed a Champion myself, that’s pretty amazing, actually. We called him Glory and sold him for £28,000 which was amazing.
“Fellas that go and judge like myself, know how hard it is to breed these things. So I see it as a great responsibility and a great honour to judge.
“It’s a tough thing to do because you don’t make everybody happy when you judge sheep.”
Before setting off, Miles and Sid shared their excitement for the ferry, with the former saying: “Yeah, they reckon it will be a bit stormy.”
“Hope you don’t get sea sick,” Reuben warned, while his girlfriend reassured: “You’ll be fine!”
After asking if Sid has ever been abroad before, he replied: “No I haven’t, this will be the first time.”
Clive added, “It’s quite a journey,” before sharing his concerns for travelling through the Irish sea before hitting the sheep competition.
“Tomorrow, there’s a big storm passing through so I’m quite worried about the crossing, how rough it will be.
“Whether we’re ill or anything, I would not like that to happen but we shall see.”
Reuben replied: “Well have a good time you three,” as they set off, with Clive saying, “Have a good time you three.”
“Miss you already,” Reuben called after them.
Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales is available to watch on Channel 5.
Molly Mae and Bambi reunited with dad Tommy Fury after his niece’s weddingCredit: SplashTommy wasn’t present at Venezuela’s nuptials due to a boxing camp commitmentCredit: Splash
Pregnant Molly, 26, who is due to give birth soon, stepped out in a casual look, donning black tracksuit bottoms and a black coat, with a grey t-shirt that struggled to contain her bump.
The expectant mum finished her look with sunglasses and some UGG boots for maximum comfort.
Tommy also dressed down amid the reunion, in joggers and a hoodie, with Bambi looking sweet in a candy striped co-ord as she held on to her parents’ hands.
Pregnant Molly went for maximum comfort as she wore tracksuit bottoms and UGGs the day after the nuptialsCredit: SplashThe couple are getting ready to welcome their second child together very soonCredit: Splash
Despite Tommy’s absence it’s clear that Molly enjoyed Venezuela’s special day as she shared a number of sweet photos from the event afterwards.
Taking to her Instagram Stories, the Maebe founder shared some adorable snaps of Bambi in her pale blue bridesmaid dress.
Bambi was one of 13 bridesmaids, who matched Mother of the Bride Paris Fury in the same blue hue.
In one sweet photo, Bambi is seen being held by Venezuela who Molly dubbed ‘beautiful bridey’ in the caption.
Bambi cuddled up to Venezuela during her special dayCredit: ErotemeBridesmaid Bambi was seen sharing a kiss with mum Molly who wowed in a chic black jumpsuitCredit: InstagramBambi looked mesmerised by the couple’s five-tier blue cakeCredit: Instagram
Another photo saw Bambi pucker up for a kiss with her mum, who wore ablack jumpsuit, with a floral mesh style top for the occasion.
The tot was also seen looking with awe at Venezuela and groom Noah’s incredible blue cake that was almost three times the height of her.
The cake boasted five tiers and was accompanied with an impressive blue and yellow floral display.
“WOW,” read Molly’s caption as Bambi gazed up at the towering creation.
Venezuela stunned in a lace fishtail wedding dress with elaborate sleeves and a train spanning 50ft.
Venezuela and her groom Noah after saying ‘I Do’Credit: PP.She was escorted down the aisle by her famous father TysonCredit: PP.
In a sit down chat with Sun Clubahead of the nuptials she told us exclusively how she designed the gown herself at Ava Rose Hamilton bridal boutique in Colne.
“I described what I wanted and it was as if they could see what was in my mind.
“You slip on these big sleeves and then they flare out and they’re like wings.”
Of the dress, mum Paris added: “I told her she was being eccentric, but the seamstress made her these beautiful big draped sleeves, they are like wings, they’re beautiful.”
Dad Tyson donned a black Tuxedo for the day, while Venezuela’s husband stood out in an ivory tux.
James Corden has revealed he dislikes one of Gavin & Stacey’s iconic episodesCredit: GettyThe writer and show star admitted that the series’ second episode was ‘very bad’Credit: PA
Despite being much-loved by fans, James has revealed that he was not a fan of the show’s second ever episode – despite it being the one where the titular characters get engaged.
Describing the episode as a “very, very, very bad half hour” whilst talking at theBBC Comedy Festival, James explained that he felt they were “backed into a corner” by the episode ending with Gavin proposing to Stacey.
The episode sees Gavin – played by Mathew Horne – travel to Wales to make up with Joanna Page’s character Stacey following a dispute, and ends with him proposing.
Despite noting some “saving graces” in the writing, he added: “It’s an awful episode”.
James and Ruth have signed a multi-million pound deal with AppleTV+ for a follow-up series.
They will star in the ten-part comedy drama alongside an all-British cast.
Set in the UK, filming begins next year with the hotly-anticipated show due in 2027.
The deal, believed to worth up to £8million, was agreed amid interest from BBC, Netflix and Amazon Prime.
A show insider said: “In what has unquestionably been a pretty miserable year for Brits, there is finally something to cheer — a new James and Ruth co-production.
“As you might expect, it is uplifting, gentle and very funny.
“They wanted to bring something full of heart and warmth back to screens; water cooler moments for all the family.”
CALL Her Daddy host Alex Cooper is pregnant and expecting her first child.
The podcast host revealed that she and husband Matt Kaplan were about to become parents in a new social media upload.
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Call Her Daddy star Alex is pregnant and expecting her first babyCredit: instagram/alexandracooperIt will be the first child for the pairCredit: Getty
Alex flashed her bare baby bump as she sweetly looked into Matt’s eyes in the new snaps.
She could also be seen laughing as she gently placed a hand underneath her bump.
Alex added the caption: “Our family.”
She then took to her stories to re-post the announcement along with the additional caption: “Daddy Gang, there is something I’ve been waiting to share with you…”
Alex has become famous thanks to her runaway podcastCredit: Call Her Daddy on SpotifyThe star was met with plenty of congratulations following the newsCredit: Instagram/callherdaddy
In another snap, Alex could be seen sat on Matt’s lap as she showed off her baby bump once more.
Her fans and celebrity pals were quick to react with congratulations over the baby announcement.
One person said: “I’m screaming!!!!!! I’m so happy for you guys!!!!!!!!”
Love IslandUSA star Huda Mustafa added: “IM GONNA CRY OMGGGG IM SO HAPPY FOR UUUUU!!!!!”
Another penned: “Call her MOMMY!”
With a fourth then stating: “Missed opportunity for the caption to be call him daddy.”
Alex has become the leading female talent in the podcast space thanks to her successful show.
Will Ferrell has done the Will Ferrell thing for so long — playing embarrassingly self-absorbed doofuses, both fictional and based on real people — that it’s easy to forget that when it counts, he can still serve as the glue on “Saturday Night Live.”
For his sixth time hosting the show since leaving the cast in 2002, Ferrell had plenty of those doofuses to portray, including a “Nudeman” dad whose underwear are exposed in the rear when he meets his daughter’s boyfriend. But in sketch after sketch on the show, he showed his usual 100% commitment to every character, even when he was playing himself in the monologue doing a bit about an identity mix-up with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. (Smith stuck around for the whole show, sitting in with the “SNL” band and playing drums for Paul McCartney.)
Ferrell was an ideal closer for Season 51, which has largely been about developing relatively new talent in the cast, including rising stars Ashley Padilla, Jeremy Culhane and Marcello Hernández. Ferrell gelled with each of them and everybody else, doing the Will Ferrell thing, which still works tremendously well after all these years.
Musical guest Paul McCartney appeared in Ferrell’s monologue and in the mechanic sketch, and performed a new song, “Days We Left Behind,” as well as “Band on the Run” and “Coming Up” at the end of the show while the credits were shown.
After an absence of a few weeks, President Trump (James Austin Johnson) returned, sleepy from his trip to China. After a non-apology for not bringing Vice President J.D. Vance (Culhane) with him, Trump fell asleep on a gold bar from Switzerland before being visited by Epstein (Ferrell), who makes a series of jokes and insinuations about his association with Trump. When Trump bemoans his low approval rating in the 30s, Epstein responds, “The 30s? Gross, call me when it hits 17.” But Epstein, who claims Hell is “really, really hot” and includes Joseph Stalin and John Wayne Gacy, is there to show Trump the future, one in which former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem (Padilla) is selling vacuum cleaners on the Home Shopping Network and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (Colin Jost) and FBI Director Kash Patel (a returning Aziz Ansari) are co-hosting a bro podcast while sharing a giant beer bong. Trump believes the podcast is a signal that by then, the war in Iran will be over. “We came in second,” Epstein assures him. The two then launched into a version of “Just the Two of Us” before almost kissing ahead of launching into “Live from New York… It’s ‘Saturday Night!’”
Even eagle-eyed viewers might have needed a full minute or so to realize that the person on stage delivering the monologue was not actually Will Ferrell but Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, who has been doing an extended gag for more than a decade about their uncanny resemblance. Ferrell followed, wearing the same gray suit, claiming, “He pushed me down backstage. And I fell hard. Lorne (Michaels) had to give me mouth to mouth.” Ferrell tried to do a hard reset of the monologue but couldn’t get the vibe back. He turned to the audience for questions, but only found McCartney there, who still couldn’t tell the difference between the host and the drummer. Ferrell listed many of the songs that McCartney has written (which weren’t performed on the show this time out), but pointed out that there are a few great songs he didn’t write, including “Timber” featuring Pitbull.
Best sketch of the night: Did you at least check the sprog box on your Rav4?
In a piece that calls itself, “What It Feels Like Talking to a Mechanic,” Ferrell plays an auto expert telling a clueless couple (Day and Padilla) that their vehicle needs a lot of work. But he uses completely foreign terms including “dong rod gasket” and a “camber” that’s out of whack and rotting to describe what’s wrong. Another specialist (Hernández) arrives, who describes the car’s ailments in funny noises and partly in Spanish. “You need a new trans person,” he declares. He also expects them to return every six days and come to his private party. A third mechanic (McCartney) found the steering wheel is on the wrong side and that their “tipsy wispy” is all “dangly goodly.” The absurdity level keeps rising, but it will feel familiar to anyone who’s ever felt like their mechanic is speaking in an entirely different language. The only false step in the sketch is the ending, which goes on on a cheap joke.
Also good: That white flag he was carrying around should have been a tip-off
It’s been a bit shocking how good some of the pre-filmed pieces this season have looked, including this one, a “Lord of the Rings” Midnight Matinee sketch called “Bobbin’s Sacrifice.” It features, with quite good special effects and costumes, a full cast of orcs, elves and dwarves during a castle siege, as well as Ferrell as a little Hobbit-looking halfling named Bobbin who bravely volunteers to destroy a bridge that separates the heroes from the monsters. However, once outside the castle gates, Bobbin proudly declares in song that he’s switching sides. And not just switching, but offering the orcs blueprints of the castle and giving them magic items he stole from his friends. Things don’t end so well for Bobbin, but at least he goes out memorably and with a song in his heart.
‘Weekend Update’ winner: How does one apply to be a Blast Boy?
“Update” traditionally does a joke-off between co-hosts Jost and Michael Che in which each writes jokes the other has to read. This edition wasn’t too surprising: Jost was made to spew racist jokes about black vampires (in reference to “Sinners”) and using his Staten Island Ferry to ship Black people “back to the motherland.” Che was made to make light of molestation claims against Michael Jackson. The segment ended up being one of the weaker joke-offs, ending with the threat of Jost getting his hair cut off by a barber on live television (it didn’t happen). Surprisingly, the joke-off was not as funny as Culhane’s return as Mr. On Blast, a guy with takes that are far from hot. Example: “AI? More like P.U.” “Metaverse? Why don’t you go read a Bible verse?” Mr. On Blast punctuates his weak jokes with very entertaining dance moves punctuated with sound effects. This time out, the character deployed a new catch phrase, “Devout!” in reference to being both Christian and Jewish, and he brought out bearded backup dancers called Blast Boys. Culhane was on point and is a lock to return next season for more fun like this.
Frances Tophill, one of the leading presenters on Gardeners’ World, has been heavily tipped to replace Monty Don at the head of the BBC series when he steps down
The Gardeners’ World presenting team(Image: BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine/Ja)
One of the stars of Gardeners’ World has spoken about whether she would like to replace Monty Don when he eventually decides to leave the show.
Monty, still very much a feature of the BBC programme, has been a key part of it for decades. However, following his milestone 70th birthday, questions have recently turned to who might replace him should he decided to put down his televisual trowel.
One of the people often highlighted as a potential successor is Frances Tophill, currently designing a garden for the Chelsea Flower Show alongside Alan Titchmarsh, Sir David Beckham, and King Charles III.
Frances, 36, has been on Gardeners’ World for over a decade, but has now made clear she doesn’t see herself replacing Monty.
She told The Sunday Times: “I have a huge respect for Monty – it is such a generous thing to give your garden space to the nation and he does it so well. I hope he never leaves….Broadcasting is not my day job, my day job is being a gardener.”
This isn’t the first time Frances has pushed back against the suggestion she could replace Monty. In a previous interview with the Telegraph, she said that after covering for Monty in a 2023 episode of the show, she got a glimpse of what fame might be like for him.
After she covered for him, she went to help a friend sell plants, but was shocked to see people flood towards them, not because of the plants, but because they recognised her from the show. She said: “That’s when I got a glimpse of what being Monty must be like… I don’t want that.”
Frances’ comments on the future of Gardeners’ World come as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show gets underway.
Frances has been busy working with the King, Sir David Beckham, and Alan Titchmarsh. Given the high profile nature of her royal clientele, Frances was asked, also by the Telegraph, whether she had been told anything about the monarch before she started work.
She said: “Everyone keeps saying that he’s so detail focused that he’ll notice all the tiny things.” Frances added that she had been searching the internet for the right gnome, as she was adding it in tribute to the King’s Highgrove garden. She said: “He hides it in the stumpery for the gardeners to find.”
Meanwhile, in an official statement on the King’s Foundation website about the garden, Frances went into more detail about what the experience had been like.
She said: “I’m so excited to share my first garden for RHS Chelsea Flower Show. With input from His Majesty The King, Alan Titchmarsh and Sir David Beckham, I’ve had a lot of fun incorporating elements both celebrating their involvement and ideas they have contributed.
“With sustainability front and central for His Majesty, there are no man-made materials being used in the garden, and it will be a concrete free construction.”
For Ross Stripling, baseball was something of an accidental career.
He walked onto the team at Texas A&M, majoring in business finance, planning to stick around campus long enough to earn a master’s degree. After his junior year, he turned down a six-figure bonus offered by the Colorado Rockies. After his senior year, he accepted a six-figure bonus to sign with the Dodgers, only to blow out his elbow after one season in the minor leagues.
He was 24. He was at peace. He called home.
“I think the right thing to do is to say I did this baseball thing and go start my life,” he told his father.
If you’re a Dodgers fan, you know the rest of his baseball story: In his major league debut, Stripling was five outs from a no-hitter when Dodgers manager Dave Roberts yanked him. In his nine years in the major leagues, including five with the Dodgers, he pitched in the All-Star Game and the World Series, and he once pitched with his “Chicken Strip” nickname on the back of his game jersey.
His father knew best. Instead of giving up on baseball when he needed Tommy John surgery, his father encouraged Stripling to use the yearlong rehabilitation process as a way to explore what a future without baseball might look like. His grandfather set him up with an internship at an investment firm.
Five years ago, Stripling and his mentor from that firm founded their own financial services company, called Skyward Financial. Now, 21 months after Stripling threw his last pitch in the major leagues, he is throwing a new one: Hey, young athletes coming into a lot of money, I’ve lived in that world, and I’ll show you how to protect your money and build toward generational wealth.
“It’s not me trying to become the next Wolf of Wall Street,” Stripling said. “This is genuine. I want to help kids and their families out in a space that has gotten out of hand in a hurry.”
Matthew Houston, the mentor, said Stripling blew away the brokers when he interviewed for that internship.
“He brings with him, like, a two-inch folder stuffed with handwritten stock reports he had written on minor league bus trips,” Houston said. “He handed us a couple of them, and they were legit Wall Street reports, him doing analysis of stocks. We were falling out of our chair.”
Stripling soon earned his broker’s license. Over the past decade, Houston estimated, he and Stripling might have traded messages about markets and clients “25 to 50 times a day.” One night, Houston watched Stripling pitch on television. Not long after the game ended, he heard the ping of a text message.
“I had just seen him on TV, and it’s like, ‘What do you think about Celgene and Gilead in the biotech sector?’” Houston said. “My mind was blown.”
You don’t need to have played in the major leagues to realize how much money athletes make. Major brokerages want a piece of that money. Some even use former athletes to recruit current ones.
Marc Isenberg, the former director of financial education for Morgan Stanley’s sports and entertainment group and author of the “Money Players” guide for young athletes, wished Stripling well but said he would face significant competition from firms with bigger names and greater resources.
“It’s oversaturated,” Isenberg said. “Almost every single Wall Street firm, to compete for athletes and entertainers, has a sports and entertainment group.”
And it’s not just the behemoths. Stripling checked with a basketball agent, who said he represents 24 college players that each have a different money manager.
There is nothing revolutionary about Stripling’s message: limit the flashy spending now in favor of prudent savings and investment, so you can grow your money through and beyond your career.
Stripling believes he can win by concentrating on young athletes, the ones suddenly showered in six- or seven-figure payments from draft bonuses, college revenue sharing payments, and name, image and likeness deals.
“I’ve seen the first-rounders come in and blow money on cars and houses and gambling,” Stripling said, “and I’ve seen the first-rounders like (former Dodgers shortstop Corey) Seager, who probably hasn’t spent a dime of his signing bonus.”
In a presentation for young athletes — and for the pro teams and college athletic departments that might invite him to speak — Stripling’s firm uses his story of a baseball prospect that got a $900,000 up-front payment and spent the $500,000 after taxes on a red Lamborghini. If the prospect had invested that $500,000 over 30 years into a fund that tracked the S&P 500, he would have made $8.6 million.
“That was the dumbest decision I’ve ever seen anyone make,” Stripling said.
“I have these stories from being in the locker room. I hope that, as a player, my story resonates more than a guy from Goldman Sachs saying, ‘Yeah, we’ve got a couple good ETFs.’”
Stripling would love the chance to speak at one of the Dodgers’ morning meetings in spring training, where players hear briefings about everything from safety and security to social media.
“I’d like to learn more about it, but I’d be open to putting him in front of the guys,” Roberts said. “I definitely trust him.”
In the meantime, Stripling has a federal record. All brokers do. One form requires brokers to list their employers and job descriptions over the last 10 years. Among all the wealth strategists and financial advisors and registered representatives, Stripling’s form is the one with the job history that starts with this line: “LA Dodgers, Pitcher.”
Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who serves the 4th District, makes her way across an empty, unnamed backlot, presenting her case to be the city’s next mayor.
“Studio lots like this one used to be filled with people, costumers, electricians, set medics, caterers, thousands of Angelenos making a living,” she says in the video posted on social media. “Now these lots are quiet. Since 2018, shooting days in the city have fallen by half.”
After telling voters this issue is “personal” (her husband is a TV writer and producer), criticizing Mayor Karen Bass’ leadership on the matter and outlining her own plans, Raman proclaims, “I’m running for mayor to make sure Los Angeles stays the film and TV capital of the world.”
Placing the concerns of the entertainment industry at the center of the city’s mayoral race would have been unthinkable even in the last election cycle. But the production crisis, which has rocked Hollywood and pummeled its workforce, has reached a critical juncture. The state of L.A.’s signature industry is now a political flashpoint alongside affordability, crime and homelessness in the upcoming election.
A person films an interaction between mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt and another person on his cellphone during a “Community Meet and Greet” event out of a house for sale on Long Ridge Avenue in a residential neighborhood of Sherman Oaks on Saturday.
(Etienne Laurent/For The Times)
In campaign ads, interviews and the recent televised debate, the top three contenders: incumbent Mayor Bass, former reality TV villain Spencer Pratt and Raman, have made the ongoing production slump a pivotal topic, highlighting their plans to revitalize the industry while deploying the issue to undercut one another.
For decades, elected officials have not had to focus on the film and TV business, let alone turn it into a campaign issue. It was simply a given that local production would continue to play a dominant role in the city’s economy as it has for more than a century.
But the cumulative effects of consolidation, runaway production to tax-friendly states and countries and the end of the streaming boom has caused Los Angeles to lose billions in economic activity, shed some 57,000 jobs over the last four years and led to the closing of more than 80 film and television production service businesses across the city since 2022.
“For us, ‘save Hollywood’ is more than a slogan and more than headline. It is what needs to be done,” said Pamala Buzick Kim, one of the co-founders of Stay in LA, a grassroots campaign aimed at increasing film and television production in Los Angeles.
To be sure, the biggest driver of where studios and producers film are state and federal tax credits, over which the city has no control.
But Buzick Kim and others argue that “there is lots the mayor can do, hand-in-hand with the City Council.”
Mayor Karen Bass, center, walks with Avance Democratic Club President Nilza Serrano, to the right of Bass, during Avance’s politics and tacos event at Ernest E. Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles on Saturday.
(Christina House/Los Angeles Times)
For starters, say filmmakers and advocates, much can be done to tackle the city’s sclerotic bureaucracy, onerous regulations and a slow and costly permitting process that has pushed filmmakers to flee to friendlier and cheaper locales.
While steps have been put in place recently, including a pilot program offering reduced-cost filming permits for shoots that demonstrate a “low impact” to the surrounding community, many complain such steps have come too little and too late.
Scott Niner, president and owner of Dangling Carrot Creative, checks on woodwork being produced at his shop in North Hollywood.
(Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)
“The industry is in collapse and people have been talking about fixing things for years, but all we get are incremental little changes,” said Ed Lippman, a location manager of 34 years who lives in Sherman Oaks and has worked on such shows as “ER” and “The X-Files” and movies including “Galaxy Quest.” “And if the city is not being business-friendly, the business will go elsewhere.”
Compounding the problem, the Los Angeles area has more than 100 jurisdictions, many of which have their own set of rules and regulations regarding filming.
“There needs to be universal standards,” said Travis Beck, a location manager for commercials, small films and music videos. “Burbank is different from Glendale, which is different from Pasadena.”
The recent kerfuffle over filming “Baywatch,” the lifeguard reboot at Venice Beach, underscored both the efforts to bring production back to L.A. — enticed by a $21-million tax credit — and the complex, baffling red tape required to film here.
When shooting began in March, the production encountered a number of hiccups, including that it needed nearly double the parking space it had received a permit for, which was not part of the original approvals.
An anonymous crew member claimed on Facebook that government restrictions had forced production to relocate from Venice Beach. Production staff denied they had relocated. However, the incident prompted a backlash, becoming a rallying cry over L.A.’s burdensome filming bureaucracy.
The “Baywatch” team quickly met with city and county officials and resolved the issue, securing an agreement for a 20% parking discount from the city, and the mayoral candidates used it as an opportunity to score political points.
Pratt slammed the city’s permitting problems.
“LA turned its back on Hollywood — now the golden goose needs CPR,” he wrote on his Substack.
“The City of Los Angeles will always clear bureaucratic barriers, making it easier and more affordable to film in the entertainment capital of the world,” she wrote on X last month.
On April 21, the mayor unveiled programs to offer productions 20% discounts on city-owned parking lots and other equipment, reduced filming fees at places like the Griffith Observatory and reopened the Central Library for filming. Last August, she appointed Steve Kang, president of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works, as the city’s film liaison.
Raman has pledged her support for expanding the state’s $750-million tax incentive program, streamlining permitting and lowering fees and eliminating those for small productions. She has also said she will establish a dedicated city film office with a liaison who understands production.
Councilmember and mayoral candidate Nithya Raman speaks to a crowd at the “Families for Nithya” event at Vineyard Recreation Center in Los Angeles on Saturday.
(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)
“Los Angeles is losing Hollywood,” Raman said in a statement. “Not because productions want to leave, but because we’ve made it too hard for them to stay.”
On his Substack and various podcast interviews, Pratt has promised to slash location fees in half, speed up permit approvals, reduce on-set city staff for the majority of productions and waive all fees for shoots with budgets under $2 million.
All three candidates have attacked one another over their approach to Hollywood.
Pratt and Raman have said Bass moved too slowly to address spiraling production and retain film jobs, saying she enacted measures only recently as the mayoral race was heating up.
Speaking on the Monks & Merrill podcast, Pratt criticized Bass’ moves to cut costs to film at the Griffith Observatory, saying, “Who needs that shot right now with the homeless poop all around it?”
The incumbent mayor has defended her administration’s record with the entertainment industry.
Bass and Pratt have taken Raman to task, calling her out for what they say is her lack of advocacy during her time on the City Council.
“She feels very strongly about it. But never offered one motion on the industry, and when motions came up on the industry she either recused herself, or got up and walked out,” said Bass during a debate this month.
Citing a potential conflict of interest over her husband’s work in television, Raman refrained from voting on several motions related to Hollywood.
Many working in the industry would like to see full-throttled support coming from the mayor’s office that will get results. They note how New York City has successfully promoted itself as a leading film destination over the years. (Kang, the city’s chief film liaison, said the city is working on a similar marketing campaign to promote filming that will launch by early fall.)
“For all the talk about, ‘We need to support and bring back filming,’ if they just did basics like lowering the fees and simplifying the process … that would actually help people and get things produced,” said Chris Fuentes, 66, who worked for 30 years as a location manager until he retired last year.
“We’ve heard a lot of great things, but not all things are possible in the mayor’s remit,” said Buzick Kim, noting that tax incentives are a state and federal issue.
Still, she said, “the mayor must understand that Hollywood needs to be made a priority and to find and create inspired thinking to make things easier and cheaper.”
Kang agrees, but says there are limits to what the mayor can achieve.
“We definitely can do a lot to really open up the entertainment industry, but at the same time, we recognize the larger impact needs to come from Sacramento and Washington, D.C., because L.A. just does not have the resources to compete with other jurisdictions in providing millions of dollars in tax incentives,” he said.
For most working in the industry, they just want city leadership that will execute on more than just talking points.
“This is the birthplace of cinema,” Beck said. “It shouldn’t be so hard to film here.”
A NINETIES chart topper, 55 has barely aged a day as she performed in hotpants and a corset, 25 years after her smash hit – but can you guess who she is?
The singer appeared in a TikTok video where she was filmed dancing and singing on stage by her daughter.
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A nineties chart topper, 55 has barely aged a day as she performed in hotpants and a corset, 25 years after her smash hit – but can you guess who she is?Credit: Tiktok/@imaniimusicThe singer appeared in a TikTok video where she was filmed dancing and singing on stage by her daughterCredit: Tiktok/@imaniimusic
The R&B star looked incredible on stage in thigh boots, corset and matching hot pants as she belted out her famous tune.
Previously, she appeared in a television commercial with legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald for KFC when she was just nine years old.
She’s best known for the hit song, I Love Your Smile which went to the top five in 12 territories worldwideCredit: Tiktok/@imaniimusicHer proud daughter posted the video clip as she said enjoyed the performanceCredit: Tiktok/@imaniimusic
She later signed with the famous Motown records in 1991, where she achieved mainstream success.
She’s best known for the hit song, I Love Your Smile which went to the top five in 12 territories worldwide and made the top 10 in 22 countries.
If you haven’t guessed already – it is pop legend Shanice – and her daughter Imani lovingly posted the video clip.
She captioned the video: “Watching my mom perform never gets old.”
Singer Shanice signed with the famous Motown records in 1991, where she achieved mainstream successCredit: GettyThe singer released her first album, Discovery in 1987 and it gave her two top 10 R&B hits.Credit: GettyShanice’s 1993 song Saving Forever for You reached number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 ChartCredit: GettyImani said that watching her mom perform never gets oldCredit: Getty
Fans flocked to comment and one wrote: “My favourite song ever!”
Another said: “Shanice I love Your smile hits harder because I do Love Her Smile.”
A third added: “Soundtrack to my childhood.”
While a fourth said: “I freaking love your mom!!! I’m 52 and she’s been on my Playlist for 32 of those years!!! She’s amazing!!! So cool she’s your mom!!”
The singer was also known for her wide beaming smileCredit: GettyHer voice has also been heard on several iconic film soundtracks including Eddie Murphy‘s BoomeranCredit: Getty
Shanice’s 1993 song Saving Forever for You reached number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 Chart.
In 1999 she went onto release When I Close My Eyes which peaked at number 12 on the Billboard hot 100.
KATIE Price has revealed the real reason she is refusing to go back to Dubai – and it has nothing to do with her marriage to Lee Andrews.
The mum-of-five landed back in the UK last week after spending some more time with the self-proclaimed billionaire businessman at his home in the UAE.
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Katie Price has revealed the real reason she won’t go back to Dubai – and it has nothing to do with her marriageCredit: ITVShe has suggested Lee is currently missing in Dubai amid concerns for his whereaboutsCredit: wesleeeandrews/instagram
But now she has revealed she has no plans to return to Dubai – especially after hubby Lee confirmed he would be coming to the UK but failed to show up.
Now, amid a mystery relating to his current whereabouts, with Katie yesterday confirming she had not heard from him in three days and suggested he’d been kidnapped after he claimed to be in the back of a van with his hands tied up, she has revealed the real reason she would not return to Dubai.
And despite her looming marital woes, the answer is all connection to Katie’s work.
She revealed she wants to remain in the UK in order to produce content for her OnlyFans page and safely distribute it and engage with her followers on the platform.
Katie wants to continue to work on OnlyFans – something banned in the strict nation of the UAECredit: GettyShe has only spent time with Lee in the Middle EastCredit: wesleeeandrews/instagram
Posting on the adults-only site is believed to be Katie’s primary source of income – after years of being belaguered with money problems.
Speaking in a YouTube video, Katie said: “I am glad to be back [in the UK].
“When I am out there, I cannot do my OnlyFans.
“I can’t do it when I am in the country there, so I can only do it here.”
She also further revealed how she was also able to produce better quality YouTube content in the UK with her cameraman Ben who does not accompany her to Dubai.
Her YouTube channel is also understood to net Katie a decent sum.
As a result of laws in the United Arab Emeriates, Katie is banned from using OnlyFans.
Whilst the website itself isn’t explicitly banned per se, it can likely only be accessed via a VPN,
Furthermore, in the UAE, the creation, distribution, and promotion of adult content is forbidden by law as a result of the country’s strict policies.
Anyone found to be creating adult content in the country and distributing it can face punishments of lengthy prison stints or a whopping fine of around £102,000.
Despite this, Lee set up his own OnlyFans content and teased raunchy content on the site – despite already claiming to have billions in the back and the laws regarding the matter in the Middle East country.
Katie has had a turbulent weekend after she admitted she had failed to be in touch with Lee for a number of days.
The star insisted he is a “missing person” now and revealed the last time she spoke to him, he had “ties around his hand and was in a van” with a “hood over his head”.
Katie said: “I don’t know where to really begin, but I know there is all this speculation about Lee when I met him but something really serious has happened.
BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Alan Titchmarsh has opened up about the “drastic change” of swapping his Hampshire home for a new property in Surrey with wife Alison
08:23, 17 May 2026Updated 08:30, 17 May 2026
Alan Titchmarsh has opened up about a ‘dramatic change’ with his wife Alison(Image: Getty)
For Alan, this marks just the fourth house move in half a century of married life. The decision to “downsize” came naturally as their daughters have now flown the nest.
The gardening legend has also been mulling over the “planting scheme” for his new outdoor space, which currently boasts a Mediterranean vibe. Alan acknowledges that when tackling a new garden, it’s tempting to opt for minor “tweaks” rather than bold transformations.
Yet the horticultural expert concedes that occasionally it’s “good for us all” to recognise when your plot demands more substantial intervention.
He elaborated: “It’s all too easy, as a gardener schooled in the vital attributes of patience, to value the slowly developing scene in front of one and to resist dramatic changes preferring, instead to do a little tweak here, and adjustment to the planting scheme there. But every now and then it does us good to make a more dramatic change.”
Alan quipped that he wasn’t telling readers to up sticks and relocate, but rather to tackle those neglected corners of their gardens that, “in their heart of hearts” they know they “turn a blind eye to”.
While these spots may no longer “give you joy,” Alan acknowledges it’s tempting to “turn a blind eye” and put things off, reports the Express.
The former Gardeners’ World host has previously likened his plot to a “classic English cottage garden” brimming with “nooks and crannies and beds and borders”. Though he described the woodland encircling the property as being “like a jungle”.
In a past issue of BBC Gardeners’ World magazine, Alan wrote: “Having just taken on an acre of woodland on acid soil, I have the daunting task of rejuvenating a plantation that was established some 50 years ago and which, for perhaps the last 10 years, has ‘got away’.
“Lovely express that: the implication that the plants have yielded to no one in their ability to romp ever upwards to the light, elbowing weaker specimens out of the way. The result? An impenetrable thicket.”
Alan nevertheless confessed he was “excited” to tackle the “once-attractive woodland garden”. Beyond the trees, it boasts an artificial stream bed and a pond “half-filled with water, leaves and that rampant coloniser of damp earth”.
The beloved TV presenter is back on our screens from 9.30am today on ITV One with Alan Titchmarsh’s Love Your Weekend. Joining him will be actor Neil Stuke and actress-singer Marisha Wallace, while florist Jonathan Moseley will be celebrating the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Maura Higgins has asked a former Strictly Come Dancing pro for help trainingCredit: GettyShe asked former Strictly pro Karen Hauer to help her train for the US version of the showCredit: BBC
Maura is walking away from Love Island USACredit: GettyKaren was axed from Strictly this yearCredit: BBC
Earlier this year Maura, 35, lost out in the final of the US version of The Traitors.
We revealed this week how Maura is walking away from Love IslandUSA.
She revealed that she’s ready for a fresh start after three years.
Speaking to Vulture about whether fans would see her back on screens this summer, she said: “You won’t. I’ve done it for three years, and they’ll always be family to me, but I think it’s time to try something different.
“I’ve got amazing opportunities coming in the door.
“I think it’s time to say good-bye. But you know what? I won’t say forever.”
LOVE Island stars Whitney Adebayo and Yamen Sanders have split after five months.
The pair found love in the ITV All Stars villa in South Africa in January – finishing in fifth place.
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Whitney Adebayo and Yamen Sanders have split after five monthsCredit: InstagramThe pair found love in the ITV All Stars villa in South AfricaCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
However, rumours have swirled of their break-up after the couple were navigating a long-distance relationship.
The singer, whose real name is Darina Yotova, said at a press conference after her win: “I want to thank my husband, because he was the one to push me to come to Eurovision.
Because in the beginning I was not sure if I want to come or not, because I had anxiety and doubt with myself, and he was the one that he just pushed me, and he was like, ‘you need to go right now to Eurovision, right now, pick up your phone tell them you’re going’.”
The UK has received no points from the public vote for the fourth year in a row with the song Eins, Zwei, Drei.
23:58, 16 May 2026Updated 01:05, 17 May 2026
Bulgaria topped the Eurovision leaderboard but the UK was last
The UK was humiliated at the Eurovision Song Contest coming dead last with just one point. The UK has received no points from the public vote for the fourth year in a row at the 2026 final of the Eurovision Song Contest, leaving it in last place.
Look Mum No Computer, whose real name Sam Battle, picked up one point from the jury votes and zero from the public tonight with the song Eins, Zwei, Drei. Three previous UK acts – Remember Monday, Olly Alexander and Mae Muller – also received zero points from the public vote.
Some viewers were fuming with one saying: “SURELY it’s time for the BBC Eurovision team to be overhauled. Enough is enough. Why do we partake just to get 0 televotes every year. Viewers expect UK to be last or thereabouts every time because of the poor reputation the BBC has built up over the years.”
Another wrote: “The UK is home to some of history’s greatest songwriters… Queen, The Beatles, Adele, David Bowie, Elton John, Amy Winehouse, Phil Collins, George Michael, countless others. So why can we never do that heritage proud at Eurovision?”
The UK gave its 12 points to France in the jury vote of the Eurovision 2026 grand final. The result, presented by Strictly Come Dancing star La Voix, also saw Bulgaria awarded 10 points, Czechia awarded eight and Ukraine given seven.
Bulgaria’s Dara won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song Bangaranga, finishing with 516 points, ahead of Israel’s Noam Bettan, with the song Michelle, on 343 points. Romania’s Alexandra Capitanescu, with the song Choke Me, finished third.
Dara said after winning: “I still don’t know what is going on, I want to thank all of the juries who gave us those points, we tried to give our best and I know every artist in this room is special and I got inspired by everybody… y’all amazing.”
UK act Look Mum No Computer appeared to have been ready for a low score, insisting before the competition that he was not worried. The YouTuber, 37, whose real name is Sam Battle, performed the song Eins, Zwei, Drei.
Asked if he has a fear of scoring nothing, he said: “No, in fact, there’s a T-shirt that I’m dreaming of saying, ‘Look Mum, No Points’ There’s an outcome where there’s still fun to be had, even if there is nul points.”
THE UK suffered yet another crushing Eurovision Song Contest defeat in tonight’s grand final.
Look Mum No Computer’s Sam Battle took to the stage to perform his bonkers entry titled Eins, Zwei, Drei.
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Look Mum No Computer’s Sam Battle finished at the bottom of the leaderboardCredit: AFPBulgaria secured the big win with pop singer’s Dara landing in top spotCredit: Getty
But it sadly wasn’t enough to win over the voters – landing just one point from the jury and zero points from the public, placing him in bottom spot.
The competition was won by Bulgaria after 25 acts battled it out on stage in Vienna, Austria at the Wiener Stadthalle.
Sam performed his upbeat hit, which was one of our most unconventional songs ever.
Last year’s UK entry – Remember Monday – finished in 19th place after performing What The Hell Just Happened? – landing zero points from the public.
Dara pipped Israel to take home the trophy for the 70th EurovisionCredit: ReutersSam divided fans with his performance tonightCredit: AFPDelta Goodrem blew fans away with her performance of EclipseCredit: ReutersIsrael’s Noam Bettan finished in second spotCredit: Getty
Pop star Dara’s high-energy song Bangaranga secured her the win.
Singer Dara came just ahead of Israel in the world’s biggest music competition, with an estimated audience of 160million.
Bulgaria’s best result is a second-place finish with Beautiful Mess performed by Kristian Kostov at the 2017 contest in Kyiv.
Dara performed a high pace dance routine while belting out her catchy tune in sync with her back-up dancers.
Strictly star La Voix was the United Kingdom’s very first Eurovision ‘spokesqueen’, and delivered the results of the UK’s National Jury live from Salford.
In an exclusive interview before tonight’s final, Sam said: “There are gonna be people that don’t like the UK for the sake of it being the UK, but that’s the way it is. We can’t change that.
“So we’ve just got to crack on. Keep calm and carry on.”
Due to its German title and lyrics about being “sick of munching roly-poly with custard” — and about how pounds “feel counterfeit” and needing “some euros to counter it” — some have interpreted it as an apology for Brexit.
He is also known for his madcap inventions — such as an organ made from Furbies and a synthesiser-equipped bike — which he shares with 721,000 YouTube subscribers.
Sam, 37, was picked for Eurovision by the BBC at the start of the year having made a name for himself by touring across Europe.
Sam recently admitted to The Sun that his song is like “marmite” and Eurovision fans couldn’t have agreed more.
One viewer wrote: “I can confidently say that the UK won’t be winning this year.”
A second posted: “What the hell was that UK Eurovision entry, looked like they picked the act out a pub raffle.”
A third echoed: “UK every year I think you can get any lower but this time I think you managed to do it.”
During tonight’s competition Israeli singer Noam Bettan performed their song Michelle.
At the start of tonight’s show, Graham Norton mentioned the five countries that had withdrawn from the competition.
He also noted that there was a “mixed response” in the hall, adding: “I’m not quite sure what we’re hearing”.
The crowd then booed when Israel’s entry was awarded a huge public vote – landing then in second spot.
Israel’s participation in the singing competition had sparked controversy.
The Eurovision walkouts followed the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) general assembly in Geneva on December 4, 2025.
EBU members voted on new rules to tighten voting and promotion guidelines, but did not put Israel’s participation itself to a separate vote – meaning Israeli broadcaster KAN was cleared to compete.
The boycotters have cited the war in Gaza and concerns over the integrity of recent contests.
Spain was the first of the contest’s Big Five broadcasters – the five biggest financial contributors – to officially confirm it was boycotting Eurovision.
THE glitter has settled, the nerve-shredding votes are in, and Europe has crowned its brand-new pop royalty for 2026.
In a night packed with spectacular high notes, outrageous outfits, and the usual dose of nail-biting voting drama, one country managed to come out on top.
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The Grand Final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest has come to an endCredit: AP
Whether your favourite act walked away with the grand prize or suffered the absolute dread of the infamous ‘nul points’ the night has not been short of entertainment.
Here is everything you need to know about who won Eurovision, how they managed to pull off the ultimate musical heist, and where the world’s biggest party is heading next year!
Who won Eurovision 2026?
Lifting the iconic glass microphone trophy for 2026 was Bulgaria.
The country came through at the last moment to smash its competitors out of the water on 516 points.
After hearing the result, Dara performed her song Bangaranga for a second time before lifting the iconic glass trophy.
It’s also the first time Bulgaria has ever won the contest.
DARA representing Bulgaria with the song Bangaranga was the winner of the 2026 Eurovision Song ContestCredit: Getty
The UK suffered yet another crushing defeat in tonight’s grand final as Look Mum No Computer’s Sam Battle sadly didn’t do enough to win over the voters.
He ended up with just one point from the jury and zero points from the public, placing him in the bottom spot.
Here is the breakdown of tonight’s votes in full:
JURY VOTES
Bulgaria: 204
Australia: 165
Denmark: 165
France: 144
Finland: 141
Italy: 134
Poland: 133
Israel: 123
Norway: 115
Czechia: 104
Malta: 81
Greece: 73
Romania: 64
Albania: 60
Ukraine: 54
Croatia: 53
Moldova: 43
Cyprus: 41
Serbia: 38
Belgium: 36
Sweden: 35
Germany: 12
Lithuania: 10
United Kingdom: 1
Austria: 1
AUDIENCE VOTES
Bulgaria: 312
Romania: 232
Israel: 220
Moldova: 183
Ukraine: 167
Greece: 147
Italy: 147
Finland: 138
Australia: 122
Albania: 85
Denmark: 78
Croatia: 71
Serbia: 52
Cyprus: 34
Norway: 19
Poland: 17
Sweden: 16
France: 14
Lithuania: 12
Czechia: 9
Malta: 8
Austria: 5
United Kingdom: 0
Germany: 0
Belgium: 0
FINAL RESULTS IN FULL
Bulgaria: 516
Israel: 343
Romania: 296
Australia: 287
Italy: 281
Finland: 279
Denmark: 243
Moldova: 226
Ukraine: 221
Greece: 220
France: 158
Poland: 150
Albania: 145
Norway: 134
Croatia: 124
Czechia: 113
Serbia: 90
Malta: 89
Cyprus: 75
Sweden: 51
Belgium: 36
Lithuania: 22
Germany: 12
Austria: 6
United Kingdom: 1
How was the winner decided?
Countries are unable to vote for themselves, but may vote for countries they consider friends.
This may be because the countries are close geographically, or if the nations have historical links, which could be culturally or in political terms.
The contest has been eager to avoid links to politics, with a view to avoiding bias.
The votes are split between public votes and national juries, often with celebrities from the various countries appearing to confirm where the juries have given their points.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and Strictly star, La Voix, announced the UK’s results.
Who will host Eurovision in 2027?
The victorious nation is handed the honour of hosting the following year’s competition.
That means, thanks to Dara’s success this year, Bulgaria will have the chance to welcome all the other competing countries in 2027.
PARIS Fury has revealed why Tommy Fury wasn’t at Venezuela’s wedding after his pregnant fiancée Molly-Mae Hague flew to the venue by private jet.
The proud mother-of-the-bride showered Molly, 26, with praise for going above and beyond to make it to Venezuela’s big day, while Tommy was nowhere to be seen.
Paris Fury said she was very impressed by Molly, who travelled by private jet to the weddingCredit: SplashBambi was one of Venezuela’s bridesmaids for the big dayCredit: Splash
Molly, who is heavily pregnant with her second child, was seen stepping onto the runway with her daughter Bambi, 3, and sister Zoe Rae.
The extravagant soiree is taking place at The Comis Hotel and Resort on the outskirts of Douglas, Isle of Man.
In awe of Molly, Paris told The Sun: “She is incredible. She is being fully supportive, and she is bringing Bambi over, so that Bambi could be a bridesmaid with the kids.
“But I have got to throw her props. She is making that journey while heavily pregnant and I wouldn’t have been able to face that while I was at her term of pregnancy.
Venezuela said ‘I do’ to her husband Noah Price, on the Isle of ManCredit: PP.Molly-Mae’s fiancé, Tommy Fury wasn’t able to join the wedding celebrationsCredit: Splash
“It’s very good,” Paris added.
Molly’s fiancé, Tommy, 27, Tyson’s younger brother, wasn’t able to join in the festivities.
Tommy, who Molly met on the reality TV hit in 2019, had to stay in Manchester for his boxing training camp.
She says: “I’m very glad that they are coming. It means a lot. It’s a big journey for anyone to come from home to here.
Venezuela with husband Noah Price, in a custom-made bridal gownCredit: PP.Molly-Mae and Tommy are expecting their second babyCredit: mollymae/Instagram
“It’s lovely that they are making the effort. It’s lovely that Bambi and the other little girls all get to be bridesmaids. They are all cousins and it’s sweet that they‘ll make memories together.”
Bambi is one of 13 of the child bridesmaids, including Venezuela’s little sisters Valencia, eight, and Athena, including four of Noah’s cousins, and family members, as well as five grown up bridesmaids.
Venezuela revealed: “I chose powder blue cupcake dresses for the little ones, they’re really cute, and fitted gowns for my friends.”
Paris said: “Evangeline Designs in Liverpool made the bridesmaid dresses and every day there it was like, ‘There’s a new little dress, there’s a new dress there’s a new dress, because we ended up having a few extra little bridesmaids’.
“They’re wearing flowers in their hair.”
Paris revealed: “We found £120 shoes for the little ones, and the only shoes we found in the right shade of blue for the women were stunning shoes that were £13 from Shein.”
Paris stored all the wedding party outfits in a specially allocated wedding room in the basement of their home.
Paris and Venezuela thoughtfully put together goodie bags, which included diamante Primark flip flops, matching pyjamas, a hairbrush, sweets, Doll beauty make up and a “little dolly” for each of the younger bridesmaids.
And it wasn’t just the women who dazzled on Venezuela’s big day. The men were looking just as dapper.
“The men are in black tuxedos, Tyson too and Noah is in an ivory tuxedo. Noah picked it,” Paris said.
“Collecting everything wasn’t easy. I felt like I was doing circles on ferries with carloads.”
The Eurovision Song Consest has closed out its milestone seventieth year as another winner of the international competition has been confirmed after a close call
00:04, 17 May 2026Updated 00:17, 17 May 2026
Bulgaria has won the Eurovision Song Contest(Image: Jessica Gow/TT/Shutterstock)
Bulgaria has won the Eurovision Song Contest. Singer DARA, 27, had been representing the country with Bangaranga and managed to reign supreme in the international competition by accumulating 516 points in total.
To cheers from around the stadium in Vienna, she then performed the track once again to close out the contest, and, in the process, confirming that it will all take place in Bulgaria next year. Just moments before her big win, DARA admitted: “Honey, I still do not know what’s going on.
“I want to thank everyone who gave us those points, we really tried to give our best. Thank you so much for the whole show.”
Last year’s winner, JJ, then presented the trophy as he screamed: “Oh my god, I love you, congratulations girl!” It all got tense in the last few moments as it was either going to be Israel or Bulgaria but, in the end, Bulgaria stormed ahead with having been awarded an incredible amount of points.
Things didn’t end so well for the United Kingdom as Look Mum No Computer crashed out of the competition with just one point.
The YouTuber, whose real name Sam Battle, picked up one point from the jury votes and zero from the public tonight. Three previous acts – Remember Monday, Olly Alexander and Mae Muller – also received zero points from the public vote.
The UK gave its 12 points to France in the jury vote of the Eurovision 2026 grand final. The result, presented by Strictly Come Dancing star La Voix, also saw Bulgaria awarded 10 points, Czechia awarded eight and Ukraine given seven.
The social media star was fairly optimistic just hours beforehand, but it just wasn’t to be. Asked if he has a fear of scoring nothing, he said: “No, in fact, there’s a T-shirt that I’m dreaming of saying, ‘Look Mum, No Points’ There’s an outcome where there’s still fun to be had, even if there is nul points.”
Sam admitted that while it was a “very risky” track to put forward to represent the nation, he is confident that he has put a lot of effort into making it right for the big night.
Speaking to The Sun, he added: “It’s got a good ring to it, even though I have a feeling in my crystal ball, I might be wrong — and don’t hold me to this — I do think we’re gonna get points.
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