stars

‘Gutted’ Celebrity Hunted stars forced to leave Channel 4 series immediately

The Channel 4 challenge has said goodbye to two more celebrities

Two ‘gutted’ Celebrity Hunted stars have been forced to leave the hit show.

A new season of the Channel 4 programme is well underway, challenging a fresh group of stars to go on the run and hide from expert hunters.

The team of hunters is led by Ray Howard and they have a mixture of police and military backgrounds at their disposal. Ray’s agents are also allowed to use everything from CCTV to helicopters in their hunt for the famous faces.

Several contestants have already been captured, including stand-up comedian Jen Brister and actor Laura Smyth, as well as Love Island duo Chris Taylor and Toby Aromolaran.

And the hunters added two more victims to their list just minutes into Monday’s (August 24) episode. They caught disability advocates JJ Chalmers and Sophie Morgan following a heated car chase.

The duo originally tried to evade the hunters by driving away, but they eventually accepted defeat. Following their capture, Sophie admitted that she was “sad” but still spoke highly of her experience.

Sophie said: “I’m gutted we got caught. We did really well and we just slipped up at the end. Not because of our disabilities.

“If anything, I think it aided us at times. I think it’s been a really lovely experience to just feel [like] disability doesn’t always get in the way.”

JJ also reflected on the challenge fondly, adding: “What I take away from this, more than anything, will just be the kindness of strangers. If you ever doubted that there was goodness in the world, there is more good in this place than there is bad.”

But viewers at home have been left divided by the pair’s eviction.

Some felt they gave up too easily, with one X user posting: “Why didn’t JJ Chalmers and Sophie Morgan just lock the car doors and stay inside the car when the hunter reached the car door? They could have avoided capture yet. #CelebrityHunted.”

Meanwhile, others praised their decision to forfeit: “Sensible decision by JJ and Sophie. They weren’t going to win in a car chase. Well played though. Lovely people. #Hunted #CelebrityHunted.”

Following the latest capture, there are five fugitives still at large including father-daughter duo Brian and Lucy Conley, Strictly’s Amy Dowden MBE and Carlos Gu, as well as lone wolf Scarlette Douglas.

Celebrity Hunted is available to stream on Channel 4.

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Coronation Street stars ‘didn’t drink water for two days’ ahead of naked scenes

In 2013, Coronation Street aired a dramatic episode which saw some of the residents take part in a Full Monty-style striptease and now one former star has revealed the lengths some actors went to on set

One former Coronation Street actor has recalled the great lengths his co-stars went to to appear in a set of scenes inspired by The Full Monty.

In 2013, the world’s longest-running TV soap aired a dramatic episode which saw the famed Rovers Return Inn go up in flames, but, as it was all going on, some of the Weatherfield lads, including Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas) and Karl Munro (John Michie), had been approached to do a striptease as a fundraiser nearby at Nick’s Bistro.

Now, Tony Hirst, who played fireman Paul Kershaw, has recalled that some of his co-stars “stopped drinking water” and hit the gym in a bid to look as in shape as possible.

“I remember doing a Full Monty style scene on Coronation Street where we had to be naked,” he began.

“Some of the younger lads purposefully didn’t drink water for two days beforehand so they wouldn’t be bloated, and others were in the gym, trying to look as buff as possible,” he told The Sun.

Just before the striptease reached its finale, Norris Cole burst in to tell everyone that the pub was on fire.

At the time, the Rovers Return was owned by Stella Price, who was played by EastEnders star Michelle Collins, and Karl was her former partner whom she had thrown out after discovering he had had an affair with Sunita Alahan (Shoba Gulati). She then struck up a relationship with Jason, and tried to frame him by setting the pub ablaze in an attempt to win Stella back.

The blaze resulted in the deaths of Sunita as well as Paul’s colleague Toni Griffiths, and Karl was later sentenced to 25 years in prison for his crimes.

Meanwhile, actor Tony Hirst was first introduced to Coronation Street during the soap’s 50th anniversary in December 2010 and was on the scene when an an explosion destroyed the viaduct and caused a tram to come crashing down onto the backstreet.

Almost a year later, he returned to help Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) when she got her head stuck in some railings at Underworld factory and quickly became a love interest for him.

It soon transpired that he was actually married to a woman named Lesley (Judy Holt), but she had Alzheimer’s and despite Eileen’s best efforts to look after her, she electrocuted herself when she put a toaster under a running tap.

Following Lesley’s death, Paul and Eileen continued their relationship for more than a year but they called it quits in August 2013 and he departed Weatherfield for good.

Prior to his stint on Coronation Street, Tony played Mike Barnes on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks. Over the course of his career, he has appeared in Casualty, Holby City and Brassic.

Last year, he played the recurring role of Jerry in Riot Women and also narrates a host of programmes such as How It’s Made and Benefits Street. The soap star recently confirmed that he is now filming new episodes of mystery crime drama Patience for Channel 4.

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Pentagon fires Stars and Stripes editor-in-chief, publisher, reporter

Stars and Stripes, the U.S. military newspaper founded in 1861, lost its editor-in-chief, publisher and Middle East reporter to firings Friday for what the Pentagon described as insubordination. File Photo by Sgt. Brendan Mackie/U.S. Army National Guard

Aug. 21 (UPI) — The Pentagon has fired the publisher, editor-in-chief and Middle East reporter of the venerable military newspaper Stars and Stripes, the publication reported Friday.

Editor-in-chief Erik Slavin, publisher Max Lederer Jr. and civilian reporter Lara Korte, who covers the Middle East, have all received termination notices, a Pentagon source confirmed to the newspaper.

Despite being part of the Department of Defense, Stars and Stripes has long maintained editorial independence from the top leaders but it has faced pressure under the administration of President Donald Trump, whose defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has repeatedly clashed with media covering the Pentagon.

Slavin said he was fired for insubordination after telling CBS News last month that he would regard any attempt by the Pentagon to interfere with Stars and Stripes’ editorial independence as a “red line.”

Asked in an interview if he had any “red lines” in his mind when it came to censorship, Slavin answered, “Yes, I do,” and gave as an example, “Well, don’t run a perfectly accurate story. Run this instead. Here it is.”

On Friday, Slavin issued a statement to the newspaper saying, “I stand by the principle that Stars and Stripes must remain editorially independent, as required by law and by the department’s own policies.”

During the same interview, Korte said, “I’m working for Stars and Stripes, not for the Pentagon, not for any administration, not for any policy maker. I’m here to cover the military community.”

Korte said Friday she was informed that she, too, had been fired for insubordination due to her remarks in the interview.

“I consider it a great privilege to live alongside members of the military and share their stories. It’s a shame for the institution and service members, who swore to defend the Constitution and deserve the right to a free and independent press,” she said.

Lederer, who announced his retirement on Tuesday, was fired after more than 30 years of working for the paper.

Capt. William Urban, the military deputy to Lederer, didn’t directly address the terminations in an “open letter to stakeholders” published in Stars and Stripes on Friday, but rather spoke of increasing its readership through digital strategies.

“We may never be able to have the same impact for our service members digitally that our paper had during World War II in a vastly different media environment, but I also believe that we can do better — that we must do better for our most important constituency, the men and women who make up the U.S. Armed Forces,” he wrote.

“My vision for the future of Stars and Stripes is simple: More eyeballs on our content and more impact on our service members while maintaining the highest standard of professional journalism with the credibility that comes with editorial independence.”

Stars and Stripes’ independence first appeared to come into the administration’s crosshairs in January when Sean Parnell, chief Pentagon spokesman and a senior advisor to Hegseth, said the department was aiming to bring it “into the 21st century.

“We will modernize its operations, refocus its content away from woke distractions that syphon morale, and adapt it to serve a new generation of service members.”

The firing of its leadership elicited alarm from journalists.

National Press Club President Mark Schoeff Jr. called the moves “another brazen attempt by the Pentagon to dictate coverage of the military and should be immediately reversed.”

He cited the April firing of the the newspaper’s ombudsman, a role “established and charged by Congress to provide independent oversight and protect the paper’s editorial integrity,” and a March memo that imposed content restrictions and tightened the Pentagon’s oversight of the newsroom.

“Firing a newspaper editor after he publicly defended his newsroom’s editorial independence is deeply troubling, and it should concern every journalist and every member of the U.S. military who depends on independent reporting,” Schoeff added.

“This is an assault on the fundamental principle that journalists must be free to report the news without fear of retaliation from the government officials they cover,” he said. “The Pentagon must reaffirm that principle and make clear that Stars and Stripes journalists will not be punished for doing their jobs.”

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Stars and Stripes editor says he has been fired for insubordination after doing interview

The Pentagon on Friday fired the editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes, as well as its publisher and a reporter, the editor said. He said he was dismissed for insubordination after an interview he gave that objected to potential censorship by the U.S. military.

Erik Slavin, editor-in-chief of the military newspaper that is partly funded by the Pentagon but has a long legacy of editorial independence, told The Associated Press that he and the others had received notices of separation.

The moves come at a time when the Trump administration, in its second term, has been increasingly aggressive and combative toward the news media — including sharply curtailing Pentagon access for the press corps that covers the Defense Department. Trump or other parts of the executive branch have also, in policy and in the courts, grappled with the Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press and The New York Times — in addition to using the FCC to target broadcast networks.

Slavin said he was being fired “for stating in a CBS interview that hypothetical censorship of news for service members would constitute a red line.” He said he stands by the principle “that Stars and Stripes must remain editorially independent.”

Earlier this week, publisher Max Lederer announced his retirement effective at the end of September. He too received a separation notice, according to Slavin, as did Middle East reporter Lara Korte, who was cited for the same CBS interview as Slavin. Neither Lederer nor Korte immediately responded to requests for comment.

Lederer made his announcement a few weeks after the Pentagon installed a new deputy publisher, an active duty service member, under Lederer at the newspaper without his prior knowledge. Three Democratic senators on Thursday wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, asking why the new deputy — Navy Capt. William Urban — had been installed.

It was unclear whether Urban would now become the new publisher. In an email message to the AP, Urban said, “I am currently the Military Deputy to the Publisher. I can’t comment on what my role will be in the future.”

The retirement of Lederer, who had been at Stars and Stripes for three decades and publisher since 2007, comes as Hegseth’s Pentagon moves to exert editorial control and eliminate what it asserts are “woke distractions.”

Lederer, the second full-time civilian in the position, wrote in a staff memo that it had “become clear that my philosophy of leadership, and my understanding of the value and mission of Stars and Stripes, differ in fundamental ways from the direction the leadership of the Department of Defense has for the organization.”

In April, the Pentagon fired Jacqueline Smith, ombudsman for the newspaper, whose job had been to safeguard editorial independence.

Noveck writes for the Associated Press.

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Myleene Klass stuns in sheer dress with lookalike daughters Hero, 15, and Ava, 19 at The Dog Stars premiere

TELLY star Myleene Klass looked sensational in a sheer dress as she was joined at The Dog Stars premiere on Thursday night by her two lookalike daughters.

The stunning Hear’Say star was spotted posing with her girls – Ava, 19, and 15-year-old Hero.

Myleene Klass cuddled up to her lookalike daughters Hero, 15 and Ava, 19 on the red carpet this week Credit: Getty
Myleene was seen stepping out for The Dog Stars premiere in London Credit: Splash

Myleene opted for a sleeveless white dress that flashed her legs and bum.

Meanwhile, her daughters went for polar opposite vibes with Hero donning a full length black gown and Ava in a backless cream number.

They cuddled up to their famous mum on the carpet last night and were seen smiling for the cameras.

Myleene shares the girls with her ex-husband Graham Quinn, whom she split from back in 2012.

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The 48-year-old later went on to have son Apollo, three, with her now fiancée Simon Motson.

Myleene met Simon in 2015 after being set up on a blind date by her pal.

They got engaged six years ago but are still yet to tie the knot.

Her daughter Ava is currently studying at University after winning a place at the Royal Academy of Music.

The TV presenter looked incredible in a sheer white gown Credit: Splash
Myleene and her ex-husband Graham split in 2012 Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Myleene previously said: “She [Ava] has done the piano for eight hours a day, she went to the Royal Academy of Music, she had to audition, they didn’t just say ‘Myleene Klass‘s daughter is showing up, give her a place’, she had to audition, and that’s the point.

“You could call my children nepo babies all day long but they can play Rachmaninoff concertos like the best of them.”

Myleene confessed last year that both her daughter have weekend jobs as she was keen to instill in them the importance of earning their own money.

The former Hear’Say singer added that she knows her kids are now equipped with the necessary skills to make their own way as adults.

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Jacob Elordi splashes £60,000 on hotel suite to impress girlfriend Kendall Jenner as he promotes new film The Dog Stars

BIG screen star Jacob Elordi booked a hotel’s £60,000-a-night penthouse to impress girlfriend Kendall Jenner.

The Wuthering Heights Heathcliff actor splashed out on the Claridge’s suite so she could “see the stars” sources said.

Jacob Elordi and Kendall Jenner seen at posh Italian restaurant Cipriani in London Credit: Goff
The actor secured the penthouse suite at Claridge’s, which is billed as the most expensive in London Credit: Claridges

Reality TV star Kendall, 30, joined Jacob, 29, for his whistlestop London visit as he promotes Ridley Scott’s new post apocalyptic thriller, The Dog Stars.

The pair were pictured out with his dad John at posh Italian restaurant Cipriani in London on Wednesday night.

Insiders said Australian Jacob secured the Mayfair suite, billed as the most expensive in London, for Kendall while he worked.

A source said: “Jacob is a proper romantic and he wanted Kendall to have that amazing view over London where you can see the stars.

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Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi seen cuddling up at Tokyo restaurant

Jacob splashed out on the suite at the posh London hotel to impress his new girlfriend Credit: Alamy
Kendall Jenner has been dating the actor since February Credit: Getty

“It costs £60,000 a night to stay there.

“But upgrading was worth the money.”

The couple arrived yesterday ahead of last night’s premiere in Leicester Square.

They started dating in February and have since been seen on a number of double dates with Kendall’s sister, Kylie, and her boyfriend, film star Timothee Chalamet.

Jacob at The Dog Stars world premiere in London Credit: PA
Jacob is said to have wanted Kendall to have an ‘amazing view over London’ Credit: Getty

Jacob was photographed at the premiere with co-stars, including Josh Brolin and Margaret Qualley.

The Dog Stars is released next Friday.

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Netflix Monster Ed Gein star’s ‘bizarre’ new series with surprise reunion

An acclaimed crime drama is returning but not in a way fans expect

The ‘most compelling drama ever’ is making a comeback but not in the way you think.

Star of Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story Charlie Hunnam could end up reuniting with Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan for a brand new series inspired by their most beloved characters.

According to Variety, Hunnam, who is set to appear in the streamer’s next instalment of the true crime anthology as Lizzie Borden’s father, is returning to one of his most popular roles. Reports claim that US network FX has ordered a limited series called Legends.

Not to be confused with the other Netflix show of the same name, this will see Hunnam appear alongside several of his Sons of Anarchy castmates, more than 10 years after its final episode.

However, it is not a prequel nor straight forward spin-off. Instead, it will see the stars play fictionalised versions of themselves.

The story will see the cast of Sons of Anarchy reunite at a fan convention for the first time and see the line between life and art blurs, as the fractured brotherhood finds itself up against a real-world threat more dangerous than anything they ever faced in their show.

So far, the confirmed cast set to appear include Hunnam (Jax), Ron Perlman (Clay), Katey Sagal (Gemma), Maggie Siff (Tara), Mark Boone Junior (Bobby), Tommy Flanagan (Chibs), Kim Coates (Tig), and Theo Rossi (Juice).

Many fans have immediately compared the new show’s premise to sci-fi cult hit Galaxy Quest. In that film, Tim Allen teamed up with Alan Rickman as actors who used to star in a Star Trek-like series together.

They then get mistaken for a real life space travelling crew by aliens who recruit them to save them from a dangerous warlord.

Hunnam has developed the show himself alongside with Jonathan Groff (the writer behind Black-ish and How I Met Your Mother, not the musical actor). It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’s Rob Mac is also listed as an executive producer.

It’s been described by the network as “a love letter to the series and a fun meta twist on what fans think they know.”

The original Sons Of Anarchy series was created and largely written by Kurt Sutter. It ran for seven seasons across six years. It boasts an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been described by fans as “one of the most compelling dramas ever made”.

It is not yet known if any other former cast members will feature, whether as guest stars or cameos. However, fans are already shared their hope that Taylor Sheridan, now well known as the creator of Yellowstone and its spin-offs, will appear.

Sheridan played Deputy Chief David Hale in the first three seasons. He was the local police’s second-in-command and a no-nonsense cop who grew up with Jax, Tara, Opie, and Donna but often came up against them.

A fan even joked that Sheridan could play the antagonist in this new series. Some have shared their confusion at the concept, while still admitting excitement.

One said: “No clue what’s going on here, but they already have my viewership.” Another added: “I’m incredibly confused by the premise but I’ll be tuning in!”

Even those that are not familiar with Sons of Anarchy have confessed they are on board. One person posted on social media: “Never watched Sons Of Anarchy but this is so meta and bizarre, I kind of love it.”

Sons of Anarchy is streaming on Disney+

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Jet2 adds Spain spot for villas in area movie stars love – it’s not the Balearics or Andalucia

Locals often spot celebrity visitors such as the Mad Max star Mel Gibson and Dangerous Liaisons actor John Malkovich

Jet2Villas is offering holidaymakers a fresh way to explore Spain. The popular airline has added a new region of Spain to its Jet2Villas portfolio – in an area more and more Brits are heading to instead of Andalucia and the Canary Islands.

The area Jet2 is expanding to is popular with Hollywood film celebrities, who have been spotted in local restaurants. Stars such as Mel Gibson and John Malkovich have stayed in the region on more than one occasion – and it’s becoming increasingly popular with Brits as an alternative to spots like the Balearics.

Jet2Villas announced today that it has added Galicia to its programme for the very first time. The northern Spanish region has joined the Jet2Villas portfolio, as the Which? Recommended Provider continues to broaden its villa holiday range in response to increasing demand.

Situated on Spain’s north-west coast, Galicia is celebrated for its lush landscapes, Atlantic shoreline, beaches and fishing villages, as well as cities such as Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña and Vigo. The region is also well-known for its seafood and culinary delights.

Its blend of coastline, countryside, culture and cuisine makes Galicia ideally suited to families, groups and couples seeking a more independent villa break and the opportunity to experience a different side of Spain, away from the country’s more traditional resort hotspots.

The area is steadily growing in popularity. Last year, travel journalist Simon Calder explored the region’s appeal for the Independent. He spoke to Jessica Harvey Taylor, head of press for the Spanish Tourist Office in the UK, who said: “Obviously we’re well aware that the vast majority of our UK holidaymakers are still visiting our five most popular regions: Valencia, Andalucia, Catalonia, and then our islands, the Balearics and the Canaries.

“But it’s very encouraging to see that there’s increased appetite in our northern regions, namely Galicia, Asturias and the Basque country. I think there are multiple reasons. Obviously climate plays a part and not everybody wants the extreme heat that we’ve seen in recent years in the southern Med.

“But there’s much more to it than that. Increasingly, the UK public is realising that they can supplement a beach holiday with something a little bit more adventurous.”

Hollywood legend Mel Gibson, one of the biggest and best-paid actors of the 1990s, has a soft spot for Spain’s northern towns. El Pais reports that the Mad Max star has been spotted dining at a local restaurant in A Fonsagrada in Lugo, and later in Santiago de Compostela, where he took in the cathedral and stayed at the historic Hostal dos Reis Católicos. John Malkovich is a regular visitor to Ponte Maceira, Costa da Morte and A Coruña, the Spanish newspaper revealed.

In the spring of 2019, he returned once more and enjoyed a meal at restaurant Casa Salvador in A Baña alongside Spanish actress Marisa Paredes. The addition of Galicia forms part of a broader expansion which has seen Jet2Villas add more than 1,000 new properties to its portfolio for Summer 26, bringing the total number of available villas to over 4,000 across more than 52 destinations.

The airline says its villa holidays can offer travellers private pools and outdoor space, multiple bedrooms and generous shared living areas, making them ideally suited to families holidaying together, multi-generational groups and gatherings of friends. Jet2Villas has recorded its highest ever number of villa bookings for a summer season, with over 100,000 customers and counting, highlighting the enduring demand from families and groups for holidays offering the convenience of a package holiday combined with the space, privacy and flexibility of a villa break.

David Hills, Chief Customer Officer of Jet2, said: “We’re delighted to introduce Galicia to Jet2Villas for the first time, giving customers even more choice when it comes to villa holidays in Spain. With more than 1,000 new villas added to the collection and a record number of villa customers for Summer 26, we’re continuing to grow our programme in response to strong demand.”

The Xunta De Galicia tourist information website outlines a host of reasons why visitors might be tempted to head there. It says “Miles of coastline, fine sandy beaches, small fishing ports and outstanding gastronomy make the Rías Baixas one of the favourite destinations for travellers looking to combine nature, culture and the sea.

“A journey through the O Grove Peninsula, the Illa de Arousa or the Muros and Noia estuaries reveals sheltered coves, scenic waterfront walks and viewpoints overlooking breathtaking landscapes. After a day at the beach, there’s nothing better than enjoying fresh seafood and fish by the sea, paired with one of Galicia’s renowned wines with Designation of Origin.”

It also highlights that inland Galicia is home to the spectacular Ribeira Sacra, where the Sil and Miño rivers have carved deep canyons lined with centuries-old vineyards, historic monasteries and forests waiting to be explored.

For further information and to book, visit: www.jet2villas.com

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Witney Carson shares pregnancy news ahead of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ premiere

Witney Carson will be dancing for two on the upcoming season of “Dancing With the Stars.”

The professional ballroom dancer revealed her pregnancy Monday on “Good Morning America,” stating that although she’s excited for the experience, it is also “daunting.”

“I’ve never been this far along pregnant and competing on ‘Dancing With the Stars,’” said Carson. “I don’t know if it’s ever been done. So you guys will definitely see a big bump.”

The competitive dancer has two boys — 5-year-old Leo and 3-year-old Jet — with husband Carson McAllister. The two have been married since 2016.

The 32-year-old has competed on 15 seasons of the popular reality dance show. Last year, she took home the top prize alongside Australian conservationist Robert Irwin; in 2014, she took home her first Mirrorball Trophy alongside actor Alfonso Ribeiro.

In the coming season, Carson also revealed that she will hit the dance floor with comedian Guillermo Rodriguez, the Mexican talk show personality best known as a sidekick to Jimmy Kimmel on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

“It wasn’t on my bingo card to compete on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ and be four months pregnant, but I think that it’s a beautiful thing,” said Carson on “GMA.” “I want to feel empowered. I want to see what my body can do. And hopefully Guillermo could be right there beside me and we can work as a team.”

In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, the dancer revealed that she was “extremely sick” in her first trimester and “dropped out of things” that she had been contracted to participate in, but after discussing the matter with her husband as well as executive producer Deena Katz, she decided to continue with the competition.

Carson was first in the spotlight in 2012 during the ninth season of the Fox series “So You Think You Can Dance,” then joined the “Dancing With the Stars” troupe in 2013 for the 16th season. This summer, she made a special appearance as a guest judge on the spinoff series “Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro,” where 12 up-and-coming dancers compete for a pro-dancer spot on the popular main series.

Season 35 of “Dancing With the Stars” will premiere with a two-night episode on Sept. 15 and 16.

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Hayden Panettiere’s co-star says star’s ‘demons were too much’ as haunting line about ‘last breath’ in memoir revealed

HAYDEN Panettiere’s Nashville mum said the star’s “inner demons were too much to bear” as she broke her silence with a poignant tribute.

The beloved Heroes and Nashville actress was found “unresponsive” at a luxury Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday.

Sylvia Jefferies (L) posted a moving tribute to her Nashville daughter Hayden Panettiere’s (R) here on set with Paul McCrane Credit: @fouroscars/Instagram
Sylvia posted a series of messages from Hayden alongside the tribute Credit: @fouroscars/Instagram

Sylvia Jefferies, 57, who featured as Jolene Barnes, the mum of Hayden’s character Juliette, said her heart was “shattered” by the news.

In a post shared on social media she wrote: “I’ve had to take the day to let the idea that Hayden is not with us, wash over me. 


It comes as…

  • Tributes have been paid by Hollywood celebrities including Cruel Intentions actress Selma Blair and Sister Sister star Tia Mowry
  • In a heartbreaking final interview Hayden opened up about her struggles but declared: ‘I have a lot more life left to live’
  • Hayden’s tragic final post shows the actress smiling with close pal as she hailed ‘good times and good friends’
  • The star told fans to ‘be brave’in her last public appearance while promoting her new memoir

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“At times, Hayden was not easy to be around. I remember calling her a downright tornado. But she was our tornado.

“The sun that appears, the light mist that begins, the rain that gets heavier, the swirling of everything around her, and then the gentle tapering rain returns, along with the calm and sun and light in her eyes, and the giggle in her voice.

“She had an incredibly bright future ahead of her, although her inner demons were at times too much to bear.”

Hayden, who struggled with opioid and alcohol addiction, was described by 911 dispatchers as suffering from a cardiac arrest and suspected overdose.

Hayden was found unresponsive at a luxury Airbnb in South Carolina Credit: Getty
Sylvia featured as Jolene Barnes, the mum of Hayden’s character Juliette in NashvilleCredit: Refer to source

Narcan, a nasal spray used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, was found on the mattress of the apartment where she was staying, TMZ reported.

Authorities have not determined that an overdose caused Hayden’s death, and the coroner’s findings remain pending.

Sylvia’s moving tribute was posted alongside pictures of the pair on set as well as messages from Hayden that addressed her as “mama”.

She said the pair reconnected after she read Panettiere’s memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning and had “plans to see each other”.

“I was so proud of her for sharing the real Hayden, something that had to be excruciatingly painful for such a gentle soul”, Sylvia added.

The book, released in May 2026, chronicled her battles with addiction and mental health, as well as abuse, family loss and her long road to recovery.

“You are engaged in a cycle of growth until the moment you take your last breath”, she wrote, in a passage that has a haunting new meaning after her death.

Hayden was travelling with on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson over the weekend, US media has been reporting.

Hayden and Brian Hickerson had a tumultuous relationship between 2018 and 2020 Credit: Getty
The star was seen limping through the airport with ex Brian Hickerson in March Credit: BackGrid

The pair had been spotted flying out of Los Angeles on Saturday.

They had a tumultuous relationship from 2018 to 2020 before Hickerson was arrested, convicted and jailed for domestic abuse against the actress.

He served only one day of a 45-day jail term and the couple reconnected in 2021 before reportedly getting into another physical spat at a bar in West Hollywood.

In March earlier this year the pair were snapped on their way through LAX.

Hayden reportedly kept some of her friends “in the dark” about reconnecting with Hickerson before her sudden death.

“If Brian was back in her life, then it was something she was hiding because she wasn’t speaking about it with many of her friends,” a source told Page Six.

“If you’ve gone through some dark times with people, and spoken about it, then there can be shame if you get back together with that same person,” the insider said.

The star’s heartbroken dad Skip Panettiere was the first to confirm the heartbreaking news.

He said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden.

“She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her – and to the millions who watched her on screen.”

Hayden’s devastating death means Skip’s two children have both died within three years of each other, after Hayden’s brother Jansen died at the age of 28 from “an enlarged heart” in 2023.

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The very strange beach where the stones look like STARS

YOU’VE heard of the pink beach in Crete and the bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico, but have you ever heard of the beach where stones look like stars?

On one tiny island, one popular activity is collecting the beautiful souvenir – although they’re not easy to spot.

Kaiji Beach is otherwise called “Hoshizuna-hama” which translates to ‘star sand beach’ Credit: Alamy
Visitors spend lots of tine trying to find the tiny star-shaped trinkets Credit: Shutterstock

Off the coast of Taketomi Island in Japan is Kaiji Beach, also called “Hoshizuna-hama” which translates to star sand beach.

Along with regular sand on its shore are tiny star-shaped fragments.

They might look like magical trinkets, but actually they are exoskeletons of microscopic marine organisms called Foraminifera.

As microscopic suggests, these stars are incredibly hard to find with many visitors saying “they’re really tiny”.

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But that doesn’t stop visitors from trying to find them – but there’s still a chance to see them as nearby stalls allows beachgoers to see them with a magnifying glass.

The beach itself is very pretty with white sands and bright blue waters.

On Tripadvisor one visitor called it a “beautiful beach with great views of Iriomote and Kohama islands.”

Another called it one of the “best Instagram spots in Okinawa“.

The only downside to the beach is that swimming is not allowed because of the strong currents.

If you do fancy a dip, head to nearby Konoi Beach on the western side of the island which has a huge beachfront and soft white sand.

They are actually exoskeletons of microscopic marine organisms Credit: Shutterstock

The island itself is off the southwestern coast of mainland Japan and is actually closer to Taiwan.

Other spots to explore is its preserved Ryukyu village with lots of hibiscus and colourful bougainvillea flowers.

It’s essentially a small, open-air museum where visitors can look inside old Japanese houses with lots of traditional souvenirs and even eisa performances.

For anyone wanting to stay on the island, most accommodations are guesthouses or family-run B&Bs called minshuku.

There are regular high-speed boat rides to Taketomi Island from nearby Ishigaki which take just 10-minutes.

That’s the best way to visit as Ishigaki is linked to Tokyo by plane which takes under three hours.



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Brit Kanye West’s fans flock to Portugal to see controversial star’s concerts after rapper was banned from UK

HE is the most controversial man in music, and banned from the UK.

But Brits are now throwing their support behind Kanye West, with hundreds flying out to his latest show in Portugal on Friday.

Brit Kanye West fans have flocked to Portugal to see the controversial star’s concerts Credit: Getty
Before being banned from the UK by Starmer, Kanye had been lined up to the headline Wireless in London’s Finsbury Park Credit: PA

After then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer led the charge by saying Ye couldn’t enter the country due to past antisemitic comments — which the star has apologised for, blaming a mental health episode — only a handful of his European shows have gone ahead.

Before the ban, he had been lined up to headline Wireless in ­London’s Finsbury Park last month.

Now many supporters are speaking out against his exclusion. One pair, mother and daughter Lauren and Kate, jetted to Portugal and queued for hours holding a flag backing the rapper which read: “F*** Keir Starmer, Scotland loves Ye.”

Lauren, who said they had spent £3,000 on the trip, explained: “He was banned from the UK and it’s shocking because he wasn’t well and he’s apologised for it. Some people are given grace and others aren’t. But we get to come here and it’s beautiful.”

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The concert drove an extra influx of tourists to the area — with barely a single free hotel room left in the region.

Amy, from Ayr, said she booked her ticket a week after Wireless was cancelled in April.

She said: “There’s so many British folk here — so many, just because they can’t go to Wireless.

Kanye West fans slam Starmer at concert in Portugal Credit: Howell Davies
Ye putting on a show at Estadio Algarve Credit: Supplied

“To see Kanye in London would have probably been better because British crowds are just better.”

Fans Kane and Kate, who travelled from Portsmouth, said they queued for two hours just to buy merchandise before the gig, while another fan, Alfie, also attended Kanye’s show in Madrid, Spain, the previous week.

He described the concert as “the best show you’ll ever go to in your life,” adding: “My mum loves Michael Jackson and she was like, ‘I can’t believe you’re going to Portugal to see him again.’

“I said, ‘If it was Michael Jackson, you’d do the same’.”

And celebrity fans are sticking by Ye, too — supermodel Naomi Campbell and Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold attended his show the previous week.

As for the concert, I can confirm it’s ­absolutely remarkable.

He performed atop a hemisphere-shaped stage in the centre of the Estadio Algarve, with a spinning globe and other projections being beamed on to it throughout the night.

It meant he was “on top of the world” during the majority of his epic 39-song set, which included everything from songs like Jesus Walks and All Falls Down from his 2004 debut, to King and Father from his latest record Bully.

And there was even a surprise showing from his daughter North, who joined him to perform her song H0w Sh0uld ! f33l and their collaboration Talking.

Kanye was on his best behaviour during the show, with no rants or missteps, clearly determined to let the music do the talking.

Now Brits who flew out will hope the UK takes note — and lets him back in.

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Strictly Come Dancing line-up in full as final three stars ‘revealed’

The upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, set to air starting from September, will feature three new hosts and a range of celebrities from actors to sports stars

Strictly Come Dancing is just weeks away, and fans are already excited to see a new set of celebrity contestants take part in the popular show.

After Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down from their presenting roles, a new trio of hosts – presenter Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe – was announced. Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Head Judge Shirley Ballas will return for one more series.

So far, the BBC has confirmed 12 names for the class of Strictly 2026 – actress Lacey Turner, TV personality Dani Dyer, singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem, hair stylist Chris Appleton, social media star Cach Mercer, TV and radio host Will Best, paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, actress Jaime Winstone, actress Bethany Antonia, pundit and broadcaster Shaun Wright-Phillips, dog trainer Graeme Hall and actor Lawrence Robb. However, three more names have now been revealed, despite there being no official confirmation from the BBC.

According to The Sun, Gavin and Stacey star Melanie Walters will also be dancing in this year’s competition. The publication reported that BBC bosses are excited to have the actress, known for playing Gwen West in the hit series, on the show, given her popularity. Melanie, 64, also teaches pilates and is a personal trainer.

While the BBC hasn’t confirmed the speculation, it has also been claimed that YouTuber John Nellis, 33, is among the stars who will be taking to the dancefloor on the show. A source told The Sun that the content creator, whose passion for football has allowed him to meet some huge stars, including Erling Harland and Kylian Mbappeé, is set to bring a new audience to Strictly.

“John has a huge following online, which will boost Strictly’s presence on social media,” the insider said. “He has become loved among all the big names in football and is bound to be a hit with viewers. Bosses realise that YouTube stars can bring in a whole new audience and John will do just that.”

One more star rumoured to be joining the show is Olympic gold medallist Tabby Stoecker, who has also recently made her Gladiators debut. A source said of the Team GB star: “Signing with two of telly’s biggest shows is hugely prestigious. It is virtually unprecedented.

“It also means that she’ll be on our screens on a Saturday night for almost seven months in a row. Strictly runs from September to December and Gladiators airs from January and can go on until March.

“She’s likely to be invited on the Strictly tour in the new year too – so she’s going to be kept very busy and will see her profile soar.” After reports emerged that Tabby is joining Strictly, the BBC said: “We don’t comment on speculation.”

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



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Watch moment fuming fans BOO iconic music stars as concert is abruptly ended less than an hour into the show

THIS was the moment thousands of disappointed music fans were left drastically booing after an iconic music act’s gig was cut short.

Fans who had descended on Milton Keynes to see The Fugees perform were left stunned when the concert was pulled after less than an hour.

Fans were left fuming and BOOED as The Fugees’ concert was cut short after less than an HOUR Credit: Supplied
Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean had been performing for less than an hour before the set abruptly came to an end Credit: Splash

Sounds of boos echoed around the Milton Keynes National Bowl from disgruntled fans who were left saddended that the performance by Lauryn Hill and co. had been sensationally axed.

The venue was forced to end the concert early due to licensing restrictions which prevented it from continuing on past 11pm.

Lauryn Hill, 51, and Wyclef Jean, 56, took to the stage shortly after 10pm, following an introduction from comedian Dave Chappelle – leaving little time for them to complete their full performance.

Fans were left bitterly disappointed when the pair were unable to perform some of the group’s biggest hits, including their 1996 multi-platinum smash Killing Me Softly With His Song as a result of the venue curfew.

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A notice was issued on the screens with the pair’s microphones switched off Credit: Supplied
Fans were left gutted at how the concert came to a close Credit: Splash

The pair, who first reunited in London ahead of the music and arts festival, attempted to address the crowd but their microphones were switched off.

Moments later, the giant on-stage screens also went black at the 65,000-capacity venue.

Fan-shot footage showed the pair complain to the crew on stage, with Lauryn pleading to finish the set as boos rang out across the crowd.

Lauryn did remain on the stage, according to eyewitnesses, thanking fans as they broke into an impromptu a cappella rendition of her hit, Ready Or Not.

Speaking following the abrupt end to the show, Wyclef Jean told us: “We’re really sad how it ended.

“We was just getting started, so we’re hoping to continue next year.”

He added: “We had so much surprises on the line up and everybody showed up and we really felt the crowd, that love and that energy, it’s something that they need, something they feel, it just reminds you of unity.

“With so much division, the diaspora calling is just to remind everybody to come together.”

Prior to the disruption, Lauryn performed a packed set featuring tracks from her landmark 1998 debut album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, including Doo Wop (That Thing) and Ex-Factor.

She was also joined on stage by her sons, including Zion Marley and YG Marley — but some fans were left criticising the additional performances for eating into the Fugees’ already limited set time.

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Emmerdale star’s secret dance past as he joins Strictly Come Dancing

It has been revealed that Emmerdale star Lawrence Robb attended a dance school for years as he signs up for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing, returning in the autumn

The yearly debate on whether those with dance training should be allowed on Strictly Come Dancing is sure to be reignited now that it has been revealed that Lawrence Robb attended a dance school for two years.

Lawrence, who was the 12th celebrity announced for Strictly Come Dancing, is best known for playing McKenzie Boyd on Emmerdale, but from 2007-2009, he was a student at The Dance School of Scotland. Glasgow City Council shared a video message from the actor, 34, where he shared his dance experience.

In the message, he said: “I studied at Knightswood incorporating the Dance School of Scotland along with the musical theatre course back in 2007 and left in 2009.”

After adding that he then went to study at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, he praised his dance teachers for the “care” they had for their students. “If it had not been for the nourishment and the care and the love that the teachers put into teaching us,” he said.

“I’ve made friends for life at that place, it is up there with the two best years of my life. It gave me a wonderful springboard into the world of musical theatre and it’s just a magical place to be. My experience there is what shaped me into the performer that I am today.”

As a musical theatre performer, Lawrence is thought to have had more professional dance experience than the average Strictly celebrity contestant. West End stars have often come under fire for taking part in the show – just last year, musical theatre star Amber Davies‘ involvement in the show was heavily criticised when she proved to be a strong contender for the glitterball.

Likewise, Layton Williams was criticised for taking part given his experience performing in the West End. Actors who did dance training whilst at drama school have also faced backlash, such as Danny Mac and Nigel Harman, as have those who have competed in dance competitions or worked as dancers in non-ballroom or latin styles, such as Lewis Cope and Tasha Ghouri.

Year after year, fans are split between those who feel that such celebrities are afforded an unfair advantage and those who say that Strictly would be boring without these dancers providing high-scoring performances.

Strictly stars have often hit back at backlash, stating that the celebrities with dance experience have no advantages as ballroom is a different style. Speaking about it to The Sun, professional dancer Lauren Oakley said: “It’s a completely different experience, my friend is ballet trained but she’s had to unlearn a lot of things in order to do Latin. It’s a completely different discipline and you have to almost it’s not a blank page, you have to unlearn it before you.”

Despite Lauren’s words, celebrities who have dance experience consistently score highly and make the final. For instance, just last year, the winner Karen Carney danced as a child, Amber Davies made the final and Lewis Cope was often topping the leaderboard.

This year, Lawrence is not he only Strictly celeb to take part with prior dance experience. Cach Mercer, who won Love Island last year, is trained in hip-hop and often teaches dance classes. Bethany Antonia is also a West End star who played Eurydice in Hadestown on stage.

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Benidorm is Murder cast for episode 2: Who guest stars in Die Laughing?

A soap icon known for Coronation Street and a comedian join the cast as guest stars in the latest instalment of the Channel 5 drama

Benidorm is Murder is Channel 5‘s brand new detective drama.

Described as a “cosy crime” thriller, the murder mystery series comes from Death in Paradise writer Ian Jarvis and started last week on the channel.

The series has a star-studded cast list, including John Hannah, who plays burned-out ex-police officer Dennis, and newcomer Carolina Bécquer, you can find out more about the rising star here, who takes on the role of his unlikely sidekick Rosa.

Other permanent players include Ariadna Cabrol who stars as DS María Hernandez, Brian Bovell who plays Archie, Damian Schedler Cruz who takes on the role of PC Jesús Ballesteros, and Eva van der Gucht in the role of Jackie. You can see the cast list and where you recognise them from in full here.

But Benidorm is Murder also has an incredible roster of guest actors, two of whom will join for the second episode. Channel 5 has confirmed Coronation Steet star turned Loose Women Denise Welch will play Ziggy, the owner of Benidorm Palace, while comedian and actor Alistair McGowan will step into the shoes of faded 90s game-show star Vince Starky.

Denise Welch plays Ziggy

Denise plays Ziggy, owner of Benidorm Palace.

Writer and creator Ian Jarvis said of Denise in the role of Ziggy: “Denise Welch is amazing. We felt like we had TV royalty when we got Denise. She is brilliant in the role. She didn’t need much steering about this character. Ziggy is this low-rent showbiz queen, an agent in the stand-up comedy world. Denise is also just loads of fun to be around. She loves a chat. We spent a lot of time chatting about everything.”

Denise is best known for playing Natalie Barnes in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street, in which she appeared in over 400 episodes.

She also starred as Steph Haydock in Waterloo Road, and Trish Minniver in Hollyoaks. Viewers might also recognise Denise from Spender, Soldier Soldier and Down to Earth. She is also a regular panellist on the ITV chat show Loose Women.

Alistair McGowan plays Vince Starky

Alistair McGowan plays faded 90s game-show star Vince Starky. His character appears in the Laughter Lounge alongside his younger wife, Vienna.

Alistair is a comic, actor, pianist, poet, and writer. He provided voices for eight series of Spitting Image and earned a BAFTA for his BBC One television series The Big Impression, with Ronni Ancona.

He is also known for All Quiet on the Preston Front and has been a regular on Radio 4 dramas and comedies, including Elvenquest and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane Austen? He took the lead role in BBC One’s detective series Mayo, and has appeared in many stage roles over the years.

What is Die Laughing about?

A synopsis for the instalment reads: “At the Laughter Lounge, veteran comic Frank Mann is emceeing when his old friend, faded 90s game show star Vince Starky, blows in with younger wife Vienna. Vince’s comeback dates are tanking and owner Ziggy, drowning in debt, needs them to work…

“But the next morning, doorman Paco finds a dead body on the club roof. Maria begrudgingly asks Dennis to look at the scene, where he notes the head wound, scuff marks round the access door and, below, a fire extinguisher buried in a car windscreen.“As Rosa helps retrace the movements of everyone connected to the club, old grudges, financial pressures and buried secrets come bubbling to the surface. Has the killer been hiding in plain sight all along? And can Dennis convince Maria to reopen a case she’s so eager to keep closed?”

Benidorm is Murder continues on Thursday at 9pm on Channel 5.

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Diversity’s Ashley Banjo expresses concern for future dance stars amid rising costs and program cuts

Diversity’s Ashley Banjo expresses concern for future dance stars amid rising costs and program cuts

Next generation of dance stars are being priced out the industry, study reveals.

A group of diverse dancers, including a flamenco dancer, a ballerina, a hip-hop dancer, a contemporary dancer, a Scottish dancer, and an Indian dancer.
Ashley has expressed concern for dance stars of the future after rising costs and program cuts Credit: James Linsell-Clark/PinPep/ SWNS
Ashley Banjo attending the press night after-party for "The Wizard of OZ".
The Diversity star said: ‘Dance opened so many doors for me growing up’ Credit: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images

The next generation of dance stars is being priced out of following in the footsteps of Shirley Ballas, Darcey Bussell and Ashley Banjo, according to a study.

Industry data from ONS revealed the number of people working as dancers and choreographers has fallen by 32 per cent since 2019.

While a separate poll of 2,000 adults found 68 per cent of Brits said dance is an important part of British culture, yet six in 10 believe the next generation of dance talent is being priced out of the industry.

And 55 per cent think only those from wealthier backgrounds can realistically pursue a career in dance.

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The research was commissioned by The Sky Foundation to mark the launch of the Julia Rausing Sky Arts Bursaries, a new programme providing funding, mentoring and industry support to 20 dance-makers across the UK.

The broadcaster also teamed up with Ashley Banjo MBE, the frontman of the group Diversity, to support the campaign.

Commenting on the poll, the choreographer said: “Dance opened so many doors for me growing up.

“I was lucky my Mum ran a dance school, so I was surrounded by dance from an early age and had access to opportunities that helped shape my future.

“But opportunities are becoming harder to access today, particularly for people who don’t come from an affluent background.

“Creative potential should never be determined by a family’s finances, yet these findings suggest cost is becoming an increasingly significant barrier to pursuing a career in dance.

“That’s a real concern, because talent exists everywhere – and we can’t afford to lose the next generation of dance artists and what they’ll contribute to our culture.”

The study also found 45 per cent feel the UK is missing out on dance talent which could contribute to culture, creative industries and the arts sector.

Participants believe this is due to families not being able to afford the costs of travel, equipment and competitions (63 per cent) and some young people not being able to afford creative careers (57 per cent).

Meanwhile, 67 per cent believe talent is being overlooked because they live in parts of the country with fewer creative pathways.

In total, 80 per cent believe those from less affluent backgrounds face more barriers to pursuing careers in dance.

Just six per cent believe they are on a truly even keel when it comes to making it in the industry according to the OnePoll.com data.

And only 29 per cent believe there are enough opportunities for young people to dance in their area.

This rises to 39 per cent for Londoners yet falls as low as 19 per cent for people of Yorkshire and the Humber – the lowest of any region.

Choreographers, dance-makers and artists have been encouraged to sign up to the bursary on the Julia Rausing Sky Arts Bursaries website.

Phil Edgar-Jones, trustee of the foundation and executive director of unscripted content at Sky, said: “Dance is one of Britain’s great creative strengths. It’s an artform that brings people together, tells powerful stories and reflects the diversity of communities across the UK.

“With public funding under pressure, many dance artists increasingly rely on the support of dance organisations, charities and funders to develop their careers.

“That’s why initiatives like this are so important.”

Ashley Banjo added: “No young person should feel that a career in dance is out of reach because they can’t afford lessons, travel or competitions, or because there aren’t enough opportunities close to home.

“Talent can come from anywhere, and your background shouldn’t determine your future.”

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Fans give ‘outstanding’ ITV war drama based on real events ‘maximum stars’

A wartime detective drama series based on real-life historical events has viewers declaring they’ve ‘never seen a better show on television’ — streaming free on ITVX

A wartime drama based on real events during and after the Second World War has completely enamoured audiences, with fans of the ITV series giving it ‘maximum stars’.

Describing the detective war drama as ‘mesmerising’, viewers are saying they’ve ‘never seen a better show on television’.

Foyle’s War — available to stream free on ITVX — is a historical wartime detective drama series created by author Anthony Horowitz who was the screenwriter of the acclaimed Midsomer Murders.

The series stars the talented Michael Kitchen in the lead as DCS Christopher Foyle. Honeysuckle Weeks, Anthony Howell, Julian Ovenden, and Ellie Haddington join Kitchen to round out an altogether stellar cast, all of whom, especially Weeks, have been praised for their performances on the show.

Foyle’s War first premiered on television in October 2002 and saw an eight-season run till 2015. The series was cancelled in 2007 and revived in 2010 owing to encouraging audience numbers for the last series that premiered on telly.

The series was nominated for three BAFTA Television Awards, of which it bagged one, and has gone on to become a highly acclaimed wartime drama for both audiences and critics.

One reviewer said of the wartime series: “This is quality, smart stuff — plot points hinge on citizenship classifications, ration coupons, the location of safe houses. It requires that viewers watch carefully, and pay attention to details.”

While another critic said: “Foyle’s War… returns to Mystery!… with the admirable Michael Kitchen in his usual top form.”

A third critic shared: “You don’t have to pay close attention to Foyle’s War, but it’s worth it for the detail-rich historical context of Anthony Horowitz’s plots, especially now the series has arrived in the murky moral fog of post-war London.”

Audiences can’t stop praising the war drama, with one viewer writing on Rotten Tomatoes: “On our second watching of the entire series. It’s so well-acted and thoughtful, and you learn a bit of history with each episode. Michael Kitchen and Honeysuckle Weeks are so engaging, such a delight to watch, it’s mesmerizing.”

A IMDB user review of the series says: “One of the best! My wife and I became obsessed with the British crime series Midsomer Murders. We’ve seen all the episodes available. Then my wife latched onto Foyle’s War and we’ve become big, big fans of this series also.

“We agree with everyone about Michael Kitchen’s performances and the historical background against which the story unfolds. Everything about this show looks authentic, feels authentic and sounds authentic. Not having lived through that time we are learning so much about the period.”

While one fan of the show said: “Maximum Stars. I’ve never seen a better show on television. “Foyle’s War” is deep, thoughtful television art. Great premise. Acting is tremendous. Only the bad guys overact. To see the characters is to love them. Sets and details have been discussed at length and it’s all just gorgeous.”

Another user review reads: “Outstanding! One of the very best series of all time! This is what great TV is. An outstanding series, taking place from the start of WW2 to the start of the Cold War, but told with the perspective of those ‘back home’ whom the Wars impacted.

“A remarkable achievement. The cast, first and foremost Michael Kitchen as Foyle, are remarkable. TV, or filmed entertainment just does not get any better than this.”

Foyle’s War is available to stream for free on ITVX.

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Super League: Leeds Rhinos 46-0 Toulouse Olympique: Jake Connor stars in eight-try rout

Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur told BBC Radio Leeds:

“It’s the closest we’ve got to 80 minutes. I was pretty pleased with that performance. I thought we showed good resilience, good fight, the attitude was really good, too.

“I asked the boys for a bit extra tonight in their effort and physicality and they delivered.

“I thought the opposition were really good early, they made us fight and we were probably fortunate to go in [at half-time] at 18-0, but that’s exactly what we needed.

“Our resilience before half-time and then even at the end of the game on the try line, just to keep turning up for each other, and that’s an attitude thing, so I was really pleased with that.”

Leeds: Miller; Lumb, McCormack, Bird, Newman; Croft, Connor; Oledzki, O’Connor, Jenkins, Hankinson, McDonnell, Watkins.

Interchanges: Smith, Lloyd, Cassell, Holroyd.

Toulouse: Polselli; Laguerre, Tropis, Quai-Ward, Ulberg; Collin, Rouge; Butler, Marion, Belmas, O’Kane, Jassaume, Cator.

Interchanges: Garrigues, Chan, Toleafoa, Wallace.

Referee: Tara Jones.

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Who is Stassi Schroeder? Reality star’s life including Meghan Markle feud

The reality TV regular has landed her own show which arrives on Disney Plus in a matter of days

Fans of the Real Housewives and Vanderpump Rules have a new must-see show for their watch lists.

House of Stassi premiered in the US this week with its UK release now just days away. The eight-episode series will be available to stream on Disney Plus from August 12.

It documents former Vanderpump Rules star, Stassi Schroeder, as she returns to the spotlight after her sacking from the show back in 2020. While she previously dipped her toe back in to reality TV with spin-off Vanderpump Villa, her own series will take fans deeper into her life and inner circle.

As per the Disney Plus synopsis: “House of Stassi follows reality TV icon Stassi Schroeder as she steps into her next act. In this meta-docuseries, Stassi navigates her long-awaited return to television – this time with the people she loves most by her side.

“As her ambition pulls her back into the spotlight, those around her level up. But as cameras roll and truths surface, her closest relationships are put to the test.”

Why is Stassi Schroeder famous?

She got her big break on the long-running reality series, Vanderpump Rules. A spin-off of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the show began in 2013 and follows fan favourite housewife Lisa Vanderpump and the lives of the staff working across her restaurants and bars.

Stassi was on the show from the very start as a worker at Lisa’s West Hollywood restaurant, SUR. Her outspoken nature made her a standout personality across the eight seasons she featured in. She has also launched a successful podcast and has written three best-selling books.

Stassi Schroeder controversy explained

Back in 2020, Bravo confirmed it had fired Stassi and her co-star Kristen Doute from Vanderpump Rules. It came after a past incident from 2018 resurfaced in which the pair had called the police on black TV personality, Faith Stowers, for a crime she did not commit, claiming she resembled a suspect.

Stassi later issued a statement addressing the “racially insensitive comments”, writing: “I did not recognise the serious ramifications that could have transpired because of my actions. What I did to Faith was wrong. I apologise and I do not expect forgiveness.”

She added: “I am going to continue to look closer at myself and my actions – to take the time to listen, to learn, and to take accountability for my privilege.”

Meanwhile Kristen did the same, saying: “Although, my actions were not racially driven, I am now completely aware of how my privilege blinded me from the reality of law enforcement’s treatment of the black community, and how dangerous my actions would have been to her,” adding that she would “do better.”

Meghan Markle feud

Stassi claimed on her podcast in 2025 that she was “furious” at Meghan Markle and was boycotting her Netflix show With Love, Meghan. It came after she was allegedly refused freebies from Meghan’s As Ever brand, despite Stassi publicly supporting her in the past.

“The way she moves through social media, I think that she’s stuck in 2017, and she just thinks I’m a lowly reality person,” Stassi told her podcast listeners. “That’s what I think, and I am furious, and this is the last straw. I’m not watching her show anymore.”

Noticing that a PR package had been sent to another podcast host who had been critical of Meghan in the past only added fuel to the fire, and Stassi vowed: “I’m going to unfollow her right now. Literally, I’m unfollowing her. Done!”

Meghan has never commented on the supposed PR package snub nor the remarks made by Stassi.

House of Stassi arrives on Disney+ from August 12.

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