Sara Cox on parenting teenagers: best podcasts of the week
Sara Cox and her childhood best friend Clare Hamilton host a lively, honest series about parenting teenagers. Or, in their words: 'We're fully gonna take the piss out of our kids.' Less an advice show than a 'panic room', it's packed with entertaining tales of dealing with kids once they lose the squeaky voices and develop an attitude. AKA: 'If you've got a nine-year-old or 10-year-old, enjoy it. You're in a sweet spot that's gonna end!' Alexi Duggins
Widely available, episodes weekly
A second season for the official podcast dedicated to Charles Schulz's classic comic strip, which celebrates its 75th birthday this year. For superfans, an interview with Charles's widow Jeannie is sure to delight, as she spoils listeners with anecdotes of her husband's creative process – and why he hated the name Peanuts. Hannah J Davies
Widely available, episodes weekly
New York City Ballet's history is laid out in an engaging, personal manner by journalist Nicky Anderson, who takes listeners on a journey from her childhood love of ballet to gaining insider interviews with ex-NYCB talent. They open up about a workplace that has pioneered some of ballet's greatest productions, as well as facing accusations of sexual, verbal and physical abuse. AD
Widely available, episodes weekly
Guatemalan American actor Arturo Castro shone in his freewheeling sketch show Alternatino, sadly cut short after a single season in 2019. This podcast feels like a coda, as he brings his charm and rapid wit to tales of daring prison breaks, with the odd Spanglish chat (see episode one on El Chapo, with Orange Is the New Black's Diane Guerrero). HJD
Widely available, episodes weekly
Essential listening for anyone who's ever experienced painful period cramps. When host Kate Downey first had 'death cramps' at 14, a doctor told her they 'usually go away when you have a baby'. Why has this pain been dismissed for so long? What is actually happening down there? She doesn't scrimp on the bloody details as she gets answers. Hollie Richardson
Widely available, episodes weekly
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Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Wales Online
Soccer Aid host Alex Scott's plan to ‘quit UK' with famous girlfriend after awful threats
Soccer Aid host Alex Scott's plan to 'quit UK' with famous girlfriend after awful threats Alex Scott will host Soccer Aid alongside Dermot O'Leary, but from her love-life to a possible move to the USA, how much do you really know about the ex-Arsenal player-turned-BBC star? Alex Scott and Jess Glynne (Image: PA ) Former Arsenal Women's footballer-turned-TV presenter Alex Scott is a familiar face to many in the UK. From the football pitch to the media glare, her transition has been smooth. On Sunday evening, Scott will co-host Soccer Aid with Dermot O'Leary on ITV1, adding to her impressive roster of presenting gigs which includes Final Score, Match of the Day, Football Focus and The One Show. The 40-year-old made her mark playing for the Gunners, Birmingham City and Boston Breakers in the NWSL – as well as earning 140 caps for England. However, her journey from footballer to television personality hasn't been without its challenges. We delve into Scott's personal life, her struggles at the BBC, a possible move to the US, and a harrowing incident involving a kidnapping in Russia. Missing out on Match of the Day and USA plans A disappointing moment in Scott's burgeoning media career came last year when she was passed over for the Match of the Day role. Gary Lineker stepped down from the iconic show after a 25-year tenure, and Scott was reportedly a leading contender to replace him, with BBC bosses keen to take a new direction. However, the job ultimately went to the seasoned trio of Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates, who will now share presenting duties. Article continues below There were also rumours that Scott planned to move to the USA with her partner, Jess Glynne, to explore further opportunities in her field, following a difficult period with the BBC that came to light last October. Scott shared her pride at Football Focus viewing figures in 2023 (Image: Molly Darlington - The FA/The FA via Getty Images ) The Sun reported that Scott was 'hurt' following a drop in ratings for Football Focus, which she presents, coupled with a perceived lack of support from BBC executives. She had previously addressed rumours regarding the decline in viewership on X in September 2023, insisting that the numbers were strong. But fast forward a year, and a source in October 2024 said: "Alex is now seriously contemplating moving on from the show. Last year she was hugely hurt by unfair criticism about falling viewing figures – and felt she was thrown under a bus. "The viewing figures were not as reported and she feels no-one backed her up and issued the correct viewing figures." As for her plans with Gylnne, the source revealed they were "contemplating a move to America." Yet as it stands, Scott is staying put in Britain for now, ready to take centre stage on ITV1's Soccer Aid event come Sunday evening. Jess Glynne relationship and love-life Since the summer of 2023, Scott and 'Rather Be' singer Glynne have been romantically an item. Initially keeping their relationship under wraps, Scott eventually confirmed their status as a couple through social media posts, reports the Mirror. She has also expressed her desire to start a family with Glynne. However, finding love wasn't straightforward for the star. Alex has been dating singer Jess Glynne since 2023 (Image: Ian West/PA Wire ) She credits Glynne, 35, with helping her overcome her fear of forming close relationships – a fear she attributes to her childhood experiences with her father, Tony, who has refuted these claims about his parenting. "We weren't allowed to express emotion," Scott said to The Times in June 2024. "Dad didn't allow us to hug each other or say, 'I love you.' It had a huge impact on us all. "I remember one of the first times Jess hugged me. I was like... {rigid]. She was like, 'Are you not going to put your arms around me?' But I didn't know how to do that." Scott has previously been open about her past romance with fellow England and Arsenal footballer Kelly Smith, with whom she shared an eight-year relationship before parting ways in 2013. In her autobiography, How (Not) To Be Strong, Scott revealed she was "madly and deeply in love" with Smith. Acid attack warning and death threats Scott has been forthright about the darker side of celebrity life. She recounted her experience with serious threats, including one involving an acid attack. "There are negatives to fame. I've had plenty of racism, abuse and even death threats," she told The Times. "People were saying, 'She's only on TV because she's black, female and younger. She's just ticking boxes.' I was scared to go out of the house because these trolls were saying they were going to throw acid in my face." Alex Scott and Kelly Smith (R) ended their relationship in 2013 (Image: David Price ) However, a harrowing incident occurred while Scott was covering the World Cup in Moscow for the BBC in 2018. In her memoir, she recounts being kidnapped by an Uber driver, turning what should have been a routine 15-minute journey into a terrifying ordeal. Article continues below After the driver chillingly threatened, "Girls like you, I kill", Scott's quick thinking led her to claim a friendship with Vladimir Putin, having met the Russian president earlier on her trip. She warned the driver: "If I don't see Putin tomorrow, he will find you," – a statement that seemingly saved her, as the driver subsequently dropped her off at her destination.
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Tommy Fury forgot basic football rule during Soccer Aid - 'Worst I've seen'
With Tyson Fury set to feature at this year's Soccer Aid - he will be hoping not to embarrass himself on the field, unlike his younger brother Tommy Fury was brutally mocked after the Brit attempted an underarm throw-in during last year's Soccer Aid charity match. The professional boxer and reality TV star was part of a World XI managed by ex-Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge. The exhibition match - which helped raise more than £15million for Unicef - went the way of opponents England in a nine-goal thriller. However, the most viral moment came at 2-2. Fury, 26, shaped to take an orthodox throw-in before opting for the underarm delivery. Play was stopped moments later - with the boxer allowing a team-mate to take the throw as they were supposed to. The cameras quickly cut to Pochettino after the incident. Rather than remaining focused on the task at hand, the 53-year-old burst out laughing while gesturing towards the field of play. Needless to say that was probably as good as it got for Fury - who struggled to make an impact on the pitch. At one point, he completely missed the ball after attempting to smash it up the pitch. "It's a throw in Tommy, not bowling," one social media user wrote after watching the footage. "Hasn't been the same since the Jake Paul fight," joked another, referring to Fury's split decision victory over the YouTuber when the pair met in the boxing ring in 2023. His rival KSI quickly posted: " Tommy Fury should stick to boxing lmao, he's terrible at football," he tweeted. Another user posted: "Tommy Fury might be the worst footballer I've ever seen live." Another tweeted: "Tommy Fury is absolutely a** as footballer." A fifth fan commented: "I don't know if this makes sense but Tommy Fury plays football exactly how you'd imagine a boxer how to play football." A sixth joked: "I've had Soccer Aid on for two minutes & Tommy Fury could be the worst footballer I've ever seen." Another said: "Is Tommy fury the least coordinated man in all of human history?" Fury's partner Molly-Mae Hague was also quick to share her thoughts Fury's comical underarm throw-in. She very much saw the funny side of it as she took to her Instagram story to write: "Iconcic x," alongside a picture of Fury holding the ball. Despite being born and raised in Manchester, 'TNT' chose to play for the Rest of the World, as he was eligible through his mother Chantal, who is of Mauritian descent. On Sunday evening, Fury's older brother Tyson is set to co-manage England alongside Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford. 'ENGLAND MANAGER! Who would ever have thought it!? I have had some big fights in my career and the prospect of leading my England team to victory this June fills me with just as much excitement as any heavyweight fight," the 'Gypsy King' said. "Everyone knows that I am a huge Manchester United fan too, so it's even more special for me that the game is at Old Trafford this year – and I get to manage one of my heroes, Wayne Rooney! How can we lose!? The work UNICEF does all around the world is so special and so important. I really hope that you can come along and support us this summer.'
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Wayne Rooney sparks massive debate after picking players he was better than
Wayne Rooney will go down as one of the greatest players in Premier League history after firing in 253 goals in 559 appearances for Manchester United and winning every trophy available to him Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has sparked a debate on social media after insisting he was better than a list of superstar players, including Neymar, Sergio Aguero, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robert Lewandowski. Rooney will go down as one of the best players in Premier League history after he blitzed 253 goals in 559 appearances for the Red Devils, helping them win five titles, three League Cups, one FA Cup, the Champions League and the Europa League. In his prime, Rooney netted a high of 34 goals in the 2009-10 and 2011-12 seasons under Sir Alex Ferguson, and at one point was linked with an exit and twice demanded to leave the club. He previously revealed Barcelona and Real Madrid were both interested in his signature. And it's clear Rooney still holds himself in the highest regard as a player after being asked to compare himself with a number of top footballers in a "winner stays on" format video on social media by Gamdom. Rooney was first asked to say who was better between himself or ex-Liverpool and Barcelona forward Luis Suarez, as he admitted: "Tough one to start," before naming himself. The 39-year-old then ousted Neymar, Aguero and Ibrahimovic before the presenter said Lewandowski's name, which promoted the ex-striker to say: "These are tough by the way," before he still picked himself, and did the same against Erling Haaland. He also hesitated before picking himself ahead of Harry Kane but had no problems doing the same thing when Alessandro Del Piero was mentioned. Some fans were left flabbergasted that Rooney viewed himself above so many top players - with many stunned that he thought he was better than Neymar. One fan posted a crying emoji as he wrote: "Bro thinks he's better than Neymar, Suarez, Zlatan, Lewa, Haaland," as another added: "No way he's better then Suarez or Neymar tho? Not even close to Neymar." A third said: "The lack of self-awareness is crazy," as another mocked him for claiming the choices were hard despite naming himself every time. But a number of fans pointed out that Rooney was right to back his ability over all of the players put to him as a generational talent who won every trophy available to him and wowed from an early age until the end of his career. One Manchester United fan said: "I'm sorry but if you're not rating Wayne Rooney then you must be under 20. Rooney in his day was unplayable widely regarded as one of England's greatest talents and one of the most successful players of he's generation." A second fan pointed out that many social media users criticising him were clearly of a newer generation who did not watch him growing up, saying: "Prime Wayne Rooney clears all of these players and it's not particularly close." A third pointed out that only two players mentioned could compete, saying: "Other than Neymar and possibly Suarez, rest of his answers were spot on. Rooney was a phenom." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
