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Inside Cheryl and will.i.am's ‘close friendship' amid romance rumours as The Voice reunion revealed

Inside Cheryl and will.i.am's ‘close friendship' amid romance rumours as The Voice reunion revealed

Scottish Sun02-07-2025
The star is set for a comeback after five years away from the spotlight
soul mates Inside Cheryl and will.i.am's 'close friendship' amid romance rumours as The Voice reunion revealed
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POP royalty Cheryl Tweedy could be teaming up with her long-time confidant Will.i.am.
Superstar Cheryl and the Black Eyed Peas icon worked closely together from 2008 to 2016 - with rumours of a relationship more than just professional.
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The superstar singer is making a long-awaited comeback following the death of her ex
Credit: Splash
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Will.i.am is thought to have recruited Cheryl to work with him on The Voice
Credit: ITV
The former X Factor judge is set for her long-awaited TV return after 5 years - following the shock death of ex Liam Payne.
The Girls Aloud singer is being lined up for the 14th series, reuniting with long-time mentor Will.i.am on The Voice.
The rapper and producer rallied round Cheryl following the traumatic death of Liam Payne, father to her son Bear.
When they parted ways musically almost ten years ago, Cheryl admitted she still turned to him for support when she needed.
The reality TV judge, who made a guest appearance for Will.i.am on his tour, said at the time: "I still ask him his advice, play him tracks and stuff."
In 2010, Will.i.am - who helped produce Fight For This Love - said: 'She has a big heart. She's kind and humble and likes music.'
The producer's mum admitted previously that their friendship had 'turned into love'.
Debra Cain revealed: 'Will is very fond of her. He says she's an amazing woman.
'His feelings for her have definitely grown from friendship into love and I believe they're good for each other. I give them my blessing. She seems like such a nice girl."
Mrs Cain continued: 'I can't wait to meet Cheryl. My son has told me so many good things about her.
Cheryl Tweedy set for sensational TV return after five years as she rebuilds career after shock death of ex Liam Payne
"Will has promised to take us all out for a meal together next time the two of them are in LA.'
Following her heartbreaking split from former husband Ashley Cole in 2010, Will.i.am supported: 'I still can't believe Cheryl was ever cheated on. What has to be going through your head to cheat on her?
'Once you have her, a man can't do any better. She's a real good girl and when you get a girl like her, you do everything you can to keep her and don't go fooling around.'
As well as singing a duet for 3 WORDS in 2009, the duo worked on tracks Heartbreaker and Check It Out together.
The pair formed a close friendship after she collaborated with him on his Top 10 solo single Heartbreaker in 2008 and later supported The Black Eyed Peas on tour.
Back in 2011, Will.i.am was hired to manage the then Cheryl Cole.
They racked up four UK No.1 singles before going on a hiatus.
He was brought in to launch her career Stateside, but instead found himself picking up the pieces when Simon Cowell fired her from The X Factor USA.
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The producer and Cheryl formed a strong bond after working together for years
Credit: Getty
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Cheryl parted ways with Will.i.am in 2013 but still turned to him for advice
Credit: Getty - Contributor
By 2013, Cheryl had parted ways with Will and she went on to marry Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini in 2014.
In 2016, her pal Will.i.am said: "Cheryl is the best, I love her a lot. I would like to see her happy, steady, constant.
"Cheryl is the kind of person who will always be happy if she has a steady foreverness."
He told Fabulous magazine in 2017 about their relationship which would never break - despite their distance.
He said: "I think when you're close to somebody you're always close, but I think we're just… We're gravitating to new things.
"Of course we're still friends. I don't know where she hangs out – she doesn't hang out so much any more. I'm happy for her though."
In 2019, the pair were both starring on separate TV shows, but he reached out and showed their bond was still strong.
Will.i.am shared on social media: "@CherylOfficial it looks like both of our shows #theVOICEuk on @itv & #thegreatestdancer on the @bbc are on at the same time...
"I have 3WORDS for the both of us...(Good luck tonight) I'm proud of you!!!"
Parachute singer Cheryl penned back: "I love you."
The upcoming ITV series of The Voice is expected to air in early 2026 and bosses are hoping to convince Cheryl to sign up to the show ­permanently.
It will be her first TV appearance since being a judge on BBC's The Greatest Dancer, which was axed in 2020.
Cheryl's talent show career started on Popstars: The Rivals when she was voted by the public to be a member of new band Girls Aloud in 2002.
Simon Cowell snapped her up as a judge on The X Factor aged 24.
He then took her to LA for the US version, but she was sacked after just one episode.
Musician Will formed The Black Eyed Peas in 1992, when he was 17, alongside apl.de.ap and childhood friend, Taboo (Jaime Luis Gomez). In 2003 they recruited Fergie (Stacy Ferguson).
Their first major hit came soon after, with Where Is The Love? featuring Justin Timberlake spending six weeks at No.1 in the UK.
He was previously dating Celebrity Big Brother star Casey Batchelor in 2014.
In the past, he has also been linked to Torn hitmaker Natalie Imbruglia.
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Cheryl and Will.i.am have remained close despite living separate lives
Credit: Darren Fletcher - The Sun
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The pair shared a very close friendship and are thought to be teaming up again
Credit: Getty
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The singer is set to make her mark alongside Will.i.am on The Voice
Credit: Getty
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Trump names Sylvester Stallone and Kiss for Kennedy Center Honors and says he'll host awards show
Trump names Sylvester Stallone and Kiss for Kennedy Center Honors and says he'll host awards show

The Independent

time6 hours ago

  • The Independent

Trump names Sylvester Stallone and Kiss for Kennedy Center Honors and says he'll host awards show

As the new chairman of the Kennedy Center, President Donald Trump added a highly personal stamp to this year's announcement of the recipients of the annual honors, whom he named as country music star George Strait, 'Rocky' actor Sylvester Stallone, singer Gloria Gaynor, the rock band Kiss and actor-singer Michael Crawford. Instead of the Kennedy Center revealing the names through a press release as usual, Trump announced the honorees himself during a Wednesday press conference at the site, where he was flanked by American flags and photo stands for each of the entertainers that were initially covered by red drapes. Unlike in his first term, when he didn't even attend the honors ceremony, he announced that he would be hosting it later this year and that he had been deeply involved with the selection process. He also suggested he might choose himself for a future award. The spectacle marked a new era for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which Trump has taken over by installing himself as chair and replacing the board of trustees with loyalists. He has even hinted he'd like to see the venue renamed the Trump/Kennedy Center. Trump has made revamping the Kennedy Center — and what he calls its 'woke' agenda — the center of an ongoing push to overhaul such cultural institutions as the National Endowment of the Humanities and the Smithsonian museums. A bipartisan history The Kennedy Center Honors were established in 1978 and have been given to a broad range of artists. Until Trump's first term, presidents of both major political parties traditionally attended the annual ceremony, even when they disagreed politically with a given recipient. Prominent liberals such as Barbra Streisand and Warren Beatty were honored during the administration of Republican George W. Bush, and a leading conservative, Charlton Heston, was feted during the administration of Democrat Bill Clinton. At least some of this year's winners have a history of backing Trump. Stallone is a prominent supporter who has called Trump 'the second George Washington' and was named by the president, along with Jon Voight and Mel Gibson, as a Hollywood special ambassador. Founding Kiss member Ace Frehley endorsed Trump in 2020, calling him 'the strongest leader we've got.' Meanwhile, fellow Kiss musician Paul Stanley has often criticized the Republican president, notably his resistance to accepting his election loss to Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. 'After numerous audits, debunked claims of rampant voter tampering, dead people voting & the countless cases thrown out by Trump appointed judges & others… When is not getting the hoped for result accepted?? Biden won," Stanley tweeted at the time. All of the nominees have had substantial, even iconic, careers. Stallone's portrayals of the underdog boxer Rocky Balboa and Vietnam veteran John J. Rambo are fixtures in popular culture. Strait's dozens of chart-topping hits, including 'Check Yes or No' and 'I Cross My Heart,' have led to his nickname the King of Country Music. Few bands have sold more records or more famously covered their faces in makeup than Kiss, members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Crawford is a celebrated stage actor who won a Tony for his starring role in 'The Phantom of the Opera,' and Gaynor is a leading star from the 1970s disco era whose 'I Will Survive' is a feminist anthem. Breaking with longtime tradition, none of the honorees was from the fields of dance or classical musical. This year's Kennedy Center Honors ceremony will take place on Dec. 7 and will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+. A personal approach Historically, a bipartisan advisory committee selects the recipients, who over the years have ranged from George Balanchine and Tom Hanks to Aretha Franklin and Stephen Sondheim. Trump said Wednesday that he was 'about 98% involved' in choosing the honorees and conferred with such handpicked Kennedy Center officials as Ric Grenell and Sergio Gor. He said he 'turned down plenty' of names, saying those individuals were 'too woke' or too liberal. He described the artists he announced on Wednesday as 'great people.' Besides naming himself chairman and remaking the board, Trump has indicated he'd take over decisions regarding programming at the center and vowed to end events featuring performers in drag. The steps have drawn further criticism from some artists. In March, the producers of 'Hamilton' pulled out of staging the Broadway hit musical in 2026, citing Trump's aggressive takeover of the institution's leadership. House Republicans added an amendment to a spending bill Trump signed into law in July to rename the Kennedy Center's Opera House after first lady Melania Trump, but that venue has yet to be renamed. Maria Shriver, a niece of the late President Kennedy, a Democrat, has criticized as 'insane' a separate House proposal to rename the entire center after Trump. ___

Yungblud reveals heartbreaking way he learned pal Ozzy Osbourne had died as he opens up on romance with Jesse Jo Stark
Yungblud reveals heartbreaking way he learned pal Ozzy Osbourne had died as he opens up on romance with Jesse Jo Stark

Scottish Sun

time6 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Yungblud reveals heartbreaking way he learned pal Ozzy Osbourne had died as he opens up on romance with Jesse Jo Stark

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT has been a whirlwind few months for Yungblud. The British rocker landed his third consecutive No1 album with Idols, helped make history at Ozzy Osbourne's Back To The Beginning concert at Villa Park and now he is on the cusp of releasing his first feature-length music film. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 11 Yungblud was friends with Ozzy Osbourne Credit: Instagram 11 The artist is on the cusp of releasing his first feature-length music film, Are You Ready Boy? 'It's been f***ing nuts,' Yungblud, real name Dominic Harrison, tells me from his very posh suite in The Londoner Hotel. As I hug him with a glass of wine in hand, he laughs and tells me: 'Why the f***k not? I'll have a glass of champagne.' Dom, who Bizarre have championed since the release of his debut album in 2019, is always the most colourful, clever and captivating interviewee. And when we speak about his close friendship with Black Sabbath rocker Ozzy he is visibly moved. 'The past couple of weeks have been very weird to connect with,' Dom explains. 'You get to know someone personally, who you love. And then they leave. 'I was texting him, then his son Jack texted me and said, 'He's gone.' I'm like, 'What?' 'Being around the family and being at the funeral, the amount of love there. That family are real as f***k. 'The dream is to have kids and a family like that. There's no gimmicks. It's authentic.' Dom has now released his live version of Ozzy's 1972 solo hit Changes as a charity single to help raise money for Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Acorns Children's Hospice. He adds: 'The best thing is that I got to honour my hero. That's all I was thinking about. I was singing for one man there.' Touching clip Jack Osbourne reveals how dad Ozzy's fan tributes are being saved with 'flowers to be buried with him' His new film, Yungblud. Are You Ready Boy?, was made in Berlin, with cameras following Dom and his band as they recorded a live version of Idols at the Hansa Studios where David Bowie and U2 laid down some of their famous albums. The footage is searingly honest and shows a different side to the brash, confident Yungblud who his fans adore. 'I will never watch it again, it's too uncomfortable,' Dom explains of the film, which will be shown in 150 cinemas nationwide between August 20 and 24. 'I was ready to make a film like this because I completely alleviated all control. 'When people have seen ten seconds of me on the internet, they think they know me. But I'm calm, I'm emotional, I'm angry in places, I'm very passionate. 'I think something like this in today's day and age, where you elongate the imagination, you let it be raw as f**k, is rare. And I think it's going to stand out.' 11 The Sun's Ellie Henman with Yungblud Credit: Supplied Created by filmmaker Paul Dugdale, Yungblud is seen performing the 12-track album in full — with only one take per track. Dom explains: 'I said to Paul, 'I don't want to do it after we've been on the road and toured it for a year.' Because when it becomes muscle memory, it's easier. 'The red light goes on, you've got to do it in one take.' The two-hour film also shines a light on Dom's relationship with fellow musician Jesse Jo Stark. In a series of candid interviews, Dom opens up about his decision to put their relationship on hold so he could focus on himself and making the record. I revealed this week that the pair are now back together. And Dom, it's clear to see, is a man who is very much in love. He says: 'Sacrificing Jesse Jo and the love bit, it's a very strange thing. 'I've never been in a real relationship in rock music — genuinely loving someone. We all know there's fing couples out there that do this for the media. 'Genuinely, we really love each other. It's so hard to navigate in rock music. When everyone's staring, everyone's got a perception, everyone's got a narrative 'Like when your narrative isn't yours, it's painted by how many views a video gets. The more views a video gets, the more truthful it is, you know. That was rough.' For now, life for Dom is good, and his mum and aunts were at the film premiere in London's Leicester Square on Tuesday. As I leave, Dom tells me: 'I'm still just Dom from Donny, who's trying to f***ing get that high note. To touch the f***ing sky.' I think you've already got to Cloud Nine, Dom. To get tickets and find out more about screenings near you, visit 11 The two-hour film also shines a light on Dom's relationship with fellow musician Jesse Jo Stark Credit: Getty 11 The singer with Reva Gauntlett and 'Chincilla' at premiere after-party Credit: Dave Benett Back in the swing 11 Pendulum have announced five huge shows across the UK Credit: Handout PENDULUM have announced five huge shows across the UK to celebrate the release of their new album, Inertia. The 16-track record will be out on August 22, with the band hitting the road in November. They will kick off in Edinburgh on November 1 before playing in Bristol, Wolverhampton and Manchester, as well as a huge gig at London's O2 Brixton Academy. Tickets for the concerts go on sale at 9am tomorrow at Rob's an Oasis of calm at Mick's birthday bash 11 Sir Mick Jagger is understood to have invited around 50 guests to his recent 82nd birthday bash Credit: Getty SIR MICK JAGGER kept the guest list to his recent 82nd birthday bash tight – but still had a VIP area for himself. The Rolling Stones rocker is understood to have invited around 50 guests, including his bandmate Ronnie Wood and actor Sacha Baron Cohen, but kept a divide to make sure he had some space. Comedian Rob Beckett blagged himself a seat at the table after being invited to the event by Jimmy Carr. And I'm amazed he could remember any of it as he turned up after watching Oasis at Wembley Stadium. Rob revealed: 'I said hello to Mick. I didn't properly chat to him because there was a separate room that had Mick in it with Sacha. 'I was chatting to Ronnie Wood and Ronnie's wife, Sally, for most of the night.' Speaking on his Parenting Hell podcast, Rob added: 'A cake came out, a lovely chocolate cake. I'm stood there and I'm absolutely off my f***ing head. 'I've drunk, I'd say at this point, six pints of lager, two espresso martinis, and I'd say a bottle-and-a-half of rose, and just been to the best gig of my life. 'I'm stood wearing a Stone Island anorak with a vodka and soda talking absolute s***e.' Eye spy Ange ANGELINA JOLIE is set to star in a new spy thriller from the same director as her 2005 smash-hit movie Mr And Mrs Smith. She is expected to play a rogue spy named Bright in Doug Liman's upcoming film The Initiative, who stops at nothing to bring down the baddies. Odudu you do 11 AJ Odudu shared this bikini pic on Instagram Credit: Instagram DUA LIPA and Maya Jama are among the stars to have hit Ibiza recently – and now Big Brother host AJ Odudu has got in on the act. She shared on Instagram this bikini shot from her own '72 hours of fun and frolics' there. Meanwhile Zoe Ball is on the island now, and on her podcast Dig It with Jo Whiley, told how it was where she met her first husband Norman 'Fat Boy Slim' Cook in 1997. She said: 'I turn around and there was Fatboy. I said, 'Mr Cook, I presume?' He said, 'How do you fancy not going to bed with me tonight?' i.e, do you want to go out? It was such a great line.' Rag on the sick 11 Rag 'N' Bone Man has been admitted to hospital Credit: Instagram 11 The singer was forced to cancel a gig just hours before it was due to start Credit: Getty RAG 'N' BONE MAN is only human after all – after being admitted to hospital. He upset quite a few fans in Lithuania on Tuesday after cancelling a show due to illness, just hours before the gig. But he quickly silenced any critics when he proved he really was sick. The Human singer shared photos from his hospital ward and wrote: 'Being stuck in hospital in Lithuania was not on my list of s**t to do before you die! 'Anyone watching anything good? I've got lots of time to kill. 'Sorry to anyone that had tickets to my shows. Trust me, I'd rather be on stage.' Depeche on the big screen DEPECHE MODE will be bringing their feature film to cinemas worldwide for a limited run. The movie, Depeche Mode: M, had its premiere at New York's Tribeca Film Festival in June and will now be shown in 2,500 cinemas in 60 countries. The screenings begin from October 28, with more information on Arctics in album riddle 11 The Arctic Monkeys appear to be gearing up to drop their eighth album Credit: BBC / Michael Leckie THE ARCTIC MONKEYS appear to be gearing up to drop their eighth album, nearly three years after the release of their last record The Car. The group, fronted by Alex Turner, registered a new company, called Bang Bang Recordings LLP, and have wiped the album artwork from The Car on their website. Fans looking for updates are being directed to sign up to a newsletter link on their homepage. Watch this space for further developments.

Major blow to Louis Theroux's girlband project as another huge group decline invite following Spice Girls' snub
Major blow to Louis Theroux's girlband project as another huge group decline invite following Spice Girls' snub

Scottish Sun

time6 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Major blow to Louis Theroux's girlband project as another huge group decline invite following Spice Girls' snub

TV insider reveals how girlbands are concerned what viewers saw in Boybands Forever may also happen to them SHOW KNOCK-BACK Major blow to Louis Theroux's girlband project as another huge group decline invite following Spice Girls' snub Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GIRLS ALOUD have turned down an offer to appear in Louis ­Theroux's girlband documentary – following a similar knock-back from the Spice Girls. Girlbands Forever, set to air on BBC Two, is being filmed now and tells the story of the rise of this distinctly Nineties and Noughties phenomenon. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 8 Girls Aloud have turned down an offer to appear in Louis ­Theroux's girlband documentary Credit: Splash The show was given the green light following the huge success of three-parter Boybands Forever which aired last November on BBC Two. Last month I revealed the Say You'll Be There singers had rejected a personal approach from Louis to talk on the show. Now Cheryl Tweedy and her bandmates have followed suit. A TV insider said: 'This documentary has huge potential to be controversial — that's what viewers saw happen with Boybands Forever, which was made by the same team. 'It picked apart the many negative points associated with being in these pop groups, exposing divisions, bust-ups, resentments and recriminations. 'The concern for those groups taking part in the girlbands version is that it might end up doing similar. 'It now raises the question of how you can make a documentary about girl bands without two of the prime examples being a part of it.' Although the two biggest female groups of the era aren't contributing as talking heads, it's understood others still will be. They include members of Eternal, All Saints, Atomic Kitten and ­Sugababes. As with music mogul Simon ­Cowell's chat for last year's ­programme, some of the interviews will likely be face to face with Louis, whose production company Mindhouse is currently making the new show. In Boybands Forever, ­Robbie Williams discussed his turbulent time in Take That, and members of East 17, 911, Damage and 5ive all outlined the many issues that came with fame. But even a personal invite from Louis couldn't bag the Spice Girls or Girls Aloud, which is pretty tricky given that Mindhouse is hoping to have the project in the can and ready to air by this October. Nineties boyband star unrecognisable as he reveals horrific treatment in chart-topping band The production company was approached but declined to comment. 8 Louis ­Theroux's documentary Girlbands Forever is set to air on BBC Two Credit: Getty ROBIN WRIGHT OR WRONG? 8 House of Cards star Robin Wright stars in The Girlfriend Credit: Christopher Raphael/Prime 8 She plays monster-in-law, Laura, who has a weird obsession with her own son, Daniel Credit: Courtesy of Prime 8 Her son has a seriously suspicious new lover, Cherry, played by Olivia Cooke Credit: Courtesy of Prime HOUSE of Cards star Robin Wright is monster-in-law, Laura, who has a weird obsession with her own son, Daniel, in The Girlfriend. At least that's one way of looking at the story at the heart of Prime Video's new thriller which drops on September 10. But as the newly released trailer for the drama shows, it's not clear whether she's the baddie, or if it's actually her son's seriously suspicious new lover, Cherry, played by Olivia Cooke. Based on Michelle Frances' novel of the same name, this is another one of those offerings from the streamers with a distinctly trans-Atlantic feel since it stars both American and US actors. Set in London, the mind-bending six-parter will have you constantly questioning your perception. Which of the two single-minded women is the real villain, or are they equally bad and just bring out the worst in one another? A LAUR GOING ON AT HOME 8 Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has been filming a fly-on-the-wall TV show Credit: PA HE is back on the box with Channel 4's Outrageous Homes, but Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen could soon be inviting you into his own gaff. The star has been filming a fly-on-the-wall TV show at the six-bed Gloucestershire pile he shares with his wife Jackie, plus daughter Hermione, her husband and two children. Not to mention their eldest daughter Cecile, her hubby and two kids, who also live there in a converted annexe. Laurence told Women's Weekly: 'It's an artificial affectation, this idea that children have to leave the nest, the old are left to decline in remote, beige spaces, while the young find they have no childcare or time for themselves. 'Why don't more people pool their resources? I like the idea of it being very inspirational.' I don't see it working in my two-bed in Southwark. 2.4m SEE ISLE DUO CACH IN 8 Cach Mercer and Toni Laites are crowned winners by Maya Jama on Love Island Credit: Shutterstock Editorial THIS year's Love Island is proof that sex sells. New statistics show that following a raunchy run, the dating show's final was its most watched since Ekin-Su Culculoglu's record-breaking year in 2022. An average 2.4million viewers saw Toni Laites and Cach Mercer bag the £50,000 prize after being crowned winners by host Maya Jama last week. ITV says series 12 also delivered its highest 16 to 34-year-old audience of the year, averaging 1.1 million in the demographic. The show's streams have hit 173 million – up eight per cent year on year. It's solid stuff amid a testing time for ITV. No wonder the channel has locked in another All Stars series for January. BEAR GIG A PICNIC FOR LIZ 8 Liz Hurley's next project is about drug-dealing Bears Credit: Rex Features LIZ HURLEY has a wacky project on the horizon – about drug-dealing Bears. The actress, who is just about to star in Channel 4's The Inheritance, told the Travel Secrets podcast: 'I also have an animated show which is actually really good fun. 'I did it with my old friend Brendan Fraser. 'We did a movie together back in the day called Bedazzled. Even though we sort of love each other, I hadn't seen him for so long. 'It's called Breaking Bear and is all about some bears who cook up meth to sell. I mean, it's outrageous. 'I play the wolf queen who tries to kill them all. It's really good fun.' Not an animation for the kids, then. JILL SCOTT and Lionesses including Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly and Fran Kirby have cameo roles in new CBeebies show Football Fantastics. The comedy series follows six friends at a local footy group and is on CBeebies and iPlayer now.

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