
Traitors star becomes learning disability charity ambassador
A finalist of The Traitors has teamed up with a learning disability charity to become its newest ambassador. Alexander Dragonetti appeared on the third series of the show and said if he had won he would have donated some of the prize money to Mencap, after the charity helped his late brother. Fans of the show have since helped raise £95,000 for the Peterborough-based charity, which Mr Dragonetti said was "nothing short of incredible".He said: "People with a learning disability still face stigma and exclusion every day - I want to help Mencap increase visibility of learning disability and hope that in doing so we can promote acceptance and inclusion."
The charity announced the news on National Siblings Day on 10 April in a series of videos shared on social media. Previously speaking to BBC Radio 4, Mr Dragonetti said he did not know whether or not to talk publicly about his brother, who had global development delay and autism. He said: "I talked about a summer camp I used to attend. This was a place where he could shine. He could be himself, he'd have infinite attention, he could be silly and my parents could get a break."My brother was the most wonderful human being and I miss him so deeply. I also know how hard it can be for parents looking after children with special needs."
The Traitors, which is filmed in the Scotland, sees contestants engage in challenges, "murders", roundtables and banishments to build up a prize pot of money. He said: "It's remarkable how many people have experience or are impacted by learning disability. Hearing their stories has been humbling, and often surprisingly moving. "I am also passionate about raising awareness, and am so excited to continue doing this. Being different isn't easy and I'm proud to play a role for an organisation that breaks down barriers and improves understanding." Jon Sparkes, the chief executive at Mencap, said the charity was "thrilled" to welcome Mr Dragonetti to the "family". "He has already done so much to raise awareness of our essential work by bravely sharing his family's story, and in doing so has opened people's minds about learning disability."
Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Love Island announce two new boys as heartbroken star sent home in huge twist
Love Island have announced two new singletons for this series. The new season kicked off on Monday, but this year's singles haven't had the chance to get comfortable in their couples, as ITV producers quickly started sending in bombshells left, right, and centre. The girls were the first to come under fire as American pool party waitress Antonia Laites entered the villa and immediately stole Shakira's man. This left her vulnerable to being dumped from the island, so she soon had to start chatting up the other girls' partners in a last-ditch attempt to save herself before the next firepit ceremony. However, now it is the men on the show who have had the pressure put on them as two new bombshells have entered the villa and are ready to crack on with their girls, following the devastating dumping of Sophie Lee. Here is what we know about the new lads... Shea, 25, from Bristol, said he is looking for someone bubbly, who's got "that spark". Unlike some of the other boys in the villa, this one is not looking to mess around. Shea wants to find a good girl with a "nice personality" to get serious with. It's also very important to him that she will be understanding of the important role his young son plays in his life. The scaffolder, who admits he spends most mornings in the gym, added: "I am ready again to look for something more serious. I'm 25 now, so I want to be settling down and have someone always by my side." Although Shea is looking for a wifey, his single days are not far behind him. When asked what he would be the boss of, he didn't hesitate to say "pulling girls". The cheeky gym buff added: "I'm confident to go up and introduce myself and say, 'You look beautiful', to get a conversation flowing." Essex-based content creator Remell, 24, wants to meet someone who is "bubbly, confident, ambitious and fun". He admitted he easily gets bored of being with the same person, so girls on the island better look out, because his head might be quickly turned. Remell joked that a film based on his love life up until now would be called "Once a Player, Not Always a Player", adding: "I'm the CEO of flirting. Sometimes it's just unintentional." The self improvement guru also opened up about his high standards, saying he needs a woman who can "stimulate him mentally" and his biggest ick is someone with no ambition or goals. He shared: "If I can't talk to a woman and pick her brain, have some discussion, that's a huge turn off for me as where are we going to be going?" The two new boys were introduced to the villa moments after the other Islanders were left devastated by Sophie's exit. The motivational speaker from Manchester was axed from the show after Shakira decided to steal her man in order to remain in the villa, so the bombshells have got some cheering up to do. .


Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Huge new island waterpark to open with 30 slides and the world's longest lazy river
ROYAL Caribbean is launching an entire new island in 2027 and it will be home to seven neighborhoods - including a huge Waterpark. Perfect Day Mexico is expected to launch in autumn 2027 as the cruise company's newest private island and at the heart of the island will be Loco Waterpark. 4 Perfect Day Mexico is expected to launch in autumn 2027 Credit: Loco Waterpark 4 At the heart of the island will be Loco Waterpark Credit: Loco Waterpark The waterpark will have over 30 waterslides, a wave pool and waterslide tower measuring more than 170ft tall called Jaguar's Peak. There will also be hydrolaunch slides that shoot riders into the air and the world's first sombrero slide, modeled after Mexico's iconic sombrero. The park will feature adventure pools and slides for younger kids too. At Splash Cove, another central neighborhood on the island, there will be the longest lazy river in the world. Along the hour-long float there are multiple entry and exit points and there will be a number of float up bars. Each tube will even have a cupholder for beverages. And for those who feel a little more daring, there is the option of venturing through a crazy section of the river that has twists and turns with waves, rapids and spins. In the centre of all of this is a 100,000sqft pool - which is one of 10 across the island. Smaller children will be able to enjoy Royal Caribbean's largest Splashaway Bay with the first-ever Splashaway Cabanas nearby. The cruise line has partnered with Legacy Entertainment - a US-based design firm responsible for theme parks and attractions - to create the waterpark. Dubai hotel with world's largest waterpark The destination spans over 200 acres on Mexico's Caribbean Coast and in total will have seven neighbourhoods, with 12 dining options and 24 bars. Other neighbourhoods include El Hideaway - an adults-only neighbourhood. The neighbourhood will be the party zone with a party pool, swim-up bar and in-pool DJ. There will also be a new Ultimate Party Cabana for 20 guests, with its own pool and bar. In the Costa Beach Club neighbourhood, guests can make the most of the white sand beaches, heated infinity pool and Costa Beach Club restaurant. At Chill Beach North and South will be two miles of white sand beaches. Then at Fiesta Plaza, guests can make the most of live music and dance inspired by Mexico with live music and dance. Plus, the world's largest sombrero will be found on top of the Tipsy Sombrero bar which will serve classic Mexican drinks such as margaritas and cervezas. 4 The waterpark will have the world's longest lazy river Credit: Royal Caribbean Free-to-use loungers, umbrellas and towels will be at all of the beaches and pools at Perfect Day Mexico. Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean said: "We have spent the last 50 years shattering perceptions around cruising to transform into a global vacation brand for all generations. "Now, we're bringing our demonstrated history of unparalleled service and revolutionary innovation – everything our vacationers know and love – into our collection of destinations that offer more locally inspired perfect days and beachfront getaways." He added: "Perfect Day Mexico is bigger and bolder than anything we have done to date. "This destination will be the ultimate vacation for families, and we cannot wait to welcome adventurers from around the world to Mexico for an experience only Royal Caribbean can provide." Royal Caribbean is also due to launch the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in December 2025. The first-of-its-kind Royal Beach Club in The Bahamas will combine the stunning beaches of Nassau's Paradise Island with Royal Caribbean's signature experiences. Visitors can purchase an all-inclusive day pass and enjoy unlimited dining, drinks and amenities, from The Floating Flamingo – the world's largest swim-up bar. Also opening, in 2026, is the Royal Beach Club Cozumel – which features stunning beaches, pools with swim-up bars, cabanas, snorkeling, kayaking and more. A closed UK waterpark will also finally reopen after shutting 17 months ago. Plus, a massive European waterpark with 14 themed lands opens new outdoor pool and 150-seat swim up bar.


Scotsman
8 hours ago
- Scotsman
David Byrne announces UK tour dates for 2026 in celebration of new album
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. The celebrated musician is set to release his new album on September 5 2025 through Matador Records Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The iconic David Byrne has announced a world tour to celebrate his first album of work since 2018. The tour comes to the United Kingdom in the new year for eight dates only. Here's where you can catch the magical Talking Heads artist in the UK and when both pre-sale and general ticket sales are occurring. Talking Heads icon David Byrne is set to release his first album of new music since 2018's, and to celebrate, he's announced a World Tour with eight dates taking place in the UK. Byrne is renowned for his innovative and captivating stage productions, and promoters are promising nothing less for this upcoming tour. Fans can expect a brand new live show, which will feature an expansive group of 13 musicians, singers, and dancers, including familiar faces from his American Utopia band. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad David Byrne has announced eight UK dates as part of his World Tour. |In a move that promises dynamic performances, all members of the ensemble will be mobile throughout the set, suggesting a highly choreographed and visually engaging experience. The tour coincides with the release of his new album, Who Is the Sky?, set for September 5th via Matador Records . This eagerly awaited record sees Byrne collaborating with Grammy-winning producer Kid Harpoon , known for his work with pop powerhouses like Harry Styles and Miley Cyrus. This fresh partnership suggests an intriguing new sonic direction, while the album's 12 tracks have been meticulously arranged by the New York-based chamber ensemble, Ghost Train Orchestra, hinting at a rich and complex soundscape. Where is David Byrne touring in the UK in 2026? The legendary performer is set to bring his show to the following locations on the following dates in the new year: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When can I get tickets to see David Byrne on his 2026 UK tour dates? Pre-sale tickets Artist pre-sale s and those with O2 Priority will have first pick of the tickets ahead of the 2026 UK dates, when your tickets will go on sale from 3pm BST on June 10 2025. Live Nation and Spotify pre-sales will then commence from 12pm BST on June 12 2025. General ticket sales The remaining allocation of tickets will then go on public sale from 10am BST on June 13 2025 through Ticketmaster . Do you have an event you'd like to share with us? You can now promote your What's On stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.