logo
Paul Merton ‘honoured' if he was the reason Bruce Forsyth got Strictly job

Paul Merton ‘honoured' if he was the reason Bruce Forsyth got Strictly job

Independent7 days ago
Paul Merton has addressed the long-standing rumour that he was responsible for Sir Bruce Forsyth being hired to host Strictly Come Dancing, stating it "wasn't quite like that."
The rumour suggests that Merton inviting Forsyth to guest present on Have I Got News for You in 2003 put him on the BBC 's radar for the dance competition.
Merton confirmed Forsyth was a "consummate professional" on Have I Got News for You, which appeared to reignite his career and led to his Strictly role the following year.
While Merton has "no idea" if he directly influenced Forsyth's hiring, he stated he would be "extremely honoured" if he did, as Forsyth was a "lovely man."
Forsyth's career, which began in the 1950s, was waning before his Have I Got News for You appearance, and Strictly Come Dancing subsequently brought him back to primetime television.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Simon Cowell's pal Lucy Spraggan reveals he also considered signing up for SAS: Who Dares Wins but she had to warn him off tough series due to health concerns
Simon Cowell's pal Lucy Spraggan reveals he also considered signing up for SAS: Who Dares Wins but she had to warn him off tough series due to health concerns

Daily Mail​

time3 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Simon Cowell's pal Lucy Spraggan reveals he also considered signing up for SAS: Who Dares Wins but she had to warn him off tough series due to health concerns

Simon Cowell 's close pal Lucy Spraggan says the music mogul considered signing up for Channel 4 's SAS: Who Dares Wins - but she told him he has 'no chance'. The former X Factor frontman may live a life of luxury, but it seems he wanted to show just how tough he is. Simon, 65, was pleased to hear that Lucy had been in talks for the series, where it puts celebs through their paces as they take on different intense challenges. Lucy - who has grown close to Simon since starring on The X Factor in 2012 - said how the entertainment mogul thought it would be a 'great idea' for her to do the show as she loves being outdoors and they often enjoy shooting air rifles together. And he was so thrilled for her that he reportedly said he'll 'maybe try and have a go at it'. Lucy told The Sun: 'I was like, "You would literally die!" It was funny because it really contextualised how hard it was that I just straight away said to him, "You would have no chance".' The new series of SAS: Who Dares Wins, which begins next Sunday at 9pm, sees Simon give Lucy a pep talk, but it doesn't end well. Her friendship with Simon is better than ever, and last year he even walked her down the aisle during her star-studded wedding to girlfriend Emilia Smith. 'It was really strange,' Lucy laughed. 'It's a high stress environment and I looked to the side and saw him, like this is weird! 'But he was here and Lauren [Silverman] was there.' In recent months, Simon has been working on launching a new talent show. The show titled The Next Act follows Cowell on a mission to find the next global boyband in the vein of One Direction, and is due to stream on Netflix in the coming months. While Netflix is yet to commission the second series, it is thought he is keen to capitalise on the buzz and is already eyeing a second series - this time focusing on up-and-coming girl groups. A source told the publication: 'There's huge amount of excitement around the boyband search show dropping on Netflix, which is expected to drop later this year. 'So it makes sense to consider a sequel with a similar concept but looking for the female equivalent. 'And if anyone can do it, it's Simon. After all, through One Direction and Little Mix, he helped deliver two of the biggest pop acts of the last two decades.' The Next Act is thought to air over six episodes, where viewers will see nationwide open auditions, exclusive behind-the-scenes access and the release of the group's debut single.

Chloe Kelly's proud husband joins sweet tributes after Women's Euros win
Chloe Kelly's proud husband joins sweet tributes after Women's Euros win

Metro

time4 minutes ago

  • Metro

Chloe Kelly's proud husband joins sweet tributes after Women's Euros win

The Lionesses have been met with an outpouring of love and appreciation from their nearest and dearest following England's victory at the Women's Euros 2025 Final. After remaining at loggerheads with old rivals Spain for much of the match, the squad finally brought football home with a 3-1 win during penalty shootouts. This was second time lucky for the Lionesses, who were previously beaten by Spain during the 2023 World Cup. Things got off to a shaky start with a missed kick from Beth Mead, but England managed to forge ahead thanks to some sterling work from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. This gave woman of the match Chloe Kelly the chance to catch up, scoring the winning spot-kick. As the country celebrates, the Lionesses' partners have joined the nation in sharing their pride. Woman of the hour Chloe is married to groundsman and greenkeeper Scott Moore, having reportedly met while she was playing for Everton and married in 2024 after five years of dating. Scott's Instagram account is private, but Chloe reposted his pride-filled Instagram tribute to her own Story after the match ended. 'Speechless once again,' he wrote in the accompanying text, along with two silver heart emojis. 'I'm so grateful to have you by my side,' Chloe added below Scott's picture and words. Women's England Captain Leah Williamson's biggest cheerleader was partner Elle Smith. The former Miss USA winner showed her support in a t-shirt emblazoned with the slogan 'Live, Laugh, Leah.' Although the pair have never confirmed that they are dating, they appeared to 'soft launch' their relationship this year in a series of loved-up social media posts. Leah's supportive partner previously showcased her pride after a match back in May, sharing a black-and-white selfie in which Elle wrapped her arms around Leah from behind. Ashley Hodson, partner of Lauren Hemp, celebrated the team's win by sharing an Instagram Story and a series of pictures to her account. 'Champions babyyy! So proud 🫶🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏆', she wrote in the caption to her post. In these pictures, she and Lauren could be seen standing side by side, with a grinning Ashley holding up the freshly won medal. Meanwhile, in her Instagram Stories, Ashley described Lauren as her 'inspo,' sharing a picture of Lauren holding the trophy aloft. Another image also depicted Lauren mid-celebration, roaring in victory in the wake of the team's win. Lauren has been dating Sheffield United midfielder Hodson since 2023. At the end of a Heineken-filled day, Joe Bunney, boyfriend of Ella Toone (and footballer for Stalybridge Celtic), shared footage from her joyous victory celebration. 'Words don't describe how proud I am of you,' he wrote in one Instagram Story. In the next, he shared a selfie with Ella, writing 'BACK 2 BACK' in the caption, along with two trophy emojis and two red hearts. Vivianne Miedema, the girlfriend of Beth Mead, shared a selfie with partner Beth and Australian footballer Steph Catley. 'Proud proud' the Dutch footballer wrote in the accompanying caption to her Instagram Stories post. She then echoed the sentiment in a post to her main Instagram feed, sharing a snap of Beth sitting on her lap in the wake of the match. More Trending '🥹 proud of you,' she wrote in the accompanying caption. In the comments below, Beth responded: 'Love you ❤️' The football power couple first met while playing for Arsenal and have been together ever since. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Chloe Kelly sends pointed message to her doubters after England's Women's Euro 2025 triumph MORE: Spain manager and star player emotionally speak out on 'cruel' England loss MORE: Ian Wright names 'major favourite' for 2027 Women's World Cup after England win Euros

Alex Jones had ‘no idea' about misconduct complaints made against Jermaine Jenas
Alex Jones had ‘no idea' about misconduct complaints made against Jermaine Jenas

Metro

time4 minutes ago

  • Metro

Alex Jones had ‘no idea' about misconduct complaints made against Jermaine Jenas

Alex Jones has spoken out for the first time on former co-star Jermaine Jenas' axe from the BBC. The Welsh broadcaster worked closely with Jenas on The One Show. As one of the original presenters, Jones joined in 2010, while Jenas came on board in 2021. Speaking out after Jenas was removed from the lineup last year, Jones has insisted she had 'no idea' about complaints made against her former colleague. The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, 42, was removed from the presenting team at BBC's Match Of The Day and The One Show following alleged issues relating to workplace conduct. Before he was sacked in August, Jenas had been a regular pundit on sports programmes and a presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live. Jones, 48, told the Big Issue she did not know about the complaints until he had left. She said: 'I very much take people on face value. But with JJ [Jenas], I didn't know what was going on. 'I had no idea. I thought he was taking extended leave.' 'The BBC didn't share with me what was going on until they actually dealt with it. And, you know, they did what they thought was right,' she added. 'If that was my daughter and she felt uncomfortable with someone's behaviour, I hope that whatever company she was working for would deal with it swiftly as well.' After being let go by the BBC, Jenas apologised, saying he had done 'nothing illegal' and that 'inappropriate messages' sent were 'between two consenting adults'. Months later, Jenas' wife, Ellie Penfold, announced the couple had split up after 16 years together. In a statement on her Instagram Story, Penfold wrote: 'I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it's necessary. 'After 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways. 'We will remain friends and continue to co-parent.' Jenas returned to broadcasting on TalkSport radio in February after the outlet distanced itself from him in the wake of his departure from the BBC. Earlier this month, he reflected on 'losing everything' in the wake of his scandal, both personally and professionally. Jenas, who was also dropped by his talent agency after the explicit messages to two BBC co-workers were uncovered, initially hit out at the Beeb, vowing to seek legal action and reminding the public there are 'two sides to every story'. Almost one year later, however, he admitted that he didn't deal with the repercussions of his actions in the 'right way'. Speaking candidly on the Let Me Tell You Something podcast, Jenas compared the messages he'd sent to words of Fifty Shades lead Christian Grey. 'It was sexting, as simple as that, but it was initiated to me, and then I responded. 'It wasn't just me going out of my way, and it definitely 100% wasn't, 'If you do this, I will help you in your work',' he insisted. 'There was no power element to it going on.' Jenas went on to say that he accepts 'full responsibility' for the fallout, including how his marriage, which he claims was already on the rocks, broke up. 'I dealt with it wrong and got heavily punished for it by losing pretty much everything that I had at that time.' Meanwhile, for Jones, this is not the first time she has had a co-presenter leave The One Show. Married comedian Jason Manford, who joined the programme at the same time as her in August 2010, resigned only three months into the role for sharing sexual internet messages with female fans. More Trending He admitted to sending the messages, telling The Sun at the time: 'I have decided after careful consideration to step down from The One Show to concentrate on my family and tour commitments. 'I have only myself to blame.' Despite co-presenting on the show for a few months, Jones said she is still 'really good pals' with Manford. View More » The full interview with Alex Jones can be read in this week's Big Issue, on sale now. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Who is commentating on England's Euro 2025 final vs Spain? BBC and ITV line-ups MORE: David Attenborough's next documentary series has BBC release date confirmed MORE: Strictly Come Dancing confirms two new professionals after show scandals

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store