'Win's a win' - but blunt Motherwell 'need new striker'
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Daily Mail
22 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Celebrity Gladiators line-up revealed - from a viral fitness guru and Olympic boxer to gym-obsessed reality TV heavyweights
A new batch of super fit celebrities are set to take on the Gladiators in a battle of strength and skill. The reboot of Gladiators was a smash hit when it aired last year, and a celebrity spin-off was quickly commissioned, featuring comedians and gym lovers. But this year the casting team have stepped it up and found four stars who can definitely give the Gladiators a run for their money. The Sun reported on Monday that model Vogue Williams will be joined on the show by fitness guru Joe Wicks, former Olympic boxer Nicola Adams, and gym-obsessed I'm A Celeb winner Sam Thompson. Vogue won the first series of Bear Grylls: Mission Survive and regularly shares fitness tips and workout videos with her Instagram followers. Meanwhile Joe dominated British TV screens during Covid thanks to his at-home workout clips, and reality star Sam often shares his gym progress. Former Olympian Nicola could however prove the one to beat, after retiring undefeated in 2019 and becoming the first female boxer to become an Olympic champion after winning gold at London 2012. A source told the publication: 'Last year, producers of the debut celebrity version played it for laughs with three comedians taking part — with hilarious results for viewers. 'But this year they've assembled four celebrities who can give the Gladiators a serious run for their money, and serve up a clash to savour. Filming of the third series of the regular Gladiators is currently underway at Sheffield Arena, and set to air early next year with Bradley Walsh and son Barney returning to host. Meanwhile the upcoming series of Celebrity Gladiators will come out just before the civilian one. The first series of Celebrity Gladiators saw Joel Dommett and Ellie Taylor crowned the winners after a tense finale. The one-hour special saw Joel go head-to-head with comedian Rob Beckett, while Ellie faced a string of challenges with former BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin. After facing the ultimate test of speed and strength up against the power of the Gladiators, the stars faced their fears in the iconic Eliminator. Reality star Sam, most famous for his appearances on Made In Chelsea, often shares his gym progress Joel went into The Eliminator with a half second lead on Rob Beckett. Both managed to overcome their fear of heights and successfully climb up the cargo net but it was Joel who ran to the top of the travelator first, bursting through the paper to become Gladiators Celebrity champion. Speaking to host Barney Walsh after his win Joel said: 'It was so tough, I knew Rob was there the entire time. 'We've been so scared all day of that cargo net we're both absolutely petrified of heights, the fact that we both did that I just feel like we've overcome something, it's amazing. 'I've dreamed of going up that travelator since I was nine years old and hearing the crowd roar and going up that travelator its likely genuinely a dream come true, thank you so much for having me, it's been a pleasure.' Louise had a two-second head start on Ellie in The Eliminator, but struggled to get over the first hurdle, so Ellie was able to take advantage and the lead as she swung through the paper to be crowned champion. On winning Ellie told host Bradley Walsh: 'I can't believe I've just done that, I had such a wonderful time here with Louise, I'm really proud of myself.' The physically challenging game show was resurrected by the BBC in January, 32-years after its original ITV launch and 16-years after Sky One scrapped an earlier revival. Louise previously shared insight into filming and revealed she'd been left injured after getting kicked in the face: 'I don't know who cut my nose but there was blood'. 'When they're fighting you, you can't feel the pain. But being tackled by them is like hitting a brick wall. I just had these extra-ordinarily powerful legs kicking out at me. Honestly, they're units!'. Meanwhile comedian Rob revealed how he did everything possible to leave host Bradley who presents alongside son Barney, 27, in stitches with a string of racy quips. Elsewhere actress Ellie, who appeared on 2022's Strictly, concluded the Gladiators were much more scary than the BBC dancing show's judges. She joked: 'I think the Gladiators, because the Strictly judges can't hurt you. They can just emotionally destroy you. It's different levels of pain.' Ellie, who shares two children with husband Phil Black, also revealed she had a secret girl crush on Gladiator Fury, whose real name is Jodie Ounsley. 'Luckily, she didn't tackle me. I just got a little fireman's carry and I felt like a dainty lady for once. And I got to play bongos on her bum! I love it, it's really fun.'
Times
an hour ago
- Times
Three-day tours and ‘whirlwind' of the short-term Lions call-up
T he last time the British & Irish Lions had a 2-0 lead, they were in action on the Tuesday before the third Test. Midweek fixtures make the Lions a 'glorious anachronism' but they also induce headaches. As recently as 2005 there were 'dirt-tracker' outings before every international, whereas in 2025, even one final tune-up before the second Test is treated as a money-spinning hindrance to survive. This selectorial neuralgia has led to short-term call-ups, such as the radio commentator Shane Williams in 2013 and the 'Geography Six' of 2017. For all their merits as rugby men, many will tar Gregor Brown, Tom Clarkson et al with that brush. Yet unlikely Lions are a rich part of the team's history. Go back far enough and you will find Bill Cunningham, the former Ireland half back working as a dentist in South Africa, co-opted into the bruised 1924 squad.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Fans heap praise on England heroes Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton for passionately saying they're 'proud to be English' in Euros victory interviews
England 's penalty queen Chloe Kelly has won a legion of new fans after she used her victory interviews to repeatedly and passionately evangelise about her pride at being English. The 27-year-old declared that the Lionesses' victory over Spain was proof that you should never 'write the English off'. While goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who saved two Spanish penalties, said: 'We've got that grit, that English blood in us. We never say die'. Kelly smashed home the winning penalty as England won back-to-back European titles in Switzerland last night. Moments after winning the title, Chloe was asked about whether she 'could believe' the Lionesses had beaten Spain. Instead of talking about her ice cold penalty, she declared: 'This team shows exactly what it's like to be English. I'm so proud to be English'. She went on: 'This team is made of magic and is made of steel. When we were down against Sweden, down against Italy, we f***ing showed grit and determination and we came back. You can't write the English off. '[We are] history makers once again. We have an unbelievable manager behind us and staff. And the fans, who have been incredible the whole tournament. I'm so proud to be English'. She was asked about inspiring young footballers, she added: 'It's a huge. Every girl out there with that dream: you can do it. Keep shooting for the stars'. She added to BBC Sport: 'I am so proud of this team. So grateful to wear this badge. So proud to be English. I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it.' Chloe Kelly led the Lionesses as they partied through the night after another extraordinary Euros win in Switzerland. Princess Charlotte 's beaming smile and jubilant celebrations perfectly captured the nation's mood last night as England sealed a dramatic victory over Spain on penalties. The champions are set to be honoured with a Downing Street reception today followed by a victory parade through London tomorrow. But they could be a little worse for wear this morning after a boozy bash that was going strong way beyond 4am. The Lionesses, manager and staff had filed off the coach clutching the trophy and glasses of wine before being were met with roars from their loved-ones, who were waiting to greet them at the team hotel. Sarina Wiegman and her captain Leah Williamson cut a celebratory cake before the dancing began in wild scenes shared on social media. Many of the Lionesses were belting out tunes on a karaoke machine as people bopped on a packed dancefloor. England are European Championship winners again after a penalty shootout win against rivals Spain. The game was 1-1 after 90 minutes and remained tied through 30 minutes of extra time. Another nerve-shredding penalty shootout followed with Chloe Kelly yet again scoring the winning penalty sparking jubilant scene in the stadium in Basel and in millions of homes back in the UK. The moment Princess Charlotte celebrated Chloe Kelly's winning penalty as England beat Spain to win the Women'S Euro 2025 title Sarina Wiegman 's side are victorious once again, cementing their place in footballing history. Earlier in the evening, fans draped in St George's flags watched with bated breath alongside the Prince of Wales and Princess Charlotte in Basel, Switzerland — all seen holding their heads in their hands as Spain took the lead just before half-time. But the Lionesses roared back in the second half, with Arsenal striker Alessia Russo heading home a brilliant equaliser in the 57th minute, sending millions back home into raptures. With the score still tied after extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout — where goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made two huge saves before Chloe Kelly, once again, became the hero of the hour, calmly dispatching the decisive spot-kick to seal a 3-1 shootout win. Now, the Football Association has confirmed the victorious squad will celebrate in style with a victory parade on an open-top bus through central London on July 29, culminating at The Mall. It is understood a royal reception with Prince William and King Charles is also being planned to honour the team's incredible achievement. Chloe Kelly was seen on camera shaking Prince William's hand and receiving her medal before turning to the camera and shouting 'f***ing come on! Fans can attend for free and it will be broadcast live on BBC, ITV, and Sky. Sadly, it is understood Downing Street has no plans for a bank holiday to mark the Lionesses' triumph. The England team celebrated long into the night at an after party in Switzerland, where players joined family and friends to let their hair down. Ella Toone sang karaoke as England manager Sarina Wiegman and captain Leah Williamson cut a celebratory cake together. After the match Prince William and Charlotte penned a personal note to the team, marking the first time the Princess has ever signed off an official message. It said: 'What a game! @lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn't be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment @England. W & Charlotte.' Fans across the country were pictured standing on tables, waving flags, throwing drinks in the air and excitedly hugged each other as England claimed victory, while the Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer watched on from the stands in Basel, Switzerland. Speaking after the match Chloe Kelly gushed that she was 'so proud of this team, so grateful to wear this badge' and 'so proud to be English'. William was spotted in the stands applauding and celebrating with those around him - including his daughter Princess Charlotte. As the presentation ceremony took place, the Prince of Wales was among those to congratulate star striker Michelle Agyemang on being named young player of the tournament. William exchanged words with Agyemang, appearing to say 'well played, fantastic, well done'. Agyemang, 19, who had one England cap before the tournament, scored crucial equalisers in the Lionesses' quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. There was non-stop applause in her home town of South Ockendon as fans saw the Arsenal forward step through a guard of honour to pick up her award. Sir Keir was the first to congratulate England on their win - posting on X: 'Champions! Congratulations Lionesses - what a team. What a game. What drama. 'You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers.' England's European Championship winning players arrive to celebrations after the game Followed quickly by a message from King Charles to offer the team with his most 'heartfelt congratulations'. It read: 'This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the EUROS 2025. 'For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant 'football's coming home'. 'As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true. 'For this, you have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration. 'More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms. 'Well done, Lionesses. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!' William and Charlotte were pictured in Switzerland as the royal family led the nation in wishing good luck to England's Lionesses. Shortly before kick-off, an image of the pair was posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales 's X account with the caption 'let's go, Lionesses'. England supporters celebrate during the penalty shootout England's Hannah Hampton shakes hands with Prince William Joy for England fans as Alessia Russo heads home to make the score 1-1 The Prince of Wales (centre left) and Princess Charlotte react as Spain's Mariona Caldentey scores their side's first goal Charlotte has been pictured this afternoon standing close to her father in a sweet blue polka dot dress England fan celebrates winning the penalty shootout England's Alessia Russo (centre) celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game with Chloe Kelly Sir Keir Starmer is seen in attendance with his wife Victoria Starmer Princess Charlotte of Wales during the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Final match The Prince of Wales, who is patron of the Football Association (FA), applauded the national anthem as he stood next to Charlotte in the stadium. He was also joined by Sir Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria. In a show of support ahead of the final, the Band of the Grenadier Guards performed Three Lions on the Buckingham Palace forecourt, while the royal family's official X account posted: 'Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening.' Defender Lucy Bronze shocked fans by revealing she played the entire Women's Euro 2025 tournament with a fractured tibia — an injury she had kept secret until after the final. The 33-year-old was taken off at half-time in extra time during Sunday's final, which ended 1-1 before England beat Spain 3-1 on penalties in Basel. But when asked about the new knee injury she picked up during the game, Bronze casually disclosed that she had already been playing through far worse. 'I have actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia,' she told BBC Sport. 'And then I have hurt my knee on my other leg. 'That's why I got a lot of praise from the girls after the Sweden game, as I've been in a lot of pain. If that's what it takes to play for England, that's what I'll do. Very painful.' The previously undisclosed injury sparked an outpouring of disbelief and admiration across social media on Sunday night. Joe Bunney uploaded a post to social media today which he captioned 'Big day ahead. Redemption time. Come on girls' in reference to the team's nailbiting loss to Spain in the 2023 World Cup Final. Champions! Congratulations @Lionesses — what a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 27, 2025 England fans show the strain at Newcastle's St. James' STACK as they watch the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 England fans react as they watch a live broadcast of the Women's Euro final England fans during a screening of the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 final match between England and Spain The big screen showing the record overall tournament attendance figure during the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 final In a post uploaded to X this morning the Royal Family shared a clip of guardsmen performing the iconic England anthem 'It's coming home' outside Buckingham Palace. The accompanying caption read: 'Let's go girls!! Wishing the very best of luck to the Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening.' Downing Street also shared in the football fever as it decked outs its railing with bunting and displayed the flag of St George in its windows. Number 10 said: 'Good luck today, Lionesses. Let's bring it home.'
