
Strictly's Ore Oduba fell victim to Mel Robbins online scam
Ore has previously said during a Loose Women appearance that the self-help author's 2024 release The Let Them Theory 'changed his life'.
Having previously fronted BBC documentary series Claimed And Shamed, Ore revealed that someone claiming to be Mel contacted him through his email.
He said: "I could have cried - they knew who I was! I got an email from the Mel Robbins podcast team…I told Mel everything.
'How she had changed my life. And I literally said at the end of the email, even for you to know who I am, is everything. Thank you so much for getting in touch.'
Clearly emotional, Ore revealed that the person emailing him invited him to appear on Mel's podcast, which has more than 20 million subscribers.
Ore, 39, recalled: 'I'm reading this back and I know exactly how it made me feel at the time. I wrote back and I said, 'Mel, I'm holding back tears. Is this for real? You must have AI helping you correspond with all of these fans'.
'Mel wrote back, 'of course it's me - it's Mel Robbins!' So then I lost my s**t, I absolutely lost my s**t, in tears on an Avanti West Coast train from Birmingham to London, thinking that my whole life was about to change.'
He continued: 'By the way, I used to host a show about scammers. I have watched enough Watchdog to last a lifetime - that doesn't stop me being in the middle of it. I never thought I'd be the person that would be scammed.''
Ore realised that Mel contacting him was too good to be true when he realised her name was spelt wrong in the Gmail account and quickly contacted her PR team.
Ore's caption for the post read: 'I'm ashamed, I'm embarrassed and I'm human. Did not think I would be the kind of person who could be scammed, but this proves it really can happen to anyone.
'Especially with the help and manipulation of AI. I'm terrified how easily I was 'hooked'. It was SO convincing, it's scary… I've made no secret of how much Mel Robbins, her book and podcast have helped me through a really difficult period.
'Truth is I turned an emotional blind eye to something I so deeply wanted to believe was for me and nearly got myself into a whole heap of trouble (sidenote.. I've realised in making this video how often we do the same thing in relationships too!).'
Urging his fans to 'listen to their gut', Ore admitted that being scammed is 'no fun', but he is 'still inspired and loves Mel Robbins'.
He concluded the post: 'So grateful to them for their swift response. I got lucky - it could so easily have been too late.'
Recommended Reading:
When did Ore win Strictly?
Ore competed on the 14th season of the dancing competition with professional dancer Joanne Clifton in 2016.
An audience of more than 13 million watched him and partner Joanne Clifton crowned champions in 2016, the most watched final in Strictly history at the time.
From 2008 until 2013, Ore presented the CBBC news programme Newsround.
Hashtags

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


Metro
19 minutes ago
- Metro
Inside England captain Leah Williamson's romance with Miss USA winner Elle Smith
England captain Leah Williamson will be leading the Lionesses to hopeful victory in the Women's Euro 2025 finals tonight. Leah's England will take on former rivals Spain in St Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, two years after losing out on their World Cup attempt. All eyes will be on the England team, including 29-year-old team captain Leah, who was permanently appointed to the post by England manager Sarina Wiegman in 2022. But what do we know about Leah's life away from the pitch? Does she have a girlfriend or partner? When not leading her team to victory, Leah has made headlines for her rumoured romance with former Miss USA Elle Smith. Here's all we know about Leah Williamson's relationship with the 27-year-old beauty pageant winner. American journalist and beauty pageant contestant Elle Smith was crowned Miss USA in 2021. In the run-up to the competition, she was named Miss Kentucky USA that same year, making her only the second woman from Kentucky to win Miss USA. She went on to represent the United States at Miss Universe, ultimately finishing in the Top 10, losing out to India's Harnaaz Sandhu. Although they became romantically linked in 2024, Leah and Elle have not officially confirmed whether they are in a relationship. Speculation that the pair were 'soft-launching' a relationship began in March, when Elle posted a video of her and Leah floating in the ocean together on a paddleboard. This came accompanied by the caption 'happy birthday my love x,' to which Leah responded with a series of emojis. Since then, they have continued to pop up all over each other's social media, including a picture of them celebrating England's 6-0 win against Portugal, back in May. In the black-and-white picture, Leah sits on Elle's lap, with the former Miss USA titleholder's arms around her. In response to the picture, Leah commented: 'We did it🥹🥹🥹' Last month, Elle shared a series of snapshots from their holiday to Majorca together – many of which saw the pair looking very loved-up indeed. These images included a snap of Elle and Leah on a paddleboard together, as well as shots of them all dressed up and headed out for dinner. Leah shared her own carousel of images on her Instagram page, too, which included a number of grabs of Elle smiling and contented. Leah also showed her appreciation when Elle shared a series of snaps posing in her Skims bikini while on holiday in Jamaica for her birthday last month. 'I have no words,' Leah wrote in the comments to the post – to which Elle responded: 'all yours.' More Trending She then commented again soon afterwards, writing: 'Just come for a second viewing.' Elle has shared a message of support ahead of tonight's final, posting a snap of herself in a t-shirt to her Instagram Stories. This wasn't any old England t-shirt either. The message emblazoned on the white tee's front in red writing? 'Live, Laugh, Leah.' 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: How much do women footballers get paid? England player salaries revealed MORE: Why are Mary Earps and Millie Bright not playing for England at Euro 2025? MORE: Who is commentating on England's Euro 2025 final vs Spain? BBC and ITV line-ups


Scottish Sun
20 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Kelsey Parker shares family holiday photo and says it's ‘just what we needed' after she tragically lost baby at 9 months
Kelsey and partner Will Lindsay have taken time away to grieve privately as a family TOUGH TIME Kelsey Parker shares family holiday photo and says it's 'just what we needed' after she tragically lost baby at 9 months Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KELSEY Parker has shared a photo from her family holiday and said it's 'just what we needed' after tragically losing her baby at 9 months. The podcast host's third child, Phoenix Parker-Lindsay, was stillborn shortly before his due date. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 KELSEY Parker has shared a photo from her family holiday and said it's 'just what we needed' Credit: Instagram 4 The star tragically lost her baby at 9 months Credit: Instagram Today, Kelsey, 34, shared a photo of herself with boyfriend Will, while holding her children Aurelia and Bodhi. The family were pictured looking out towards a harbour, with a mountain in the background, while dressed in summer attire. And Kelsey simply penned to fans: 'Exactly what we needed 💛 Thank you @jet2pics for making it so easy. X.' Fans flooded the comments to tell Kelsey it was 'nice to see her' on social media, with others sending the star love following the tragic loss of Phoenix. Since his death, she and partner Will Lindsay have taken time away to grieve privately as a family. Kelsey had Aurelia, as well as four-year-old Bodhi, with her late husband Tom Parker, who died of glioblastoma, a form of brain tumour, in 2022. At the end of last month, the star wanted to make sure her little girl knew how special she was, and posted a heartbreaking video montage of Aurelia growing up – starting in the arms of The Wanted star Tom as a tiny baby. Kelsey wrote alongside the video: "Aurelia means 'The Golden One' and that's what you are 🤍 you've been through so much my darling daughter, but you're the most precious little girl any mummy could wish for. "I'm so happy we got to spend this weekend celebrating your birthday and turning another year older. Devastated Kelsey Parker announces tragic death of baby who was 'born sleeping' just a week before due date "I'm beyond proud of you and the amazing young woman you're growing up to be." Kelsey shared the devastating news that her son, Phoenix, was still born by posting a poem to fans, "For Phoenix. Born sleeping, forever loved." The phoenix bird symbolises immortality, resurrection and life after death. She added next to the poem: "Before I receive an influx of lovely messages and heartfelt well wishes, I want to just say that I truly appreciate everything you are all going to say and share. "But with the news being so raw, I would really like to ensure that we as a family are given space and time to process this devastating and earth-shattering news. "I love you all and thank you for your understanding and space." Phoenix was her first child with boyfriend Will, whom she started dating last September. At the time, Kelsey said she knew late husband Tom would 'send the right man for her.' They announced they were expecting in January. 4 Kelsey and partner Will Lindsay have taken time away to grieve privately as a family Credit: Getty


Daily Mail
20 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
BBC radio presenter hailed a 'true legend' in broadcasting dies aged 86 after a long illness as tributes pour in
BBC radio presenter Gerry Kersey hailed a broadcasting 'legend' has passed away aged 86. The BBC Sheffield journalist had reportedly been ill for some time and passed away on Friday morning with his wife Christine by his side. Gerry worked for both the BBC and independent radio over the years, as well as fulfilling his love of art with paintings featured in exhibitions and performing in the theatre. Announcing his death on Sunday, BBC Sheffield said: 'We have some sad news to share. Former BBC Radio Sheffield presenter Gerry Kersey has passed away. 'Gerry was an enduring voice on BBC Radio Sheffield for many years, and Radio Hallam before that. He was such a gifted presenter and a wonderfully kind and supportive colleague off-air. 'He was also a talented artist. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.' BBC radio presenter Gerry Kersey hailed a broadcasting 'legend' has passed away aged 86 after an illness Before radio, Gerry worked at a steelworks site, of which he told the Sheffield Star in 2018: 'It was hot, sticky, dark and dangerous and the air was full of chemicals. 'But it was also a magnificent stage featuring molten steel, sparks and tough fit men manipulating massive forgings and machinery.' But broadcasting was the goal, and he made that his career: 'I decided, with my wife's full approval, that although it was only earning £12 a week I would take it on and see what I could do.' A number of tributes poured in from the star from former to colleagues to fans. Katrina Bunker, Head of BBC Yorkshire, said: 'Gerry was a true legend of local broadcasting, starting his career in 1968 as one of the first voices on BBC Radio Sheffield. 'Wherever you went around the area you would always meet someone who loved Gerry's show.' She continued: 'In later years he was known for request-based and nostalgia shows and he got loads of letters, emails and calls right up to his last show in 2020. 'Wherever you went around the area you would always meet someone who loved Gerry's show. 'Off-mic, Gerry was just as much of a gentleman as he was on it, always encouraging, always warm and proud to still be on the radio after 50 years. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.' His former co-star, football reporter Alan Biggs. said: 'Radio listeners in Sheffield will mourn the passing of Gerry Kersey. Gerry was a mainstay of both Radio Sheffield & Radio Hallam (where I was lucky to work with the nicest bloke). 'Super talented; actor & artist also. Thinking of Gerry's family & many friends.' He added: 'Not just in Sheffield. Would have said South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire if more characters allowed for the post. Some wonderful heartfelt replies that I am sure will be much appreciated by Gerry's family.' Sheffield Council executive director Kate Martin said: 'So sorry to read this news. Gerry was a true servant supporting our city and community. 'My sincere condolences go out to Gerry's family and friends at this difficult time.' Lib Dem Lord Shaffaq Mohammed: 'So sad to hear about the passing of Gerry, I recall both his time at Hallam FM & more recently @BBCSheffield particularly on a Sunday teatime show where our paths would cross. 'My Thoughts & Prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues.' His former co-star, football reporter Alan Biggs. said: 'Radio listeners in Sheffield will mourn the passing of Gerry Kersey' Sheffield Council executive director Kate Martin said: 'So sorry to read this news. Gerry was a true servant supporting our city and community' Lib Dem Lord Shaffaq Mohammed: 'So sad to hear about the passing of Gerry, I recall both his time at Hallam FM & more recently @BBCSheffield particularly on a Sunday teatime show where our paths would cross' Others paid tribute to Gerry, writing: 'When I read this sad news I suddenly remembered Gerrys voice which was always there on the Radio as I was growing up. So sad my condolences to his family. Rip the Great Gerry Kersey. Your voice will always be remembered & never forgotten here in Sheffield !'; 'So sad, one of those voices that you grew up with as a kid as if he was in the house with you. RIP,'; 'This is sad news, always listened to his show,'; 'Sad news indeed he was an excellent radio presenter,'; 'I remember listening to Gerry Kersey both on radio Sheffield and before that on Hallam A great loss to broadcasting.'