A beauty pageant and an armed parade rehearsal: photos of the day
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Wales Online
35 minutes ago
- Wales Online
BBC Strictly Come Dancing announce tenth contestant as The Apprentice's Thomas Skinner
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Thomas Skinner has been named as the tenth contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2025. The TV personality, social media star and businessman will enter the famous ballroom when the BBC One returns this September. Thomas first hit TV screens on The Apprentice in 2019, becoming a breakout star of his series. Since leaving the boardroom, Thomas has appeared on TV shows including 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Wheel, Michael McIntyre's Big Show, Good Morning Britain and Faking It, alongside a memorable and meme-worthy appearance on Celebrity Masterchef. (Image: Getty Images) Born and bred in Romford, Thomas is a self-confessed 'grafter' who has spent much of his life on market stalls and currently runs a number of small businesses, ranging from mattresses to a gym. His motivational-style social media videos, often featuring unconventional breakfasts, have become hugely popular, and in 2023 he released his debut book Graft – How to Smash Life. Thomas is also a regular on TalkSport Radio and in 2024 he presented their men's mental health podcast The Men's Room with Neil Ruddock. (Image: PA) On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Thomas said: "I'm beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. "I've tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff! "I've never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I'm ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!." (Image: iamtomskinner/Instagram) The news was first teased by Thomas in a video posted on his social accounts from his favourite cafe this morning and then confirmed on Hits Radio with Sam Thompson. The remaining celebrity contestants joining the new series of Strictly will be announced in due course Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September
Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Strictly Come Dancing's Alex Kingston's devastating four words after Ralph Fiennes left her
Strictly Come Dancing's Alex Kingston's devastating four words after Ralph Fiennes left her Before Alex Kingston found happiness with her current husband, the Doctor Who actress endured a painful split from an Oscar nominee after his affair with an older woman Ralph Fiennes and Alex Kingston met in the 80s (Image: NY Daily News via Getty Images) Strictly Come Dancing's newest addition, Alex Kingston, has weathered a rocky romantic past before finding stability with her present husband. The 62-year-old former Doctor Who star is preparing to captivate viewers on the BBC's cherished dancing competition. Alex endeared herself to Doctor Who enthusiasts through her role as River Song, appearing alongside David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Peter Capaldi during their respective runs on the legendary science fiction programme. Her distinguished television portfolio encompasses parts in the US medical series ER, costume dramas including The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders, Arrow, and A Discovery of Witches. The performer has always been candid about her enthusiasm for joining Strictly. Back in 2019, she admitted: "Sarah Hadland and I talked about how much we'd like to do Strictly Come Dancing. Then I discovered she's a trained ballet dancer. 'Hang on a minute! That's not fair!' So, I can't do it on a season when she is on it!", reports the Express. Alex faced heartbreak when her relationship with Ralph Fiennes came to an end (Image: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) Article continues below Away from the cameras, Alex has endured her share of personal upheaval. She encountered Oscar-nominated performer Ralph Fiennes whilst studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1983. The pair wed a decade later, though their union collapsed catastrophically when Ralph became involved with a woman 18 years his senior. Looking back on their separation, Alex previously said: "We were like strangers - very fragile," according to the Mirror. "His mother was dying and somehow we thought the wedding was going to heal everything. But that was crazy, of course." In 1995, Ralph Fiennes took to the stage in Hamlet at Hackney Empire, starring opposite Francesca Annis—who portrayed Gertrude, his character's mother. Despite their age difference, Ralph, who was 32 at the time, left his partner Alex to pursue a romance with 50-year-old Francesca Annis. It was reported Francesca, a mother of three with photographer Patrick Wiseman, left him for the actor. Alex opened up about her emotional distress after their separation in an interview with the Daily Mail, sharing: "I was feeling worthless, that I would never find anyone else as good as my husband, which is ridiculous, but I had so little self-esteem." She also reflected on the experience, saying: "Divorce is awful but it is also something I don't regret happening to me because it has shaped who I am now." Alex is gearing up for Strictly 2025 (Image:for Pragnell) Ralph and Francesca maintained a relationship for a decade from 1997 to 2006, brushing aside any concerns about their age gap. Francesca once addressed the topic, saying: "Of course I don't spend days agonising over the age difference. How can I? There is nothing I can do about it,". She added: "Ralph and I have been together ten years now so, whatever happens, we have had a very good, different relationship and an interesting time." However, their relationship came under strain following allegations by Romanian singer Cornelia Crisan, who claimed she had a two-year affair with Ralph. The day after the allegations surfaced, Ralph and Francesca announced their split, with a statement saying: "Miss Annis confirms today that she and Ralph Fiennes are to separate." Ralph's unfaithfulness had a profound effect on Alex, who admitted to considering taking her own life. She subsequently married German author Florian Haertel and the couple welcomed their daughter Salome in 2001. Their union came to an end in 2009, with the divorce being finalised in 2013. Thankfully, Alex has since found joy again, now wedded to TV presenter Jonathan Stamp. The couple exchanged vows in Italy in 2015. Article continues below Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to BBC later this year.
Scotsman
14 hours ago
- Scotsman
Who was axed from Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins last night?
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins star brutally axed amid concerns over 'honesty and integrity' 😱 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... Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins has seen two more exits. The first 'culling' decision of the season has been made. But who has left the show so far? The first 'culling' of the season took place on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and one star was brutally sent home last night. The Traitors winner Harry Clark was sent packing by the Direct Staff on the Channel 4 show yesterday (August 11). He was joined by another voluntary exit as the cast was trimmed further. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins has seen almost half the original cast of 14 leave the gruelling process after four episodes. The show will continue at the weekend, although eager fans can watch it early. Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins star axed for 'cutting corners' 'The Traitors' series two winner Harry Clark has opened up about his mental health battle. Photo by Getty Images. | Getty Images for Warner Bros The first 'culling' of the season took place on the Channel 4 spin-off reality show last night (August 11). Former winner of The Traitors Harry Clark was eliminated from the process as it reached the half-way mark. The decision to cut Harry was made by Chief Instructor Billy Billingham and his Directing Staff (DS) – Foxy (Jason Fox), Rudy Reyes and Chris Oliver. It came after he failed to impress in the latest challenges. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad After being voted one of the least trustworthy by his fellow contestants, alongside Rebecca Loos, he was made a team later for the second challenge. The staff kept an eye on him and found themselves questioning his 'honesty and integrity', particularly after noticing he did not do the number of burpees required on multiple occasions. Harry was brought in for a meeting after being asked if he had been 'cutting corners' he was shown a video of him only doing 11 burpees when ordered to do 20. He was brought before the remaining contestants and ordered to hand in his number. Who else has left Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins? DS Chris, DS Foxy, DS Billy and DS Rudy on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins | Channel 4 The show saw its first axing of the series as Harry Clark was cut with the staff questioning his 'integrity'. Earlier in the episode retired footballer Adebayo 'The Beast' Akinfenwa made the decision to voluntarily withdraw. He was the fifth star to leave the gruelling challenge by choice, handing in his number after aggravating an old knee injury. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In a VO, he explained that after breaking his leg 17 years ago he had 'no cartilage' in his knee. He was unable to carry on during the final challenge of the episode and withdrew from the process. The first to leave was Hannah Spearritt after she made the decision to withdraw from the competition. The former S Club singer and EastEnders actor pulled out before the hostage challenge. Louie Spence had floated the idea of leaving earlier in the episode but initially carried out. The dancer and Pineapple Dance Studios star quit the competition later in the episode, following the hostage challenge. He was the second person to leave in series 7. In the second episode, ex-Love Island stars Tasha Ghouri and Chloe Burrows both dropped out. It means only 10 celebs were left with six episodes to go. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It means that out of the original 14 stars who entered the show at the start of the season, six have already left. Eight celebs are remaining in the process heading into the back-half of series 7. Who is still in the cast of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins? Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins cast for 2025 | Channel 4 Channel 4 has once again pulled famous faces from across a wide range of industries for its hit reality show spin-off. The line-up includes ex-footballers, reality stars, musicians and more. Originally, 14 stars entered but that has already been cut by almost half. Just eight stars remain in the process after Monday (August 11) night: Troy Deeney - 35, ex-Premier League footballer Conor Benn - 27, professional boxer Rebecca Loos - 46, TV personality and yoga teacher Bimini - 31, RuPaul's Drag Race UK star and DJ Michaella McCollum - 30, one of the 'Peru Two' Lady Leshurr - 36, rapper and Dancing on Ice star Lucy Spraggan - 32, musician and X-Factor star Adam Collard - 28, reality TV star and Love Island contestant Chief instructor Billy said: 'This course is not an attendance course, the bar is set high and will not waiver. Every recruit is a volunteer who chose to step into our arena. Although many will start, very few will finish and even less will pass. This is not for the weak minded or faint hearted.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When is Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins on next? The show reached the halfway mark on August 11 as Channel 4 broadcast episode four of series 7. Eight episodes will feature in the season in total - with eager fans able to watch it all early at an extra cost. Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins will continue on Sunday (August 17) and will start at 9pm. The sixth episode will follow next Monday (August 18). The show will continue through to the August bank holiday weekend. Each episode will be broadcast on Channel 4/ 4HD and will also be available on catch up. If you love TV, check out our Screen Babble podcast to get the latest in TV and film.
