logo
Strictly pro teaches BBC presenters to Lindy Hop for VE Day 80

Strictly pro teaches BBC presenters to Lindy Hop for VE Day 80

BBC News08-05-2025

Strictly star teaches BBC presenters VE Day dance
BBC South Today's Ed Sault and BBC Radio Oxford's Sophie Law went for a Lindy Hop lesson from Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington
On VE Day, men, women and children in towns and cities across the UK began dancing the Lindy Hop in celebration of the defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of war in Europe.
The dance began in New York City in the late 1920s and was born out of those from the swing genre, such as the jive.
But by the end of the Second World War, it had also become popular with people on this side of the Atlantic.
Ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday, BBC South Today's Ed Sault and BBC Radio Oxford's Sophie Law went for a Lindy Hop lesson from Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Shape of meow! Big cat sighting near Ed Sheeran's £3.7million country estate sparks loose 'panther' fears
Shape of meow! Big cat sighting near Ed Sheeran's £3.7million country estate sparks loose 'panther' fears

Daily Mail​

time11 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Shape of meow! Big cat sighting near Ed Sheeran's £3.7million country estate sparks loose 'panther' fears

A large panther-like animal has been spotted near Ed Sheeran 's £3.7million country estate, prompting fears a big cat is on the loose. A neighbour in Eye, Suffolk was left terrified when he saw the feline just five miles from the Shape Of You singer's swish home, but still found time to take a few snaps. They show a bulky black creature lurking by the trees on April 23 before disappearing from view. Matt Salusbury, who runs the Big Cats of Suffolk website said: 'The witness told me they'd seen a large black animal walking up and down along the tree line at the end of a field behind their garden. 'The distance from where they were to the animal when they photographed it was a good few minutes walk. 'They observed it for more than five minutes before it sat down with its head up.' The Perfect hitmaker, 34, lives in the large Framlingham property with his wife Cherry Seaborn and their two daughters. There have been many reports of big cats in Britain over the years, with most claiming to have spotted panthers or pumas. Locals have often been able to take a quick photo of the creature or a suspicious animal carcass they might have preyed on. Those who support the theory that such cats are roaming around the country tend to claim they are pets which have escaped. Others, however, think species have been illegally released into the wild. Sceptics reckon that sightings involve people mistaking them for large domestic dogs or cats, and that such animals could not survive in the UK's mild climate. Among the most famous alleged big cats in the country was the Beast of Exmoor in Devon in the 80s, which a farmer in the area claimed killed 100 of his sheep in three months. People regularly report puma spottings in Shropshire while Suffolk also remains a hotspot. As well as the recent sighting near the pop star's home, there was one in Hoxne in 2006, another near Eye in 2008, and one at Mendlesham in 2015. MailOnline has contacted Mr Sheeran's representatives for comment. There are fears that a large creature may be on the loose after the footage was captured on doorbell camera showing a huge black moggy on the driveway of a house It comes after a big cat which some suspect to be the notorious Beast of Bucks was spotted prowling in the dead of night. There are fears that a large creature may be on the loose after the footage was captured on doorbell camera showing a huge black moggy on the driveway of a house. The dark coloured cat appeared much bigger than a domestic feline as it balanced atop a skip. The sighting has added yet more fuel to the fire of a local myth in Buckinghamshire. Homeowner David Lawrence lives in a village near High Wycombe, where tales of a puma-sized Beast of Bucks are legendary, and said he saw a large cat which wasn't 'normal'.

Gogglebox's Malone family announce devastating death - and are flooded with support from heartbroken fans
Gogglebox's Malone family announce devastating death - and are flooded with support from heartbroken fans

Daily Mail​

time12 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Gogglebox's Malone family announce devastating death - and are flooded with support from heartbroken fans

Gogglebox's Malone family have announced a devastating death. Tom Sr., Julie, and Shaun joined the Channel 4 show back in 2014 for its fourth series. The trio have become huge fan favourites and are usually joined by their adorable gang of Rottweilers on their iconic red sofas. But Shaun recently took to his Instagram to share the news that their pooch Bob has passed away. Sharing some clips and pictures of their beloved dog, he wrote: 'Today is the day we had to say goodbye to big bob, absolute great dog like a big cuddly bear.' Many rushed to the comments section to send their love and support. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Awww that last picture, says it all with them eyes so sorry for your loss.' 'So sorry run free over the rainbow bridge sweet boy.' 'RIP Bob, enjoy your playtime with Dave over the doggo rainbow.' 'Aww run free biggest bestest dogs over! Sending hugs to you all x.' 'I'm so sorry to hear this.' It comes after the Malones shared their heartbreak as their family dog Dave died back in 2023. Posting on Instagram, they wrote: 'RIP Dave xxx There are no words to describe you, or how much you meant to us. 'This was you on Sunday waiting for your Dad to come back and he had only gone out to the car x We are all going to miss you so much.' Many rushed to Shaun's post to share the love and support to the family after losing their beloved pooch In 2022 it was also revealed that their Rottweiler Lucy had passed away, while their other dog Frank died in 2018. Clearly big dog lovers, three years ago they did welcome a new addition to their family - a puppy Rottweiler called Tilly. The Malones have been on the popular programme for over a decade. While the mum and dad duo, alongside their son Shaun are currently on the series, they were also joined by their other son Tom when they originally started. However Tom left the show in 2022. It's not the first Gogglebox death in recent months. Channel 4 stars, the Siddiquis, announced a heartbreaking death in their family and have been flooded with support from fans. The Gogglebox icons, Sid, Raza, Baasit, and Umar, have featured on the show since it started back in 2013. They shared a sad update about their family via Instagram earlier this week and revealed that their pet cat Rufus had sadly passed away aged 15. The touching post, which was accompanied by a collection of photos of the beloved cat, read: 'Goodnight our beautiful boy Rufus. '15 and a half years wasn't long enough, you were and always will be a big part of our lives. 'The most chilled, cuddly and beautiful boy who made us a family right back at the beginning. They shared an update on their family via Instagram earlier this week and revealed their pet cat Rufus had sadly passed away at 15 years old 'Lots of memories that we will never forget and we are truly grateful to have known & loved you. 'Sleep tight our handsome Boy.' Loyal fans took to the comments to wish the family well and one penned: 'It is devastating when we lose a beloved family member. I am always saddened to read such posts. RIP your beautiful boy.'; 'I'm so sorry for your loss. They're never with us long enough but how lucky are we that they choose us.'; 'So sorry for your loss. They're such huge part of the family.'; 'Aw bless.'; 'I know that pain thinking of you all.'

Love Island shock as girl is dumped from show in most brutal launch episode EVER
Love Island shock as girl is dumped from show in most brutal launch episode EVER

The Sun

time14 minutes ago

  • The Sun

Love Island shock as girl is dumped from show in most brutal launch episode EVER

A GIRL has already been booted out the Love Island villa in the series' first savage twist. Host Maya Jama has said the summer will be packed with big surprises - and this is the first. 5 The female Islander was 'absolutely gutted' to be first out and has already left the villa after the early shake-up. But viewers have been warned this won't follow the usual Love Island playbook. A source said: 'This girl will be sorely missed as was already proving to be a big character. The was absolutely gutted to leave. 'But the series has twists and turns at every stage and this isn't the usual dumping viewers might expect after a bombshell arrives. 'Executive producer Mike Spencer-Hayter has promised drama for the tenth anniversary and this format point will not disappoint.' The must-watch first episode will kick off tonight on ITV2, ITVX and on YouTube, with plenty going on. It comes after bombshell Antonia Laites - who will be known as Toni- strutted into the villa. The Sun revealed the Las Vegas pool party waitress was the first sexy bombshell to arrive this series. Antonia, or Toni as she will be known in the villa, is a hot brunette who looks after the VIP cabanas at posh Fontainebleau Resort in Sin City. Love Island 2025 cast revealed as footballer, actress and beauty influencer who cheated death sign up She's also lived in Miami. The beauty strutted into the villa on the very first day to shake up the action from the off. A source said: 'Being Love Island's first bombshell of the series is a big deal and is always reserved for the sexiest cast members. 'In the past it's been the likes of Davide, Uma and even Ekin-Su on All Stars. Love Island 2025 full lineup Harry Cooksley: A 29-year-old footballer with charm to spare. Sophie Lee: A model and motivational speaker who has overcome adversity after suffering life-changing burns in an accident. Shakira Khan: A 22-year-old Manchester-based model, ready to turn heads. Blu Chegini: A boxer with striking model looks, seeking love in the villa. Meghan Moore: A payroll specialist from Southampton, looking for someone tall and stylish. Alima Gagigo: International business graduate with brains and ambition. Tommy Bradley: A gym enthusiast with a big heart. Helena Ford: A Londoner with celebrity connections, aiming to find someone funny or Northern. Ben Hullbra: A model ready to make waves. Megan Clarke: An Irish actress already drawing comparisons to Maura Higgins. Dejon Noel-Williams: A personal trainer and semi-pro footballer, following in his footballer father's footsteps. Aaron Buckett: A towering 6'5' personal trainer. Conor Phillips: A 25-year-old Irish rugby pro Antonia Laites: Love Island's first bombshell revealed as sexy Las Vegas pool party waitress Departures: Kyle Ashman: Axed after an arrest over a machete attack emerged. He was released with no further action taken and denies any wrongdoing. 'Toni landed as part of a huge first day and everyone is very excited.' Hours after the The Sun revealed the bombshell's idenity, ITV confirmed the news. In an interview with ITV, Toni said she is looking for "someone that can make me laugh - I'm super outgoing. And someone that's quite active. Maybe one day we could start our own family together." As for why she wants to date a British guy, she added:"I've lived in three different states and I'm still single. It's time to try something new! " I have some British friends and they're pretty charming. I think all Americans love a good accent. British men are just more polite, with better manners." She arrives in the love nest at a great time as the ITV2 dating show is celebrating its 10th anniversary - and has hit 2 BILLION streams on ITVX. It comes after Maya teased the bombshell's arrival on social media when she played a voice note. The video, shared on the show's social media, showed Maya receiving a message on her phone which she played aloud. "Hey Maya, I heard you want more twists," Toni can be heard saying. "How about an American bombshell?" she continues. "Get ready, I'm on my way!" 5 5

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store