TV tonight: fundraising bonanza Comic Relief turns 40
7.30pm, Channel 4This investigation into the rise of institutions in South Africa dedicated to using military methods to instil discipline in teenagers focuses on the Rising Stars Generation camp. Run by 25-year-old Prince Motlou, its practices including corporal punishment and making children march for hours in the heat without water. Alexi Duggins
8pm, BBC TwoWith glimmers of sunshine finally arriving in the UK, it's OK to get excited about things such as jewel garden borders again – which is exactly what Monty Don is doing this week. Over in Carmarthenshire, Sue Kent is harnessing the Welsh weather to grow some veg. HR
8pm, Channel 4Claudia Winkleman hosts the high-stakes, high-concept quiz, where only one question stands between contestants and £100,000. This time, father and son Duncan and William compete alongside twins Teresa and Maddy. Ali Catterall
9pm, Sky Max
The tour rolls on, now managed by Marcus. But when Deborah meets an old comedy rival and finds her selling shoes for a living, she is forced to agonise over how being a good parent and successful comic don't always go hand in hand. Cue Ava stepping up like a surrogate daughter for a touching pep talk. Alexi Duggins
10pm, Channel 4Fabulously dressed artist Grayson Perry and football-mad comedian Maisie Adam join Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker to dissect yet another chaotic week that has featured more if-you-don't-laugh-you'll-cry moments from our world leaders. Hopefully, there'll be a good story in there, too ... please? HR
Birdy, 6am, 3.55pm, Sky Cinema Greats
A neglected entry in the slew of Vietnam war movies released in the 1980s, Alan Parker's drama is an affecting tale of childhood friendship and trauma, with a cracking Peter Gabriel score. Nicolas Cage throws his all into the role of injured US soldier Al (he even had two teeth extracted to simulate his character's facial injury), who visits his childhood best mate, mute war veteran Birdy (Matthew Modine), in a military psychiatric facility. Flashbacks to their teenage scrapes in Philly, and Birdy's escalating obsession with birds and flying, offer clues to his breakdown. Simon Wardell
Sweet Sue, 11.15pm, BBC TwoOn this evidence, Leo 'son of Mike' Leigh is clearly a chip off the old block. The lives of working-class people are made complex, vital and tragic in his comedy drama following party-shop owner Sue (Maggie O'Neill). She's had her troubles, but things start to look up after she meets strong, silent biker Ron at her brother's funeral. Sadly, he's silent because he's bottled up emotionally, and also has a fraught relationship with his influencer son Anthony (Harry Trevaldwyn). O'Neill is terrific as a woman up for fun but too self-assured to play nursemaid to inadequate men. SW
Athletics: World Indoor Championships 10.15am, BBC Two. Day one from Nanjing, China.
World Cup football: England v Albania 7pm, ITV1. A Group K qualifier at Wembley.
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Wales Online
3 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Where to get cheapest last minute Tom Jones tickets for his Cardiff Castle gigs
Where to get cheapest last minute Tom Jones tickets for his Cardiff Castle gigs Sir Tom is returning to the Welsh capital, and there are still tickets available for his two Cardiff Castle gigs. Sir Tom will be performing two gigs at Cardiff Castle (Image: Liverpool Echo) It's Not Unusual, Sex Bomb and Delilah, do you want to hear these songs live? Well, the Welsh icon, Sir Tom Jones will be returning to Wales once again, this time to end his European tour with two massive Cardiff Castle gigs. He will kick off the shows tonight, Wednesday, August 20 and will also be performing tomorrow, Thursday, August 21. It comes after the star stopped off at Croatia, The Netherlands and Denmark to name a few. You can find more information about his Cardiff Castle gigs, including information about banned items and where to park here. Here is how you can find last minute tickets for both gigs. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Tickets for Tom Jones at Cardiff Castle on Wednesday, August 20 There are still tickets on Ticketmaster for Tom Jones at Cardiff Castle on Wednesday, August 20. Prices start at £72.80. Premium viewing platform standing tickets start at £218.90. However, SeeTickets, Live Nation and Twickets are all sold out for the 20th. Here are your resale options for that day: Tickets start at £276 on StubHub. Tickets start at £114 on Viagogo. Tickets start at £241 on Vividseats. Viagogo and resale tickets Sites such as viagogo, Stubhub, and Vivid Seats allow fans to buy resale tickets from other fans. However, it is important to note that ticket conditions often prohibit resale after initial purchase. Those tickets may not be valid for admittance to gigs. Fans intending to buy tickets for live events through resale websites should check the ticket terms and conditions, to confirm whether resale is prohibited, before they buy. Ticket terms and conditions can be checked with the original seller, such as Ticketmaster or Live Nation. If resale is prohibited, tickets bought second-hand could be voided and admission to the event refused. Tickets for Tom Jones at Cardiff Castle on Thursday, August 21 There are also tickets available for Tom Jones at Cardiff Castle on Thursday, August 21, on Ticketmaster. Prices start at £84. Premium viewing platform standing tickets start at £218.90. Here are your resale options for that day: Tickets start at £96 on StubHub. Tickets start at £172 on Viagogo. Tickets start at £169 on Vividseats. Article continues below Alternatively if you have a varied music taste they are also offering a 3-day-pass deal to see Tom Jones on August 21, Basement Jaxx on August 24 and Will Smith on August 25. The pass costs a reasonable £135.20 (+£4.25 handling fee) on Ticketmaster.
Scottish Sun
34 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
George Clarke hits back at Strictly curse as he reveals ‘real reason' he went public with girlfriend weeks before launch
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GEORGE Clarke has hit back at the Strictly curse as he revealed the 'real reason' he went public with girlfriend. Just hours before the news of his participation in the dancing series was unveiled, the 25-year-old YouTuber announced his relationship. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 George Clarke has hit out at the Strictly Curse saying that it won't affect him Credit: Instagram 7 He previously revealed that he is dating lingerie model Yasmin Amelia Credit: Instagram 7 The internet personality admitted he wants "full control" over the narrative of his relationship Credit: Instagram The online personality was the sixth star to have signed up to dance in front of the judges on Strictly Come Dancing. Just beforehand, he revealed that he was dating lingerie model Yasmin Amelia - also known as Yasmin Bennett. His fans on Reddit claimed that he was taken, but noted that he has usually kept his cards close to his chest when it came to his personal life. One wrote on the forum platform: "Caught me off guard because he is a very private person especially about his dating/love life. "Even on the pod he has expressed his desire to keep things private and off socials. "Often relies on the 'can't talk to women'/catfish story to dodge specific relationship questions." However, the star has now broken his silence over the timing, saying that he wanted 'full control' of the narrative. Speaking on the Useless Hotline Podcast, he admitted: "That's part of the reason why we wanted to say something. "Because the two options were, say something. You have full control over how it comes out." However, the star rubbished the infamous 'Strictly Curse', as he claimed that it would not affect him. Strictly's George Clarke 'gives away' who his pro dance partner is George said: "Whatever you say is basically how people find out, or it stays private." He then explained that he didn't want there to be any rumours or anything that could ruin his relationship. The star added: "[it] just sort of takes all the control out of your hands. "But then, I [will] just go on stream after that and be like, that's not true, by the way. "But, yeah, she's my girlfriend." He also said that his girlfriend is still her own person and is getting used to being thrown into the public eye. This comes after he may have accidentally let slip who he's partnered with for this year's series. On the podcast he also spoke about the audition process where he revealed that he was partnered with Lauren Oakley. He also admitted that the duo rehearsed for a full hour together, as he explained: "I've not met anyone apart from, I believe her name's Lauren, who was the pro that I met. "Because when we had a interview for it, so it's like an hour long interview, and then like an hour long dance session." Lauren has appeared on the show since 2022, and so far has competed with two stars – Krishnan Guru-Murthy, who placed 8th, and JB Gill last year. She took over from fellow pro Amy Dowden mid-season after she was forced to withdraw due to injury. 7 George was the sixth star to be announced to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing Credit: PA 7 The star explained that he would address any rumours that come out Credit: Instagram 7 Fans on Reddit noted that the star has always been private about his personal life Credit: Instagram
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Wales rugby legend's son becomes drag queen called Heidi Heights
Wales rugby legend's son becomes drag queen called Heidi Heights Steele Quinnell has landed a big gig this week and explains how he's ended up taking a very different career path Steele Quinnell as his alter ego Heidi Heights (Image: Steele Quinnell) When your surname is Quinnell and you live in Wales, any public performance is likely to bring scrutiny. For decades, the surname has been synonymous with bravery on the pitch - from Derek Quinnell's bruising battles in the 1970s to his son Scott's barnstorming displays 20 years later, often alongside brother Craig, before the emergence of youngest sibling, Gavin. The family name is stitched into Welsh rugby folklore. But while the Quinnell dynasty is famed for rugby daring, Scott's son, Steele is showing the courage to seek approval on a very different stage. Twenty-six-year-old Steele – a personal trainer, sports masseur, psychology graduate and ocassional actor – has a new gig. He's a drag performer, under the stage name Heidi Heights. Article continues below And on Friday he will pull on the sequins and take centre stage at Ffos Las Racecourse, for Ladies Day, a booking that signals how quickly his alter ego has risen in Wales' drag scene. 'It's going to be really good fun,' Steele says, with the infectious energy that seems to power all his ventures. 'I'm doing a half cabaret at the start – songs that everyone will know, songs you can really enjoy singing along to. And I'll be making jokes along the way because at the end of the day, I'm dressed up. If you take that too seriously, you probably shouldn't be there!' What makes Steele's story remarkable is how accidental his drag career was. Steele Quinnell, as he is off stage (Image: Steele Quinnell) The one-time rower at university in Bristol, now works as a fitness coach in Cardiff, but has always loved performing. School productions of Les Misérables and Oliver! gave him a taste for the stage. Later, he even toured with his father, Scott, on The Lion Speaks Tonight, a hybrid of rugby stories, music, and Q&A. But the real turning point came when he auditioned for a local production of the musical, Kinky Boots. Initially, Steele went for the male lead, Charlie. The directors had other ideas. 'They said, 'You've got a fantastic voice, but we've already got someone in mind for Charlie. Have you ever thought of playing Lola?'' Steele recalls. 'I hadn't – not really. But I gave it a go, sang 'Suddenly Seymour' as my audition piece, and they just turned around and said, 'That's it. You're our Lola.'' Stepping into high heels was daunting. 'I was kind of off my head thinking, 'Do I want to do this part? Is it appropriate?'' he admits. 'But I just thought, sod it, I'll do it.' The show proved transformative. Steele discovered not only that he could perform as a drag artist but that he loved it. Offers quickly followed – panto dame roles, one-off cabaret slots, then a residency. By January this year, he committed to drag properly. Heidi Heights is performing at Ffos Las racecourse 'I bought a nice wig, started making my own costumes, and really put some effort into it. Since then, I've got three residencies in bars, and I'm booked every Saturday for the rest of the year.' Choosing a drag name is no small task. At first, he toyed with a tongue-in-cheek pun on his own name – 'Steel-etto.' But he wanted separation between his rugby-royalty identity and his drag persona. Tall, blonde, and broad-shouldered, Steele leaned into that when creating Heidi Heights. 'I thought, I'm very tall, blonde, blue-eyed – I'll go for something that sounds Scandinavian or German. Then I remembered the old TV show, Hi-de-Hi! and thought, perfect! 'It's camp, it's funny, it tells you I'm tall – and I can play with it in the act. When I say 'Heidi Heights,' the crowd replies, 'Ho-de-ho!'' That interactive, playful streak is at the core of his shows. Steele is showing the courage to seek approval on a very different stage (Image: Steele Quinnell) 'I'll change words in songs to make them funny, get people up on stage, do girl-band routines where I'm Beyoncé and they're Michelle and Kelly. I'm not the funniest, but I love making people laugh and join in.' Steele's professional life outside drag is just as full. He's a qualified personal trainer, sports massage therapist, and has a master's degree in psychology. He describes himself as a 'mind coach,' helping clients reach both fitness and personal goals. 'I think the theme across everything I do is about making people happy,' he explains. 'With personal training, I help someone reach a goal. With massage, I help them feel less pain. With psychology, I help them understand themselves. 'And with drag, I make people laugh and smile for an evening. It all comes back to that.' Balancing these careers isn't easy. Some months he performs 14 gigs on top of his work in the gym. But Steele thrives on the chaos. 'I'm completely ADHD, I need to be busy,' he says. 'If I'm not training someone, I'm making a dress, re-styling a wig, or learning songs.' With rugby icons for a father and grandfather, Steele could easily have felt boxed in by expectation. Instead, he's found a way to channel the same charisma and love of entertaining into a different form. 'My dad has always been one of my biggest advocates,' Steele says. 'He never made a big fuss about it – just, 'What else am I supposed to do? You're my son.'' Scott Quinnell (Image: Rob Browne) In fact, Scott Quinnell's own career pivot – from rugby player to successful TV personality and motivational speaker – seems to have inspired Steele. 'I've always said, my dad's a drag queen without the wig,' Steele jokes. 'He has this superpower of identifying people in a room for a laugh and keeping everyone's attention. I've probably inherited that. I could never do a scripted three-hour show, and neither could he. We're at our best when we're being authentic.' Despite the success of TV shows like RuPaul's Drag Race, drag still seems to provoke negativity in some circles, But despite the macho streak that still runs through some parts of rugby, Steele insists there was never any prospect of anything other than full support from his father. 'I don't think my dad ever saw it as needing his acceptance,' he says. 'For him, it was just obvious – I'm his son, of course he supports me. If he acted any other way, he'd be a bit of a prat!' Craig Quinnell and Scott Quinnell of Wales celebrate victory over France in 2001 Steele says the persona of Heidi Heights may have a long future, or could just as easily end up in the cupboard with the wings. 'I don't like the idea of having just one stream of income – I'd get bored. Maybe I'll go back and do a PhD in psychology, maybe I'll end up on TV. I like to live in the moment and diversify.' For now, though, all eyes are on his upcoming appearance at Ffos Las, where the gates open for Ladies Day at 12.10 and the last race is at 5.00pm, with plenty of entertainment to follow. You can buy tickets here. Ladies Day is known for its glamour, but Heidi Heights promises to take it up a notch. Article continues below 'It'll be a laugh from start to finish,' Steele says. 'I want everyone to leave smiling.'
