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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I'm more nervous for duet with Robbie Williams than my gig in front of Pope, says Scots Pop Idol star
She also revealed new details about the gig STAGE FRIGHT I'm more nervous for duet with Robbie Williams than my gig in front of Pope, says Scots Pop Idol star MICHELLE McManus has revealed how she's more nervous to perform with Robbie Williams than she was when she sang in front of the Pope. The Scots Pop Idol winner, 45, will take to the stage with former Take That star on Saturday night at Murrayfield as part of his five-month UK tour. 3 Michelle shot to fame in 2003 when she won the second series of Pop Idol Credit: BBC 3 She and Robbie Williams have been pals since the early 2000s Credit: Reuters 3 The pair will take to the stage at Murrayfield tomorrow in front of 70,000 folk Credit: Alamy We told previously how Glasgow-born Michelle was interviewing the Angels hitmaker on her BBC Radio Scotland show when he proposed the shock duet. McManus was stunned to learn she will join huge stars like Kylie and Taylor Swift who have also shared the stage with the Rock DJ chartopper. But she admitted that the thought of singing to such a large crowd brings on the nerves - more so than her performance for the Pope. She said: "My happy place is when I sing, so the singing part is not the problem, the nervous part is singing to Robbie Williams in front of 70,000 people. "When we did the Pope's visit in Bellahouston, it was 80,000 - but singing for a bunch of cardinals and a Pope was slightly different than singing for Robbie Williams." Michelle rose to fame after winning the second series of the popular talent show back in 2003. Since then, she has performed at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and during Pope Benedict's visit to Glasgow in 2010. She said: "I'm at a stage in my life now, I'm 45, I've got my two kids, I'm so lucky to be here at BBC Radio Scotland. "Everything is in place and then comes this big gig at Murrayfield, which was not on my bingo card for this year. "It's really emotional to be asked by somebody who is your friend to join them on stage, it is a lovely thing." Robbie Williams discusses film about his life on Graham Norton McManus and Williams have known each other since the early 2000s when he offered her advice on coping with fame and the media. Robbie later agreed to be part of her 2023 documentary about talent show winners and even brought her to the London premiere of his acclaimed biopic last December. While it's still a mystery what they will perform together, Michelle did reveal that her outfit is adorned with 40,000 Swarovski crystals. Robbie later agreed to be interviewed for her Talent Show Winners TV documentary in 2023 and whisked her to the London screening of his acclaimed biopic in December. It's not known what the pair will perform tomorrow night, but Michelle did reveal her outfit features 40,000 Swarovski crystals. She said: "I'm never going to take it off. It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever had on my body. "You will not need to worry about seeing me from the stage, from the colour of my hair and the amount of crystals."
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders character making shock return after eight years offscreen – but is being recast
EASTENDERS is bringing back a character last seen on screen eight years ago - in a shock recast. The Sun exclusively revealed the upcoming Advertisement 3 Oscar Branning was last seen in 2017 in EastEnders - but is now returning Credit: BBC 3 Jake Wood is making a shock return as loverat Max Branning Credit: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes 3 Actor Pierre Moullier is playing Oscar for his comeback Credit: ISO But now it can be revealed that he won't be returning alone. The BBC soap is set to begin rebuilding one of its main families with the Brannings to take centre stage once more. Max's comeback will also see his son Oscar arrive in Walford for the first time since 2017 - and he's being played by a brand new recast. Actor Pierre Moullier will play the now teenage Oscar taking over the role from Charlee Hall who last appeared in eight years ago. Advertisement Read more on EastEnders A source said: 'It is an exceptional bout of casting - Pierre looks more like a younger Jake than Jake did himself. It's uncanny. 'He's going to bring something new to Oscar and the character will definitely set the cat amongst the pigeons in the Square.' Actor Jake quit the BBC One soap in 2021 after 15 years to focus on other acting projects. His comeback coincides with former on-screen lover Advertisement Most read in Soaps A telly source said: 'Jake's return is huge news for EastEnders fans as his character made a massive mark on the show. 'It'll raise some eyebrows after he was absent from the 40th anniversary earlier this year. Bosses are excited about what his character's reappearance means for spicing up the plots. EastEnders changes famous theme in honour of Max Branning's exit after 15yrs 'There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers.' Speaking earlier this year Jake admitted he missed being part of the soap — except for the busy filming regime. Advertisement He said: 'I don't miss the schedules. Anyone will tell you how hard they are and sort of all-consuming, but obviously I miss a lot of the people. 'When you're at the centre of a big storyline like EastEnders Christmas , something like that — it's a real thrill as an actor to be a part of that, big storylines, big characters.' EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far? Tracy-Ann Oberman - Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago. Paul Bradley - Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago. Micheal French - French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago. Patsy Palmer - Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019. Ricky Groves - Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009. Cliff Parisi - Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010. Ross Kemp - Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp's storyline as "explosive". Kemp said it was an "absolute honour" to return to the show. Other aspects of the Earlier this month EastEnders scooped a TV Bafta for best soap — with executive producer Kate Oates teasing: 'If you like a return, I don't think you're going to be disappointed because there's potentially one on the cards. 'We've got some uncharted territory.' Advertisement
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Gary Lineker tears up as he bids emotional farewell to iconic Match of the Day after controversial BBC axe
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GARY Lineker teared up as he bid an emotional farewell to the iconic Match of the Day show following the BBC's controversial decision to axe him. The popular presenter thanked his co-workers and the Match of the Day staff for his 26 years presenting the show. 3 Lineker was seen smiling as he headed into the studios for his final show 3 Gary Lineker presenting Match of the Day for the last time Credit: BBC 3 Gary Lineker was embroiled in an impartiality row Tributes poured in from former legendary teammates, managers, players, and colleagues in a heartfelt farewell montage that closed the show. His co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards then presented a tearful Gary Lineker with a golden boot. The programme opened with clips of the former footballer in action on the pitch - followed by the words "The end of an Era". Gary Lineker started presenting his final Match Of The Day saying, "It wasn't meant to end this way" before referencing the title race being over and Champions League qualification being all there was to focus on. During the show, the former England football captain interviewed Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who offered words of praise for the presenter. "And thank you for being such a great host of a BBC show I've watched many times," Arne Slot said. The Liverpool manager added: "I'd like to give you a Liverpool shirt instead of the other club you played for!" Gary was spotted earlier looking relaxed in a checked shirt and jeans, smiling as he arrived at the studios. The BBC online preview for tonight's MOTD said: "The best of the action from the final day of the Premier League season presented, for the last time, by Gary Lineker." However, it came after he recently left colleagues in no doubt about his feelings on BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski. Gary Lineker apologises for antisemitic post and confirms he's quitting BBC next week He was seen to snub his boss and made remarks about him which were described as 'blunt'. The 64-year-old was due to cover next year's FA Cup and World Cup but bowed out early. It follows a controversial row over his use of social media. The BBC have come up with a new format but tried and tested presenters to replace Gary Lineker next season. Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will have big shoes to fill. The Leicester-born star, who moved seamlessly from footballer to one of the most famous presenters at the corporation, was temporarily suspended in March 2023. He was embroiled in an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government's new asylum policy. In November 2024 he announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage. He exited the broadcaster early after apologising for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby. It was illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked. A statement from Lineker read: "I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for. "However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action." After this the BBC said Lineker would leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match Of The Day for the 2024/25 season. The broadcaster added that he would not present its coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season's FA Cup. But the ex-England captain suggested he wants to step away from traditional television when asked in an interview about his post-MOTD schedule. Just days before announcing his exit from the BBC on Monday, Lineker told the Beyond The Title podcast: 'Professionally, I've got a big podcast company and I think it takes up quite a bit of my time and it will probably take up a bit more now. 'It's really exciting and it's a lot of fun. We're doing really well. I don't think I'll do much television. 'Really proud' 'Hopefully I'll be in a position where I can just pick and choose things I quite fancy doing. So the podcast world really I think.' Lineker also insisted his broadcasting career has made him prouder than his on-pitch heroics for teams such as Leicester, Everton, Spurs and Barcelona. He added: 'I'm actually probably a bit more proud of what I've done in broadcasting than possibly football because I always said I was born to be in the box, not on the box. 'I had to work really hard at television. ' I had to work hard at football but it came naturally, whereas television didn't come naturally. 'It took a lot of hard work and effort and determination and studying and stuff of other people and how they do it. 'Eventually I got there. Probably I'm proudest of the fact I made it to the top in broadcasting.' Leicester fan Lineker runs production company Goalhanger Podcasts which is behind hit series The Rest Is Football with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
The Irish Sun
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Gary Lineker tears up as he bids emotional farewell to iconic Match of the Day after controversial BBC axe
GARY Lineker teared up as he bid an emotional farewell to the iconic Match of the Day show following the BBC's controversial decision to axe him. The popular presenter thanked his co-workers and the Match of the Day staff for his 26 years presenting the show. 3 Lineker was seen smiling as he headed into the studios for his final show 3 Gary Lineker presenting Match of the Day for the last time Credit: BBC 3 Gary Lineker was embroiled in an impartiality row Tributes poured in from former legendary teammates, managers, players, and colleagues in a heartfelt farewell montage that closed the show. His co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards then presented a tearful Gary Lineker with a golden boot. The programme opened with clips of the former footballer in action on the pitch - followed by the words "The end of an Era". Gary Lineker started presenting his final Match Of The Day saying, "It wasn't meant to end this way" before referencing the title race being over and Champions League qualification being all there was to focus on. read more on sport During the show, the former England football captain interviewed Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who offered words of praise for the presenter. "And thank you for being such a great host of a BBC show I've watched many times," Arne Slot said. The Liverpool manager added: "I'd like to give you a Liverpool shirt instead of the other club you played for!" Gary was spotted earlier looking relaxed in a checked shirt and jeans, smiling as he arrived at the studios. Most read in Football The BBC online preview for tonight's MOTD said: "The best of the action from the final day of the Premier League season presented, for the last time, by Gary Lineker." However, it came after he recently left colleagues in no doubt about his feelings on BBC director of sport Gary Lineker apologises for antisemitic post and confirms he's quitting BBC next week He was seen to snub his boss and made remarks about him which were described as 'blunt'. The 64-year-old was due to cover next year's FA Cup and World Cup but bowed out early. It follows a controversial row over his use of social media. The BBC have come up with a new format but tried and tested presenters to replace Gary Lineker next season. Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will have big shoes to fill. The Leicester-born star, who moved seamlessly from footballer to one of the most famous presenters at the corporation, was temporarily suspended in March 2023. He was embroiled in an In November 2024 he announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage. after apologising for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby. "However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action." After this the BBC said would leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match Of The Day for the 2024/25 season. The broadcaster added that he would But the ex- Just days before announcing his exit from the BBC on Monday, Lineker told the Beyond The Title podcast: 'Professionally, I've got a big podcast company and I think it takes up quite a bit of my time and it will probably take up a bit more now. 'It's really exciting and it's a lot of fun. We're doing really well. I don't think I'll do much television. 'Really proud' 'Hopefully I'll be in a position where I can just pick and choose things I quite fancy doing. So the podcast world really I think.' Lineker also insisted his broadcasting career has made him prouder than his on-pitch heroics for teams such as He added: 'I'm actually probably a bit more proud of what I've done in broadcasting than possibly football because I always said I was born to be in the box, not on the box. 'I had to work really hard at television. ' I had to work hard at football but it came naturally, whereas television didn't come naturally. 'It took a lot of hard work and effort and determination and studying and stuff of other people and how they do it. 'Eventually I got there. Probably I'm proudest of the fact I made it to the top in broadcasting.' Leicester fan Lineker runs production company Goalhanger Podcasts which is behind hit series The Rest Is Football with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. How Gary Lineker became the BBC's highest paid star Gary Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day for more than 25 years but will leave the role earlier than expected following a row over his use of social media. The Leicester-born star, who moved seamlessly from footballer to one of the most famous and highly-paid presenters at the corporation, began his career at Leicester City, the club he had supported since childhood, in 1978. The 64-year-old striker scored 103 goals for the Foxes in all competitions before signing with Everton for £800,000 in 1985. He scored 40 goals in 57 games for the Toffees in his only season with the Liverpool-based side, before his six goals for England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico won him the competition's golden boot award and attracted the attention of Spanish football giants Barcelona. Moving to the Catalan side in 1986, Lineker went on to become the highest scoring British player in La Liga, Spain's highest football division, under English manager Terry Venables. His record 42 goals was only beaten by Welsh winger Gareth Bale in 2016. Lineker spent three years in Spain before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in July 1989 for £1.1 million. He played a part in England's run to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup in Italy, which resulted in a defeat on penalties against West Germany. After the match, Lineker, who captained the Lions from 1990 to 1992, coined the phrase: "Football is a simple game: 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans win." He won the 1991 FA Cup final with Spurs, beating Nottingham Forest 2-1 despite having a goal controversially disallowed for offside and Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley saving a penalty. In 1992, Lineker became the first English footballer to play in Japan's highest division, the J League, when he joined Nagoya Grampus Eight for £2 million. He retired after an injury-hit two-year spell at the club which saw him play just 23 times. Throughout his career Lineker was renowned for never receiving a yellow or red card booking from the referee. Following his retirement, Lineker joined BBC Radio 5 Live as a football pundit before becoming a team captain on the sports game show They Think It's All Over from 1995 to 2003. In 1997 he took over as host of Grandstand when then-presenter Desmond Lynam was at Aintree for the Grand National which was abandoned due to a bomb alert. He replaced Lynam as presenter of the BBC's flagship football highlights programme Match Of The Day in 1999, when Lynam defected to rival ITV. Lineker would later become the corporation's highest-paid presenter, with the BBC's annual report for 2023/24 showing his salary to be to around £1.35 million a year. He was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government's new asylum policy. In November 2024 he announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day at the end of the season, but would still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage. He exited the broadcaster early, however, after apologising for sharing and then deleting a post on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby, illustrated with a picture of a rat, which prompted calls for him to be sacked from the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA). After this the BBC said Lineker would leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match Of The Day for the 2024/25 season and added that he would not present its coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season's FA Cup. Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman will share the presenting role on the football show from the next Premier League season. The former England striker is also the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC stars to make incredible return to Scottish island where reality TV show started
The star has arranged a reunion with other participants on the tiny Outer Hebridean isle to mark the milestone anniversary. BEN FOGLE has revealed he is returning to Taransay — 25 years after being marooned there on TV show Castaway. The star has arranged a reunion with other participants on the tiny Outer Hebridean isle to mark the milestone anniversary. 3 Ben Fogle holds one of the sheep to show to his family on Castaway 2000. Credit: PA:Press Association 3 The reality show was ahead of its time. Credit: BBC 3 Ben has become one of TV's biggest names since getting his break. Credit: Stuart Wilson The BBC series jump-started the reality TV revolution by dropping 36 strangers off-grid to spend a year building their own community on the uninhabited island. Travel expert Ben, 51, has long been desperate to make a sequel, but has settled for a special meet-up this summer instead. He said of reuniting with fellow stars of the show: 'We are all going to Taransay this summer. 'I met up with a handful last year for Radio 4's reunion. We now have a Castaway WhatsApp group. 'I'd love to recreate the experiment, but I don't think any of the channels or streaming networks would be brave enough to commit to a year-long project. 'To be honest, I think it's a pipe dream. The beauty of Castaway lay in our simple characters. 'Today, reality shows rely on people becoming caricatures of themselves. You have be larger than life to stand out. 'The whole unique selling point of Castaway was that we blended into the landscape. We were slow TV before it was a thing.' More than 4,000 people applied to take part in the series, which cost £2.4million to make. Telly islanders were tasked with growing their own fruit and veg, and even killing animals for food. Ben Fogle teases return of 'most natural reality show ever' after years off screen - insisting telly 'needs a rebrand' Fending for themselves in the wilderness proved too much for some, with seven dropping out. Among the show's major controversies were a revolt against programme makers, smuggled mobile phones, a flu outbreak and one person attempting a speed boat escape. The eco-pods with compost toilets also weren't ready and families with kids refused to take part. They were taken back to the mainland and put up in a plush hotel before eventually returning to the island. And there wasn't even a prize at the end — as everybody left and either returned to their old lives or set off on new adventures. But Ben, then the picture editor of high society magazine Tatler, loved the challenge and was so inspired by his 12 months on Taransay that he launched an unsuccessful £1.5million bid to buy it in 2011. Even 25 years on, Ben misses the peace and quiet he enjoyed there and reckons the show still doesn't get the credit it deserves. He said: 'It feels like yesterday. The smells and colours and sounds are so familiar. 'If I close my eyes, I can transport myself back to that beautiful island. So much has happened in the 25 years since. I have done so many things and had so many experiences, but my year on Taransay remains one of my happiest. 'It was life-changing on so many levels. I find myself fiercely protective of its legacy.' Ben has hosted New Lives In The Wild, about people who opt for a secluded existence, for some 12 years. He advises people to give it a go if it's something they dream of. It was his time on Castaway 2000 that inspired his own series, and he believes the impact of the programme is often overlooked due to more flashy alternatives. Ben said: 'It's often forgotten about and I'm not sure why. Perhaps it is because we were the quieter sibling to the bells and whistles of Big Brother that came after. 'We were a simple, humble, unshowy, authentic reality show. Time and example has proved that the Press prefer the noise and chaos of subsequent shows. 'You mustn't underestimate the impact Castaway had on the TV landscape. 'We were guinea pigs and pioneers forging the way for future generations of reality TV.' Adam and Cathra Kelliher bought Taransay in 2011 and now offer tourists the chance to live out their own Castaway dreams for a few nights. The survival retreats are geared towards wealthy tourists who pay up to £6,900 per person. Ben isn't sure how he and his former cast mates will mark the occasion when they arrive back on the island. But it will be very different to the last time, when they celebrated New Year 2001 before being whisked off in a helicopter. Were you one of the original Castaways? Contact
