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The Irish Sun
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside Rob Brydon's huge new Traitors-style travel reality show as Gavin and Stacey star reveals major struggle
WHEN Rob Brydon reached his 60th birthday with two of TV's biggest hits under his belt, he could have easily put his feet up. Instead, the star of Would I Lie To You? and Gavin & Stacey hit the road and is taking a risk by fronting the Advertisement 7 Rob Brydon is set to present the BBC's new travel challenge show, Destination X Credit: BBC 7 Brydon says he is excited about the challenge and enjoys how varied his career has become Credit: PA And he relishes the challenge — as it might give him the chance to show he's not just Some people know me for Would I Lie To You? But I've never done anything like this. 'Having something new and exciting and different is just a delight. I'm taking a chance on something I haven't done before.' Advertisement READ MORE ON ROB BRYDON After 18 years as Uncle Bryn and 16 years hosting the BBC quiz show, it's no surprise Rob was keen to get his teeth into something new. His latest project Destination X is a promising cross between The Traitors and Race Across The World, which each command six million viewers. But there was one hitch. Rob is so used to being seated on his quiz show and playing a character on Gavin & Stacey that he had forgotten how he walks as himself. Recalling walking on to the set of Advertisement Most read in News TV 'Because I've got a horrible walk. I walk like an ape. I walk side to side. So I'm thinking, 'Try not to walk like an idiot'. 'It even occurred to me that I won't be sat behind a desk. I had to think, 'How am I going to hold myself?'' Gavin and Stacey's Rob Brydon admits he was 'moved to tears' after getting first glimpse at script for final ever episode But Rob swiftly found his feet on the thrilling new show, which travels the length and breadth of Europe. Destination X introduces a group of travellers to each other at an airport before they are blindfolded and taken on a disorientating helicopter ride. Advertisement They then board a blacked-out bus that travels to a few hotspots where the travellers take on challenges to try to win clues. 7 Brydon says he had to try and figure out his presenting identity in order to lead the new show Credit: At the end of each episode they are asked one simple question: Where in the world are we? The straightforward premise has helped the show become a huge hit in the US and Belgium. Advertisement Rob is in charge of the jaunt and has revelled in the role. He said: 'I genuinely love the variety of my career. I like it all. "It's possible some people who act wouldn't be comfortable presenting. 'You would be surprised how many actors wouldn't like it if you told them that they were go- ing to do something with no script. Advertisement 'But I love all those things. 'Ultimately, having a live audience is my favourite. 'Sometimes with Destination X I would say a funny line and they would laugh and that's an audience. 'I wanted to have the interaction with the players. Advertisement 'That's something I looked forward to.' Claudia has a lightness of touch. I think she judges it just right. You feel like you're with a really good friend who is allowing you into this world It is perhaps unsurprising that given the similarities of the show to She has made a huge success of the murder mystery game — and Destination X contains the same elements of strategy and manipulation. Rob said: 'I watched the Belgian version and I thought, with some tweaks, I could see myself in that role. I was intrigued. Advertisement 'Claudia has a lightness of touch. I think she judges it just right. She doesn't force herself to the front. "She is there as a conduit, as a bridge with the viewer and you feel like you're with a really good friend who is allowing you into this world. "I wanted to be a pleasant way to bring people into the show with a nice comment here and there. 'The Traitors was one of the big reasons I wanted to do Destination X. I could see similarities.' Advertisement Just like the cast at the heart of The Traitors and Race Across The World, normal folk are the stars. 7 Brydon says he took inspiration from Claudia Winkleman presenting The Traitors Credit: BBC 7 Comic Brydon says he hopes the new show will be a big hit with family viewers Credit: BBC 'Strong characters' Guessing along with the contestants as they gather clues — and red herrings — is irresistible. Advertisement Rob, who begins the show in a suave pilot's uniform, clearly took to one of the contestants, wisecracking London cabbie Darren. He said: 'Darren mentions his wife — you hear quite a bit about her. "Bless him, he gets quite choked up when he talks about her. He was really missing her. It was genuine. It wasn't forced. Rob added: 'They are all very strong characters. They developed as they went along, the relationships. Advertisement 'You enjoy seeing people come out of their shell and then the distrust starts. They start saying, 'We're a team'. But that can't last.' At the end of each episode, the players lock themselves in the bus's map room where they have to plant an X on a map to log their guess. In the first episode alone, the hunches vary wildly despite them all being fed the same information. The person whose guess is furthest from the true destination is booted off the bus and sent home. Rob said: 'Throughout the series they'll think they're somewhere and then they'll talk themselves out of it. Advertisement 'The map room bits were so enjoyable. 'We were round the monitors watching them make the decisions. Certain shows have become valuable to people of a certain age who want their family together. That's what was special about the Gavin & Stacey Xmas special "Doubt would enter their mind. Sometimes it was a tiny amount. 'Someone will have gone out because they were 3km out!' Advertisement Rob is aware he is stepping out of his comfort zone and might end up with his first flop. But he's hopeful the pure heart of the show will win through and land fans among families. He said: 'You never know with any TV show, with any theatre show, film, how it's going to do. 'You'd have to be detached from reality to now have your fingers crossed and hope that people respond to it. Advertisement 7 Brydon says he had to learn how to be himself after playing a character on Gavin and Stacey Credit: PA 'For the family' 'You have to have word of mouth. If you hear enough, you might go, 'I'll give it a try'. 'What I love about this show is that it's for the family. I love shows that you can sit and watch, like we watch The Traitors as a family. 'It's the same with Race Across The World. We think, 'Yeah, let's all watch it together'. That's why I'm proud of Would I Lie To You? Advertisement 'The humour is sharp and clever but you can watch it with your family. 'I hope Destination X becomes appointment viewing for a family and everyone will be chipping in and arguing about it.' Rob, who is a dad of five, added: 'If you're anything like me as a parent, you're desperate for the stuff that can get the kids to watch something with you. 'Those shows have become very valuable to people of a certain age who want their family together. Advertisement 'The kids get older and everybody is told, 'Oh, they're not going to want to be with you'. 'You think, 'We'll be different'. But sure enough, that happens. 'That's what was special about the "Getting people to all sit down and watch the same show is so hard to do.' Advertisement It is clear the programme has all the ingredients to become Rob's third hit — and he is already hopeful of a second series or perhaps a celebrity spin-off. But he has one condition for BBC bosses. Rob added with a laugh: 'I've said I'll only do it if we go to Wales.' Barry Island, presumably? 7 Brydon says he wants Destination X to become appointment viewing for families Credit: BBC Advertisement
The Irish Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Gregg Wallace treated for ‘heart attack' after misconduct probe stress as BBC reveals 50 new claims against sacked host
AXED MasterChef host Gregg Wallace last night declared war on the BBC, raging: 'I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience.' The 60-year-old star's outburst came as 7 Gregg Wallace was sacked by the BBC following an inquiry into alleged misconduct Credit: Olivia West 7 The BBC said another 50 people had made claims about his behaviour across several shows, pictured on MasterChef with co-host John Torode Credit: BBC 7 The axed MasterChef host was rushed to hospital in Ashford on Sunday with a suspected heart attack after two days of agonising chest pains Credit: Rex And the corporation turned up the heat by saying another They included new allegations he groped a MasterChef worker and pulled his trousers down in front of another. Wallace, who left the hit cooking show in November and danced on 2014's Strictly, denies the claims. Sources said he was considering suing the BBC. And we can reveal that on Sunday he was rushed to hospital in Ashford, Kent, with a suspected heart attack after two days of agonising chest pains. READ MORE ON GREGG WALLACE He told a pal: 'The stress of this betrayal brought on my suspected heart attack. It's been hell.' The report into Wallace's behaviour, ordered by production firm Banijay and conducted by external lawyers Lewis Silkin, is officially due out tomorrow. But yesterday, two days after leaving hospital, Wallace was told his contract will be terminated. He posted online: 'After 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others.' Most read in News TV He pointed out he had been exonerated of the most serious allegations in the Silkin report, including a separate claim of groping. Gregg Wallace admits 'I'm f****d' & tells pals he fears MasterChef will sack him after 'grope' probe And he said: 'I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. 'For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks.' The stress of this betrayal brought on my suspected heart attack. It's been hell Gregg Wallace Wallace — who has never been publicly backed by co-host of 20 years John Torode — is now poised to take Banijay or the BBC to tribunal. He has taken on 'rottweiler' lawyer Dan Morrison, who represented Nigel Farage in the NatWest/Coutts bank account closure scandal. In a further blow to the Beeb, Wallace's lawyers could push for the release of the report's executive summary, which might jeopardise senior MasterChef execs and talent. An insider said: 'This is war. Gregg is raging and, frankly, has nothing left to lose. He feels he has been hung out to dry. He was employed to play the fun, unfiltered cheeky chappy greengrocer and he played that role as he always pledged to do. 'He feels there's been a cover-up and other people's bad behaviour ignored. 'Gregg will not go quietly — it is an absolute nightmare for the BBC.' The star's mum died from a heart attack in March. In April he revealed 7 Sources said Wallace was considering suing the BBC Credit: BBC 7 Wallace has taken on 'rottweiler' lawyer Dan Morrison Credit: BBC In his statement yesterday he also claimed the BBC had failed to help him over neurodiversity, since formally diagnosed as autism. He said: 'Nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over 20 years. That failure is now being quietly buried.' A source added: 'Gregg has been struggling with his mental health and was rushed to hospital over the weekend. Doctors have blamed stress, and he came out only to find out almost immediately he will lose his livelihood. 'He is furious and devastated and, after much deliberation, is taking on an incredibly bullish legal team to fight his corner. Gregg has seen the report and believes he is cleared of the most serious wrongdoing allegations, so has taken great consolation from that.' After 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others Gregg Wallace Banijay's probe began nine months ago after BBC News revealed he faced 13 complaints from women, which later rose to 30. Wallace was then vilified for saying they stemmed from HOST DEMANDS BBC ANSWERS EX-TELLY host Gregg Wallace issued a statement online yesterday. Here are key extracts. "After 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others. I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me. I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks. I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as the cheeky greengrocer. A real person with warmth, character, rough edges and all. For over two decades, that authenticity was part of the brand. Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem. My neurodiversity, now formally diagnosed as autism, was suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of Master Chef. Yet nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over 20 years. That failure is now being quietly buried. Unfortunately, the full report will never be seen. I would like to know why? I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience." It is understood he has now been cleared of bullying allegations brought by 2021 contestant Penny Lancaster. Broadcaster and 2011 series star The claims of Wallace's constant innuendos, which left crew in tears, by 2011 contestant In two categories — 'demeaning' nicknames for staff and Wallace being 'direct' with contestants — investigators said his actions were unintentional. Gregg has been struggling with his mental health and was rushed to hospital over the weekend. Doctors have blamed stress A source It is understood his autism diagnosis has been used to explain some behaviour. Other allegations were upheld. They included that he opened his dressing room door with a sock over his privates and shouted 'Hooray.' He was also found against in terms of inappropriate language and repetition of sexualised jokes. The BBC is under enormous pressure to save money, and is unlikely to offer Wallace any payout or redundancy package. He may get a six-figure payout from a tribunal in his favour. 7 Wallace has never been publicly backed by co-host of 20 years Torode Credit: BBC 7 Gregg and Aliona Vilani on Strictly Credit: BBC Gregg Wallace - MasterChef scandal in Brief GREGG Wallace has stepped down from his MasterChef hosting role after a probe into alleged inappropriate behaviour. But what's the situation? Regular MasterChef host Gregg Wallace is currently the subject of a probe after an investigation was launched into his Gregg has been accused of making The 60-year-old has now stepped away from the BBC show while historical misconduct allegations against him are investigated. Yet the former greengrocer The cooking show's production company, Banijay UK, has said law firm Lewis Silkin would lead the investigation into Wallace's alleged misconduct.
Scottish Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘Why are we only seeing this?' – Fans left fuming at bungling BBC's broadcast of Wimbledon
FANS fumed at the bungling BBC's Wimbledon broadcast - which cut away from showing the tennis for more than THREE MINUTES. Dan Evans took on Novak Djokovic on Centre Court in round two. 7 Dan Evans took on Novak Djokovic on Centre Court Credit: BBC 7 The BBC cut away from the action to show an empty studio Credit: BBC 7 Cameras then went to fans sat on Henmann Hill for more than two minutes The Brit served to stay in the set at 5-1 down. But after missing his first serve on the opening point, the TV cameras bizarrely cut away. For about one minute, an angle thought to be from the BBC studio showed a chair in the foreground and a blurry image of the walkways around the All England Club. Then for nearly two-and-a-half further minutes, live footage of tennis fans enjoying the afternoon sunshine on Henman Hill filled the screen. READ MORE ON WIMBLEDON ROY-AL BOX Fans can't believe who Olivia Rodrigo sat with at Wimbledon in Royal Box The sound and commentary from Centre Court continued as Evans held for 5-2. And it was not until the end of the changeover - three minutes and 23 seconds after cutting away from the match - that the BBC went back to the live feed from Wimbledon's main show court. It is understood both BBC One and BBC Two were hit by the error, which was not addressed on air by the commentators. Viewers trying to watch Evans battling against Djokovic blasted the Beeb's blunder. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS One said: "Why are we only seeing a picture of Henman Hill rather than Centre Court?" Another wrote: "Why are we watching everyone sat on Henman Hill instead of Evans vs Djokovic?" John McEnroe interrupts brother Patrick on Wimbledon broadcast to make major personal announcement live on ESPN 7 Wimbledon 2025 LIVE - follow all the latest scores and updates from a thrilling fortnight at SW19 A third moaned: "Who is in charge of broadcasting the Championship, is it the latest trainee? Really poor." A fourth complained: "I mean the coverage has been absolutely terrible. Moving court coverage around without any reason, not showing the Brits, not saying what is on iPlayer. Now we have a fantastic showing of Henman Hill with no tennis. Just give up guys." The mistake comes two days after British tennis fans were unable to watch the start of Jack Draper's opening match of the tournament. The BBC News was on at 6pm - just as Alexander Zverev was playing a crucial tie-break on Centre Court. So BBC bosses opted to stick with the tie-break before switching over to Draper. Elsewhere, the broadcasters were mocked for their hilariously big microphone given to Iga Swiatek for her radio interview. But on a more serious note, reports this week suggest the BBC face a battle from TNT Sports and Sky Sports to retain the rights for Wimbledon beyond their current deal which runs until 2027. 7 After nearly three-and-a-half minutes, the feed eventually returned to Centre Court 7 Evans lost in straight sets to the seven-time champion Credit: Reuters
The Irish Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Why are we only seeing this?' – Fans left fuming at bungling BBC's broadcast of Wimbledon
FANS fumed at the bungling BBC's Wimbledon broadcast - which cut away from showing the tennis for more than THREE MINUTES. Dan Evans took on Novak Djokovic on Centre Court in round two. Advertisement 7 Dan Evans took on Novak Djokovic on Centre Court Credit: BBC 7 The BBC cut away from the action to show an empty studio Credit: BBC 7 Cameras then went to fans sat on Henmann Hill for more than two minutes The Brit served to stay in the set at 5-1 down. But after missing his first serve on the opening point, the TV cameras bizarrely cut away. For about one minute, an angle thought to be from the BBC studio showed a chair in the foreground and a blurry image of the walkways around the All England Club. Then for nearly two-and-a-half further minutes, live footage of tennis fans enjoying the afternoon sunshine on Henman Hill filled the screen. Advertisement READ MORE ON WIMBLEDON The sound and commentary from Centre Court continued as Evans held for 5-2. And it was not until the end of the changeover - three minutes and 23 seconds after cutting away from the match - that the BBC went back to the live feed from Wimbledon's main show court. It is understood both BBC One and BBC Two were hit by the error, which was not addressed on air by the commentators. Viewers trying to watch Evans battling against Djokovic blasted the Beeb's blunder. Advertisement Most read in Tennis Live Blog CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS One said: "Why are we only seeing a picture of Henman Hill rather than Centre Court?" Another wrote: "Why are we watching everyone sat on Henman Hill instead of Evans vs Djokovic?" John McEnroe interrupts brother Patrick on Wimbledon broadcast to make major personal announcement live on ESPN 7 Advertisement Wimbledon 2025 LIVE - A third moaned: "Who is in charge of broadcasting the Championship, is it the latest trainee? Really poor." A fourth complained: "I mean the coverage has been absolutely terrible. Moving court coverage around without any reason, not showing the Brits, not saying what is on iPlayer. Now we have a fantastic showing of Henman Hill with no tennis. Just give up guys." The mistake comes two days after Advertisement The BBC News was on at 6pm - just as Alexander Zverev was playing a crucial tie-break on Centre Court. So BBC bosses opted to stick with the tie-break before switching over to Draper. Elsewhere, the broadcasters were mocked for their But on a more serious note, reports this week suggest the Advertisement 7 After nearly three-and-a-half minutes, the feed eventually returned to Centre Court 7 Evans lost in straight sets to the seven-time champion Credit: Reuters 7 Iga Swiatek was given a massive microphone for her radio interview Credit: BBC
Scottish Sun
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Lord of the Rings star breaks down in tears after making surprise appearance on stage at Glastonbury
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HOLLYWOOD icon broke down in tears after his surprise appearance on the Glastonbury stage. The London-born Lord Of the Rings actor stunned fans with his cameo in the Woodsies tent on Saturday evening, taking to the stage in a bold patterned longline jacket. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 A Hollywood icon broke down in tears following a surprise Glastonbury set with the Scissor Sisters Credit: Getty 7 Sir Ian McKellen was overcome with emotion after his stint on stage Credit: BBC 7 He read out lyrics during the band's track, Invisible Light Credit: BBC 7 Sir Ian McKellen is known for playing Gandalf in the LOTR series Credit: Rex Features Sir Ian McKellen, known for playing Gandalf in the hit movie series, lent his signature deep voice and vocal talents to the Scissor Sisters setlist. During the track Invisible Light, the 86-year-old could be heard reading out the words as the electro pop group - led by frontman Jake Shears - danced around. After his surprise stint on stage, the group went on to delight Glastonbury-goers with their signature tracks including Take Your Mama. As he returned to his spot in the crowd, Sir Ian was met with chants of his name. The X-Men actor looked extremely bashful before holding his head in his hands and choking back emotion. In the sweet clip posted to BBC Radio 2's Instagram account, a caption read: "Sir Ian McKellen getting some well deserved Glasto love!" A fan then wrote: "Whyyyyyyy is he ALWAYS not sure why we love him love him. He is so humble. And supremely funny." A second put: "The man is a national treasure." A third then posted: "He's such a darling!!!" FAN FURY For those watching the Scissor Sisters set at home, they faced a barrage of technical issues. Sir Ian McKellen's Stage Accident Shocks Audience The highly anticipated sets were pulled off air due to technical blunders throughout the day, leaving many fans staring at error messages on their screens. The outage hit certain devices and platforms, sparking a wave of complaints online as users demanded answers. For those watching on iPlayer, the main Saturday feed also suffered huge technical difficulties. Those wanting to watch Scissor Sisters were greeted with an apology message emblazoned on the screen. Glastonbury 2025 - confirmed acts so far TICKETS to the 2025 festival sold out in just minutes before some of the acts were even confirmed. Here is who has been confirmed so far. Confirmed headliners: The 1975 will take to the Pyramid Stage on Friday. Neil Young will headline the festival for the second time after his last set in 2009 on Saturday after RAYE makes her return. Charli xcx will headline the Other Stage on Saturday night. On Sunday, Olivia Rodrigo is due to belt out her hits for her first appearance while Rod Stewart will perform in the legends slot. More acts to appear on the Other Stage include Loyle Carner and The Prodigy. Doechii will make her Glastonbury debut on the West Holts Stage on Saturday night. Other names confirmed include Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Gracie Abrams, Busta Rhymes, Lola Young, Brandi Carlile, Myles Smith, En Vogue, Amaarae, Cymande, Shaboozey, Osees and Gary Numan. Writing on X - formerly known as Twitter - one expletive-filled fan fumed: "F****** hell @BBC you cut Blossoms short and now Scissor Sisters when it's just a black screen. "Sort it out." 7 The London-born star cut a striking figure in a patterned longline jacket Credit: BBC 7 He put his face in his hands as the crowd shouted his name Credit: BBC
