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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lexington men find community at White Castle, spinning yarns and downing sliders
It's 9:30 on a Saturday morning at the White Castle on Reynolds Road, and the party is in full swing. Ten men, several wearing caps noting their military service, are gathered around tables that have been pushed together, and the coffee and conversation are flowing. This group of Lexington White Castle regulars, most of whom are in their 80s and 90s, has become like a family, and some of them have made these chats over breakfast part of their daily morning routine for 30 years or more. 'They just cuss and discuss anything,' Randall Dowell joked. 'Mostly yarn spinning.' 'It's a camaraderie thing,' said Ed Parker. 'I come to White Castle for cheap food and fellowship. The food is great and the fellowship is great,' said Jim Atkins. 'Sometimes I come for breakfast and lunch.' Wayne Tullis says he's 'the baby' of the group, at 82 years old. On May 31, they celebrated their most senior member, John Hughes, who turned 99 May 9. There was cake for everyone, and restaurant employees feted Hughes with a pair of White Castle socks, a White Castle gift card and a cookie jar shaped like a slider in the signature blue and white box. 'Ain't everybody got one of them,' an admirer called from the other end of the table. There were blue and gold tablecloths, streamers hung from the ceiling, and a gold crown was placed atop Hughes' cap. 'You're king of the castle today,' said Gail Gurney, a White Castle district manager who has known the men for years. Hughes said he doesn't know how his 100th birthday could top his 99th. 'I'm shocked,' he said of the celebration. Hughes, a World War II veteran, thumbed through old photos of past gatherings with his buddies at White Castle, including one of another birthday party there years ago. 'I was an old man then,' he said. Bob Niles is a 95-year-old veteran who served during World War II and the Korean War. He said he's been eating sliders at White Castle since he was a youngster growing up in Louisville. 'We were really upset in high school when it went from a nickel to seven cents,' he said. Niles said he thinks the sliders still taste the same as they did back then, though. Dowell said he's been coming to the White Castle on Reynolds Road for 'forever... off and on probably 40 years.' He said he used to live in a complex behind the restaurant, but he now drives over from his home in Versailles to visit with his friends. White Castle, he said, is 'welcoming to service people. It has a good feel about it. We know most of these (employees) by name.' 'I don't think there's any subject that's sacred here,' said Dowell. 'We discuss anything and everything: the media, horse racing, farming.' Ray Wedding gives 'the tomato report.' 'Every year I put out 28, 30 plants or more just to have something to do,' said Wedding, showing off a cell phone photo of the tomato plants lining his backyard fence. When his Big Boys and Better Boys are ripe, he brings them in to share with his breakfast buddies. 'They're a friendly bunch and would do anything for you, I think, if they could,' said Wedding, 88. The men's relationships with the employees are as close as their bonds with each other. 'They're special to us,' said Gurney, the district manager. The regulars always order the same thing, and the staff knows what each wants before he says a word. 'As soon as we see their cars pull in the lot, we start making their food,' she said. 'We are all just like family.' Gurney started working at White Castle as a 16-year-old and has been with the company for 37 years now, working her way up to district manager. Dowell told her Saturday he thinks he can remember her first day on the job. 'She is the cornerstone behind all of this,' Dowell said. 'They've watched me go from this store to the other store' across town, she said. When her son had a bone marrow transplant, she said the morning regulars took up a collection to help out, since Gurney had to be off work for six months. 'They wanted to make sure that I was OK to take off work,' Gurney said. 'My customers took care of me.' And she takes care of them too. Gurney said staff members have contact numbers for some of the guys in the back, and if someone doesn't show up for breakfast for a few days, they'll call to check on them. And they make sure the egg on Hughes' bologna and egg sandwich comes with an unbroken yolk, something not just anyone can get at White Castle. Hughes doesn't come in to White Castle every day anymore, Gurney said, so 'it's a special day when he walks in the store.' Hughes still drives, but not as far as he used to. He said Saturday that he usually spends his mornings at the McDonald's on Winchester Road, because it's closer to his home. But the group at White Castle knows he reserves the last Saturday of every month for them. 'We solve all problems,' Hughes said. The makeup of the White Castle regulars group has changed over the years, as some members have died or moved away. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were 12 or 15 guys getting together every morning, Tullis said. 'The pandemic got some of them,' Atkins said. But the regulars didn't let even a pandemic keep them from getting together. Tullis said they sat outside during those days, and the staff brought food out to them. 'We were in our cars and trucks,' Tullis said. 'We yelled at one another,' Parker added. How did they all come together in the first place decades ago? 'It was just a couple people, and they had a friend' who they invited, Tullis said. 'It just kept collecting.' Tullis invited Dick LeMaster, 90. 'I'm here every day, six days a week,' LeMaster said. He always gets the same thing: a sausage, egg and cheese sandwich and a cup of coffee. LeMaster, in turn, invited Mike Blackard. 'I show up about once a week. It's a fun group,' Blackard said. He said he enjoys the wealth of knowledge the men have accumulated over their lives. 'They've done it all,' he said. LeMaster said his granddaughter, a University of Kentucky student, once brought some of her classmates out to observe the group. And what did they learn? LeMaster, who served in the Army and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War, said her assessment was that the guys liked to talk about the past, not the future. His assessment: 'We're social people. We just like to chat and visit., tell the same stories over and over.'
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Hollyoaks star signs up to huge BBC show alongside EastEnders actress
It's set to be a huge series of Celebrity Race Across the World as a Hollyoaks and Derry Girls star is the latest celeb to join the line-up, according to reports A former Hollyoaks star is the latest famous face to sign up for BBC's Celebrity Race Across the World, according to reports. Fans of the Liverpool based soap will remember Dylan Llewellyn as cheeky character Martin "Jono" Johnson, as he's set to appear on screens once again. Since leaving the soap in 2016, the star has appeared in a number of high profile TV shows including Derry Girls, Big Boys and Beyond Paradise. Dylan's latest venture will now see him racing across the globe with a team mate in hopes to beat his competitors, without the help of a phone or credit card. The Mirror has contacted a representative of the show for comment. Despite his TV success, Dylan previously admitted to going through a rough patch in his career. While chatting on Channel 4's Sunday Brunch, he shared his near brush with giving up acting: "I was struggling a bit and I was almost like going to give up on acting, you know?" 'And I just wasn't getting any auditions, and yeah, it was just a really quiet period and I was working in a coffee shop and just grafting because that's like the realities of acting. You've got to graft, you know, it's a really tough industry.' He revealed to the Guardian that his breakthrough role as James in Derry Girls came just in time. "It was emotional, really. I was about to give up. It really meant the world to me. It saved me," he said. Earlier this week it was reported that Molly Rainford and Tyler West have signed up for Celebrity Race Across the World, according to reports. The EastEnders star, 24, and Kiss FM presenter, 29, who met on BBC dance show Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, are said to have already filmed the smash-hit series in which a bunch of celebrities partake in an epic race across the world without their phones or credit cards to help. The last series, which aired last summer saw stars, including Kelly Brook, Scott Mills, Jeff Brazier and Kola Bokinni race across South America. Speaking on the reported signing of the Strictly couple, a source told The Sun: "Molly and Tyler are a huge coup for the show. They're popular with millions of viewers from their stints on Strictly, and Molly will bring in loads of EastEnders fans too." Molly and Tyler's relationship blossomed during the Strictly Live Tour in 2023, and things have been going from strength to strength ever since.
Daily Mail
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Derry Girls star 'becomes latest to sign up for Celebrity Race Across the World' after Strictly couple Molly Rainford and Tyler West
A sitcom star has reportedly become the latest star to sign up for the next series of Celebrity Race Across the World. Derry Girls star Dylan Llewellyn has joined the line-up taking on the travel challenge on the popular BBC series, according to The Sun. The actor, 32, began his career with roles in some of the UK's biggest soaps, including The Bill, Hollyoaks and Holby City. However, it was playing only boy and Englishman James Maguire, on beloved comedy Derry Girls that saw him shoot to fame. Dylan then took on the lead role in comedian Jack Rooke's semi-autobiographical Channel 4 series Big Boys for three seasons, playing a closeted uni fresher grieving the loss of his father. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Speaking about the show to Attitude: 'Everything about it was beautiful to me. I really wanted the part and to tell Jack's story as best I could. I'm really proud to be in it.' He also starred in 2022 miniseries Pistol, playing Wally Nightingale, who formed a band with schoolmates Paul Cook and Steve Jones in 1972, but was replaced by Johnny Rotten when they transformed into the Sex Pistols. And since February 2023, Dylan has starred as PC Kelby Hartford in Beyond Paradise, a spin-off of the hit show Death In Paradise. He will allegedly be taking a break from studio sets to race across continents in the gruelling Race Across the World special, with a teammate and no mobile phones. Representatives for the show declined to comment when approached by MailOnline. The last series of the celebrity version of the series saw Kelly Brook, Scott Mills, Jeff Brazier and Kola Bokinni face off against each other as they dashed across South America. Dylan's casting for the new series could see him joined by Molly Rainford and Tyler West, who were reported to have also signed up last week. The EastEnders actress, 24, and the broadcaster, 29, who met during BBC 's Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, are said to be taking on the travel challenge together. A source told The Sun: 'Molly and Tyler are a huge coup for the show. 'They're popular with millions of viewers from their stints on Strictly, and Molly will bring in loads of EastEnders fans too. 'They are a very adventurous pair and have brilliant chemistry, so bosses are confident they will become huge fan favourites.' Last year, Molly and Tyler moved into their first home together and began sharing their home improvements journey with their followers. Alongside a clip of the couple inside their new home and in the 'Strictly' ballroom doing a clapping routine, Molly wrote on Instagram: 'Well guys, it was only right that we let you into our little home, the next part of our journey starts now @homewithmolty.' At the end of the clip, Tyler quipped: 'We've got a lot of cleaning up to do babe.' After previously denying speculation they were dating, the pair posted a TikTok with Tyler seen placing his hand on Molly's leg as they recited lines from 'Friends'. The audio they used was of Rachel Green and Joey Tribbiani telling each other they knew Monica Geller and Chandler Bing were dating in secret. The clip was captioned: 'Did you know? @MollyRainford,' with Tyler adding a red love heart and a crying with laughter emoji. Molly has played Anna Knight on EastEnders since 2023, after starting her career on the CBBC, presenting Friday Download and starring as the titular character in sci-fi series Nova Jones. While she first came to fame after getting to the finals of Britain's Got Talent in 2012 and made new fans with her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022. After failing to win BGT when she was 11 years old, Simon and his record label sponsored her to go to the coveted Sylvia Young Theatre School. The prestigious London school has been a hotbed of talent for decades, producing singers including Adele, Dua Lipa, Amy Winehouse, Rita Ora, and Emma Bunton, plus actors Keeley Hawes, Nicholas Hoult and Daniel Kaluuya. Molly previously explained: 'I did Britain's Got Talent in 2012 when I was 11 years old. That definitely changed my life because after getting to the finals, I was sponsored by Sony Music and Simon Cowell to go to the Sylvia Young theatre school. From those auditions throughout school, I got into the CBBC world.' Music mogul Simon agreeing to sponsor her stage-schooling when Molly's family turned down his offer of a record deal, determined their daughter would not become a one-hit wonder. Molly voiced her gratitude to the Daily Mail in 2022, gushing: 'Simon is Mr BGT and he made that happen, I will always be grateful. It meant I could do what I love.'
Scottish Sun
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Hollyoaks actor turned huge sitcom star signs up for Celebrity Race Across The World alongside Strictly couple
The star also appears in a smash-hit BBC spin-off race on Hollyoaks actor turned huge sitcom star signs up for Celebrity Race Across The World alongside Strictly couple Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HOLLYOAKS actor turned huge sitcom star has signed up for Celebrity Race Across the World. Dylan Llewellyn, 32, appeared on the soap over a decade ago before finding major success on other shows. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Dylan Llewellyn has signed up for Celebrity Race Across The World Credit: Getty 4 He is well-known for lead roles in Derry Girls and Big Boys Credit: Getty 4 Molly Rainford and Tyler West have also reportedly signed up Credit: Splash He is swapping TV sets and bright lights for a gruelling travel challenge in the hit BBC series. Dylan and a teammate will dash across continents without flights or mobile phones. The last series of Celebrity Race Across the World aired last August and saw famous faces including Kelly Brook, Scott Mills, Jeff Brazier and Kola Bokinni race across South America. A rep for the show has been contacted for comment. More on Race Across The World TRAGIC DEATH Race Across The World contestant dies aged 24 in car crash From 2011 to 2012, Dylan played Martin "Jono" Johnson in Hollyoaks. But he achieved wider stardom with his role in Derry Girls as James Maguire. Set in the late 90s, the sitcom followed a group of girls (and one boy) navigating life in Derry, Northern Ireland during The Troubles. In particular, life in their Catholic school under headmistress Sister George Michael. Dylan played the lead role in Channel 4 sitcom Big Boys, where he portrayed a semi-fictionalised version of creator Jack Rooke. His character, Jack, was introduced as a shy and closeted University student grieving his father's death. Derry Girls star Dylan Llewellyn is worlds away from James Maguire in first look at new comedy Big Boys The show ultimately concluded earlier this year after three series on air. Since 2023, Dylan has co-starred as PC Kelby Hartford in BBC's Beyond Paradise. It comes as The Sun previously revealed a pair of Strictly lovers had signed up for Celebrity Race Across The World. Molly Rainford, 24, and Tyler West, 29, found romance on the Saturday night favourite in 2022. Race Across The World - Winners so far Since launching in 2019, BBC travel competition series Race Across The World has had four series to date. Let's take a look at back at the winners so far... Series one: Elaine and Tony Teasdale: This married couple, who are retired PE teachers, won the very first series of Race Across The World. Elaine and Tony Teasdale: This married couple, who are retired PE teachers, won the very first series of Race Across The World. Series two: Emon and Jamiul Choudhury: The uncle and nephew duo emerged victorious in the show's second outing. Emon and Jamiul Choudhury: The uncle and nephew duo emerged victorious in the show's second outing. Series three: Tricia Sail and Cathie Rowe: These lifelong friends became the first non-familial pair to win a series. Tricia Sail and Cathie Rowe: These lifelong friends became the first non-familial pair to win a series. Series four: Alfie Watts and Owen Wood: Both aged 20, these friends bested four other pairs to win series four. A TV insider told The Sun: 'Molly and Tyler are a huge coup for the show. "They're popular with millions of viewers from their stints on Strictly, and Molly will bring in loads of EastEnders fans too. "They are a very adventurous pair and have brilliant chemistry, so bosses are confident they will become huge fan favourites.' Celebrity Race Across The World airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
The Sun
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Hollyoaks actor turned huge sitcom star signs up for Celebrity Race Across The World alongside Strictly couple
A HOLLYOAKS actor turned huge sitcom star has signed up for Celebrity Race Across the World. Dylan Llewellyn, 32, appeared on the soap over a decade ago before finding major success on other shows. 4 4 He is swapping TV sets and bright lights for a gruelling travel challenge in the hit BBC series. Dylan and a teammate will dash across continents without flights or mobile phones. The last series of Celebrity Race Across the World aired last August and saw famous faces including Kelly Brook, Scott Mills, Jeff Brazier and Kola Bokinni race across South America. A rep for the show has been contacted for comment. From 2011 to 2012, Dylan played Martin "Jono" Johnson in Hollyoaks. But he achieved wider stardom with his role in Derry Girls as James Maguire. Set in the late 90s, the sitcom followed a group of girls (and one boy) navigating life in Derry, Northern Ireland during The Troubles. In particular, life in their Catholic school under headmistress Sister George Michael. Dylan played the lead role in Channel 4 sitcom Big Boys, where he portrayed a semi-fictionalised version of creator Jack Rooke. His character, Jack, was introduced as a shy and closeted University student grieving his father's death. Derry Girls star Dylan Llewellyn is worlds away from James Maguire in first look at new comedy Big Boys The show ultimately concluded earlier this year after three series on air. Since 2023, Dylan has co-starred as PC Kelby Hartford in BBC's Beyond Paradise. It comes as The Sun previously revealed a pair of Strictly lovers had signed up for Celebrity Race Across The World. Molly Rainford, 24, and Tyler West, 29, found romance on the Saturday night favourite in 2022. Race Across The World - Winners so far Since launching in 2019, BBC travel competition series Race Across The World has had four series to date. Let's take a look at back at the winners so far... Series one: Elaine and Tony Teasdale: This married couple, who are retired PE teachers, won the very first series of Race Across The World. Series two: Emon and Jamiul Choudhury: The uncle and nephew duo emerged victorious in the show's second outing. Series three: Tricia Sail and Cathie Rowe: These lifelong friends became the first non-familial pair to win a series. Series four: Alfie Watts and Owen Wood: Both aged 20, these friends bested four other pairs to win series four. A TV insider told The Sun: 'Molly and Tyler are a huge coup for the show. "They're popular with millions of viewers from their stints on Strictly, and Molly will bring in loads of EastEnders fans too. "They are a very adventurous pair and have brilliant chemistry, so bosses are confident they will become huge fan favourites.' Celebrity Race Across The World airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
