Latest news with #ChristopherCollins
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Frank Skinner's real name revealed - after he confirmed he's secretly tied the knot to long-term love
He's starred as a comedian, a radio host, a television presenter and was even awarded an MBE in 2023 for his services to the entertainment industry. And after 24 years with his girlfriend and four proposal rejections, Room 101 host Frank Skinner, 68, made headlines this week after announcing he has finally tied the knot with Cath Mason. However Frank Skinner is not actually the comedian's real name. His real name is Christopher Collins - a fact which even bemused Princess Anne herself. During a visit to Buckingham Palace to receive his MBE in April 2023, Frank said Anne told him it was 'confusing' that he had two names. He too revealed the strange reason why he ended up choosing the name Frank Skinner. 'If I didn't make the Princess Royal laugh today I wouldn't feel like I deserved the medal,' he told PA. 'I had her laughing throughout, it was pretty consistent. She was a pretty good audience because she couldn't go anywhere. 'She said it was a bit confusing that I've got two names. I had to explain that when you're in the actors' union, only one person can have a name. 'Frank Skinner was someone from my dad's dominoes team, so I chose that. 'I think she just found it funny how I'd chosen my name - dominoes doesn't sound glamorous enough to be discussing at Buckingham Palace.' Having met Cath all the way back in 1998 when she was working for his management company, the couple were together for 24 years before their marriage this week. Frank had regularly joked about Cath, who he shares a son with, rejecting his proposals but insisted he would 'keep plugging away'. At last, Frank revealed on Monday that the couple had tied the knot in the latest episode of his Frank Off The Radio podcast with co-hosts Emily Dean, who burst into tears, and Pierre Novellie. The comedian excitedly shared: 'Can you brace yourselves? You'll never guess what I did on Monday: I got married. I got f***ing married! 'Don't be offended, we didn't invite anyone. Buzz was a witness. We got married not in a room but on the stairs at Camden Town Hall. 'I said to Cath, "Will you marry me?" and she said "I'm not having a f***ing party! I don't want a load of guests. I'm not going in a church. I don't want a ring. I'm not wearing a stupid f****ing white dress". 'So it went on. "I'm not doing this!" I said "Oh, forget it." And then about two weeks later I said, "Okay we'll do it your way". I felt bad for the friends. I would have invited everyone.' Hampstead-based Frank added: 'We went for a walk on the Heath in the morning and I said "Why are we doing this?" She said "I don't know. Shall we not do it?" I said "They're gonna be upset aren't they, the witnesses." We hadn't told anyone else to be upset, and we actually did think "Shall we not bother?" 'The thing that no one ever says about getting married is it's quite embarrassing. How can I put it? It's a bit basic getting married. We've been together 20-odd years. Cath's not gonna wear a big white fluffy dress. 'We hadn't told anyone except our child - I think you have to have them now, it's a modern marriage! Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue… and your children! 'Anyway, we walk up the stairs me and Cath, and they said to Buzz "Just plug your phone in there and you can play the music. So we entered to Lie Dream Of A Casino Soul by The Fall. That sounds gimmicky, like getting married by Elvis in Vegas, but in fact The Fall meant so much to me and Cath when we were in our early days, so it was actually quite an emotional thing.' When asked what Cath wore, Frank replied: 'She just wore a flowery dress. She moaned about that. I said "you can't have leggings!" When she was stripping away all the things we couldn't have at the wedding, I said, "Can you at least wear…?" She said "I'm not changing my name and I'm not wearing a ring. I don't wear jewellery", which is true. She said "If I wear a ring, I'll feel trapped." I said "you'll be married, you're supposed to feel f***ing trapped! That what it symbolises. It's like a shackle!" 'This was the most difficult thing and this just isn't me and Cath… what you have to do is hold hands, both hands, and face each other… like we're gonna do The Gay Gordons! Me and Cath, we don't hold hands unless… I mean, as I get older! So that was difficult. We had to look each other in the eye, and I know she's thinking, "Why are we doing this?" Anyway, I'm holding both her hands, I mean come on it's like a f***ing seance! And then we had to repeat the vows. 'She said, "You may kiss the bride". I kissed Cath. I'm not kidding you it was like kissing a reluctant employee under the mistletoe. I thought, "You're my wife now!" Anyway, the wedding ended. We played Container Drivers by The Fall.' When asked why he has tied the knot now, he said: 'I don't know why. I just thought, "Maybe I've got too much money, I'll give her half in about five years time!" I don't know why we got married. 'It wasn't even like a tax thing, so I'm not planning on dying anytime soon, and by the time I do die Reform will be in and there'll be no Inheritance Tax!' He added: 'The night before I got married, I lay in my bed thinking "If she f***s off and takes my money, I could end up in a p***-covered bed in a council care home in my 80s, with no money and nothing." But what's great about our relationship is I could have those thoughts and come down and tell Cath on the morning of our wedding and she'll say, "Yes, I know what you mean", and then we still go and get married! We were alright with that; it was the holding hands and looking at each other that we didn't like!' Frank added: 'As you get old, "my partner", which is what I tend to call her, sounds like we're solicitors. 'A man my age saying "my girlfriend" is nearly as bad as a man my age saying "my skateboard". 'There's not a good word for someone you've been with for 24 years when you're our age - other than wife or husband.'
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Skygazers see partial solar eclipse visible in skies above Bolton
Skygazers in Bolton and across the UK gathered to catch a glimpse of the partial solar eclipse earlier today. The phenomenon occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth. The three are not completely aligned, so only part of the Sun is obscured. The eclipse peaked in London at around 11am on Saturday and was visible in parts of the country from between around 10am and noon. Professor Christopher Collins, an emeritus astrophysics professor from Liverpool John Moores University, said: 'Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun. 'Today saw a partial eclipse, with 50 per cent of the sun obscured in northern Scotland and 30 per cent in the south. 'Eclipses have been important since ancient times as then they were attributed to Gods or folklore. The partial solar eclipse as seen over The Royal Liver Building on Liverpool's waterfront. The phenomenon occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth. The three will not be completely aligned, meaning only part of the Sun will be obscured. Picture date: Saturday March 29, 2025. (Image: Peter Byrne/ PA Wire) 'More recently, these have also helped scientists learn about the outer atmosphere (corona) of the Sun and have been used to test Einstein's theory of relativity.' Meanwhile, Mike Merrifield, 60, from Nottingham, used a colander to view the partial eclipse because the holes in the utensil helped to take 'a picture of the sun'. The emeritus professor of astronomy at the University of Nottingham said: 'Colanders just happen to have a convenient number of holes in them. READ MORE: 'You're basically looking at the shadow of the colander, and each of the little holes acts like a little pinhole camera, so each of those little holes is effectively taking a picture of the sun.' Mr Merrifield also has a specialist telescope named Dwarf II which safely captures photos of the sun, and said he was surprised to see the eclipse during the day with favourable weather. 'Most of my astronomy is nighttime astronomy, so you have to stay up to two or three in the morning to do what you're doing. Guests at London's Lucky Cat 22 Bishopsgate view the partial solar eclipse over the capital. Picture date: Saturday March 29, 2025. (Image: David Parry) 'The nice thing about this is I can have a cup of coffee with my elevenses watching the eclipse, so it's a civilised time of day to be doing astronomy.' The Met Office said earlier on Saturday that southern and eastern areas of the UK would have the best viewing conditions, with cloudier skies in the north and west. The next partial solar eclipse visible in the UK will be in August 2026, which is expected to reach 90% obscurity. If you have a picture of today's solar eclipse – send it to The Bolton News via our social media channels!
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Professor's reassurance as reports emerge an asteroid could smack into earth
There is no need to lose sleep over reports that an asteroid could smack into Earth. Firstly, according to a professor, the chance is tiny and if it was to happen there are measures to divert it away from the planet. The newly discovered asteroid has a tiny chance of smacking into Earth in 2032, say space officials. The European Space Agency (ESA) has said that it has an almost 99 per cent chance of safely passing Earth on 22 December 2032, but a cannot entirely rule out possible impact. The probability that the asteroid, which has been called YR4, may impact Earth in 2032 is currently estimated to be at around 2.3 per cent. YR4 was detected on 27 December 2024 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in Río Hurtado, Chile. Astronomers calculated that it was between 40m and 90m across. READ MORE:The asteroid would have the power of a nuclear bomb if it were to collide with Earth, this would cause extreme damage to populated areas, such as cities. However, officials have reassured that there is a slim chance of the asteroid actually colliding with Earth at all. Professor Christopher Collins, an emeritus astrophysics professor from Liverpool John Moores University, said: 'Asteroids originate form the Asteroid Belt, a donut shaped volume of space between Mars and Jupiter. 'This one needs more observation to determine its orbit before we can be sure if it will hit Earth. But our planet is a small target and it's highly likely it will pass safely by. 'If not, there are countermeasures we can adopt to deflect its path, such as NASAs Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) project, but it is unlikely this will be needed so don't lose sleep.' YR4 is currently moving away from Earth in almost a straight line, making it difficult to accurately determine its precise orbit before it returns towards Earth. The asteroid will continue to be monitored on the ground and space telescopes.
Associated Press
10-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Crave Ice Cream Social Launches Franchise Opportunities Nationwide
Christopher Collins, owner of Crave Ice Cream Social, announces the launch of franchise opportunities for the popular Indianapolis-based ice cream shop, inviting entrepreneurs to bring the trusted brand's authentic, community-centered approach to new markets. Indianapolis, IN, February 10, 2025 -- Crave Ice Cream Social Expands with Franchise Opportunities Crave Ice Cream Social, a beloved ice cream shop at Geist Reservoir in Indianapolis, Indiana, is taking its celebrated brand nationwide with the launch of franchise opportunities. Known for its unwavering commitment to trust, transparency, authenticity, and accountability, Crave is inviting entrepreneurs to join its mission to deliver high-quality ice cream in a community-centered setting. Founded eight years ago Crave Ice Cream Social has become a local institution, recognized for its premium ice cream and warm, welcoming environment. Now, with the launch of its franchise program, the company is poised to expand its unique blend of quality, integrity, and community focus across the country. Building a Legacy of Trust and Quality Since its founding, Crave Ice Cream Social has been built on four core principles: trust, transparency, authenticity, and accountability. These values are woven into every aspect of the business, from sourcing high-quality ingredients to fostering meaningful relationships with customers and employees. 'Our shop is more than a place to enjoy ice cream—it's a place where families gather, friends reconnect, and memories are made,' said Christopher Collins, owner of Crave Ice Cream Social. 'As we expand through franchising, we're looking for partners who share our commitment to these values and want to bring a piece of Crave to their own communities.' A Proven Recipe for Success Crave's success lies in its ability to pair exceptional products with an inviting, family-friendly atmosphere. The shop offers a wide variety of handcrafted ice creams, with flavors that cater to both traditional and adventurous palates. From classic favorites like vanilla bean and chocolate fudge to creative seasonal offerings, Crave's menu is designed to delight customers of all ages. Franchisees will benefit from the brand's proven business model, which combines operational excellence with a focus on community engagement. The company provides extensive training and ongoing support to ensure each franchise reflects the same high standards that have made the original location a standout in Indianapolis. A Growing Demand for Community-Focused Dining The launch of Crave's franchise program comes at a time when consumers are increasingly seeking local, community-oriented dining experiences. By offering franchises, Crave aims to meet this demand while empowering entrepreneurs to build their own successful businesses. 'Our franchise model is designed to balance independence with support,' Collins explained. 'We want our franchisees to feel empowered to make their location their own while benefiting from the strength of the Crave brand and the systems we've put in place over the past eight years.' Opportunities for Entrepreneurs Crave is actively seeking franchise partners who are passionate about quality, community, and customer service. With a relatively low barrier to entry and a strong foundation of brand loyalty, the franchise program offers an attractive opportunity for aspiring business owners. By joining the Crave family, franchisees will gain access to comprehensive training, marketing resources, and a trusted name in the industry. They'll also have the chance to make a positive impact in their communities by creating spaces where people can come together over a shared love of great ice cream. About Crave Ice Cream Social Founded in Indianapolis, IN, Crave Ice Cream Social has been delighting customers with premium ice cream and exceptional service for over eight years. Located at Geist Reservoir, the shop has earned a loyal following for its commitment to quality, integrity, and community. Now expanding through franchising, Crave is dedicated to sharing its trusted brand with new markets while staying true to its founding principles. Media Contact Name: Christopher Collins Title: Owner Email: [email protected] Website: Contact Info: Name: Christopher Collins Email: Send Email Organization: Crave Ice Cream Social Release ID: 89152591 If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release that require attention or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we kindly request that you notify us without delay at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our responsive team will be available round-the-clock to address your concerns within 8 hours and take necessary actions to rectify any identified issues or guide you through the removal process. Ensuring accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission.
