Latest news with #DuncanJames
Glasgow Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Blue star Duncan James shared love for Glasgow ahead of Hydro gig
The singer and actor, Duncan James, best known for being part of the 2000s boy band Blue and starring as Ryan Knight in Hollyoaks, described the city as "beautiful." The post comes as Blue is supporting Olly Murs in his gig at the Hydro in the city's West End today, May 22. (Image: PA) READ MORE: Legendary band announce UK tour leg - with only one Scottish date In a video posted to TikTok, he said: "Everyone, I just want to take a minute to appreciate how beautiful it is today in Glasgow. "The sun is shining, the top is off, the water is glistening, Glasgow is beautiful." The star captioned his post by writing: "Glasgow appreciation post! Beautiful day here! Love Bonny Scotland!" READ MORE: Exciting new flight route launches to holiday hotspot from Glasgow Airport Fans quickly flocked to the singer's comment section. One person wrote: "It's taps aff in Glasgow!" Another added: "See you all tonight at Hydro, can't wait. You were my sister's favourite band when she was younger, and she has passed away. "I am glad that I get to see all you boys for her, as she never got to see you all." A third chimed in: "Can't wait to see you on stage tomorrow night."
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Forgotten Eurovision entry from beloved Brit boy band dubbed 'reckless insanity'
Over 10 years ago, a British boy band, selling over 15 million records worldwide, came back together in hopes of taking the Eurovision Song Contest by storm, but it didn't quite go to plan... The final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will burst onto our screens tonight, ready to dazzle us with outrageous costumes, catchy yet cheesy songs, and a voting system that often leaves the UK near the bottom of the leaderboard. But one year, there was a beloved boy band eager to make their mark in Eurovision and bring home the glory for the nation. Yet, the decision was branded 'reckless insanity'. Back in 2011, Duncan James, Simon Webbe, Lee Ryan and Antony Costa of the popular boy band Blue had high hopes of securing some seriously big points when they represented the UK at Eurovision. The noughties band, who took the nation by storm with their huge hits, 'All Rise', 'One Love', 'Too Close' and 'Guilty', felt confident that their success would follow suit at Eurovision and the UK wouldn't be faced with the humiliating 'nil points'. Confirming their Eurovision news, Duncan revealed at the time: "We're celebrating our 10 years together in 2011, so when the BBC approached us it seemed a great way to mark the occasion and also to be part of something which is still a British institution." Simon added: "I've always wanted to represent my country, so this is a truly exciting experience for Blue." They entered the contest with their track 'I can', and Simon expressed his optimism at the time, stressing that he didn't expect political undercurrents to undermine Blue's mission to recapture the Eurovision title. "I'm not getting nil points," he declared confidently. "We'd like to say that the Eurovision is not about the political side, it's about music and what music does is bring a wide audience of people together from different genres of music. People just want to have fun on the night and we're hoping politics won't get in the way." However, their choice to represent the UK was quickly criticised, partly due to the novelty acts often featured at the annual competition. In contrast, the band, who were formed in 2000, had sold more than 13 million records, won two Brit Awards and had secured three UK number one singles by the time they entered Eurovision. Blue had parted ways in 2005, pursuing solo careers, only to reform in 2011 for their Eurovision debut. But their former manager, Daniel Glatman, who helped form the group in 2000, described their decision as "reckless insanity". Daniel said: "They will have to win. Anything less and their reputation would be in tatters. "It is the equivalent of Lewis Hamilton entering a go-kart race - he will be the strong favourite but there is also the possibility he could lose. So why risk it?" Meanwhile, Eurovision executive producer Phil Parsons at the time described Blue as "real pop stars who have superb vocal ability, have great on-stage presence and can really deliver on the night in Dusseldorf." He added: "We have a highly credible act who have had a string of smash hits in this country and they've also been hugely successful around Europe too. There's a lot of genuine affection for them here and abroad." Blue performed their song 'I Can' at Eurovision in 2011, which was held in Germany, Düsseldorf. Lee had described the song as "very powerful and very strong", ideal for making a splash at Eurovision. On the night, their song, written by members Lee and Duncan, was received with enthusiastic applause despite what BBC host Graham Norton tactfully described as a "tentative start." When voting began, Blue scored highly and briefly topped the leaderboard. But they were swiftly overtaken by other countries. They ended up in 11th place after clinching 100 points. Instead, the winners were the small nation of Azerbaijan with the romantic duet 'Running Scared', performed by Ell and Nikki. But it wasn't all bad news for Blue, as their score was 10 times more than Josh Dubovie's, who represented the UK the year before. In that same year, Blue had also been up against Irish contenders Jedward, armed with what Lee characterised as a number infused with a 'Britney-esque' vibe and an American pop sensibility. "I like Jedward, they're funny," Antony shared before the competition. "As long as we can go there and give 110%, I'll be happy with that." The twins finished in 8th place with their rendition of 'Lipstick'. After the scores came in, Blue's former manager, Daniel, brutally said the group would now be remembered as the band that "flopped at Eurovision". "As I said before, if Blue didn't win Eurovision then their reputation would be in tatters," he said. "But I did genuinely hope that they would receive more votes than they did. "It was a sad night for the band because they have gone from being a 'massive boy band who sold 14 million records' to the 'band who flopped at Eurovision'. That is, unfortunately, how history will remember them now."
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Married At First Sight's hottest bride ever Evelyn Ellis stuns in gold designer gown as she makes shock appearance at Cannes Film Festival - but there is one notable face missing
Evelyn Ellis has yet again scored herself an invite to Cannes Film Festival in France. The Married At First Sight bride, 29, looked out of place as an Aussie reality TV star attending one of the biggest movie events of the year. But the brunette beauty didn't let that stop her as she arrived at Hotel Martinez in a glittering gold gown by Cappellazzo Couture—without partner Duncan James. Evelyn flaunted her figure in the structured frock, which featured a tight corset bodice with a black-tipped winged neckline. It dropped into shimmering tulle skirts which she held aloft as she posed for photos. Around her hips sat a large black flower embellishment which matched her neckline. Evelyn accessorised with a pair of nude pumps and a delicate diamond necklace which matched her earrings. She pulled her dark tresses back into an intricate up-do and slicked on a bold nude lip. This year makes Evelyn's second appearance at Cannes Film Festival. She was the first MAFS bride to receive an invite to the prestigious occasion last year, which she attended as an ambassador for L'Oreal Paris. Evelyn arrived at the premiere of Marcello Mio just a year after shooting to fame on MAFS. She donned a sheer green gown by designer Madoh and accessorised with jewellery from Aariya Diamonds as she walked the red carpet alongside bona fide A-listers. While she was all smiles as she strutted through the event this year, Evelyn posted to Instagram on Sunday, saying she would miss boyfriend Duncan, 40, while in Cannes. Posting photos of herself outside the airport, she wrote: 'This little lady is off on a big adventure, but can now declare she will be a little unhinged without Duncan.' The happy couple, who announced they were dating in May 2023 after they were matching with different partners on MAFS, just celebrated their two-year anniversary. Evelyn and Duncan stepped out for a romantic evening last month and shared a heartfelt tribute to social media. Taking to Instagram, Duncan posted a sweet message alongside a series of glam snaps with Evelyn. '2 years of loving you. Which is 730 days, and approximately 1,051,200 minutes of putting up with each other. Thank you, for being you x,' he wrote. Evelyn cheekily responded in the comments with, 'We still got it,' proving the spark is very much alive between the fan-favourite couple.
RTÉ News
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
All Rise! Blue headlining Limerick's Big Day Out
Blue has been announced as the headlining act at this year's Big Day Out in Limerick. The Big Day Out, which celebrates 90s and noughties music, is set to take place in Limerick's TUS Gaelic Grounds on Saturday, 23 August. The British boyband, consisting of Simon Webbe, Duncan James, Antony Costa and Lee Ryan, is known for hits including All Rise, One Love, If You Come Back and Breathe Easy. The Big Day Out will also welcome acts including Peter Andre, Heather Small (the voice of M-People), DJ Sash!, Ultrabeat, Whigfield, Tall Paul, N-Trance and Mark Mc Cabe. Al Gibbs will be playing a set celebrating the 20th anniversary of Ireland Euphoria, the biggest selling Irish dance music album ever, and Gowl Haus will be hosting a Boybands vs Girl Power Karaoke Singalong. Tickets for The Big Day Out, which will be MCed by Irish DJ Mark McCabe, are released on Friday, 2 May at 9am from Ticketmaster priced from €64.90 including booking fee. Early access tickets will be released on Thursday from The Big Day Out's website.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to apply for Channel 4's Hunted - your chance to win a share of £100,000
Do you have what it takes to become a real-life fugitive? If so, you might be interested in applying for the next series of Hunted. Applications for the Channel 4 show are currently open – it comes as two new series of Hunted and Celebrity Hunted have been announced. Series eight of Hunted is set to film this year, while the sixth celebrity version recently concluded, seeing Duncan James and Christine McGuinness crowned winners. The 'edge-of-your-seat' factual thriller, sees pairs of civilians and celebrities try to evade detection and capture, to be in with a chance of winning a share of the £100,000 prize. The fugitives are tracked by some of the world's 'best elite' hunters comprising of serving and former police officers, some of the best cyber and OSINT experts in the UK, working alongside ex-military and intelligence services personnel. The official Hunted website shares: 'Channel 4's hit series Hunted, the real-life thriller where ordinary people go on the run, is currently accepting applications for its brand-new series. 'We are looking for duos up and down the country who think they could become real-life fugitives and avoid being captured by an expert team of Hunters tracking them down. 'If you can successfully avoid capture, you could win a share of £100,000. Channel 4 has commissioned two new series of the Grierson award-winning and Bafta nominated Hunted & Celebrity Hunted, from Banijay UK label Shine TV. Think you've got what it takes? APPLY HERE 👉𝐰𝐰𝐰.𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.𝐜𝐨𝐦. — Banijay UK (@BanijayUK) March 4, 2025 'Where will you hide? Who can you trust? What will you do?' Fill out your Hunted application here. Recommended reading: Loose Women star Katie Piper to host new 'feel good' ITV weekend show - see when Applications open for new BBC quiz show hosted by Amanda Holden - How to apply Are you a top quizzer? How to apply for ITV's next series of The 1 per cent Club Hunted adds: 'You and your partner should complete this form together, or you can also fill out separate application forms which we can combine once you have submitted your application. 'Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Once you've completed your application it will be looked over by a member of the casting team who may get in touch to discuss the next steps in the application process.' Applications close at 12am on Saturday, May 31 – make sure you read the terms and conditions before applying.
