Latest news with #Eurovision-themed
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rylan Clark hints at 'possible' return to long-running BBC show after 'not dying'
Rylan Clark, who made a one-off appearance on a much-loved BBC series earlier this year, dubbed the experience a "dream come true" and didn't rule out a return to acting Rylan Clark has hinted at a potential role on a huge BBC programme, noting that he 'didn't die' in his previous appearance. Earlier this year, the BBC Radio 2 presenter made a special one-off cameo on the long-running sci-fi series Doctor Who, coinciding with the Eurovision Song Contest final in Basel, Switzerland, which took place in May. In the Eurovision-themed episode, entitled 'The Interstellar Song Contest,' Rylan portrayed himself while the iconic Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, travelled to the 803rd Interstellar Song Contest, where Rylan acted as co-presenter. Rylan, who branded his special cameo as a "dream come true," isn't widely known for acting roles, but his appearance on Doctor Who seemed well-received by fans. When asked whether acting opportunities might be on the cards for him, the Dating Naked UK host didn't dismiss the possibility. It appears he's also eager to make a comeback to the Doctor Who universe. Rylan told Closer magazine: 'That was a dream come true for me. Doctor Who is one of my favourite shows, so when Russell [T Davies, the show's creator] asked me to be in it, I thought I'd just be a hand on the side of the screen and then that'd be it. 'I didn't realise it was a big part. I loved it. And I'd love to go back. I didn't die, so it's a possibility!' One fan described seeing Rylan on the show as 'surreal' but confessed they loved it. Another admitted they hadn't watched Doctor Who in 'years,' but if Rylan secured the role as the Doctor, they'd 'start watching,' according to The Independent. A third viewer commented: 'Rylan not caring that Earth blew up and he is the last human because he still got a job to do hosting song contests to aliens is pretty iconic tbf.' In March, Rylan took to Instagram to share his reaction when he discovered he'd landed the part. He revealed he'd been keeping the secret 'for a year,' adding that he's a 'massive Whovian.' Rylan continued to say he was left feeling 'overwhelmed' and even shed 'a little tear' when he received the call, adding that it was the 'best experience' of his life. His comments suggested the episode was filmed after he worked on Dating Naked UK in South America last year. An ecstatic Rylan concluded by confessing the opportunity was 'like bucket list' before expressing gratitude to Russell. He said: "I'd just flown back from Colombia [and] went straight to Cardiff. I'm so, so happy. I'm so happy that I can say I'm in Doctor Who.' Rylan added: 'Iconic. What a moment. This is like bucket list, so thank you, Russell. I love you so much.'
Daily Maverick
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
Embroidered understanding — philosophical look at clothing reveals deeply human patterns of behaviour
A Philosopher Looks at Clothes approaches fashion from a rarely used perspective and turns it into a thought-provoking topic. With a few exceptions, philosophers have had little to say about clothes. Maybe this is because the topic seems frivolous, or feminine, unworthy of the attention of a predominantly male collection of thinkers. Perhaps, too, the transience of fashion, and the fact that clothes belong – quite literally – to the domain of mere appearance, also has something to do with it. In A Philosopher Looks at Clothes, an engaging and informative book, Kate Moran, philosophy professor at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, urges us to think again. As Moran points out, clothing looms large in life. Every day we dress, deciding how many layers to wear and whether we need a coat – or might a cardigan suffice? We gaze critically at other people's choices ('OMG, those shoes!'). We wonder how to rise to the challenge of an imminent Eurovision-themed party. The original shame From a historical point of view, also, our species-specific recourse to clothes stretches back to the earliest human society. In mythical time, it begins with Adam and Eve's discovery, in shame, that they were naked. If fashion is transient, clothes, per se, are not. Clothes, Moran tells us, serve three basic purposes: protection, modesty and decoration. At once, these introduce questions of deep philosophical interest. Are the purposes equally important? Why, throughout human history, have we refused to settle merely for protection, desiring, for example, that a hat should be of some favoured colour or shape? To what extent do our decorative choices express our personal identity? Do clothes ever qualify as works of art? Why is modesty an abiding concern, given that we all know the contours of the unclothed body? In many contexts, and especially today, clothes invite ethical and political assessment. Clothes communicate a great deal of information about us, including our social position and the causes we espouse. We may knowingly exploit this, choosing to flaunt an obviously expensive garment or to wear our football team's scarf. In other cases the meanings are imposed. The uniforms forced on prisoners, for example, emphasise subordination and erase their individuality. Poignantly, research into textile history has uncovered a streak of resistance in even the most ill-treated captives. In concentration camps during World War 2, some prisoners altered their uniforms or mended them, or added pockets. As Moran remarks, these actions were not just practical: their aim, too, was to 'recover some sense of identity and dignity'. Enriching perspectives In the brilliantly conceived series by Cambridge University Press, to which this title belongs, each author discusses a general topic from a perspective that is philosophically informed and at the same time personal. We need more books like these, to counteract the entrenched pretence of disinterestedness in philosophy. (Nietzsche, exceptionally, saw through it, denouncing philosophers as 'advocates who do not want to be seen as such… sly spokesmen for prejudices that they christen as 'truths'.') Knowledge of the significance, in an author's life, of her subject matter enriches the reader's imaginative experience of a book. Describing herself as an 'ardent hobbyist' who sews her own clothes, Moran provides an additional facet to her account of today's fashion industry and its scandalous environmental costs. The reader knows that Moran herself has found an alternative. This lends a certain authority to her judgement that, however futile it may seem for any one person to step off the fast-fashion bus: 'There is an important moral difference between being inefficacious and being innocent.' Moran shows how many areas of philosophy can illuminate the phenomenon of clothes: not only ethics and political thought, but also aesthetics, theories of communication, of personal identity, of gender and cultural appropriation. For readers unfamiliar with academic philosophy, these forays offer a path into a rich conceptual landscape. Along the way, we are offered a multitude of riveting facts. Who would have guessed that pink has not always been for girls, and blue for boys? And there are pictures, too. My highlight was the 'revenge dress' that Princess Diana wore to a gala dinner amid hostilities with Charles, in a successful bid to divert press attention from his appearance on television. DM First published by The Conversation. Sarah Richmond is an honorary associate professor of philosophy at University College London in England. This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
The National
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Who is replacing Ncuti Gatwa as UK Eurovision spokesperson?
The Doctor Who star, 32, had been due to reveal the points given by the UK national jury to other contestants on Saturday's (May 17) contest. However, on Thursday night (May 15), it was shared that the Scottish actor would not be able to attend. A BBC post on Twitter/X said: 'Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend.' READ MORE: When is the UK performing in Eurovision final 2025? See confirmed running order Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend. However, we are delighted to confirm that BBC Radio 2's very own Friday night Kitchen Disco Diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be presenting… — BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) May 15, 2025 Who will be replacing Ncuti Gatwa as UK's Eurovision spokesperson? Gatwa will be replaced by singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who is also a BBC Radio 2 DJ. Ellis-Bextor said: 'I love Eurovision and it's a privilege to be part of 2025's Grand Final. 'What an honour it is to announce the UK's jury score on such a special show which always puts music front and centre. I am very much looking forward to delivering the iconic douze points from the United Kingdom." READ MORE: When was the last hosepipe ban in Scotland and will we see one this year? Before the final on Saturday, a Eurovision-themed episode of Doctor Who, called 'The Interstellar Song Contest', will air. The sixth episode in the current season of sci-fi hit Doctor Who will see The Doctor (Gatwa) and companion Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) travelling to the 803rd Interstellar Song Contest. In the episode, the Interstellar Song Contest features planets from across the universe competing for the top prize. It is co-hosted by TV and radio presenter Rylan Clark, while Irish TV host and the 'King of Eurovision', Graham Norton appears.
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Four savvy ways to make your Eurovision gathering glorious this weekend
Plus enjoy the Summer Grill Dine In deal at M&S SUN SAVERS Four savvy ways to make your Eurovision gathering glorious this weekend Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE cheesiest night of the year has arrived – and it's party time. If you're hosting a Eurovision gathering, use our sweepstake on pages 12-13 and go big on the Euro fun. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up From how to dress to what to eat, here's how to win when you're singing . . . LOOK THE PART: Going all out in a ball gown or tuxedo, just like the telly hosts, will put everyone in the party spirit. Taking your clothing inspiration from a country or one of the more outrageous acts from Eurovision history will start the laughs. Switzerland is hosting this year, so dust off your lederhosen or go as a giant watch. SCORES ON THE DOORS: Print or make your own scorecards for guests to rate each performance from nul points to 12. You could play it straight and include categories such as singing talent, costume, stage presence and overall vibe. Or make up a silly scoring system based on things like skimpy costumes, emotional overload and dodgy dancing. After each song, everyone writes down their scores. Then reveal the winners before the official votes roll in. FULL HOUSE: Eurovision bingo is an essential part of the evening. You can print out bingo sheets online or make your own — and tick off events as you see them come up. Surprise Eurovision star steals the show during Finland's raunchy performance Include classics such as a glitter cannon and wind machine or contestants shedding happy tears or making a mid-song costume change. Prizes for completing one line, two lines or a full house will keep eyes down and excitement up. MORE CHEESE: What better food to serve your guests as you watch the cheesy action? Make fondue using gruyere and emmental cheeses, white wine, cornflour and garlic. Check out the Swiss fondue recipe at Dip in chunks of bread, cooked potatoes, vegetables and pickles. Serve Swiss chocolate to keep everyone sweet and make Eurovision-themed cocktails and 'nul points' mocktails. 7 Four savvy ways to make your Eurovision gathering glorious this weekend Credit: Getty All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. Deal of the day 7 Save £15 on this Accessorize crossbody bag Credit: Accessorize PERK up your outfit with this Accessorize crossbody bag, down from £30 to £15, also available in sunny yellow. SAVE: £15 Cheap treat 7 Pick up a pack of four Village Bakery birthday cake pops from Aldi for £1.99 FOR a sweet celebration, pick up a pack of four Village Bakery birthday cake pops from Aldi for £1.99. Also available in cookies & cream. Just the ticket MISSED out on £380 Glasto tickets? Pick up a promotional pack of £3 Clipper Fairtrade tea and enjoy a tasty cuppa while you enter its competition to win one of ten pairs of tickets to the festival. Top swap 7 Brighten walls with the bold Mon Cheri print from for £60 Credit: Supplied 7 Or pick a similar look, for just £15.95 from Credit: Supplied BRIGHTEN walls with the bold Mon Cheri print from £60 (59x42cm), or pick a similar look, for £15.95 from (40x30cm). SAVE: £44.05 Little helper ENJOY the Summer Grill Dine In deal at M&S. Pick two BBQ mains, such as smashed burgers, posh dogs or chicken shawarma, plus two sides, for £12 – saving up to £7.90. Shop & save 7 Save £10 on the Essentials oscillating fan from Screwfix Credit: Supplied COOL off with the Essentials oscillating fan from Screwfix, down from £29.99 to £19.99. SAVE: £10 Hot right now FANCY a spritz? Aperol, 70cl, is down from £17.50 to £10 with your More card at Morrisons (offer is in-store only). Cheers! PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
99% of people can't find the hidden objects in this Eurovision-theme brain teaser in under 20 seconds – can YOU?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THERE are many different types of brain teasers out there, some will change the way you see the world around you and others can but your mind to the test. But this tricky Eurovision-themed puzzle has left people scratching their heads as 99 percent fail to figure it out in time. 2 Try and beat the clock and find all the objects in time Credit: SeatPick All you have to do is find the find hidden objects in just 20 seconds - but it's a whole lot harder than you might think. So, if you're patiently waiting for the big Eurovision final tomorrow, this is the perfect way to do so. In the music-themed brain teaser, there's a hidden CD, microphone camera, ticket and music note. The items are hidden amongst a music scene showing band on the stage and concert goers enjoying the music. The clever brain teaser was created by SeatPick, and it's left music fans dstumped. 99 percent of people are not able to find all five concert items, with as many taking up to five minutes before giving up - are you among the 1%? Certain brainteasers and optical illusions, particularly those that involve patterns or sequences, can help strengthen both short-term and long-term memory. By working through puzzles on a regular basis, you will actively engage the brain's memory systems and directly improve your future attempts at visual challenges. Many brain teasers, like this one, require challengers thinking outside the box. This enhances creative problem-solving skills by encouraging the brain to come up with innovative solutions. Everyone can spot the woman & a fan in the sweaty bedroom scene - but can you find 5 hidden changes in under 10 seconds? It also translates to real-life situations where you might need to approach challenges in new and inventive ways. Did you manage to find the bee in the brainteaser? Check the image below to see the answer and put your friends and family to the test to see who is the true champion. How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me? Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions. Some benefits include: Cognitive stimulation : Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility. : Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility. Problem-solving skills : Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. : Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function. These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function. Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes. They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes. Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus. Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus. Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief.
