Latest news with #Fortnum&Mason
Wales Online
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Strictly Come Dancing legend admits rumoured star would 'elevate' BBC show
Strictly Come Dancing legend admits rumoured star would 'elevate' BBC show Strictly Come Dancing is due to return to screens later this year, with rumours swirling about which celebrities will be taking part in the 2025 series of the BBC show. Excitement is mounting for Strictly Come Dancing as speculative lists of potential celebrities start to make the rounds on the internet. Set to hit screens around September, the BBC dance extravaganza typically announces its dazzling line-up about a month prior, leaving fans eagerly anticipating confirmation of who'll be vying for the coveted Glitterball Trophy. Names like Vicky Pattison, Paul C Brunson, Helen Flanagan and Ashley Cain have been tossed into the mix as possible contestants, though BBC has yet to officially confirm any participants. Former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips recently weighed in on the rumoured contenders during an episode of Good Morning Britain, as talk turned to who might grace the dance floor this season. ITV's Susanna Reid posed a question regarding Royal connections among the hopefuls: "What do you think, the son of the Queen, Tom Parker Bowles, potentially might be part of the Strictly line-up?" Could Tom Parker Bowles be stepping onto the Strictly dancefloor this year? (Image: David M. Benett/for Fortnum & Mason ) Article continues below This Morning star eyes up replacing Cat Deeley as main host READ MORE: Arlene reflected: "I think, today royalty doesn't quite have the reverence that it had, so we think of Tom Parker Bowles as just someone who cooks, I think, and is fabulous. "You don't really connect him to royalty, and he'll just be on there, if he's on, working like everybody else, to try to win." There's further Royal intrigue as Susanna shared insights suggesting support from within Buckingham Palace itself, reports Edinburgh Live. She said:"Of course, I suppose what the producers are hoping is that she will be a family member who comes and sits in the front row with the King!" Queen Camilla could make a royal appearance if her son competes on the BBC show (Image: Getty Images ) Arlene enthused: "Of course! They would love it, everyone would love it. They'd come along and watch Strictly, I mean anybody who is anybody watches Strictly anyway, this will just elevate it that little bit more." The esteemed former judge of the much-loved BBC dance show served on the panel from its inception in 2004 until her departure in 2008. Yet she discloses that to this day, fans still approach her with compliments about her time on the programme, often mistaking her for current judge Shirley Ballas. Arlene Phillips shared her thoughts on Tom potentially joining this year's Strictly (Image: ITV ) Article continues below Arlene recounted an amusing mix-up, stating: "I cannot tell you how many times I'll get on an aeroplane and they say, 'Oh welcome. I love you Shirley'. No, I'm not. I was there, yeah that happens." While viewers eagerly await, a specific date for the return of Strictly Come Dancing has not been announced but it's anticipated to hit screens come autumn. Good Morning Britain is available to watch on ITVX.
Edinburgh Live
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line-up update as BBC show legend speaks out
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The countdown for Strictly Come Dancing has officially begun as rumoured celebrities have begun circulating online. The BBC show usually airs in September, but the line-up of contestants often drops a month before, meaning fans will not have long to find out who will be competing for the Glitterball. Currently, Vicky Pattison, Paul C Brunson, Helen Flanagan, and Ashley Cain have been speculated about, although nothing has been confirmed. During Wednesday's instalment of Good Morning Britain, former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips touched on some of the names people are suggesting could be seen taking to the dancefloor. ITV host Susanna Reid said: "What do you think, the son of the Queen, Tom Parker Bowles, potentially might be part of the Strictly line-up?" (Image: David M. Benett/for Fortnum & Mason) Arlene replied: "I think, today royalty doesn't quite have the reverence that it had, so we think of Tom Parker Bowles as just someone who cooks, I think, and is fabulous. "You don't really connect him to royalty, and he'll just be on there, if he's on, working like everybody else, to try to win." Susanna added that apparently Queen Camilla is a huge fan of the long-running BBC dance show. (Image: Getty Images) She commented: "Of course, I suppose what the producers are hoping is that she will be a family member who comes and sits in the front row with the King!" Arlene said: "Of course! They would love it, everyone would love it. They'd come along and watch Strictly, I mean anybody who is anybody watches Strictly anyway, this will just elevate it that little bit more." The 82-year-old was a judge on the BBC show from when it first began in 2004 until benign replaced in 2008. (Image: ITV) However, she revealed that fans of the programme continue to approach her and praise her appearance on the show, getting her mixed up with Shirley Ballas. She said: "I cannot tell you how many times I'll get on an aeroplane and they say, 'Oh welcome. I love you Shirley'. No, I'm not. I was there, yeah that happens." Although no confirmed date has been set for Strictly Come Dancing, it's expected to air in autumn. Good Morning Britain is available to watch on ITVX.
South Wales Argus
04-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Win Fortnum's hamper, Wimbledon prizes and John Lewis voucher
Three exclusive competitions are now open, offering rewards for foodies, tennis fans and those in need of a summer shopping spree. Luxury hamper from Fortnum & Mason The top prize in the luxury competition is a Marylebone Hamper from Fortnum & Mason, packed with gourmet treats and classic British favourites. It includes Piccadilly Piccalilli, Smoked Cheese Straws, Green Tomato Chutney and a tempting collection of sweet snacks such as Chocolossus Biscuits, Shortbread, White Chocolate Florentines and more. There's also breakfast fare including marmalade, honey, and preserves, along with a smart tea caddy containing three classic blends and a matching strainer. Coffee lovers can enjoy Fortnum's Piccadilly Blend Ground Coffee, while a bottle of Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne N.V. adds a celebratory flourish. Wimbledon collector's edition up for grabs Tennis lovers could get their hands on The Pinnacle of Sport – Deluxe Edition, a limited-edition book celebrating Wimbledon. Only 400 copies have been produced, each one presented in an elegant box with a signed art print from former British No.1 Tim Henman. The 252-page book is packed with photographs capturing the drama and tradition of The Championships. Five runners-up will each receive a 700ml Wimbledon water bottle featuring a bold tennis ball design. £250 John Lewis voucher in shopping prize A third competition offers one lucky subscriber a £250 John Lewis eGift Voucher – perfect for refreshing the home, updating a wardrobe or picking up something special. Known for its high standards and stylish selection, John Lewis remains one of the UK's most trusted shops. How to enter All competitions are open exclusively to subscribers. To be in with a chance, visit the competitions page and submit your entry.
Fashion United
30-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Walpole names Fortnum & Mason CEO as chair
Luxury trade association Walpole has named Tom Athron as its new chair, a role he will take up from July 1. Athron, who currently serves as chief executive of Fortnum & Mason, will succeed Michael Ward, managing director of Harrods, who is stepping down after finishing the maximum tenure of nine years. Ward will continue on in the newly created advisory role of president Emeritus. In a statement, Athron said of his appointment: 'It is a privilege to take on the role of chair at Walpole. I look forward to working closely with chief executive Helen Brocklebank, the board and our members to continue advancing Walpole's mission to promote, protect and develop the British luxury sector both in the UK and internationally.' Athron has helmed Fornum & Mason since December 2020, prior to which he served as chief operating officer at MatchesFashion, where he led the global scaling of the business. He had also spent 13 years at John Lewis Partnership, where he held several senior positions, including on the main board. His appointment at Walpole comes at a turbulent time for the UK's luxury sector, which has faced impact from the pandemic, the removal of VAT-free shopping, Brexit and other supply chain disruptions. In the organisation's latest report, 'Trading with Europe', it was stated that while the sector is projected to reach 125 billion pounds by 2028, fashion and accessories from the UK experienced a 64 percent decline in exports to the EU. Walpole thus called on the UK government to mitigate such impact by initiating a number of strategies, including the introduction of a new digital labelling scheme, to join the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention on Rules of Origin, secure a UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement and bring together freight companies to create consistency in trade rules.
Leader Live
30-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Win Fortnum's hamper, Wimbledon prizes and John Lewis voucher
Three exclusive competitions are now open, offering rewards for foodies, tennis fans and those in need of a summer shopping spree. Luxury hamper from Fortnum & Mason The top prize in the luxury competition is a Marylebone Hamper from Fortnum & Mason, packed with gourmet treats and classic British favourites. It includes Piccadilly Piccalilli, Smoked Cheese Straws, Green Tomato Chutney and a tempting collection of sweet snacks such as Chocolossus Biscuits, Shortbread, White Chocolate Florentines and more. There's also breakfast fare including marmalade, honey, and preserves, along with a smart tea caddy containing three classic blends and a matching strainer. Coffee lovers can enjoy Fortnum's Piccadilly Blend Ground Coffee, while a bottle of Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne N.V. adds a celebratory flourish. Wimbledon collector's edition up for grabs Tennis lovers could get their hands on The Pinnacle of Sport – Deluxe Edition, a limited-edition book celebrating Wimbledon. Only 400 copies have been produced, each one presented in an elegant box with a signed art print from former British No.1 Tim Henman. The 252-page book is packed with photographs capturing the drama and tradition of The Championships. Five runners-up will each receive a 700ml Wimbledon water bottle featuring a bold tennis ball design. £250 John Lewis voucher in shopping prize A third competition offers one lucky subscriber a £250 John Lewis eGift Voucher – perfect for refreshing the home, updating a wardrobe or picking up something special. Known for its high standards and stylish selection, John Lewis remains one of the UK's most trusted shops. How to enter All competitions are open exclusively to subscribers. To be in with a chance, visit the competitions page and submit your entry.
