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Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Strictly Come Dancing's Katya Jones says 'don't let them slip by' as she shares sweet family holiday snaps
Strictly Come Dancing's Katya Jones says 'don't let them slip by' as she shares sweet family holiday snaps Strictly Come Dancing's Katya Jones has posted some gorgeous holiday pictures Katya enjoyed a holiday with her family (Image: Katya Jones/Instagram ) Strictly Come Dancing pro, Katya Jones has given her fans and followers some sage advice in a touching family tribute after a summer holiday. The dancer warned her followers "don't let these moments slip by" after spending some time with her loved ones in Italy. In the post, shared to Instagram, there are a series of holiday pictures from Sicily, were Katya appears to have visited with her mum and other family members. The photos include the trio enjoying meals out together, admiring views, spending time on the beach, and soaking up the Italian sun. Katya captioned the post: "That's Amore. "Never miss an opportunity to share a pizza, eat ice cream, watch the sunset, natter in a car, laugh with your loved ones and tell them you love them. "Don't let these moments slip by." Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below Katya's fellow Strictly Come Dancing stars commented on the post. Nancy Xu Xi commented a series of love heart emojis. Janette Manrara said: "Beautiful memories". In the most recent series of Strictly Come Dancing, Katya was caught up in scandal with Welsh star Wynne Evans. Wynne and Katya had to issue an apology after he was seen putting his hand on her waist, which she then removed, on Strictly Come Dancing. Later she was seen ignoring his attempt at a high-five. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Wynne then left the Strictly Live tour and stepped back from his radio show after he was overheard making an inappropriate comment towards host Janette Manrara. He also sent fellow Strictly celebrity EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick a sex toy while on tour. Katya has stuck by Wynne during the scandal, often posting messages of support on her Instagram. The singer and Go Compare star was dropped from his BBC Radio Wales show and has now started his own online show, The Wynne Evans Show. Article continues below
Daily Record
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Car tax changes as certain drivers face rise of nearly £2,000
Bills are set to rise sharply as a result of the new tax year, with van owners among those affected by the increase Tax changes mean buying a certain type of vehicle will cost an average of nearly £2,000 more, experts say. Go Compare's analysis forecasts that van purchases will see an average hike of £1,732 due to increased Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates brought in this year. Calculated with emissions in mind, van owners, predominantly utilising petrol and diesel, are set to be affected. Prior estimates by Go Compare indicated an additional £15.5 million in VED charges within half a year post-update, suggesting road users could face about £1,732 extra from April 2025. Motoring expert Tom Banks has warned: "The increased VED rates will result in a big hit if you buy a brand-new van later this year, but there are things you can do to absorb the blow. "The tax rates are based on CO2 emissions, so if you're able to, this is a good time to switch to a van using cleaner fuels in the cheaper tax bands." Due to their emission levels, diesel vans often fall into the highest VED brackets, leaving their owners most exposed to tax hikes, reports the Express. Go Compare also says that in the first half of the 2025/26 financial period, owners may experience a stark rise averaging £1,807 per vehicle. Research finds new petrol van purchases will generate an extra £1.2 million, amounting to £1,354 more on average for each petrol van. However, those opting for a hybrid van under the incoming rules would need to shell out merely an additional £252 in tax for road use. Hybrid van owners could save a staggering £1,500 annually compared to diesel van drivers, though they may face steeper initial costs. Meanwhile, opting for an electric van incurs only £10 more each year in road usage fees, presenting a significant advantage for those with the means to invest. The team at Go Compare have suggested that purchasing second-hand hybrid or electric vans could be a smart option, offering lower prices along with the same tax perks. Tom said: "If you can't buy a suitable hybrid or electric van, you could go for a 'nearly new' one instead. This lets you enjoy a vehicle that's pretty much as good as new without breaking the bank, and means you can dodge the increased tax."
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers of certain vehicles types face £1,732 tax hike
Car tax updates introduced this year will squeeze some drivers, according to analysis from Go Compare Buying one new vehicle will set buyers back an average of £1,732 more thanks to car tax changes, fresh analysis from Go Compare has revealed. The first-year Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates were raised earlier this year, putting hundreds of pounds onto bills. Charges are worked out based on emissions levels, hitting van owners particularly hard as most rely on petrol and diesel engines. Go Compare's calculations indicated that van drivers would fork out an additional £15.5 million during the opening six months of the new tax year, reports the Express This means van drivers face paying roughly £1,732 extra on Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) from April 2025. Expert Tom Banks has warned: "The increased VED rates will result in a big hit if you buy a brand-new van later this year, but there are things you can do to absorb the blow." He added: "The tax rates are based on CO2 emissions, so if you're able to, this is a good time to switch to a van using cleaner fuels in the cheaper tax bands." Diesel van emissions frequently land them in the highest VED brackets, meaning these vehicle owners bear the brunt of the increases once more. Consequently, Go Compare cautions that owners might witness a steep average rise of £1,807 per vehicle during the first half of the 2025/26 financial year. The research reveals that new petrol van purchases will generate an additional £1.2 million, working out at an average of £1,354 more per petrol van. Following the alterations, purchasers choosing a hybrid van will only need to stump up an extra £252 in tax for road usage. These bills would be £1,500 less than those of diesel van drivers, although the initial outlay for hybrid models is expected to be significantly higher. On the flip side, opting for an electric van will only set you back an extra £10 annually for road usage, offering a substantial incentive for those with the means to invest in one. Specialists at Go Compare have highlighted that purchasing second-hand hybrid or electric vans could be a good move, offering more affordable prices alongside the tax perks. Tom added: "If you can't buy a suitable hybrid or electric van, you could go for a 'nearly new' one instead. This lets you enjoy a vehicle that's pretty much as good as new without breaking the bank, and means you can dodge the increased tax."
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Wynne Evans confirms exciting new business venture after his BBC show was axed and fears he's 'split' from new fiancée Liz Brookes
Wynne Evans has confirmed a brand new business venture after his BBC show was axed and since he sparked fears he's split from his new fiancée Liz Brookes. The Welsh opera singer, 53, known for his TV fame, took to Instagram on Monday to share the news that he has joined up with a restaurant in his hometown. The Welsh House Carmarthen shared a video of Wynne to their Instagram confirming that the former Strictly Come Dancing star is joining as a partner in the business. In the clip, Wynne confirmed the venue would be renamed The Welsh House by Wynne and will see him cook 'MasterChef' style dishes. After his BBC Wales radio show was cut, Wynne also confirmed he will be hosting a brand new programme from the restaurant and bar. Proudly showing off his hometown, he revealed: 'One thing that is changing is The Welsh House, it's going to become The Welsh House by Wynne! 'I promise you it will have MasterChef dishes on the menu, it's going to have a warm welcome and I want you to come and see me, OK? 'It's going to be the home of the radio show as well, so get in touch with us, make your bookings and I'll see you soon - I better get cooking!' In a caption, The Welsh House added: 'We're thrilled to welcome Wynne Evans, iconic Welsh opera singer, presenter, and legend as a new partner in our Carmarthen family! 'A proud local and passionate champion of Welsh food, drink, and culture, Wynne brings unmatched energy and love for the town to help us create something truly special. Big things are coming… The Welsh House by Wynne.' The Sun claimed Wynne is opening the restaurant to 'capitalise' on his 2023 Celebrity MasterChef win and to 'distract' himself amid reports of his separation from Liz. 'He's opening a restaurant focusing on Welsh food to distract from the Liz separation,' a source told the publication. 'He paid the Welsh House to take over their existing space.' 'He is trying to capitalise on his MasterChef win apparently,' they added. It is not Wynne's latest side hustle as he also recently started work as an Airbnb host, leasing out a property in Llansteffan - eight miles away from his hometown. MailOnline has contacted Wynne's representatives for comment. In recent days, Wynne sparked fears of a split from his new fiancée Liz after deleting his engagement post from Instagram and unfollowing her. MailOnline also revealed Liz no longer follows Wynne, who only proposed to the events company boss last month. He got down on one knee during a romantic trip to Morocco and documented the gesture on Instagram, posting snaps of him proposing and a close-up of Liz's ring. He wrote: 'Big news… I got engaged! 'This weekend in Morocco, somewhere between the couscous, the camels, and me limping around the souks like a man with no spatial awareness, I proposed to Liz — and she said yes! (No take-backs, I've checked.) 'She's clever, she's kind, she's got excellent taste in men. 'Absolutely no idea how I pulled that off, but here we are! Feeling very lucky, very happy, and just a tiny bit smug.' However, the picture has now mysteriously disappeared from his account, as have any mentions of his fiancée. Wynne was previously married to wife seven years, Tanwen - the mother of his two kids - but they split in 2016. Wynne and Liz then met in 2024 shortly before his stint on the BBC1 dancing show, and Liz was often sat in the audience during the live shows. Liz owns an events company and it's believed the pair met at a corporate function her firm organised, where Wynne was booked as the entertainment. Wynne also paid tribute to Liz for helping him through a tough time in his work life, after he was axed by the BBC following a controversial comment made during the Strictly Come Dancing live tour in January. After his BBC Wales show was cut, Wynne announced that he would be launching a new radio show - which he has now confirmed he will record from The Welsh House. In May, he wrote on Instagram: 'The Wynne Evans Show is coming back, live every day from 9am - 12pm on a new app, on Alexa and Google (we don't have to say 'smart speaker' anymore!) and at Wynne's BBC Wales show was axed after using vile sexual innuendo during the Strictly Live Tour and was also caught up in a 'wandering hand' incident with dance partner Katya Jones 'This is our next adventure. And I need you more than ever. We will have great music, my question of the day, the mystery voice, your soundtrack stories and so much more, because we have each other again.' Wynne's show was axed after it emerged he used sexual innuendo during the Strictly Live Tour and was also caught up in a 'wandering hand' incident with dance partner Katya Jones, who seemed to remove his arm from her lower waist on the show. After the BBC launched an investigation into his conduct, bosses decided not to renew his radio contract for his show. Then, it was revealed that his travelogue series with Joanna Page was cancelled after just one series. The programme originally aired in February and March of this year and was placed on ice when Wynne was dropped from the Strictly tour before returning to screens. An insider told The Sun: 'Once the first series was slapped on ice, there was always a huge question mark hanging over the prospect of a second outing. 'Only now has the BBC publicly confirmed it won't be returning. 'It means that Wynne has no TV show or radio show with the Beeb, and effectively marks the end of their relationship.' The six-episode series saw Wynne and Gavin And Stacey star Joanna, 48, set sail on watery adventures across Wales' picturesque coastline. A spokesperson for the BBC said: 'There are no plans for a second series.' The Mail on Sunday recently revealed the BBC received seven complaints from women over Wynne Evans' conduct towards them. The revelations came days after Wynne protested on ITV's This Morning that there had been no allegations made against him. He told hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard: 'There has never been any complaints about me. Ever!' BBC Wales staff raised the seven separate grievances between July 2023 and August 2024, including a period after Wynne was approached to appear on last year's Strictly Come Dancing. Four of the complaints were made before he joined Strictly, raising questions over why the dance show's producers signed him up. Three more were made after he had been chosen for the show. A report into his behaviour was prepared in January for a disciplinary hearing which he said he could not attend, citing mental health issues.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wynne Evans announces 'fabulous' new project after BBC axe
Wynne Evans is opening his own restaurant with "MasterChef dishes on the menu". The 53-year-old opera singer - who is best known for appearing in the GoCompare adverts - was kicked off the Strictly Come Dancing live tour after it emerged he had made a comment that was deemed sexually inappropriate during a photo call. He was later axed by the BBC, who opted not to renew his one-year rolling BBC Radio Wales contract following a four-month investigation. Taking to Instagram, Wynne has now announced his next venture as he referenced his Celebrity MasterChef victory in 2023. He said: "Hello, Wynne here. This is my hometown of Carmarthen. "It is ever-changing and one thing that is changing is the Welsh House. It's going to become the Welsh House by Wynne. 'I promise you it will have MasterChef dishes on the menu, it's going to have a fabulous warm welcome and I want you to come and see me, OK? "It's going to be the home of the radio show too. So I'll see you soon. I'd better get cooking.' It's reported he has "paid the Welsh House to take over their existing space". A source added to The Sun newspaper: "It's a prime location in the centre of Carmarthen. 'He is trying to capitalise on his MasterChef win apparently.' Back in May, Wynne confirmed the BBC was not renewing his contract, but unveiled plans for his new radio show. He wrote on Instagram: 'But here's what I believe with everything I've got: what we built cannot end here. So - deep breath - here goes... We're getting the band back together. 'The Wynne Evans Show is coming back, live every day from 9am - 12pm on a new app, on Alexa and Google (we don't have to say 'smart speaker' anymore!) and at 'This is our next adventure. And I need you more than ever. We will have great music, my question of the day, the mystery voice, your soundtrack stories and so much more, because we have each other again.'
