Latest news with #I'mACelebrity...GetMeOutofHere!
Wales Online
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Dame Arlene Phillips gets mistaken for Shirley Ballas
Dame Arlene Phillips gets mistaken for Shirley Ballas The 82-year-old star was a member of the judging panel on Strictly Come Dancing between 2004 and 2008 Arlene Phillips (Image: Getty Images ) Dame Arlene Phillips says people regularly confuse her with Shirley Ballas. The 82-year-old star was a member of the judging panel on Strictly Come Dancing between 2004 and 2008 but revealed that she often gets mistaken for the current head judge on the BBC's Saturday night staple in public. Speaking to the i newspaper, Arlene said: "People come running up to me shouting, 'Shirley! Shirley!' and I have to say, 'No, I'm the other one!'" Phillips was controversially replaced on the Strictly judging panel by Alesha Dixon in 2009 – with the move sparking ageism allegations and drawing over 2,000 complaints from the public – but she largely ignored the furore. She explained: "I guess I... I didn't notice it that much at the time. I wrapped myself in my world and got on with life." Arlene added: "(People approach me) all the time to say, 'You should never have gone!'" Article continues below The star revealed that she continues to watch Strictly Come Dancing in "bits and pieces" as she remains good friends with her former judging colleague Craig Revel Horwood and choreographer Jason Gilkison. Arlene said: "(I watch Strictly) in bits and pieces on catch-up. It's rare I'd sit still on a Saturday night for a couple of hours but I'm also close to Jason Gilkison and I love watching the big dance number he's created." The choreographer, who was the oldest-ever contestant on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! when she took part in the 2021 series of the ITV reality show at the age of 78, is working on a gender-flipped take on William Shakespeare's play A Midsummer Night's Dream and has no plans to retire any time soon. She said: "Why would I, when there are so many interesting opportunities out there? New ideas keep you young." Meanwhile, Arlene previously hit out at the trend for politicians appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! as she thinks it's wrong for them to "make fools of themselves" and play "silly little games" in front of the viewing public. She told the Daily Mirror newspaper's The Diary column last year: "I'm not big on politicians, even ex-politicians, going into the jungle or dancing on Strictly. Article continues below "I actually don't like them making fools of themselves. "We try to teach our children and grandchildren to respect people who are governing and running the country, not going on shows, doing silly little games."
Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Sam Thompson 'in tears' during Soccer Aid challenge as Tony Bellew comes to the rescue
Sam Thompson has been battling through injuries and mental health struggles to complete his 260 mile charity challenge, and was supported by his former I'm A Celebrity co-star as he broke down in tears. Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson is on the verge of breaking down and heavily reliant on painkillers as he continues his gruelling Soccer Aid challenge. The former I'm A Celeb contestant has proven its far from an easy task, but has been rallied with support from his inner circle. The 32 year old can barely walk, let alone run or cycle, after tearing his calf muscle, but he is determined to complete the 260-mile challenge across five days. He has been inundated with encouragement and support from his pals. Fans were left touched on Thursday when he was reunited with his fellow I'm A Me Out of Here! campmate Tony Bellew, with the boxing legend tapping in with support for Sam, who has been visibly struggling. Their sweet reunion was shared on TikTok, as the 42-year-old former professional boxer greeted him and came to the rescue in the most legendary fashion - in a speed boat. He instructed Sam to get on his back, as he carried him to the boat, to push him across that day's finish line. It comes as disaster struck just a few kilometres into the challenge when Sam suffered a severe calf injury. He told the Mirror: "It was bad straight away. I couldn't walk or put barely any weight on it. I just burst into tears, as I thought how am I going to do the rest of this challenge? Letting people down just plays on my mind constantly." After a brief respite on his bike, Sam has incredibly returned to his feet, despite the considerable pain. He admits: "I'm really strapped up but I think it's getting worse. I'm mitigating with other bits of my body that are now starting to creak under the pressure. I've been running on my tiptoes but my ankles are now going which, in turn, leads to my knees going. I'm just trying not to think about it." Witnessing the TV personality hobble in pain each morning has been particularly difficult for his sister Louise. In a heartfelt Facetime, she expressed her admiration, saying: "You've been through a very tough six months regardless of training for this challenge, you've obviously been through this horrendous break-up and to throw yourself into something that is helping so many other people is just incredible." Sam parted ways with ex Zara McDermott after half a decade earlier this year, yet his commitment to power on with his charitable support remains unwavering. He's surpassed the impressive £1million target in his fundraising efforts for Unicef. Despite challenging conditions including torrential rain during an extensive cycle on his second day and battling personal struggles, Sam has maintained transparency about his mental health, including a recent autism diagnosis. His spirits have been lifted by a succession of celebrity companions as he makes his way from Chelsea's Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford in Manchester to deliver the ball for Soccer Aid's forthcoming match. Television personalities such as Josie Gibson, Chris Hughes, and Jamie Laing have offered support in difficult times, with a morale-boosting encounter with Pete Wicks providing additional encouragement. Expressing gratitude, he remarks: "I'm so blown away by people's generosity." He also highlights the impact of the endeavor: "It's all going to Unicef's work for kids around the world. I've seen it firsthand and know the difference it will make." On the fourth day of his extraordinary journey yesterday, Sam departed from Vale Park in Stoke-on-Trent. He was slated to conquer 57 miles, which would take him through locations like Sandbach, Middlewich, Ellesmere Port, The Wirral, and Birkenhead, before arriving at Goodison Park in Liverpool. As he pushes on, Sam carries with him the wisdom from running royalty Sir Mo Farah, who advised him prior to the start of his challenge: "Just put one foot in front of the other, and always believe in why you are doing it."
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Helen Flanagan opens up on surprising reason she turned down Strictly - and why she's ready now
Helen Flanagan has revealed the surprising reason why she turned down BBC's Strictly Come Dancing during a recent podcast - but she's open to joining the dance competition now Helen Flanagan has opened up about the unexpected reason she declined a spot on BBC Strictly Come Dancing and why she's now reconsidering her decision. The former Coronation Street actress has previously featured on multiple reality TV shows such as Celebs Go Dating and I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!. In a candid conversation on the Elle Sera podcast with host Elissa Corrigan, Helen delved into topics ranging from motherhood and her career to her diagnosis with her long battle with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). The star shared her desire to return to acting and also expressed an interest in participating on BBC Strictly, saying she feels more ready and mature this time around. Host Elissa asked Helen if she would ever do any reality TV again, to which Helen replied: "I don't think so. I mean I'd absolutely love to do Strictly at some point. Yeah, I mean I'd be a rubbish dancer, don't get me wrong." "I remember actually I was offered to do Strictly Come Dancing when I think I was 22 and I was offered Strictly Come Dancing or the jungle and I for some reason chose the jungle. I mean it worked out well for me in the end," she revealed. "I actually think though sometimes, I mean I was very young, I think the older the better when you do reality shows. "I think sometimes when you're really young, you don't deal with things the same." "I'd love to do Strictly Come Dancing at one point. I'd absolutely love to, but it's such a popular show. You know there's so many people that would love to do it," she continued. Back in 2012, Helen appeared in ITV's I'm A Celeb - the same year she left Corrie - at the age of 22. Although she revealed she was "absolutely destroyed" after her first appearance in the jungle, admitting she was "horrified". In 2023, she opened up about her time down under for the show, she said: "I just got absolutely destroyed. It was just ridiculous. I was just like, 'Oh, I'll be fine. I'll chill in my bikini, make some friends, it will be good for me'…" "I'd watched a few episodes but I didn't watch it in detail. I was only just YouTubing things when I was on my plane, then I was thinking, 'It won't be that bad," she admitted. She added: "I was horrified. I'll never forget it. When I arrived at the camp there were rats everywhere. "I'd never seen a rat. I was just absolutely thrown. I felt sick. I was so scared. I was just horrified by everything."
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Coronation Street star addresses future after 15 years on the cobbles
CORONATION Street favourite has broken their silence on whether they'll be sticking around in Weatherfield – after 15 years on the cobbles. The long-serving soap star opened up about their future on the ITV soap, leaving fans wondering if ANOTHER shock exit could be on the cards. 4 Elle Mulvaney has revealed if she will be sticking around amid the soap's financial crisis Credit: ITV 4 She hopes to beat soap legend Bill Roache's 65-year reign on the cobbles Credit: ITV Coronation Street's Elle Mulvaney has revealed she's not going anywhere - and even joked she's got her sights set on beating soap legend Bill Roache's 65-year reign on the cobbles. Elle, 22, said: "Bill, we have spent 15 years together. They are more than colleagues, they do become a part of your family. "It's quite the challenge to beat. I am young enough to do it, I guess. It must be incredible for someone to be here 65 years. "All the stories he must have done and all the people he must have met. "Who knows what the future will bring? But right now I am loving Corrie more than ever and have no plans to leave, so long as they still want me." The actress, who's played Amy Barlow since she was just seven, first rocked up to Weatherfield in 2010 and has become a firm fan favourite ever since. She's been at the heart of huge storylines - from her harrowing rape and spiking ordeal to being brainwashed by The Institute. The star added: "I still can't believe I have been there for 15 years. It's hard to describe because in one way it feels that long but in another way it doesn't. "I joined when I was just seven and I'm now 22. I was just a young kid. I am so fortunate though. I still love Corrie, where I work and everyone I work with. I am just really lucky." While she's staying put on the cobbles for now, Elle has her sights set on a different kind of drama. Coronation Street's battered and bloodied Craig left unconscious on the cobbles after a vicious attack The actress confessed she'd love to swap Weatherfield for the wild and have a crack at I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Elle revealed: "Simon [Gregson], who plays my dad, did it and loved it. Bev Callard, who played my nan, also did it so we have a family tradition," she said. "I'm alright with bugs and creepy crawlies and snakes. They don't bother me. But I think I would really struggle with the food and the drink. "I'd struggle eating or cooking the meal in camp, never mind the Bushtucker Trials. I'd have to stick to the rice and beans." Meanwhile, Corrie is gearing up for a number of exits for some iconic characters this summer. Eileen Grimhshaw is set to exit the cobbles with actress Sue Cleaver quitting the soap after an incredible 25 years. And Craig Tinker's life will hang in the balance in his explosive exit storyline. The soap has already seen several characters depart the cobbles from Daisy Midgeley to Mason Radcliffe. Coronation Street is facing a financial crisis due to soaring production costs, a decline in advertising revenue, and a drop in viewing figures, leading to budget cuts and cast departures. Consequently, ITV is reducing the length of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale episodes from hour-long to 30-minute installments, starting in January 2026. This change will create a "soaps power hour" where Emmerdale airs at 8pm, followed by Coronation Street at 8:30pm each weeknight. But with ratings falling and viewers switching to streamers like Netflix, soap stars are fearing the axe - should they be worried? Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 or stream from 7am on ITVX. 4 She's been at the heart of huge storylines - from her harrowing rape and spiking ordeal to being brainwashed by The Institute Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
The Irish Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Coronation Street star addresses future after 15 years on the cobbles
CORONATION Street favourite has broken their silence on whether they'll be sticking around in Weatherfield – after 15 years on the cobbles. The long-serving soap star opened up about their future on the ITV soap, leaving fans wondering if ANOTHER shock exit could be on the cards. Advertisement 4 Elle Mulvaney has revealed if she will be sticking around amid the soap's financial crisis Credit: ITV 4 She hopes to beat soap legend Bill Roache's 65-year reign on the cobbles Credit: ITV Coronation Street's Elle Mulvaney has revealed she's not going anywhere - and even joked she's got her sights set on beating soap legend "It's quite the challenge to beat. I am young enough to do it, I guess. It must be incredible for someone to be here 65 years. "All the stories he must have done and all the people he must have met. Advertisement read more on corrie "Who knows what the future will bring? But right now I am loving Corrie more than ever and have no plans to leave, so long as they still want me." The actress, who's played Amy Barlow since she was just seven, first rocked up to She's been at the heart of huge storylines - from her harrowing rape and spiking ordeal to being brainwashed by The Institute. The star added: "I still can't believe I have been there for 15 years. It's hard to describe because in one way it feels that long but in another way it doesn't. Advertisement Most read in Soaps "I joined when I was just seven and I'm now 22. I was just a young kid. I am so fortunate though. I still love Corrie, where I work and everyone I work with. I am just really lucky." While she's staying put on the cobbles for now, Elle has her sights set on a different kind of drama. Coronation Street's battered and bloodied Craig left unconscious on the cobbles after a vicious attack The actress confessed she'd love to swap Weatherfield for the wild and have a crack at I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Elle revealed: " Advertisement "I'm alright with bugs and creepy crawlies and snakes. They don't bother me. But I think I would really struggle with the food and the drink. "I'd struggle eating or cooking the meal in camp, never mind the Bushtucker Trials. I'd have to stick to the rice and beans." Corrie cash crisis: shock exits for 2025 ITV bosses are locked in a battle to save the cash-strapped soap. This means that a number of stars have either been axed from or have abandoned the long-running serial drama. Colson Smith - Craig Tinker The character of Craig Tinker Sue Cleaver - Eileen Grimshaw After 25 years playing Eileen Grimshaw, former I'm A Celebrity campmate Sue Cleaver Luca Toolan - Mason Radcliffe Bosses decided to axe the teenage character after Sue Devaney - Debbie Webster In November 2024, we revealed that Charlotte Jordan - Daisy Midgeley The actress became the fifth star to leave Coronation Street in just one month. We Shelley King - Yasmeen Metcalfe The actress has played Yasmeen Metcalfe on the cobbles for the past 11 years and Meanwhile, Corrie is gearing up for a number of exits for some iconic characters this summer. Advertisement And The soap has already seen several characters depart the cobbles from Coronation Street is facing a Advertisement Consequently, ITV is reducing the length of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale episodes from hour-long to 30-minute installments, starting in January 2026. This change will create a "soaps power hour" where Emmerdale airs at 8pm, followed by Coronation Street at 8:30pm each weeknight. But with ratings falling and viewers switching to streamers like Netflix, soap stars are fearing the axe - should they be worried? Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 or stream from 7am on ITVX. Advertisement 4 She's been at the heart of huge storylines - from her harrowing rape and spiking ordeal to being brainwashed by The Institute Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 4 With ratings falling and viewers switching to streamers like Netflix, soap stars are fearing the axe Credit: ITV
