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News.com.au
3 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Sydney Swans overcome ‘haunted house' to keep finals hopes alive
Sydney have claimed their first win at the MCG since their harrowing 10-goal loss at the venue in last year's grand final, defeating a young Richmond outfit by 44 points. The Tigers got off to a fast start and led at quarter time, but failed to kick another major for almost all of the remaining three quarters — with the Swans winning 4.12 (36) to the hosts' 11.14 (80). FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Only a Seth Campbell goal with a few minutes remaining prevented the Tigers from recording their lowest-ever score against Sydney with just 28 points to their name, and were barely avoiding their club's lowest total against their former establishment South Melbourne (26), which was registered all the way back in August of 1909 — a near-116-year first! Star ruck Brodie Grundy continued his strong stretch of form to be one of the visitors' best, finishing with 19 disposals, 51 hitouts, five clearances, five inside 50s and a clever goal. Up forward, tough nut James Jordan kicked a career-high three goals, while Chad Warner kicked his sixth two-goal haul for 2025. 3. SWANS EXORCISE DEMONS AT 'HAUNTED HOUSE' TO KEEP FAINT FINALS HOPES ALIVE Hearing that Swans song would've sounded as good as ever … certainly for Dean Cox! Sydney got back on the winner's list with a much-needed victory over Richmond at the MCG in a game the Swans 'started to show some signs of getting their game back together,' as put by Brownlow medallist Gerard Healy. With it, the Swans have kept a faint of hope in their 2025 season after a brutal fortnight in big losses to Adelaide (by 90 points) and Melbourne (53 points). Don't underestimate the influence of 6am beach sessions after losses! Dean Cox's side improved to 5-8 ahead of its mid-season bye, with the likes of Joel Amartey, Errol Gulden and Tom Papley nearing returns from injury. They'd effectively need to go 8-2 after their bye to be a chance of playing finals, but there's at least a small pulse. Just as importantly, Sydney exorcised some MCG demons. The Swans had won just three of their previous 10 games at the MCG, which includes two heavy grand final losses. While Saturday's result came against a bottom-three team, experiencing that winning feeling at the G' counts for something. 'Bit of a slow start, but since then they've certainly hit their straps,' former Hawthorn sharpshooter Ben Dixon said on Fox Footy. 'We know the form they've been in, so this has come at a good time to play at the MCG – this place has been like a haunted house for the Swans. 'The scars hurt.' 2. SKIPPER'S RETURN HELPS LIZARD GET BACK TO HIS BEST Nick Blakey got back to his best on Saturday afternoon in a welcome sight for Swans fans. The star halfback looked like the All-Australian Blakey of last season, racking up career-high disposals (34) and kicks (31) to go with 886 metres gained as his trademark run and carry was on show. It was helped by the returns of Harry Cunningham and skipper Callum Mills providing 'better structure behind the ball' and allowing Blakey to play his usual running game. Blakey started hot out of the gates with nine disposals in the first quarter alone when his side wasn't playing that well. Mills (25 touches, nine marks) was also prolific for Dean Cox's side, with he and Blakey two of Sydney's best at the MCG. 'We haven't seen 'The Lizard' (Nick Blakey) play like this since last year,' Brownlow Medalist Gerard Healy said on Fox Footy in the opening term. Western Bulldogs legend Brad Johnson was also full of praise of Blakey's impact. 'Let him run,' Johnson said on Fox Footy at half-time. 'It's been a huge half. The inclusions have created better structure behind the ball and allowed the Lizard to play his well. He's dominated the first half.' 1. TIGERS VETERAN SHOWS NEW TRICKS Outside of the opening quarter, it was a tough day for the Tigers faithful as their side kicked just one goal after quarter time. One man who was seriously hot in that first quarter was Dion Prestia. Playing in just his second game in 2025, Prestia was everywhere in the opening term with 12 of his 21 touches. The Tigers veteran also showed off a few new tricks. Prestia in the first quarter provided the highlight of the game, kicking a crafty goal where he sold candy twice before slotting a banana through the big sticks. Western Bulldogs legend Brad Johnson said Prestia was among the Tigers to 'set the tone' in the opening term and let his side get out to an early six-point lead. As Prestia, 32, plays for a new contract in 2026, Saturday's showing will do his chances of that no harm as a wise old trusty head to help nurture the otherwise young Tigers. As much as anything, it was just good to see the injury-prone midfielder back out there playing well.
Wales Online
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Strictly Come Dancing star 'thought he was going to die' in heartbreaking admission
BBC Strictly Come Dancing star 'thought he was going to die' in heartbreaking admission The former Strictly pro is preparing to return to the stage this September with The Return of the Legends alongside his Strictly pals Lorraine: James Jordan defends comments on wife Ola's weight Former Strictly Come Dancing favourite James Jordan has opened up about his fears of collapsing during the strenuous Legends of the Dance Floor tour last year. The tour, which was a sell-out success, saw him reunited with fellow past Strictly professionals Ian Waite, Pasha Kovalev, Brendan Cole, and Vincent Simone. They thrilled audiences nationwide with their dynamic performances and amusing anecdotes from behind the scenes. Despite the excitement, James, who is married to another Strictly alumnus, Ola, confessed to finding the rigours of live shows particularly taxing after some time away. His concern reached a peak during a fast-paced jive number, where he doubted his ability to finish the dance without incident in front of a full house. Speaking to The Sun, Jordan expressed his anxiety by saying: "Every night I did that jive I thought 'is tonight the night that I'm going to die?'" He light-heartedly recounted how Pasha joked about the situation, saying: "Pasha, you're the one every night that used to say 'if he dies he dies.'" Former Strictly Come Dancing stars Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone and Ian Waite (Image: Terry Blackburn ) Strictly star Ellie Simmonds faced with heartbreaking baby decision READ MORE: Fortunately, 46-year-old James remains fit and eagerly anticipates a new theatre tour, The Return of the Legends, slated for September, reports Edinburgh Live. Article continues below The previous year's tour not only entranced fans but also received adulation from the Strictly Come Dancing chief judge Shirley Ballas. With another round looming, the whole ensemble is fully committed to rehearsals. Moreover, James and Ian Waite have just returned from a gruelling fitness retreat abroad, which was attended by other ex-sportspeople, including Olympic champion swimmer Rebecca Adlington. James admitted that the routines were rather intense (Image: Getty Images ) At 54, Ian is the eldest of the group but still boasts an enviable eight-pack, which showcases his fitness. James may not match Ian's chiselled physique, but he has shown remarkable commitment to his health, overcoming weight issues and a series of medical setbacks, including shoulder surgery and complex hernia repairs. The prospect of touring has fuelled James's motivation to stay in top form for their upcoming performances. James remarked: "Ian is just an anomaly, he's a freak of nature. I've just been for a week with him on holiday actually a fitness week; he's 54 years old and he's as fit as anyone 20 years younger than him." James previously appeared as a professional dancer on Strictly (Image: (Image: GETTY) ) He continued, reflecting on his own physical challenges: "I'm trying to keep up, but unfortunately, genetically, I don't have the same joints and bones that Ian does. I've had shoulder surgery, I need shoulder surgery on this one, I've just had a hernia operation where they had to totally reconstruct my inguinal canal." Despite various ailments, James remains determined: "I've got bad knees, I suffer with my back, I've got tennis elbow. However, I'm one of these people, as Ian knows, I've got to get over myself and try and get through it, and this year will be no different," he admitted. Article continues below The Return of the Legends will be on tour from September
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BBC Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan thought he was 'going to die' 11 years after show departure
James Jordan has joked that he thought he was "going to die" every night when dancing the jive on the Legends of the Dance Floor tour in 2024. The 47-year-old star, who was a professional dancer on the hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing from 2006 until 2013, said performing the fast-paced jive every night on the sold-out 37-date tour was so gruelling that he thought he was going to lose his life. James, who was joined by former Strictly pros Ian Waite, 54, Pasha Kovalev, 45, Brendan Cole, 49, and Vincent Simone, 46, in the Legends of the Dance Floor show told The Sun: "Every night I did that jive I thought 'is tonight the night that I'm going to die? READ MORE: The 20 countries that gave UK nul points in Eurovision 2025 - full list READ MORE: Britain's Got Talent's Alesha Dixon causes 'upset' over golden buzzer decision "Pasha, you're the one every night that used to say 'if he dies, he dies'." The group are going back out on tour in September in The Return of the Legends, and James feels like he is in a "slightly better place" in terms of his fitness than he was on the 'Legends of the Dance Floor' tour last year. The ballroom dancer explained: "Ian is just an anomaly, he's a freak of nature. I've just been for a week with him on holiday, actually a fitness week; he's 54 years old and he's as fit as anyone 20 years younger than him. "I'm trying to keep up, but unfortunately, genetically don't have the same joints and bones that Ian does. I've had shoulder surgery, I need shoulder surgery on this one, I've just had a hernia operation where they had to totally reconstruct my inguinal canal. "I've got bad knees, I suffer with my back, I've got tennis elbow, however, I'm one of these people, as Ian knows, I've got to get over myself and try and get through it, and this year will be no different. "I feel like I'm in a slightly better place than I was last year when I started the tour; these boys are ridiculous. Their fitness levels are still insane, and I'm going to be up with them this year 100 per cent every night." James, Ian, Pasha, Brendan and Vincent were hesitant to invite other celebrities in case the show - which saw the dancers treat audiences to routines, as well as 'trictly gossip - was " a bit s***", but the positive reception has encouraged them to invite some famous faces from the programme this time round. Last year, the five dancers enjoyed success with the Legends Of The Dance Floor tour – which they promoted as the 'first time' they had all shared a stage. The new 2025 UK dates are set to see more performances, raising the total announced so far to 36 shows with more yet to be confirmed. The stars will kick off the dates on September 5 at Cambridge's Corn Exchange, before ending at Truro's Hall for Cornwall on October 17.
The Sun
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Strictly icon James Jordan says ‘I thought I was going to die on stage every night' as he reveals fight to beat injuries
STRICTLY Come Dancing's James Jordan admitted he thought he was going to die on stage each night of last year's sold-out Legends of the Dance Floor tour. Former BBC pros James, Ian Waite, Pasha Kovalev, Brendan Cole and Vincent Simone turned back time and wowed fans around the country with fast footwork and hilarious tales. 6 But having been away from the live circuit for so long, James found the gruelling nature of life on stage particularly tough and, when it came to a fast-paced jive, was worried he might kick the bucket in front of thousands of fans. In an exclusive interview with The Sun, he said: "Every night I did that jive I thought 'is tonight the night that I'm going to die?'" Laughing, he continued: "Pasha, you're the one every night that used to say 'if he dies he dies'." Fortunately, James, 46, is still with us and is raring to go for another theatre run this September for The Return of the Legends. And the lads are definitely giving it their all in the build up. Ian and James just returned from an elite fitness week abroad with other ex-athletes like Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington. Despite being the elder statesman of the group, Ian gleefully showcased his ripped eight pack, which is no mean feat for anyone - especially at 54 years of age. He might not be as shredded as his close pal, but James has shown his grit and determination by losing weight and overcoming numerous health setbacks, including surgery on his shoulder and hernias, which needed his inguinal canal reconstructed. Being back on the road has given him renewed purpose and he has vowed to be 100 per cent, and then some, for the upcoming run. James said: "Ian is just an anomaly, he's a freak of nature. I've just been for a week with him on holiday actually a fitness week; he's 54 years old and he's as fit as anyone 20 years younger than him. "I'm trying to keep up but unfortunately, genetically, don't have the same joints and bones that Ian does. I've had shoulder surgery, I need shoulder surgery on this one, I've just had a hernia operation where they had to totally reconstruct my inguinal canal. "I've got bad knees, I suffer with my back, I've got tennis elbow, however, I'm one of these people, as Ian knows, I've got to get over myself and try and get through it and this year will be no different. "I feel like I'm in a slightly better place than I was last year when I started the tour; these boys are ridiculous. Their fitness levels are still insane and I'm going to be up with them this year 100 per cent every night." The five dancers got a glowing endorsement from Strictly's head judge, Shirley Ballas, when they embarked on last year's tour. They had been hesitant to send out invites to other famous names from their past for one reason: what if it was just a bit s**t? That proved not to be the case with Shirley calling it "one of the funniest shows that I've ever seen in my life", while fans around the country were left applauding on their feet. Following favourable reviews, expect to see the likes of Arlene Phillips and Craig Revel Horwood watching on at some point. James said: "I will actually reach out to Arlene because I'm quite close to her. I'm sure she would love to see the show. 6 "Ian is very close to Craig and I'm sure this year because we didn't know what the reaction was going to be, we felt like we had a great show, but you don't want to invite everyone just in case it's a bit s**t, right? So you don't reach out to everyone. "But I think now we know that the reaction was so good I think we're going to reach out to more people like that. "Please come and watch us and see what we're still able to do so many years after we left the show." FAN FAVOURITES Strictly's current crop of professional dancers have been making the most of their popularity in recent years, with more and more of the cast embarking on lucrative solo jaunts in between series'. What separates the legends' show from the pack is that fans are effectively getting five for the price of one. The shackles that bound those under the employment of the BBC are also off, and they can tell stories and jokes that current pros simply couldn't get away with. Explaining the popularity of the first tour, James said: "I think it's part of the nostalgia of the original pros. We're all big personalities in our own right. "Vincent, really known for the Argentine tango; Brendan, the original that's been on there for so many years; Pasha, the sexy Russian; Ian, the flamboyant, beautiful, elegant dancer; and me, the gobby one. So I think there's something for everyone in the show. "We didn't know how successful it would be. We kind of thought we were onto something. Great idea, great concept. "But, I mean, Bromley sold out in two days. And we never really expected that ourselves. So, there was a lot of hype around it. "And I feel that all of us backed it up with an amazing show. I mean, the feedback that we got from it was amazing. I mean, even Shirley Butler said it's one of the funniest shows she's ever seen, which is a massive compliment to all of us. "I think that's testament to the fact that we all get on genuinely so well. And we're quite happy ripping the p*ss out of each other on stage every night and telling our stories and things that happened to us in the past on Strictly." There were close to the wire jokes about chaperones last time out after Strictly famously introduced them to training rooms following the Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima scandals. Both dancers departed the show amid claims of inappropriate behaviour from their respective celeb partners. "They enjoy the fact that we're so open and honest," said James. "Because we don't work for the BBC anymore. We're not part of Strictly. We love the show, respect the show. But we're very honest and brutal. "Shirley doesn't have to say great things about our show. She just doesn't. And I think when she came to the show, she said to me afterwards, 'it was such a surprise. I couldn't believe how much fun it was and how engaged I was in the whole thing'. "We have so much variety in our show, the comedy, the amazing solo dances." LAST HURRAH? What better way would there be to show off their choreography than with a return to Strictly this autumn. After all, the tour coincides with the next series and guest performances on the Sunday night show are part and parcel of the programme. Ian said: "It would go down so well, so if the producers listen to the audience you never know, we might be on there." Revealing what they would perform, James said: "We have one number in particular that I know with the production value that Strictly has now... there's a number that opens the second act and it's like a cowboy number, and if we went and did that show on Strictly it would go down a storm. "We're not trying to get back on the show, we've been there, had our time, but it would be nice to go back and have a little nod to say these old boys that were kind of the originals on the show are still doing their thing and this is what they can do." 6
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New black history museum slated to open in Greenville
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) – Some construction leaders in Greenville are hard at work to turn a historic house into a museum highlighting African American history. The site, located on Arlington Avenue, is transforming into The South Carolina History and Empowerment Museum. 'I really hope it just starts more conversations, especially from the younger generation. I feel like there's so much we can learn about just African American history as a whole,' said Mariah Jordan of Jordan Construction Company, spearheading the efforts. Project leaders told 7NEWS the structure, which is around 2,200 square feet, will be chalked full of artifacts and memorabilia, including newspaper articles and yearbooks. The Urban League of the Upstate and USC Upstate are partners in the initiative to show the contributions African Americans made to The Palmetto State through the decades. 'It's part of how we're planning to use the building also as context to tell a story about the richness and significance of the artifacts and the people that made a commitment to making this community better,' said James Jordan, who serves as Jordan Construction Company's CEO and President. The location, which was previously the Greenville Cultural Exchange Center, belonged to Ruth Ann Butler, a historian and community advocate who passed away in January. 'She had in her collection memorabilia, it feels like, on so many families in this community. And, this was a place where you could go and do research on your family, and if you had any questions. She was the 'Google' before 'Google',' James Jordan also said. Project leaders emphasized The South Carolina History and Empowerment Museum will feature digital displays, a welcome center, a lounge and office space. 'Just the work that [Ruth Ann Butler] was able to do in her life was truly unique and incredible, so I'm happy that my father and myself are able to help continue her legacy,' Mariah Jordan added. If all goes as planned, the museum will be open to the public in June. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
