Latest news with #JoannaPage
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Wynne Evans makes shock return to BBC for first time since calling in lawyers over Strictly Come Dancing tour axe
WELSH opera singer Wynne Evans surprised BBC viewers when he made an unexpected appearance on the public broadcaster. The tenor, 53, was dropped from his BBC Wales radio show and the the Strictly Live Tour for making a crude remark at the Strictly Live Tour launch event. 4 4 4 Wynne has even lawyered up to take the corporation to a tribunal over his sacking, so it came as a surprise when he popped up on BBC One on Saturday evening. The Go Compare star was teamed up with actress Joanna Page on the quiz show in the episode which was likely recorded before his legal action. While putting in a valiant effort, the pair missed out on making it to the finals and bowed out in the penultimate round. Wynne even promoted his appearance ahead of it going to air by posting a selfie with Joanna on Instagram. "Tonight back on BBC One for Celebrity Pointless with Joanna," he captioned the post. But viewers watching at home were less than impressed seeing Wynne on their tellies. "Seriously??? Who the hell thought Wynne Evans appearing would be a good idea," wrote one person on X, formerly Twitter. And a third commented: "This could be Wynne Evans's last BBC appearance #pointlesscelebrities." Wynne had competed on the 20th anniversary series of the Strictly Come Dancing with professional dancer Katya Jones. Furious Wynne Evans reveals he's no longer speaking to Strictly's Katya Jones as he hits out at BBC In May, he announced he had been dropped by the BBC and would no longer present on BBC Radio Wales after apologising for using "inappropriate language" during the launch of the Strictly tour. Bosses then axed his travelogue with pal Joanna Page, All At Sea, after just one season. Wynne's apology came after it was reported he had aimed a sexual joke at one of the other professional dancers, Janette Manrara, a claim he had denied. He was also embroiled in a ' gropegate ' scandal when he appeared to place an unsolicited hand on the stomach of pro partner Katya in last year's Strictly. More recently, Wynne revealed he had split from fiance Liz Brookes just weeks after getting engaged. 4
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Wynne Evans makes surprise BBC return after claims the broadcaster had 'cut ties' with Strictly star amid scandal
appeared on BBC One on Saturday night, despite reports the broadcaster had 'no plans' to work with him again. The former Strictly Come Dancing star, 53, best known as the voice of the Go Compare adverts, popped up on a pre-recorded episode of Pointless Celebrities alongside actress Joanna Page. The pair, who previously fronted Wynne & Joanna: All at Sea, teamed up on the quiz show but narrowly missed out on the final after making it to the penultimate round. Before the episode aired, Wynne posted a picture of himself with Joanna on set to his Instagram and told his followers they would be contestants. He wrote: 'Tonight back on [BBC One] for Celebrity Pointless with [Joanna].' Wynne's return came as a surprise to some viewers who took to X to share their shock, writing: 'Wynne Evans? This must have been recorded 10 years ago #pointless' 'Seriously??? Who the hell thought Wynne Evans appearing would be a good idea #PointlessCelebrities' '#PointlessCelebrities I thought this bloke was banned from the @bbc' 'Did they mean to put this on, with Handsy Wynne Evans? #Pointless #PointlessCelebrities' 'This could be Wynne Evans's last BBC appearance #pointlesscelebritie,' whilst one viewer said: 'Well done @bbc - Wynne on Pointless - common sense at last' The Daily Mail have contacted the BBC for comment. The BBC confirmed earlier this year that it would not be renewing his travel series with Joanna, and that Wynne had stepped away from both his live tour and radio show. At the time, insiders suggested the corporation had quietly cut ties with the opera singer. On Saturday's episode of Pointless, hosted by Richard Osman, Wynne and Joanna went head-to-head with BBC News duo Jane Hill and Ben Boulos, comedians Esther Manito and Rich Hall, plus RuPaul 's Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard with impressionist Jess Robinson. Wynne's return came as a surprise to some viewers who took to X to share their shock, at seeing the Welshman back on their screens following all the controversy around him Wynne and Joanna went head-to-head with BBC News duo Jane Hill and Ben Boulos, comedians Esther Manito and Rich Hall, plus RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard with impressionist Jess Robinson In the end, it was Jane and Ben who secured their place in the final, leaving Wynne and Joanna just short of victory. Wynne who used to front the Go Compare ads appeared on Strictly Come Dancing last year when he was partnered with Katya Jones. However his time on the show was mired in controversy. He was filmed using the vile term 'spit roast' – a three-way sex act – to his co-star Jamie Borthwick in relation to professional dancer Janette Manrara during the launch of the Strictly Live Tour - something he later apologised for. He then left the tour. He denied it was a sexual jibe about a female presenter and insisted he used the term 'spit roast' as a nickname for fellow contestant Jamie Borthwick. During his time on the main show, Wynne found himself caught up in a 'wandering hand' incident with his Strictly professional dance partner, Katya Jones. Wynne appeared to slide his hand across Katya's waist, before she pushed him off. Later in the show, he offered his partner a high five, which she ignored before turning back to the camera, stone-faced. The opera singer confirmed in May the BBC will not be renewing his one-year rolling contract following a four-month investigation following the inappropriate comments made during his time on Strictly. He has since set up his own independent radio show which streams live on his website, following the end of his breakfast show on BBC Radio Wales. Last month, it was reported Wynne is suing the producers of the BBC show's live tour for medical negligence after claiming he was left in 'agony' after suffering a double fracture and two snapped ligaments in his foot during the production. The star admits the injury still continues to affect him, and he is currently unable to enjoy light runs. In a bid to get over his Strictly woes and being axed by the BBC, Wynne opened a wine bar and restaurant in his hometown in Carmarthen, West Wales, called Welsh House by Wynne.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Joanna Page addresses ‘difficult' family dilemma in bid to quit England for life in Wales
Joanna Page addresses 'difficult' family dilemma in bid to quit England for life in Wales In recent months Joanna has spoken at length about the end of Gavin & Stacey and her feelings about her future career and where she wants to take her family Joanna Page has talked about expanding her family (Image: ITV) Actress Joanna Page has discussed a personal dilemma following the end of Gavin & Stacey and how she feels about potentially moving her family back to Wales. The 48-year-old actress admitted that she had the thought after taking up surfing and feeling incredibly invigorated by the experience, leading to thoughts about whether she should move her away from England. Joanna, together with husband James Thornton, whom she married in 2003, has four children, named Eva, Kit, Noah, and Boe. Speaking about the experience with woman&home, Joanna recalled: 'Over the summer, I did my first-ever surfing lesson in Wales. I came home so invigorated, I wanted to move to Saundersfoot, thinking, 'It's about time I went back to Wales. I want to surf and live on the beach.' 'Then trying to put that into action with four children who've never lived in Wales and are very settled into their school is difficult! Now I just want to continue surfing whenever I can. It's good for the mind as well as fitness.' Alongside talking about moving her family west, Joanna also admitted that she has at times considered adopting another child. Despite having her 'tubes tied,' she has discussed the idea with James because she still feels very maternal. Article continues below Joanna explained: 'I've been thinking about fostering or adopting. It's something I've chatted about with James because I'm still very maternal, and it's something that I would think about in the future.' Joanna has also discussed a potential move back to Wales (Image: BBC) This isn't the first time Joanna has talked about a move from England to Wales. Earlier this year, whilst appearing on her BBC One show, Wynne & Joanna: All at Sea, she admitted that she had discussed it with James. During the programme she said: 'It's made me think, why am I not living by the sea? I've already spoken to James and I've said to him, 'that's it, I'm done.' 'I had to move to England to go and be in drama school and I've lived there ever since. It's time. It's time to go home! I am from the sea, I'm from the sea, and I need to be back here… 'I am so excited to go back home and see everybody, and just to bring both the old me and the new me back home, and just go, 'come on! Let's live by the sea, let's do yoga on the beach' – that's what I want to do now.' Ruth Jones and Joanna Page As well as discussing how she feels about potentially adopting, Joanna also talked about how liberated she felt being away from her children whilst filming the final Gavin & Stacey episode. She said: 'Every night, I was in bed by 10.30pm because I was so excited to have a hotel room and bed to myself… I'd climb into bed, lie on my back and spread out. It was heaven! Article continues below 'I was away from the children and wasn't being Mum, having responsibility for everyone and just doing all the cooking. 'Mentally, I created some space to relax and have a bit of time for myself to breathe and sleep. That made me feel really quite good, coming home and feeling that I'm not just Mum, I'm Jo as well.' Joanna is due to appear on Pointless Celebrities this evening at 7.35pm on BBC One.
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Joanna Lumley and Tulisa confirmed for Cheltenham Literature Festival 2025
Thought to be the world's oldest literature festival, the event, which was first held in 1949, features talks and discussions from a variety of authors, journalists and public figures. In October, The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival will host more than 400 events in a programme that includes conversations with chat show host Graham Norton, activist and TV star Katie Piper, actor Sir Michael Palin, and BBC director-general Tim Davie. Dame Joanna Lumley appears in the latest series of Netflix show Wednesday (James Manning/PA) At the 10-day event, Absolutely Fabulous actress Dame Joanna, 79, will be interviewed by broadcaster Emma Freud about her forthcoming book, My Book Of Treasures: A Collection Of Favourite Writings, which is comprised of her favourite writings, thoughts and quotes, as written in her private notebooks. The veteran TV star, who appears in the latest series of Tim Burton's Netflix show Wednesday, has written a number of books, including 2011's Absolutely: A Memoir, which contains anecdotes from across her personal life and career. Contostavlos, of N-Dubz fame, will talk about her new book, Judgement, which details the highs and lows of her music career, including her collapsed drugs trial in 2014. The 37-year-old was arrested on suspicion of supplying class A drugs in 2013, but the charges were later dismissed after prosecution witness, 'Fake Sheikh' journalist Mazher Mahmood, was found guilty of tampering with evidence in the trial. Following the collapse of the trial Contostavlos said 'I have never dealt drugs and never been involved in taking or dealing cocaine' in a statement where she also accused Mahmood of a 'horrific and disgusting entrapment'. This year's fiction programme includes talks with Women's Prize for Fiction winner Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Atonement author Ian McEwan, children's author Dame Jacqueline Wilson and Kate Mosse, who will discuss the 20th anniversary of her historical fiction novel Labyrinth. In a talk with screenwriter Edward Docx, novelist Mick Herron will discuss Clown Town, the latest book in his Slough House series, which inspired the TV show Slow Horses, featuring Oscar-winning actor Sir Gary Oldman. Numerous stars from across the TV and film industry will gather for the festival, including Love Actually creator Richard Curtis, who will interview writer and comedian Ben Elton about his new autobiography and experience creating BBC sitcom Upstart Crow and writing for The Young Ones and Blackadder. Elsewhere, game show host Richard Osman will discuss the fifth novel in his Thursday Murder Club series, the first of which has been adapted for a film starring Dame Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan. Sharing moments from her new memoir Lush will be Gavin And Stacey star Joanna Page, whose book charts her journey from a small Welsh village to one of Britain's biggest sitcoms. Joanna Page's memoir is called Lush (Jordan Pettitt/PA) In a separate event, her co-star Larry Lamb will present his debut novel All Wrapped Up, with his son and TV presenter George Lamb. Some of the talks will look at and dissect social issues, with Rizzle Kicks star Jordan Stephens questioning if masculinity is in crisis alongside writers Laura Bates and James Bloodworth. There will also be a live recording of Jane Garvey and Fi Glover's Times Radio show where they will be joined by model Penny Lancaster to discuss her forthcoming memoir, Someone Like Me, where she opens up about navigating fame and life with her husband Sir Rod Stewart. Among the other events is a talk with food writer Nigel Slater, who shares A Thousand Feasts, a memoir with anecdotes taken from his own notebooks. Former deputy prime minister Sir Nick Clegg, French chef Raymond Blanc, Olympic gold medallist Sir Bradley Wiggins, wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin, World Wide Web inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee and professor of genetics Dr Tim Spector are among the other public figures scheduled to appear. The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival will take place from October 10-19.
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Joanna Lumley and Tulisa confirmed for Cheltenham Literature Festival 2025
In October, The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival will host more than 400 events in a programme that includes conversations with chat show host Graham Norton, activist and TV star Katie Piper, actor Sir Michael Palin, and BBC director-general Tim Davie. Dame Joanna Lumley appears in the latest series of Netflix show Wednesday (James Manning/PA) At the 10-day event, Absolutely Fabulous actress Dame Joanna, 79, will be interviewed by broadcaster Emma Freud about her forthcoming book, My Book Of Treasures: A Collection Of Favourite Writings, which is comprised of her favourite writings, thoughts and quotes, as written in her private notebooks. The veteran TV star, who appears in the latest series of Tim Burton's Netflix show Wednesday, has written a number of books, including 2011's Absolutely: A Memoir, which contains anecdotes from across her personal life and career. Contostavlos, of N-Dubz fame, will talk about her new book, Judgement, which details the highs and lows of her music career, including her collapsed drugs trial in 2014. The 37-year-old was arrested on suspicion of supplying class A drugs in 2013, but the charges were later dismissed after prosecution witness, 'Fake Sheikh' journalist Mazher Mahmood, was found guilty of tampering with evidence in the trial. Following the collapse of the trial Contostavlos said 'I have never dealt drugs and never been involved in taking or dealing cocaine' in a statement where she also accused Mahmood of a 'horrific and disgusting entrapment'. This year's fiction programme includes talks with Women's Prize for Fiction winner Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Atonement author Ian McEwan, children's author Dame Jacqueline Wilson and Kate Mosse, who will discuss the 20th anniversary of her historical fiction novel Labyrinth. In a talk with screenwriter Edward Docx, novelist Mick Herron will discuss Clown Town, the latest book in his Slough House series, which inspired the TV show Slow Horses, featuring Oscar-winning actor Sir Gary Oldman. Numerous stars from across the TV and film industry will gather for the festival, including Love Actually creator Richard Curtis, who will interview writer and comedian Ben Elton about his new autobiography and experience creating BBC sitcom Upstart Crow and writing for The Young Ones and Blackadder. Elsewhere, game show host Richard Osman will discuss the fifth novel in his Thursday Murder Club series, the first of which has been adapted for a film starring Dame Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan. Sharing moments from her new memoir Lush will be Gavin And Stacey star Joanna Page, whose book charts her journey from a small Welsh village to one of Britain's biggest sitcoms. Joanna Page's memoir is called Lush (Jordan Pettitt/PA) In a separate event, her co-star Larry Lamb will present his debut novel All Wrapped Up, with his son and TV presenter George Lamb. Some of the talks will look at and dissect social issues, with Rizzle Kicks star Jordan Stephens questioning if masculinity is in crisis alongside writers Laura Bates and James Bloodworth. There will also be a live recording of Jane Garvey and Fi Glover's Times Radio show where they will be joined by model Penny Lancaster to discuss her forthcoming memoir, Someone Like Me, where she opens up about navigating fame and life with her husband Sir Rod Stewart. Among the other events is a talk with food writer Nigel Slater, who shares A Thousand Feasts, a memoir with anecdotes taken from his own notebooks. Former deputy prime minister Sir Nick Clegg, French chef Raymond Blanc, Olympic gold medallist Sir Bradley Wiggins, wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin, World Wide Web inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee and professor of genetics Dr Tim Spector are among the other public figures scheduled to appear. The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival will take place from October 10-19.
