Latest news with #JungleRun
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Presenter who was one of the most recognisable faces on TV quit for 'normal' job
Michael Underwood was a mainstay of children's TV in the 1990s and 2000s, presenting shows like Jungle Run, Ministry of Mayhem and Xchange A beloved figure in children's television during the late 90s and early 00s, took an unexpected turn when his presenting roles became scarce - he courageously decided to retrain and embark on a drastically different career path. Initially stumbling into the world of presenting after discovering a callout for audition tapes during his time at a radio station, Michael Underwood carved out a niche for himself, hosting a range of iconic kids' shows like Jungle Run and Ministry of Mayhem, as well as becoming a familiar face as an entertainment reporter for GMTV and Good Morning Britain. Beyond his presenting credentials, at age 39, Michael has also participated in high-profile reality shows such as Dancing on Ice, Celebrity MasterChef, and All Star Mr and Mrs with his partner, fellow presenter and Celebrity Big Brother star Angellica Bell. She too is known for her work with classic children's programmes like Xchange, 50/50, and That's Genius! He and Angellica lead a comparably ordinary life in their five-bedroom Victorian semi in Kingston-upon-Thames, London, with their son and daughter. However, when Michael's opportunities began to wane, he found himself at a crossroads. Speaking to The Mirror, he disclosed: "The phone stopped ringing. It's just not a nice place to be in. I needed to make a decision." "I thought you know what, I've got my teaching degree, I've got 20 years in broadcasting behind me, maybe I can take that skill set and put it to good use. Help build children's confidence, help them with their oracy, and their presenting skills. That's when I thought: 'Yeah, let's grab the bull by the horns and maybe take a step out into a different career'." He first took up a part-time drama teacher position at Surbiton High Boy's Prep School, peppering Year 4 classes with his broadcast experience, until he stepped up as a form teacher in 2019. Last September, with a full teaching degree under his belt, he embraced a full-time position at King's College School in Wimbledon. Reflecting on his earlier ambitions, he shared: "I never grew up wanting to be a television presenter, acting's what I loved but my family could never afford to send me to drama school." Recounting familial influences, he continued: "My mum was a nursery nurse, my sister was a nursery nurse, so working with children was in the family. It was my mum who actually said: 'Why don't you think of doing drama as a teaching degree, specialise in that and you've got something to fall back on if the acting doesn't work out.'".
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'I was one of the most recognisable faces on TV but I gave it all up to become a teacher'
A face many people grew up with on CBBC and CITV Michael Underwood left his life in front of camera to become a primary school teacher in South West London An icon of children's TV in the late 90s and early 00s Michael Underwood hosted many of the shows a generation grew up on but after work started to dry up he made the incredible decision to re-train and start a very different life. Having almost fallen into presenting after finding a call out for audition tapes while working at a radio station, Michael went on to host some classic kids' TV shows from Jungle Run to Ministry of Mayhem. But it wasn't just kids' TV, he was also a regular entertainment reporter for GMTV and Good Morning Britain. Aside from presenting, the 39-year-old appeared on some big reality shows, including Dancing on Ice, Celebrity MasterChef and All Star Mr and Mrs with his wife, presenter and Celebrity Big Brother star Angellica Bell, who also hosted classic children's shows such as Xchange, 50/50 and That's Genius!. The couple live a relatively normal life in a five-bedroom Victorian semi-detached house in Kingston-upon-Thames, London, with their two children, a son and daughter. But despite his success eventually the jobs dried up, he explained to The Mirror: "The phone stopped ringing. It's just not a nice place to be in. I needed to make a decision. "I thought you know what, I've got my teaching degree, I've got 20 years in broadcasting behind me, maybe I can take that skill set and put it to good use. Help build children's confidence, help them with their oracy, and their presenting skills. That's when I thought: 'Yeah, let's grab the bull by the horns and maybe take a step out into a different career'." He first began teaching part-time for two days a week at Surbiton High Boy's Prep School, teaching Year 4 drama. That was until 2019 when he moved into a role as a form teacher. But in September last year after completing his full teaching degree he moved into a full-time role at King's College School in Wimbledon. He added: "I never grew up wanting to be a television presenter, acting's what I loved but my family could never afford to send me to drama school. "My mum was a nursery nurse, my sister was a nursery nurse, so working with children was in the family. It was my mum who actually said: 'Why don't you think of doing drama as a teaching degree, specialise in that and you've got something to fall back on if the acting doesn't work out.'"
Scottish Sun
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Coronation Street fans stunned as they realise EastEnders star had forgotten role in the ITV soap – do you remember her?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CORONATION Street fans have been left gobsmacked after discovering an EastEnders' star's forgotten role in the soap. Only a few actors over the years have played regular characters in both shows. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 EastEnders' Zaraah Abrahams used to star in Corrie Credit: ITV 4 She portrayed Joanne Jackson from 2005 to 2007 Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 4 Zaraah began playing Chelsea Fox in EastEnders in 2020 Credit: BBC Zaraah Abrahams, 38, is currently starring as Chelsea Fox in the BBC soap. But viewers have been stunned after learning of Zaraah's past role in Corrie. She played Joanne Jackson from 2005 until ultimately departing in 2007. Taking to X, a fan wrote: "Just flicked onto #ClassicCorrie. OMG I didn't know Zaraah Abrahams ( Chelsea Fox in #EastEnders) was on Classic Corrie." Another replied: "Yes has been for a while. Just a small part though..." A third shared: "I cannot believe you did not know. Surely! "She also starred in Waterloo Road after she left Weatherfield." Joanne was introduced to Corrie alongside "twin sister" Jessie (Nailah Cumberbatch) - later revealed to be her cousin. She had relationships with Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson), Jamie Baldwin (Rupert Hill) and Liam Connor (Robert-James Collier). The character left having been paid £5,000 by Carla Connor (Alison King) for her silence amid a legal dispute. EastEnders' Chelsea Fox 'is in danger' as she falls for another murderer Zaraah joined the cast of EastEnders in 2020, becoming the second actress to play Chelsea. She succeeded Tiana Benjamin, who originated the role from 2006 to 2010. Speaking at the time of her casting, Zaraah said: "I am so excited to be joining such an iconic show and I am really looking forward to taking on the role of Chelsea Fox." It's not the first time fans have spotted the actress pop up in another show. Fans were floored after spotting a pre-famous Zaraah in legendary CITV kids' show, Jungle Run. A fan shared a TikTok clip from the kids programme on a Facebook EastEnders fan page. In the video, Zaraah participates in Jungle Run alongside two friends. The fan captioned the post: "Just saw this. It's Chelsea playing Jungle Run back in 2005,' along with a laughing face emoji. Soap characters who've been recast Soap operas are staple viewing for many people, but even some of the most famous characters have been played by different actors. Here are some examples from over the years. Coronation Street Tracy Barlow : Kate Ford took on the role of Corrie legend Tracy Barlow in 2002. Before Kate, three other actresses had played Tracy - most notably Dawn Acton from 1988 to 1999. : Kate Ford took on the role of Corrie legend Tracy Barlow in 2002. Before Kate, three other actresses had played Tracy - most notably Dawn Acton from 1988 to 1999. Nick Tilsley: Ben Price has been playing Gail's oldest child in 2009, but the former Footballers' Wives star is the third actor to take on the part. Ben Price has been playing Gail's oldest child in 2009, but the former Footballers' Wives star is the third actor to take on the part. Sarah Platt: Although Tina O'Brien debuted as Sarah Platt in 1999, she is the third actress who has played the iconic role of Sarah Platt. Although Tina O'Brien debuted as Sarah Platt in 1999, she is the third actress who has played the iconic role of Sarah Platt. David Platt: Completing the line-up of Gail's children, David was initially played by Thomas Ormson for a decade before Jack P. Shepherd took over. Completing the line-up of Gail's children, David was initially played by Thomas Ormson for a decade before Jack P. Shepherd took over. Daniel Osbourne: For almost a decade, the role of Ken Barlow's son Daniel has been portrayed by actor Rob Mallard. Before Rob joined, two other actors had previously played Daniel. For almost a decade, the role of Ken Barlow's son Daniel has been portrayed by actor Rob Mallard. Before Rob joined, two other actors had previously played Daniel. Bethany Platt: Fans know Lucy Fallon as Bethany nowadays but before her, three other actresses had stepped into the character's shoes. Fans know Lucy Fallon as Bethany nowadays but before her, three other actresses had stepped into the character's shoes. Kirk Sutherland: Before Andy Whyment took on the role of Kirk, he played by an uncredited actor in his very first appearance. Before Andy Whyment took on the role of Kirk, he played by an uncredited actor in his very first appearance. Todd Grimshaw: Gareth Pierce stepped into the role of Todd back in 2020, becoming the second performer to play this part. Gareth Pierce stepped into the role of Todd back in 2020, becoming the second performer to play this part. Summer Spellman: Harriet Bibby became the second actress to play Summer, taking over the role from Matilda Freeman in 2020. Harriet Bibby became the second actress to play Summer, taking over the role from Matilda Freeman in 2020. Ryan Connor: Ryan Prescott currently plays the long-running character, but Ben Thompson and Sol Heras had earlier portrayed the role. EastEnders Martin Fowler: Although Martin was the first baby born on-screen in EastEnders, he hasn't always been played by the same person. His current portrayer, James Bye, is the third actor to star as the character. Although Martin was the first baby born on-screen in EastEnders, he hasn't always been played by the same person. His current portrayer, James Bye, is the third actor to star as the character. Peter Beale: Seven actors have portrayed Ian Beale's elder son, with the current actor, Thomas Law, in his second stint as the character. Seven actors have portrayed Ian Beale's elder son, with the current actor, Thomas Law, in his second stint as the character. Ben Mitchell: Ben has been played by a total of six actors - with Max Bowden bowing out of the role in March 2024. Ben has been played by a total of six actors - with Max Bowden bowing out of the role in March 2024. Bobby Beale: Before Clay Milner Russell, Ian's younger son had been played by four other actors. Before Clay Milner Russell, Ian's younger son had been played by four other actors. Freddie Slater : Bobby's best mate, Freddie Slater, had been previously played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby before Bobby Brazier took over in 2022. : Bobby's best mate, Freddie Slater, had been previously played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby before Bobby Brazier took over in 2022. Chelsea Fox: Former Coronation Street actress Zaraah Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea in 2020. The character had been first played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010. Former Coronation Street actress Zaraah Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea in 2020. The character had been first played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010. Lauren Branning: Jacqueline Jossa took on the role of Lauren in 2010, succeeding Madeline Duggan who'd played her from 2006 to 2010. Jacqueline Jossa took on the role of Lauren in 2010, succeeding Madeline Duggan who'd played her from 2006 to 2010. Johnny Carter: Johnny has been played by three actors since debuting in 2013 - most recently, Charlie Suff has taken on the role. Fans were stunned and took to the comments section to share their disbelief. One wrote: "Is that not zaraah Abraham's from Eastenders who plays Denise daughter Chelsea???' A second added: "Yep!!! The voice is literally her.' EastEnders continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
The Irish Sun
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Coronation Street fans stunned as they realise EastEnders star had forgotten role in the ITV soap – do you remember her?
CORONATION Street fans have been left gobsmacked after discovering an EastEnders' star's forgotten role in the soap. Only a few actors over the years have played regular characters in both shows. 4 EastEnders' Zaraah Abrahams used to star in Corrie Credit: ITV 4 She portrayed Joanne Jackson from 2005 to 2007 Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 4 Zaraah began playing Chelsea Fox in EastEnders in 2020 Credit: BBC Zaraah Abrahams, 38, is currently starring as Chelsea Fox in the BBC soap. But viewers have been stunned after learning of Zaraah's past role in Corrie. She played Joanne Jackson from 2005 until ultimately departing in 2007. Taking to X, a fan wrote: "Just flicked onto #ClassicCorrie. OMG I didn't know Zaraah Abrahams ( Chelsea Fox in #EastEnders) was on Classic Corrie." Read more on EastEnders Another replied: "Yes has been for a while. Just a small part though..." A third shared: "I cannot believe you did not know. Surely! "She also starred in Waterloo Road after she left Weatherfield." Joanne was introduced to Corrie alongside "twin sister" Jessie (Nailah Cumberbatch) - later revealed to be her cousin. Most read in Soaps She had relationships with Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson), Jamie Baldwin (Rupert Hill) and Liam Connor (Robert-James Collier). The character left having been paid £5,000 by Carla Connor (Alison King) for her silence amid a legal dispute. EastEnders' Chelsea Fox 'is in danger' as she falls for another murderer Zaraah joined the cast of EastEnders in 2020, becoming the second actress to play Chelsea . She succeeded Tiana Benjamin, who originated the role from 2006 to 2010. Speaking at the time of her casting, Zaraah said: "I am so excited to be joining such an iconic show and I am really looking forward to taking on the role of Chelsea Fox." It's not the first time fans have spotted Fans were floored after spotting a pre-famous Zaraah in legendary CITV kids' show, Jungle Run. A fan shared a TikTok clip from the kids programme on a Facebook EastEnders fan page. In the video, Zaraah participates in Jungle Run alongside two friends. The fan captioned the post: "Just saw this. It's Chelsea playing Jungle Run back in 2005,' along with a laughing face emoji. Soap characters who've been recast Soap operas are staple viewing for many people, but even some of the most famous characters have been played by different actors. Here are some examples from over the years. Coronation Street Tracy Barlow : Kate Ford took on the role of Corrie legend Tracy Barlow in 2002. Before Kate, three other actresses had played Tracy - most notably Dawn Acton from 1988 to 1999. Nick Tilsley: Ben Price has been playing Gail's oldest child in 2009, but the former Footballers' Wives star is the third actor to take on the part. Sarah Platt: Although Tina O'Brien debuted as Sarah Platt in 1999, she is the third actress who has played the iconic role of Sarah Platt. David Platt: Completing the line-up of Gail's children, David was initially played by Thomas Ormson for a decade before Jack P. Shepherd took over. Daniel Osbourne: For almost a decade, the role of Ken Barlow's son Daniel has been portrayed by actor Rob Mallard. Before Rob joined, two other actors had previously played Daniel. Bethany Platt: Fans know Lucy Fallon as Bethany nowadays but before her, three other actresses had stepped into the character's shoes. Kirk Sutherland: Before Andy Whyment took on the role of Kirk, he played by an uncredited actor in his very first appearance. Todd Grimshaw: Gareth Pierce stepped into the role of Todd back in 2020, becoming the second performer to play this part. Summer Spellman: Harriet Bibby became the second actress to play Summer, taking over the role from Matilda Freeman in 2020. Ryan Connor: Ryan Prescott currently plays the long-running character, but Ben Thompson and Sol Heras had earlier portrayed the role. EastEnders Martin Fowler: Although Martin was the first baby born on-screen in EastEnders, he hasn't always been played by the same person. His current portrayer, James Bye, is the third actor to star as the character. Peter Beale: Seven actors have portrayed Ian Beale's elder son, with the current actor, Thomas Law, in his second stint as the character. Ben Mitchell: Ben has been played by a total of six actors - with Max Bowden bowing out of the role in March 2024. Bobby Beale: Before Clay Milner Russell, Ian's younger son had been played by four other actors. Freddie Slater : Bobby's best mate, Freddie Slater, had been previously played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby before Bobby Brazier took over in 2022. Chelsea Fox: Former Coronation Street actress Zaraah Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea in 2020. The character had been first played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010. Lauren Branning: Jacqueline Jossa took on the role of Lauren in 2010, succeeding Madeline Duggan who'd played her from 2006 to 2010. Johnny Carter: Johnny has been played by three actors since debuting in 2013 - most recently, Charlie Suff has taken on the role. Fans were stunned and took to the comments section to share their disbelief. One wrote: "Is that not zaraah Abraham's from Eastenders who plays Denise daughter Chelsea???' A second added: "Yep!!! The voice is literally her.' EastEnders continues on BBC One and iPlayer. 4 Zaraah Abrahams is the second actress to play Chelsea Credit: BBC
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Coronation Street fans stunned as they realise EastEnders star had forgotten role in the ITV soap – do you remember her?
CORONATION Street fans have been left gobsmacked after discovering an EastEnders' star's forgotten role in the soap. Only a few actors over the years have played regular characters in both shows. 4 4 Zaraah Abrahams, 38, is currently starring as Chelsea Fox in the BBC soap. But viewers have been stunned after learning of Zaraah's past role in Corrie. She played Joanne Jackson from 2005 until ultimately departing in 2007. Taking to X, a fan wrote: "Just flicked onto #ClassicCorrie. OMG I didn't know Zaraah Abrahams ( Chelsea Fox in #EastEnders) was on Classic Corrie." A third shared: "I cannot believe you did not know. Surely! "She also starred in Waterloo Road after she left Weatherfield." Joanne was introduced to Corrie alongside "twin sister" Jessie (Nailah Cumberbatch) - later revealed to be her cousin. She had relationships with Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson), Jamie Baldwin (Rupert Hill) and Liam Connor (Robert-James Collier). The character left having been paid £5,000 by Carla Connor (Alison King) for her silence amid a legal dispute. Zaraah joined the cast of EastEnders in 2020, becoming the second actress to play Chelsea. She succeeded Tiana Benjamin, who originated the role from 2006 to 2010. Speaking at the time of her casting, Zaraah said: "I am so excited to be joining such an iconic show and I am really looking forward to taking on the role of Chelsea Fox." It's not the first time fans have spotted the actress pop up in another show. Fans were floored after spotting a pre-famous Zaraah in legendary CITV kids' show, Jungle Run. A fan shared a TikTok clip from the kids programme on a Facebook EastEnders fan page. In the video, Zaraah participates in Jungle Run alongside two friends. The fan captioned the post: "Just saw this. It's Chelsea playing Jungle Run back in 2005,' along with a laughing face emoji. Soap characters who've been recast Soap operas are staple viewing for many people, but even some of the most famous characters have been played by different actors. Here are some examples from over the years. Coronation Street Tracy Barlow: Kate Ford took on the role of Corrie legend Tracy Barlow in 2002. Before Kate, three other actresses had played Tracy - most notably Dawn Acton from 1988 to 1999. Nick Tilsley: Ben Price has been playing Gail's oldest child in 2009, but the former Footballers' Wives star is the third actor to take on the part. Sarah Platt: Although Tina O'Brien debuted as Sarah Platt in 1999, she is the third actress who has played the iconic role of Sarah Platt. David Platt: Completing the line-up of Gail's children, David was initially played by Thomas Ormson for a decade before Jack P. Shepherd took over. Daniel Osbourne: For almost a decade, the role of Ken Barlow's son Daniel has been portrayed by actor Rob Mallard. Before Rob joined, two other actors had previously played Daniel. Bethany Platt: Fans know Lucy Fallon as Bethany nowadays but before her, three other actresses had stepped into the character's shoes. Kirk Sutherland: Before Andy Whyment took on the role of Kirk, he played by an uncredited actor in his very first appearance. Todd Grimshaw: Gareth Pierce stepped into the role of Todd back in 2020, becoming the second performer to play this part. Summer Spellman: Harriet Bibby became the second actress to play Summer, taking over the role from Matilda Freeman in 2020. Ryan Connor: Ryan Prescott currently plays the long-running character, but Ben Thompson and Sol Heras had earlier portrayed the role. EastEnders Martin Fowler: Although Martin was the first baby born on-screen in EastEnders, he hasn't always been played by the same person. His current portrayer, James Bye, is the third actor to star as the character. Peter Beale: Seven actors have portrayed Ian Beale's elder son, with the current actor, Thomas Law, in his second stint as the character. Ben Mitchell: Ben has been played by a total of six actors - with Max Bowden bowing out of the role in March 2024. Bobby Beale: Before Clay Milner Russell, Ian's younger son had been played by four other actors. Freddie Slater: Bobby's best mate, Freddie Slater, had been previously played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby before Bobby Brazier took over in 2022. Chelsea Fox: Former Coronation Street actress Zaraah Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea in 2020. The character had been first played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010. Lauren Branning: Jacqueline Jossa took on the role of Lauren in 2010, succeeding Madeline Duggan who'd played her from 2006 to 2010. Johnny Carter: Johnny has been played by three actors since debuting in 2013 - most recently, Charlie Suff has taken on the role. Fans were stunned and took to the comments section to share their disbelief. One wrote: "Is that not zaraah Abraham's from Eastenders who plays Denise daughter Chelsea???' A second added: "Yep!!! The voice is literally her.' EastEnders continues on BBC One and iPlayer. 4
