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Home and Away star, Olympians and MAFS groom's ex sign up for revamped Celeb SAS as show shake up is revealed
Home and Away star, Olympians and MAFS groom's ex sign up for revamped Celeb SAS as show shake up is revealed

The Irish Sun

timean hour ago

  • Entertainment
  • The Irish Sun

Home and Away star, Olympians and MAFS groom's ex sign up for revamped Celeb SAS as show shake up is revealed

CELEBRITY SAS have signed up THREE major stars for the next series of the show after a ground-breaking show twist was confirmed. The hit Channel 4 programme has been busy selecting its celebrity recruits for the seventh series of the show - with filming taking place in Morocco. 4 Celeb SAS have signed up three new Aussies as part of the revamped format Credit: Pete Dadds / Channel 4 4 Actor Axel Whitehead will be on the line-up Credit: Getty 4 Top Olympian Emily Seebohm is also among the stars who have signed up Credit: Getty Earlier this week, The Sun told how in a huge new move the UK and Aussie editions would be merged with major stars from both countries coming together for the series which will be aired simultaneously on Channel 4 in the UK and the Seven Network in Australia. Now, we can exclusively reveal three of the stars who will be appearing on the next run. Home and Away hunk Axel Whitehead will be appearing on the show after rising to international fame for playing Liam Murphy on the show between 2009 and 2013. The actor also appeared briefly in fellow Aussie soap Neighbours in 2020. Read More on Celeb SAS He will be joined by two Olympic swimmers - including one with a famous reality star ex. 29-year-old Swimming champ Mack Horton and fellow Olympian, Emily Seebohm will also be on the cast. Emily shares a child with MAFS heartthrob Ryan Gallagher although the pair are no longer together. Ryan is best known for his time on the hit reality show as well as his brief romance with Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby during their time on the Aussie version of I'm A Celebrity. Most read in Reality A source told The Sun of the three latest recruits: 'Bosses are working hard to make sure they sign an exciting variety of Aussie talent for the new series because of the format change. 'Soap fans will be no stranger to Axel after his time in both Home and Away and Neighbours, so he's a great coup for the show. Watch as Celeb SAS Who Dares wins star Bianca Gascoigne QUITS show right at the very end of series 'And Olympic champions Emily and Mack are both extremely fit and strong after years of professional swimming. They're going to take the challenge very seriously.' Two other Aussies have so far been revealed for the programme including soap star and singer Natalie Bassingthwaite and Jessika Power , who rose to fame on Married At First Sight Australia . Jess has since relocated to England appearing on British shows including Celebs Go Dating and Celebrity Ex On The Beach. Other UK stars who are understood to have signed up for the next series include Love Island winner England cricketer 4 Swimmer Mack Horton is also on the cast Credit: Getty

Home and Away star, Olympians and MAFS groom's ex sign up for revamped Celeb SAS as show shake up is revealed
Home and Away star, Olympians and MAFS groom's ex sign up for revamped Celeb SAS as show shake up is revealed

Scottish Sun

timean hour ago

  • Entertainment
  • Scottish Sun

Home and Away star, Olympians and MAFS groom's ex sign up for revamped Celeb SAS as show shake up is revealed

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CELEBRITY SAS have signed up THREE major stars for the next series of the show after a ground-breaking show twist was confirmed. The hit Channel 4 programme has been busy selecting its celebrity recruits for the seventh series of the show - with filming taking place in Morocco. 4 Celeb SAS have signed up three new Aussies as part of the revamped format Credit: Pete Dadds / Channel 4 4 Actor Axel Whitehead will be on the line-up Credit: Getty 4 Top Olympian Emily Seebohm is also among the stars who have signed up Credit: Getty Earlier this week, The Sun told how in a huge new move the UK and Aussie editions would be merged with major stars from both countries coming together for the series which will be aired simultaneously on Channel 4 in the UK and the Seven Network in Australia. Now, we can exclusively reveal three of the stars who will be appearing on the next run. Home and Away hunk Axel Whitehead will be appearing on the show after rising to international fame for playing Liam Murphy on the show between 2009 and 2013. The actor also appeared briefly in fellow Aussie soap Neighbours in 2020. He will be joined by two Olympic swimmers - including one with a famous reality star ex. 29-year-old Swimming champ Mack Horton and fellow Olympian, Emily Seebohm will also be on the cast. Emily shares a child with MAFS heartthrob Ryan Gallagher although the pair are no longer together. Ryan is best known for his time on the hit reality show as well as his brief romance with Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby during their time on the Aussie version of I'm A Celebrity. A source told The Sun of the three latest recruits: 'Bosses are working hard to make sure they sign an exciting variety of Aussie talent for the new series because of the format change. 'Soap fans will be no stranger to Axel after his time in both Home and Away and Neighbours, so he's a great coup for the show. Watch as Celeb SAS Who Dares wins star Bianca Gascoigne QUITS show right at the very end of series 'And Olympic champions Emily and Mack are both extremely fit and strong after years of professional swimming. They're going to take the challenge very seriously.' Two other Aussies have so far been revealed for the programme including soap star and singer Natalie Bassingthwaite and Jessika Power, who rose to fame on Married At First Sight Australia. Jess has since relocated to England appearing on British shows including Celebs Go Dating and Celebrity Ex On The Beach. Other UK stars who are understood to have signed up for the next series include Love Island winner Dani Dyer and Strictly hunk and rugby player, Ben Cohen. Gladiators star Phantom AKA Toby Olubi will also be proving his stuff on the show alongside TikTok star Jack Joseph, 25. England cricketer Graeme Swann, Love Island champ Gabby Allen and TikTok star Cole Anderson James are also understood to be on the line-up.

Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher reveals secrets of show's final EVER episode as soap says goodbye again
Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher reveals secrets of show's final EVER episode as soap says goodbye again

The Irish Sun

time5 hours ago

  • Entertainment
  • The Irish Sun

Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher reveals secrets of show's final EVER episode as soap says goodbye again

NEIGHBOURS legend Alan Fletcher claims fans of the soap will "adore" the final ever episode when it airs in December. The long-running Australian show previously called it a day in 2022 before Amazon MGM Studios Advertisement 5 Alan Fletcher, pictured with Jackie Woodburne, has opened up about Neighbours' finale Credit: Instagram 5 Alan is currently performing his original songs on tour in the UK and Ireland Credit: Lime Tree Music However, it has decided against making more episodes beyond 2025 and Alan, who has played Dr Karl Kennedy for 31 years, believes executive producer Jason Herbison has crafted the perfect goodbye though, one which is very different from the last farewell. For its initial swansong, legends of the show's past returned, including Kylie Minogue, In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Advertisement READ MORE ON NEIGHBOURS "And, of course, he could never go anywhere near where we went last time. Now, that's done, that type of episode. So it's been really, really fantastic to work on this last ending. "I know the fans are going to love it. It'll go to air in December and it'll be adored." Having been saved once, fans might be holding out hope that another production company will intervene, but Alan doesn't think it's likely. "It'd be lovely if a TV saviour came along and said, 'oh no, let's keep Neighbours going', but I don't think that's very likely," he says. Advertisement Most read in News TV Exclusive His feelings towards Neighbours' retirement is very different this time round, with disappointment now replaced by satisfaction. A modern filming style and fresh team reinvigorated the programme and the product was noticeably more refined. I collapsed after being rescued from terrifying drowning on Neighbours set, reveals Karl Kennedy star Alan Fletcher "The first time around, I was gutted," he says. "I was gutted for the fans, I was gutted for everyone losing their job, but partly I was gutted because I felt like Neighbours had unfinished business . "And when Amazon bought the show back, suddenly the show was revitalised. It had a new energy , a new crew, and I think it just looked a million times better. We changed the way we shot the show. Advertisement "So by the time we got to the end this time, I think a lot of us just looked at each other and went, you know, we have just made 400 episodes of the highest quality TV drama that you could do on the budget. "If you think about how many shows are on Netflix that maybe do 16 or 13 shows in a season, we've done a hell of a lot of episodes, and they have been superb. So I just think we felt very proud at the end." While there's plenty of action to air between now and December, Karl's already been at the heart of some dark and challenging plotlines this year. He's fought to save his marriage to wife Susan as well as his health after growing addicted to painkillers, something that Susan's doctor nephew Darcy exploited. Advertisement "This is what we crave as actors, of course, because it gave, it gave a really great opportunity to explore Karl's flaws," says Alan. "We've all perhaps seen the series Dopesick about who becomes addicted to painkillers and Karl gets stuck in that maelstrom. But he doesn't want to be in it. He actually genuinely believes he's shaken his addiction. 5 Alan has played Karl for 31 years Credit: Rex 5 His latest single is called Back To School Credit: Lime Tree Music Advertisement "And then, of course, Darcy drugs him in a way by giving him painkillers without him knowing it. Yeah, a great, clever story and a wonderful way to finish up on the show." Alan is currently in the UK and Ireland on a 34-date music tour, playing his honest and occasionally comedic brand of Americana, alongside his band, which includes his wife of 35 years, Jennifer Hansen. Though the music is his sole focus, he's also on the lookout for a UK TV agent that could get him some roles on our shores. "Like a lot of Aussie actors, I would crave to come and work in the UK," he admits. "And I'm looking to try and find myself a UK agent because I think the UK makes some of the best television in the world. Advertisement "I think in terms of comedy , which I love to be involved in, the Brits are like the Australians. "We do understand satire and so there's incredibly sharp and witty television made here. And in terms of drama, the thing I really love about being in the UK is seeing how older actors, and I put myself in that bracket now, how older actors really get a good run on television and film . And some of the best UK actors, of course, are the older contingents. "You know, you name Australia so much. Generally, the main roles are taken by younger people. So, you know, I'd crave to work here." Before that comes to pass, Alan is on the promo trail for his latest single, Back To School , a poignant ballad on how to nurture a loving relationship. Advertisement "The title was about what I've learnt in studying philosophy, that love is something you can't take for granted, you have to really look at it," says Alan. "I mean, that's a bit of a cliche, but a lot of people don't spend the time. So it's really saying, let's get back to school and learn how to love. "It's a very musical, laid-back track, and it gets a great reaction from people." Both Alan and Jen went back to school, as it were, when they attended a lecture on love by philosopher Alain de Botton that helped to improve their own relationship. Advertisement "It was quite transformative for us, because it reminds us that perfect love is a bit of an 18th century creation," says Alan. "And in reality, we all love each other's flaws, rather than trying to change each other. "And once we heard that, and kind of accepted that, and went, 'yes, absolutely, that's what it is'. So now if either one of us in the relationship do something that the other one would normally think is annoying or troublesome, now we look at it and go, 'oh, it's adorable that you do that'. 5 The tour comprises of 34 dates and is underway now Credit: Lime Tree Music "So just accepting that we are who we are, and trying to change people, mold them to be the perfect human being, is a waste of time." Advertisement At the tail end of last year Alan also released a classic slice of Americana in Tell 'Em, a duet with Jennifer that tells the tale of lost love. "It really is the first cut, the deepest I suppose, that notion of the first relationship you have and how it kind of never leaves you, even though you break up and move on with your life and you have other loves, there's some little tiny part of you that's still wishes that somehow you've been able to work it out all those years ago. "So essentially just saying, look, I know we'll never be together, but I just think of you all the time, or in flashes." Both tracks will be joining Alan on his tour which is taking place now and runs until September. Advertisement Alan Fletcher's 2025 UK Tour and Ireland BACK TO SCHOOL UK TOUR DATES: July 22 – The Bedford – Balham July 23 – Studio 6 – Maidstone July 24 – The Factory Live – Worthing July 25 – The Attic – Southampton July 26 – The Steam and Whistle – Cheltenham July 27 – The Clarence Hall – Crickhowell July 29 – The Exeter Phoenix – Exeter July 30 – The Poly – Falmouth July 31 – The Hen and Chicken – Bristol Aug 1 – The Globe – Cardiff Aug 2 – St George's Hall – Bewdley Aug 3 – The Stables – Milton Keynes Aug 6 – The Portland Arms – Cambridge Aug 7 – The Garage – Norwich Aug 8 – The Witham Public Hall – Witham Aug 9 – The King Alfred Phoenix Theatre – London Aug 12 – The Sugar Club – Dublin Aug 13 – The Spirit Store – Dundalk Aug 14 – The Black Box – Belfast Sep 8 – The Gorleston Pavilion – Gorleston-on-Sea Sep 9 – The International – Leicester Sep 10 – Newhampton Arts Centre – Wolverhampton Sep 11 – Southside – Lincoln Sep 12 – The Yard – Manchester Sep 13 – Arts Club – Liverpool Sep 17 – The Wardrobe – Leeds Sep 18 – The Georgian Theatre – Stockton-on-Tees Sep 19 – Pocklington Arts Centre – East Yorkshire Sep 20 – Arts Centre Washington – Sunderland Sep 21 – The Voodoo Rooms – Edinburgh Sep 23 – The Blue Lamp – Aberdeen Sep 24 – Centre for Contemporary Arts – Glasgow Sep 25 – The Empress Ballroom – Mexborough Sep 26 – Castle & Falcon – Birmingham Buy tickets

Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher reveals secrets of show's final EVER episode as soap says goodbye again
Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher reveals secrets of show's final EVER episode as soap says goodbye again

Scottish Sun

time5 hours ago

  • Entertainment
  • Scottish Sun

Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher reveals secrets of show's final EVER episode as soap says goodbye again

FINAL CUT Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher reveals secrets of show's final EVER episode as soap says goodbye again NEIGHBOURS legend Alan Fletcher claims fans of the soap will "adore" the final ever episode when it airs in December. The long-running Australian show previously called it a day in 2022 before Amazon MGM Studios intervened and gave it a new lease of life. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Alan Fletcher, pictured with Jackie Woodburne, has opened up about Neighbours' finale Credit: Instagram 5 Alan is currently performing his original songs on tour in the UK and Ireland Credit: Lime Tree Music However, it has decided against making more episodes beyond 2025 and soap fans are once again mourning. Alan, who has played Dr Karl Kennedy for 31 years, believes executive producer Jason Herbison has crafted the perfect goodbye though, one which is very different from the last farewell. For its initial swansong, legends of the show's past returned, including Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Guy Pearce, delivering a heavy dose of nostalgia. In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Alan, 68, says: "He wanted to create episodes that were full of hope and full of community and the strength of community. And he's achieved it immaculately. "And, of course, he could never go anywhere near where we went last time. Now, that's done, that type of episode. So it's been really, really fantastic to work on this last ending. "I know the fans are going to love it. It'll go to air in December and it'll be adored." Having been saved once, fans might be holding out hope that another production company will intervene, but Alan doesn't think it's likely. "It'd be lovely if a TV saviour came along and said, 'oh no, let's keep Neighbours going', but I don't think that's very likely," he says. His feelings towards Neighbours' retirement is very different this time round, with disappointment now replaced by satisfaction. A modern filming style and fresh team reinvigorated the programme and the product was noticeably more refined. I collapsed after being rescued from terrifying drowning on Neighbours set, reveals Karl Kennedy star Alan Fletcher "The first time around, I was gutted," he says. "I was gutted for the fans, I was gutted for everyone losing their job, but partly I was gutted because I felt like Neighbours had unfinished business. "And when Amazon bought the show back, suddenly the show was revitalised. It had a new energy, a new crew, and I think it just looked a million times better. We changed the way we shot the show. "So by the time we got to the end this time, I think a lot of us just looked at each other and went, you know, we have just made 400 episodes of the highest quality TV drama that you could do on the budget. "If you think about how many shows are on Netflix that maybe do 16 or 13 shows in a season, we've done a hell of a lot of episodes, and they have been superb. So I just think we felt very proud at the end." While there's plenty of action to air between now and December, Karl's already been at the heart of some dark and challenging plotlines this year. He's fought to save his marriage to wife Susan as well as his health after growing addicted to painkillers, something that Susan's doctor nephew Darcy exploited. "This is what we crave as actors, of course, because it gave, it gave a really great opportunity to explore Karl's flaws," says Alan. "We've all perhaps seen the series Dopesick about who becomes addicted to painkillers and Karl gets stuck in that maelstrom. But he doesn't want to be in it. He actually genuinely believes he's shaken his addiction. 5 Alan has played Karl for 31 years Credit: Rex 5 His latest single is called Back To School Credit: Lime Tree Music "And then, of course, Darcy drugs him in a way by giving him painkillers without him knowing it. Yeah, a great, clever story and a wonderful way to finish up on the show." Alan is currently in the UK and Ireland on a 34-date music tour, playing his honest and occasionally comedic brand of Americana, alongside his band, which includes his wife of 35 years, Jennifer Hansen. Though the music is his sole focus, he's also on the lookout for a UK TV agent that could get him some roles on our shores. "Like a lot of Aussie actors, I would crave to come and work in the UK," he admits. "And I'm looking to try and find myself a UK agent because I think the UK makes some of the best television in the world. "I think in terms of comedy, which I love to be involved in, the Brits are like the Australians. "We do understand satire and so there's incredibly sharp and witty television made here. And in terms of drama, the thing I really love about being in the UK is seeing how older actors, and I put myself in that bracket now, how older actors really get a good run on television and film. And some of the best UK actors, of course, are the older contingents. "You know, you name Judi Dench and so forth and Olivia Colman. It's not something that happens in Australia so much. Generally, the main roles are taken by younger people. So, you know, I'd crave to work here." Before that comes to pass, Alan is on the promo trail for his latest single, Back To School, a poignant ballad on how to nurture a loving relationship. "The title was about what I've learnt in studying philosophy, that love is something you can't take for granted, you have to really look at it," says Alan. "I mean, that's a bit of a cliche, but a lot of people don't spend the time. So it's really saying, let's get back to school and learn how to love. "It's a very musical, laid-back track, and it gets a great reaction from people." Both Alan and Jen went back to school, as it were, when they attended a lecture on love by philosopher Alain de Botton that helped to improve their own relationship. "It was quite transformative for us, because it reminds us that perfect love is a bit of an 18th century creation," says Alan. "And in reality, we all love each other's flaws, rather than trying to change each other. "And once we heard that, and kind of accepted that, and went, 'yes, absolutely, that's what it is'. So now if either one of us in the relationship do something that the other one would normally think is annoying or troublesome, now we look at it and go, 'oh, it's adorable that you do that'. 5 The tour comprises of 34 dates and is underway now Credit: Lime Tree Music "So just accepting that we are who we are, and trying to change people, mold them to be the perfect human being, is a waste of time." At the tail end of last year Alan also released a classic slice of Americana in Tell 'Em, a duet with Jennifer that tells the tale of lost love. "It really is the first cut, the deepest I suppose, that notion of the first relationship you have and how it kind of never leaves you, even though you break up and move on with your life and you have other loves, there's some little tiny part of you that's still wishes that somehow you've been able to work it out all those years ago. "So essentially just saying, look, I know we'll never be together, but I just think of you all the time, or in flashes." Both tracks will be joining Alan on his tour which is taking place now and runs until September. Alan Fletcher's 2025 UK Tour and Ireland BACK TO SCHOOL UK TOUR DATES: July 22 – The Bedford – Balham July 23 – Studio 6 – Maidstone July 24 – The Factory Live – Worthing July 25 – The Attic – Southampton July 26 – The Steam and Whistle – Cheltenham July 27 – The Clarence Hall – Crickhowell July 29 – The Exeter Phoenix – Exeter July 30 – The Poly – Falmouth July 31 – The Hen and Chicken – Bristol Aug 1 – The Globe – Cardiff Aug 2 – St George's Hall – Bewdley Aug 3 – The Stables – Milton Keynes Aug 6 – The Portland Arms – Cambridge Aug 7 – The Garage – Norwich Aug 8 – The Witham Public Hall – Witham Aug 9 – The King Alfred Phoenix Theatre – London Aug 12 – The Sugar Club – Dublin Aug 13 – The Spirit Store – Dundalk Aug 14 – The Black Box – Belfast Sep 8 – The Gorleston Pavilion – Gorleston-on-Sea Sep 9 – The International – Leicester Sep 10 – Newhampton Arts Centre – Wolverhampton Sep 11 – Southside – Lincoln Sep 12 – The Yard – Manchester Sep 13 – Arts Club – Liverpool Sep 17 – The Wardrobe – Leeds Sep 18 – The Georgian Theatre – Stockton-on-Tees Sep 19 – Pocklington Arts Centre – East Yorkshire Sep 20 – Arts Centre Washington – Sunderland Sep 21 – The Voodoo Rooms – Edinburgh Sep 23 – The Blue Lamp – Aberdeen Sep 24 – Centre for Contemporary Arts – Glasgow Sep 25 – The Empress Ballroom – Mexborough Sep 26 – Castle & Falcon – Birmingham Buy tickets here

Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher reveals secrets of show's final EVER episode as soap says goodbye again
Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher reveals secrets of show's final EVER episode as soap says goodbye again

The Sun

time5 hours ago

  • Entertainment
  • The Sun

Neighbours legend Alan Fletcher reveals secrets of show's final EVER episode as soap says goodbye again

NEIGHBOURS legend Alan Fletcher claims fans of the soap will "adore" the final ever episode when it airs in December. The long-running Australian show previously called it a day in 2022 before Amazon MGM Studios intervened and gave it a new lease of life. 5 5 However, it has decided against making more episodes beyond 2025 and soap fans are once again mourning. Alan, who has played Dr Karl Kennedy for 31 years, believes executive producer Jason Herbison has crafted the perfect goodbye though, one which is very different from the last farewell. For its initial swansong, legends of the show's past returned, including Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Guy Pearce, delivering a heavy dose of nostalgia. In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Alan, 68, says: "He wanted to create episodes that were full of hope and full of community and the strength of community. And he's achieved it immaculately. "And, of course, he could never go anywhere near where we went last time. Now, that's done, that type of episode. So it's been really, really fantastic to work on this last ending. "I know the fans are going to love it. It'll go to air in December and it'll be adored." Having been saved once, fans might be holding out hope that another production company will intervene, but Alan doesn't think it's likely. "It'd be lovely if a TV saviour came along and said, 'oh no, let's keep Neighbours going', but I don't think that's very likely," he says. His feelings towards Neighbours' retirement is very different this time round, with disappointment now replaced by satisfaction. A modern filming style and fresh team reinvigorated the programme and the product was noticeably more refined. "The first time around, I was gutted," he says. "I was gutted for the fans, I was gutted for everyone losing their job, but partly I was gutted because I felt like Neighbours had unfinished business. "And when Amazon bought the show back, suddenly the show was revitalised. It had a new energy, a new crew, and I think it just looked a million times better. We changed the way we shot the show. "So by the time we got to the end this time, I think a lot of us just looked at each other and went, you know, we have just made 400 episodes of the highest quality TV drama that you could do on the budget. "If you think about how many shows are on Netflix that maybe do 16 or 13 shows in a season, we've done a hell of a lot of episodes, and they have been superb. So I just think we felt very proud at the end." While there's plenty of action to air between now and December, Karl's already been at the heart of some dark and challenging plotlines this year. He's fought to save his marriage to wife Susan as well as his health after growing addicted to painkillers, something that Susan's doctor nephew Darcy exploited. "This is what we crave as actors, of course, because it gave, it gave a really great opportunity to explore Karl's flaws," says Alan. "We've all perhaps seen the series Dopesick about who becomes addicted to painkillers and Karl gets stuck in that maelstrom. But he doesn't want to be in it. He actually genuinely believes he's shaken his addiction. 5 "And then, of course, Darcy drugs him in a way by giving him painkillers without him knowing it. Yeah, a great, clever story and a wonderful way to finish up on the show." Alan is currently in the UK and Ireland on a 34-date music tour, playing his honest and occasionally comedic brand of Americana, alongside his band, which includes his wife of 35 years, Jennifer Hansen. Though the music is his sole focus, he's also on the lookout for a UK TV agent that could get him some roles on our shores. "Like a lot of Aussie actors, I would crave to come and work in the UK," he admits. "And I'm looking to try and find myself a UK agent because I think the UK makes some of the best television in the world. "I think in terms of comedy, which I love to be involved in, the Brits are like the Australians. "We do understand satire and so there's incredibly sharp and witty television made here. And in terms of drama, the thing I really love about being in the UK is seeing how older actors, and I put myself in that bracket now, how older actors really get a good run on television and film. And some of the best UK actors, of course, are the older contingents. "You know, you name Judi Dench and so forth and Olivia Colman. It's not something that happens in Australia so much. Generally, the main roles are taken by younger people. So, you know, I'd crave to work here." Before that comes to pass, Alan is on the promo trail for his latest single, Back To School, a poignant ballad on how to nurture a loving relationship. "The title was about what I've learnt in studying philosophy, that love is something you can't take for granted, you have to really look at it," says Alan. "I mean, that's a bit of a cliche, but a lot of people don't spend the time. So it's really saying, let's get back to school and learn how to love. "It's a very musical, laid-back track, and it gets a great reaction from people." Both Alan and Jen went back to school, as it were, when they attended a lecture on love by philosopher Alain de Botton that helped to improve their own relationship. "It was quite transformative for us, because it reminds us that perfect love is a bit of an 18th century creation," says Alan. "And in reality, we all love each other's flaws, rather than trying to change each other. "And once we heard that, and kind of accepted that, and went, 'yes, absolutely, that's what it is'. So now if either one of us in the relationship do something that the other one would normally think is annoying or troublesome, now we look at it and go, 'oh, it's adorable that you do that'. 5 "So just accepting that we are who we are, and trying to change people, mold them to be the perfect human being, is a waste of time." At the tail end of last year Alan also released a classic slice of Americana in Tell 'Em, a duet with Jennifer that tells the tale of lost love. "It really is the first cut, the deepest I suppose, that notion of the first relationship you have and how it kind of never leaves you, even though you break up and move on with your life and you have other loves, there's some little tiny part of you that's still wishes that somehow you've been able to work it out all those years ago. "So essentially just saying, look, I know we'll never be together, but I just think of you all the time, or in flashes." Both tracks will be joining Alan on his tour which is taking place now and runs until September. Alan Fletcher's 2025 UK Tour and Ireland BACK TO SCHOOL UK TOUR DATES: July 22 – The Bedford – Balham July 23 – Studio 6 – Maidstone July 24 – The Factory Live – Worthing July 25 – The Attic – Southampton July 26 – The Steam and Whistle – Cheltenham July 27 – The Clarence Hall – Crickhowell July 29 – The Exeter Phoenix – Exeter July 30 – The Poly – Falmouth July 31 – The Hen and Chicken – Bristol Aug 1 – The Globe – Cardiff Aug 2 – St George's Hall – Bewdley Aug 3 – The Stables – Milton Keynes Aug 6 – The Portland Arms – Cambridge Aug 7 – The Garage – Norwich Aug 8 – The Witham Public Hall – Witham Aug 9 – The King Alfred Phoenix Theatre – London Aug 12 – The Sugar Club – Dublin Aug 13 – The Spirit Store – Dundalk Aug 14 – The Black Box – Belfast Sep 8 – The Gorleston Pavilion – Gorleston-on-Sea Sep 9 – The International – Leicester Sep 10 – Newhampton Arts Centre – Wolverhampton Sep 11 – Southside – Lincoln Sep 12 – The Yard – Manchester Sep 13 – Arts Club – Liverpool Sep 17 – The Wardrobe – Leeds Sep 18 – The Georgian Theatre – Stockton-on-Tees Sep 19 – Pocklington Arts Centre – East Yorkshire Sep 20 – Arts Centre Washington – Sunderland Sep 21 – The Voodoo Rooms – Edinburgh Sep 23 – The Blue Lamp – Aberdeen Sep 24 – Centre for Contemporary Arts – Glasgow Sep 25 – The Empress Ballroom – Mexborough Sep 26 – Castle & Falcon – Birmingham Buy tickets here

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