Latest news with #NigelMartin-Smith
South Wales Argus
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
The Take That Experience coming to Blackwood in September
The Take That Experience will perform at Blackwood Miners' Institute on September 12, bringing to life more than 30 years of Take That's biggest hits with their Greatest Hits Tour. Known for their 'acclaimed vocal performances, stunning replica costumes and iconic dance routines,' the group have spent more than a decade delivering a live show that pays tribute to the legendary band. Nigel Martin-Smith, the man who originally formed Take That, said: "The closest thing to Take That." The show features fan favourites from across Take That's career, including Pray, Relight My Fire, Patience, Shine, These Days, and Rule the World. The performance also includes a tribute to Robbie Williams, with renditions of Angels, Rock DJ, and Candy. An audience member said: "A show you'll never forget." The Take That Experience promise more than just an evening of music for fans. A spokesman for the group said: "This show is a must for any Take That fan as the boys don't just give you a night you'll never forget... they give you The Take That Experience."
The Herald Scotland
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Emmerdale's Jay Kontzle's Britain's Got Talent popstar past
However, Emmerdale isn't the first time Jay has been known for his TV appearances. Jay was a member of boyband The Mend, formed in 2008 by former Take That manager Nigel Martin-Smith. They first appeared on TV on The X Factor in 2011, but left abruptly when it was revealed that having a management deal was a rule break. Jay pictured with The Mend on Britain's Got Talent in 2012. (Image: ITV/ Britain's Got Talent) In 2012 The Mend then auditioned for Britain's Got Talent and made it all the way to final – receiving praise from head judge Simon Cowell. Although The Mend broke up in 2015, they went on to tour with the likes of Little Mix and secured a dedicated fanbase. While reflecting on his popstar days, he told Cheshire Live: "Being part of The Mend was a huge life experience for me and some of the best times of my life. "Obviously, being on tour and performing live on TV gave me so much experience, but as we grew older, we realised that as a boy band that catered for teenagers, we couldn't keep re-inventing ourselves." Recommended reading: Jay decided to take a different career route after his boyband days, and made the role of Billy his own in Emmerdale. Viewers were keen to tune in to see his on-screen antics with wife Dawn and the challenges they faced. Jay's acting credits before Emmerdale include Fresh Meat with Jack Whitehall, a role in Diana and I, a Moonpig advert and behind-the-scenes work on the films Underwater and Bring Back My Bonnie, reports The Mirror.
