Latest news with #NinjaWarriorUK
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Chris Kamara struggles to use stairs due to health woes
Chris Kamara struggles to use stairs due to health woes The 67-year-old star suffers from dyspraxia, which affects balance and coordination, and has trouble speaking due to having speech apraxia Kamara has issued a new update on his health battle (Image: James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images ) Chris Kamara struggles to use stairs due to his health problems. The 67-year-old star suffers from dyspraxia, which affects balance and coordination, and has trouble speaking due to having speech apraxia - which he was diagnosed with in 2022 - and now the former Sky Sports pundit admits the two disorders have made him "really weak". Chris told the Daily Star newspaper: "The brain cells tell you you're going to fall even though you probably won't, so you have to hold on to the bannister and getting on planes and things like that." The Ninja Warrior UK host joked that people may be delayed getting off a plane if they are stuck behind him because Chris needs to climb down staircases slowly. He quipped: "Don't be in the queue behind me because I'll be five minutes getting down those plane steps." The former professional football player has become a much-loved figure on TV screens over the years, but he is pickier in what work he does because of his dyspraxia and speech apraxia. Article continues below Chris admitted: "I still don't want to put myself in a situation where it comes back to bite me. "So I'm not like the old Chris Kamara who would say yes to the opening of an envelope." The Soccer Saturday legend and his wife Anne have children Ben, 40, and Jack, 38, as well as four grandchildren - Solomon, seven, Connie, seven, Billie, five, and Morgan, three - and Chris recently admitted he apologised to his family for not talking about his speech apraxia as he felt "embarrassed" by it. The former Bradford City manager told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I was embarrassed by my apraxia. "But once I got over it, which I have now, I realise your voice doesn't define who you are. I'm sorry to anyone who has a speech condition that I felt that way for so long. "I have accepted the way I speak now. And that's because of the work on my mental health. "My therapist told me that the day you accept your condition is the day you will start getting better. "I can be my own worst critic, but my speech has improved, and I'm fine with how I sound." Admitting he kicks himself for not explaining the situation to Anne, Ben and Jack more, Kamara added: "They spotted the signs [that I was struggling]. I should have talked to my wife Anne, for which I have apologised to her. I didn't tell my wife what was going on. Article continues below "My family would have supported me. Anne and my sons would have helped me."
The Courier
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Courier
Woman taken to hospital after being injured on slide at Dundee Funparx
A woman was taken to hospital after being injured on a slide at a Dundee family activity centre. The Scottish Ambulance Service was called to Funparx Dundee, off Balunie Drive, on Friday evening. A section of the park was closed while staff and paramedics dealt with the incident. The woman had landed on an inflatable surface and was advised not to move until her injuries were assessed. She was taken to Ninewells Hospital. Former Ninja Warrior UK contestant Ali Hay is behind Funparx. He commented: 'We opened four weeks ago near enough to the day and have had over 16,000 users on that slide, and have used it multiple times. 'We looked after the customer in every way possible. 'Our main priority was to make sure she was safe. When any incident happens involving an airbag bag we have to advise the person not to move. 'She followed our advice, and we called the paramedics. 'We gave our customers who were unable to use the area due to the incident an extra half hour for their session as we had to take it slow. 'The team did a great job. While we don't want any of our customers to be hurt, we have to do our best when it does happen and I am happy with how the team responded. 'The ambulance service gave good feedback to the team and the paramedics were great; we are really grateful for them.' A spokesperson for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: 'We received a call at 5.32pm on Friday to attend an incident on Balunie Drive in Dundee. 'We dispatched one ambulance to the scene and transported one female patient to Ninewells.' Funparx Dundee opened in the old Fun Factory in Douglas last month.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brutal reality of sports stars being seriously hurt on TV
Andrew Flintoff glares at the director of his eponymous documentary as he accuses television of treating him like 'a piece of meat'. 'Even you with your questions,' he tells John Dower in a gripping exchange about the horrific Top Gear crash that left him scarred for life and wishing he had died. 'I think that's the danger that TV falls into. And I found out the hard way, eventually,' Flintoff says towards the end of the Disney+ film. 'It's always more, isn't it? Everybody wants more. Everybody wants that thing that nobody has seen before. Everyone wants that bigger stunt. Everybody [thinks], 'Actually, in some ways, let's have that near-miss, because then that'll get viewers'. Everything's about viewers. Always. Always.' That Dower, an award-winning film-maker, agrees makes the exchange feel like a wake-up call to an industry that has long provided a second career for the country's most telegenic sporting stars but has not necessarily done so with their best interests in mind. Flintoff is among a rare breed whose popularity or personality have taken them beyond covering the sport that first made them famous. Before him came John Fashanu and Sharron Davies on Gladiators and Ian Wright, whose TV credits include presenting a reboot of the same programme and his own chat show. There was Chris Kamara, who fronted Ninja Warrior UK and Cash in the Attic. While Kriss Akabusi and Linford Christie both presented Record Breakers. More recently Jermaine Jenas hosted The One Show before sabotaging his BBC career and bid to succeed Gary Lineker on Match of the Day. And who would have thought life after Manchester United, Aston Villa and Coventry City would have involved Dion Dublin fronting Homes Under the Hammer? Of course, none of these names have suffered the kind of life-changing injuries during their broadcasting careers as Flintoff, who is now as famous for his near-fatal stint on Top Gear, and programmes such as A League of Their Own and a revival of Bullseye, as for his Ashes-winning heroics. But neither is the 47-year-old the only British sporting icon to be seriously hurt filming a television show. Olympic medallist Beth Tweddle suffered one of the worst injuries when she broke her back while appearing on The Jump. Davies, the Olympic swimming silver medallist who joined Gladiators in 1995 as 'Amazon', was forced to quit the following year after snapping the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while taking part in an event called Pyramid. 'With the knee, I just hauled this girl off the pyramid and she landed really awkward on it sideways and, obviously, the cruciate ligament just went,' Davies tells Telegraph Sport. 'I've had 10 operations since. I had an ACL reconstruction, had about 10 ops and I've got really bad arthritis in that knee because of it.' Comparing the likes of Pyramid with the events played in the current BBC Gladiators reboot, she adds: 'It wouldn't get past health and safety now. It literally wouldn't. Nowadays, health and safety is very different, which is why a lot of the games are much tamer than they were in the '90s.' Davies says she received a 'small payout' of around £20,000, which even taking into account inflation, was a tiny fraction of the £9 million Flintoff reportedly got from the BBC after his accident. She adds: 'The health and safety was definitely a lot more lax and we did have quite a few injuries. People falling off Pole-Axe and hurting necks and all sorts of things.' Davies also says she suffered 'two broken ribs and all sorts of issues' while taking part in Dancing on Ice in 2010. 'I carried on as long as I possibly could but the problem is, me being so very tall, the dynamics of what we were doing just, every time I got picked up, they were just squeezing my ribs, so it was absolutely difficult. And, in the end, the hospital were saying, 'Look, if you're not careful, you'll end up with a punctured lung'.' Davies, who did not quit the show but was voted off, adds: 'I had injections in my shoulder. I had all sorts of things going on.' Even her stint presenting The Big Breakfast in the mid-1990s was not without its health challenges. 'I ended up getting bronchiolitis, which I'd never done in my life, because I was getting up at three-o'clock in the morning.' she says. 'It's like a very, very bad chest infection and I just couldn't get rid of it.' Yet, the 61-year-old says she is 'philosophical' about the physical toll all this has taken on her, particularly a knee injury she had a 'clean out' on as recently as December. 'You know what you're saying yes to,' she says. 'And then you have to be aware that things happen.' She blames Flintoff's life-changing injuries on 'whoever's fault it was to not make him wear a crash helmet' while he was driving a three-wheeled open-top roadster. 'That was a serious mistake. I'm not sure that you'd be getting all this from Andrew now if it wasn't for the fact that he'd had that accident.' Indeed, Flintoff's own wife and agent respectively claim he was 'looking for that buzz that he had from playing cricket' and that he became 'a daredevil' on Top Gear 'because he naturally challenges himself'. Davies says: 'Someone like Andrew got offered all of these incredible opportunities to go and do risky things because of the type of person he was. And, because of the type of person he was, he said yes. And he went off and he enjoyed most of them. And, the weird thing is, had that accident not happened, who's to say that he wouldn't still be doing Top Gear?' Davies did quit one show, Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls, which she appeared on in 2017. 'I wish I'd said 'no thank you' to Bear Grylls: The Island. That was quite horrible,' she says. 'This is literally where they dump you on an island with a machete and just leave you there. And we didn't have any food for nine days. Nothing. No water for three days, which is way worse. 'We all ended up with swamp hands and swamp feet, where you're so wet that they swell up three times the size. Oh, God. It was horrendous. It really was horrendous!' She claims she quit after programme-makers failed to honour an agreement to let her have contact with home 'every couple of days' due to a family member suffering a bereavement shortly before she was due to take part. 'After three weeks on the island, I just went, 'F--- this, I'm going home', because I am now petrified that something's happening.' The production company behind the programme, which last aired in 2018, did not respond to a request for comment. Davies branded reality television 'absolutely mercenary', adding: 'They are mercenary to members of the general public who want their five minutes of fame, and they will just go on to the next person. And they don't care about the consequences. Because it's fodder. You are fodder.' This is not a view shared by Phil Tufnell, the last England cricketer before Flintoff to make the leap from that sport into mainstream television. That owed everything to him winning I'm a Me Out of Here! in 2003. 'It was great fun! I thoroughly enjoyed it,' he says of his time on the programme's second series. His triumph paved the way for a TV career that included a stint as captain on the original sports-themed comedy panel show They Think It's All Over and a remarkable 13 years in the same role on A Question of Sport before he, Sue Barker and Matt Dawson were axed from the programme by the BBC. Tufnell, who has also made numerous appearances as a reporter for The One Show, says he has yet to watch the Flintoff documentary and sidesteps questions about his former England team-mate's view of the TV industry. Asked if he can recall any negative experiences of his own, he replies: 'Not particularly. Like in sport, you come and go.' He adds of Flintoff: 'I kind of understand what he means that, one minute, you're captain of England and then, the next minute, you're not. And, so, you have to sort of reinvent yourself a little bit perhaps.' Tufnell says he can recall few offers within television that he has turned down beyond one for him to 'pose naked' – 'I thought to myself, 'I don't think I'll do that'' – and another for him to host the Playboy Channel – 'I'm glad I gave that one a miss!' Despite being one of sport's big crossover stars, he says he does not know why he and the likes of Flintoff had managed to move into mainstream television when others had not. He adds of his own transition: 'I just went along, all ears, kept my eyes open, and was enthusiastic. If you're enthusiastic about things, it gets you quite a long way, I find, and if you've got energy and – as my father always said – keep a smile on your face, and you just go along, and if you're doing things that are interesting [that helps].' Jeremy Guscott was among the first stars of rugby union to branch out from punditry duties on the likes of the Six Nations. Starting in regional television, the former Bath and England centre was still playing when he was thrust into Saturday night primetime TV by replacing Fashanu on Gladiators. He also worked on daytime television on City Hospital. Comparing his own experience of the industry with that of Flintoff, Guscott says: 'I was treated really, really well.' He also says that, unlike Davies, he 'didn't see' anything during his own time on Gladiators that was a cause for concern. 'Being a Gladiator, it's hard,' he says. 'But I think you're hoping that your agent's signed you up to something and you might be old enough or wise enough or streetwise enough to know what's good and what's not and what your aftercare might be. I played rugby, you signed a contract. You got a lawyer to read it over and you got your medical insurance in place. Or you didn't.' Guscott admits there was one thing he did not enjoy about the show, and about TV more generally. 'I don't think I'm built to memorise script,' he says, recalling getting the names of contenders 'muddled up' on Gladiators and having to reshoot whole sequences. He also reveals he said no to I'm A Celebrity… – 'I'm not good with creepy crawlies' – as well as to celebrity ski-jumping show The Jump, which he says was due to the risk of getting seriously hurt. No show has injured more of Britain's sporting idols than The Jump, which aired between 2014 and 2017. Sir Steve Redgrave (broken hand), Sir Bradley Wiggins (broken leg), Rebecca Adlington (dislocated shoulder), Christie (hamstring) and Tweddle (broken back) were all forced to quit the programme. Even 2016 winner Ben Cohen (face) was among the 34 celebrities hurt during the show's four-year run (Tufnell took part in 2015 when he was the first contestant eliminated). It never returned after Tweddle sued programme makers over her injury, saying: 'I'm not sure I'll ever be 100 per cent again.' Telegraph Sport has been told production company Twofour admitted liability after initially denying responsibility. It did not respond to requests for comment about a case which, according to court documents, was eventually closed in October 2022, not long before Flintoff's Top Gear crash. Whether television heeds the wake-up call Flintoff delivers in his documentary remains to be seen. But if all that has befallen him fails to convince television that it needs to change then nothing ever will.
Wales Online
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
10 fun things to do in Wales with the kids this May half term
All of the following businesses have paid to feature in this article. As the May half term approaches, it can be difficult to think of ways to keep the kids entertained. Fortunately, we've found 10 great places located right here in Wales that you can visit, making an action-packed holiday that promises fun-filled memories to last a lifetime. There are plenty of family-friendly adventures and activities across Wales to make this half term one of the best yet. From thrill seekers and nature lovers to creative enthusiasts and animal fanatics, there's something for everyone. Ninja Warrior UK Swansea (Image: Ninja Warrior UK) Get the little and big kids active this half term with incredible fixed obstacle courses and a giant inflatable obstacle course inspired by the hit ITV show, Ninja Warrior UK. Ninjas of all ages can take on obstacles such as hanging cheeseboards, stepping stones, balance beams, and the famous wall. With sessions starting from £10 per person for an entire hour, Ninja Warrior UK Swansea can help you keep the kids entertained and active during the holidays. Plus, Ninja Warrior UK has launched May madness offers* where you can enjoy two-for-one on all one-hour, 90-minute, and two-hour sessions with the code 'MADMAY' at checkout. Find out more: visit *Terms and conditions apply. See website for full information. Offer ends May 31, 2025. Kart Kingdom (Image: Kart Kingdom) Located in the heart of South Wales in a WW2 aircraft hangar, Kart Kingdom offers an indoor karting experience like no other. Boasting equal performance karts, exciting racing technology and a fun, competitive environment for all ages, this premier indoor go-karting venue is a must-visit this half term. Visitors can even try some 4×4 driving on a specially designed off-road course or get behind the wheel of a massive 44-tonne lorry. Group bookings and corporate events are welcome and you can even hire the track out for your exclusive use. Whether you're near Cardiff, Swansea, or Newport, you're just a short drive away from the fun and adrenaline of Kart Kingdom. Find out more: visit Tredegar House (Image: National Trust Images, Trevor Ray Hart) This May half term, from May 24 to June 1, wander into spring at Tredegar House and celebrate the beauty of blossom. The Blossom Spotter Trail is a chance to slow down, look closer, and connect with nature in all its floral glory, set against the stunning backdrop of one of Wales' finest 17th-century estates. The gardens will be bursting with seasonal colour, and trail cards will offer fascinating facts about different plant species. Inside the mansion house, keep your eyes peeled for blossom-inspired motifs tucked into carvings, paintings, and ornate ceilings. No pre-booking is required. Normal admission applies, and National Trust members get free entry. Find out more: visit WWT Llanelli (Image: Aardman Animations Ltd 2024) WWT Llanelli has partnered with British animation studio Aardman and the Royal Entomological Society to bring families an exciting minibeast wetlands adventure unlike any they've seen before. The Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt, taking place until June 1, offers families an opportunity to dive into the wonderful world of insects alongside well-known comedy character, housefly Lloyd, who features in Aardman's children's comedy series, Lloyd of the Flies. Families can also 'shrink down' to fly size and see the world through an insect's eyes by downloading Aardman's augmented reality app. Find out more: search WWT Llanelli at for more information. BBC Cymru Wales (Image: Patrick Olner) This summer, step into the future of broadcasting at the BBC's newest and most advanced studios at Central Square in Cardiff. Join friendly guides for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the modern television and radio studios, following in the footsteps of some of Wales' famous faces. Explore the exciting studios, featuring new technology such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and robotic cameras. BBC Cymru Wales has received a coveted Visit Wales gold award and Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award for the quality of its tours. Find out more: visit Folly Farm (Image: Drew Buckley) From humble beginnings to the multi-award-winning 120-acre attraction you see today, Folly Farm is a brilliant day out. A trip to the Jolly Barn gets you up close to your favourite farmyard friends, while the zoo is an opportunity to peer at penguins, gaze at giraffes, look at lions or peek at patas monkeys. You'll find 18 lovingly restored rides in the Vintage Fairground, plus numerous indoor and outdoor play areas. Didn't fit it all in? Folly Farm offers a 'free return within seven days' offer*, or you can 'stay and play' at its award-winning Holiday Park. Find out more: visit *Terms and conditions apply. You must collect your free return visit card from admissions staff and have it validated before you leave the park. Dyffryn Gardens (Image: National Trust Images, James Dobson) Experience Helios at Dyffryn Gardens from May 23 to 26 and May 29 to June 1. With rippling lights, solar imagery and sounds of the sun recorded by NASA, this is a unique opportunity to see this audio-visual wonder outdoors. And seeing Helios isn't all there is to do – there'll be solar-themed crafts, a dressing-up station with space-themed costumes (for both humans and dogs), creative kits so that you can make your own Helios-inspired artwork, a sun trail around the gardens, and more. On May 27 and 28, Helios will not be on display, but all the other crafts and activities will still be on. Normal admission applies, and National Trust members get free entry. Find out more: visit Better leisure centres (Image: Better) Come for the adventure, stay for the fun - discover a world of adventure for all ages this school holiday at your local Better leisure centre. Penylan Library and Community Centre's soft play is perfect for children aged 10 and under, and its dedicated under-two sensory area means your little ones can explore and have fun in safe surroundings. There are also fun swims with toys and floats in the indoor swimming pools, a giant inflatable obstacle course, and off-road cycle tracks. Enjoy spending time together and keep the whole family active, with dedicated adult and junior gym sessions (juniors must be aged 11 to 17). Find out more: visit for more information and to book. The Red Dragon Centre (Image: The Red Dragon Centre) Looking for half-term fun that keeps the whole family smiling? Head to The Red Dragon Centre in Cardiff Bay – the one-stop destination for toddlers, tweens, and teens. Dive into big-screen action, bowl your way to victory at the epic lanes, and take on the arcades for some serious high-score glory. Feeling peckish? Refuel like champions with a mouth-watering mix of restaurants. With up to six hours of free parking and a jam-packed Community Fun Day on May 28, it's the perfect spot for a day of laughs, games, and memory-making - all under one roof, so rain never ruins the fun. Find out more: visit to plan your adventure now. Continental Circus Berlin (Image: Continental Circus Berlin) Continental Circus Berlin presents 'Wunderbar', an amalgamation of thrilling circus acts from all four corners of the globe, including fantastic EXTREME® performers and high-level talent that has to be seen to be believed. This truly is a show with something for everyone, whether you're a petrolhead, thrill-seeker, theatre-goer, or simply looking to experience one of the most exciting live events of the year. Continental Circus Berlin will be in Cardiff from Friday, May 16 to Sunday, June 1, 2025. The show runs for approximately two hours and takes place in a climate-controlled, theatre-style Big Top with comfortable seating. Find out more: visit for tickets.
