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Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE DJ Pete Tong makes rare comments about his kids as he admits his family have kept him 'grounded' throughout successful career
Pete Tong has opened up on how his family have 'kept him grounded' throughout his successful career. The DJ and Radio 1 star, 64, has become one of the biggest names in dance music over the years, and jets across the world to perform for adoring fans. And despite keeping his family life relatively private, Pete made rare comments about his kids in an exclusive interview with MailOnline this week. Pete shares three children with his ex-wife Deborah. Their marriage broke down in 2003. Pete also has another child and two step-children with his second wife Carolina Acosta, who he married in 2006. He explained how he tried to created a 'more regular environment' for his kids growing up, and admits they are the reason he still has a successful career. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Speaking on how he juggles the fame with his family life, Pete shared: 'It is definitely a challenge, and you learn a lot along the way. It also keeps you really grounded as well with that responsibility and that to go home to, and I would like to think that is a big reason why I'm still doing what I'm doing. 'When I started DJing, I made a decision early on that I would only do the bits I really wanted to do and loved. 'I didn't want to be on radio seven days a week and I didn't want to be gigging seven nights a week. I wanted to pick and choose. 'So I kind of always had a day job when I first started, as DJing wasn't seen to be the be all and end all and the money wasn't the same from when I started to what it is now so that created a more regular environment around my kids.' Speaking about his kids supporting him at sets, he explained: 'When they were young they started coming to things like Café Mambo. And then when they were too young to legally go to clubs is when the demand was highest that they wanted to go. 'When they first could go, they were around quite a bit. They've moved on and have their own lives now and are not necessarily interested in what I'm doing. 'Now I'm like, "do you want to come?" They tend to show up for the orchestra, I don't force them.' Several of Pete's kids have followed in his footsteps, including daughter Becky who is also a DJ. Pete and Jules are celebrating a decade of their Ibiza Classics with a string of shows at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall Meanwhile, his oldest son Joe is a music producer, while his other son Matt also partly works in the music industry. Pete is currently celebrating a decade of his and Jules Buckley's Ibiza Classics with a string of shows at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall. The pair first teamed up in 2015 to perform for BBC Proms, an annual summer series bringing daily classical music to the Royal Albert Hall, but have went on to tour Europe with the orchestra. Each of the four shows will feature unique programming, including appearances from guest vocalists Becky Hill, Jacob Lusk (Gabriels), Jazzy, Clementine Douglas, and Barbara Tucker. Guest DJs Seth Troxler, Damian Lazarus, David Morales, and Paul Oakenfold will also join the show. Speaking about returning to the Royal Albert Hall after ten years, he said: 'It is surreal and inspiring to come into such a historical place doing what we are doing. 'But it isn't a nightclub, so you treat it in a different way. We are all super excited to be back.' And fans will be thrilled to hear that Pete has no plans to stop after ten years: 'There was a time five years ago when we said we would probably end it if we made it to ten, but now we never want to end it!' Pete Tong Ibiza Classics is at the Royal Albert Hall, London, May 29-Jun 1. The broadcaster is also due to bring his acclaimed show to six UK arenas in December 2025. Kicking off in Glasgow on December 4, the upcoming run of shows also includes stop-offs in Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham. The tour will conclude with two gigs at The O2 in London on December 12 and 13.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
I'm grew up in one of the UK's most ‘boring' towns – it's anything but with Netflix filming and beautiful castles
It is even home to one of the UK's oldest hotels TOWN LIFE I'm grew up in one of the UK's most 'boring' towns – it's anything but with Netflix filming and beautiful castles Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN I was growing up in Grantham, it wasn't uncommon to hear the word 'boring' thrown around - and not just because I was a sullen teenager, In fact, the south-west Lincolnshire town where I whiled away my childhood had been branded dull on a number of occasions. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 I grew up in Grantham and it's anything but boring 8 The town is known for being the home of Margaret Thatcher - when it was first named a dull town by Radio 1 Credit: Alamy It was dubbed the 'most boring town in Britain' in a 1980 Radio One survey, when its most famous former resident, Margaret Thatcher, was prime minister. It still makes me chuckle that when Grantham received its 'Golden Yawn Award' almost half a century ago, one local suggested 'the only thing that ever came out of [it] was the A1' - and it 's a sentiment of tediousness that 'G-Town' residents have long internalised. That the town is still shorthand for 'monotony' is an unfortunate fact raised again by a new Daily Telegraph round-up that has made headlines in the past few weeks. Grantham sits amongst Stevenage, Surbiton and Swindon in the list of 'Britain's most boring towns'. However, now in my 30s, I can't help but disagree that, from things to do to sites to see, my hometown isn't so uninteresting after all. If you're into history, then Grantham has centuries of it - with sites arguably as impressive as nearby Stamford or Lincoln if you're after a weekend getaway in the area. There's the blue plaque to spy on the side of a shop on the town's North Parade where Thatcher was born in 1925 - which also happens to be a chiropractic clinic and natural therapy centre, called Living Health, if you fancy a massage too. There's likewise the Angel and Royal hotel - aged 821 years - which is believed to be one of the oldest hotels in the world, and has hosted no fewer than seven kings and queens. Even if you don't stay in one of its 31 bedrooms, you still pop in to the The Kings Room restaurant, as well as The Angel Bar - which serves cocktails and tapas. Just outside town, in the village of Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth, is the National Trust property Woolsthorpe Manor - the former home of Sir Isaac Newton. Grantham - underrated town of the Midlands It was from a tree at the premises that he famously saw the apple drop, leading to the discovery of gravity in 1666. Grantham has certainly had its brush with celebrity over the years, and usually as a filming location for iconic films and Netflix series. Belton House, a grand National Trust property on the edge of town - and a must-see in its own right - was famously enlisted for the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth. More recently, the 17th-century mansion was used for the Bridgerton spin-off Queen Charlotte - in which it doubles up as the interior for Kew Palace and the exterior for Buckingham House. Another fancy residence close by that is well worth a visit, Belvoir Castle was used to film The Da Vinci Code - with Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou and Ian McKellen spotted on set. 8 Belton House is a popular filming location Credit: Alamy 8 Bridgerton spin-off Queen Charlotte was filmed there Credit: LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX 8 The BBC's Pride & Prejudice also used the grounds as filming location As well as A-list royalty, plenty of real royalty have also passed through - including King Charles, who stayed over at Belton House during his training at RAF Cranwell in 1971. Currently, the most famous local residents are arguably Rebekah Vardy and her husband, Leicester City player Jamie, who live in a 12-bedroom mansion just outside of town. If you like a good catch-up over a cappuccino, things have come a long way since I was a kid when the best place for a caffeine hit in town was Costa. Westgate Bakery is just off the Market Place, which hosts a market every Saturday selling all manner of lovely local produce, from honey to veg. The 14th-century Grantham House, yet another National Trust property, is currently the talk of the town since opening a new cafe within its five acres of walled gardens in April. Other local favourites for a cuppa include Kitchen and Coffee and the café at Belton Garden Centre. 8 Belvoir Castle was used to film The Da Vinci Code Credit: Alamy 8 The Angel and Royal is one of the UK's oldest hotels Credit: Alamy The aforementioned Belvoir Castle's Retail Village is also great spot to spend an afternoon, and you can also pick up some nice bits from the farm shop too. Fancy something stronger? The Blue Pig, a 16th-century watering hole, is perfect for a pint, while The Tap & Tonic is unrivalled for cocktails. If you're after a way to blow off some steam - and perhaps have little ones in tow - then Grantham actually has plenty of things to do. The Grantham Meres Leisure Centre boasts a semi-Olympic-sized swimming pool, along with three leisure pools and its very own big windy slide. Feeling competitive? Grantham Bowl has 12 lanes and an American-style diner for refreshments, while you can go go-karting at Ancaster Leisure which has one of the biggest tracks in the region. In fact, for kids, you also can't go wrong with a trip to Belton House's adventure playground, which is the National Trust's largest in the country. For adults who fancy a bit of relaxation, then the country hotel Belton Woods is home to a popular spa and golf course. When I was growing up the cinema had just two screens and was a bit tired - however the shiny new five-screen Savoy Cinema multiplex was built on the same site and opened in 2019. One of my favourite free activities? A rural hike up to Belmont Tower - just a ten-minute drive outside town - from which you can see for miles on a clear day. So with the historic hotels, famous castles and new attractions - Grantham is anything but boring.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Radio 1 fans threaten to switch off as they slam ‘gross' decision and insist it's ‘not right'
As Vick Hope goes on maternity leave, fans are fuming at her replacement MIC DROP Radio 1 fans threaten to switch off as they slam 'gross' decision and insist it's 'not right' RADIO 1 fans have threatened to switch off as they slammed the latest 'gross' decision by bosses and insist it's 'not right'. The BBC station has announced the newest presenter to join the line-up. Advertisement 6 Vick Hope's replacement has been revealed as she goes on maternity leave Credit: Getty 6 Sophie Habboo will join her husband Jamie Laing to co-host the Going Home show Credit: Instagram/@bbcradio1 6 Longtime fans of the station flooded social media with their thoughts as they slammed the latest hiring Credit: The Mega Agency Greg James is the flagship presenter of the breakfast show and fans constantly praise his skill behind the mic. He was supported by the likes of former Strictly Come Dancing star Vick Hope who presents the Going Home show. She usually takes to the airwaves alongside Katie Thistleton and former Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing in the traditional drivetime slot. However, she will be taking a break from her presenting duties as she goes on maternity leave. Advertisement The station announced that her replacement will be none other than Jamie's wife Sophie Habboo. Loose Women presenter, influencer and former I'm A Celebrity campmate GK Barry will also join the presenting roster as she takes over the weekend afternoon show. Longtime fans have slammed the latest hiring by bosses after they announced the news. On the official social media account of BBC Radio 1, fans flocked to the comments section as they claimed the station has 'fallen' in standards. Advertisement One disgruntled listener fumed: "How far we've fallen from Vick and Jordan…" A second exclaimed: "There is something really gross, about two such privileged and independently wealthy (the Laings)given access to prime time national radio shows over people who have trained and studied for years in media." Vick Hope finally reveals pregnancy - and date she's going on maternity leave from BBC Radio One "Please get some good DJs back in the drive time slot. It's getting embarrassing," stated a third user. While someone else raged: "Wealthy Reality stars just being handed roles for nothing now. They're sooo unrelatable." Advertisement And a fifth added: "Im a big radio 1 fan but shouldve been jerry .....jamie and sophie is a bad move be a switch off for me sorry." Many longtime fans of the station directly blamed bosses for a decline as they hired 'influencers'. They slammed the decision not to look for upcoming talent or give the role to an existing cover presenter who has trained for the job 'for years'. Another fan noted: "Where is the dislike button? There are so many hard working and capable presenters covering gigs on R1 atm, how undermining that they weren't given the chance to show the listeners what they're capable of!!" Advertisement Someone else agreed" "Really glad I'm not the only one who was disappointed by this update. It really doesn't sit right with me when there's people trying so hard to get a break. It's a no from me I'm afraid." As a seventh fan stated: "Radio 1 turning into a constant influencer podcast.. what happened to actually knowing music to being a radio DJ! Many years of listening, only holding on for Greg! Time to switch!" Please get some good DJs back in the drive time slot. It's getting embarrassing Radio 1 fan While another added: "I think I'll be finding a different radio station to listen to for my 'going home' slot in the week now. "Something just doesn't sit right with me, that his wife has got the job… when there must be some amazing local talent & those that have worked really hard in the industry that will have been overlooked for celebrity privilege…" Advertisement 6 GK Barry will also join the lineup to take over a primetime slot Credit: Instagram/@bbcradio1 6 Fans were left enraged as they slammed bosses for simply hiring wealthy 'celebrities' and 'influencers' Credit: Instagram
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Radio 1 fans threaten to switch off as they slam ‘gross' decision and insist it's ‘not right'
MIC DROP As Vick Hope goes on maternity leave, fans are fuming at her replacement RADIO 1 fans have threatened to switch off as they slammed the latest 'gross' decision by bosses and insist it's 'not right'. The BBC station has announced the newest presenter to join the line-up. 6 6 Greg James is the flagship presenter of the breakfast show and fans constantly praise his skill behind the mic. He was supported by the likes of former Strictly Come Dancing star Vick Hope who presents the Going Home show. She usually takes to the airwaves alongside Katie Thistleton and former Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing in the traditional drivetime slot. However, she will be taking a break from her presenting duties as she goes on maternity leave. The station announced that her replacement will be none other than Jamie's wife Sophie Habboo. Loose Women presenter, influencer and former I'm A Celebrity campmate GK Barry will also join the presenting roster as she takes over the weekend afternoon show. Longtime fans have slammed the latest hiring by bosses after they announced the news. On the official social media account of BBC Radio 1, fans flocked to the comments section as they claimed the station has 'fallen' in standards. One disgruntled listener fumed: "How far we've fallen from Vick and Jordan…" A second exclaimed: "There is something really gross, about two such privileged and independently wealthy (the Laings)given access to prime time national radio shows over people who have trained and studied for years in media." Vick Hope finally reveals pregnancy - and date she's going on maternity leave from BBC Radio One "Please get some good DJs back in the drive time slot. It's getting embarrassing," stated a third user. While someone else raged: "Wealthy Reality stars just being handed roles for nothing now. They're sooo unrelatable." And a fifth added: "Im a big radio 1 fan but shouldve been jerry .....jamie and sophie is a bad move be a switch off for me sorry." Many longtime fans of the station directly blamed bosses for a decline as they hired ' influencers '. They slammed the decision not to look for upcoming talent or give the role to an existing cover presenter who has trained for the job 'for years'. Another fan noted: "Where is the dislike button? There are so many hard working and capable presenters covering gigs on R1 atm, how undermining that they weren't given the chance to show the listeners what they're capable of!!" Someone else agreed" "Really glad I'm not the only one who was disappointed by this update. It really doesn't sit right with me when there's people trying so hard to get a break. It's a no from me I'm afraid." As a seventh fan stated: "Radio 1 turning into a constant influencer podcast.. what happened to actually knowing music to being a radio DJ! Many years of listening, only holding on for Greg! Time to switch!" Please get some good DJs back in the drive time slot. It's getting embarrassing Radio 1 fan While another added: "I think I'll be finding a different radio station to listen to for my 'going home' slot in the week now. "Something just doesn't sit right with me, that his wife has got the job… when there must be some amazing local talent & those that have worked really hard in the industry that will have been overlooked for celebrity privilege…" 6 6
Edinburgh Live
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Vernon Kay seeks diagnosis with Tess Daly after 'feeling terrible' on air
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Vernon Kay has confessed to feeling "terrible", suspecting that he's been "diagnosed by the nation" with a potential health issue. During his stint on BBC Radio 2, Vernon revealed that he was feeling a "bit ropey" yesterday. This led the 51-year-old presenter to admit that he suffers from an allergy to seafood. This means that Vernon is unable to consume prawns or cockles - a variety of small edible shellfish. He claims to have discovered this allergy after undergoing a test. However, Vernon suspects he might need another test, as listeners have expressed concerns about his health. He shared this revelation after playing a jingle promoting the BBC iPlayer coverage of Radio 1's Big Weekend. It's estimated that around 100,000 people flocked to Liverpool's Sefton Park for the three-day festival last weekend. The line-up included performances from Tom Grennan, Mumford and Sons, Biffy Clyro, and Wet Leg, reports the Manchester Evening News. (Image:) Vernon said: "Radio 1, how are you feeling? A bit ropey, no, honestly, terrible, I'm sure I've eaten a prawn or a cockle. I'm allergic to cockles. When asked if it has been a "big problem", Vernon replied: "It's not like I stumble upon a pot of cockles on a regular basis, but you know when you do one of them tests where they check your blood. "I did it ages ago but I'm going to do another one because I talk about it on the radio and a lot of people think I might be lactose intolerant. Honestly, I've been diagnosed by the nation without having a face-to-face consultation. "Tess Daly from Strictly Come Dancing is going to do one and I'm going to do one as well. The last one I did, yeah, cockles." (Image: Getty Images) When asked if he had ever had a cockle, Vernon replied: "No. It's like dipping your foot in a pool of lava. 'Oh, I know that's dangerous, why don't I try it?' "Winkles were very popular on the beach at Blackpool and I think my mum and dad used to like them with a lot of vinegar, not for me. In the polystyrene cups you used to get winkles and cockles and clams and all that kind of stuff." Vernon found love with Tess Daly as they both seized the spotlight on competing broadcasters—Vernon on Channel 4 with T4 and Tess on ITV's SMTV Live. Their romance flourished, leading to their wedding on 12 September 2003 at St Mary's Catholic Church in Horwich, just outside Bolton. The power couple now enjoy family life in Buckinghamshire alongside their daughters Phoebe, 20, and Amber, 15. Following Ken Bruce's departure in 2023, Vernon Kay took over the mid-morning slot on Radio 2, having previously filled in for presenters like Rylan Clarke and Zoe Ball.
