Latest news with #Room101
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The King playing a carrot is inspiration for a new pastime
Little gets me excited as I have reached 'an' age where nothing seems new. That perception was shattered recently however by, of all people, our sausage-fingered monarch in chief. As another week of cutting ribbons and feigning interest at the latest royal appointment drew to a close, he looked genuinely excited at meeting the London Vegetable Orchestra. Beaming with joy, he picked up a carrot recorder and played, badly, a tune, as those around him fawned as if it were the second coming of Elvis. I was enthralled as to how, as a fan of the eccentric, this genius idea for a 'pastime' had passed me by and I am now planning a visit to my local Sainsbury's produce aisle to get in on the act. The orchestra proudly, and quite rightly, describes itself as the UK's 'only' ensemble dedicated to 'homegrown' entertainment. Sadly, as one with no musical talent whatsoever, membership is not open to the general public with all members being past or present professional musicians with links to the Royal Academy of Music. A decade on from their inception, they number courgettes, peppers, butternut squashes and potatoes among their alma mater and they have appeared regularly on the box on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, Room 101, and 'Let's do Lunch' with Gino and Mel, before Gino was put on toast. I can't wait to see them live and I am rooting (sorry) for them as they continue to be fully booked as punters enjoy Elvis Parsley's 'Blue Swede Shoes' and 'Billie Aubergine'. The orchestra numbers a 'chef' among their ensemble as they continue to take bookings for festivals, concerts and private parties. Lord knows they can even afford a Who-style instrument trash at the end of each gig, before hollowing out another root vegetable in lieu of a bongo drum. Now excuse me if, by this point, I am raving a little too much about what is, in effect, a cultural throwaway, but to me, it is a new version of the cheese rolling in Gloucestershire or La Tomatina in Spain, and adds yet another eccentric string to our bow. I am left hoping that, if aliens ever do land on planet earth, they happen upon a vegetable orchestra gig and turn straight back to whence they came. Sadly, my research however has led to me being a tad let down as the original vegetable orchestra was formed in that hotbed of musical excellence, Austria, some years ago. The songs they play may well have some Austrian-based punnery but it's hard to tell as I don't speak any other tongue besides English and I still haven't mastered that if truth beknown. But as we bid farewell for another seven days my dear readership, I am left in the kitchen formulating a band courtesy of a potato peeler, a sharp paring knife and an apple corer, as I aim to go big and send a demo in to Simon 'Trowel' who may be able to water my musical seed. My plan is to introduce a marrow trumpet, a pumpkin snare drum and put a complex series of holes into a yam to construct a yamonica (sorry) in which to while away the hours until the next eccentric madness darkens my door… Brett Ellis is a teacher
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Fashion fans left divided as iconic noughties trend is BACK in stores for summer – but many slam it as ‘cheap and tacky'
FASHION fans have been left totally divided after spotting an iconic noughties trend that has made its way back to the high-street. After going into fashion Room 101, the frock that defined the noughties has successfully fought its way back - but many are fuming and are describing it as 'cheap and tacky'. 4 Shoppers have been left totally divided after spotting an iconic noughties trend back on the high-street Credit: tiktok/@christievian/ 4 But while many were desperate to live out their "early 2000 dreams", others slammed the trend as "tacky" Credit: tiktok/@christievian/ 4 House of CB took to Instagram to announce the news Credit: Instagram/houseofcb 4 The new Sculpt Midi Bandage Dresses will set shoppers back £169 Credit: Instagram/houseofcb The bandage dress first hit the catwalk back in 1989 as the grand finale of Hervé Léger's runway show, but it wasn't until the likes of Victoria Beckham and other celebrities went crazy for the dresses in the 00s that they became mainstream. Women were scrambling to get their hands on the high-street versions of the designer gowns, made with thick strips of fabric which work to 'bandage' your shape and flatten out problem areas. And now, shoppers will again be able to get their hands on the iconic bandage dresses, as they are now back in House of CB. The much-loved chain took to Instagram to share the exciting news, leaving many totally stunned. Alongside the social media post showing off the new frocks, the chain penned: 'She's baaaaaack. Shop the birthday bandage collection now and be ready to serve some cake.' According to those at House of CB, one of the 'most iconic party dresses is back for another dance'. The heavyweight stretch fabric of these £169 Sculpt Midi Bandage Dresses, which are available in a number of different colours and styles, features unique tension properties that contour your body and create curves to envy. The dresses are now elevated with even more definition around the bust and waistline, as well as flattering halter neck straps and a low scooped back that shows just the right amount of skin. A fashionista from London named Christie, was gobsmacked to see the figure hugging frocks back in stores and took to social media to share the news with others. Posting online, the content creator gave her followers a close-up look at the House of CB dresses and gasped: 'Bandage dresses are BACK??!!' M&S' must-have summer holiday dresses She then questioned: 'I fear I want one?' The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @christievian, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 227,900 views, 23,000 likes and 215 comments. I can't shake the tacky vibes I get from them TikTok user But social media users were left divided by the return of bandage dresses - while some were overjoyed at the news, others slammed the frocks as 'cheap.' One person said: 'Love it! I remember I bought my first bandage dress at 20 back in 2007.' Fashion editor reveals the 90s trends that should stay in the past NINETIES and noughties trends especially have become a hit with Gen Z - most likely because they didn't wear them the first time round. Here, Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale gives the rundown of some of the trends that have made a comeback that we wish did not. Disc belts "A hit with celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Blake Lively, the belt itself did nothing that a belt should actually do - it was a mere fashion statement, not a piece to actually hold anything up. "And it seems it's not just me who is enraged by its return, with many taking to TikTok to give their views, saying: 'Oh no not the disc belt! I don't think I have the energy for it a 2nd time around' - I feel you." Jelly shoes "After not being seen on shelves for decades, they've made a reappearance and this time they're not just for kids. "Coming in a range of colourful patterns, you can get them all over the high street in either flat or heeled versions. "Not only will you look very childish wearing such shoes, but people will also need to learn that they aren't the comfiest - blister plasters will come in handy." Pedal pushers "The cropped knee-grazing trouser were all the rage in the 1990s and 2000s, but this time the model fash pack are all over them - with both Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski wearing them out recently. "The original IT girls, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot helped make the trousers - also called Capri pants - look effortlessly cool and glam. "Somehow this time round they don't seem to be having that same effect." Another added: 'I can live my early 2000 dreams.' A third commented: 'YEEEEESSSS SORRY BUT I LOVE IT.' However, at the same time, someone else sighed: 'I can't get behind it, I'm sorry.' Love it! I remember I bought my first bandage dress at 20 back in 2007 TikTok user A second disappointed shopper slammed: 'They're trying to make 2016 happen but it's too early. Give it 10 years at least!! This isn't how vintage and nostalgia works…' Not only this, but another expressed: 'They went away for a reason!' Meanwhile, one woman penned: 'I can't shake the tacky vibes I get from them.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Leader Live
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Frank Skinner marries long-term girlfriend after proposals rejected four times
Skinner, 68, previously presented The Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio's breakfast slot for 15 years, leaving the station in May 2024, and now hosts the podcast Frank Off The Radio alongside co-hosts Emily Dean and Pierre Novellie. Speaking during an episode released on Friday, Skinner told his co-hosts that the pair got married on Monday at Camden Town Hall after being together for 24 years. He said: 'You'll never guess what I did on Monday. I got married. 'Don't be offended. We didn't invite anyone. We got married on the stairs, not in a room, but on the stairs at Camden Town Hall. 'What the thing that no one ever says about getting married is it's quite embarrassing. How can I put it? It's a bit basic, getting married.' In an interview with The Sun in 2024, the comedian shared that he proposed and got rejected by Mason, a talent agent, four times. When she agreed to his latest proposal, he said Mason told him that she did not want to have a big party with lots of guests or wear a white dress but instead wore a 'flowery dress'. The couple share a son together, Buzz, who Skinner said attended the wedding as a witness. He said: 'We had our child there. I think you have to have them now to a modern marriage, it's like something old, something new, something boring, something blue and your children.' He also added that the pair entered to the song Lie Dream Of A Casino Soul by The Fall. He said: 'That sounds gimmicky. That sounds like getting married by Elvis in Vegas. But in fact, The Fall meant so much to me and Cath when we were in our early days, so it was actually quite an emotional thing.' When asked why they decided to get married, he said: 'I don't know why I just thought maybe I got too much money. I'll give her half of it in about five years' time.' The comedian is best known for presenting BBC One's comedy talk show Room 101 and several series of Portrait/Landscape Artist Of The Year for Sky Arts. He was made an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours list and presented on Absolute Radio since 2009, and was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame in December 2015. His show won a number of gold awards at the Radio Academy's Audio And Radio Industry Awards (Arias), including best entertainment/comedy production in 2017 and best community programming for his conversation with Al Gore.
South Wales Guardian
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Frank Skinner marries long-term girlfriend after proposals rejected four times
Skinner, 68, previously presented The Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio's breakfast slot for 15 years, leaving the station in May 2024, and now hosts the podcast Frank Off The Radio alongside co-hosts Emily Dean and Pierre Novellie. Speaking during an episode released on Friday, Skinner told his co-hosts that the pair got married on Monday at Camden Town Hall after being together for 24 years. He said: 'You'll never guess what I did on Monday. I got married. 'Don't be offended. We didn't invite anyone. We got married on the stairs, not in a room, but on the stairs at Camden Town Hall. 'What the thing that no one ever says about getting married is it's quite embarrassing. How can I put it? It's a bit basic, getting married.' In an interview with The Sun in 2024, the comedian shared that he proposed and got rejected by Mason, a talent agent, four times. When she agreed to his latest proposal, he said Mason told him that she did not want to have a big party with lots of guests or wear a white dress but instead wore a 'flowery dress'. The couple share a son together, Buzz, who Skinner said attended the wedding as a witness. He said: 'We had our child there. I think you have to have them now to a modern marriage, it's like something old, something new, something boring, something blue and your children.' He also added that the pair entered to the song Lie Dream Of A Casino Soul by The Fall. He said: 'That sounds gimmicky. That sounds like getting married by Elvis in Vegas. But in fact, The Fall meant so much to me and Cath when we were in our early days, so it was actually quite an emotional thing.' When asked why they decided to get married, he said: 'I don't know why I just thought maybe I got too much money. I'll give her half of it in about five years' time.' The comedian is best known for presenting BBC One's comedy talk show Room 101 and several series of Portrait/Landscape Artist Of The Year for Sky Arts. He was made an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours list and presented on Absolute Radio since 2009, and was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame in December 2015. His show won a number of gold awards at the Radio Academy's Audio And Radio Industry Awards (Arias), including best entertainment/comedy production in 2017 and best community programming for his conversation with Al Gore.
Glasgow Times
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Frank Skinner marries long-term girlfriend after proposals rejected four times
Skinner, 68, previously presented The Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio's breakfast slot for 15 years, leaving the station in May 2024, and now hosts the podcast Frank Off The Radio alongside co-hosts Emily Dean and Pierre Novellie. Speaking during an episode released on Friday, Skinner told his co-hosts that the pair got married on Monday at Camden Town Hall after being together for 24 years. Frank Skinner and Cath Mason arriving for the opening gala performance of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child (Yui Mok/PA) He said: 'You'll never guess what I did on Monday. I got married. 'Don't be offended. We didn't invite anyone. We got married on the stairs, not in a room, but on the stairs at Camden Town Hall. 'What the thing that no one ever says about getting married is it's quite embarrassing. How can I put it? It's a bit basic, getting married.' In an interview with The Sun in 2024, the comedian shared that he proposed and got rejected by Mason, a talent agent, four times. When she agreed to his latest proposal, he said Mason told him that she did not want to have a big party with lots of guests or wear a white dress but instead wore a 'flowery dress'. The couple share a son together, Buzz, who Skinner said attended the wedding as a witness. Frank Skinner hosts the podcast Frank Off The Radio (Ian West/PA) He said: 'We had our child there. I think you have to have them now to a modern marriage, it's like something old, something new, something boring, something blue and your children.' He also added that the pair entered to the song Lie Dream Of A Casino Soul by The Fall. He said: 'That sounds gimmicky. That sounds like getting married by Elvis in Vegas. But in fact, The Fall meant so much to me and Cath when we were in our early days, so it was actually quite an emotional thing.' When asked why they decided to get married, he said: 'I don't know why I just thought maybe I got too much money. I'll give her half of it in about five years' time.' The comedian is best known for presenting BBC One's comedy talk show Room 101 and several series of Portrait/Landscape Artist Of The Year for Sky Arts. He was made an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours list and presented on Absolute Radio since 2009, and was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame in December 2015. His show won a number of gold awards at the Radio Academy's Audio And Radio Industry Awards (Arias), including best entertainment/comedy production in 2017 and best community programming for his conversation with Al Gore.
