Latest news with #Sandi
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Great British Bake Off's Sandi Toksvig says exactly why she left show
Great British Bake Off's Sandi Toksvig says exactly why she left show In 2020, TV presenter Sandi Toksvig shocked Great British Bake Off fans when she announced she was quitting the nation's favourite baking show after just three years Sandi Toksvig left The Great British Bake Off in 2020 (Image: Channel 4) When Sandi Toksvig departed The Great British Bake Off following three years in the tent, she confessed the programme had become "boring" and left her feeling "unhappy" - despite being her most lucrative role to date. Now the sharp-witted presenter of BBC2's QI is embarking on two fresh travel programmes for Channel 4, both centred around exploration and discovery. When she departed Bake Off in 2020, Sandi admitted she hadn't relished her time on the programme, despite seeming to enjoy herself alongside co-presenter Noel Fielding. Describing her stint on the programme as the "three longest years of my life" and claiming she could sense her brain "atrophying". The 67-year-old revealed last year: "I make no bones about the fact I did not enjoy it. I walked away from the biggest pay cheque of my life, but that's fine. The Great British Bake Off presenters (rear left to right) Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding with (front left to right) Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. (Image: PA) "I mean, no disrespect to people, but watching meringue dry and being told how many different kinds there are, I honestly thought I was going out of my mind." She continued: "I'd never watched it. I still haven't watched it. I didn't understand it. Cakes are readily available in the shops." Article continues below When she announced she would no longer be a host on the show, she said: "When stepping down from a job, it is quite common for people to say they are doing so in order to spend more time with their family. Unusually, I am departing from The Great British Bake Off so I can spend more time with my other work." She has since disclosed that Prue Leith is the sole person from Bake Off with whom she maintains contact, describing them as being "joined at the hip". It was then in 2021 that Matt Lucas took over from her, before subsequently departing and being succeeded by Alison Hammond, reports the Mirror. Now, the comedian and television personality will host Sandi Toksvig's Great Riviera Rail Trip, which follows her journey along the stretch of French coastline beloved by A-list celebrities such as Elton John and Brad Pitt. The four-episode series, scheduled to broadcast later this year, transports audiences on one of the globe's most luxurious railway adventures – stretching from the vibrant port city of Marseille to the citrus-perfumed tranquillity of Menton near the French-Italian frontier. Sandi Toksvig hosted the GBBO among other shows (Image: BBC/Fremantle Media/Talkback) During her travels, Sandi discovers the area's most celebrated locations, including Monaco, Cannes, Nice and Saint-Tropez, whilst encountering luxury vessels and gaming establishments and revealing tales of the monarchs, nobles, creatives and famous figures who shaped the Côte d'Azur into a premier holiday paradise. Having completed filming for both new programmes, it's evident Sandi has completely recovered from the bronchial pneumonia she contracted whilst touring Australia two years ago, which was so serious she "thought she was dying". Article continues below Brimming with Sandi's "signature wit", the programme has been created by Cornelia Street Productions, the production company responsible for Julia Bradbury's Irish Journey and John Torode's Ireland. Meanwhile, a second fresh commission, Sandi's Hidden Wonders, produced by Salamanda Media, will build upon her earlier travel programme Extraordinary Escapes and features her discovering some of the planet's most closely guarded treasures. One source revealed: "Sandi may not have felt she was intellectually challenged enough on Bake Off, but her new shows are full of adventure so there's no room, or time, for boredom. Far from it! This is Sandi at her warm and witty best."
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Sandi Toksvig goes adventuring to get over 'boredom' of The Great British Bake Off
Sandi Toksvig goes adventuring to get over 'boredom' of The Great British Bake Off When Sandi Toksvig quit The Great British Bake Off after three years she admitted she'd found it 'boring' and that it made her "unhappy" - despite it being the best paid job she's ever had. Now the big-brained host of BBC2's QI is making two new travel series for Channel 4, and both have adventure firmly at their heart. The comedian and broadcaster will front Sandi Toksvig's Great Riveria Rail Trip, which sees her exploring the part of the French coast much-loved by A-list stars including Elton John and Brad Pitt. The four-part series, to air later this year, takes viewers on one of the world 's most glamorous train journeys – from the bustling port of Marseille to the lemon-scented serenity of Menton on the French-Italian border. Along the way Sandi visits the region's most iconic destinations including Monaco, Cannes, Nice, and Saint-Tropez, also taking in super yachts and casinos and uncovering stories of the kings, queens, artists and celebrities who transformed the Côte d'Azur into one of the world's dream holiday destinations. Full of Sandi's 'signature wit', the show has been made by Cornelia Street Productions, the team behind Julia Bradbury's Irish Journey and John Torode's Ireland. And a second new commission, Sandi's Hidden Wonders, from Salamanda Media, is set to follow on from her previous travel series Extraordinary Escapes and sees her exploring some of the world's best kept secrets. One insider said: 'Sandi may not have felt she was intellectually challenged enough on Bake Off, but her new shows are full of adventure so there's no room, or time, for boredom. Far from it! This is Sandi at her warm and witty best.' Having filmed both the new series, it is clear Sandi has made a full recovery from bronchial pneumonia, which she caught while touring in Australia two years ago and was so severe she 'thought she was dying'. When she quit Bake Off in 2020, Sandi confessed that she hadn't enjoyed working on the series, despite appearing to have fun with co-host Noel Fielding. Branding her time on the show as the "three longest years of my life' and saying she could feel her brain 'atrophying', the 67-year-old explained last year: 'I make no bones about the fact I did not enjoy it. I walked away from the biggest pay cheque of my life, but that's fine. 'I mean, no disrespect to people, but watching meringue dry and being told how many different kinds there are, I honestly thought I was going out of my mind.' And she added: 'I'd never watched it. I still haven't watched it. I didn't understand it. Cakes are readily available in the shops.' At the time of her departure, in 2020, Sandi said: 'When stepping down from a job, it is quite common for people to say they are doing so in order to spend more time with their family. Unusually, I am departing from T he Great British Bake Off so I can spend more time with my other work.' She has since revealed that the only person from Bake Off that she remains in touch with is Prue Leith, with whom she is 'joined at the hip'. Alison Hammond.
Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Indonesian police face flak for robot parade, told to focus on reforms
Indonesian police are facing criticism from experts and online after showcasing RoboCop-style robots, robot dogs, and robot tanks during their 79th anniversary parade in Jakarta on July 1, according to a report in the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The display, held in front of President Prabowo Subianto, featured 25 robotic devices. According to police spokesman Inspector General Sandi Nugroho, the robots were introduced as part of efforts to follow global policing trends. 'The police are an institution that adapts to change,' Sandi said in a June 30 statement in the SCMP. 'By 2030, police in several countries will use robots. We are also learning from other countries.' The robots made by Chinese firms Unitree Robotics and Deep Robotics cost between $2,700 and $16,000 each. They are designed for search and rescue, bomb disposal, traffic monitoring, and forensic work. The robodogs are also expected to support police K9 teams in detecting drugs and other materials. Sandi said the police also launched a video-sharing platform called PoliceTube to broadcast police activity and allow the public to 'monitor in real time' how officers are working across the country. However, the robot parade and platform launch have sparked mixed reactions. Critics say the police should focus on bigger issues, such as public service and accountability. Bambang Rukminto, a police analyst from the Institute for Security and Strategic Studies, told SCMP: 'The public needs protection and police services more than new technology. The benefits of these robots are not yet clear, and they are expensive.' On social media, one user asked: 'Can these robots detect bribery, extortion, or violence involving officers?' Others questioned whether the money spent on technology could have been used more effectively elsewhere. Transparency International Indonesia (TII) also raised concerns about transparency in procurement. 'This large-scale purchase may not follow the proper rules, since there has been little information about any long-term robot plan,' TII said on X. In response to the criticism, national police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo told lawmakers that the robots were still being tested and had not cost the police anything for the parade. Even so, the police have requested an additional 63.7 trillion rupiah (around $3.9 billion) for next year's budget. No specific details were provided on future robot spending. The Civil Society Coalition for Police Reform said the use of robots and launch of PoliceTube do not address deeper problems within the police force. The group said in a statement: 'What the police need is real reform in culture, systems and structure not just tools.' According to rights group Kontras, there were over 3,000 cases of police violence between 2020 and July 2025, including arbitrary arrests, shootings, and excessive force at protests. A 2020 report by TII also said 41 per cent of respondents who dealt with the police admitted to giving bribes for the first time during those interactions. Bambang added that reform cannot happen unless police change their attitude. 'They often act like they are above society,' he said. 'As long as they don't see themselves as part of the people, they won't understand the real issues.'
USA Today
26-06-2025
- General
- USA Today
Mom of YouTuber Mikayla Raines remembers her daughter's relentless fight to save animals
"She made such an impact, even though she struggled so much," Sandi Raines, Mikayla's mother, told USA TODAY. This article discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at Sandi Raines says her daughter was driven by an unrelenting passion to care for animals, inspiring millions of internet users along the way. "All her mind ever said was, 'I got to find places for these animals,'" she said of her late daughter, Mikayla Raines, known to the internet as the face of Save a Fox Rescue and for her fox friend, Finnegan. Raines died by suicide on Friday, June 20, her mother said. The 30-year-old fox rescuer based in southeast Minnesota died by suicide as a result of mental illness and harassment she faced from other animal rescuers online, her husband Ethan Frankamp said in a video shared with more than 2.4 million subscribers on Raines' YouTube channel Monday, June 23. For the majority of her life, Raines dealt with autism, depression and borderline personality disorder, Frankamp said in his video. Raines often found herself in dark moments of elongated sadness she couldn't understand, Sandi said. "She made such an impact, even though she struggled so much," Sandi told USA TODAY through choked up tears on Wednesday. In 2017, Raines established her nonprofit, Save a Fox Rescue, located in Rice County, Minnesota. With the intention of saving foxes from the fur trade industry, the rescue had saved "thousands" foxes since opening, Sandi said. In 2020, Raines and her team opened a second Save a Fox location in Lake County, Florida. Before her death, Raines had been working with a fur farmer to rehab and rehome about 500 foxes, Sandi said. In 2024, Raines spent about $1 million moving 400 foxes from the farm and getting them the proper care they needed. About 100 foxes remained in need of care at the time of her death, Sandi said. "It had really been wearing on her," Sandi said. "She would sit here and she'd go, 'Mom, I feel like I've failed. I only found homes for 400 of these foxes,' and I'm like, 'Mikayla, do you understand that people that are even in good health ... to be able to do what you have done in 16 months? Do not beat yourself up. We'll get this done.' But it was so wearing on her and every time she loses any animal it was just so hard on her." Raines didn't stray away from discussing the weight of operating the rescue. In a social media video posted in December 2024, Raines told followers she "didn't think I can handle it," after the death of one of the rescue's beloved foxes, Felix. "When I was younger and a fox would pass away, obviously I would take it really hard, but I would bounce back, but I think just like all the trauma of loss over the years, like I'm just not bouncing back anymore," Raines said through tears in the video. "I don't feel passion or happiness or drive to keep going. I just feel a lot of pain." A celebration of life will be held for Raines on July 12 at Save a Fox, where her ashes will also be scattered, Sandi told USA TODAY. An everlasting love for animals Mikayla was introduced to wild animals through Sandi, who was a licensed wildlife rehabber throughout Mikayla's childhood. Sandi said Mikayla had an "unbelievable" relationship with animals, able to "walk up to a wild deer and talk to it." Sandi, who is now 76, said it was a surprise when she gave birth to Mikayla at age 46. She said she found herself turning to God, questioning why she gave birth at an older age. But her daughter's passion for animals made it all make sense. "And I would think, 'I know why you're here now,'" Sandi told USA TODAY. When Mikayla was about 16, she and her mother took in a baby wild fox. Naming the critter Finnegan, the fox has been prominent throughout Mikayla's social media content. Sandi said Mikayla even taught Finnegan how to use a dog pee pad inside. "She'd get off the school bus and the fox (Finnegan) would run out of the woods and see her off the bus," Sandi said through tears. Fans, animal rescue community mourn loss, start petition In the days since Frankamp's video went live, countless fans of Raines' and other animal rescues throughout the country have shared their condolences online. In addition to messages of support, thousands of users have signed an online petition to shut down internet communities created for the purpose of bashing public figures and in many cases, female influencers. As of June 26, more than 15,700 people had signed the petition, asking Reddit to provide stricter policies around hateful content. "Reddit condemns hate, harassment, and bullying, and explicitly prohibits this behavior in our sitewide rules," a Reddit spokesperson told USA TODAY. "Our dedicated internal safety teams enforce these rules, including banning users and subreddits, using a combination of automated tooling and human review." Leaving behind a loving husband, young daughter Outside of her beloved animals, Raines' immediate circle included Frankamp, who she had been married to since December 2020, Sandi said, and her 3-year-old daughter Freya. Sandi said Raines and Frankamp met at the rescue – he was a volunteer − and also got married there. "I thank God so much when he came into her life because he took over where I left off," Sandi said. "His love and concern for her was like my love and concern for her." "He loved her so much," she said. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
Boston Globe
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Trenni Casey will be running — a lot — for a cause close to her heart
She is running and raising funds for multiple sclerosis research in memory of her aunt Sandi , who was diagnosed with the disease at age 25. She died at age 37 in November 1995, when Casey was in high school. 'I was just 4 or 5 when she was diagnosed, and we didn't spend as much time with her as I wish I had,' said Casey. 'I didn't really get to know her, and that's part of why I wanted to do this. Like I feel we didn't do enough for her to bring her joy in her life. We were busy, we were kids, we were all over the place. Everyone keeps telling me you didn't know any better, but I just always have wanted to do something to give back to that community and to honor her.' Casey will run her portion of the relay in her home state of Wisconsin, beginning in Plattesville on July 1 and concluding in Milwaukee on July 6. She said her plan is to run — and sometimes walk — 30 or 31 miles the first four or five days. Advertisement 'So that would leave me with just 8 to 10 miles on the last day,'' said Casey, who has been training for six months. She's tapering her mileage now as the race gets closer, having run 55 miles last week. Advertisement Participants in the relay are required to raise a minimum of $10,000. Casey, ever the competitor, has long surpassed that threshold and is aiming much higher. Related : 'I originally wanted to raise $30,000 in honor of the 30th anniversary of when Aunt Sandi passed away,' she said, 'but then I asked, 'What's the most anyone has ever raised?' ' She was told the record was in the range of $56,000. 'So I thought about it, and I was like, I'm going to try to raise $67,000, because my aunt would be 67 years old now.' Casey's fund-raising page can be found at: Back to college for Bradley Jr. ESPN was thinking about Jackie Bradley Jr.'s future as a broadcaster before he had given it any thought himself. The former Red Sox center fielder and two-time College World Series national champion at South Carolina joined ESPN in April as a college baseball analyst. So broadcasting must have been a career path he had thought about before his playing days were over, yes? 'Not for a minute,' he said with a laugh during a recent conversation. 'ESPN actually first reached out to me about it two years ago, but I was still playing and my wife was pregnant — we have four kids now. They reached out a couple of times over the years, but the time was never right until now. I'm enjoying it.' Advertisement Bradley, who has not filed his retirement papers with Major League Baseball, confirmed that NESN also reached out to him about working some Sox games. 'I didn't close any doors or anything,' he said, 'but I wanted to focus on the college game and give that my undivided attention. I wanted to learn how to do this first rather than get thrown into something that I didn't feel I was ready for.' During ESPN's coverage of the College World Series, which culminates with the best-of-three final between Louisiana State and Coastal Carolina beginning Saturday night, Bradley has been in studio along with Mike Monaco (a familiar voice to Red Sox fans) and Ben McDonald . 'I'm really enjoying it,' said Bradley, the 2010 College World Series Most Outstanding Player. 'It's been fun to see how much goes into production, how intricate it is, and how hard everyone works. I'm just a couple of months into this, so I'm still at the point where I'm paying attention to everything and asking a lot of questions and just trying to build trust and get better at it.' NBA Finals viewership down The NBA Finals have been a thrill for true basketball junkies, but viewership numbers can't be thrilling the league. Official Nielsen data for the Pacers' series-tying Game 6 win over the Thunder Thursday was not available at this writing, but through the first five games, the series was averaging 9.18 million viewers on ABC. That's down 19 percent from the Celtics-Mavericks Finals last season, which averaged 11.3 million viewers in the full five-game series. Game 7s historically have a huge spike in viewership. This series is worthy of such an ending. Advertisement Chad Finn can be reached at
