Latest news with #SophieEllis-Bextor
Extra.ie
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Trad, techno and throwbacks: Galway's Big Top line-up has something for everyone
West is best this festival season, with the Galway International Arts Festival returning once again. The arts festival is a staple of the city that was once named the Capital of Culture (never forget), where international legends and local heroes head to the tent in the heart of the city. But who's headlining in the Big Top this July? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amble (@ambleofficial) Kicking off the Big Top season, contemporary folk band Amble are continuing their huge tour of the country in the arts festival. The trio, who just met two years ago and bonded over their love for storytelling will be heading to Galway this July, with the lads recently speaking to about their remarkable formation. Sophie Ellis-Bextor's career renaissance continues, with her heading out west this summer. Pic: GMCD Noughties fans, rejoice — two of the biggest hitmakers from the era are heading out west. After Saltburn revitalised her career and her absolute smash that is Murder on the Dancefloor, Sophie Ellis Bextor will be enjoying her career renaissance in Galway, and won't be alone — with Unwritten hitmaker Natasha Bedingfield. A huge nostalgia trip awaits Galwegians. The Mary Wallopers will be returning to Galway this summer, but a man down following Sean McKenna's departure earlier this year. Pic: Sorcha Frances Ryder Despite the departure of founding member Sean McKenna earlier this year, the Dundalk folk band are set to bring their tour out west following huge gigs in Dublin and Cork before going international. The lads are on hand to put on another memorable show this summer. These lads are everywhere this summer, with Galway just one stop on their huge international tour. The Kildare band will be entertaining out west alongside other dates in Cork, Limerick and Letterkenny, and always put on one hell of a show. The UK DJ isn't coming alone when he heads to the big top — he's bringing some homegrown talent with him. The garage artist will be bringing his high energy set to Galway alongside Dublin techno artist Tommy Holohan, but Galwegians will be delighted to see Shampain on the marquee — with the G-Town Records co-founder (and Poblacht barber) joining the pair for what's set to be a massive set.
Glasgow Times
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
I saw Sophie Ellis-Bextor perform in Glasgow's Armadillo
Can we adopt Sophie Ellis-Bextor and call her our own? The London-born singer brought disco to the Armadillo on Saturday night - and a whole lot of enthusiasm for the city. And flattery about this Scottish city will get you everywhere with Glasgow fans, Sophie. (Image: Sophie Ellis-Bextor plays Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic Calum Buchan.) (Image: Sophie Ellis-Bextor plays Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic Calum Buchan.) (Image: Sophie Ellis-Bextor plays Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic Calum Buchan.) (Image: Sophie Ellis-Bextor plays Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic Calum Buchan.) Looking as fabulous as ever, dressed head to toe in sparkles of course, the star opened up proceedings with Relentless Love before amping up the atmosphere with her cover of Cher's 1979 hit Take Me Home. She said - while rhyming off facts about Glasgow with the same ease as a native - 'It's always a pleasure to be here. 'I love Glasgow very much, I do. 'The city has been such a big part of me and my music . 'I remember playing King Tuts, Oran Mor, The Garage, and Kelvingrove. 'It's always a pleasure to come back.' (Image: Sophie Ellis-Bextor plays Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic Calum Buchan.) (Image: Sophie Ellis-Bextor plays Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic Calum Buchan.) (Image: Sophie Ellis-Bextor plays Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic Calum Buchan.) (Image: Sophie Ellis-Bextor plays Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic Calum Buchan.) (Image: Sophie Ellis-Bextor plays Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic Calum Buchan.) (Image: Sophie Ellis-Bextor plays Glasgow's Armadillo May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) Showcasing those iconic velvet smooth vocals on Young Blood, the 46-year-old sounded exceptional while the new track Vertigo, taken from her upcoming album Perimenopop, gave fans a glimpse of what's to come. The party, however, really got started with a disco mix that included a cover of Modjo's Lady (Hear Me Tonight), ABBA's Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!, and of course, the song that launched it all for Sophie, Spiller's Groovejet (If This Ain't Love). What's great about Sophie is her ability to dance on stage like no one is watching. You're instantly drawn to her energy, and it's magnetic. She's geeky, truly knows who she is, and it's incredible to watch. Her voice is so unique, it gives her brand of disco an edge, and let's face it, you know when Sophie is singing. (Image: Sophie Ellis-Bextor plays Glasgow's Armadillo May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) (Image: Sophie Ellis-Bextor plays Glasgow's Armadillo in May 2025. Pic Calum Buchan.) Taking in the admiration from her fans, she asked: 'Shall I just cancel the rest of the tour? What is the point? 'Shall we just move here?' And with a resounding yes from the fans, it was time for that song that was given a new life thanks to a little movie called Saltburn. Murder on the Dancefloor sent the crowd into a complete frenzy, and rightly so, it's an incredible pop anthem. READ NEXT: I saw Anastacia live in Glasgow - and she revealed her Scottish 'addiction' READ NEXT: I saw Kylie Minogue at the Hydro in Glasgow - it was a legendary performance (Image: Sophie Ellis-Bextor plays Glasgow's Armadillo May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) (Image: Sophie Ellis-Bextor plays Glasgow's Armadillo May 2025. Pic by Calum Buchan.) Signing off with a smile, she said: 'Thank you, come see me again sometime,' before an encore of Bittersweet and a surprise appearance on the balcony to sing A Pessimist Is Never Disappointed.
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ncuti Gatwa 'axed' from Doctor Who after pulling out of Eurovision appearance
Doctor Who's leading star Ncuti Gatwa has reportedly been axed by the BBC after just two series. According to reports there is no replacement likely for the Time Lord. Ncuti has reportedly been axed after he backed out of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest last weekend. He was due to be the UK's spokesperson for the event, but was replaced by singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor instead. At the time, a statement read: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend. "However, we are delighted to confirm that BBC Radio 2's very own Friday night Kitchen Disco Diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be presenting the Jury result live from the UK."
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Eurovision fans 'pin-point' reason behind Doctor Who star's surprise withdrawal
The Eurovision Song Contest grand final will get underway on Saturday night where one country will be crowned the 2025 winner as Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa withdrew from presenting Eurovision fans have speculated that a Doctor Who star has withdrawn from presenting duties due to Israel's participation. Ncuti Gatwa was due to be a spokesperson for Eurovision Saturday night as the grand final takes place. However, just two minutes after Israel qualified for the final, the BBC announced that he would no longer be involved. The pro-Palestinian actor was due to represent the UK to announce the British jury's points for each participating country's song but has since pulled out of the role. The BBC announced on Thursday night that the actor would be replaced by singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor instead. The statement read: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend. "However, we are delighted to confirm that BBC Radio 2's very own Friday night Kitchen Disco Diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be presenting the Jury result live from the UK." The statement was released just moments after Israel's Yuval Raphael qualified at Thursday's semi-final with her song New Day Will Rise. Gatwa has been vocal in his support for Palestine as he shared photos of Free Palestine graffiti in Italy on his Instagram and posted links to fundraisers for Palestinian causes. A specific reason for Gatwa's withdrawal has not been given, but many fans have speculated that Israel's qualification was the cause. One person wrote on social media: "THAT's backing up your morals. #FreePalestine." While a pro-Palestine account said: "Israel qualified to the Eurovision final at 22:16 last night. Then at 22:18, just two minutes later, the BBC announced Ncuti Gatwa cancelling his appearance on Eurovision for 'unforseen circumstances'. We see you Ncuti; we see you and we like you a lot." Commenting on her last minute job, Sophie Ellis-Bextor said: "I love Eurovision and it's a privilege to be part of 2025's Grand Final. What an honour it is to announce the UK's jury score on such a special show which always puts music front and centre. I am very much looking forward to delivering the iconic douze points from the United Kingdom!" In previous years, celebs like Joanna Lumley, Fearne Cotton, Nigella Lawson and Catherine Tate have taken on the spokesperson job. Gatwa will appear tomorrow night in a Eurovision-inspired episode of the Doctor Who which will be names The Interstellar Song Contest. The episode will star Eurovision hosts Graham Norton and Rylan Clark. The Mirror have contacted the BBC and Ncuti's reps for comment.
Buzz Feed
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Ncuti Gatwa Just Pulled Out Of "Eurovision"
Ncuti Gatwa will no longer be appearing at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, it has been confirmed. The Doctor Who and former Sex Education star had previously been announced as the UK's spokesperson for Eurovision 2025, who would have delivered the British national jury's points during the scoring part of the broadcast. However, shortly after Thursday night's semi-final ended, it was revealed that Ncuti would no longer be appearing at the contest. 'Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as spokesperson during the grand final this weekend,' the BBC said in a statement. In his place, Sophie Ellis-Bextor will now be announcing the UK jury's scores instead. 'We are delighted to confirm that BBC Radio 2's very own Friday night Kitchen Disco Diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be presenting the Jury result live from the UK,' a BBC rep added. The "Murder On The Dancefloor" singer enthused: 'I love Eurovision and it's a privilege to be part of 2025's Grand Final. 'What an honour it is to announce the UK's jury score on such a special show which always puts music front and centre. I am very much looking forward to delivering the iconic douze points from the United Kingdom!' Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend. However, we are delighted to confirm that BBC Radio 2's very own Friday night Kitchen Disco Diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be presenting… — BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) May 15, 2025 @bbcpress / Via
