Latest news with #TheGreatBritishBakeOff
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
JoJo Siwa sets sights on another huge UK reality show amid Chris Hughes romance
Singer JoJo Siwa will be spending more time in the UK as she prepares to film the latest celebrity version of a hit Channel 4 reality show - while her romance with Chris Hughes continues JoJo Siwa will soon be back on British TV screens as she has reportedly signed up to take part in another iconic UK reality show. The 22-year-old American singer boosted her profile on the opposite side of the Atlantic in April when she was a contestant on ITV's Celebrity Big Brother. Now it has been reported that JoJo will be popping up on Channel 4 and testing out her cooking skills as a contestant on a celebrity edition of The Great British Bake Off. The celebrity version of the show is part of Channel 4's annual Stand up to Cancer content. A source said:"This is a bit of a coup for the Bake Off because Jojo is currently one of the most talked about young stars on TV right now. "She's barely had time to catch her breath, leaving CBB last month amid huge media attention and heading straight into another huge show this month. "It's also a fantastic gig for her because although she already has a fanbase over here, the cookery contest also introduces her to a wider British audience. Plus she got plenty of experience of cooking in front of the cameras while she was on Celebrity Big brother, though this time she won't have hunky Chris to distract her," they added to The Sun. The American singer got her first break on a reality show in the USA. The star was just 9 years old when she appeared on Dance Moms in 2015, and she appeared on the show across seasons five and six. Earlier this year, she saw her star power rise in the UK as she appeared on Celebrity Big Brother. While she entered the iconic reality show house as taken - she was dating Australian influencer Kath Ebbs - but fans were stunned to see her grow close to Love Island star Chris Hughes while in the house. When the show ended, Kath stunned fans when they revealed JoJo had dumped them at the wrap party. Weeks later, JoJo and Chris appeared to confirm that they had embarked on a romance of their own. Snaps emerged of the singer kissing the 32-year-old British reality star while they were on holiday together in Mexico. They have been gushing over each other via social media comments in the subsequent weeks. Chris recently posted - and swiftly deleted - a steamy bedroom snap of himself with JoJo over the weekend, leaving fans convinced it is proof of their romance. They have enjoyed meals out, bowling, time with family and have made sure to get plenty of moments alone. On Saturday, Chris took a selfie as he kissed JoJo's forehead while tucked up in bed together. Dance Moms star JoJo snuggled into Chris' chest with her eyes closed as the reality star gushed: "Sleeping beauty." The photo wasn't up on Chris' page for long as it was soon deleted. However, it was too late to hide any evidence as many fans, who have been rooting for the couple, were able to screenshot the photo and share it amongst each other.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland's best scenic walks with gorgeous bakeries at the end
Housed in a gorgeous, whitewashed building in the heart of Dunkeld, this bakery and patisserie is owned by Flora Shedden, who was the youngest-ever finalist on The Great British Bake Off when she took part in the TV contest back in 2015, then aged just 19. Flora Shedden on the Great British Bake Off (Image: PA) She opened Aran two years later. The menu includes sweet and savoury Danish pastries – from gooseberry, creme fraiche custard and shortbread to spinach, artichoke and radish topped with feta – as well as croissants, chocolate swirls and sausage rolls made from pork, sage and apple. The walk: There's some lovely routes around Dunkeld, including along the River Tay towards the majestic Birnam Oak and Beatrix Potter Garden. Another gem nearby is the spellbinding woodland setting of The Hermitage, home to a waterfall, folly and hermit's cave. The Fat Batard Bakery, Peebles Nope, that's not a typo. This memorably named shop has built a loyal legion of fans thanks to its award-winning bread and delectable array of baked goods. Sourdough takes centre stage here, utilised in everything from yummy loaves to brioche rolls, doughnuts, scones and brownies. The pastry selection is sublime, with a nigh-on-impossible-to-choose-from list of varieties – including butter, almond, chocolate, chilli & cheese – and not to forget the legendary 'cruffins', a delicious hybrid of croissant and muffin. The walk: For a history-themed amble, explore the paths and trails that link Neidpath Viaduct, Neidpath Tunnel and Neidpath Castle, along the banks of the River Tweed. Read more Narture Artisan Cafe, Ayr This cheery, brightly decorated eatery sells bread, pastries and cakes, made just around the corner at the Narture Sourdough Bakery. Not only is the food tasty, but the premise behind the social enterprise is rather brilliant too. The brainchild of artist father and daughter team Robert and Saskia Singer, Narture was founded during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, a project aimed at repurposing empty spaces for cultural and creative uses, as well as helping to boost the regeneration of Ayr town centre. The walk: It would be remiss to visit Ayr and not take in the golden, sandy beach, with its views of Ailsa Craig and Arran. Or stretch your legs on a section of the River Ayr Way, a 44-mile route which concludes at Ayr Harbour, having wound its way from Glenbuck Loch. Arisaig Bread Shed, Lochaber This rustic bakery is a balm for the soul. We're talking sourdough loaves, baguettes, plum frangipane tarts, apple and blackberry Danish pastries, chocolate and hazelnut whirls, croissants and pain aux raisins. Arisaig Bread Shed also hosts seasonal pizza nights on Saturdays, based out of its converted 1974 Citroen H van nicknamed 'Hector'. Tuck into wood-fired, Italian-style classics, such as margherita, piccante and primavera – or plump for the meaty feast of a 'Highland', which is topped with haggis, pork and venison salami, chicken and red onion. The walk: For glorious coastal views, picture-postcard beaches and magical wildlife-watching opportunities check out the magnificent Rhu peninsula. Havn, Bridge of Allan Inspired by the bakeries of Copenhagen and others in a similar vein around Europe, this petite spot packs in the joy snacks – quite literally – with perfect pastries and heavenly sourdough bread. Havn exudes a wholesome vibe, where stepping through the door is akin to being embraced in a warm hug. The selection changes regularly as the in-house team experiments with fresh ideas. Pop in to pick up a croissant – or three – and a takeaway coffee. The walk: The Darn Road links Bridge of Allan to Dunblane, stretching roughly 2.75 miles (4.25km), passing along the Allan Water. It follows an ancient trackway, believed to date from Roman times. It can be done as a circular, or one-way returning by train or bus. Susan Swarbrick is a columnist and freelance writer who loves history and the outdoors. Follow her on X @SusanSwarbrick and Bluesky @
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Why are they making celebrities out of cyber criminals?
The past few weeks have painted a bleak picture of Britain's digital defences. Empty shelves at M&S, supply chain disruptions at Co-op, and systems offline at Harrods. It's like a dystopian episode of The Great British Bake Off, except instead of soggy bottoms, we're dealing with compromised servers. Enter Scattered Spider, a loose collective of predominantly English-speaking hackers, many reportedly teenagers, who may have brought Britain's biggest retailers to their knees. The National Crime Agency has confirmed it's investigating this group's potential involvement, marking the first time authorities have publicly named them as suspects. Here's where things get awkward. CrowdStrike, the cybersecurity giant, has been producing impressive figurines of various hacking groups, complete with dramatic packaging and "Know them, find them, stop them" taglines. But as BBC Technology Correspondent Joe Tidy astutely points out, are we inadvertently glamorising these groups? There's something deeply uncomfortable about turning cybercriminals into collectible merchandise. It's like creating action figures of bank robbers - technically educational, but potentially sending mixed messages. The irony isn't lost on anyone. We're making celebrities out of criminals while simultaneously trying to catch them. While figurines make conversation starters, the real excitement lies in the cutting-edge technologies being developed to combat these threats. Take Heriot-Watt University's ground breaking Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub. Professor Gerald Buller's team is developing quantum encryption that's near unbreakable, using quantum mechanics to create security keys that change every time someone tries to crack them. Cybercrime costs UK businesses £27bn annually. What's particularly fascinating about groups like Scattered Spider is their demographic, often teenagers communicating through Discord and Telegram, who possibly live in suburbs near the retailers they're targeting. Joe Tidy's direct communication with the hackers reveals criminals who are articulate, strategic, and frustratingly ordinary. They're not cartoon villains, they're people who've chosen criminal applications for their technical skills. As the UK aims to become a quantum-enabled economy by 2035, quantum technologies will form the backbone of next-generation cybersecurity infrastructure. Unlike current encryption relying on mathematical complexity, quantum security uses physics itself as protection, theoretically impossible to breach without detection. The combination of traditional investigative work and breakthrough technologies like quantum encryption offers our best hope for creating a digital environment where groups like Scattered Spider become museum pieces. Perhaps we should focus less on action figures and more on the real-world heroes developing technologies that make criminal enterprises obsolete. After all, the best way to deal with villains isn't immortalising them in plastic, it's building a world where their methods don't work. I'll be first in line for my figurine of Professor Gerald Buller. Annie Diamond is the deputy managing director of specialist technology, science and energy PR agency Hot Tin Roof Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@
North Wales Chronicle
5 days ago
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Sandi Toksvig and Gina Miller hoping to become first female Cambridge chancellor
QI host and former The Great British Bake Off presenter Ms Toksvig and businesswoman Mrs Miller, who came to prominence bringing legal cases over Brexit, are in the race to become the first female Cambridge chancellor. Lord Smith, former Labour culture secretary under Tony Blair, and Lord Browne, former chief executive of BP, are also among the 10 candidates in the running for the historic position. The election comes after Lord Sainsbury of Turville announced last year that he intended to step down after more than a decade in the role. For the first time, voting in the election for a new chancellor will take place online, as well as in person in Cambridge. The chancellor is the university's formal and ceremonial head. They have no executive responsibilities, but they will be a part in the university's public-facing activities, fundraising, and advising senior members of the institution. Candidates standing to be the chancellor had to secure at least 50 nominations from alumni and current staff who are members of the Regent House, the university's governing body. The list of candidates vying for the role also includes Dr Mohamed El-Erian, president of Queens' College, Cambridge, activist Tony Booth, and Cambridge astrophysicist Professor Wyn Evans. In her statement, Mrs Miller said: 'Electing the first woman to the role – while not essential – would be powerful and symbolic, affirming Cambridge's commitment to modernity and equality.' Meanwhile, Ms Toksvig said in her candidate statement: 'The first known chancellor of Cambridge was Richard of Wetheringsett who served sometime between 1215 and 1232. 'After that we have had a plethora of other Richards, many Johns and an awful lot of Stephens. 'After over 800 years I wonder if it isn't time for a change?' In his statement, Professor Evans said: 'The best candidate for chancellor is an internal one who understands its current problems and is active in research, mentoring and teaching.' He added: 'If Cambridge needs a high-profile or celebrity chancellor to be noticed, we might as well give up and rebrand the university as a reality TV show: 'Keeping Up with the Cantabrigians'.' More than 34,500 alumni and current senior academic and professional staff have registered to vote online, which will take place between July 9 and 18. The university said it expects several thousand more to vote in person at the Senate House in Cambridge on July 12 or July 16. The new chancellor – who will be in post for a period of no more than 10 years – will be announced in the week beginning July 21. Here is the final list of the candidates: – Ayham Ammora – Ali Azeem – Tony Booth – John Browne – Mohamed El-Erian – Wyn Evans – Mark Mann – Gina Miller – Chris Smith – Sandi Toksvig
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Miller and Toksvig make Cambridge chancellor shortlist
Anti-Brexit campaigner Gina Miller and broadcaster Sandi Toksvig are among the final list of candidates hoping to become Cambridge University's new chancellor. The women are on a shortlist that includes eight men, ranging from Labour peer and former minister Chris Smith to economist Dr Mohamed El-Erian. "Electing the first woman to the role - while not essential - would be powerful and symbolic, affirming Cambridge's commitment to modernity and equality," said Mrs Miller. This will be the first time voting for the position of chancellor can take place online and in person. The chancellor is the university's formal and ceremonial head. The role has no executive responsibilities, but is part of the university's public-facing activities and fundraising. The election comes after Lord Sainsbury of Turville announced last year he intended to step down after more than a decade in the role. Ms Toksvig, who hosted The Great British Bake Off and QI and co-founded the Women's Equality Party, said: "The first known chancellor of Cambridge was Richard of Wetheringsett who served sometime between 1215 and 1232. "After that we have had a plethora of other Richards, many Johns and an awful lot of Stephens - after over 800 years I wonder if it isn't time for a change?" Lord Smith has been the master of Pembroke College, Cambridge, since 2015, while Dr El-Erian is president of Queens' College, Cambridge. Other candidates on the shortlist include Cambridge astrophysicist Prof Wyn Evans, former BP chief executive Lord Browne, education professor Tony Booth, as well as Ayham Ammora, Ali Azeem and Mark Mann. More than 34,500 alumni and current senior academic and professional staff have registered to vote online, which will take place between 9 and 18 July. The university expects several thousand more people to vote in person at its Senate House in Cambridge on 12 or 16 July. The winning candidate will be announced in the week beginning 21 July. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Sandi Toksvig joins university chancellor nominees University of Cambridge
