Latest news with #TheWinterGardens
ITV News
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ITV News
Amanda Holden to be immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds in Blackpool
Britain's Got Talent judge and radio presenter Amanda Holden will be immortalised in wax at the seaside resort she calls a "home from home." A team of 25 people are working on the TV star's wax figure which will go on display later this year at the iconic Madame Tussauds Blackpool situated on the promenade. Amanda has now completed her inaugural sitting at the "world-famous" Merlin's Magic Making studio which includes a "meticulous measurement process" by a highly specialised team of wax artists. Madame Tussauds Blackpool says the artists spent hours photographing the 53-year-old Heart radio presenter to ensure her figure will be an exact likeness when the figure is unveiled. "It is like a dream come true", Amanda said. " I've been to Madame Tussauds. I was lucky enough to open one. I was filming something there with my friend Leigh Frances and I dreamt of it happening - and now it is." Amanda has been a judge on the ITV talent show Britain's Got Talent for almost two decades and has visited the iconic seaside resort many times, including climbing to the top of Blackpool Tower for charity. "Blackpool is obviously the centre of entertainment in our country," she said. "It's known for the good old days!" She added: "We came up one year and Simon was absolutely knocked out by the warmth and the audiences were extraordinarily noisy. "I think we'll be coming back to Blackpool now for the BGT auditions for the foreseeable future. The people are so lovely. When we stay, it feels like home from home. " A team of 25 craftsmen and women will take around 800 hours in total to complete Amanda's figure, including 350 hours in sculpture time alone. A further 180 hours will be spent inserting individual strands of hair, while recreating her smile will command another 30 hours. Jill Jenkins, Guest Experience Manager at Madame Tussauds Blackpool, said: "We are thrilled Amanda has now completed her first sitting. "It is such an important part of the process as it allows our artists to capture all those tiny details that make each of our figures so lifelike. 'Amanda has such an expressive face and distinctive look that we know visitors will instantly recognise her figure when it's unveiled. "We selected the perfect outfit and pose which showcases Amanda's vibrant personality. Fans can expect a figure which truly embodies her glamour and warmth that millions have come to know and love through Britain's Got Talent and her radio show." The wax figure will go on display in Madame Tussauds in Blackpool in the near future. Britain's Got Talent will be back in Blackpool for auditions at The Winter Gardens in October 2025.
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Only Fools And Horses musical plunged into chaos as show is evacuated and emergency services rush to theatre
The opening night of the Only Fools And Horses: The Musical was forced to a halt on Monday after a 'medical emergency' took place at The Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Theatergoers were evacuated during the interval and the second act of the show was postponed after a member of the audience fell ill, with paramedics instantly called to the scene. Only Fools And Horses: The Musical, featuring Paul Whitehouse as Grandad, is currently touring the UK following a four-year sold-out run-in London's West End. The Winter Gardens issued a statement about the incident on Tuesday as they revealed all those affected would be able to transfer their tickets to another night or request a refund. Attendees were quick to praise the theatre - which hosts the musical until May 3 - for the staff's quick reaction and calm response to the incident. A statement from The Winter Gardens read: 'During last night's performance of Only Fools and Horses The Musical, a medical emergency involving a member of the audience occurred during the interval in the front stalls area of the auditorium.' It continued: 'Due to the nature of the incident and in accordance with venue protocols, the decision was taken to evacuate the theatre and postpone the remainder of the show. 'All affected ticket holders will receive an email today with full details on how to transfer their tickets to another performance this week, or how to request a refund if they are unable to attend an alternative date. 'We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our staff, the visiting company, and the emergency services for their swift and professional response. 'Our thoughts and well wishes are with the individual involved and their family at this time. 'We thank everyone for their patience and understanding during these exceptional circumstances.' Commenting on the post, theatregoers shared: 'We were there and commend your staff for the professional way they dealt with this medical emergency. 'I've worked in a theatre and evacuating everyone is not a straightforward process. Sending our best wishes to the patient who we hope has a swift and full recovery. 'To the woman standing next to us outside complaining and saying she was going to demand a full refund for all their expenses; perhaps you could occasionally think of someone else rather than yourself. Maybe the patient and their loved ones..??' Attendees were quick to praise the theatre - which hosts the musical until May 3 - for the staff's quick reaction and calm response to the incident Others added: 'Well done on handling this difficult situation so well. Particular mention to a girl on your team who cleared the auditorium and the road outside to allow access.'; 'The evacuation procedure seemed to work very well. Every credit to your staff who reacted very professionally, especially the young lady who was guiding everyone outside and allowed emergency services to quickly make their way to the scene. 'A shame this incident happened, especially on opening night. The show from what we saw was excellent. Hopefully we'll get another chance to see it. 'My thoughts are for the unfortunate person/ casualty involved. Well done to the Winter Gardens staff and emergency services.'; 'A very unfortunate scenario. The staff did an excellent job in evacuating the theatre and more so attending the casualty. 'My thoughts are with the family and friends of the person involved. Nothing else matters……' Only Fools And Horses: The Musical will finish its tour on July 5 in Dublin at Bord Gais Energy Theatre. In December, Sir David Jason praised the 'hysterical and moving' musical after it's gala performance. The actor, 85, who portrayed Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter on the beloved BBC sitcom, said the stage show 'brought a tear to my eye' as memories of his time on the series came flooding back. Speaking to The Sun at London's Eventim Apollo, David said it was 'hysterical' and added: 'What I did like about it was that so much of the original script was used and they did it so well that sometimes it even took me by surprise and I was laughing. 'So the whole show was a memory for me of the whole thing: the script, the characters - it was lovely to see them all. 'Some of the good characters and actors that are no longer with us as well, so it nearly brought a tear to my eye.' The beloved BBC sitcom ran from 1981 to 1991 followed by several Christmas specials that ended in 2003. In January 2022, Only Fools And Horses topped a BBC poll of the best 20 TV programmes the corporation has ever made.
Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Only Fools and Horses musical evacuated after 'medical emergency'
The opening night of the Only Fools and Horses musical was plunged into chaos. The venue, The Winter Gardens in Blackpool was evacuated following a "medical emergency" Paramedics and police were called to the scene on Monday evening (April 28) when an audience member became seriously ill during the interval, prompting theatre officials to clear the venue and postpone the show. Lancashire Police have confirmed their attendance in support of the paramedics who were called out to the incident, without sharing further details. The beloved musical, featuring Paul Whitehouse as Grandad, was kicking off a six-day stint at the venue, set to wrap up on Saturday, May 3. Ticket holders impacted by the incident will be contacted with options to reschedule or obtain refunds. A spokesperson for Winter Gardens Blackpool released a statement: "During last night's performance of Only Fools and Horses The Musical, a medical emergency involving a member of the audience occurred during the interval in the front stalls area of the auditorium.", reports Lancs Live. "Due to the nature of the incident and in accordance with venue protocols, the decision was taken to evacuate the theatre and postpone the remainder of the show. "All affected ticket holders will receive an email today with full details on how to transfer their tickets to another performance this week, or how to request a refund if they are unable to attend an alternative date. "We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our staff, the visiting company, and the emergency services for their swift and professional response. "Our thoughts and well wishes are with the individual involved and their family at this time. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding during these exceptional circumstances." Prior to arriving in Blackpool, the musical had a successful stint on the West End and even left Sir David Jason emotional over the production.
