Author: bang1

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been spotted comforting victims of the tragic Los Angeles wildfires which has left thousands of people’s homes completely destroyed

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been spotted consoling victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

Thousands of people have lost their homes in the tragic blazes that have swept the region, including A-listers such as Paris Hilton and Anthony Hopkins. The Sussexes recently revealed they had opened their Montecito home to friends and loved ones who have been forced to evacuate due to the nearby fires to stay with them. The couple are also believed to have donated supplies to people affected by the blazes, including clothing, children’s items, and other essential supplies.

Now, they have been spotted in conversation with victims of the travesty. The duo were seen handing out food parcels on Friday at the Pasadena Convention Centre, which is being used as an evacuation centre. They were seen hugging the founder of World Central Kitchen, Jose Andres, as the organisation distributes meals to victims.

Harry and Meghan made a surprise appearance
Meghan dressed in a light blue shirt and blue baseball cap, while Harry was seen wearing a black baseball cap and black shirt. The duo were also seen taking time to console the Mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo, who praised their appearance and efforts.

He called the former royals “great people” with “great personalities,” before adding: “They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders. We visited the command post at the Rose Bowl and people were very happy to see them.”

Meghan and Harry spoke to people in Pasedena
Their appearance comes as sources close to the Sussexes also said they are ready to go into “crisis mode” if they need to evacuate their home due to the fires. Their security team is said to have been coordinating an evacuation plan while packing essentials for their children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.

A neighbour recently said: “It’s not chaos here yet but the fire is moving fast and we are not taking any chances.” The couple and their neighbours have been given public safety survival kits. In them there is a solar charger, flashlight and protective equipment. There is also ice, water, snacks and safety pamphlets.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were trying to support the LA communityPrior to their appearance, Harry and Meghan had spoke publicly to recommended a list of fire service charities, animal groups and other initiatives to support. In a statement, the couple said: “In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighborhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centers, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life. A state of emergency has been issued. If you feel compelled to help, here are some resources and ideas.”

The couple continued: “If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do. And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating. Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys & clothing, and other essentials. The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.”

The series of major fires in California have killed 10 people so far and ravaged communities. They have also sent thousands of people fleeing their properties, including in areas popular with celebrity homes.

Paris Hilton has continued to update her followers on the devastation after saying she watched her house be destroyed live on TV. In a heartbreaking Instagram upload, the socialite described the fires as looking like “hell” on earth. “Heartbroken to find out what happened to my house by seeing that it was burned to the ground on live TV,” she wrote in a story, which accompanied a clip of the devastation.

“Heartbroken beyond words,” she continued. “Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience.” She added: “This home was where we built so many precious memories. It’s where Phoenix took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a lifetime of memories with London.

“While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family and pets are safe. My heart and prayers are going out to every family affected by these fires.

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Pete Wicks appeared on Channel 4’s hit show Sunday Brunch alongside hosts Tim Love Joy and Simon Rimmer.

Strictly Come Dancing star Pete Wicks made a brutal admission about his time on the BBC talent show. The former star of The Only Way is Essex, 37, appeared on the latest series alongside professional dance partner Jowita Przystal.

At the time, he managed to impress the judges and viewers watching at home as he made it all the way to the semi-final.

However it is clear that the reality star has no plans of stepping back onto the dance floor anytime soon. Pete appeared on Channel 4’s popular show Sunday Brunch today (January 12), alongside host Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer, as well as other celebrity guests.

Pete said “I’m glad it’s over” when asked about his time on Strictly Come Dancing ( 
Image:
Channel 4)
Tim wasted no time quizzing Pete on his latest stint, as he asked: “Pete, how did you enjoy Strictly?” Pete didn’t hesitate, as he admitted: “I’m glad it’s over.”

Everyone chuckled, as Tim went on to say: “No but you were good though. You were good.” Pete didn’t agree, as he replied: “No, I was useless.”

Tim jumped in: “No you weren’t, you made it far.” Pete replied: “I made it far, but I was useless.” Turning his attention to guest Layton Williams, who appeared on Strictly in 2023 alongside pro partner Nikita Kuzmin, Pete continued: “I mean Layton obviously did Strictly and he was amazing. He was unbelievable, but I was rubbish.”

Pete made it to the Strictly semi-final alongside professional dance partner Jowita Przystal ( 
Image:
@p_wicks01/Instagram)
Tim asked: “Did you enjoy the experience?” Pete revealed: “I loved it. I absolutely loved it, because I’ve never seen Strictly before and I thought I would be there for like one or two weeks.”

Talk soon turned to Simon’s time on the show, as Tim pointed out: “When Simon did it he was exhausted.” Simon, who appeared on Strictly back in 2017, explained: “Yes, I was exhausted because I was still doing this show. You know what it’s like, you finish late on a Sunday night then I’d be here at 6 in the morning but it’s such a good experience.”

Pete Wicks appeared on Sunday Brunch alongside hosts Tim and Simon ( 
Image:
Channel 4)

Layton jumped in: “I loved it. I do think it’s hard when people have their other stuff going on and I felt really lucky that I could literally just concentrate on just getting the steps.”

Pete said: “You didn’t really need to concentrate because you are just gifted.” Layton was flattered by the remark, as he added: “Oh stop it. You’re making me blush. You’re to hard on yourself (Pete), you did your thing.”

Claudia Winkleman has long been tipped as a natural successor for much-loved Graham and now she will make her debut as host by fllling in for him

She’s one of the BBC’s biggest stars thanks to her role as host of two of the corporation’s most successful entertainment series.

Now Claudia Winkleman is to stand-in on Graham Norton’s chat show as host for the first time, two years after making a pilot for her own BBC interview series. The presenter, who fronts hit shows The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing, will cover for Graham when he’s away doing his live theatre tour in Australia next month.In tonight’s instalment of The Graham Norton Show Claudia, 52, appears as a guest and when he thanks her for covering for him, she quips: “I apologise in advance!” Graham, 60, is a big star in Australia thanks to his UK chat show being on air over there, but hasn’t visited the country since 1987. He will kick off his Evening with Graham Norton show, in which he tells stories about his long career as a comedian and chat show host, on March 9. It is not yet known who Claudia’s guests will be on February 28 but it will be the last live show of the series. Graham will front a compilation show the following week and then returns in September with a new run.

Graham will miss the final live show of the series while he tours Down Under ( 
Image:
BBC)

Claudia has appeared as a guest on Graham’s show on several occasions ( 
Image:
PA)

She always enjoys herself! ( 
Image:
PA)
The Mirror revealed last January that Claudia had been toying with the idea of becoming a chat-show host, but the idea had been “put on ice” because she is too busy. The BBC pilot she made was with So Television, the TV production company which makes Norton’s long-running BBC1 series.

Speaking to Graham tonight Claudia revealed she had been given treatment for a bad back while filming The Traitors by a physio who specialised in animals. Revealing what happened when she needed a massage during filming, Claudia explains: “I did my back in so asked if I could see a physio. We are in the middle of nowhere so that wasn’t easy. When this chap turned up the producer asked me not to be chatty with him – I thought she meant I was not to talk about what was going on in the production, so I asked him who else he had treated and he said, ‘Two shire horses and a miniature Dachshund’. It turns out they didn’t want me to know he was a vet.”

After filming her chat-show pilot one insider confirmed that it had gone well but added: “Nothing is going to happen with it anytime soon. Claudia is just so busy, for now the timing is all wrong.” In March last year Claudia stood down from the Radio 2 Saturday show she had previously replaced Norton on in 2021, saying she wanted to spend more time with her family.

While the mum-of-three’s two elder children are away at university, her youngest – Arthur – is 13. Announcing her decision to leave, she explained: “The truth is my children are growing up inordinately fast so I have decided to follow them around at home before they leave for good.”

Graham has previously said he was thinking about retiring but is currently busier than ever as host of gameshow Wheel of Fortune on ITV alongside the BBC chat show and his Virgin radio weekend morning shows. He is also a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and hosts the annual Eurovision Song Contest for the BBC.

He said that being unable to work properly during the pandemic had made him realise he wasn’t ready to stop working. “I had this idea that I was going to cut down on my workload, just kind of take my foot off the pedal a bit, and yet the opposite has happened. I’m busier now than I think I’ve ever been,” he explained at the time.

Last year insiders told The Mirror that Claudia was the obvious choice to fill his shoes whenever he finally does decide the time is right to either slow down or step away. Calling it “sensible forward planning” one said: “This is for when Graham decides that he wants to do less. One idea was to keep the chat-show going across the same number of weeks, but have different people hosting it from time to time. So it would be The Graham Norton Show hosted by Claudia Winkleman, for example.”

Olympic medal winning rower Sir Steve Redgrave is getting ready to skate on Dancing on Ice despite health conditions and injuries that could make his time on the show perilous

Sir Steve Redgrave has revealed that his list of injuries continues to grow ahead of Dancing on Ice – with producers worrying whether he’ll make it to the live show.

The retired athlete is the most successful male rower in Olympic history, taking home five gold medals at consecutive games from 1984 to 2000. Hailed as one of Britain’s greatest Olympians ever, the 62-year-old won over 16 golds at World Championships, the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics before retiring in 2000. Despite his sporting achievements, the Marlow-born athlete is struggling with a number of health conditions and injuries as he trains for Dancing on Ice with professional skater Vicky Ogden.

“I have colitis, I’m a diabetic. I have a frozen shoulder,” he said. “I had a fall on the third day, which irritated the shoulder and there were a lot of things we couldn’t do.” Steve also struggles with Dupuytren’s contracture, which causes his fingers to curl towards his palm, and left producers panicking after picking up another injury.

“I pulled a hip flexor so that’s all in the first few weeks,” he explained. “I think the production team got very nervous. They were saying, ‘We’ve got to wrap him up in cotton wool. We’ve got to get him to the show.’ And here we are.” He added: “We’ve been given all the protective gear but no, I haven’t put it on at all.”

Steve has various health issues to consider on the show ( 
Image:
ITV)

Sir Steve learnt that he suffered from ulcerative colitis shortly before winning his third Olympic gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona games. Just five years and another gold medal later, the rower was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, which impacts the sensation in his feet.

Despite his worrying health conditions, the former rower said his family aren’t too concerned by his ice skating antics. “They’re used to me doing nutty things,” said Steve, who shares kids Natalie, Sophie and Zak with wife Lady Ann Redgrave. “They think I’m absolutely crazy doing this but they’re quite excited about it. Some of the other celebs have young kids but my kids have their own kids. My eldest is a plastic surgeon in Swansea – she has an 18-months-old child so I’m not quite sure if she’ll be able to watch me.”

Sir Steve will be competing against EastEnders’ Charlie Brooks, footballer Anton Ferdinand, The Traitors’ Mollie Pearce, TV presenter Michaela Strachan and other stars throughout the series, hosted by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern. However, he admitted that he may become overwhelmed on the ice when he spots his elderly mother Sheila in the Dancing on Ice audience after she cheered him on throughout his rowing career. “My mother is still with us. She’s 93 and we’re trying to get her to one of the shows,” he said.

Steve towers over dance partner Vicky Ogden ( 
Image:
ITV)
“That will be too emotional for me to see her in the crowd from that point of view. She was my greatest supporter when I was rowing and competing. She travelled around the world to watch me.” He added: “I know that she would love to be here, but in some ways, I hope she is watching on TV.”

While Sir Steve is one of Britain’s greatest sportsmen, he is the bookies’ favourite to leave the competition first – but it hasn’t stopped him from dreaming of winning. “I don’t think the bug to win ever leaves you,” he said. “Certainly in my deepest dreams – and it has to be a deepest dream of thinking that I’ve got a chance of winning this.”

“The William Hill odds of a 66/1 win came out last week and they’re at a very different level to where I need to be if we’re going to take the crown. But it’s an entertainment programme and I think that our first routine will put smiles on people’s faces and make them feel good. Hopefully they’ll pick up the phone and vote for me.”

The Olympic medal winner is one of 11 celebrities taking part this year ( 
Image:
PA)Sir Steve is the oldest contestant in this year’s series and the oldest man to compete in the show’s history, but he’s also likely to be the tallest with a height of six foot three. In fact, the ex-rower’s Dancing on Ice partner Vicky, 40, told Sir Steve to let go of her during a lift if he feels unstable – to avoid him falling onto her. “I love lifting. We do lots of lifts off the ice,” he said. “Vicky says, ‘If you feel unstable, let go of me.’” Vicky added: “There is a little bit of a height and weight difference.”

The Dancing on Ice contestant was hoping to shed a few pounds during the competition, but admitted that he’s yet to do so. “I was hoping I would lose weight but that hasn’t happened,” he admitted. “Chrirstopher Dean says, ‘Muscle is heavier than fat.’ I’m not quite sure that is the case.”

“Physically, I haven’t found the competition that demanding. That may show the level that I’m at. I was expecting it to be more physical than it has been but it’s more skills-based. That’s been the struggle.”As for how he feels about sequins and glitter, Steve is ready for a challenge. “Knowing our music and the theme to it, I have an idea of what I might be wearing,” he said. “Hopefully lots of sequins. I want to be out of my comfort zone. I’m certain out of my comfort zone with skates on my feet so let’s make it the full show.”

A moving vigil was held in honour of RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne – whose name was James Lee Williams – in Liverpool on Sunday following their sudden death last week

Family, fans and fellow stars gathered in Liverpool on Sunday evening to pay tribute to RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne – who died earlier this month at the age of 32.

The performer, whose real name was James Lee Williams, passed away at their home last Sunday, 5 January, leaving the entertainment world and those who knew them devastated. A vigil was held on the steps of St George’s Hall to honour and celebrate the TV star – with fellow Drag Race performers and soap stars among those in attendance.

Buildings were lit up in green as a tribute to the performer – who had wowed audiences by playing the Wicked Witch of the West in an acclaimed UK touring production of The Wizard of Oz last year. And balloons were released into the air as those gathered at the ceremony bid the star farewell.

Fans, friends and family of the late star gathered together to celebrate their life ( 
Image:
Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)

A statement written by The Vivienne’s family was read by their friend Bobby Musker, which said: “As a family we are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for James, The Vivienne… From an early age it was evident he was destined for the stage… he was determined to pave his own way in this world.”

The family described the star as a “son, brother, uncle and true icon” and said: “The road was not easy but the dream never, ever changed and James would always tell us that they would make it happen and they did.”

The family said they were “so unbelievably proud of everything they achieved” and added: “We will miss you for an eternity and for an eternity we will all love you.” Danny Beard, who won season four of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, called The Vivienne a “truly larger than life” character who could “never be confined by the ordinary”.

Viv was also known by their name, James Lee Williams ( 
Image:
Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Danny said: “The performances weren’t just acts, they were celebrations of life. They taught us it was OK to live out loud.” Emmerdale actor Liam Fox, who performed alongside The Vivienne in a stage production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, shared their sadness over the loss of the star.

Liam told the Metro: “It was so beautiful. She was so loved by all who knew her which makes it all the more tragic to have lost her so young when there was so much more ahead for her. I loved all the speakers, I loved all the stories from when she was starting out on the drag scene. There was laughter and tears. The balloon release, which happened organically during the song For Good, was particularly beautiful.”

Sunday’s vigil was organised with the help of Sahir House, Liverpool’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity – of which The Vivienne was an ambassador. The Vivienne found international fame after winning season one of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 – going on to compete on the RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2022 and appeared in other shows including Celebrity Hunted and Dancing On Ice.

Mourners turned out in their hundreds on Sunday ( 
Image:
Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)

Buildings were lit up in green in tribute to the star ( 
Image:
Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)They also featured in the 2016 film Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, and even played themself in a special guest role on ITV’s long-running soap Emmerdale in 2021. The Vivienne’s death was announced last weekend as family and friends were left shocked and saddened by the performer’s sudden passing. Publicist Simon Jones broke the news on social media.

He wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend. James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career.”

The statement added: “We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.” Fans and fellow performers have shared their grief in the days since The Vivienne’s shock death. RuPaul Charles was among those leaving a tribute online.

Sharing a photograph of himself with The Vivienne on the famous Drag Race catwalk stage, RuPaul wrote: “With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne—an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being.”

Drag Race judge Michelle Visage also shared her grief over the shock passing of the star. She wrote online: “I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken.”

John Torode revealed his thoughts on MasterChef’s new presenter after co-host Gregg Wallace’s stepped away from the long-running BBC series following allegations over his behaviour

John Torode has spoken after Gregg Wallace’s MasterChef replacement was announced.

It was revealed Grace Dent will take over on the hit cooking show and John, who has presented MasterChef since 2005, said: “I have loved working with Grace on MasterChef over the years. She has been an excellent guest, an inspiring critic and also set some incredible challenges.”

He added: “Expertise is what MasterChef is all about, from the contestants to our wonderful production team, to us as judges. The love of food, the love of MasterChef, and that unquestionable expertise, makes Grace the perfect person to step in alongside me as judge for the forthcoming Celebrity MasterChef series.”

John and Grace will host the next series ( 
Image:
PA)
Grace, 51, had appeared on MasterChef regularly as a guest judge. She will now be a judge on the upcoming series of Celebrity MasterChef after Wallace stepped away from his BBC role amid an investigation into historical allegations of misconduct. Wallace has denied all allegations made against him and is said to be willing to co-operate with any investigation.

Dent also previously took part in a version of MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics. Following the new role announcement, she said: “I’ve been watching MasterChef since I was a girl sitting with my dad on the sofa. My whole family watches it. It’s all about uncovering and championing talent – and to have ended up in this position, is more than a dream to me. I’m so excited that I can’t eat, which is severely detrimental to a restaurant critic. I feel very lucky to be stepping in for the next Celebrity MasterChef.

She added: “I can’t wait to meet the fresh celebrity faces for 2025.”

Grace Dent is taking over hosting duties ( 
Image:
BBC)
The BBC’s head of entertainment, Kalpna Patel-Knight, praised the announcement, saying: “Grace Dent is the perfect choice to step in for the next series of Celebrity MasterChef. Grace is not only an energetic and well-established member of the MasterChef team, but is also a world renowned food critic, so she will certainly keep the next batch of celebrities on their toes.”

Wallace’s exit comes after a number of women came forward to make claims about his actions. Among them were Newsnight star Kirsty Wark. As a result of the allegations, Banijay UK, the show’s production company, confirmed it would be launching an external review looking at historical allegations of misconduct.

Wallace’s lawyers have previously denied the accusations. Speaking to the BBC, they said: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”

John Torode and Gregg Wallace were previously the face of MasterChef ( 
Image:
BBC/Shine TV)
Following the allegations, John had previously said: “The thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear.”

He revealed he “fully supports” the investigation and said he “cannot make any further comment at this stage”.

While the most recent series of MasterChef: The Professionals continued to air amid the saga, two of the show’s Christmas specials were pulled from the scheduling. It was confirmed Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off and a Strictly Festive Extravaganza were removed from the festive TV rota.

MasterChef star Gregg Wallace popped up in a TV show over the weekend – leaving fans stunned to see him back on screens after he was suspended by the BBC last November

TV fans were shocked and surprised to see Gregg Wallace back on screens this weekend as part of a weather focused special.

The 60-year-old TV chef stepped back from his work at the BBC pending an investigation into claims he showcased alleged abusive behaviour while working on the hit show MasterChef. While Gregg himself has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, he has been off of screens since the most recent season of MasterChef: The Professionals concluded in December last year.

Christmas specials of his show were also shelved as the investigation was due to get under way – and many fans have been left fearing he will never return to the network due to his circumstances – and the fact he has already been replaced by Grace Dent. Those tuning in to Channel 5 this weekend were therefore surprised to see Gregg back on camera in a documentary about a bitter snap of weather that hit the UK in 2018.

Grace Dent has replaced Gregg as a judge on MasterChef ( 
Image:
PA)
Gregg was featured in an interview segment – with other stars including actress Laila Morse, Countryfile’s Adam Henson and BBC metereologist Tomasz Schafernaker also taking part in the show. The documentary, titled Beast from the East: The Big Freeze of 2018, aired on Channel 5 on Saturday evening at 5pm.

Viewers were stunned to see the star on their TVs again – with one writing on X: “Gregg Wallace on Beast from the East? Bold move. His reputation’s already been through a storm.” While another typed: “Obviously C5 don’t give a f*** about what he’s done.”

Following his suspension from the BBC, Gregg made an attempt to defend himself online – as he blamed “middle-class women of certain age” for complaining about him. In a slammed social media video, he reflected on his decades-long career on TV and said: “Apparently now, I’m reading in the paper, there’s been 13 complaints in that time. I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef. This isn’t right.”

And in a second clip, he complained: “In 20 years, over 20 years of television, can you imagine how many women, female contestants on MasterChef, have made sexual remarks, or sexual innuendo, can you imagine?” While his lawyers issued a stern denial of the allegations made against him.

In a statement shared by the BBC in November, Gregg’s legal team has said: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.” Following the reports of inappropriate behaviour, Gregg found himself on the receiving end of some choice words from music icon Sir Rod Stewart who claimed the TV chef had reduced his wife, Lady Penny Lancaster, to tears when she appeared on MasterChef in 2021.

The Maggie May singer wrote online: “So Greg Wallace gets fired from Masterchef. Good riddance Wallace… You humiliated my wife when she was on the show but you had that bit cut out didn’t you? You’re a tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully. Karma got ya.”

Bear, Pufferfish, Bush, Bear and Toad in the Hole all performed, but, unfortunately, one contestant had to go home and it was none other than Toad

The Masked Singer UK viewers watched on Saturday evening as Toad In The Hole was unveiled as American singer Macy Gray.

Bear, Pufferfish, Bush, Bear and Toad in the Hole all performed, but, unfortunately, one mystery person had to go home and it was none other than Toad. As per the show’s routine, the person behind the costume had to remove their disguise to reveal their identity.

However, before Macy’s identity was revealed, she walked off the stage when host Joel Dommett announced the sad news that she had to go home. Fans at home were shocked and, moments later, the star returned to the stage and was revealed to be American singer Macy, who did not look impressed about leaving the reality show.

And now, a source has claimed Macy was simply “blindsided” by being one of the first to leave the The Masked Singer after reaching the final of the US version as Sea Queen in 2023. The insider claimed she was “almost shellshocked to start with” and was soon “gutted to be out so early because she really enjoyed being on the American version – when obviously she did brilliantly – so was totally blindsided.”

Macy Gray is Toad in the Hole ( 
Image:
ITV)

Speaking to The Sun, they claimed: “It was the shock of it for her as well as the upset and in that moment she had a very raw, human reaction and wanted out. For a professional performer to reach that point shows how badly she felt.” The insider added that it took the people backstage a while to ‘talk her round’.

The Mirror have reached out to her reps and ITV for comment. During the awkward moment of Macy returning to the stage looking unimpressed, fans took to social media to comment on what happened. One person wrote on X: “Well that was awkward… #maskedsingeruk.”

A second added: “Wow is Macy Gray really that heartbroken that she’s been kicked off Masked Singer”, while a third chimed in: “Oh everyone looks so awkward. She walked off stage. cannot deal #maskedsingeruk #maskedsinger.” Another said: “Did anyone else feel awkward watching the last few minutes of that .. Macy Gray pls #maskedsingeruk.”

The judges had been largely convinced that Toad in the Hole was Macy Gray, who sang the classic Boney M hit Sunny on the show, and that was why they decided to send her home rather than Bear, who was the other contestant who had to sing twice to save themselves.

Asked by comedian Joel Dommett, 39, if she had fun on the show, Sweet Baby singer Macy simply answered: “Yeah”. Panellist Jonathan Ross apologised to Macy, in a joking manner, for Joel’s shorts, with the show’s host saying he really appreciated her being on the show.

Macy, 57, performed on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival in 2000 and 2003 and is known for songs including I Try, which won the best female pop vocal performance Grammy in 2001. Earlier in the programme, she performed Sunny by Bobby Hebb and panellist Mo Gilligan guessed the singer could be US musician Tracy Chapman. Macy, who wore a Shakespearean-style outfit, performed Miami by Will Smith, while the character Bush sang Hold My Hand by Jess Glynne.

Elsewhere, new panellist, Maya Jama said Pufferfish’s performance of Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper was “stunning”. Wolf performed Copacabana (At the Copa) by Barry Manilow and special guest Suranne Jones said the famous face behind the mask could be Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley, while panellist Davina McCall guessed Duran Duran vocalist Simon Le Bon.

Bear and Toad In The Hole performed again after Wolf, Bush and Pufferfish were saved. Bear performed Stay by The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber, while Toad In The Hole sang It Must Have Been Love by Roxette, with the panellists ultimately choosing to save Bear. Last weekend, Sir Mo Farah was revealed as the celebrity inside the costume portraying host Joel.

The latest Masked Singer to remove their mask and reveal their identity was Toad in the Hole, but their unmasking was chaotic as they left the stage before they could be revealed

Five more celebrities each took their turn to impress the audience and judges on The Masked Singer on Saturday night.

One contestant had to go home, of course, and as Bear, Pufferfish, Bush, Toad in the Hole and Wolf all sang their hearts out, it was Toad in the Hole who was voted off the show and had to take off their disguise and reveal their true identity. The celebrity turned out to be none other than soul singer Macy Gray.

There was a shocking moment before Toad in the Hole’s identity was revealed, however. When Joel Dommett announced that Toad in the Hole was going home, Macy didn’t stay around for the customary reveal and instead walked off the stage. A source who was at the show recording told The Sun: “This character turned around and shuffled off stage, which was hilarious in their costume obviously, but we were all stunned. We knew something was going on because we saw lots of to-ing and fro-ing with crew before the person eventually came back on stage.” The source said that it added “even more” intrigue to the audience finding out who was behind the mask.

Macy Gray was revealed as Toad in the Hole during Saturday’s episode of The Masked Singer ( 
Image:
ITV)
The outlet added that one source that said bosses behind-the-scenes worked on encouraging Toad in the Hole to finish the show, whilst host Joel Dommett entertained the audience. The source said that the contestant was “basically gutted” to be leaving the contest “so soon” into the new series.

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As usual, during the show the judges had come up with some entertaining suggestions for who this week’s masked singer contestants could be. Bear, who sang the Will Smith song Miami, was suspected to be comic actor Adrian Edmondson, former EastEnder Richard Blackwood or Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe.

Bear was saved by the judges ( 
Image:
ITV)
Next up was Pufferfish, who sang Cyndi Lauper classic Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. The judges suggested it could be Gwen Stefani or Gillian Anderson, but Jonathan Ross took a gamble and decided it had to be TV’s Gino D’acampo. Their performance was followed by Bush, who sang Jess Glynne’s Hold My Hand, and was suspected to be comic actress Diane Morgan, Rivals star Katherine Parkinson or TV personality Kim Woodburn.

The last performer of the night was Wolf, who sang Copacabana, the Barry Manilow classic hit. The judges decided the singer behind Wolf’s mask could be Richard E Grant, Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley or even Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon.

The judges had been largely convinced that Toad in the Hole was Macy Gray, who sang the classic Boney M hit Sunny on the show, and that was why they decided to send her home rather than Bear, who was the other contestant who had to sing twice to save themselves.

The singers who live to see another show are Bush, Pufferfish and Wolf so their identities, along with saved singer Bear, will remain secret for a while longer.

Dancing On Ice is back for another season – with a host of stars lined up to compete for the trophy and with Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern back on hosting duty

Dancing On Ice returned to ITV on Sunday to the joy of fans – however, many had the same complaint when they tuned in to watch the latest batch of celebrities skate for praise.

Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern were both back to host the iconic winter sport reality competition – with football pundit Anton Ferdinand and TV presenter Michaela Strachan among the stars taking to the ice to try and win the trophy. While many were excited to see the show back for its 17th season, some took issue with the “cringe” jokes that host Stephen, 47, cracked.

The TV host showed proved he is still at the top of his light-entertainment game – as he had a running joke where he made mistakes over some of the contestant names and jobs, joking that Anton would need a net, rather than realising his skate partner is called Annette Dytrt. And there was a joke about Michaela being a “naturist” rather than a nature expert.

Many took to X to complain about Stephen’s repertoire, with one writing: “These jokes they’re not even funny #DancingOnIce.” Another typing: “The jokes between Stephen and Holly are soooooo cringe #DancingOnIce.” And a further fan complaining: “Who’s writing the script, the jokes are cringeworthy #DancingOnIce.”

Dancing On Ice fans were thrilled to see the show back for the 2025 season ( 
Image:
ITV)

But many others were thrilled to see Dancing On Ice back on the TV – and to have Stephen back too. One impressed fan wrote: “@StephenMulhern Back on my TV. Love seeing his face. He never ages #DancingOnIce.” And another remarked: “#DancingOnIce love the skating professionals they’re so good at what they do!”

As well as Anton and Michaela, a number of stars have been lined up to skate away over the next couple of months. EastEnders icon Charlie Brooks – famous for playing Janine Butcher on the BBC soap – is taking part and has been paired with professional skater Eric Radford. However, she’s not the only soap star to be taking part. Coronation Street star Sam Aston – who plays Chesney Brown on the ITV show – is taking part and is partnered with pro skater Molly Lanaghan. And Hollyoaks star Chelsee Healey, famous for playing Goldie McQueen, is partnered with Andy Buchanan.

Former Towie stars Dan Edgar and Ferne McCann are taking part and have been paired with Vanessa James and Brendyn Hatfield respectively – while former Love Island contestant Chris Taylor will be skating alongside professional star Vanessa Bauer. Comedian Josh Jones has been paired with professional skater Tippy Packard, and Olympic icon Steve Redgrave is taking part under the guidance of skater Vicky Ogden.

Meanwhile, the judging panel is composed of skating icons Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, and TV personalities Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse. However, another star had been due to take part in the series – before injury forced them off.

Paralympic hero Dame Sarah Storey had been all set to take part on this year’s Dancing on Ice, but a nasty fall during training led to an abrupt exit. She revealed her fate via social media, writing: “Absolutely gutted to have my Dancing on Ice training interrupted in this way – just as my first routine with @slongchambon was really coming together! An awkward stumble and fall with my left foot stuck on the ice sadly led to me fracturing my left ankle.”