Author: bang1

Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, was reportedly found dead by their devastated father and stepmum and had ‘passed away a day or two before being found’

Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star, The Vivienne, was found dead by their devastated father, according to reports.

The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, was confirmed to have died aged 32 at the weekend. A friend of the drag star as since shared they were found dead by their distraught dad and stepmum on Sunday. Police have previously confirmed they were called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12.22pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death.

The spokesman said: “Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of the 32-year-old man and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances. A file will be prepared for the coroner.” The Vivienne’s death was confirmed on Sunday and shared by publicist and pal Simon Jones.

“Their devastated dad raised the alarm and believed they had passed away a day or two before being found,” a source told the Sun. “James was due to move to a £400,000 house next week, and had a holiday lined up. They were planning a tour and really had everything to live for.”

The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died aged 32 at the weekend ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

Announcing The Vivienne’s death, their publicist issued a statement that read: “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. 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.” In a follow-up post, Simon revealed how “proud” he was of The Vivienne and gave an insight into their close bond.

The Vivienne died at the age of 32 ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

The star was reportedly found dead by their dad ( 
Image:
PA)
He added: “These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much. From the moment I met them in 2019 I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager. Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.

“I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years. It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in. I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.”

The Vivienne’s last public appearance came just a week before their death. They appeared in Blackpool while starring in the West End musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as The Childcatcher. The star also shared a post just days before passing, urging followers to donate to charity.

Greg James issued an apology for his ‘gentle trolling’ of Neil Young that confused fans on social media, but he has been warned by a former BBC employee

A BBC star has sent a warning to Greg James after revealing he had been axed from Radio One.

Presenter Greg, 39, issued an apology to fans after a post hinted he had quit his morning show. Followers of BBC Radio One’s Breakfast Show had shared their fear that he was leaving after he made fun of Neil Young’s Glastonbury U-turn; the singer has agreed once again to perform at the iconic festival after initially pulling out.

He shared a reel of slides, initially claiming he was “no able to continue” to work for the organisation due to a change in events. Despite his post being a joke, Greg was forced into explaining what was going on in an Instagram post. He uploaded a video alongside his wife, Bella Mackie, to share the joke with his followers, insisting it was just a bit of “gentle trolling”.

Phil Taggart joked on Greg’s post ( 
Image:
(C) BBC 2010)
However, one former BBC star was quick to comment on Greg’s explanation with a word of warning. Phil Taggart joked writing alongside a laughing emoji: “I got binned for playing Joy Division. They’ve marked your cards with this Neil Young joke.”

Phil’s words were warmly received by followers clicking the like button. Phil left his role at the BBC in 2020. He had started with the organisation in 2013, where he was the host of BBC Introducing in Northern Ireland. Shortly after, he took on a job on Radio 1’s national programmes.

In Greg’s initial post, he wrote: “Radio 1 is a corporate turn off, and not for me like it used to be”. He claimed he was instead be focusing on his “many podcasts”.

Further along the reel, he said there had been an “error” and insisted he would indeed return to hosting the morning show. Greg’s mocking saw him write: “Due to an error in the information received, I had decided to not do the breakfast show, which I always have loved. Happily the radio show is now back on my itinerary and we look forward to being there when you need some fun in the morning! Hope to see you there.”

This was in reference to Neil’s statement, in which the artist said: “Due to an error in the information received, I had decided to not play the Glastonbury Festival, which I always have loved. Happily, the festival is now back on our itinerary and we look forward to playing. Hope to see you there.”

After a selection of images on Greg’s joke post, the radio presenter added: “Looking forward to management’s reaction to a Neil Young Glastonbury joke. I might have inadvertently ruined my first day back. Made me laugh though so that’s good at least.”

BBC Silent Witness viewers were left asking where two characters were as they spotted new faces in the latest series

As the first episode of Silent Witness’ 28th series aired on Monday night, viewers were quick to voice a common observation.

The episode saw Dr. Nikki Alexander (portrayed by Emilia Fox) and Jack Hodgson (David Caves) welcome two fresh faces to their ranks – Maggie Steed and Francesca Mills.

In this latest series, Maggie Steed steps into the shoes of Harriet Maven, the new Head of The Lyell Centre, while Francesca Mills brings to life Kit Brooks, a Crime Analyst who collaborates with Jack.

The blurb for the opening episode reveals: “Part one of two. The body of an elderly woman is found in a cave, her fingerprints burnt off and a bunch of foxgloves by her side that she didn’t pick herself.

“The mystery deepens when it emerges that she passed away three months prior to her body being found. Jack is uneasy about the arrival of their new boss, Professor Harriet Maven (Maggie Steed),” reports the Express.

Maggie Steed made an appearance in the new series ( 
Image:
(Image: BBC))
However, no sooner had the new series kicked off than fans took to social media to air their views, with many noticing a couple of familiar faces missing from the enduring drama.

Viewers were quick to query the whereabouts of Velvy (Alastair Michael) and Gabriel (Aki Omoshaybi).

One fan posted on X: “No Velvey or Gabriel? Not a good start.”

One viewer tweeted, “Subtle way of telling us Velvy’s b****red off then #SilentWitness,” while another chimed in with, “So that explains why Gabriel and Velvy have left. I had thought Gabriel would be to do with the university and I’m so pleased for Velvy. Jack has been a good mentor and inspiration to him.”

Gabriel and Velvy seemed to be missing from the new series ( 
Image:
(Image: BBC))
Another fan lamented the loss of a character’s charm: “And just as I was warming to Velvey’s infectious smile, they’ve binned him off. #silentwitness.”

Curiosity is brewing among the audience, with one person asking, “Will Velvy and Gabriel be returning to this series? #SilentWitness,”.

The absence of beloved characters has not gone unnoticed, as one disappointed fan posted, “No Gabriel, Velvy or Cara is disappointing #silentwitness.” (sic).

Anticipation builds for the next instalment, with the synopsis teasing viewers: “As Benjamin continues his search for Gloria, Nikki makes a disturbing discovery that brings them closer to the truth.

“The plot thickens with the introduction of a fresh face at the Lyell, while Lauren and Gary find themselves entangled in an unexpected scam.”

Silent Witness returns on Tuesday at 9pm on BBC One.

Actor Colson Smith is the latest to go under new boss Kate Brooks, who warned last month there were some big exits coming this year

Coronation Street’s Colson Smith will be axed from the soap this summer, after 14 years as Craig Tinker.

One insider said the actor, 26, was told that his police officer character’s time in Weatherfield was ending, several months ago.

The source revealed: “Colson was told last autumn about Craig being written out of the show, he will be on screen until early summer. He is hugely grateful to have had 14 years working on the show and is excited about what promises to be a brilliant exit storyline. He is very positive about what the future holds for the next part of his career.”

Colson confirmed to the Mirror that he has been aware of his character’s departure for a while. “Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinker’s time on the Cobbles is to come to an end in 2025. I’ve LOVED every single second of my 14 year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world.”

Colson Smith in his role as a Corrie copper alongside Lisa Swain, played by Vicky Myers ( 
Image:
ITV)

The actor, who lost a staggering 10 stone during and after lockdown, insisted he felt nothing but positive about the future. “I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street,” he said. “I’ve learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I’m excited to play out the exit story for Our Craigy.

“For me, this is the end of the beginning. I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter two has in store for me.” And showing he has no bitterness towards the soap’s new boss Kate Brooks, he added: “Long live the cobbles!”

Brooks told last month that she was going to be wielding the axe during 2025, saying: “There are a few exits this year, and some unexpected ones that will send shockwaves.”

Colson was just 11 when he joined the show and long struggled with unhealthy eating habits and weight gain. He told the Mirror in 2021 that moving to Manchester aged 17 had made things worse, explaining: “When everyone else was at uni, I’m sat on bloody Deliveroo every night. So I kind of had got myself into a really unhealthy position where food was a self-harm to me. It was my comfort and I didn’t realise how much damage I was doing to myself with it.”

But having decided to get healthy, he shared his weight loss journey in a YouTube film entitled Bored of Being the Fat Kid which told how he’d used a life coach to help him go from being 22 stone to around 12.

Colson took part in ITV reality show Celebrity Big Brother last spring and also appeared on ITV’s jungle spin-off show I’m a Celebrity: Unpacked at the end of the year.

The actor is the latest of many to leave the soap in recent months. Craig’s on-screen mum, Beth Tinker, left the show in the summer when actress Lisa George was written out. Christmas saw the departure of Helen Worth, who decided to quit the cobbles after 50 years of playing Gail Platt.

And this weekend it emerged that Sue Cleaver, who has played Eileen Grimshaw for the past 25 years, is also on her way out.

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Paddy McGuinness has replaced Gregg Wallace as a co-host on Inside the Factory, with him having worked alongside the likes of Cherry Healey on the BBC show’s new series

Presenter Paddy McGuinness has addressed speculation over romance rumours with his colleague Cherry Healey after having worked together on a show.

It was announced in the summer of 2023 that Paddy, now 51, would replace Gregg Wallace on Inside the Factory. He’s since filmed the new series alongside co-host Cherry, 44, who has been on the BBC show since it launched in 2015.

Paddy made his debut in a Christmas special that aired last month, ahead of the ninth series launching on Tuesday. He reminded of the show’s return later this week in a message to his followers on Instagram over the weekend.

The post included several photos of Paddy and co-star Cherry – who present Inside the Factory alongside historian Ruth Goodman – together. The pair were seen beside each other in selfies, as well as in a photo of them at a restaurant.

Alongside the photos, Paddy wrote about his colleagues in the accompanying caption of the post. He told his followers last week: “The whole crew on Inside The Factory have been a joy to work with. A small but perfectly formed team.”

He continued: “Also I’d never met @cherryhealey before but we hit it off straight away. Absolutely love working with her, she’s an absolute diamond!” Paddy concluded: “The new series starts Tuesday 7th on BBC1 & @bbciplayer.”

Paddy McGuinness (left) has shut down speculation that he’s begun a romance with his Inside the Factory co-star Cherry Healey (right) ( 
Image:
Instagram/ @mcguinness.paddy)
The post was met with speculation about a potential romance between the colleagues. One person reacted: “Is this a soft launch of the new Mrs?” Another asked: “Ooh I’m liking this. New lady, Paddy? You look cute together.”

Paddy however has since addressed the rumours, which he shut down when responding to a fan who asked: “Is this your new love? If so all the very best (you look very comfortable together).” Paddy replied: “Not at all. She’s just a great person.”

Former Top Gear presenter Paddy was once in a long-term relationship with Christine McGuinness. The pair, who share three children, announced the end of their 11-year marriage in a joint statement released back in July 2022.

They said at the time: “We’re moving forward as the best parents we can be for our three beautiful children. We’ll always be a loving family, we still have a great relationship and still live happily in our family home together.”

His colleague Cherry was once married to Rory Allen, with whom she shares her two children, but the former couple split up in 2016. She later began a relationship with Justin Mountstephens and they are thought to still be together, having celebrated her birthday together last month.

Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan opened up about what sparked panic in her recently-ended relationship with Michael Jones, following three years together

Loose Women star Coleen Nolan has not completely closed the door on finding love again after her recent split from Michael Jones. While she’s content with her single status at the moment, the 59-year-old is open to the idea of meeting someone new if it happens naturally.

Coleen and Michael, who connected on the dating app Tinder, ended their three-year relationship last year but have managed to stay friends. In previous discussions about their split, Coleen attributed it to her hectic schedule and changes in living arrangements.

In a new interview, she revealed that moving in full-time with Michael caused some anxiety about their relationship. When asked if it was strange to live alone again, she admitted: “If I’m honest, it was weird not living by myself.”

She added to Woman Magazine: “I think I found it more weird living full-time with someone. Maybe that’s what made me think, ‘Oh, I don’t know’.”

Coleen went on to express her desire to meet someone new, but not on a full-time basis, as she is currently enjoying independence and being “selfish”.

Besides her work, she keeps herself busy caring for 30 animals on her farm near Dilhorne, Staffordshire. The Loose Women star maintains amicable relationships with Michael as well as her other exes Shane Ritchie and Ray Fensome.

Coleen Nolan is newly single following her split from Michael Jones
Coleen was previously married to Shane Richie, from 1990 until their separation in 1999, and together they share two sons; Shane Nolan, 36, and Jake Roche, 32. With her second husband Ray, she has 24-year-old daughter Ciara.

Should another romance develop into a marriage in the future, the mother-of-three has a new rule in place following previous divorce chaos. While still with Michael, she discussed the idea of signing a prenup if they did tie the knot.

Speaking with her co-star Kaye Adams on her How To Be 60 podcast, Coleen confessed: “If it meant a lot to him, maybe I would, but I’d b****y make him sign a great big piece of paper before I did, because I’m not going through that again.

“I’ve looked into it. 100 per cent. It’s sorted from there and it’s a reference point; no-one thinks they’re going to split up. I’ve always been against prenups, because I find them really unromantic and very much like you’re going into it going: ‘Well, it probably won’t work, so sign this’.

“Hopefully it will work and we’ll never have to look at that piece of paper again, but what I went through on my last divorce I don’t ever want to go through again,” she added.

The Vivienne – who won the first series of the RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 – passed away just a few days ago, their publicist announced in a statement over the weekend

The late drag artist the Vivienne has been described as a “talented queen” and a “lovely” person in a tribute post by RuPaul, following the news of their death on the weekend.

It was announced on Sunday night that James Lee Williams – known by the stage name the Vivienne – had passed away, aged 32. The news prompted an outpouring of tributes to the performer, whose career has included winning the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (RPDR UK) back in 2019.

RuPaul, 64 – who hosts the BBC show and is on its judging panel – paid tribute on Instagram this week. Alongside a photo of them together, RuPaul wrote in a post shared on Monday afternoon: “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.”

The news of the Vivienne’s death was announced by their friend and publicist Simon Jones on Sunday night. Simon’s statement, released on the platform, began: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.”

The publicist continued: “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. 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.”

RuPaul (right) has paid tribute to the Vivienne (left) in a post on social media following the RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner’s death ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Former colleagues and celebrity pals joined fans in paying tribute to the Vivienne following the news. Michelle Visage, who’s also a judge on RPDR UK, wrote as part of her tribute: “Heartbreaking. I don’t know how to say how I feel.”

She added: “We go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point. Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beachon to so many. […] You will be missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL. Fly high.”

The Vivienne rose to fame as a contestant on the first series of RPDR UK in 2019, which they ended up winning. They later returned to the franchise to compete in the seventh season of All Stars – which featured previous winners – in 2022.

The following year, the Vivienne became the first drag artist to compete on Dancing on Ice and went on to place third on the ITV ice skating contest. More recently, they had performed in a West End production of the Wizard of Oz and a touring production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

BBC broadcaster Clive Myrie sparked concern amongst viewers as his left eye appeared to droop during a live news broadcast of the News At Six on Monday

Clive Myrie sparked concern amongst BBC News At Six viewers on Monday (6 January) as his left eye appeared to increasingly droop over the course of the half-an-hour News At Six broadcast.

The journalist appeared on tonight’s BBC News at Six wearing a black suit, white shirt, and navy blue tie. But while his right eye was fully open, the left appeared half closed.

Noticing the worrying incident, many viewers took to X to share their concerns. One wrote: “I hope Clive Myrie’s OK. A lot of us are noticing his droopy eye.” While a second said: “What’s the matter with Clive Myrie’s left eye?” “What’s wrong with Clive Myrie’s eye tonight?” said a third viewer.

Clive’s eye appeared to droop as he spoke
As fans worried over Clive, the broadcaster cleared things up on his own X page, writing: “Happy N.Year everyone and thank you all for your concern over my left eye. It’s nothing serious, just an infection. I did think about wearing an eye patch, but the boss said no! A bit like Long John Silver. He wasn’t having any of it! Cheers.”

While a BBC spokesperson also assured The Sun, telling them: “Clive is fine and just has an eye infection.” Clive has been working for the BBC since 1987, when he joined as a trainee local radio reporter. He is also known for presenting quiz show Mastermind.

After the worry, Clive cleared up that he is suffering from an eye infection ( 
Image:
BBC/Comic Relief/Daniel Loveday)
Clive hit headlines in October when it was reported he had not declared earnings from corporate events over the past 12 months. As a BBC employee, he is supposed to declare his list of engagements to the corporation monthly, but failed to include all. All of the Beeb’s on-screen talent have had to declare outside earnings since director-general Tim Davie demanded more transparency in 2021, publishing the declarations every three months.

A BBC spokesperson said it had spoken to the presenter to “remind him of his responsibilities”. They said: “We have spoken to Clive to remind him of his responsibilities with regards to the external events register, and he has apologised for these errors.” While he apologised on X for his oversight and admitting to filling out the wrong paperwork.

He penned: “An apology – I’ve had several administrative issues, and I didn’t fill out the correct paperwork for some of my external public events, so they haven’t been published until now.

“I’ve told the BBC I won’t be taking part in any more paid external events in the foreseeable future, beyond a handful of pre-existing commitments, so that this doesn’t happen again.”

Dancing on Ice returns for its new series on ITV on Sunday night (January 12) with a host of celebrities taking to the ice for their debut performances in the launch episode

The contestants on the new series of Dancing on Ice (DOI) have opened up about signing up for the ITV show ahead of their respective debuts on ice over the weekend.

The line-up for the upcoming series, which was confirmed in September last year, includes a host of celebrities. The latest batch of contestants includes several reality TV stars, a few actors, a stand-up comedian and a football pundit.

Ahead of the launch on Sunday, the celebrities have shared their motivations for joining the new series and what their loved ones think of the decision. The new cast have also revealed whether they have any ice skating experience.

Dan Edgar

Dan Edgar is among the contestants on the new series of Dancing on Ice ( 
Image:
ITV)
The Only Way Is Essex cast member Dan Edgar, 34, has revealed that he’s been a fan of DOI over the years. Asked why he signed up, he said: “It’s obviously a massive show that I’ve enjoyed watching over the years so I think it will be an amazing experience. I’ve always been able to ice skate.”

Dan added that he “every now and again” when he was younger, he would go ice skating. The reality TV star added: “It’s the dancing I’m a bit worried about because if you see me on the dance floor, it’s almost non existent, it’s terrible.”

He however shared that he’s looking forward to “learning something new” and “having the opportunity to grow with the experience”. Dan said that he will “dedicate” himself to the show, teasing: “I’m going for the win”.

Asked about his friends and family think of him competing, he said: “They are really excited, they love the show and always watch anything I’m on. My nan will be at the live show every week if she can, she’s my number one fan.”

Dan added that pal Joey Essex, who was a finalist on DOI in 2023, has given him “a bit of advice”. He expressed hope that Joey, as well as some other colleagues from TOWIE, will be able to come and support him.

Mollie Pearce

Mollie Pearce will also be taking to the ice in the new series of the ITV show ( 
Image:
ITV)
The Traitors runner-up Mollie Pearce, 22, said that she has grown up watching the show with her “mega fan” mum, who used to skate when she was younger. “I’m beyond excited,” she revealed ahead of training for the new series.

Asked if she has any skating experience, Mollie said: “Not really”. She went on to share with ITV that she hasn’t “skated in years” except for the “odd time” at Christmas. She’s also described the experience as “learning a new sport” and said that it will push her out of her comfort zone.

Expressing nerves over the live shows, Mollie said that the thought of a “big crowd” makes her “nervous”. She shared that although she’s been on TV before, she’s “never” done anything involving a live audience so she’s “apprehensive”.

Discussing her support network, she said: “My mum is going to be there every week without fail.” Mollie – who appeared on the BBC show last year – added: “I think my Traitors family will also be supporting from the sidelines.”

Chelsee Healey

The line-up this year also includes Chelsee Healey ( 
Image:
ITV)
Actor Chelsee Healey – known for her roles on shows like Waterloo Road and Hollyoaks – has teased that she loves a “challenge”. And she’s revealed that DOI is her “first job” since welcoming her second child, Cookie, now one, in 2023.

“How lucky am I being able to have the opportunity to learn a new skill that you’d never normally be able to learn,” she commented about the experience. Chelsee added that she’s most looking forward to the live shows and being able to perform in front of an audience.

Asked if she has any experience on the ice, she said: “None, I can dance and have rhythm but as far as skating goes I’m completely out of my comfort zone.” Chelsee teased that she’s “nervous” but will be “alright” as long as she doesn’t spend “half the time on [her] bum.”

She’s shared that her loved ones are “so excited,” adding that her partner Eddie has been expressing his pride to her. Chelsee said that her mum is a “massive fan” of DOI and eldest daughter Coco, seven, will “absolutely love it”.

Michaela Strachan

Michaela Strachan will be showcasing her ice skating abilities on the show too ( 
Image:
ITV)Springwatch presenter Michaela Strachan, 58, said that she enjoys a “challenge” and fitness, so being able to focus on a project that will “enable” her to “get fitter really appeals” to her. And having trained in musical theatre, she said that being able to go back to performing, after having not done that “for a very long time” is something that “excites” her.

Michaela said that she doesn’t have much experience with ice skating, though “probably did it more than the average child” as her mother went through a phase with the sport “many moons ago”. She added that she’s looking forward to “learning a new skill”.

The contestant admitted that she is concerned about about the prospect of her injuring herself though. She teased: “I’m of an age where it takes longer for me to mend.” Michaela went on to suggest that her loved ones will want to be there to support her when she competes on the show.

Speaking of the competition though, she teased that she won’t consider the other celebrities as her rival. Michaela instead suggested that she’s the type of person who “competes against themself” rather than others.

Charlie Brooks

Charlie Brooks is also part of the line-up for 2025 ( 
Image:
ITV)
Former EastEnders cast member Charlie Brooks, 43, has teased that she’s in a phase of her life where she’s “saying yes to the world”. She said: “Saying yes to things is my new life mantra, I’ve spent so much time overthinking things whereas now I’m in an era of my life where I just think why not.”

The actor added that it will involve “learning a brilliant new skill” and to go outside of her comfort zone. Asked what she’s most looking forward to though, Charlie said: “Getting a nice strong fit body and the glitz and glamour of it all.”

Discussing her experience on the ice, she described her abilities as “not terrible” after visiting an ice skating rink when she was younger. She added ahead of the launch episode: “I can make my way around but that’s all I can do.”

Charlie – best known for playing Janine Butcher on the BBC soap opera – also spoke about being supported by loved one. She shared that she has a “very close knit” group of family and friends who will “all be there” on the front row.

Ferne McCann

Ferne McCann will also be taking to the ice alongside the other celebrities ( 
Image:
ITV)
Former the Only Way is Essex cast member Ferne McCann, 34, has said that it “feels like the right time” to take part in the show. The self-confessed fan of DOI said that she loves a “challenge” and the “sporting element” of the show. “Not many people know this about me but I love sports and we have to respect the fact that it’s an Olympic sport so I love that combined with the performance element,” she said.

Ferne added that it’s the “first show” in her career that her whole family, including eldest daughter Sunday, seven, “can watch and be a part of”. Ferne said that her family as “all so excited” and will want to be in the audience.

The reality TV star said that her past experience of skating “mainly revolves” around going to Winter Wonderland and Lapland, which will “come in handy”. Ferne suggested that her first experience on the ice involved being skated into by another child, whose skate went into her leg. Fern said she ended up in A&E needing stitches but added: “Like anything in my life, I get back up and here we are.”

Sam Aston

The contestants for the new series also include Sam Aston ( 
Image:
ITV)
Coronation Street cast member Sam Aston, 31, said that “everyone” knows him as his character Chesney Brown so it will be “nice to do something as Sam”. He added that he feels that it is “important” to do things in life that “scare you”.

The actor acknowledged that he’s “never done anything” like DOI before but some of his co-stars who have done the show “only have positive things to say” about it. Sam described taking part in the new series as “exciting”.

He said that he feels “lucky” to be given the opportunity to “learn an amazing new skill”. Sam said that he has “no skating experience whatsoever” apart from taking his kids, before adding that he has no dancing either either.

Discussing the reception to him being in the line-up, Sam said: “Everyone I’ve told is buzzing, they all can’t believe I’m actually doing it.” He said that the experience is “out of the ordinary” for him but a “massive show” so his loved ones are “excited”.

Josh Jones

Josh Jones features in the line-up for DOI’s return too ( 
Image:
ITV)
Stand-up comedian Josh Jones, 32, said that he was put forward for the new series of DOI by his agent, adding: “When he said you’re doing it, I was like ok, let’s go.” He added that he’s “excited” after having got his “head around it”.

Josh teased that he looking forward to his grandparents being able to watch the show, as it’s not him on a panel show “being inappropriate”. He added that he’s also hoping to lose a stone through the “physical challenge” of it.

Asked if he has any skating experience, the contestant said “absolutely not,” before recalling that he skated once on a date years ago. Josh said that he “wasn’t very good” and that his dancing “isn’t great” either, adding that he doesn’t have any rhythm and “can’t even clap on beat”.

He teased that his family and friends want to be in the audience, adding that they all think he will “make an absolute fool” of himself. Josh said that they were “shocked” when they heard of his involvement as he’s “very clumsy”.

Chris Taylor

Chris Taylor will be showing off his ice skating abilities when the series launches ( 
Image:
ITV)
Love Island star Chris Taylor, 34, has teased that he wanted to try a project that’s the “polar opposite of dating,” after having “very little success” on romance-based shows. He added that he’s a “bit of showman” so is looking forward to performing and honing a skill at the same time. He hopes to end up with “a new talent” and is excited by the opportunity.

Chris shared that he rollerskated “a lot as a kid” but has “less” experience with ice skating itself. He revealed that he’s “nervous” about the prospect of getting injured after having once “hurt” his elbows due to skating before.

The reality TV star said that his parents are “buzzing,” before adding that his family and friends are “desperate” to be in the audience to watch him live on DOI. Chris said: “I think they’re going to be proud watching me.” He expressed hope that some of his former co-stars will get to be there.

Anton Ferdinand

The line-up for the new series also includes Anton Ferdinand ( 
Image:
ITV)
Former professional footballer Anton Ferdinand, 39, has described DOI as a “challenge” as part of a “new phase” of his life following his retirement from the sport. He said that show will give him “focus and structure” every day.

He expressed interest in learning a “new skill and sport,” adding that he’s been told by the physio that it will be “good” for his body. Anton went on to share that he’s “excited” to be on a “journey of self discovery” through the show.

The pundit recalled taking his kids skating and trying the activity himself as a child, but assured that his experience is “very limited”. He expressed concern about his “posture” but teased ahead of the launch that he’s “up for the challenge”.

“My family are all buzzing, my daughter is beside herself and excited about the live shows,” he commented. Anton said that his whole family wants to watch from the studio audience but teased he may not have “enough tickets”.

Sir Steve Redgrave

Sir Steve Redgrave is among the contestants too ( 
Image:
ITV)
Retired rower Sir Steve Redgrave, 62, said that he’s “never” had the opportunity to try DOI in the past because his diary was “always so packed” with his own training. He added that he’s skated with his children previously and recalled competing on the Jump “many years ago”. He said: “There was short track skating on that, I’d say speed isn’t my issue but style will be.”

He shared that he’s “starting from a very low level” and he may be at a lower level than his co-stars due to his age, adding that he doesn’t “bounch as much” as he used to. Steve said that to be able to call himself a skater and do crossovers, both forwards and backwards, “would be an excellent place to get to”.

The Olympic gold medalist went on to state that his loved ones are all excited about watching him on the ITV show. He said that they are all “keen to come along” but want tickets for the first show, adding that he doesn’t think they are “holding much hope” for him to make it to far in the competition.

This Morning was halted by host Cat Deeley on Monday after one of the stars confirmed a Christmas proposal following a decade with his partner

It seems as though it’s time to celebrate for one This Morning celebrity, who just divulged some heartwarming news on the ITV programme. On Monday’s show, presenter Cat Deeley took a momentary pause from regular scheduling to drop an exciting bombshell.

Cat broke the news, exclaiming: “We’ve got breaking news, officially, Nick Ferrari is off the market! I hear hearts breaking.” Vanessa Feltz chimed in with mock horror: “No! Say it’s not ‘true’!”

Probing the newly-betrothed Nick for details, Cat enquired about the juicy particulars. Broadcasting straight from his LBC hub, Nick dished the scoop to the captivated This Morning crew, confirming: “I know a nation’s heart is broken, but I have to impart the news, Vanessa, I’m sorry to do it in this fashion, but yes, I am engaged to be wed!”

Nick confirmed he asked Clare to marry him over Christmas ( 
Image:
ITV)
The studio erupted into celebratory noises as Nick disclosed that he had proposed to his sweetheart Clare. Speaking about their fairytale-like holiday season, he commented: “We’d already been to Lapland, I took my family, my grandchildren, Clare and her children, we had a brilliant time in Lapland.

“Then we were down in the South of France, after 10 years together, I’m impetuous is nothing else, I finally decided she can make an honest man of me.” Amid gentle ribbing about his unhurried approach to engagement, Ben quipped that such matters shouldn’t be hurried while Cat was eager to learn the specifics of Nick’s proposal to Clare, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Nick spoke about his engagement on Monday’s This Morning ( 
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ITV)
The LBC presenter let slip that he popped the question at their top dining spot overseas, revealing: “Now, this is the truth of the matter, I want her to play a role in designing her engagement ring. So, she kind of knew it was coming.”

Describing an amusing prelude to the actual proposal, he said: “We had to go to a DIY store; every now and again, I would get down on one knee. The equivalent to a Homebase or B&Q, and I would say, ‘Clare, I’ve got a question’.

“She’d go, ‘Can you pass me that screwdriver?’ I brought a tiny jubilee clip, plumbers will know what they are. When I actually proposed, out came the jubilee clip and then we went into the village and brought a decent ring the next morning.”

Nick and Clare have been together for 10 years ( 
Image:
GETTY)

But according to Nick, once back on UK shores, the engagement ring is due for a serious upgrade. His co-stars on This Morning couldn’t contain their joy for him, with Ben responding: “Nick, really thrilled for the two of you, congratulations. What a wonderful way to start the year.”

Echoing the sentiment, Vanessa also expressed her delight, having met Nick’s betrothed numerous times, saying: “You are a very lucky man, absolutely fabulous.”

This Morning continues weekdays on ITV from 10am.