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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.

If you can’t see the poll, click here

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.”

Viewers watching Dancing On Ice on Sunday night were disappointed by a short tribute that was delivered on the ITV in honour of late Drag Race UK contestant The Vivienne

Dancing On Ice fans were left disappointed by a tribute to late contestant The Vivienne – who passed away suddenly earlier this month.

The RuPaul’s Drag Race star was a contestant on season 15 of the long-running ITV winter sport contest in 2023 – where they finished in third place alongside professional skater Colin Grafton. A week before the 2025 season of Dancing On Ice began airing, the shocking news that The Vivienne – whose real name was James Lee Williams – had died at the age of 32.

After the opening dance routine on the show on Sunday night, and after welcoming the celebrity contestants and show judges, hosts Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern addressed the cameras to pay tribute to the late drag performer. Holly, 43, said: “Before we move on, like us, many of you have been saddened by the tragedy of The Vivienne’s passing last weekend.

“Now, they were a huge part of the show, making it all the way to the final in 2023 and they’ll be very sorely missed. Our thoughts are with The Vivienne’s loved ones at this sad time. So sad.” Stephen, 47, added: “Absolutely,” before changing tone to say: “Ok, tonight’s we’ll see our first six couples take to the ice – the other six couples will perform next week – so lets crack on with the very first celebrity.”

The Vivienne competed on Dancing On Ice alongside Colin Grafton in 2023 ( 
Image:
Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Many viewers were disappointed by the tribute – and took to social media to suggest the hosts could have done more to celebrate the late star. One viewers took to X to write: “I thought that they might of said/done a little more when it came too paying homage too The Vivienne, showing previous clips and, or a dance routine in memory of perhaps. #DancingOnIce.”

Another agreed there could have been some visuals to accompany the tribute, writing: “Is that it for a tribute to The Vivienne a few words why can’t we at least see some dances etc #DancingOnIce.” While another fan slammed the reality show, writing: “THATS IT!? … Not even a black a white image? Appalling.”

Others felt the showmakers hit the right balance in paying tribute to the late performer, with one writing: “@ITV #dancingonice Brilliant opening sequence! Gets you in the mood. Nice tribute to The Vivienne. And it’s always great to see Jayne and Chris, well backed up by Ashley and Oti. This is going to be a good series.” While another responded to the tribute to type: “The Vivienne” alongside a string of red heart emojis.

Drag Race fans were devastated last weekend when news broke that The Vivienne had died at the age of 32. Responding to the tragic news, Dancing On Ice partner Colin wrote on Instagram: “I can’t believe I’m writing these words. It is with an extraordinarily heavy heart that I say goodbye to my beautiful friend and skating partner, The Vivienne.”

The American skater continued: “Viv was and is a true icon in every sense of the word, and inspired thousands of people far and wide with everything they did and accomplished. They truly brought light into every room they entered, and gave so many people hope where there was none. I am truly heartbroken. What we were able to accomplish together on Dancing On Ice was truly remarkable and I know your bravery and our partnership inspired many people.”

He added: “I will always be so proud of what we accomplished. Viv, your spirit, strength, and kindness will always stay with me and with everyone you touched. I will forever cherish our time together on and off the ice , you will forever be my Mary Poppins. I promise to carry your memory with me in everything I do. You taught me so much about so many things, and I am eternally grateful. Your legacy lives on.”

Macy Gray’s departure from The Masked Singer as Toad In The Hole took an unexpected twist when she stormed off stage after being eliminated. Producers spent nearly an hour convincing the star to return for her unmasking and final performance.

Macy Gray’s appearance on The Masked Singer as Toad In The Hole took an unexpected turn when she stormed off stage after being eliminated.

Fans took to X, formerly Twitter, when they say the singer ‘storm off’. One user wrote: “Macy Gray being angry whilst hanging out of a Yorkshire pudding costume is the greatest thing of 2025 so far.” Whilst another added: “Macy Gray throwing a stop on British TV while dressed as a Toad in the Hole was not on my 2025 bingo card, but here we are.”

A third penned: “Pop culture moment of 2025, Macy Gray storming off stage in a toad outfit after being sent home then coming back and being SALTY AF to the judges who are standing there being BRITISH AF acting like everything’s fine.”

Macy Gray’s departure from The Masked Singer as Toad In The Hole took an unexpected twist when she stormed off stage after being eliminated ( 
Image:
ITV)
Producers spent nearly an hour convincing her to return for the unmasking and final performance. “This has never happened on The Masked Singer before,” a source told The Sun. The source added: “When Macy stormed off stage everyone was frozen in shock but as soon as she reached backstage, crew removed her mask so they could talk her down.

“Macy was almost shellshocked to start with and was basically gutted to be out so early because she really enjoyed being on the American version – when obviously she did brilliantly – so was totally blindsided. 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.

If you can’t see the poll, click here

“Obviously The Masked Singer isn’t a singing competition and is just a bit of fun, so being voted off was no indication of her talent, but no one could believe a global superstar like Macy had lost it like this. It took everyone backstage ages to talk her round and poor Joel was on stage essentially doing a stand-up routine to try and keep things under control.

Producers spent nearly an hour convincing her to return for the unmasking and final performance ( 
Image:
ITV)
“Eventually they managed to persuade Macy to go back on stage and be properly unmasked and sing for the last time. But it was totally wild.” The full incident was not shown on the broadcast, which only depicted host Joel Dommett’s attempt to manage the situation.

There was another moment before Toad in the Hole’s identity was revealed. 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 also told the publication: “This character turned around and shuffled off stage, which was hilarious in their costume obviously, but we were all stunned.”

They added: “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 is an American singer and actress, best known for her 1999 hit single “I Try.” Born Natalie Renée McIntyre on September 6, 1967, in Canton, Ohio, she has released ten studio albums and received five Grammy Award nominations, winning one. Gray has also appeared in several films, including “Training Day,” “Spider-Man,” and “Scary Movie 3.”

The star showcased her talents on Masked Singer USA back in 2023, as the character Sea Queen. Her performances captivated both the audience and judges, leading her to the finals. In the season finale, she delivered a powerful rendition of Rescue Me by Fontella Bass, which was well-received. Ultimately, Macy Gray was unmasked as Sea Queen, revealing her identity to the viewers.

ITV’s The Masked Singer has got fans guessing the identities of the celebrities behind the masks – and some are convinced they’ve cracked who is behind the Wolf costume

The Masked Singer fans are on the edge of their seats as the guessing game intensifies, with all eyes on one enigmatic character – the Wolf.

Reddit has become a hotbed for viewer theories, and one eagle-eyed fan is putting their money on Wolf being none other than Marti Pellow from Wet Wet Wet because of some compelling evidence. They wrote: “I’m pretty confident that Wolf is Marti Pellow from Wet Wet Wet and here’s clues that prove it.”

The fan went on to list the clues that pointed to Marti. “Pope – did a cover of the folk song called Dante’s Prayer Ship – his great grandfather was a ship builder. Wolf pack – lead singer of pop group Wet Wet Wet. Fairy tale – has starred in pantos including Peter Pan. Has been on west end/Broadway. He was in the Broadway adaption of Jekyll and Hyde, hence the Jekyll and Hyde clue someone mentioned on the thread.”

Fans are convinced Wolf is Marti Pellow from Wet Wet Wet ( 
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ITV)
One commenter agreed with the theory: “It is definitely him. I got the same feeling when Morten Harket did TMS a few years ago, I knew immediately,” reports the Express. Another agreed: “100% Marti Pellow. The most obvious in the history of the show.” However, another fan suggested an alternative identity: “WOLF IS DEFO TONY HADLEY he sings like him and tony hadley sings with a hunched back, leaning forward.”

As speculation mounts, stars such as Kate Garraway, Prue Leith and Macy Gray have already been revealed and bid farewell to the show. Last weekend, Prue Leith was revealed as Pegasus and shared with Capital FM radio that she underwent singing lessons twice a week for six months in preparation for the show. Speaking about her experience, she said: “I just can’t believe it. And now I’m on a mission to anyone who thinks ‘you cannot do it’ but it does take a lot of effort.”

She added: “Because I was going to go on this thing, I thought this was my opportunity to learn how to sing. All musicians always say to you, ‘there’s no such thing as somebody who can’t sing’, ‘there’s no such thing as someone who is tone deaf’, you can learn it all, but you have to make an effort.”

She continued: “The production company who makes The Masked Singer, said “don’t worry we’ll get you a teacher’. But they are not used to people who can’t sing, to the degree that I can’t!” She added: “So, I needed twice a week, for pretty much six months, and so I had a wonderful teacher called Richard Coxon, and he came to the house and in the end, my husband got sick of hearing me belt out ridiculous old songs that I knew. Mostly musicals or hymns, otherwise I didn’t know any. So now he joins me, and we’re going to keep it up, so we’re singing.”