Category Entertainment News

Paddy McGuinness has unveiled some seriously ripped abs after following a controversial new exercise regime, going from dad bod to ripped abs on a 75-day challenge

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Comedian and TV favourite Paddy McGuinness has given away some crucial advice to fans impressed by his recent body transformation. The star shook off his ‘dad bod’ and is now rocking a six pack after following the controversial 75 day weight loss challenge, admitting he ‘smashed himself to pieces’ in the process.

The funnyman, 52, who shares three children with ex-wife Christine, revealed that he had taken on the viral, military-style fitness philosophy, which its critics warn is a ‘recipe for burnout and injury’ – stunning them with his honed physique.

The 75 Hard exercise method, a military-style programme combining exercise, diet and rigid self-discipline, certainly gives impressive results – but experts have a word of caution, claiming it’s not right for everyone – and requires people to strictly following some seemingly arbitrary rules.

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Paddy, appearing on the Scott Mills Breakfast Show on Wednesday morning, admitted that the programme put his body into such a state of shock that he found it difficult to get up in the morning.

The buff star told listeners, “The best advice if you’re doing a challenge like that is, don’t do too much straight away.

“The 75 is two training sessions a day, 45 minutes each, one’s got to be outdoors, one’s got to be indoors. Indoors can be yoga, it doesn’t have to be a gym. Outdoors can be a nice hike or whatever, it’s just about getting yourself out and doing it.”

‘I [smashed myself to pieces] for the first two weeks and I literally couldn’t get out of bed, my limbs were aching and everything else, so I just started training a bit different.’

The Bolton native admitted that he turned to the viral trend out of boredom, and used his recent Children In Need challenge – during which he raised £9million for charity by cycling five days across the UK on a customised 1970s children’s bike – to motivate him during the tough times.

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He said: ‘When I did the Children In Need challenge it was so physically exerting. I used to think, “how did I do that? How did I manage that challenge?” And I thought right, I’d love to do something again, really out of my comfort zone, and that’s what I did.

“’I had a bit of free time for a month and a half and I thought I’m gonna do it. I really enjoyed it. It’s so good for your mind and resilience. It was brilliant.”

The controversial, high-intensity exercise method was created in 2019 byAmerican entrepreneur Andy Frisella. It follows five essential elements: following a non-specified but ‘clean’ diet with no cheat days; drinking at least 3.79 litres of water a day; completing two 45-minute workouts daily – one of which must be outdoors; reading 10 pages of a non-fiction book and taking daily progress pictures.

If you fail to follow just one of these rules in any way, you have to go back to the start. Alcohol is also an absolute no-go, as are ‘cheat meals’, and participants can’t alter any element of the programme to make it easier.

For Paddy, it meant ditching a two-month binge-eating habit that saw him stuffing himself with cakes and biscuits, washed down with beer, admitting he ‘couldn’t believe how much he’d let himself go’.

Fans were stunned when the TV star showed off his ripped abs with a before and after pic on social media. Describing the results as ‘amazing’ he said, “It really is incredible what can be achieved in such a short period of time… if you’ve got the willpower.”

Admitting not everyone might have it in them to follow the 75 Hard programme, he added, “If you’ve got even an ounce of willpower, why not give something a whirl?”

A Britain’s Got Talent finalist and her partner have died in a horror crash. Singer Letitia Cuney, 53, and Cheryl Pierre, 47, died following a collision just days after Christmas.

Letitia was a member of the choir NSO, which made it all the way to the Britain’s Got Talent finals. The pair were travelling on the A10 near Chittering in Cambridgeshire when there was a collision between a silver BMW 520D and a white Nissan Qashqai.

Her family said in a statement: “Guided by her values and love for her family, she made the courageous decision to move to England with her one-year-old child, despite having never visited the country before.

“Following her move, Letitia led an industrious and fulfilling life as a teacher. To everyone who met Letitia, she was a force to be reckoned with – an energetic, powerful presence and a genuinely kind-hearted individual. She will be sorely missed as a mother, sister, daughter, teacher, colleague, and friend to many.”

Tributes were also paid to Cheryl, who died in the crash. The family said: “She was completely selfless and dedicated her life to her children, always putting them first and doing everything she could to give them the best life possible.

“She was the centre of our family, bringing everyone together, offering a shoulder to cry on, and giving the most thoughtful advice whenever it was needed.”

Following the crash, a 54-year-old man from Haddenham was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, drug driving and possession of class A drugs. He has been released on bail until March 27.

NSO choir – also known as Northants Sings Out – performed on the 2024 series of the ITV talent show, in front of judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli.

The choir is led by Music Director and Choir Director Gareth Fuller, who said of their Britain’s Got Talent journey: “When we got on the stage it was electric. We had an amazing time… we wanted to show people what we do… show what it would be like to come to one of our shows… we want to change the perception of what community choirs are.”

As well as about singing, the choir’s focus is also on community, inclusivity and innovation. The group regularly tour and have the backing of some very famous faces including Madonna, Chris Evans and Chaka Khan.

After their performance of Fatboy Slim’s Praise You, Simon described it as “absolutely spot on”. The judge added: “I’m gonna praise you – that’s what I wanna do. It was again, the best performance you’ve done since we first saw you at the auditions.”

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Queen guitarist, Brian May, has been flooded with support after announcing the death of his close friend and colleague, who sadly died on Monday

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Brian May has been left heartbroken after the death of his close friend and colleague. The Queen guitarist, 78, admitted that “life will never be the same again” after losing “dear friend”, Jen Tunney, who worked with Brian on his Soapbox blog.

Taking to Instagram, sharing a snap of the pair, announcing that Jen had died on Monday, he wrote: “JEN TUNNEY RIP. Many of you already know we just lost our dear friend and my indomitable Web Lady for half a lifetime – Jen Tunney. She passed away peacefully yesterday with her family all around her.”

Explaining that Jen had worked for Brian on his ‘Brian’s Soapbox’ blog in which he shared things he felt were “important for people to know” – long before Instagram was around – he continued: “Jen and I formed a relationship in the days before the word ‘Blog’ had a meaning – and well before we all learned we could publish our views on an innocent-looking photo-sharing app called Instagram. Together we created ‘BRIAN’s SOAPBOX’ – the name being a defence to me standing on a virtual platform to broadcast what I felt it was important for people to know.”

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Thanking Jen for changing his life, he added: “”Through the years, Jen almost single-handedly ran the Soapbox on the BrianMay.com website, a project she had started even before we knew each other.

“Jen was my channel – my means of connection – and actually changed my life – evolved me from a person who just got on with his jobs to a person who listened to his ‘fans’ and followers and actually engaged in a two-way exchange of views, feelings and information.”

Claiming Jen liked to “stay out of the limelight”, Brian praised his pal for “quietly, meticulously and faithfully carried on her mission of documenting and archiving for future reference all that transpired around my public life.”

He explained that Jen had been struggling with her health in recent months, but she still continued to work hard.

Brian signed off: “Loyal and meticulous to the end. Dear Jen – I owe you a million thanks – a million more than I was ever able to give you in person.

“We will miss you badly, and life will never be quite the same again. Deepest condolences to Jen’s husband – her Rock – Frank, and to their lovely family. Rest in Peace Jen.”

The star’s followers were quick to offer their support, as one responded: “So sorry for your loss, dear Bri. Jen was an extraordinary lady. Always so kind and supportive. We will miss her. Sending thoughts and prayers to her Family and Friends.”

Another added: “Beautiful words for a beautiful person, so sorry for your loss.”

Meanwhile, a third shared: “I’m so sorry for your loss. Jen kindly replied to my inquiry on the website years ago, and her kindness still stays in my heart to this day.

“Thinking of you and your family. Rest in peace, Jen.”

The ex-Home Secretary – who is a government minister in the Department of Education – is set to marry Professor Graham Timmins, who is affectionately known as Page Three Boy, this August

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Former Strictly Come Dancing star Baroness Jacqui Smith is engaged. The ex-Home Secretary – who is a government minister in the Department of Education – is set to marry Professor Graham Timmins, who is affectionately known as Page Three Boy, this August.

In 2020, she revealed she had a new boyfriend nine months after splitting from her husband of 33 years, Richard Timney, with whom she shares two children.

During a discussion on the Where Politics Meets History podcast, co-host Iain Dale, who is Jacqui’s friend, was asked whose upcoming nuptials he is attending this summer, and he replied: “Jacqui Smith. She and Page Three Boy are getting married.”

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Iain gushed over the couple, admitting they are “absolutely smitten”. He added: “She told me just after Christmas and I was really pleased for her, because Graham, which is Page Three Boy’s name, he’s a lovely, lovely guy. They’re absolutely smitten and devoted to each other.”

Jacqui – who was Britain’s first female Home Secretary – was seen at the dispatch box of the House of Lords on Monday flashing her engagement ring.

In 2020, Jacqui said she wasn’t worried about the dreaded Strictly curse affecting her new romance, saying her professional dancing partner Anton du Beke wouldn’t come between her and her new man, who she didn’t name.

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Speaking to The Guardian, the former Labour politician, 57, said: “I won’t have it said that Anton is not gorgeous. But he is happily married and I am in a newish, but lovely, relationship. Trust us, there will be no Strictly curse.”

Jacqui was Anton’s last celebrity partner, before he joined the judging panel for the 19th series. During the series – which ran for just nine weeks instead of the usual 13, due to the coronavirus pandemic – Jacqui was eliminated first after losing the dreaded dance-off to former Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing, who went on to be one of the runners-up in the series.

Speaking after the result, Jacqui said: “I’ve had the greatest adventure it’s possible to imagine. I’m just sorry I can’t continue it with this man, who has been absolutely fantastic and gorgeous to work with.

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“But I don’t feel too much shame losing to these guys, because they are a fantastic bunch of dancers. They really are. I’ll be watching you and supporting you!”

The political commentator also spoke highly of her dance partner, as well as the team behind the scenes of the show.

She added: “He’s an absolute joy to be with. I’m so pleased and proud to have spent this time with him. And to everybody on the programme – I mean, I don’t think people realise just how brilliant the team is that puts this programme together. And if ever we needed Strictly, we need it now. So thank you so much.”

Jacqui, a former MP for Redditch, was appointed Home Secretary by Gordon Brown in 2007. She resigned from the post in 2010 after she apologised for wrongly claiming £116,000 in second home allowances.

It later emerged Richard – who ran her constituency office on a wage of £40,000 a year – watched pay-per-view adult movies, which were then claimed back for reimbursement.

Speaking about the split, Jacqui said at the time: “I’m enormously sad our 33-year partnership has come to an end but I’ll always be grateful to Richard for the love, family and career we share.”

Esther ‘Sunshine’ Thomas – an influencer with nearly half a million followers – has died suddenly following surgery, with her family posting an emotional tribute

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Esther ‘Sunshine’ Thomas – an influencer with nearly half a million followers – has died, her family has announced. The Nigerian content creator died suddenly following surgery, it has been reported.

Sunshine died on January 9th following surgery for a fibroid. She was rushed to hospital on New Year’s Day after suffering severe pain and ended up having surgery but sadly later died.

Her family said: “We the family of Esther Thomas (A.K.A. Sunshine) with pain in our heart we regret to announce the sudden demise of our beloved sister and daughter. We are trying to put things in place so we could put her to rest.”

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Friend and fellow content creator Chidera Madu gave an update on Sunshine’s sad death, explaining that she had headed to hospital on New Year’s Day after experiencing stomach pain on December 28.

After a number of scans, a fibroid was found which had “grown so big”. The surgery was recommended and Sunshine underwent it, with the procedure seeming to be a success. However, Madu now believes Sunshine suffered complications.

Sunshine was known for her viral videos, where she worked with a number of internet stars including Ifedilimuo Ifeanyi Prosper, Lucy Antem and Madu. Fans rushed to social media to pay tribute to the creator.

“Oh God this is so sad. May her soul rest in peace,” one fan wrote, whilst another added: “I’m still trying to believe this.” A third penned: “No way! What? Sunshine please…Ah this is heartbreaking. My sincere condolences to the family. May her soul rest in perfect peace.”

“I have no words in the face of this sad news. My deepest and sincerest condolences. I wish you a lot of strength and courage during this very difficult time. My heart is broken, I still can’t believe it,” a fourth shared. A fifth added: “I can’t even explain how I feel right now but to be very honest this one really touched me. You were such a nice, dedicated and very hardworking person, my deepest condolences to your family during this period.”

Preparations are now being made for Sunshine to be laid to rest. She had over 136,000 followers on Instagram and more on Facebook, where she would post regular content.

The Traitors star, Marzook Bana, known as Maz on the show, reportedly compared Israel to Nazi Germany in a Facebook post in 2021, with the BBC admitting it was ‘unaware’

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One of the stars of the new series of the Traitors has apologised for posting ‘offensive’ comments on social media.

Marzook Bana, 59, who was given the boot from the infamous Scottish castle last week after becoming the third person to be murdered by the Traitors, made the post in 2021 in which he reportedly compared Israel to Nazi Germany.

The BBC told the Mirror it was “completely unaware” of the comments, which are said to have likened a West Bank Israeli checkpoint to the actions of the Nazis, as well as accusations that Zionists are ‘forgetting the Holocaust’. Bana is said to have posted: “Nazis all over again, the oppressed have become the oppressors! The Zionists have short memories of what Hitler did.”

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The father-of-five and retired police officer from Preston is said to have later continued in the thread that “to criticise Israel’s behaviour towards the Palestinian people is not antisemitic” – and slammed the “world’s political leaders” for “being subservient to Israel”, according to Jewish News.

Speaking to the publication, apologising for his post, Bana said: “I apologise for any offence my comments may have caused. I refute any allegations that I am antisemitic. My viewpoint has always been from a humanitarian perspective rather than a political one.”

The BBC issued a statement to the Mirror, stating: “We were completely unaware that these comments had been posted on social media, due to the fact they were made on third-party accounts. We do not agree with the views presented.”

Meanwhile, Studio Lambert, who produce the smash-hit BBC One show, admitted that the comments were not discovered during background checks, which they insisted were taken ‘extremely seriously’.

The company added: “The comments referenced in the article were made on third-party accounts rather than the individual’s own, so could not be identified through our checking process.

“We wish to be clear that political views play no part in participation, selection or decision-making within the game. And of course, the content of The Traitors is not political.”

Since the social media comments came to light, charity organisation Campaign Against Antisemitism has urged the BBC to take more accountability for its output and wants the broadcaster to issue an apology on Wednesday night’s show.

The campaign group issued a statement that slammed the BBC for ‘either doing no due diligence’ on the series’ cast members, or ‘finding these posts and not batting an eyelid’.

It called for an apology to be aired during tonight’s episode and for senior BBC staff responsible for the output of The Traitors to be questioned by the House of Commons culture select committee.

*The Traitors is on BBC One on Wednesday at 8pm.