England back row Chandler Cunningham-South has signed a new “multi-year” contract with Harlequins.
The 22-year-old joined the Prem club from London Irish in 2023 and has made 35 appearances in the famous quarters, as well as earning 18 international caps.
He has played in four of Quins’ five league games so far this season and is part of Steve Borthwick’s England squad for the autumn internationals.
Cunningham-South had recently been linked with a move to fellow Prem side Sale Sharks.
“I’m really pleased to be re-signing with the club – it feels good. I think there is a lot more to come from us as a team this year and beyond, and I want to be a part of that,” Cunningham-South told the club’s website.
“The coaches we’ve had come in – Gilly [Jason Gilmore] and Boothy [Toby Booth] – have helped me so much, and the environment they’re creating is amazing.
“Gilly’s detail in defence is exceptional. It’s an area I am trying to improve and he’s putting in the time to help me develop.”
Cunningham-South scored four tries in nine appearances for England in the 2024-25 season, playing in all five of the team’s Six Nations matches.
Nick Mohammed is currently showing his calculated mind on the Celebrity Traitors, but his remarks about the upcoming Ted Lasso series have sparked a frenzy
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Nick Mohammed (L) is “sworn to secrecy” about season four of Ted Lasso
Nick Mohammed’s detective skills might have got him to The Celebrity Traitors final, but he’s not bad at leaving cryptic clues either.
The actor and comedian, 45, is one of five celebrities in contention to win thousands of pounds for charity on Celebrity Traitors. However, recent comments he made about another show he’s known for have sent fans into a frenzy.
Nick played ‘Wonder Kid’ football coach Nate Shelley in the first three seasons of Apple TV’s Ted Lasso, but given how the last episode ended, it’s not clear if his character will be returning in the upcoming fourth instalment.
Fans have been on tenterhooks after Nate and Ted’s relationship soured. And now, in a new update, Nick has teased a possible return amid rumours of a complete overhaul of the cast.
With filming of the new series already under way and a host of new characters set to enter the chaos of AFC Richmond, what is yet to be confirmed is who of the original cast will be staying on.
Speaking to Collider about his position on the show, Nick insisted that he was not able to speak about what could be next for Nate, remaining tight-lipped – for the most part.
“I think sworn to secrecy is about right,” he said. “Look, I know that it’s about a whole different set of characters. I can’t even talk about it without giving anything away! We’ll have to see.”
Nick did confirm cast members were on set shooting scenes for the news series and that he was “socialising with them all”. However, this does not necessarily mean he will be in it.
The star previously hinted at a fourth season after the third ended in May 2023. Fans are understandably keen to find out as much information as they can.
On social media, one viewer said: “Ted Lasso season 3 ending was perfect, some of you just can’t handle not everything is going to be happy. That being said, I’m still excited for season 4. I just hope they don’t butcher the show.”
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Another fan joked: “I need my wonder kid and his girl back!” Whilst a third chimed in: “Season 4 of Ted Lasso will either save my soul or completely destroy it, there is no in between.”
Nick’s comments come as he continues to sniff out the remaining dishonest players in the latest series of the BBC smash hit The Celebrity Traitors. Having reached the final five, Nick is hoping he will not be banished before he can bag thousands of pounds for charity, alongside his fellow faithful.
Venue: Morson Stadium, Sale Date: Saturday, 8 November Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Arriving at Sale Sharks as part of a high-profile revamp, Holly Aitchison has made one big move this summer.
She is adamant she won’t be making a second.
“[England head coach] John Mitchell has made it pretty clear to me that I can cover different positions, but I am a 10,” she told BBC Sport.
“And I won’t be seen as anything else.”
A year ago, the question wouldn’t have been asked.
At WXV in Canada, Aitchison was the Red Roses’ starting fly-half, steering them to title-clinching victories over New Zealand and Canada.
Her playmaking and running abilities were a key part of diversifying England’s threat, ensuring that, come the Rugby World Cup in England, they would have more cutting edges than a bandsaw.
It didn’t turn out like that.
Zoe Harrison edged in front as first-choice 10, with Aitchison shifted into the centres or on to the bench.
An ankle injury in the run-up to the Rugby World Cup meant Aitchison struggled to challenge for her spot, only appearing in the knock-out stages and then being deployed as a midfield replacement in the semi-final and final victories over France and Canada respectively.
But the 28-year-old is resolute in sticking to her position and her philosophy.
“I want to dictate,” she said.
“Obviously I got that ankle injury before the World Cup, but we were definitely moving in the more expansive direction.
“That’s something that I champion, that’s what I bring as a 10.
“I want to inspire the backline, I want to play this brand of rugby that attracts viewers.
“In the men’s game, I think of players like Finn Russell – you buy a ticket to watch him.
“I want that kind of hype around players in the women’s game where we’re creating that style of brand that people want to watch.”
At Sale, she hopes she has found the stage to do that.
The team finished last in PWR last season, but they have invested and improved.
Aitchison’s England team-mate Amy Cokayne and Scotland wing Rhona Lloyd were also signed over the summer while England’s Morweena Talling and the United States’ all-action lock Erica Jarrell-Searcy are part of an exciting back five in the pack.
Sale co-owner Michelle Orange had earmarked this season, after the Rugby World Cup, as a chance to lure some of England’s players back to the north and strengthen a struggling team.
Aitchison, born and raised on Merseyside, was a top target.
“Holly was on my hit-list, not just as a poster girl for the Red Roses, but for the North West and women’s rugby in general,” Orange tells BBC Sport.
“She is a perfect fit coming in. We are so lucky to have Katy Daley-Mclean – one of England’s best ever fly-halves – heading up our women’s programme and Holly follows in her mould.
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Showing teenage prospects in the north west of England there is a route to the top that doesn’t involve the big road south was one of Aitchison’s motivations.
Another is to shape Sale’s direction on the pitch.
“Coming to the end of the season at Bristol, I really needed a change because I didn’t identify with the system,” said Aitchison.
“I am ready to play a brand that I can have a bit of an influence on now.
“[Head coach] Tom Hudson, who I am really inspired by, is driving a bit of a collaborative programme.”
So far, it is yielding results.
Sale, who won only one of their 16 matches in the league last season, beat Leicester 46-17 in front of a sell-out home crowd on the opening weekend of PWR, before taking a losing bonus point away at Loughborough Lightning, a game they lost 36-17 last term.
They play Trailfinders Women on Saturday and, with the rest of the round’s matches taking place on Sunday, could go top with a win.
“We still have a long way to go to catch up with the established teams, but we are making strides,” said Orange.
The Irish presenter is judging this year’s ‘Top of the Tree’ competition in celebration of her favourite time of year.
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Laura Whitmore is ‘incredibly excited’ to be judging Balsam Hill’s latest competition(Image: Getty Images for Glamour)
Brits are going bigger and better than ever with their Christmas decorations this year, much to Laura Whitmore’s joy. A recent poll has shown British households are supersizing their Christmas decorations with nearly half putting up two or more trees, with the living room, dining room and hallway the most popular rooms to decorate.
Many households also spending more time and money on deciding how to decorate and organise them, with over doing so more than they did 10 years ago because it makes them happier. Others added that they want to spend time making a welcoming space for loved ones.
What’s more, a third think it makes their home look better in snaps. The luxury artificial Christmas tree and décor brand Balsam Hill conducted the research to launch its recent competition to find the UK’s most talented, self-taught tree-decorator.
The winner will design a festive wonderland for presenter and Christmas enthusiast, Laura Whitmore. The Irish media personality said, “Christmas has always been my favourite time of year, so I’m incredibly excited to be judging this competition and to help celebrate all the amazing talent out there.”
She added: “I always collect a new bauble from every place I visit, so when I decorate, I’m reliving all those beautiful memories.
“That’s what I love most about Christmas decorating- it’s so personal. I can’t wait to see how people across the UK express their stories and style through their trees.”
The study found as many as 18% will have their tree up before the end of November. They’ll spend an average of four hours ornamenting the trees along with other rooms in the house, with Londoners taking a marathon 5.27 hours.
Meanwhile, men were more likely to spend the most time and money decorating, compared to women, spending 4.35hrs vs 3.68hrs and £79.28 vs £49.69 respectively.
This year, less than one in five of Gen-Z will be using an angel as the topper this year, with the star deemed more popular for 47%. However, tinsel is making a comeback with 27% of Gen-Z, 31% of Millennials and 44% of Boomers planning on using it on their tree this year.
For more than a third, decorating their home for Christmas is one of the most important parts of the season, and often involves putting Christmas music on, sipping festive drinks and wearing a Christmas jumper to set the mood.
Mac Harman, CEO of Balsam Hill, says, “We’ve seen a clear shift in Christmas decorating to become a significant creative outlet and an opportunity to stand out. It’s no longer just a hobby; for many, it’s a creative performance where their tree is the star.
“Our research shows that Christmas is now a showcase, and many are honing their craft so much that they’re an amateur interiors expert for friends and family.
“Our ‘Top of The Tree’ competition is here to give these talented individuals the spotlight they deserve. We want to celebrate the passion and skill that goes into creating a memorable Christmas.”
THINGS PEOPLE DO WHILE DECORATING THEIR CHRISTMAS TREE:
1. Put Christmas music on
2. Sing along to the music
3. Take photos or videos
4. Hang up sentimental ornaments
5. Light a Christmas-scented candle
6. Wrap a few presents to place under the tree
7. Watch a Christmas movie in the background
8. Sip on a festive drink
9. Wear a Christmas jumper
10. Share the moment with family or friends via video call
11. Sharing pictures of my decorating on social media
The luxury advent calendar costs an incredible £275. One viewer said: “Nice advent calendar but the price is insane.” Another wrote: “Oh wow that beats my £2 Cadburys advent calendar by miles.”
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Carmie Sellitto reviewed the £275 Daylesford Farm Farmshop Christmas Advent Calendar(Image: Jam Press/@touchdalight)
An influencer has deemed a £275 advent calendar “not worth anywhere near” its eye-watering price tag. Carmie Sellitto boasts 1.3 million followers on TikTok, where he tries out various eateries and finds out if they are worth their often-steep price tags.
And with December fast-approaching, the 26-year-old Londoner decided to put a luxe advent calendar to the test to see if it was worth the money. Carmie documented himself opening the various windows, captioning the video: “I can’t believe I spent £275 on this.”
He starts by opening a reindeer Christmas ornament, followed by a packet of gingerbread men, loose-leaf tea, hand soap, a candle, a giant gold coin, coffee, mulling spices, and chocolate sardines. By day 10, the ante is upped with a tin of caviar.
Reacting to this, Carmie says: “Now we’re talking. This must cost at least £100.”
He goes on to open the other windows, finding hot chocolate flakes, lemon curd, and a tablecloth he describes as “looking like something he made in primary school”.
Next up are rose wine bunnies, a tea towel, another Christmas ornament, truffle nuts, a dog treat, a mini Christmas cake, cranberry sauce, a small bottle of gin, hand balm, and chocolate chillies.
The final window, day 25, had a bottle of Negroni inside. Carmie concludes: “Overall, I don’t think it was anywhere near worth £275.”
The pricey purchase was from Daylesford Farm and is called the Farmshop Christmas Advent Calendar, as reported by What’s The Jam.
The website listing description reads: “Our luxury advent calendar features our flagship farmshop, creatively reimagined by artist Hugo Guinness. Open to reveal 25 numbered drawers within, ready to help you count down to the big day. Each drawer in this beautifully crafted advent calendar contains a specially selected treat from our farmshop shelves, including favourites from food to home fragrance and more.”
While he bemoaned the price, Carmie admitted throughout that most of the offerings appeared of a very high quality. The influencer said he felt better knowing he planned to gift the items to his followers.
One person commented: “There wasn’t one thing over £10 in there.” Another fan wrote: “It’s so cute though, I’d be repurposing it as a little dollhouse for my girl!”
Someone else wrote: “I’d loveeeee to win this I could never afford something like this looks incredible but very expensive.” Another viewer said: “275 is crazy.”
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Another person wrote: “Nice advent calendar but the price is insane.” And another said: “Oh wow that beats my £2 Cadburys advent calendar by miles.”
Gemma Atkinson and her Strictly Come Dancing star fiancé Gorka Marquez turned heads at the Pride Of Britain Awards, but the former Emmerdale actress has now revealed she wasn’t expecting so much criticism
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Gemma Atkinson caused a stir while wearing a white dress at the Pride Of Britain Awards
Hits Radio presenter Gemma Atkinson has been engaged to Strictly pro Gorka Marquez since 2021, so fans were left taken aback when she wore a bridal-style white gown on the red carpet recently, with some believing the choice hinted that the couple had tied the knot in secret.
However, Gemma has now revealed that she faced some more negative remarks about her dress, with social media users messaging the star and accusing her of trying “to steal attention from the nominees” at the Pride Of Britain Awards.
During the latest episode of her and Gorka’s podcast, Lost In Translation, Gemma shared her shock over the claims, as she recalled: “He [Gemma’s stylist Ryan] got me a lovely dress, and it was all white and it was fitted at the top, and all, like, lace at the bottom, and a few people messaged me to say I’d purposely planned to wear a wedding gown to steal attention from the nominees.
“I mean, imagine me having that in my mind,” to which Gorka sarcastically responded: “It’s very you, that. That’s something that you would have come up with, in fact you were, like, three months ago planning that, ‘how can I steal the attention?'”
Defending his fiancée, Gorka clarified that the couple hadn’t prepared for the event in advance and arrived late: “In fact, we didn’t even do the red carpet interviews or anything like that, we were there the last 10 minutes to just go straight in.”
“And I nearly slipped because it was wet, that’s how much prep we had,” Gemma admitted while reflecting on the rainy evening.
She continued to explain to Gorka: “And also, what threw me is a lot of people were saying I’d chose to wear a bridal dress – how do any of them know that’s what dress [I would wear].
“I wore a trouser suit – I was chief bridesmaid for my sister and my bridesmaid outfit was a trouser suit. I wouldn’t wear a wedding dress like that when we get married.”
“You’ll probably be wearing trackies,” the dancer quipped in response, before Gemma agreed her dream wedding outfit would be the “complete opposite” to the dress she wore for the awards.
Gorka was then keen to find out what kind of dress Gemma would like to wear when they eventually do get married.
He remarked: “Obviously we’re not married yet, and you just said that wouldn’t be your kind of dress. What would be your kind of dress?”
Gemma said: “My kind of wedding dress, I like the idea of having like a fitted lace bodysuit, but maybe with fitted trousers, and this little skirt on the back.”
Gorka seemed baffled by the idea, as he exclaimed: “Fitted trousers?” But Gemma was quick to insist that the outfit would look nice on their big day, as she replied: “No, honestly, I’ll show you a picture! I know it’s not traditional…”
The former Emmerdale and Hollyoaks actress went on to clarify: “I basically wouldn’t wear a big white gown for a wedding because if you’re in it all day, it ain’t comfy.”
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Back in January, Gorka shared another insight into the couple’s wedding plans, sharing that he and Gemma will tie the knot once their youngest child, son Thiago, gains more independence.
The star, who also shares daughter Mia with Gemma, divulged: “We will do it, it’s just not at the moment. We are very good like this, especially with having the kids.
