Iconic X Factor brothers Ant & Seb are back after 17 years with Christmas charity single ‘Sprinkle It’ – and fans are calling it ‘better than a One Direction reunion’
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Ant and Seb are back for Christmas with a new single
X Factoricons, Ant & Seb, are back – 17 years after their audition. The brothers failed to impress Simon Cowell when they auditioned for the ITV talent show in 2008 but now, they have taken social media by storm.
The Welsh siblings from Cardiff – permanently inscribed in reality television lore for their memorable X Factor audition – have made a comeback with a festive charity track called “Sprinkle It.”
After sharing a brief clip on TikTok revealing their return, the response has been phenomenal. Within just 24 hours, the clip has amassed more than 480,000 views on TikTok, with countless comments pouring in. Supporters have been eager to mark the occasion, with responses varying from “This is the best day of my life” to “2025 has officially been saved.”
Some were left gobsmacked, questioning, “Is this actually them?” One supporter posted, “Did Ant and Seb just rescue 2025 at the last moment?” whilst another proclaimed the return was “better than a One Direction reunion.”
Another captured the sentiment perfectly: “I gasped – oh my god, iconic.” Ant & Seb initially rose to prominence almost 20 years ago when their X Factor audition became one of the programme’s most discussed moments, primarily due to Seb’s now-iconic rap and the notorious line, “Why did he bring his brother?”
Despite failing to advance as a novelty act under Simon Cowell, Cheryl and Louis Walsh, the moment has since become one of the most unforgettable in the programme’s history, accumulating millions of views on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok throughout the years.
Seventeen years later, the brothers have returned with “Sprinkle It,” an upbeat, festive number blending Ant’s silky vocals with Seb’s characteristic wit. The duo co-wrote the track themselves, aiming to deliver something joyful, entertaining and seasonal.
But the comeback has a more meaningful dimension. After their initial X Factor audition, Ant suffered a mental health breakdown connected to how their performance was presented to viewers.
Ant continues to recover, and the pair say this venture is about spreading enjoyment, laughter and optimism, whilst showing people that circumstances can get better and that healing takes time.
Every penny raised from the single will go to Shelter and Shelter Cymru, helping those experiencing homelessness throughout the UK.
An official music video is due to launch within days, with supporters already excited following the online viral reaction. Some are even calling for more, with remarks like “Ant and Seb tour coming?” and “You two are more famous than most contestants that came first.”
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Their 2025 Christmas track signals a fresh chapter for the brothers – and demonstrates that, 17 years later, Ant & Seb still know precisely how to capture attention.
The King has revealed his cancer treatment schedule is being reduced in the New Year – almost two years after his diagnosis. Charles, 77, has been receiving weekly treatment since learning he had an undisclosed type of cancer in early 2024.
In a brand new message to the nation tonight, the monarch gave a significant update about his cancer journey while stressing the importance of cancer screening programmes to help early diagnosis of the disease. His message, which was recorded just over a week ago in the morning room at Clarence House, was broadcast on Channel 4 as part of its Stand Up To Cancer campaign. It comes at the end of a week-long series of fundraising events and celebrity challenges to raise awareness about screening and generate support for those with cancer.
King Charles during his personal message shown during Stand Up To Cancer on Channel 4 ( PA)
The King revealed: “Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives. Now, I have heard this message repeatedly during my visits to cancer centres across the country. I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue leading a full and active life, even while undergoing treatment.
“Today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctors’ orders’, my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the New Year. This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years; testimony that I hope may give encouragement to the fifty per cent of us who will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in our lives.”
Charles, who wore a Stand Up To Cancer lapel pin, also spoke from his own experience of feeling overwhelmed when receiving a cancer diagnosis, but used his address to stress the importance of early detection, saying it’s ‘troubling’ people aren’t taking up cancer screening available to them.
He explained: “Throughout my own cancer journey, I have been profoundly moved by what I can only call the ‘community of care’ that surrounds every cancer patient – the specialists, the nurses, researchers and volunteers who work tirelessly to save and improve lives.
Charles revealed his cancer diagnosis in February 2024 ( Samir Hussein/WireImage)
“But I have also learned something that troubles me deeply – at least nine million people in our country are not up to date with the cancer screenings available to them. That is at least nine million opportunities for early diagnosis being missed.”
He added: “Yet too often, I am told, people avoid screening because they imagine it may be frightening, embarrassing or uncomfortable. If and when they do finally take up their invitation, they are glad they took part. A few moments of minor inconvenience are a small price to pay for the reassurance that comes for most people when they are either told they don’t need further tests, or, for some, are given the chance to enable early detection, with the life-saving intervention that can follow.”
This year’s Stand Up To Cancer campaign coincides with the launch of a new national screening tool, screeningchecker.co.uk, which, for the first time, enables the public to determine what cancer screening programmes may be available to them.
The King said: “This is why I am so encouraged to learn about the new national Screening Checker that is available online. This simple tool allows you to check whether you are eligible for breast, bowel or cervical cancer screening. It demystifies the process, answers your questions, and guides you towards taking that crucial step.”
He added: “As I have observed before, the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion. But compassion must be paired with action. This December, as we gather to reflect on the year past, I pray that we can each pledge, as part of our resolutions for the year ahead, to play our part in helping to catch cancer early. Your life – or the life of someone you love – may depend upon it.”
Charles and Camilla meet cancer patient Lesley Woodbridge and her husband Roger during a visit to University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre ( Getty Images)
The message aired just before Davina McCall, who recently revealed she has been treated for breast cancer, presented a live show from a cancer clinic at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, following patients through crucial moments from test results to treatment.
Charles’ cancer diagnosis was announced on February 6 last year, and he postponed all public-facing engagements for a period. The previous month, he spent three nights in hospital for a procedure on an enlarged prostate, during which time his cancer – not prostate cancer – was discovered. The exact disease has not been disclosed, and he has been receiving treatment ever since.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said tonight: “His Majesty has responded exceptionally well to treatment, and his doctors advise that ongoing measures will now move into a precautionary phase. This position will be continuously monitored and reviewed to protect and prioritise his continued recovery.
“As The King has said, this milestone on his recovery journey is ‘a great personal blessing’. He sends his particular good wishes to all those affected by cancer and will continue to hold them and their loved ones in his thoughts and prayers.
“When His Majesty was approached about the possibility of lending support to the launch of a new online screening tool, which carries the backing of Cancer Research UK, for whom he is Royal Patron, he was therefore happy to assist. This seemed a fitting moment to provide a brief update on the positive trajectory of his own continued recovery.”
King Charles with cancer patient Matthew Shinda at the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Birmingham earlier this year ( PA)
During his treatment, the King has carried out several overseas trips, including a tour of Australia and Samoa last year. He has continued with his engagements and duties despite what a source described at the time as a “minor bump” of spending a short stay in hospital after experiencing temporary cancer treatment side effects in March.
The Palace spokesperson added: “The King has taken great comfort and encouragement from being able to continue leading a full and active life throughout his treatment, while always heeding the advice of his medical team.
“His ability to uphold all of his State duties, and to continue with public engagements and overseas tours, has helped greatly with the positive mindset that, as many families will know, is such a vital a part of the recovery journey.”
Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, Michelle Mitchell said: “‘We’re incredibly grateful to our patron, His Majesty The King, for supporting this year’s Stand Up To Cancer – a long-standing partnership between Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 to speed up progress in life-saving cancer research and raise awareness of signs and symptoms.
“We know that when public figures speak openly about their cancer diagnosis, it can prompt others to check in on their health and speak to a GP if something is worrying them. We wish His Majesty well with his continued recovery.
“A focus for this year’s Stand Up To Cancer is highlighting the screening programmes available. Spotting cancer early can make a real difference and provides the best chance for successful treatment.
“With over nine million people in the UK not up to date with their cancer screening, our new Screening Checker guides users through their eligibility for breast, bowel, or cervical screening. Taking just a few minutes to check could be an important step towards taking charge of your health.”
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Stacey Dooley is opening up on one important issue she has with children and social media after reposting a video to her social media to share her views
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Stacey is speaking out on one important issue for her
Stacey Dooley is making a big admission as she vows to ‘die on this hill’ over a popular issue with children. The documentary maker, 38, is a proud mum to daughter Minnie, whom she shares with the Strictly Come Dancing professional.
They welcomed Minnie in January 2023, having met each other on the BBC dance competition back in 2018. Stacey shares occasional updates on their home life together, but decided to share more in a candid admission on her latest TV series.
On her Instagram story, reposting a video about kids and social media, titled “Can a government actually ban social media for kids? Australia vs big tech”, Stacey reposted the video and said she will “die on this hill.”
She said: “I will die on this hill bbz! Australia, you are totally right, and I commend you for prioritising your children’s health,” as she signed off with a love heart.
This comes after Stacey broke down in tears as she bravely opened up about suffering an ectopic pregnancy with husband Kevin Clifton. In her hit documentary, Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over, the presenter stayed over with Britain’s first legally recognised gay father, Barrie Drewitt-Barlow. He is an outspoken supporter of commercial surrogacy, which is banned in the UK.
As Stacey got to know Barrie in his own home, she explained that she didn’t share the same sentiments as him, as he said he wants his children to be beautiful.
Speaking alone to the camera, Stacey decided to share her hidden struggle to welcome another child with Kevin. “I have experienced what it is like to struggle to have a child,” she said.
“We obviously wanted to expand our family, and last year I fell pregnant, and it didn’t go brilliantly. It was ectopic… I am so sorry because this is so predictable. I am sat here crying on a bed. It was ectopic, and it was really f***ing difficult.
“There was an internal rupture, and there had to be emergency surgery. Of course, when you go through something like that you are forced to think of alternatives. S*** happens and if you want a bigger family, you have to think how you’re going to do that.”
According to the NHS, an ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants itself outside of the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. They say it is not possible to save the pregnancy, with 1 in 90 pregnancies being ectopic in the UK.
Earlier this year, Stacey candidly opened up about the challenges she’s faced since becoming a mother in 2023. During an appearance on the Parenting Hell podcast with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe, she admitted that her sex life with Kevin took a backseat as their daughter sleeps in their bed.
However, Stacey said she’s not bothered by it, as she’s completely content cuddling up to their two-year-old. Stacey admitted: “We need to start remembering how to have sex.”
She went on: “Minnie is in our bed. I am sort of not really ar**d. I know there’s such emphasis on getting kids in their own bed, but I think it’s because Kev is away so much anyway.
“What am I doing otherwise? Maybe when Kev is back on the scene, we will start remembering how you have sex. Then maybe I would think, Minnie, you’re going to have to go and hang out in your own bedroom now.”
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust provides dedicated information and support on ectopic pregnancy and you can visit their website onwww.ectopic.org.uk.
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at the Miscarriage Association. You can call them on 01924 200799 or emailinfo@miscarriageassociation.org.uk
Former pro-basketball player Jason Collins, the first active male athlete in a major American professional team sport to come out as gay, has announced that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Collins was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma, he wrote in an article for sport broadcaster ESPN on Thursday, and is currently undergoing treatment to stop the spread of his inoperable disease.
The brain tumour, he says, is like “a monster with tentacles spreading across the underside of my brain the width of a baseball”.
Collins, who played for 13 seasons in the NBA, wrote that the challenges of treatment were somewhat similar to those he faced on the court.
“As an athlete you learn not to panic in moments like this,” he said, comparing treatment to going up against basketball star Shaquille O’Neal, or his decision to come out as gay.
“To me it’s like, ‘Shut up and go play against Shaq.’ You want the challenge? This is the challenge,” he wrote.
“And there is no bigger challenge in basketball than going up against prime Shaquille O’Neal, and I’ve done that.”
Collins family had released a short statement in September saying that he had a brain tumour, but in his article he says “it’s time for people to hear from me directly”.
The 47-year-old sports veteran writes that the cancer was discovered after he was struggling to focus.
He describes how shortly after marrying his husband in May, he missed a flight because he was unable to pack his luggage.
A brain scan later revealed the source of his issues with focus and memory.
“My mental clarity, short-term memory and comprehension disappeared – turning into an NBA player’s version of ‘Dory’ from ‘Finding Nemo’,” he jokes about the forgetful fish from the Disney film.
Revealing his diagnosis to the world reminds him of his decision to come out, he says. The years since coming out “have been the best of my life”.
“Your life is so much better when you just show up as your true self, unafraid to be your true self, in public or private. This is me. This is what I’m dealing with.”
Collins is currently being treated with a drug called Avastin to slow the tumour’s growth, and has been travelling to Singapore for a targeted form of chemotherapy.
He writes that he hopes that his treatment will help develop better methods to fight the disease, and that he can lead the way similar to how he did as the NBA’s first openly-gay player.
“After I came out, someone I really respect told me that my choice to live openly could help someone who I might never meet,” he says.
“I’ve held onto that for years. And if I can do that again now, then that matters.”
Kilmar Abrego Garcia walked out of a US courthouse without being arrested by immigration authorities, relieving fears ICE may attempt to take him back into custody the day after he was released.
Hollywood actor Timothee Chalamet has dropped a clue on whether he is linked to Liverpool-based UK rapper EsDeeKid, who keeps his identity secret and has been gaining attention in the British music scene
Jamie Roberts Senior Showbiz and TV Reporter and Brendan McFadden Reporter
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Fans think the actor is secretly the rapper(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Timothée Chalamet has fuelled speculation that he might secretly be the mysterious British rapper EsDeeKid. The Hollywood heartthrob didn’t dismiss the claims when quizzed about whether he’s the chart-climbing artist.
The musician, rumoured to hail from Liverpool, maintains anonymity by concealing much of his face during public outings and in music videos. Online detectives are adamant the ‘Wonka’ star, 29, is moonlighting as the rapper, citing striking similarities between their noses and eyes.
When pressed about the rumours during a Heart FM interview, Timothée responded cryptically: “I’ve got no comment on that.” He continued: “I got two words on that… All will be revealed in due time.”
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Social media enthusiasts point to Timothée’s passion for hip-hop and his teenage rapping days under the alias Lil Timmy Tim. They think it is further proof of his double identity.
The actor famously created a viral statistics rap for a school assignment whilst attending LaGuardia High School, with footage from a 2012 performance still circulating online, reports the Daily Star.
The theory gained additional momentum when Timothée was photographed attending rapper Fakemink’s concert in August, following their collaboration with the 20-year-old artist.
Reacting to his appearance at the venue, one TikTok user questioned: “Why would he take time out of his day to go to that?” Another social media user commented: “There is a photo of Timothee with a mask on and he looks exactly like him, just saying.”
EsDeeKid released his first album, Rebel, in June. He has only revealed that he’s from Liverpool and continues to reside in a council house.
The rapper’s tracks have amassed millions of streams, with his song Phantom featuring Rico Ace alone being played over 90 million times on Spotify. His single Rebel climbed to number 16 on the Official UK Albums Chart.
Timothee has previously ventured into music, portraying Bob Dylan in the biographical film A Complete Unknown. The French Dispatch actor recorded multiple tracks by the legendary musician for the role, earning widespread critical praise.
His performances included some of Bob’s most iconic numbers, such as “Blowin’ in the Wind”, “House of the Rising Sun” and “Like a Rolling Stone”. Critics lauded the film, with particular acclaim for the star’s unexpectedly impressive singing abilities.
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Discussing his live vocal performances for the film, Timothee revealed he’d undergone roughly five years of singing training before accepting the part. He credited the COVID pandemic with providing him the opportunity to build essential confidence in his vocal abilities ahead of filming.
Chalamet takes the lead in Dune: Part Three (Dune: Messiah), set to hit the screens on December 18. The actor is also set to star in the film High Side, portraying a MotoGP racer, scheduled for release next year.
