Category Entertainment News

Paralympian swimming star Ellie Simmonds lifts the lid on who she wants to win Strictly this year – and reflects on her own ‘life-changing’ appearance in 2022 with Nikita Kuzmin

Paralympian Ellie Simmonds OBE, 31, says there’s one person and one person only that she wants to see lifting the Strictly glitterball as the final of the BBC show looms.

The swimming star, who appeared on the sequin-filled show in 2022 alongside pro partner Nikita Kuzmin, exclusively tells the Mirror, “I’m rooting for Karen Carney – that’s who I’m getting all my mates to vote for at weekends! She’s just incredible.”

“She’s a top sportswoman, which is obviously close to my heart – and to make that transition from football to dancing look so easy… What she’s doing with Carlos [Gu] is phenomenal. I’d love to see her lift that glitterball.”

READ MORE: ‘I tested Christmas dinner boxes from Aldi, Iceland, and Sainsbury’s – there’s one clear winner’

But Ellie, 31, is also rooting for her old dance partner Nikita, she says – who last weekend survived the dreaded dance-off with his partner this year, theatre star Amber Davies.

“Of course, I can’t forget Nikita, he’s doing brilliantly with Amber. We haven’t really stayed in touch since the show, he’s super busy, but he was the best partner – and I follow his journey avidly on social media!”

As for her own trailblazing appearance on the show, which saw Ellie reach week 7, before being eliminated after losing in the dance-off to EastEnders ’ Molly Rainford, she says it was ‘life-changing’.

“It was amazing and it meant so much to me. Strictly is just incredible for representation and educating people on disabilities. What blind comedian Chris McCausland did last year was phenomenal. He, and Dianne Buswell, showed millions of viewers that people – disabled or otherwise – can do whatever they put their minds to. They may have to adapt things to do it – but the sky’s the limit.”

And Ellie feels immensely proud to have the platform to speak openly about disability, and raise awareness. “I feel so privileged – and to do it alongside brilliant people, like comedian Rosie Jones, Sophie Morgan…

“Hopefully we can help children and their parents out there – let them know they’re not alone – and that their child with a disability is going to be OK.”

Meanwhile, Ellie tells us, she’s been busy working alongside the charity Dog’s Trust, who she’s been a Celebrity Ambassador for since July of this year.

She says, “I’ve seen the amazing work they do, and visited their dog’s rehoming centre in Harefield. I was at their Christmas carol service last week. They do amazing work.”

She is supporting a campaign about the Happy Place Index, based on research carried out by the charity Dogs Trust, with 5,000 owners up and down the country, on what makes people’s dogs happy and content.

“We all know dogs become such a huge part of the family – and they can be so therapeutic when you’re going through tough times..

“So it’s about making sure they’re OK. The research has found that dogs have been left on their own for a long time, up to 5 hours which is making them anxious – they say 4 hours is best. There’s lots of tips and tricks on how to decrease their dog’s anxiety when they’re on their own. “

And Ellie is starting her own fostering journey in the New year, she says. “I’ve just moved house, I was renting and have bought my own place so I couldn’t do anything before the move.

“You can adopt or foster – and that could be a week, a month – it gets them away from kennels and used to living in a loving home.”

Before that, it’s Christmas with the family – but the sporting star is feeling a tad unprepared. “ I’m a disaster, I’ve done no Christmas shopping and I only put my tree up last night! But I am starting to feel festive, and I’ll be spending the day up in Birmingham with my family.

“I can’t wait. Then next year hopefully I’ll be welcoming a little four-legged friend home for cuddles!

For more on Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, see www.dogstrust.org.uk.

Paralympian swimming star Ellie Simmonds lifts the lid on who she wants to win Strictly this year – and reflects on her own ‘life-changing’ appearance in 2022 with Nikita Kuzmin

Paralympian Ellie Simmonds OBE, 31, says there’s one person and one person only that she wants to see lifting the Strictly glitterball as the final of the BBC show looms.

The swimming star, who appeared on the sequin-filled show in 2022 alongside pro partner Nikita Kuzmin, exclusively tells the Mirror, “I’m rooting for Karen Carney – that’s who I’m getting all my mates to vote for at weekends! She’s just incredible.”

“She’s a top sportswoman, which is obviously close to my heart – and to make that transition from football to dancing look so easy… What she’s doing with Carlos [Gu] is phenomenal. I’d love to see her lift that glitterball.”

READ MORE: ‘I tested Christmas dinner boxes from Aldi, Iceland, and Sainsbury’s – there’s one clear winner’

But Ellie, 31, is also rooting for her old dance partner Nikita, she says – who last weekend survived the dreaded dance-off with his partner this year, theatre star Amber Davies.

“Of course, I can’t forget Nikita, he’s doing brilliantly with Amber. We haven’t really stayed in touch since the show, he’s super busy, but he was the best partner – and I follow his journey avidly on social media!”

As for her own trailblazing appearance on the show, which saw Ellie reach week 7, before being eliminated after losing in the dance-off to EastEnders ’ Molly Rainford, she says it was ‘life-changing’.

“It was amazing and it meant so much to me. Strictly is just incredible for representation and educating people on disabilities. What blind comedian Chris McCausland did last year was phenomenal. He, and Dianne Buswell, showed millions of viewers that people – disabled or otherwise – can do whatever they put their minds to. They may have to adapt things to do it – but the sky’s the limit.”

And Ellie feels immensely proud to have the platform to speak openly about disability, and raise awareness. “I feel so privileged – and to do it alongside brilliant people, like comedian Rosie Jones, Sophie Morgan…

“Hopefully we can help children and their parents out there – let them know they’re not alone – and that their child with a disability is going to be OK.”

Meanwhile, Ellie tells us, she’s been busy working alongside the charity Dog’s Trust, who she’s been a Celebrity Ambassador for since July of this year.

She says, “I’ve seen the amazing work they do, and visited their dog’s rehoming centre in Harefield. I was at their Christmas carol service last week. They do amazing work.”

She is supporting a campaign about the Happy Place Index, based on research carried out by the charity Dogs Trust, with 5,000 owners up and down the country, on what makes people’s dogs happy and content.

“We all know dogs become such a huge part of the family – and they can be so therapeutic when you’re going through tough times..

“So it’s about making sure they’re OK. The research has found that dogs have been left on their own for a long time, up to 5 hours which is making them anxious – they say 4 hours is best. There’s lots of tips and tricks on how to decrease their dog’s anxiety when they’re on their own. “

And Ellie is starting her own fostering journey in the New year, she says. “I’ve just moved house, I was renting and have bought my own place so I couldn’t do anything before the move.

“You can adopt or foster – and that could be a week, a month – it gets them away from kennels and used to living in a loving home.”

Before that, it’s Christmas with the family – but the sporting star is feeling a tad unprepared. “ I’m a disaster, I’ve done no Christmas shopping and I only put my tree up last night! But I am starting to feel festive, and I’ll be spending the day up in Birmingham with my family.

“I can’t wait. Then next year hopefully I’ll be welcoming a little four-legged friend home for cuddles!

For more on Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, see www.dogstrust.org.uk.

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is heading back to screens with a new concert film and docuseries. Here’s everything you need to know about the two projects

Taylor Swift fans are in for a treat as the singer’s Eras Tour is set to return to screens. This month, a six-part docuseries will go behind the scenes of the global tour, coinciding with the release of a brand-new concert film recorded on its final night.

Billed as The Eras Tour: The End of an Era, this enlightening docuseries provides an intimate glimpse into Taylor’s life as her tour made waves and delighted fans worldwide. It also shines a spotlight on her band, dancers, crew and family members, offering unprecedented insight into the making of the Eras Tour sensation.

The series will feature appearances from singers Gracie Abrams, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran and Florence Welch, as well as Taylor’s fiancé, Travis Kelce. Fans can also look forward to the new concert film, The Eras Tour: The Final Show, filmed in Vancouver on the tour’s closing night.

For the first time, the film includes the full set of The Tortured Poets Department, which was added to the tour following the album’s 2024 release. Taylor’s The Eras Tour broke multiple records during its nearly two-year run, becoming the highest-grossing tour ever and the first to rake in more than $1 billion and $2 billion in ticket sales.

The songbird graced the stage for 149 shows, performing to more than 10 million fans across 51 cities, including performances in Edinburgh, Liverpool, Cardiff and London. Her 2023 concert film, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, which captured her Los Angeles performances, became the highest-grossing concert film ever, raking in over $267 million globally, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Here’s all you need to know about The Eras Tour: End of an Era and The Eras Tour: The Final Show.

When will End of an Era and The Final Show be released?

Both The Eras Tour: End of an Era and The Eras Tour: The Final Show are set to premiere on Friday, December 12. Two episodes of the docuseries will be released each week through to the final instalments on Boxing Day.

Get Disney+ from £5.99

from £5.99

Get Disney+ here

How to watch End of an Era and The Final Show

Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour: End of an Era and The Eras Tour: The Final Show will be available to stream exclusively on Disney+. This means anyone wanting to watch will need a Disney+ subscription, starting from £5.99 per month.

One thing to note is that the £5.99 Standard with Ads plan does include some adverts, so it might be worth considering upgrading to the ad-free Standard plan for £9.99. Both options run on a rolling monthly basis and can be cancelled at any time.

Customers can also effectively get two months free with a Disney+ annual subscription. This offer applies to the Standard or Premium plan, providing 12 months for the price of 10.

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is heading back to screens with a new concert film and docuseries. Here’s everything you need to know about the two projects

Taylor Swift fans are in for a treat as the singer’s Eras Tour is set to return to screens. This month, a six-part docuseries will go behind the scenes of the global tour, coinciding with the release of a brand-new concert film recorded on its final night.

Billed as The Eras Tour: The End of an Era, this enlightening docuseries provides an intimate glimpse into Taylor’s life as her tour made waves and delighted fans worldwide. It also shines a spotlight on her band, dancers, crew and family members, offering unprecedented insight into the making of the Eras Tour sensation.

The series will feature appearances from singers Gracie Abrams, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran and Florence Welch, as well as Taylor’s fiancé, Travis Kelce. Fans can also look forward to the new concert film, The Eras Tour: The Final Show, filmed in Vancouver on the tour’s closing night.

For the first time, the film includes the full set of The Tortured Poets Department, which was added to the tour following the album’s 2024 release. Taylor’s The Eras Tour broke multiple records during its nearly two-year run, becoming the highest-grossing tour ever and the first to rake in more than $1 billion and $2 billion in ticket sales.

The songbird graced the stage for 149 shows, performing to more than 10 million fans across 51 cities, including performances in Edinburgh, Liverpool, Cardiff and London. Her 2023 concert film, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, which captured her Los Angeles performances, became the highest-grossing concert film ever, raking in over $267 million globally, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Here’s all you need to know about The Eras Tour: End of an Era and The Eras Tour: The Final Show.

When will End of an Era and The Final Show be released?

Both The Eras Tour: End of an Era and The Eras Tour: The Final Show are set to premiere on Friday, December 12. Two episodes of the docuseries will be released each week through to the final instalments on Boxing Day.

Get Disney+ from £5.99

from £5.99

Get Disney+ here

How to watch End of an Era and The Final Show

Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour: End of an Era and The Eras Tour: The Final Show will be available to stream exclusively on Disney+. This means anyone wanting to watch will need a Disney+ subscription, starting from £5.99 per month.

One thing to note is that the £5.99 Standard with Ads plan does include some adverts, so it might be worth considering upgrading to the ad-free Standard plan for £9.99. Both options run on a rolling monthly basis and can be cancelled at any time.

Customers can also effectively get two months free with a Disney+ annual subscription. This offer applies to the Standard or Premium plan, providing 12 months for the price of 10.

Following the shock elimination of Katya Jones and Lewis Cope on Strictly Come Dancing, PR expert Mayah Riaz has spoken with the Mirror about why it’s starting to feel that Katya ‘goes in every season already on the back foot’

As Katya Jones bows out of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, an expert has opened up about the truth behind the pro dancer’s “rough run”, while confirming some fans’ long-held suspicions.

In what was regarded as a shock elimination by many, Katya and her dance partner, Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, lost out in a tense dance-off against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin and were sent packing. This is despite the pair having been frontrunners in the glittering competition for weeks.

Katya was in floods of tears and outraged viewers weren’t happy with the outcome either, with some even regarding the unexpected exit as a “fix”. It is thought that Lewis’ previous dance experience may have been to blame for the lack of the public vote. But in a bitter twist of irony, it was Amber’s ongoing dance experience as a West End star that saved her in the dance-off.

And this isn’t the first time Katya has had those watching at home locked in heated discussions. Ever since she first stepped into the ballroom back in 2016, the now 36-year-old’s Strictly journey has been filled with plenty of drama, particularly when it comes to the pairings she’s found herself in.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas lays feelings bare after Lewis Cope’s shock axe

Back in 2018, Katya caused a stir when she and then-partner, comedian Seann Walsh, were caught kissing outside a pub, despite both being in relationships at the time. In the wake of the scandal, Seann, who was dating actress Rebecca Humphries, fled to the States, and later expressed remorse over the episode in a 2022 stand-up show.

As for Katya, she and her now ex-husband, fellow dancer Neil Jones, went their separate ways in 2019, one year after that now infamous snog. Naturally, this series of events did nothing to quell rumours of a so-called “Strictly curse” that is said to rip couples apart, but it’s understood this controversy wasn’t the catalyst for the split.

Since then, Katya – who won the show in 2017 with Joe McFadden – has largely been paired with less able dancers from Tony Adams to Nigel Harman, both who who ended up having to pull out due to injury. Last year’s season also proved to be an awkward pairing for Katya, who was teamed up with opera singer Wynne Evans, best known for playing the fictional Gio Compario in Go.Compare insurance adverts. The Welsh tenor was booted off the Strictly live tour after making a lewd remark about Janette Manrara, who acts as a host on tour, using the demeaning term “spit roast”, in reference to an explicit sexual act. In a statement made at the time, Wynne told the Mirror: “My language was inappropriate and unacceptable, for which I sincerely apologise.”

Wynne previously faced backlash when he controversially placed his hand on Katya’s waist before appearing to move it closer to her stomach. Katya then appeared to brush Wynne’s hand away as the pair remained side by side. Both Katya and Wynne addressed the seemingly uncomfortable exchange in an Instagram video, in which they confirmed this interaction had just been a “silly joke”.

Each year, fans have argued that Katya has been “stitched up”, a suggestion PR expert Mayah Riaz agrees with. Speaking previously with the Mirror, Mayah remarked: “On Katya, I do think she’s had a rough run in recent years. She is one of the strongest and most creative pros on that floor, but she has absolutely been handed some tough partners. It has started to feel like she goes in every season already on the back foot.

“I would not call it a fix, but I would say it feels like she rarely gets a level playing field. And ironically, the one time she gets a genuinely strong partner again, he is labelled ‘too experienced’ and punished for it. The optics are not great. It looks like she can’t win either way. Too weak a partner, she’s dismissed. A strong partner, she’s penalised.”

Fans have also argued that Lewis and Katya were assigned the dreaded “death slot” by performing first, in what some regard as a deliberately unfavourable move. This is a position historically proven to result in lower scoring, with judges saving their best for later acts, making elimination more likely. Then, when the pair ended up in the dance-off, the “Judges’ Save” was introduced to keep the best dancers competing. However, critics argue that this move has become a means of overriding the public vote

On this note, Mayah reflected: “At the moment, it feels less about dancing and more about narrative control, and audiences are starting to clock it. There is also a bigger issue here around consistency. If previous dance experience is such a problem, then it should be applied across the board. You cannot ignore theatre and musical training for one contestant and weaponise it against another. Viewers see that, and they do not like it.

“With Lewis, I think he became a victim of perception rather than performance. He was not voted out because he was the weakest. He was voted out because the story around him shifted. And once that happens, it is incredibly hard to fight back. Strictly is still beloved, but moments like this chip away at trust. And once viewers feel that the journey is being manipulated, the magic starts to fade.”

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com. Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

READ MORE: Marks & Spencer’s hidden outlet is perfect for Christmas gifting with jumpers for £15

Shopping Writer Meghan has found the perfect ‘small but super powerful’ dehumidifier that’s ‘done wonders’ at keeping her attic room damp-free this winter

Whether you’re looking for a way to dry the condensation in bathrooms and kitchens more quickly or prevent the spread of damp and mould in older homes, a dehumidifier is a smart choice, as it works to keep moisture levels down. That said, there are plenty of options available that come with steep price tags, which may make them seem like an expensive and bulky addition to your house or flat.

But I’ve found a small and affordable gadget on Amazon that’s doing the job brilliantly, without costing a fortune or taking up too much space. Plus, it’s incredibly quiet while running, so you can leave it on day or night without it interrupting your work or sleep.

READ MORE: Shoppers find £6.50 Superdrug perfume they say ‘smells very similar to Baccarat Rouge’

READ MORE: Major supermarket slashes must-have Christmas clothing by 20% – but you have to be quick

This mini dehumidifier has been a godsend, as I live in an attic room of quite an old building, meaning the risk of damp and mould is quite high, especially during the winter months. But thanks to this little device, I’ve noticed that the damp has cleared substantially, and the air is a lot clearer – which is a major bonus during this time of year when colds are exacerbated by damp.

Coming in a compact size, this little whiz works effectively at reducing the moisture in the air without taking up a large amount of space or costing a fortune, as it retails for the wallet-friendly price of £25.49, down from £29.99, on Amazon.

My NETTA 500ml Dehumidifier is ideal as it extracts up to 300ml of excess moisture from the air per day. Touted as perfect for small bedrooms, kitchens, and even cupboards, this compact dehumidifier is ideal for removing excess moisture and preventing rooms from suffering from damp. Due to its compact size, you can place this dehumidifier almost anywhere you need it, as long as it’s near an available power outlet.

The detachable water tank makes emptying the appliance quick and easy, as it slides in and out of the device’s main body. The simple-to-follow lights on the machine indicate when it’s switched on and when its container reaches full capacity.

Powered by just 22 watts, this machine costs less than 1p per hour to run, so it doesn’t add extra expense to potentially steep energy bills. It is described as being no louder than 35 decibels when running, and I can attest that it doesn’t run any louder than your average silent fan, with a minimal whirring noise that doesn’t cause a distraction.

For those concerned about electricity costs, this gadget features an automatic shut-off function, which shuts down the machine once the water tank is full. This means you can leave it running continuously without worrying about it overflowing.

This small but mighty dehumidifier is currently on sale on Amazon for £25.49, as of the time of writing, and comes in a range of colours, including blue, black, and grey. Similar models in the same price range include this Dunelm 1L Dehumidifier, which is selling for £25.