In a recent episode of the Useless Hotline podcast, George Clarke and his Strictly Come Dancing professional partner Alexis Warr discussed the “bittersweet” exit.
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George Clarke and Alexis Warr have addressed a huge exit from the show(Image: BBC)
George Clarke and his Strictly Come Dancing partner, Alexis Warr, have spoken out about a major departure from the programme in a “sad” update. Tonight’s episode (Saturday, December 20) will see the 2025 series reach its climax as the final three couples – George and Alexis, Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, and Karen Carney and Carlos Gu – battle it out for the coveted Glitterball Trophy during the Strictly Grand Final.
Speaking on George’s Useless Hotline podcast, which he co-hosts with Max Balegde, the duo reflected on the looming exit of Strictly presenters Claudia Winkleman (who’s also known for her work on The Traitors) and Tess Daly following the conclusion of this series.
George highlighted that whilst the pre-recorded Christmas special would mark the final episode to feature the beloved presenting duo, tonight’s finale represents their last time presenting the massively popular BBC dancing show live.
Even though it’s my first season, Alexis explained, “I feel like I’ve known them for so long, and I just see how you can just fall absolutely in love with them.”
And they’re so good, and they’re just… a contestant or, what do you call it, a competitor? What am I trying to say about the role that your host plays on the show, who you are, how you develop a close relationship with them, and how much they contribute? “.
She explained that the duo make things “lighter”, as she recounted a time when she appeared on the US reality show So You Think You Can Dance, hosted by Cat Deeley, whom Alexis described as “like a breath of fresh air”.
Alexis went on to say: “And so you just see how much people love them, and so it’s definitely like bittersweet, and even though it’s my first year, I feel like I’ve known them for a long time, and it’s gonna be sad, but I think it’s gonna be a heartwarming and bittersweet.”
Max said, “I think the fact that you’ve only been there for a year and you feel that way speaks to how lovely they are as people.” Like, I constantly consider, “Imagine how the judges feel.”
Claudia and Tess, two seasoned Strictly hosts, announced their departure in a shocking revelation in October.
Taking to Instagram, the pair said they “loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream”.
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They added that they believed it was the right time to leave together and that they were “always going to do so.”
Strictly Come Dancing’s grand finale will air on BBC One on Saturday, December 20, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This evening, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s final appearance as the show’s co-hosts will be on. After more than a decade, they will co-host Strictly Come Dancing.
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Vernon Kay issued an emotional statement ahead of Tess’ final show (Image: Getty Images for BAFTA)
Vernon Kay has shared a heartfelt tribute ahead of his wife Tess Daly’s final live appearance on Strictly Come Dancing. Tonight sees Tess and Claudia Winkleman take to the dance floor for the last time, as the remaining three finalists compete for the coveted Glitterball trophy.
After co-hosting the main program together for 11 years, the presenting pair announced in October that this would be their last season.
As the duo prepare for their final farewell, Vernon dedicated a portion of his BBC Radio 2 programme to his beloved wife of 22 years.
He declared, “I’ve got to say this, it’s Tess’ last Strictly on Saturday,” while broadcasting live on Friday.
It’s been an incredible 21 years, but I can’t say too much because I’m going to get emotionally.
He continued, “She has been at the helm of that show with Claudia [Winkleman] and Bruce Forsyth, and it has been nothing but ruckus fun.”
Our two children have also seen their two children arrive through the show, which has been the nation’s favorite since it began.
Vernon recalls his wife expecting their eldest daughter, Phoebe, during the first series, and then seeing her grown up and watching from the audience for the first time in the last 21 years.
It’s the entire team, he continued, “Strictly Come Dancing is not just Tess, it’s not just Claudia, it’s not just Tess and Bruce.”
“I just observe from the outside, and the entire team has made it such a joy to work on. Strictly Come Dancing has just swept me away in its whirlwind.
Congratulations to Tess on a fantastic run, I just have to say. Although it seems like we’ve lost a friend, she does an outstanding job on that program.
He continued, “Tess and Claudia are the most successful entertainment shows on the BBC, some might say of all time,” praising both women.
Vernon wrapped up his heartfelt tribute and wished his wife the best of the “great weekend” ahead, confirming that he will be cheering on his wife’s final live broadcast.
Look out for me in the background if you’re watching Strictly Come Dancing’s final on Saturday, where I’ll be making some funny faces, he said.
It’s going to be pretty impossible to hide my tears, but after 21 years of being in our family, it’s going to be.
This evening will also signal the finale for the three remaining partnerships; Karen Carney and Carlos Gu, Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, and George Clarke and Alexis Warr. One duo will claim the crown as the newest Strictly Come Dancing champions, determined exclusively by public voting.
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Each partnership will perform a show dance, a routine from their previous collaboration, and their favorite duo performance in order to captivate viewers.
His closest friends reveal how he kept his 18-month battle with cancer a secret as fans prepare to release his final album Blackstar to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his passing next month.
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The world was stunned when news broke of David Bowie’s death, aged 69, broke two days after the release of his poignant masterpiece in January 2016.(Image: Alamy Stock Photo)
The world was stunned when news of the Ziggy Stardust legend’s death, aged 69, broke two days after the release of his poignant masterpiece in January 2016.
Bowie’s producer Tony Visconti vividly remembers how Bowie hugged him and told him he had liver cancer. Tony, who worked with the superstar for 50 years, says: “I remember going to his offices and a girl who worked there opened the door and she had been crying.
“Her eyes were red,” she said. She said, “David will be with you in a minute,” and led me into this tiny room with a small table and a seat either side.
“David then sits in front of me and he has got a woolly cap on. He has no eyebrows, which is what I notice first. I said, “I know what that is. It is chemotherapy’. I cried out in my eyes.
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Tony, who produced 14 albums for Bowie including Blackstar, says: “He is my lifetime friend since the 60s. I started mumbling things like ‘don’t worry, we will get through this. We will get the best doctors in the world. You’re strong. You are going to get over this’. I just started blabbering sh*t like that and he comes to my side of the table and he starts hugging me. Given what he knew about his own health, I think he wanted to make the best album of his life.”
Tony, who helped create the iconic hits Heroes, Young Americans, Diamond Dogs, Ashes to Ashes and Fashion, says musicians were sworn to secrecy as they worked on Blackstar in New York. He says: “Before he started the album he said to everyone ‘Guys, I have something to tell you’. He pulls his cap off and he stands there bald in front of them and they are looking at each other like ‘who wants to run away? Who wants to crawl under their piano? What the f*ck do you say?’
” The song I Cant Give Everything Away on the album makes me very tearful. He discusses his illness. Elvis wouldn’t have said it, which would be the worst thing to ever happen to someone who knew he was ill. The Beatles would not have done it. And he ranks alongside the other notable men in the top ten.
Blackstar keyboardist Jason Lindner says Bowie remained professional despite his illness, saying:” We were all pretty nervous and on edge to meet David Bowie. When he entered, we almost sat up as soldiers watched intently. He said, “gentles, sit down and unwind.” David told us in the beginning ‘ I don’t know what this is going to be. We’ll simply create some fantastic music. He would be asked how he was doing, but he refused to give a detailed explanation. He wanted to focus on the music. “
A new documentary, Bowie: The Final Act, which charts his early years, his breakthrough as Ziggy Stardust, his mainstream success in the 1980s, his wild years of the 1990s, and his triumphant comeback at Glastonbury in 2000, tells the story of the superstar’s final days. More than 250, 000 people tuned in to see Bowie as he crossed the millennium by dominating the legendary festival, 29 years after his debut performance as a rising glam rock act there in 1971.
Yet veteran music promoter John Giddings says it nearly didn’t happen, as Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavis was unimpressed with Bowie’s dabble with drum ‘n’ bass during the 90s. John, who runs the annual Isle of Wight Festival, says: “In the 90s, David was not over happy with anyone suggesting he should play Ziggy Stardust and the songs that went with it. He felt like it was the past and he was more interested in the future. I had the genius idea of ‘why don’t we play Glastonbury?’ We were playing The Astoria in London with drum ‘n’ bass and I invited Michael Eavis.”
But Michael left half way through – disappointed not to hear his favourite Bowie hits and doubting his suitability as a headline act. John continues, “I was asked if I had any gossip the day after Bowie’s PR, Alan Edwards, invited me to see The Spice Girls.” I came up with the idea that Glastonbury are pleading with David Bowie to play the show next year.
“A week later the newspapers were saying Glastonbury want David to headline and then Michael Eavis gets all these faxes and phone calls and he made me an offer for David to play. I called David, and he responded, “Great.” Many thanks, but I’m unable to do it. I was like ‘ what do you mean you can’t do it? ‘” John continues, “Well, if you don’t do it, someone like Madonna will do it,” in a desperate attempt to persuade him. He eventually expressed his frustration with himself. David Bowie should play Glastonbury ‘”
And he continued to play. Bowie’s performance at Worthy Farm rekindled his career, which had fallen flat in the 1990s after being mocked for “selling out” with hits like Let’s Dance. He was also critically panned for his dalliance with rock band Tin Machine. For 30 years, I accompanied David, John continues. He became a superstar after letting dance create this worldwide following.
However, John believes Bowie preferred to explore various avenues of fame. He adds: “When he did Tin Machine and wanted to play hard rock my heart said ‘ that is a great thing to do ‘ and my head said ‘ financially, it is a disaster'”. Nine years after he disappeared from public life after suffering a heart attack while on his A Reality Tour, Bowie’s Glastonbury gamble paid off, opening the door to acclaimed albums like Heathen, Reality, and his 2013 comeback, The Next Day.
The global jaunt was the longest of Bowie’s career, spanning 112 shows from October 2003 to June 2004, covering Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Sadly, he fell ill during a show in Prague forcing him to cut his set short. The star’s long-time pianist Mike Garson recalls: “As a pianist, there is a connection and I could feel my hands tightening up when I was accompanying him. Something was going on. He was in pain. On a telepathic level I was feeling that. He saw a doctor and they told him it was a muscle spasm.”
Just two days later Bowie collapsed after coming off stage at the huge Hurricane Festival in Germany. His guitarist Earl Slick says: “He looked like hell. His skin colour did not look good I thought ‘Oh f*ck. They are not telling us everything’. He had a heart attack. It was a very weird ending. There was kind of silence for a while…nine years of it.”
Earl, who featured on albums Young Americans, Station to Station, Heathen and Reality, says Bowie also kept his struggles with depression from fans. There were a few different Davids, he claims. The 1970s David, the 1980s David, and the 21st Century David were all present. I loved the 21st Century David to death.
We both had really bad depression at times, despite our older and better health. Really awful Winston Churchill called it The Black Dog. Everyone in the band would try to talk to him when he was like, but I would avoid him. He will figure it out, I said to myself.
Today, Bowie’s band members continue to tour the world in various forms as part of their own way of paying homage to Bowie’s legacy. However, they all acknowledge that they are in need of the Starman, who has always provided new musical direction. The song “Lazaraus on Blackstar” had a lot of grace, according to pianist Mike Garson. He came to grips with death and he was able to express it through his music. He wrote the song’s own requiem. Who is that”?
Bowie: The Final Act runs in selected cinemas from Boxing Day and airs on Channel 4 on January 3 at 9.30pm.
In its winter sale, Ugg shaved 70% off a pair of cozy boots that “fit like a glove.”
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Ugg is currently having a major sale and reducing some of its bestselling shoes(Image: Ugg)
You’ve come to the right place if you’ve been searching for some cozy winter footwear. Ugg is currently having a major sale that has reduced some of its best-selling items.
The Women’s Classic Twin Seam New Heights Boot was one of the particular favorites that caught our eye. These plush boots are now 70% off, bringing the price to £59.99 from its original £200.
Additionally, there are only a few sizes in the black colorway and all sizes are still available in Ugg’s classic chestnut color.
Made from genuine suede and with stylish seam detailing, these boots feature a platform, 3″ heel and have been lined with the brand’s signature luxe UGGplush blend. The boots even feature their own motto, “If your head is in the clouds, you might as well dress like it”. The perfect pair of shoes for adding a little extra height.
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These platform boots don’t seem to be enough praised by consumers. One person said, “Quality materials used as always. Feels strong and appropriate for the winter. The best part is that this type of boot has a palpable good internal arch support, unlike the flatter ones, which don’t fit my collapsed foot arches.
These are my absolute favorite Ugg of all time, adds another word. They are stunning! I literally need every color, and they fit me like a glove! The platform is beyond a dream because they are so comfortable and lightweight. I received so many compliments! “. While a third person claimed that these boots are incredible. Dress up or down, go with it. “Perfect!”
One person criticized the boots, saying, “The Herman monster heel just wasn’t working for me because they were too big for me personally and they didn’t fit my body.” Although they are nice boots, they would probably look good on someone else, so I returned them.
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Not just these types of clothing are on sale either. The New Heights Cosy Clogs are now priced at just £19.99, which is another incredible 70% off of the retail price.
A royal expert speculated that “compassion” was on the menu at King Charles’ early Christmas lunch this week, and Princess Eugenie and Prince Beatrice were back in the family fold.
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Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are facing some difficult choices when it comes to Christmas, a royal expert says(Image: Justin Goff Photos/Getty Images)
After skipping Kate Middleton’s annual carol service, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie were welcomed with open arms at the royal family ’s early Christmas party at Buckingham Palace. The sisters, aged 37 and 35, beamed as they arrived together at the gates of the Palace for what is one of the royal family’s long-standing festive traditions.
Their presence at the early Christmas lunch came after the young royals’ young parents, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, were embroiled in the scandal surrounding their ties to the late sex offender and trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
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But former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond tells the Mirror she believes King Charles is following in his late mother’s footsteps when it comes to his relationship and his support for the young royals sisters.
Beatrice and Eugenie have not been accused of any wrongdoing, according to her statement. They have been subjected to humiliation and public criticism by their parents for many years, but they have remained close to the rest of the royal family.
Their late Queen, the King appears to be very protective of them, and their Grannie showed them great affection. At the Palace lunch, I believe everyone would have been welcoming very well. I was pleased to see their cheerful and cheerful faces.
The topic of Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles and right to reside at Royal Lodge in October, has dominated much of the media conversation about the royal family in recent months following more revelations about Epstein and increasing pressure on US President Donald Trump to release the government files on the investigation into his crimes.
US lawmakers also harshly criticized The King’s younger brother for “sitting in response to a request to conduct a”transcribed interview about his years-long relationship with Epstein, as part of a probe into the government’s handling of the case. He refutes any accusations made against him.
But while it continues to make headlines around the world, Jennie suspects the topic of Andrew and Sarah would not have been up for discussion at the family lunch this week.
Any discussion about Andrew and Sarah, she said, would be the ” elephant” in the room. All parties involved would find that to be too awkward.
She also said Prince William, who attended the lunch with Kate, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, would have “particular sympathy” for what his cousins Beatrice and Eugenie are going through because of his experience with his own parents.
As a child, he was subjected to endless media attention from his parents. The breakdown of his parents’ marriage, of course, was the subject of the headlines then for entirely different reasons. But a young boy still experienced trauma from it. These young women must have feelings for them.
The festive party at the Palace on Tuesday is a long-standing tradition for The Firm, and usually takes place the week before Christmas Day with around 70 of the monarch’s relatives on the guest list. t is a chance for them to celebrate Christmas ahead of December 25, as not all of them join the main event at Sandringham for the morning church service and Christmas dinner.
The big question, in Jennie’s opinion, is where Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, along with their children, will celebrate the day itself. They are also married to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
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Where do they go when they say, “Christmas is all about family”? Will their parents even be together on Christmas Day and do they show loyalty to their parents?
The Royal Family will all be gathering at Sandringham for their Christmas celebrations in less than a week, which appear to require a lot of thought when deciding what to pack for the trip.
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The Princess of Wales (Image: UK Press via Getty Images)
King Charles is preparing to head to Sandringham where he will welcome his family for the annual royal Christmas celebrations. The festivies range from formal to fun, with a black-tie dinner on Christmas Eve and after-dinner games after a turkey feast on Christmas Day, and of course watching the monarch’s Christmas message.
One part of royal Christmas that fans always look forward is the annual walk to church on Christmas morning, which also sees the Firm greet wellwishers who turn out to see them. Last year, fans gathered couldn’t wait to talk to the Princess of Wales, who was conducting her first real walkabout after returning to duties following her cancer diagnosis and treatement.
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As ever, she was joined by Prince William and their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.During the outing four years ago during the walk, it appeared that Kate colour-coordinated the family’s outfits, and they all looked very smart in dark green.
And while fans around the world loved their style, it turns out that Kate really regretted her outfit choice for the day, and even told one well-wisher she “really shouldn’t have worn it”. She looked stunning in a heavy grey Catherine Walker coat, with a green hat, bag and heels. But during a quick chat with 19-year-old fan Rachel Anvil, she admitted it was the wrong choice for the unseasonably warm weather.
Rachel’s mother told Metro, “I really shouldn’t have worn this,” when Kate was talking to my daughter about how she was feeling too hot. My daughter and Kate are talking about fashion, and I’m talking to Charlotte about dolls there. It was genuine conversation that was tailored to my daughter, not fake.
A family lunch with turkey and all the trimmings is typically held at the end of the royal Christmas. A morning visit to St. Mary Magdalene Church is typically followed by a greeting from well-wishers.
Kate’s annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey officially began the countdown to Christmas for her family at the beginning of the month.
Before the service began, the princess arrived at the abbey without her family, and she was greeted by some of the stars performing or reading, including Katie Melua, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Kate Winslet, a singer from Hollywood.
She explained to Bastille’s lead singer Dan Smith that her children were eagerly anticipating the service, saying, “It’s become such a tradition.” Later, during the service, the royal children were pictured holding candles with the rest of the churchgoers.
A “Connection Tree” decorated with paper chains bearing the names of the guests was where the family made a stop outside the Abbey’s magnificent west door. The children added their names as a reminder of how important it is to have meaningful conversations.
The service recognized individuals from all over the UK who may have given their time to others, spearheaded initiatives that unite their local communities, or offered a helping hand to those who are in need.
On Christmas Eve, ITV will stream the Together at Christmas service.
