Category Entertainment News

Vicky Pattison has explained why her husband, Ercan Ramadan, is desperate for her to be booted from Strictly Come Dancing – and the impact the show is having on their married life

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Vicky Pattison says husband Ercan Ramadan secretly hopes she gets the Strictly boot – so he can see more of his wife again. She says the couple have barely been together since she started on the BBC show as she trains for 14 hours a day – and it’s taken its toll on their sex life.

“After a full day doing the Charleston the last thing you feel like is going home to do the Mattress Mambo,” I’m A Celebrity winner Vicky laughed.

“He’s having to be a bit patient at the moment. I think he’s the only person in my inner circle who is secretly hoping I get booted out. He’s my number one supporter though. I am really lucky but he’s probably hoping he gets sex soon.”

READ MORE: Vicky Pattison suffers chipped tooth and cut face in chaotic Strictly Come Dancing weekREAD MORE: Strictly’s Dianne Buswell breaks silence as Stefan Dennis pulls out of live show

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Vicky, 37, admits she’s been miffed with Ercan, 32, this week after he jetted off on holiday without her. “He’s actually in the dog house at the moment,” she admitted. “Obviously I love my husband but he’s been on holiday to see his family.

“We had this trip booked and then I got Strictly so I told him to go because all I’ve been doing is rehearsing, coming home knackered, whinging and going to bed. I told him to go away because he deserved a break putting up with me.

“So he went and I’ve been coming home to an empty house. He’s not there. The dogs are in day care because I’m working 14-hours a day. I’m coming home alone and it’s dark and cold.

“You need that normality coming home to your lovely partner or your dogs when you are out of your comfort zone, scared, lonely, working hard. It’s been really hard without him but he’s back now.”

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Dancing the Charleston to A Little Party Never Killed Nobody from The Great Gatsby, Vicky and partner Kai Widd have been getting lots of good luck messages from their celeb pals.

Angela Rippon, who danced with Kai last year, sent her best wishes to the pair. “We did have a call from Angela,” said Kai, 30. “She gave Vicky some words of advice.”

“She’s wicked for an older bird,” said Vicky. Kai continued: “I made it to Blackpool with Angela and I hope to think Vicky and I can go further. Vicky is what Strictly is all about. No dance experience. Starting from scratch. We have such a great relationship.”

Vicky has been open about her struggles with anxiety but say Kai has been amazing at settling her nerves.

“He does say this really lovely thing to me each week, he says: ‘It’s just me and you dancing’, and that helps because I get in my head. Everything I’ve learnt in the week just goes out of me head. I’m thinking about the judges, the audience, the people at home, all the things that are out of my control. So he’s a really good egg like that.”

It’s been a tough week for the pair, as they battled illness. Vicky also suffered a chipped tooth and a cut to the face after having a fall in rehearsals practising a “spicy lift”.

Undeterred, Vicky ploughed on and is eyeing up her best score yet this weekend, with a cheeky plan to try and get it. “I’ve been flirting with Anton (Du Beke),” she revealed. “I just want a seven and I’ve been flirting with him but he’s not bothered.”

Watch the Strictly results tonight at 7.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Lostprophets were one of the biggest names in UK rock earlier this century – but the lives of the band members were thrown into chaos after Ian Watkins was jailed for horrific sex crimes

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Back at the beginning of the century, Lostprophets was one of the biggest bands in UK rock. They topped the albums charts in 2006 with their third album, Liberation Transmission – and had three other top 10 records.

While the band is arguably now best known for being fronted by the late sex offender Ian Watkins – who was killed behind bars over the weekend – he was not the sole musician behind the group.

Five other singers were in the group when it dramatically came to an end in 2013 after Watkins was imprisoned for 29 years after being found guilty of a string of vile sex offences – including conspiracy to have sex with an infant. His jail time was later increased to 35 years after he was found guilty of smuggling a phone into prison.

READ MORE: Ian Watkins dead: Lostprophets paedophile stabbed to death in prison knife attackREAD MORE: Every Ian Watkins vile crime as Lostprophets paedophile killed behind bars

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During his trial relating to his phone possession in 2019, Watkins chillingly predicted he would be stabbed to death in jail. This turned out to be the case as he was stabbed by a fellow inmate in the throat and bled to death on Saturday.

But what has become of the other members of the band? Here The Mirror looks into who they are and what they are doing now.

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Lee Gaze

Lead guitarist and backing singer Lee Gaze was a co-founder of Lostprophets, creating the band in 1997 alongside Watkins. Born on 21 May 1975, Gaze grew up on a council estate in Rhydyfelin, Pontypridd, and found escapism through metal music – citing Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Metallica and Slayer as major influences.

He was left devastating and heartbroken when Lostprophets was forced to disband in the wake of Watkins’s heinous crimes. Earlier this year, he took to X to lament the collapse of his project.

He wrote in July: “It’s been 13 years since my band ended in the most unimaginable circumstances and it’s still painful to think about. Things could’ve been so different.

“I don’t talk about it much, but I put everything into that band and it should’ve lasted a lifetime. I never really wronged anyone my whole life so it seemed like the ultimate punishment.” And he added: “It is as painful today as it was then. No less.”

He later went on to form the rock band No Devotion alongside fellow Lost Prophets star Stuart Richardson and American singer Geoff Rickly, 46. The band released the critically acclaimed albums Permanence, in 2015, and No Oblivion, in 2022.

Away from music, Gaze married London-based Malaysian former singer, Syirin Said, in 2008. They have two children together.

Stuart Richardson

Stuart Richardson was bass guitarist and provided backing vocals in Lostprophets from 1998 until 2013. Born on 15 August 1973, Richardson is from Tonypandy, Wales, and counts David Bowie and Iron Maiden as early music favourites.

He began his music career in the mid 1990s, working as a music engineer before joining Lost Prophets in 1998. He was devastated when the band was destroyed by Watkins’s crimes and has hit out about the betrayal in the past – and explained why he felt compelled to launch a new band quickly.

Hitting out on the Sappenin’ Podcast in 2019, he said: “I was like, well, ‘Fuck if that’s gonna be the thing that’s on my fucking gravestone.’ Like ‘Oh, that guy was in that band with that fucking prick.’ It’s like, fuck that. I’m gonna do my own band immediately.”

He co-formed No Devotion alongside Lee Gaze in 2014 – and recently marked the 10 year anniversary of their debut album. He wrote in a lengthy Instagram post last month: “Well this one snuck up on me. Still my favorite songs I’ve ever written. Still the album that means the most to me as a producer. It felt like an out-of-body experience.”

He reminisced about his time creating the record, and explained: “I was still crawling out from the wreckage of my past. We didn’t know what we were building — we just knew we had to make it.”

He continued: “The love and support from the press when it came out was overwhelming. It was nourishing. We didn’t expect that. We really didn’t expect anything. We just hoped someone would listen. And some of you did.”

He reportedly lives in Los Angeles with his wife Marissa and their two daughters – and is also the owner of Rocky Water Studios, a studio based in Florida.

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Jamie Oliver

Much like front man Watkins sharing a name with a fellow celebrity – namely Steps star H – vocalist and keyboardist Jamie Oliver shares his name with a famous chef. However, his birth name is Richard J Oliver.

He was born on 16 July 1975 in Pontypridd, Wales, and was part of the band from 2000 until it was disbanded in 2013.

Oliver went on to quit music entierly in 2017 in order to focus on his art and fitness career. He reportedly battled depression after Lostprophets was destroyed by Watkins’s crimes and found peace through mountain hiking. He now lives in LA with his wife and children.

Mike Lewis

Rhythm guitarist Mike Lewis was in the band from 1998 until 2013 – and has also been a member of No Devotion. Born in Pontypridd, Wales, on 17 August 1977, Lewis was originally in a band called Aftermath in 1991 – alongside Ian Watkins.

The duo never recorded any material together as this group, but Lewis was the original bassist for Lostprophets, before switching to rhythm guitar.

Away from music, he married girlfriend Amber Payne in 2006 and they welcomed a daughter together. However, the couple split in March 2023.

Luke Johnson

Drummer Luke Johnson was in the band from 2009 until 2013. And English member of the band, Johnson was born on 11 March 1981 in Redditch.

Before joining Lostprophets, he was in a band called Beat Union who won some critical praise and were compared to Elvis Costello, The Jam, and Green Day. Following the collapse of Lostprophets, he joined his bandmates as a member of No Devotion – but left the group in 2015.

He later released solo material and then joined the band Lowlives alongside Lee Downer and released their first EP, Burn Forever, in 2018. They released a debut album, titled Freaking Out, last year.

The acting and Hollywood worlds are in mourning following the death of Oscar winning actress Diane Keaton who passed away in California on Saturday at the age of 79

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Diane Keaton showed her affection for her beloved pets in the final social media post that she shared before her shock death. The iconic actress died on Saturday with a representative sharing the news in a short statement.

As fans around the world mourn the Oscar winning star – who was 79 at the time of her death – they have been taking to social media to share their shock and devastation. Many have flocked to Instagram to leave messages of condolence on Diane’s final post – where she posed with a smile alongside her pet Labrador.

In a post shared with the retail company Hudson Grace, the post stated: “Proof our pets have great taste too! Happy National Pet Day from HG & @diane_keaton. #nationalpetday.”

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READ MORE: Diane Keaton dead: Godfather and First Wives Club actress dies at the age of 79READ MORE: Diane Keaton’s tragic health battle in her own words as Oscar-winning icon dies at 79

The message was shared on April 11 – exactly six months before her sudden passing. Diane’s death was announced by People magazine.

A spokesperson revealed she had died in California on Saturday, October 11, and added: “There are no further details available at this time, and her family has asked for privacy in this moment of great sadness.”

Fans have flooded her Instagram post with heartbroken messages. One fan wrote: “A true legend. Thank you for your talent, your animal advocacy, your immeasurable charm. You will be missed.”

And another typed: “Dearest Diane, I will miss your style, humor and grace. You are a true queen who paved the road for so many. We love you.”

The actress shot to fame in the 1970s with her role as Kay Adams in The Godfather trilogy, as well as her collaborations with Woody Allen. She won an Oscar for Allen’s influential film Annie Hall and became associated with the title character’s menswear-centric wardrobe.

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Her many beloved films included The First Wives Club, Father Of The Bride, The Family Stone and the Book Club movies. She was nominated for Oscars for her roles in Something’s Gotta Give, Marvin’s Room and Reds, in which she starred opposite Warren Beatty.

Her film debut was in 1970’s Lovers and Other Strangers but her big break came in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, as the girlfriend of Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone, in 1972. She reprised her role in 1974’s The Godfather Part II and also for 1990’s The Godfather Part III.

Much of her career was defined by her many collaborations with Allen, her one-time boyfriend, and Annie Hall was the signature character of her career to many of her fans.

People speculated that the movie was based on Keaton and Allen’s relationship and Keaton told told The New York Times in 1977: “It’s not true, but there are elements of truth in it.”

Other collaborations with Allen included Manhattan, Sleeper, Manhattan Murder Mystery, and Play It Again, Sam. She remained supporter of Allen after the accusation by Mia Farrow that he had abused their adopted daughter, Dylan.

Keaton also frequently worked with Nancy Meyers, starting with 1987’s Baby Boom. Their other films together included 1991’s Father of the Bride and its 1995 sequel, as well as 2003’s Something’s Gotta Give.

In 1996 she starred opposite Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler in The First Wives Club, about three women whose husbands had left them for younger women.

More recently she collaborated with Jane Fonda, Mary Steenburgen and Candice Bergen on the Book Club films. Keaton never married. She adopted a daughter, Dexter, in 1996 and a son, Duke, four years later.

English Teacher were always destined for big things, but their gig on Friday night for War Child’s Day of the Girl was a reminder of just how talented the band are

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Discovering a new artist’s work and wanting more music fans to listen to the songs you have on repeat can be a double-edged sword.

You want them to achieve mainstream success and all the accolades that come with it, knowing you face the prospect of seeing them perform inside often soulless arenas rather than more authentic venues.

While English Teacher have already enjoyed phenomenal success, watching them on stage at Hanger 34 on Friday night, I got the feeling it might just be the last time I see them perform in Liverpool in such an intimate setting.

Made up of Lily Fontaine, Lewis Whiting, Douglas Frost, and Nicholas Eden, the indie rock band proved why they are such critics’ darlings during their performance supporting War Child’s Day of the Girl fundraiser.

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English Teacher left no instrument unplayed as they belted out tunes from their award-winning debut album, This Could Be Texas, alongside a few new tunes. One minute, you’re focusing on the song’s beautiful lyrics, the next, you’re left energised by the lengthy instrumentals that got everyone in the crowd moving.

It’s impossible to compare the quartet with any other bands on the scene right now; in terms of their sound, it’s truly original and fresh.

I first saw – and learned of – English Teacher at the Northern Music Awards. As a millennial rapidly becoming uncool by the day, Spotify DJ has yet to send me their music.

But before their set had even ended inside Albert Hall, Manchester, in April 2024, I was adding them to my playlists and googling their story.

I was thrilled when they won the Mercury Prize a few months later. Despite being in the throes of a brat summer and a massive fan of Charli XCX (again, an uncool millennial), I was delighted to see the four-piece band win the prize for numerous reasons.

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English Teacher’s victory was entirely deserved based on musical merit alone, but it also offered hope to any artist wanting to pursue a music career who dares to live outside of London.

While the UK music scene is filled with talented artists, English Teacher winning the Mercury Prize in 2024 marked the end of a 10-year run of London-based acts honoured exclusively.

Such statistics mean bands from outside London can get lumped with lazy stereotypes, with English Teacher laughing with me before their set about how northern acts are often described as ‘gritty’ for no other reason than their geographical location.

Thanks to government funding for the arts being consistently cut, beloved music venues are closing down and producing a song that can trend as TikTok audio seemingly a requirement for emerging musicians, the fact that English Teacher managed to not only have the hope to form a band but to create a beautiful body of art with their debut album is awe-inspiring.

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“I say it is really important that people from all different backgrounds just keep doing it,” lead vocalist Lily told me backstage when I asked the band if they had any advice for aspiring musicians disheartened by the current state of the industry.

“Try not to let all of that stuff [impact you] because we actually really need art. The music industry is such a big part of our economy – the reason it is so good is because of voices from different backgrounds, and it won’t sustain unless people keep doing it, so it’s really important.

“I’d say to people, even if it feels like you haven’t got the funding in school, or they’ve cut your GCSE music lessons, etc, keep going because we need it. Otherwise, the diversity in the music industry will reduce, and then it will reduce the quality of music being put out and then.”

English Teacher are indeed in a class of their own at the moment, but hopefully a new generation of talent heeds their advice and many more join them soon.

The Godfather actress Diane Keaton has died aged 79, and her loved ones said she died in California as a spokesperson asked for privacy while the family navigated their grief

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Hollywood legend Diane Keaton had an incredible A-lister love life, but admitted she hasn’t been on a date since her early 40s.

The Godfather, Annie Hall, and Father of the Bride actress has died aged 79, it’s been confirmed. Diane’s loved ones shared that she had died in California as a spokesperson asked for privacy as the family navigate their grief.

Despite her illustrious career in romantic comedies, her own personal life lacked in romance. The 79-year-old star, who never tied the knot, last went on a date in her early 40s, but did admit to having “a lot of male friends”.

In a 2023 interview, when asked if men “ask her out”, Diane responded: “Never. All right? Let’s just get that straight. That one’s important.”

With a chuckle, she added: “I haven’t been on a date in, I would say, 35 years. No dates.” Chatting with InStyle magazine, she said: “I have a lot of male friends. I have a lot of friends, but no dates. No mwah-mwah.”

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READ MORE: Diane Keaton dead UPDATES: Bette Midler leads tributes as Oscar winner dies at 79READ MORE: Diane Keaton’s tragic health battle in her own words as Oscar-winning icon dies at 79

Incredible love life

Despite the absence of romantic interest in recent years, Diane was previously linked to several A-list celebrities.

Back in 1969, she began dating Woody Allen and they briefly cohabited during production. However, by the time their film of the same name was released in 1972, their living situation had become less formal.

It was Diane’s sense of humour that won over the film director and she has stated that he remains one of her closest pals.

She also had an on-again, off-again relationship with her Godfather co-star Al Pacino, which concluded after they wrapped up filming The Godfather Part III.

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In a 2004 interview with Barbara Walters, she gushed: “Al was simply the most entertaining man. To me, that’s, that is the most beautiful face. I think Warren [Beatty] was gorgeous, very pretty, but Al’s face is like whoa. Killer, killer face.”

Diane was in a relationship with Warren Beatty in 1979, around the time they both starred in Reds. Their romance was the talk of the town, but it fizzled out shortly after filming for Reds concluded.

Issues with the production, including financial and scheduling hiccups, are believed to have put a strain on their relationship, but Diane remains pals with the actor.

Jo Mjadzelics, who had an on-off relationship with Ian Watkins, is the whistleblower who first told cops about the singer’s dark fantasies with children but was repeatedly ignored

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The former girlfriend that exposed sick rock pervert Ian Watkins has revealed she is shocked it took lags so long to kill him.

Jo Mjadzelics, 48, is the whistleblower that first told cops about the singer’s dark fantasies with children but was repeatedly ignored. Watkins, 48, died after being attacked in prison where he was serving a 29-year jail term for multiple sexual offences, including serious crimes against young children and babies at HMP Wakefield, in West Yorkshire.

He was attacked with a knife by another inmate on Saturday morning, sources have confirmed. West Yorkshire Police said detectives from the homicide and major inquiry team are investigating after prison staff reported the assault on Watkins, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

READ MORE: Ian Watkins killer ‘given bonus points’ by inmates after stabbing Lostprophets paedo to death

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The whistleblower had an on-off relationship with Watkins from 2006 after the rocker sought her out on MySpace and confessed his dark sexual fantasies. She tried to warn the authorities about his lust for young children for four years but was repeatedly ignored.

He was only finally arrested when police raided his Pontypridd home using a drug warrant in September 2012. Jo told The Sunday Mirror: “I was shocked having the news out of the blue as I would with anyone who’s died, there were tears but only because of the shock, not tears for him.

“As I said before though, I’m only surprised it’s taken nearly 13 years to happen, it was crazy how he was protected this long. I was worried sick he’d get out and track me down or something.”

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The former Lostprophets frontman was eventually jailed in December 2013 for a string of child sex offences, including the attempted rape of a baby. The monster was sentenced to 29 years in prison with a further six years on licence, but he will be eligible for parole after serving two thirds of the prison term.

His two co-defendants, the mothers of children he abused, were jailed for 14 and 17 years. During sentencing, Mr Justice Royce said the case broke “new ground” and “plunged into new depths of depravity”.

Watkins admitted the attempted rape and sexual assault of a child under 13 but pleaded not guilty to rape. Judges rejected an appeal by Watkins in 2014 reduce his sentence by half. As a rock star in his 20s, he sold millions of albums around the world and commanded huge arena crowds.