Chris Hoy has revealed his children’s heartbreaking response to his cancer diagnosis.
The Olympian was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in September 2023 before going public a year later. In a heartbreaking interview, Chris’ wife, who was diagnosed with MS at the same time, told BBC Sport her children asked her if the terminal diagnosis “was it because I was naughty?”
The couple’s two kids, a son named Callum David Robert Hoy, born in 2014, and a daughter named Chloe Rose Carol, born in 2017, also asked if their dad “was going to die” and if they were going to “catch it.”
( PA)
Sarra said her young kids were very scared when their dad revealed the diagnosis and explained how she and Chris worked to explain the terrible news to the youngsters. She added that a common reaction for children was to ask if the diagnosis was their own fault.
In another heartbreaking admission, Sarra also spoke about the family’s journey as Chris goes went through chemotherapy.
She said the family had a beloved cherry blossom tree in the garden, which would blossom when Chris’ chemo ended.
The family painted a huge tree with no leaves or blossom on it and added bits of pink blossom to the tree as Chris went through his treatment.
Holding back tears, Sarra revealed that “everyday the kids would get up and stick a bit of blossom on the tree.”
The idea behind the painting was that kids were “helping daddy regrow”, the mum-of-two revealed.
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I’m A Celebrity star Shona McGarty couldn’t stop the tears in an emotional video shared to Instagram on Sunday in which she realised a career dream – admitting, ‘I promised I wasn’t going to cry again!’
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It was clearly a milestone moment for the former EastEnders star(Image: Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)
I’m A Celeb finalist Shona McGarty was overcome with emotion in a video shared to Instagram on Sunday in which she debuted her song, Unapologetically Me, on Radio 2 alongside host Joel Dommett.
Shona could be seen singing along to the power ballad – a personal anthem about self-acceptance, in the Radio 2 studio as the track was played, looking emotional and teary-eyed.
And when it ended, Joel – who hosted jungle sister show I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked alongside Kemi Rogers, said, “Yes, Shona McGarty! I feel so privileged that I got to play that. That’s since. I feel like I’ve been in a moment of your life. How does that feel?
READ MORE: Amanda Holden wows at Christmas party in ‘golden bauble’ mini dress you can shop
Former EastEnders star Shona responded, “You really have. It feels unbelievable. I promised I wasn’t going to cry.” To which Joel replied, “‘Well, I wish it was up to me. What a key change!”
Followers loved it, too, with one writing in the comments, “No one deserves this more than you Queen. I play it in my car everyday’, while another wrote, “Literally screamed when I heard it. I adore this song.”
Another delighted fan called for a collab with fellow jungle star Aitch, writing, “Love it! Can’t wait to see you and @aitch, so when is this karaoke party. Be great to see you both collab.’
Shona launched her solo music career with Unapologetically Me, her debut single, on October 30, 2025. It follows earlier singles for charity, including Let It Be for Mind.
Unapologetically Me was co-written by the actor and produced by legendary music producer Steve Anderson, famed for his work with the likes of Kylie Minogue and Britney Spears.
Shona, who was open about her battles with anxiety before her jungle stint, said previously of her debut, “I wrote ‘Unapologetically Me’ as a reminder to myself, and to anyone who has ever felt pressure to be someone they are not, that it is okay to simply be who you are.”
“Having spent years in the public eye, surrounded by glitz, glam, and expectation, I often felt the need to play a character. But beneath all that, I am just human, silly, sensitive, strong, imperfect, and that is okay.
She added: “This song is about stripping away those layers and celebrating authenticity. It is a declaration of freedom, of learning to love every part of myself, and of standing proud in my truth. Unapologetically.”
Ahead of the single’s release, the actress – who split from her fiance, Irish singer-songwriter David Bracken, before going Down Under – shared a sweet Instagram post encouraging others to enjoy life on their own terms. The video montage featured clips of the star dancing, singing and having fun with friends and family.
She added in the caption, “It’s taken me a long time to stop apologising, for my voice, my feelings, my choices, my laugh, my dreams, my boundaries… all of it,” she explained in the caption.
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“For so long, I thought being accepted meant shrinking myself to fit what others were comfortable with. But somewhere along the way, I realised the only person I was really hurting was me. “
“So here’s to no longer saying ‘sorry’ for simply being. Here’s to showing up as we are, imperfect, evolving, and utterly real.”
Eric Idle has revealed that he spoke to director Rob Reiner just before his horrific death aged 78 as the Monty Python star paid an emotional tribute to him. The Princess Bride director was found dead alongside his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 68, at their Los Angeles home, with detectives reportedly telling local news that the deaths are being investigated as homicides.
The couple’s family issued a statement confirming their deaths earlier this morning. “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner.
“We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time,” they confirmed to Variety. Now, Rob’s friend and The Meaning of Life star Eric Idle revealed that his final conversation with the director took place shortly before his death.
Eric Idle has revealed that he spoke to Rob Reiner last night ( Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP)
Sharing a message on X, Eric wrote: “Rob Reiner was a lovely man. I spoke to him last night for over an hour.
“I always enjoyed his company. I met him at his Dad’s in 1975. He was telling me about fiming [sic] at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future. This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and very thoughtful man. So awful.”
It is reported that Rob and Michele were discovered by their 28-year-old daughter Romy, with calls being made at 3.30pm on Sunday. The Los Angeles Fire Department was called to the couple’s Brentwood home to provide medical care, however they had already died.
The LA Police Department went on to confirm that an investigation was being led by the robbery homicide division who were treating the case as an “apparent homicide”. Law enforcement also told TMZ.com that the couple suffered lacerations “consistent with a knife [attack]”.
Speaking at a press conference, LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said: “We have not identified a suspect at this time. No one has been detained.”
When Harry Met Sally star Billy Crystal and comedian Larry David arrived at their home shortly after reports of his death. Crystal “looked like he was about to cry”, according to ABC 7 Los Angeles.
LA’s mayor Karen Bass paid tribute to the couple earlier this morning. She said in a statement: “This is a devastating loss for our city and our country.
“Rob Reiner’s contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice.
“An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in service of others. Personally, I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob and his wife Michele. I knew Rob and have tremendous respect for him.”
She added: “I want to thank all of the first responders who were called to this tragic event. The investigation is ongoing. I’m holding all who loved Rob and Michele in my heart.”
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Hairy Bikers stars Si King and Dave Myers travelled the world together after bonding over their love of cooking and motorcycles, but tragedy struck when Dave was diagnosed with cancer in 2022
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Si King and Dave Myers rose to fame as The Hairy Bikers(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
Hairy Bikers star Si King had a heartbreaking realisation almost two years after the death of close friend Dave Myers. The pair met in 1995 when they were both working on the set of The Gambling Man in 1995.
They struck up a close friendship before making their name as television chefs thanks to their programmes that combined their love of food and motorcycles. Tragedy struck however in 2022 when Dave was diagnosed with cancer.
He subsequently underwent chemotherapy. However in February 2024, Dave died aged 66. Last June thousands of riders travelled from London to his hometown of Barrow-in-Furnes as a tribute to Dave.
Now, speaking to The Times magazine, Si admits he still misses his close friend. He said: “When I was riding a bike the other day, I automatically looked behind me to see if Dave was there.
“I thought, ‘Where the bloody hell is he? Has he gone around that bend?’ Then I realised, ‘Oh no, of course he hasn’t.’”
Si admits he finds grief “very odd” and says he experienced a “huge mix of emotions” after losing Dave. He added: “It’s anger, frustration, sadness, disappointment. They come when you least expect them.”
Si, 59, describes the two as “great friends” and revealed he was “so close” to both his diagnosis and subsequent treatment. He believes the pair had a “fruitful and fulfilling time together” and prefers concentrating on highs of their friendship “rather than the loss”.
The TV presenter has also faced his own health battles during his life. In 2014 he suffered a brain aneurysm that he says left him needing to “lie down after making a cup of tea”.
Si admits he would find himself feeling “exhausted” after making a brew and would end up “sedentary” for the rest of the day. He however decided he needed to “crack on” despite acknowledging that he faced an “uphill struggle” during his recovery.
The star candidly admits that his gruelling filming schedule, which he says takes up 200 days a year, has had an impact on his family throughout his career. Si split from ex-wife Jane in 2016, after 27 years.
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He says there is “no blueprint” for overnight success and admits children at school “took the mickey” out of his sons when he became famous. He recalls one moment where his sons were taken aback after he jumped into a pool in Africa while completely naked.
And while he fondly reminisces about the Hairy Bikers, Si also faced some “scary” moments with Dave.
Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner have been found dead at their home in Los Angeles with ‘stab wounds in a horror double murder.’
The bodies of the Hollywood actor and director, 78, and his 68-year-old wife were discovered at their property in Brentwood on Sunday with Los Angeles Police confirming they are investigating an “apparent homicide.”
Lucy Needham
Rob Reiner’s daughter says she’s in ‘shock’
Rob Reiner’s eldest daughter has said she’s in ‘shock’ over the brutal deaths.
Tracy Reiner was adopted by Rob during his first marriage to Penny Marshall.
Tracy told NBC: “I came from the greatest family ever. I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”
Rob Reiner’s eldest daughter has spoken out (Brian Ach/Invision/AP)
KEY EVENT
Homicide investigation opened – everything we know so far
Authorities are investigating an apparent homicide after filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their home.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department has confirmed they received a call at about 15:38 local time (23:38 GMT) for medical aid to a home in Brentwood, a neighbourhood that is home to many celebrities.
Robbery homicide detectives from the LA police department also responded to the home and have opened a homicide investigation.
In a news conference on Sunday night, deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said both bodies were still inside the house, more than six hours after police and firefighters had been called.
Lucy Needham
Misery star Kathy Bates speaks out
Kathy Bates is “horrified” by the “terrible news” of Rob Reiner’s death.
The 78-year-old moviemaker and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found dead at their home in Los Angeles on Sunday following an “apparent homicide” and now his Misery star Kathy has shared her devastation.
In a statement given to NBC News, Bates, 77, said: “I’m horrified hearing this terrible news. Absolutely devastated. I loved Rob.
“He was brilliant and kind, a man who made films of every genre to challenge himself as an artist. He also fought courageously for his political beliefs. He changed the course of my life.”
Bates won a Best Actress Oscar for her role as Annie Wilkes in Reiner’s 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s novel and she also acted alongside him in 1998’s Primary Colors, which won her another Academy Award nomination.
Stephen King’s Misery starring Kathy Bates. (COLUMBIA PICTURES)
Lucy Needham
Rob Reiner’s best movies
Legendary filmmaker Rob Reiner’s entertainment industry career spanned seven decades. His most recent film was Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, the sequel to the 1984 classic This Is Spinal Tap.
Reiner – son of actor/director Carl Reiner and actress/singer Estelle Reiner – started his career in Hollywood as an actor playing Mike ‘Meathead’ Stivic in hit sitcom All in the Family between 1971 and 1979, with the role earning him two Primetime Emmy Awards.
His other acting credits include parts in 1993 rom-com Sleepless in Seattle, The First Wives Club in 1996, 1998 thriller Primary Colors and 2013 movie The Wolf of Wall Street.
1986’s Stand By Me was directed by Rob Rob Reiner (Columbia/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock )
However, he is best remembered for his directing work which started in the early 1980s when he took charge of 1984 music mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap.
He went on to direct Stand by Me (1986) as well as 1987 fantasy adventure The Princess Bride and 1989 rom-com When Harry Met Sally … with the moviemaker meeting his wife Michele during the shoot.
Reiner’s directing work continued with Stephen King adaptation Misery in 1990 and courtroom drama A Few Good Men in 1992 which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.
Lucy Needham
Barack Obama joins famous faces speaking out
The former US president posted: “Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action.
Lucy Needham
Hollywood romcom that inspired real life romance
Rob and Michele met on the set of the iconic romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally. Rob said their blossoming romance at the time even inspired the film’s heartwarming ending.
Harry and Sally were originally going to part ways, Reiner told CNN in 2024.
“It was going to be the two of them seeing each other after years, talking and then walking away from each other,” Rob said. The actor and director had been single for years and wasn’t sure he’d ever find love again.
But after meeting Michele on set and had a change of heart. They were introduced by cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld, and Rob said it was love at first sight.
The romantic comedy instead ends with Harry declaring his love for Sally at a New Year’s Eve party and the two of them getting married.
Rob and Michele wed in 1989, the year the film came out, and went on to have three children together: Jake, Nick and Romy.
In a 2024 interview with Senior Planet, Reiner credited their enduring marriage to their close friendship. “We get along just great and enjoy each other’s company,” he said.
Rob and Michele met on the set of When Harry Met Sally (Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal are the two leads in the movie )
Lucy Needham
Monty Python legend Eric Idle spoke to Rob Reiner hours before death
Monty Python’s Eric Idle has revealed he spoke to actor Rob Reiner hours before his death. The comic described the late actor as a ‘lovely man’ and said he was shocked by his ‘awful’ passing.
Speaking on X, Eric said: “Rob Reiner was a lovely man. I spoke to him last night for over an hour. I always enjoyed his company. I met him at his Dad’s in 1975. He was telling me about fiming at Stonehenge and his thoughts for the future. This is so awful. I shall miss him. A clever, talented and very thoughtful man. So awful.”
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) December 15, 2025
KEY EVENT
Family statement
Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner’s loved ones have released a statement following news of their sudden deaths.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time,” the family said in a statement to Variety.
Rob Reiner poses with his wife Michele, left, and children Nick, center, Romy, and Jake (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Lucy Needham
The couple were discovered by their daughter
Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found in their Los Angeles home by their daughter, Romy.
Calls about the tragedy first came into the Los Angeles Fire Department at about 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14. First responders arriving at the home said they found a man and woman dead — and the victims were later identified as Rob and Michele.
Reports in the US say Rob and Michele were found by their daughter (AFP via Getty Images)
KEY EVENT
Hollywood legends arrive at the scene
Billy Crystal and Larry David were at the home of Rob Reiner shortly after reports of his death in an apparent homicide.
A source has conformed to PEOPLE that that actors Crystal, 77, and David, 78, arrived separately at the home hours after the tragedy occured.
Crystal “looked like he was about to cry,” a neighbor told ABC 7 Los Angeles.
Reiner collaborated with Crystal on projects including When Harry Met Sally, This Is Spinal Tap and The Princess Bride. He also made an appearance on David’s hit HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Billy Crystal was seen arriving at the Reiner house (Getty Images for SiriusxM)
Lucy Needham
Los Angeles mayor issues statement
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has since paid tribute to the couple, saying in a statement: “This is a devastating loss for our city and our country. Rob Reiner’s contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice.
“An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in service of others. Personally, I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob and his wife Michele. I knew Rob and have tremendous respect for him.”
She added: “I want to thank all of the first responders who were called to this tragic event. The investigation is ongoing. I’m holding all who loved Rob and Michele in my heart.”
Reiner was found dead alongside his wife, Rob Reiner, in Brentwood, CA (Getty)
Lucy Needham
Desperate call to the couple’s home
The Los Angeles Fire Department was called to the couple’s home at around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon to provide medical aid, but found the pair already deceased.
Lucy Needham
Tragic ending
Law enforcement sources told TMZ.com the victims at the Brentwood house suffered lacerations “consistent with a knife [attack]”.
Speaking at a press conference, LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said: “We have not identified a suspect at this time. No one has been detained.”
The seven strong band have been formed by Cowell as part of his new Netflix series The Next Act
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Cowell boyband December 10 are already set to bring music out(Image: Photo credit: Gracey & Co.)
Simon Cowell’s new boyband have been unveiled and are now talking for the first time about how hard they have been trying to make it in the music business. Called December 10, the band are a seven-piece boyband who have signed to EMI/Universal.
Ending the series The Next Act where they were chosen, Cowell told the singers: “When this show airs your whole life changes. I am really, really proud of you individually. I am seeing you about to do what you always dreamt of doing. Probably the most important advice is, whoever becomes your very very first fan is the most important person in the world.”
The lads consist of Cruz (19), Danny (17), Hendrick (19), John (17), Josh (17), Nicolas (16) and Sean (19). They are from Chorley, Rochester, Dublin, London, Lisbon and Walsall, and between them Irish, Brazilian, Indian, Nigerian and Jamaican heritage. According to reports on Sunday they will release their first new music on YouTube today. But ahead of that they spoke to the Mirror and answered questions about their story so far…
CRUZ, (19, Uxbridge, West London)
What is your story in terms of where you grew up and when you started singing? I grew up in in Uxbridge, West London, and I started singing from the age of eight – my parents always used to play 2000s RnB in the house, and I just started dancing and singing along to it. And then when I was in year six, my school did Charlie & The Chocolate Factory musical and I got the part of Willy Wonka, and I remember everyone really loving my solo. I then went for an audition for Motown the Musical and I got the part of mini-Michael Jackson.
How long have you been trying to make it as a singer? 11 plus years. It’s been really long. It’s been hard. There was one point in my life where I was going to give up. I was 17, and I was like, nothing’s working… I was kind of just focusing on football at that time, and it’s not really until this whole band audition thing came up that I got back into it.
Why did you audition for the show? I wanted to try something else, try something different from the solo stuff.
How surprised are you to make it to the band? When I got that first call from Simon, after that first audition, I was so shocked and just so happy. This whole journey, even going to Miami, it’s just been mad, because I felt like I’ve had so much rejection in my life, and then this happened, the biggest thing I’ve done, and I just feel so fulfilled and happy.
What is Simon Cowell really like? What advice has he given you, what has he said is going to happen next? He’s like the most humble person you’ll ever meet. He says to just keep working hard and there’s going to be lots of challenges ahead, but you’ll face them together. And we’re lucky, because there’s seven of us, and we can support each other through anything.
What are your hopes for the band and the future? I’d love to go on a stadium tour and perform at Wembley Stadium. I’d also love to perform at The Brits.
NICOLAS (17, born/ grew up in Slough, West London, now lives in Lisbon)
What is your story in terms of where you grew up and when you started singing? I grew up in Slough until I was 10. I really got into music when I was about five or six, just watching videos of Queen, Bruno Mars and a bunch of artists that my parents would play to me. I started singing when I was about eight years old when I took a year of singing lessons.
How long have you been trying to make it as a singer? Probably since the age of six, since when I first fell in love with music, I knew that that was what I was wanting to do with my life, and I was ready to dedicate myself to it.
Why did you audition for the show? I auditioned for the show because I wanted to prove to the world that I can do it, whether I made it or not. I just wanted to give it my all and be proud and know that I’d literally given it my 100%.
How surprised are you to make it to the band? I’m very, very, very surprised! I’m extremely happy and very proud that my hard work paid off. And I’m really looking forward to the amazing future we’re going to have.
What is Simon Cowell really like? What advice has he given you, what has he said is going to happen next? Simon Cowell is very down to earth. Watching him on television, what you see is a persona. When you truly get to know him, he’s a really, really friendly guy, and I’m very glad to have met him and to have worked with him. In terms of advice, he’s just said, be yourself and always try to stay true to yourself when you’re on camera and when you’re doing performances, as that’s the most important thing you can do as an artist, And in terms of what we’re going to do in the future, Simon said it’s best to just take it one day at a time and enjoy it in the present.
What are your hopes for the band and the future? My hopes for the band in the future is to have a strong connection and a loyal fan base and to be able tour wherever we want to go in the world, and yeah, just to have fun with my brothers and keep touring.
DANNY (17, Chorley, Lancashire, near Manchester)
What is your story in terms of where you grew up and when you started singing? I grew up in Chorley without a musical background. I’m the first one in my family to pursue a career in music. I picked it up because when I got expelled from school, I didn’t think I had anything going for me, and I needed to find something that I loved, and that’s music.
How long have you been trying to make it as a singer? I’ve been trying to make it as a singer ever since I started singing, so maybe, like, since I was at least 10 years old, and it’s just been my dream forever, and now it’s potentially coming true.
Why did you audition for the show? I auditioned for the show because of my auntie – she really believes in me and kept on at me to. How surprised are you to make it to the band? I am pretty shocked. I got in the band out of over 1000 people that auditioned. The fact that I’m one of the seven that got to the final, final band. It’s crazy.
What is Simon Cowell really like? What advice has he given you, what has he said is going to happen next? Simon Cowell is the complete opposite of how I think people who only know him from the TV think he is. He’s very kind and generous. He shows you a lot of respect no matter who you are. Simon’s made it pretty clear that the journey we have ahead is going to be challenging and tough at times, but we will still have the best time of our lives.
What are your hopes for the band and the future? Of course we’ve got big dreams, but right now it’s about putting the work in, focusing on the music and building something we’re proud of.
JOSH (17, Chorley, Lancashire, near Manchester)
What is your story in terms of where you grew up and when you started singing? So I grew up in Chorley. And I grew up watching my mum sing, because she’s a singer. My mum used to play tunes in the car, dead loud. I used to love it, and I think that’s where my love of music came from.
How long have you been trying to make it as a singer? I’ve been gigging since I was like, since I was 15 to be honest. I did a few gigs, and then ever since then, I’ve just kept moving forward from there.
Why did you audition for the show? I got the email, I got the Instagram message, and then I just thought, right, this is actually happening.
What is Simon Cowell really like? He’s nice, he’s not, like “nasty”, like people say he is on TV.
What advice has he given you, what has he said is going to happen next? Always stay humble. And the fans are what make you. He says it’s going to be hard – it’s going to be like a hard path to go down in it, but that he believes in us.
What are your hopes for the band and the future? To play at Wembley
SEAN (19, Dublin, Ireland)
What is your story in terms of where you grew up and when you started singing? I grew up in Dublin, Ireland, and I started singing kind of around the house. I was big into some pop acts, like Justin Bieber. And then I kept singing, and my mom and dad like, we’ve got to do something with this fella, because he just doesn’t shut up! So they sent me to a choir in the city center in Dublin, and that’s kind of where I started.
How long have you been trying to make it as a singer? Well, probably since I was a kid, since I was about four. I just think that my dream has always been to perform music.
Why did you audition for the show? To make my mum proud! My mum heard about the auditions and she was like Simon Cowell is holding auditions, and I’ve signed you up! And I was curious about it all, really. Especially as I hadn’t really heard about any new boy bands coming out Ireland or the UK for a long time.
How surprised are you to make it to the band? I was surprised. On the last day, I was definitely cacking it. I was like, Oh, I don’t know if I’m gonna make it!
What is Simon Cowell really like? What advice has he given you, what has he said is going to happen next?
Simon is lovely. Simon has given us lots of advice. I think one piece of advice he’s taught us that has stuck with me is when you walk into a room, just always shake everyone’s hand, and make eye contact – eye contact is very important. I think he has aspirations for us to be massive, and so you kind of just have to trust him that way, as he’s obviously worked with a lot of bands globally, so he can visualise it, even if we can’t yet.
What are your hopes for the band and the future? I hope that the band has loads of fun and we all become best mates, and we all are best men at each other’s weddings.
JOHN (17, Rochester, Kent)
What is your story in terms of where you grew up and when you started singing? I grew up in Kent, and that’s sort of where I’ve been my whole life. I’ve never, like, moved houses, never been anywhere else, so that’s definitely my home. But in terms of, like, the music, it sort of started off with my dad always playing music around the house when I was younger. That got me interested, and then I remember hearing songs on the radio and, like, harmonizing and singing along. So, my mum noticed that I liked music and was into it. And we had a family friend whose daughter was in choir, so my mum was like, John, you should apply for this, because you like to sing. And then I did a little audition, and I got into the choir, and then from there, I’ve just been doing it ever since.
How long have you been trying to make it as a singer? I really can’t remember a time when I wasn’t singing or trying to make it as a singer. I’ve also been writing and producing for a long time too.
Why did you audition for the show? Oh, I think like, this show was just the biggest opportunity. I feel like Simon Cowell has such a great ear for music, and, yeah, I think that was what enticed me. I also thought, like, being in a band just sounded so interesting and so fun.
How surprised are you to make it to the band?
I think when I heard I’d made it, I was excited more than anything. Probably because I’ve just learnt not to set expectations for myself. I used to do a lot of acting and drama, so I’d get, like, rejected all the time. And so, I’m used to telling myself, don’t let it phase you, just keep on trying, whatever happens will happen.
What is Simon Cowell really like? He’s definitely not what he seems like, if you watch his old content. He is honest, which is very true, but he’s a down to earth person, very genuine, and I think maybe a bit softer than he came across on the TV years ago. He’s a very genuine character, and we all love him.
What advice has he given you, what has he said is going to happen next? He told us that that this should be fun, and if we’re not having fun, then this shouldn’t be what we’re going into. And I think that’s really valuable advice, because it’s not going to be an easy thing, obviously, going into this industry. But we all have each other, and so as long as we’re still enjoying it, together, then that’s the most important thing.
What are your hopes for the band and the future? I hope that we release great music, and can continue to release great music, and, hopefully, sell out shows. That would be the dream, because we’ve all worked so hard for this.
HENDRICK (19, Walsall, Birmingham)
What is your story in terms of where you grew up and when you started singing? I grew up in the town of Walsall, just north of Birmingham. My first Love was rugby, but then I kept getting injured round about in my early teenage years, and that’s when I started playing music. And then I just knew I wanted to do music. My mum was a professional singer growing up, so she really inspired me to sing. And she used to harmonise when me, when I was humming as a kid, when I was very young, and she said she knew that I was going to be some kind of singer one day.
How long have you been trying to make it as a singer? So I’ve been trying since when I joined a music school in year 10. That’s when I got really determined to actually make it as a singer. And that’s when I learned the guitar and bass and piano and all these different instruments to make me into an all-round musician.
Why did you audition for the show? I got a message on Tiktok. And I was working at Nandos, I’d just finished college. So I was like, why not? Like, let me go and get it. I’ve got nothing to lose.
How surprised are you to make it to the band? This is going to sound weird, but at the start, I had like, a good feeling from my audition. I was like, this feels right. But still, two weeks later, when I got a phone call from Simon, I was just like, what? What’s going on? And then when I found out I was in the band, I was like, that’s insane!
What is Simon Cowell really like? He’s down to earth – just a really good bloke. He’s sound.
What advice has he given you, what has he said is going to happen next? One main bit of his advice was you’ve basically asked to be in the public eye, and you’ve been asked to be very public in your life. So don’t complain when people come up to you asking for photos or anything like that, and be nice, treat everyone the same.
What are your hopes for the band and the future? I want us to have fun. That’s what I want. I want us to write mad records, record mad records, and get as much music out there as possible to inspire people.
