Category Entertainment News

Actor Martin Compston will host big weekend in Glasgow dedicated to comedy legend Billy Connolly

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Line Of Duty star Martin Compston has lauded Sir Billy Connolly for dealing with Parkinson’s “incredibly bravely”. The legendary comedian, 83, was diagnosed with the disease in 2013 and later announced his retirement in 2018.

Compston, who is co-hosting Hoolie In The Hydro on Saturday dedicated to the Big Yin, said the Scottish comic has battled the disease “with a smile on his face and cracking jokes that only Billy can”.

The actor, who was born in Greenock, said he was “chuffed” to be asked to present the night of traditional music in Glasgow, despite admitting he is “not a fan” of public speaking.

“But it’s a big Christmas ceilidh night out and a salute to the Big Yin,” he said. “I’m glad about all the murals (of Sir Billy) that have popped up. I think sometimes legends can leave us and then it seems after they’re gone there’s an outpouring of grief and they don’t really know.

“I’m glad the last few years it’s been made abundantly clear just how much Billy is loved and cherished. So I think having that salute to him, it’s lovely.”

Murals celebrating Sir Billy have popped up in recent years, usually painted on to the side of traditional Glasgow tenements. Compston said Sir Billy is “the best at being Scottish”, which is why he is “globally loved”.

He added: “Obviously, Billy’s been battling Parkinson’s but he’s been battling incredibly bravely and again he’s done it with a smile on his face and cracking jokes that only Billy can. I’m hoping he’s with us for a long time to come.”

Organisers of The Hoolie In The Hydro say it will honour Sir Billy’s “immeasurable” contribution to Scottish comedy, music and culture. The annual “Hoolie” is considered to be one of the biggest events of the year for Scottish traditional music. Acts performing this year include Elephant Sessions, Trail West, Manran and Beluga Lagoon.

Compston said the night will honour Sir Billy as a musician, but added: “There’s kind of nothing he can’t do and he’s done it all with a humility and obviously a humour that you just have to love. When I say to anybody what would be the best way to describe what it’s like being Scottish or being from the west coast of Scotland, you say Billy Connolly.”

Connolly was diagnosed with Parkinson’s on the same day he found out he had prostate cancer, which he later received the all clear on.

In October 2023, Billy told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “My life has changed radically since the diagnosis of Parkinson’s. I walk with a stick and at airports I have to get the wheelchair. I hate being dependent to that degree and I feel sorry for other people who are in wheelchairs and who have it worse than me.

“But it’s a thing I just have to put up with. My wife puts my clothes on in the morning. It’s not very manly. Your mum puts your clothes on.

“I’m clumsy and I lose my balance. I’m out of balance a lot and I fall. I’m fed up with it. I think I have a good attitude to it. I say to the disease ‘I’ll give you a break if you give me a break’. We’re nice to each other.

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Adam Peaty’s mum is said to have written to Netflix and instructed bosses to remove her family from any scenes in Gordon Ramsay’s upcoming series, amidst the family fall out

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Adam Peaty has been dealt another blow by his mother. In recent weeks, the Team GB Olympian has been at the centre of drama surrounding his family.

The former Strictly Come Dancing star had uninvited his relatives from his upcoming wedding to Holly Ramsay, which will take place this month. His whole family had been invited to the ceremony, with his brother also serving as a groomsman, but this changed when James allegedly sent “threats” to the swimmer and was subsequently arrested.

But it has since come to light that Adam’s sister, Bethany, will be his only relative in attendance. His mother, Caroline, was also not invited to Holly’s hen do at Soho Farmhouse, while Bethany was seen at the glitzy event alongside Lady Victoria Beckham.

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And while there seems to be no signs of the family putting their differences aside, Caroline Peaty has now reportedly written to Netflix bosses. Sources claim that she has instructed them to remove herself and her family from any scenes they may appear in during Gordon Ramsay’s upcoming docu-series, Being Gordon Ramsay, which is slated for release next year.

Sources claim that Caroline gave bosses a strict 14-day deadline to respond to her request. Speaking to The Sun, a source said: “Caroline has written to Netflix to say the family were not asked for their consent to be filmed for Gordon’s documentary at last year’s engagement do.

“She was very clear that, after everything that’s happened, they do not want to be feature, she was filmed giving a speech as were the family during arrivals and while mingling at the party. They’re expecting a response from Netflix within 14 days of the letter’s arrival.”

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However, a source has disputed this, telling the Mirror that at the engagement party, there were clear signs displayed throughout the evening. They added that everybody in attendance had a “jolly time” and that by attending, “you were giving your consent” to appear in his docu-series.

The source went on to add that the Peaty family were not formally interviewed, so there was no additional consent required, and they are not in the final edits of the programme. The source went on to tell us that there are “no delays to the production”.

Earlier this week, Adam made a dig at his mother on social media as he offered an insight into his stag do, which took place in Budapest. He captioned the series of snaps: “A few good weeks to backend the year [salute emoji].” One photo featured him donning a T-shirt adorned with fiancée Holly’s face and the words “wife 2 be”.

Adam was seen strolling alongside his friend, Ed Baxter, in the airport as they made their way to Budapest. Another image showed him casually sitting on the bonnet of an Aston Martin, possibly belonging to his soon-to-be father-in-law, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

A third snap captured Holly, 25, beaming during a cosy festive date night at a bustling restaurant, while another saw Adam decorating a Christmas tree with his five-year-old son George perched on his shoulders.

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Fans thought the shout-outs to Holly could be seen as a dig at his mum after taking his wife’s side following the upset over her hen do. Caroline has also taken to social media to say she had been hurt by people who love her, after she was left caring for Adam’s son during Holly’s hen do.

Adam recently broke his silence to share a statement about the feud. In a statement, he said: “For those who know me personally, you know that I work so hard on trying to improve myself as a person who wants to contribute to making the world a better place.

“I am continuing to learn about myself and how I can be the man I want to be; a worthy partner, father, businessman, friend and athlete; even through these challenging times. Bethany, Holly and I will get through this – we do not ask for sympathy. We just need people to be aware that there are always two sides to every story. To those of you who have reached out and shown kindness and understanding – thank you. It is deeply appreciated.”

The Mirror has approached Netflix and Gordon Ramsay’s spokesperson for comment.

Davina McCall shared an important message to Channel 4 Stand Up To Cancer viewers as she continues to face her own cancer diagnosis

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Davina McCall was on the verge of tears as she shared a powerful message for Stand Up To Cancer. The presenter, who revealed she underwent surgery for breast cancer recently, looked emotional as she presented a live Stand Up To Cancer show as she met patients at Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge.

And after speaking to patients about their own journey, Davina shared an important message. She said: “Don’t be afraid, it is so important to look after your own body. For you, and for the people that love you.”

Davina, 58, previously explained that she found a lump in her breast after checking herself and got it examined. She said: “It was very, very small, so I got it very, very early, which is incredibly lucky. But I am so relieved to have had it removed and to know that it hasn’t spread.”

READ MORE: Pauline Quirke’s son Charlie raises eyewatering amount after Alzheimer’s challengeREAD MORE: Strictly’s Amy Dowden shares heartbreak over becoming a mum after cancer diagnosis

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And now viewers of the Channel 4 show have been left emotional throughout the show – and headed to social media to let their feeling be known. As a number of patients spoke to the presenter, the stories hit home for many viewers.

The one-off live cancer clinic was following patients at pivotal moments from test results to treatment. One user wrote: “So wonderful to see @ThisisDavina live from Addenbrooks for #StandUpToCancer – my whole family is forever grateful to the amazing @CUH_NHS NHS team who saved my mum’s life when she was diagnosed with cancer.”

Another said: “#StandUpToCancer just donated as cancer has touched many peoples lives including my own both my granddads passed away of this horrible disease,” and they added a heartbroken emoji.

It comes after King Charles III gave his own update on his condition. The King revealed his cancer treatment schedule is being reduced in the New Year. The news comes almost two years after his diagnosis.

Charles, 77, has been receiving weekly treatment since learning he had an undisclosed type of cancer in early 2024. And in a message to viewers on the Channel 4 show, the monarch gave a significant update about his cancer journey while stressing the importance of cancer screening programmes to help early diagnosis of the disease.

In his pre-recorded message, which he created just over a week ago in the morning room at Clarence House, he said: “Today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctors’ orders’, my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the New Year.

“This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years; testimony that I hope may give encouragement to the fifty per cent of us who will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in our lives.”

He went on to speak of his own experience of feeling overwhelmed when receiving a cancer diagnosis. However, Charles, who was wearing a Stand Up To Cancer lapel pin, used his address to stress the importance of early detection, saying it’s ‘troubling’ people aren’t taking up cancer screening available to them.

Strictly star Amy Dowden also provided a candid update on her cancer journey. The professional dancer she shared her heartbreak about motherhood.

The Strictly Come Dancing star said: “A cancer diagnosis changes you forever… I’ve been put into menopause… I don’t know if I’ll ever have the honour of becoming a mum which I desperately want to… Five weeks ago I have another mastectomy…

“I’m so grateful for another shot of live, to be able get back on the dance floor… I’m so grateful for my medical team, the doctors and nurses who have kept me alive. A cancer diagnosis changes you forever, I’m no longer the person I was and that’s not by choice.”

Stand Up to Cancer on Channel 4, to check if you are eligible for NHS / PHA cancer screening go to www.screeningchecker.co.uk’

Charlie Quirke has raised over £177,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK after completing a five-day Trek for a Cure retracing his mother’s steps

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Pauline Quirke’s son has raised over £177,000 after completing his charity trek for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Charlie Quirke crossed the finish line of his Trek For A Cure in Buckinghamshire on Friday, having undertaken the challenge after his mum was diagnosed with dementia in 2021.

Earlier this year, the 66-year-old actress, famous for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the beloved BBC sitcom Birds Of A Feather, stepped back “from all professional and commercial duties”.

Over five days, Charlie retraced his mother’s journey through life, visiting meaningful locations including former schools, theatres, and the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts.

He expressed his gratitude: “I can’t thank people enough. The love from people all over the country has meant everything, from those who have joined me or messaged me or stopped me in the street to thank me for doing this.

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“I’m blown away by how much we’ve raised for Alzheimer’s Research UK, and I just want to thank everyone for caring. We’ve done this to raise money to find a cure, and we’re so grateful to everyone who has got behind our family.”

Charlie began his journey in Chigwell, Essex – the setting of Birds Of A Feather – on December 8, with fellow cast members Linda Robson and Ray Winstone there to see him off.

His route then took him to West Ham United’s training ground at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London, home to the family’s cherished football club. His journey wound through Greater London, Surrey and Berkshire, taking in former family residences, studios and other significant locations from his mother’s life.

Throughout the week, Charlie was accompanied by several well-known personalities, including actors Mathew Baynton and Perry Benson, whilst television presenter Lorraine Kelly walked alongside him for the concluding stretch.

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Steve Sheen, Charlie’s father, explained: “This support for Alzheimer’s Research UK is not just for Pauline, it’s for everyone affected by dementia.

“If nothing changes, one in two will be directly affected by dementia, either by developing the condition themselves, caring for someone with it or both. We can’t continue to accept that.”

Jessica Taylor-Khan, director at Alzheimer’s Research UK, commented: “Charlie’s efforts have raised over £177,000 for dementia research so far, and this will make such a difference in our efforts to speed up progress towards a cure.

“Something we desperately need. On top of that, Charlie has raised much-needed awareness of dementia and given a voice to so many others who are experiencing the devastation of this condition.

“These conversations will help drive the change we desperately need for everyone affected by dementia. We can’t thank Charlie enough for his support.”

Amy Dowden has provided a candid update on her cancer journey live on Stand Up To Cancer on Channel 4. The professional dancer appeared live on the show as she shared her heartbreak about motherhood.

The Strictly Come Dancing star said: “A cancer diagnosis changes you forever… I’ve been put into menopause… I don’t know if I’ll ever have the honour of becoming a mum which I desperately want to… Five weeks ago I have another mastectomy…

“I’m so grateful for another shot of live, to be able get back on the dance floor… I’m so grateful for my medical team, the doctors and nurses who have kept me alive. A cancer diagnosis changes you forever, I’m no longer the person I was and that’s not by choice.”

The Welsh dancer was diagnosed in 2023 and subsequently underwent chemotherapy and two mastectomies. Appearing on Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer, she said: “I still receive monthly injections on the oncology unit. I’ve been put into menopause because of my hormone-fed cancer.

It comes after King Charles III also gave an update. In his pre-recorded message, which he created just over a week ago in the morning room at Clarence House, he said: “Today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctors’ orders’, my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the New Year.

“This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years; testimony that I hope may give encouragement to the fifty per cent of us who will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in our lives.”

He went on to speak of his own experience of feeling overwhelmed when receiving a cancer diagnosis. However, Charles, who was wearing a Stand Up To Cancer lapel pin, used his address to stress the importance of early detection.

He said it’s ‘troubling’ people aren’t taking up cancer screening available to them. “Throughout my own cancer journey, I have been profoundly moved by what I can only call the ‘community of care’ that surrounds every cancer patient,” he said.

“The specialists, the nurses, researchers and volunteers who work tirelessly to save and improve lives. But I have also learned something that troubles me deeply – at least nine million people in our country are not up to date with the cancer screenings available to them. That is at least nine million opportunities for early diagnosis being missed.”

And the monarch added: “Yet too often, I am told, people avoid screening because they imagine it may be frightening, embarrassing or uncomfortable. If and when they do finally take up their invitation, they are glad they took part.

“A few moments of minor inconvenience are a small price to pay for the reassurance that comes for most people when they are either told they don’t need further tests, or, for some, are given the chance to enable early detection, with the life-saving intervention that can follow.”

Stand Up to Cancer on Channel 4, to check if you are eligible for NHS / PHA cancer screening, go to www.screeningchecker.co.uk’

If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.

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Iconic X Factor brothers Ant & Seb are back after 17 years with Christmas charity single ‘Sprinkle It’ – and fans are calling it ‘better than a One Direction reunion’

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X Factoricons, Ant & Seb, are back – 17 years after their audition. The brothers failed to impress Simon Cowell when they auditioned for the ITV talent show in 2008 but now, they have taken social media by storm.

The Welsh siblings from Cardiff – permanently inscribed in reality television lore for their memorable X Factor audition – have made a comeback with a festive charity track called “Sprinkle It.”

After sharing a brief clip on TikTok revealing their return, the response has been phenomenal. Within just 24 hours, the clip has amassed more than 480,000 views on TikTok, with countless comments pouring in. Supporters have been eager to mark the occasion, with responses varying from “This is the best day of my life” to “2025 has officially been saved.”

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Some were left gobsmacked, questioning, “Is this actually them?” One supporter posted, “Did Ant and Seb just rescue 2025 at the last moment?” whilst another proclaimed the return was “better than a One Direction reunion.”

Another captured the sentiment perfectly: “I gasped – oh my god, iconic.” Ant & Seb initially rose to prominence almost 20 years ago when their X Factor audition became one of the programme’s most discussed moments, primarily due to Seb’s now-iconic rap and the notorious line, “Why did he bring his brother?”

Despite failing to advance as a novelty act under Simon Cowell, Cheryl and Louis Walsh, the moment has since become one of the most unforgettable in the programme’s history, accumulating millions of views on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok throughout the years.

Seventeen years later, the brothers have returned with “Sprinkle It,” an upbeat, festive number blending Ant’s silky vocals with Seb’s characteristic wit. The duo co-wrote the track themselves, aiming to deliver something joyful, entertaining and seasonal.

But the comeback has a more meaningful dimension. After their initial X Factor audition, Ant suffered a mental health breakdown connected to how their performance was presented to viewers.

Ant continues to recover, and the pair say this venture is about spreading enjoyment, laughter and optimism, whilst showing people that circumstances can get better and that healing takes time.

Every penny raised from the single will go to Shelter and Shelter Cymru, helping those experiencing homelessness throughout the UK.

An official music video is due to launch within days, with supporters already excited following the online viral reaction. Some are even calling for more, with remarks like “Ant and Seb tour coming?” and “You two are more famous than most contestants that came first.”

Their 2025 Christmas track signals a fresh chapter for the brothers – and demonstrates that, 17 years later, Ant & Seb still know precisely how to capture attention.