A finalist of the BBC dance show Strictly Come Dancing was rushed to hospital after being run over by a car in an accident that ‘could have been fatal’ if it weren’t for one thing
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Strictly Come Dancing star rushed to hospital after being run over(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
A Strictly Come Dancing finalist was rushed to hospital after being in a car accident that ‘could have been fatal’. John Waite, a Great British Bake Off winner who reached the final of the dance show in 2021, shared via Instagram the one thing that meant the accident wasn’t worse.
He revealed on Wednesday (7 January) that. he was run over by a car the night before. He wrote: “Last night I got run over (seriously). I rolled up the bonnet damaging it and the windscreen, before splatting onto the road and crawling to the pavement where some angel of a human threw his coat around me and waited with me for an ambulance.”
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John added that the doctors told him that the accident “could have been fatal” if he wasn’t so muscled. “The doctors said ‘thank god you’re 16 stone of muscle because it could have been fatal’.
“Moral of the story – build strong muscle and core strength, and don’t wear black while crossing the road in the dark when an idiot comes speeding without looking…”
The baker also assured fans that he was alright. “I’ve been scanned and poked and prodded and I’m ok,” he wrote. “Still gay though.” He returned to Instagram later that day to clarify that he meant “speeding” in a figurative sense.
“For the avoidance of doubt, in my last post I said ‘speeding’. I used the term figuratively rather than literally,” John said. “I meant: it was sudden and shocking.
He added: “I don’t know what speed the driver was going. But it was enough to skittle me up onto his windscreen and down onto the floor.”
John made history when he competed on the 19th series of Strictly Come Dancing. When he was partnered with fan favourite pro Johannes Radebe, they became the show’s first male same-sex couple. Together, they came second on the show, losing out to Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.
His stint on Strictly came nine years after he shot to fame on the Great British Bake Off. In 2012, John competed on the third series of the show and eventually won the show, despite suffering a major injury to his finger during the sixth episode.
Away from TV, John continues to bake and lives in Leeds with his husband Paul Atkins. The pair got engaged in 2017 but only tied the knot seven years later in a ceremony in New York.
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Speaking to Gay Times, John said his relationship with his husband is what he’s most proud of. “The thing that I’m most proud of in my life, without a shadow of a doubt, is the fact that my husband and I have been through 18 years of togetherness.”
Warning signs of rare genetic disease after Jesy Nelson’s twins’ devastating diagnosis – The Mirror
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Need to know
Pop singer Jesy Nelson revealed her newborn twins have been diagnosed with a life-changing disease that will mean they may never walk or regain their neck strength again
Jesy Nelson’s twins have been diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Everything you need to know
Jesy Nelson’s twins – Ocean Jade Nelson-Foster and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster – have been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1). The disease is a rare and severe genetic condition that affects muscle strength and movement, meaning some children will fail to walk and talk as they get older.
Possible early warning signs include: floppiness, difficulty holding their head up, weak or reduced movement, shallow breathing, trouble feeding or swallowing and a weak cry.
Medical professionals stress that early diagnosis can be life-changing. In recent years, new treatments have transformed outcomes for some children with SMA, particularly when started as early as possible.
The 34-year-old singer and her musician fiancé Zion Foster, 27, welcomed daughters Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster in May after a difficult pregnancy.
The former girl band star first went to her GP after her mum noticed the twins were not moving as much as they should be. After the twins were struggling to feed, Jesy pushed for her answers and her daughters were diagnosed with SMA Type 1.
Jesy has been told her twins may never walk or regain their neck strength. There is currently no cure for SMA, but there are treatments and support available to help people have the best possible quality of life.
READ THE FULL STORY: Early sign parents should watch out after Jesy Nelson reveals twins devastating diagnosis
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As temperatures continue to plummet, the TV presenter and property expert says UK households should to check their properties. And, he says, there are lots of clever ways to protect them from damp and mould…
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Martin Roberts is a property expert(Image: BBC/Lion TV)
New research commissioned by Health Equals has suggested that an estimated 6 million families in the UK are living with issues like damp, cold, and mould in their homes – alarmingly, 3 million of them are children. TV presenter and property expert Martin Roberts urges that this should be seen as public health crisis.
He says: “We often don’t realise the significance of our home environment in relation to how it affects our health. But the environment in which you live, not only affects your mental wellbeing, but also has now been proven beyond doubt to affect and potentially very seriously affect your health and the health of your family, and kids especially.”
Damp and mould in homes pose significant health risks, primarily affecting the respiratory system, causing coughs, wheezing, shortness of breath, and worsening asthma, but also leading to skin rashes, eye irritation, and allergic reactions. Mould produces allergens, irritants, and sometimes toxins, impacting vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with existing conditions, potentially causing serious illness, infection, and even affecting mental wellbeing.
READ MORE: The 22p trick that will clean your microwave in seconds
“It’s got to be recognised as a public health crisis, the amount of damage it’s doing to people, but also the knock on effects it is having on the National Health Service,” says Martin. “But there are ways to protect your property – be it rented or owned.” Here’s how…
Landlords need to act
“People who are providing housing need to act quickly to make sure that they know problems are resolved,” says Martin. “I think often if you’re a renter you are slightly nervous about kicking up a fuss. The demand for rental properties is huge, people don’t want to rock any boats. But speaking as a landlord myself, I’d want to know if if there were issues in my property that I maybe wasn’t aware of because if I deal with them, not only am I doing something to help my tenant and help their health, but also, I’m probably preserving the lifetime of my property.”
Monitor your home
“Monitor the status of your home to try and avoid the various types of of damp which cause various types of mould. That’s either caused by water coming in from cracks in the fabric of the building, or rainwater gutters that aren’t working, or soil beds that are built pushed up outside the outside of the house,” says Martin.
“Condensation caused by people breathing is an issue too. As human beings we breathe out water in our breath, and also create moisture when cooking and using the tumble dryer, or when having a bath or shower. We’ve got to recognise we need to get circulated air flowing. Often, modern houses can seem like they’re a bit hermetically sealed so there’s no natural airflow. People need to strike a balance between keeping the house warm and getting fresh air into that house.”
What to look out for
“Thankfully the issues are usually very visible. Damp and mould shows itself in, literally, mould on the walls,” says Martin. “Around the windows, in the back of cupboards, generally lower down on walls. And that’s usually black. It can look more like a fungus, often it’s just a sort of black staining. Then when it comes to damp, you can tell using all your senses. Feel the walls, does it feel damp? Does it feel cold? Does it feel wet? Damp tends to smell musty, like an old pair of socks.”
Locate the problem
“Look for telltale signs of water coming in,” says Martin. “It’s normally around on the exterior walls of a property or on a chimney breast. Go outside when it’s raining with your umbrella and look at the gutters. Is something overflowing? Is water flowing freely down the drain pipes? Is the drain itself full of leaves? Is water able to get away quickly? ‘Cause that’s what you want.
“Is there a flower bed that’s gradually crept up the side of the wall outside over time that could be causing a damp patch inside. Properties aren’t rocket science, you know. Normally there’s a cause and effect. Normally you can say, ‘well actually I’ve got a bit of damp there, what’s on the other side of that?’ ‘Oh look, there’s a drain pipe that’s got a crack in it’.”
Add some air flow
“A more modern issue is condensation,” says Martin. “We strive to make our homes more energy efficient. We cut down on drafts, we’ve got double glazing and the doors fit well. I mean old houses used to have badly fitting doors, badly fitting windows, you know, and air would flow through them and damp you know generally wasn’t from condensation, generally wasn’t an issue. So this this in this day and age when we seal our homes, it it doesn’t stop us as human beings creating moisture, you know. So just try and do what you can. And if you’re cooking in the kitchen, open the window while you’re cooking.”
Check your tumble dryer
“If you’ve got a tumble dryer, they have those kind of flexible tubes at the back and sometimes – because the tumble dryer often sits on the top of a washing machine which is vibrating – these move, so all the the damp air from your dryer is is is is spilling out into the house.”
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Clean out gutters
“It’s a classic time for all the gutters to get to get clogged with leaves and other stuff. So either do it yourself or if the gutters are high up, get somebody in just to clean out your gutters for you. Make sure the water is flowing away.”
*Lives are being cut short by up to 16 years in parts of the UK. Damp, cold and mould in our homes is part of the problem. To be part of the solution, see HERE. Let’s #MakeHealthEqual.
READ MORE: Nick Knowles’ brutal Strictly assessment after horror knee injury forced him to quit
The presenter started working working at the BBC radio station in 1967 was described by former colleagues as ‘one of the best people in broadcasting’ following her death
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One of the founding members of a local BBC radio station has died(Image: In Pictures via Getty Images)
A BBC radio pioneer has died and tributes have flooded in from her former colleagues and friends. Liverpool-born Jenny Collins, who has died aged 83, was one of the founding members of the Merseyside radio service, which was set up in 1967 and was only the third local BBC radio station.
She began her lengthy career as a reporter and on-air presenter, taking calls from listeners and hosting Junior Spin, before moving into senior editorial roles such as programme controller, according to the BBC. Following her death, which was announced on January 2, her former colleague Roy Corlett said she had helped “build something that is still here, still going strong nearly 60 years on”.
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Another former colleague and former Radio Merseyside presenter, Roger Lyon, published a moving tribute on Facebook, describing her as “a genuinely lovely person” with “a great broadcasting voice”.
“Very sad to hear today of the passing of one of the founding members of Radio Merseyside, the lovely Jenny Collins,” he wrote. “She was there at the start in 1967 and performed many duties both in front of and behind the mike.
“I still have letters that we swapped in the mid 90s when I was living and working in Oz, and she was acting Programme Controller, planning what shows I could do on RM when I returned.
“The last time I saw her was about 4 years ago when she was my guest on RM chatting about her career working there. She was married to Steve Voce who for many years presented a jazz programme called Jazz Panorama. She had a great broadcasting voice and was a genuinely lovely person. R I P.”
His heartfelt post was quickly flooded with similar sentiments, including one who described her as “one of the best people I ever met in broadcasting”. The former head of BBC Radio Merseyside, Mick Ord, also commented: “RIP Jenny. A wonderful, warm-spirited woman who played an integral role at Radio Merseyside for many years.”
Jenny’s late husband Steve Voce, who died in November 2023, was also a member of the BBC Radio Merseyside alumni, and worked at BBC Radio 2 and as a music reviewer. His obituary in the Jazz Journal referenced his “lively, witty and often acerbic style” of reviews, which were “much appreciated by many JJ readers”.
Editor Mark Gilbert wrote: “When I asked him for a biography for our contributors page, I got simply ‘In the first half of his life Steve Voce was preoccupied with listening to jazz, boozing and adultery. In the second half of his life he gave up adultery.’ There was a lot more to the life and work for jazz than that. It probably isn’t excessive to suggest he lived for the music.”
Emmerdale actress, Paula Lane, who also played Kylie Platt in Coronation Street from 2010 to 2016 has given birth to her third child
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Coronation Street’s Paula Lane has given birth and shared the news on Instagram
Coronation Street star Paula Lane has given birth to her third child, who she says was “so longed for.” The Emmerdale actress, 39, shared adorable snaps of her son, who she has called Patrick, snuggled up in a blue knitted babygrow and bobble hat with his proud parents and pet dog.
Captioning the carousel in which Paula cuddles her bundle of joy, who is wrapped up in a blanket, she wrote: “Welcome to the ranch, Patrick. We are all completely and utterly in love. So longed for…thank you for completing us.” Also seen on her Instagram Stories is a shot of the tot in his dad, Tom Shaw’s arms. Paula’s husband is also holding a bottle of whiskey with ‘Paddy’ written on the label as he celebrates becoming a father for a third time.
The actress, who plays Ella Forster in Emmerdale, was inundated with well wishes from her famous pals, who were quick to reply to the joyous news.
Emmerdale actress Amy Walsh gushed: “Awwww. Huge congratulations.” Meanwhile, I’m A Celebrity star, Lisa Riley, said: “Sending the hugest amount of love to you Tom and the children from Me and Al…..Patrick will be loved and loved some more.”
Paula and Tom announced they were expecting last summer. In an Instagram post, she tagged her husband and wrote: “Some special news to share from us.” She added: “Christmas just got a bit more magical. Our baby boy due December 2025.”
The post, which included a photo of a baby scan surrounded by cards addressed to the “best big sister” and the “best big brother”, received thousands of likes.
Paula, who already shares son, Arthur, and daughter, Penny, with Tom, chose Alison Goldfrapp’s song Hey Hi Hello as the soundtrack to her announcement. Among the well-wishers was Lisa, Paula’s Emmerdale co-star ,who plays Mandy Dingle.
She commented: “CONGRATULATIONS. HOORAY! ! ! Now I can tell everyone. So much love to you, Tom and the children. Can’t wait for Christmas cuddles.” Amy, who ;plays Tracy Metcalfe in the soap, responded: “Congratulations lovely.”
Paula’s on-screen sibling Michelle Hardwick, who portrays Vanessa Woodfield, commented: “Best news! Massive congratulations to you all! So exciting.”
Meanwhile, Danny Miller, who portrays Aaron Dingle, penned in his response to Paula’s post: “Congratulations guys.”
Paula is most recognised for portraying Kylie on Corrie, with the character brought in as the sibling of Becky McDonald (portrayed by Katherine Kelly). She subsequently formed a romance with David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd), whom she eventually wed.
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However, following her introduction six years earlier, Kylie met a sad end in scenes which broadcast in 2016. Audiences witnessed Paula’s character perish in the arms of her sobbing spouse, David, while lying in the middle of the road after suffering fatal stab wounds.
The personal trainer has enjoyed a string of dates with the brunette, whilst his ex Millie is having another shot at finding love in the famous villa
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(Image: Instagram)
Love Island hunk Liam Reardon has wasted no time in finding love again after breaking up with Millie Court. The personal trainer is reportedly dating law student Lara Grace, with the pair growing close after a string of dates over the Christmas period.
According to reports, Liam was spotted cosying up to the 21-year-old law student from South Wales at Caldicot Football Club. Meanwhile, his ex, Millie, with whom he won the 2021 series, is preparing to enter the All Stars villa next week after the pair split up last year.
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The Sun reports that the pair were “inseparable all evening, laughing, chatting and clearly comfortable in each other’s company.”
It seems Liam has already won over Lara’s family, with sources revealing that her mum was there as the couple enjoying some festive drinks with friends. The pair – who are thought to have started dating two months ago – also follow each other on Instagram.
Earlier this week, Liam’s ex, Millie, revealed the lessons she’s learnt from her romance with Liam. The pair dated on-and-off until breaking up in September last year, with insiders claiming that the long-distance relationship was too “difficult” for them to navigate. Speaking to The Mirror and other press ahead of All Stars, Millie seemed to hint that this was the case.
When asked whether she would date an international contestant after doing long distance with Liam, Millie said: “Only if they agree to move to London – I’m not moving!”
As for what she had learnt from her first stint on Love Island, which saw Liam cheat on her during Casa Amor, Millie said: “I mean I’m 29 now, so I’d say I’ve definitely matured, grown up a bit.
“I won’t take as sh** this time, oops sorry for my language. But who knows? You know when you really like someone, sometimes they make a mistake and I don’t know, I can’t speak for future Millie, hopefully I won’t take any s**t.”
Millie added that she’s willing to step away from her usual type to find love this time around. “I feel like I’ve got a very specific type.
“I have to have someone that’s taller than me because I’m quite tall for a girl, especially with heels on.
“I’m very strict with that and I think maybe that’s not working. So maybe I need to switch it up a little bit. Give some other boys a try that aren’t not my usual type.
“See what the connections are like if there’s a vibe there and maybe I shouldn’t always look for brunettes with the beard. Knowing me I probably will fall fancy for someone like that.”
Millie admitted that she’s returned to Love Island with hopes of settling down. “I’m 30 this year, so I am on the hunt to find my husband and someone who I can have kids with because I don’t want another relationship that doesn’t work out.
“I want to find the one,” she said. “So hopefully that happens.”
