Category Entertainment News

Shirley Ballas, the Strictly judge, gave her fans an insight into their sweet friendship and how she supported her through chemotherapy, as Amy Dowden has revealed the kind gesture she received from the Strictly judge.

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Strictly’s Amy Dowden has revealed Shirley Ballas’ heartwarming gesture, as she returns to the show following her cancer treatment last year. The 35-year-old professional dancer was forced to leave the BBC dance competition after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023.

She shared her journey on social media with her fans, and thankfully announced in February 2024 that she had ‘no evidence of the disease’ after her treatment. In an Instagram story post today, she told her fans about how Shirley had supported her throughout her chemotherapy, giving a sweet insight into their friendship.

The Welsh singer said, “I know what I’m doing with my Friday night!” in a statement to the media. Best Foot Forward, Shirley’s book, is what I just received.

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She wrote me the most exquisite, exquisite note. She even claims to have mentioned me in her book, which is an honor, my goodness. Shirley, I appreciate it.

Amy went on to explain how Judge Shirley continued to support her throughout her cancer treatment. She explained, “She actually used to write me handwritten letters when I was undergoing chemotherapy, and they would make me smile.”

“Stories about her mother Audrey,” she said. I’m so glad you sent me your book, Shirley, because I know what I’ll be doing tonight.

The actress continued by explaining how she spends Friday nights before Strictly Live, explaining that it was “extremely difficult” to sleep on Friday nights or to turn off or concentrate. This will be fantastic, so we’ll be grateful, Shirley.

Make sure you tune in tomorrow, Amy continued. Everyone appears to be amazing, and I’m incredibly excited.

Partnered up with Amy is Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner, but the pairing hasn’t been without its controversy. When he signed up to the show, he ruffled feathers among viewers, with many thinking he wasn’t a right fit for the family-friendly BBC show due to his outspoken nature and Twitter rants.

He snatched a reporter’s phone and fled shortly after the show’s press conference earlier this month. He later admitted to cheating on his wife Sinead shortly after their wedding.

Many fans were shocked to learn that he and Amy Dowden, a well-known professional dancer, were paired last Saturday. After receiving criticism for his signing, Thomas enraged, saying, “Now I see people are fuming that I’m on Strictly, and the majority of them got to write “be kind” in their bios.

You couldn’t possibly make up.” Let me share this with you. I won’t be canceled. Some of you want me to kill myself, but I won’t. I’m still here. I’m still standing. Believe me when I say that I am stronger than most people think. Every insult, lie, attack, and lie… “It doesn’t break me; it makes me stronger.”

The BBC show was thrown into further chaos earlier this week when it was revealed Love Island star Dani Dyer was forced to pull out following an injury.

She addressed the audience by saying, “I had a fall on Friday during rehearsals and it was funny. My foot swelled up severely over the weekend, and it turns out I’ve broken my ankle after an MRI yesterday.

I was forced to leave the show because it seemed like performing the quickstep on a broken bone was inappropriate. The doctors have since told me that I am not allowed to dance. The biggest understatement is to say I’m heartbroken. Although I’m going to miss Nikita dancing, I’ll of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.

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After revealing an awkward question she was posed while recently at a gym and saying it “p***ed her off,” pop star Jessie J responded in the only way she knows how.

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Jessie J savagely hit back at a fan for a cheeky question while she worked out. The Price Tag songstress, 37, took to Instagram to share her response with her followers – and was met with a lot of sympathy.

A woman said to me at the gym today, according to Jessie’s captioned song, “Do you still sing?” I’m posting this because my period is coming up, and she offended me.

A flawless live performance of her belting out her hit song Thunder was captured in the video. And her followers responded quickly. Deborah Cox, a fellow singer, was one of them. With an eye-rolling emoji, the American singer said, “Isn’t it annoying when that question is asked?” “Like…. Can’t we also live?

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You should have told her Nonononoooo Nooo *nobody’s perfect singing &amp, riff* Lol, according to another user, who called the “singing thing” the best voice of our time.

Earlier this week, the super star admitted she plans to leave the UK again following her cancer surgery. She previously revealed she she had a mastectomy in June and plans to undergo more breast surgery in the coming weeks to try to deal with her diagnosis.

She acknowledges that she is struggling with life in the United Kingdom and misses LA’s “community.” She described London as “distant” and “isolating,” and wrote, “I forgot how anti-social London is.

It’s really a lonely place to live in and I’ve been there for ten months. Man, I long for my neighborhood in LA. I might just reserve a flight and arrive before my surgery. I need some [battery emoji]].

After revealing she had a breast cancer diagnosis in its early stages, she underwent the mastectomy in June. She explained that she was restraining herself from the word early, saying in a video that she had been diagnosed with “early breast cancer.”

Cancer stinks in any way, but I’m keeping the word “early” in mind. It’s a very dramatic way to work as a boob. After my surgery, I’ll leave for a while before going to Summertime Ball, where I’ll return with a lot of t**s and more music.

Throughout her journey, she has kept fans informed of her condition. She shared a clip from her recent performance at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London, saying, “It has been 4 weeks since my mastectomy for breast cancer, and I have to wait for my next operation.

“I feel like I’m only just starting to think about how much I’ve accomplished since receiving my diagnosis five months ago. I’m not ashamed to admit how proud I am of myself.

After they discovered more breast cancer in other locations following my MRI, they conducted 5 more biopsies in the afternoon. At this point, no one was aware. Knowing what I have endured and overcame just makes watching this back feel so special.

“In everything that life has given me this year, I have done and am still doing my best.” I’m genuinely so inspired. Although I’m still very much in it, I believe it’s crucial to honor these milestones. So that’s what I’m doing right now.

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Thomas Skinner, the star of Strictly Come Dancing, is getting ready for his first live performance tomorrow night with his dance partner Amy Dowden.

Reality TV star Thomas Skinner has shared an update about his preparations for Strictly Come Dancing ahead of the first live show of the new series this weekend. He teased a change to his lifestyle amid training for the BBC show.

Thomas, 34, who rose to fame as a candidate on the Apprentice in 2019, is among the contestants who will be taking to the dancefloor tomorrow night. It has already been announced that the entrepreneur will be performing a paso doble with his dance partner Amy Dowden, 35.

He previously disclosed how he was spending his Friday afternoon before the episode. Thomas teased that he wouldn’t be going to the pub because of tomorrow’s live performance and that he was at home with his family.

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Thomas, who, away from his TV career, sells mattresses, has previously posted on Instagram about having a pint in a pub on Friday afternoons on numerous occasions. His most recent post about it was shared on September 5.

He stated in his update tonight, “It’s been a very, very busy week. I’ve been dancing with Amy Dowden, who is amazing, instead of grafting. I’m doing my first live dance tomorrow night, he continued, “As you all know, I’m doing it.”

Thomas told his followers: “No golden nectar tonight, so no golden nectar.” After his three children expressed excitement over his involvement with Strictly, Thomas’ three children grew up. Instead, we have a lovely Diet Coke. You know me, I don’t look when I douse myself with sour cream, but the wife has done me the Chilli Con Carne.

In the video message to the fans, Thomas continued, “I want to wish you all a wonderful weekend. Friday afternoon is approaching. We’ve worked hard, so whatever you’re doing, I want you to have a beer to enjoy down your pub. I want you to leave and spend some quality time with your family.

He continued, “Sorry, I’ve been working so hard with this dancing; I’m so excited to try to… y’know have an opportunity to do it, so please watch it.” It’s very enjoyable, please. I’ve come a long way since learning to dance a few weeks ago.

The contestant, whose life off-screen has made headlines in recent weeks, concluded by saying in the video: “Big love to everyone out there. Keep on going. Keep on putting one foot in front of the other and always stay positive.”

Happy Friday, lovely people! was Thomas’s tagline in the video’s caption. Tonight’s Strictly Come Dancing performance will be the first live show for me. I had been working so hard with my dance partner, the lovely Amy, two weeks ago when I was just beginning to learn to dance.

“The wife has done the family a chilli concert,” the wife said, “and I can’t wait to see it all tomorrow night”! I wish you and your families love. Continue to put one foot in front of the other. I adore you all. strictly up. Bosh. “

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Some fans feel let down by the Channel 4 star after defending her when she was accused of using Mounjaro, despite the fact that she appears unrecognizable from her days on Gogglebox and Celebs Go Dating.

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Gogglebox star Amy Tapper got herself into a furious clash with a disgruntled fan who accused her of lying about her 7.5 stone weight loss. The 26-year-old hit back after being branded a liar, with one fan claiming they felt “cheated” after she admitted using ‘skinny jab’ Mounjaro to lose her weight.

Amy, who previously promoted Muscle Food on her Instagram account, appeared on ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Thursday, coming clean about her decision to use the controversial weight loss medication. But one fan took aim at Amy, accusing her of deceiving her loyal followers.

The fan claimed on social media that she felt cheated because she frequently displayed her Muscle Food as being delivered and exercising on her Instagram page. Although she uses the injection naturally, don’t come on TV and say it when she is receiving moral support.

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But Amy, who left the Channel 4 show in 2017, jumped to defend herself, replying: “If you watch the whole interview you’ll hear that I started the injections last June, I haven’t done the diet you are talking about since 2023 so there’s been no lying here.”

The fan continued to accuse Amy of deceiving the fans who had been standing up for her despite Amy’s insistence that she had been truthful. You didn’t say you were taking the injection, they replied, “but you didn’t say that.”

“I am aware that losing it is nobodies’ business if you are,” I say. However, when you posted those before and after photos the day before, someone [commented that you had been using] injections. A few of us said, “No, she has been doing it the natural way,” as we had assumed but were unaware that you had been taking it.

Amy didn’t reply to the comment, with many of her other fans jumping in to defend the star. One wrote: “The injections only help her to not overeat. The rest she has to do herself, diet and exercise. Lots of people take the injections alongside slimming world, weight watchers etc. You still have to eat the right foods and put in 100% effort.”

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During her interview on GMB, Celebs Go Dating star Amy admitted: “That is what I’ve been advised by my doctor. Because I think a lot of the way that people look at the injection is as a quick fix.

“It’s quick, but it won’t fix you forever,” it is. My body will start acting like it did the first time, which means, yes, I’ll be on it forever. We’ll go over it and see what might happen, but I’m taking the most at the moment.

ITV Daytime star Dr Amir Khan was listening into the conversation, and he acknowledged that Amy had a ‘compelling story’ to tell with her health journey but did insist that two years was the maximum time an individual should take the injection for in general.

He continued, “That two years gives me plenty of time to make those changes, perhaps through movement, sleep, and stress, that all contribute to weight. I don’t believe you need to be on it because a lot of that will be excess weight if you only have about three stone to lose.

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Although the crowd is singing along to some of the songs on Sir Rod Stewart’s extensive playlist, he acknowledges that the one he wants to be remembered for won’t be the first to come up in everyone’s minds.

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Sir Rod Stewart has a catalogue of tunes worthy for his iconic status. But, for the man himself, there is one tune in particular who would love his legacy to be remembered for – and it’s not one some would expect.

The 80-year-old rocker is still going strong, wowing his crowds at energetic gigs. His career has spanned over six decades and he is one of the best-selling artists of all time.

While his fans are still enthralled by popular tunes like Maggie May and Do You Think I’m Sexy, Rod himself is most impressed by one of his other compositions. Rod admitted during a speech in 2011 that his most notable accomplishment in the field was a song from the 1970s’ socially conscious heyday.

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The Killing of Georgie would be the one song he would be most proud of, he told Dean Goodman at the time. because it dealt with a challenging subject in 1976, which is a very long time ago.

The two-parter song was included on his seventh solo album, A Night on the Town, from the same year. It addressed homophobia in particular.

The subject was hardly ever discussed in popular culture at the time. The theme of the song was a victim of sexual abuse and assassination according to the lyrics.

Rod previously explained how the song’s plot was loosely based on the account of an old friend. The song’s opening line reads, “I these days of changing ways/ So called liberated days/ A story comes to mind/ Georgie boy was gay, I guess/nothin’ more or nothin’ less/ The kindest guy I ever knew.”

Rod told the Guardian in 2016 that he only knew him for a short while and that he was connected to the truth. He would play songs for us and ask, “Have you heard this? “

“I can recall him singing “Night Time Is the Right Time” to us. He was a truly beautiful guy, I can tell you.

And he acknowledged that despite the story’s apparent truth, he was not involved at the time. I embellished a little because I wasn’t on the scene when it occurred. He called the icon “poetic license” when he described how he had handled the murder as an unintentional.

I believed they might not have intended to murder him. They might have intended to do him over, perhaps.

Rod recently called his wife Penny Lancaster’s new memoir ‘blood curdling’ as she gets ready to spill some of their most intimate marriage details in the book. In a lighthearted video on Instagram showing him thumbing through Penny’s book while the pair lounged togethe, Rod put on a horrified performance, gasping: “Wow this is incredible Penny. Absolutely blood curdling information in here.”

He teased, “You shouldn’t have put that in the book, Penny,” as he feigned to cringe at her revelations.

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Due to a broken ankle, Daniel Dyer has been replaced on Strictly Come Dancing by fellow Love Island winner Amber Davies. The lineup change was made just before the first live performance.

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Theatre star Amber Davies has been unveiled as the latest contestant on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing this week. She’s already begun rehearsals with her dance partner ahead of her first performance on the show.

It has been announced today that Amber, 28, has joined the line-up for the BBC show as a replacement for fellow Love Island winner Dani Dyer. Earlier this week, it was revealed that Dani had withdrawn from the contest after sustaining an injury during a rehearsal.

Amber will be partnered with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, who was Dani’s partner. It’s been confirmed that Amber will make her debut on the dancefloor tomorrow night in the first live show of this year’s Strictly.

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It will be the latest TV appearance by Amber, who rose to fame on the third series of Love Island in 2017. She won the ITV2 show with Kem Cetinay, whom she later split from, after having both been original Islanders in that series.

Amber made her West End acting debut in 9 to 5: The Musical at the Savoy Theatre in 2019 and has since pursued opportunities to work as a comedian. She also appeared in Pretty Woman: The Musical and Back to the Future: The Musical on Broadway as Lorraine Baines McFly.

More recently, she played Jordan Baker in the Great Gatsby musical, which had a limited run at the London Coliseum that concluded just weeks ago. She starred alongside the likes of Corbin Bleu and Rachel Tucker in the show.

It was announced earlier this week that Amber’s next role will be Elle Woods in a touring production of the musical Legally Blonde. The upcoming revival of the show is set to tour the UK and Ireland from February next year.

Amber is also getting ready for Call to Stage live performances, which are scheduled for Sunday at the Fortune Theatre. The podcast, which was released last year, features host Amber interviewing other performers and is about musical theater.

She often promotes the podcast on Instagram and guests have included her 9 to 5: the Musical co-star Louise Redknapp, who did Strictly herself in 2016. Whilst an episode released in December last year saw Amber interview choreographer and former Strictly judge and Arlene Phillips.

Amber has also interviewed her partner Ben Joyce, whom she began a romance with when they were co-stars in Back To The Future: The Musical in 2022. She’s now being supported by him amid her Strictly journey, with Ben, who once starred in a West End production of Jersey Boys, reacting in a post earlier: “Does she ever stop?!! No she doesn’t!!”

She has shared insights into their life together on social media in recent month, including posting about a holiday to Greece last week. Whilst back in June, she celebrated the couple having moved into a new home together.

Amber, who has given insights into her experience as an actor, also occasionally shares updates about her family and friends, with her loved ones including her sister Jade Davies, who is a theatre performer herself. Amber is close pals with Natalie Paris, who originated the role of Jane Seymour in the musical SIX and who has previously been part of the Strictly band.

Alongside her acting career in recent years, Amber has also competed on Dancing on Ice. She was a contestant on the ITV show last year and she ended up placing fifth with her skating partner Simon Proulx-Sénécal.

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