Category Entertainment News

Olympian Sam Quek has revealed that while on Strictly Come Dancing, she discovered a lot about herself behind the scenes despite her fame for her sports career.

Olympian Sam Quek has opened up about the personal journey she endured during her time on Strictly Come Dancing. The star found fame playing hockey but last year, she challenged herself in new ways while appearing on the BBC dancing competition.

The 36-year-old has since left her professional sports career and has frequently appeared on various programs, including ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and the Celebrity Masterchef on BBC.

Sam, who was raised in a sports loving family with her brothers, is no stranger to intense training, which led to her Olympic career, but she admits to discovering much more about herself while watching Strictly.

“My Strictly experience was amazing, it was so hard – but in a good way,” Sam exclusively told the Mirror. The Liverpudlian star went on to say: “It was one of the toughest but most rewarding and enjoyable challenges that I’ve ever done. But I did find out a lot about myself.

Being glammed back up after realising that I still enjoy getting my hair done and my make-up done was such an amazing experience because I think that the competitive side of having kids is still present.

I thought I could dance, but Sam’s joke goes on to say, “It might be a few wines in the interim.” Although it was an amazing experience, I also realized that I lack elegance and that I would probably be better suited for playing soccer if I needed it.

“Putting in big tackles, pushing people off the ball. But Strictly was fab and I definitely learnt a lot about myself.” This year, Sam is returning to Soccer Aid for the second time and will be playing alongside Louis Walsh, Tom Grennan, Sir Mo Farah and Sam Thompson on the England team.

“I can’t wait for Soccer Aid this year,” she excitedly revealed at Manchester’s Hotel Football – overlooking the pitch at Old Trafford. She added: “Last year was my first year and I was blown away. I think now it’s come up north, although I’m a Liverpool FC fan, and it’s at Old Trafford, I still think it’s going to be one of the most amazing experiences. I can’t wait.”

Sam, however, has never been a fan of football. She signed to Tranmere Rovers F.C. as a junior before choosing to concentrate on hockey and put football on the back burner when she was 16 years old. I didn’t have many female sporting role models that I knew or could see growing up.

She continued, “My twin brother was Robbie Fowler, and we used to play football together in the garden. I grew up wanting to be Steve McManaman.” It’s amazing to be almost living out a childhood dream while attending Old Trafford. Sam the footballer is unquestionably alive.

Although she was signed to Tranmere, Sam never got to play at Prenton Park “we didn’t see any of that,” she said. But heading out onto the pitch at Old Trafford, home to Manchester United, one of the world’s biggest footballing clubs “besides Liverpool,” is “just going to be a special moment,” she gushed.

Sam’s heart is on Sam’s side when he participates in Soccer Aid. mother to three-year-old Isaac and daughter Molly, four. She said, “Soccer Aid for UNICEF is amazing for us to experience playing with some of the world’s best footballers.”

Sam continued: “Ultimately, underline it all – it’s the money raised for UNICEF, I think being a mum, you want your child to thrive, to give them the best start, to be health and to be happy. I think if anything comes in the way of that then any help, any money, any vaccinations and any support that you can get is the greatest thing in the world.

“To be out there playing is one thing, but to raise money, I think that’s just so important.” But while Sam is both excited and nervous for the match on June 15, she cannot wait to play alongside Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney – “it’s proper bucket list stuff,” she said.m “Scholsey is one of the best midfielders that England has ever had.”

She exclaimed, “Rooney as well, one of the best strikers, I just can’t wait.”

The match takes place on Sunday 15th of June at Old Trafford, Manchester, with adult tickets priced at £20 and juniors from £10. Tickets are available now on the Soccer Aid for UNICEF website.

Fans of Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who was a child in The Maze Runner and Nanny McPhee, have been surprised to learn his real age.

Fans are only just learning of Thomas Brodie-Sangster’s real age after being compared with another legendary actor. Sangster, an actor from London, is known for his role as Newt in The Maze Runner movie series and as a child actor, he gained recognition for featuring in the hit films Love Actually and Nanny McPhee.

He was born on May 16, 1990 so he is 34 years old. A user on X, @PicturesFoIder, posted side-by-side photos of Sangster and Scottish actor Sean Connery, known for playing James Bond, at the same age and people on the platform couldn’t help but notice how different they look.

One user claimed, “One smoked cigarettes, and the other did not.” Connery, 90, was known to smoke both cigars and cigarettes both on and off-screen. He passed away on October 31, 2020. Another continued, “More testosterone was present in men in Connery’s day than it is today.”

A third chimed in: “Sean Connery, born 1930, was 34 in 1964 during his James Bond era, known for a rugged lifestyle. Thomas Brodie-Sangster, born 1990, was 34 in 2024, often cast in youthful roles like Love Actually. Lifestyle differences, like Connery’s smoking, may explain aging contrast.”

A fourth author claimed that Sean started smoking regularly at the age of 12. also drank a lot. Both of you get older quickly.

At age 34, a fifth user said, “I’m 55 and I’m only just starting to have lines on my face,” and I’m probably able to undo those lines without much trouble (and without having Botox or surgery). You get older and smoking. Particularly, smoking messes with your skin.

Connery was the first actor to play the fictional British secret agent James Bond in motion pictures, starring in seven Bond films between 1962 and 1983. In the original novels by Ian Fleming, James Bond is a heavy smoker, putting away between 60 and 70 cigarettes a day and on screen he doesn’t match the sixty-a-day habit in the books, but he does smoke in eleven of the 23 007 films, as reported by Geist.

Much like his fictional character, Connery himself was a heavy smoker. He started his smoking habit when he was a child aged just nine-years-old, according to The Independent.

In 1971, Connery gave a candid interview to The Guardian. He told the newspaper: “I try not to drink too much because when I do drink I drink too much and too easily. I gave up smoking three years ago’ a complete cut-off; when I smoked pot I found that I didn’t like it because, although it turned me on all right, it was too much like smoking cigarettes”, MI6 Headquarters, the world’s most visited unofficial James Bond 007 website, reported.

ExCLUSIVE Former TOWIE star Mark Wright was tearful as he described Presley’s health battle after the tot was diagnosed with a rare heart condition.

Mark Wright was overcome with emotion as he opened up about his nephew Presley’s health battle, breaking down in tears during a moving speech.

The former TOWIE star, 37, was speaking at a special event for The Brompton Fountain, a charity supporting children with serious heart and lung conditions, when he became tearful talking about his young nephew’s journey.

A rare heart condition that has deeply affected the entire family led to the diagnosis of Presley, the son of Mark’s sister Jessica Wright and her husband William Lee-Kemp.

Jessica, best known for her appearances on The Only Way Is Essex, welcomed her first child with William in May 2022.

Jessica called her newborn “everything and more,” and the couple described their son’s birth as a “dream come true.

However, their happiness was shattered when they discovered Presley was suffering from a Bicuspid Aortic Valve — a condition where the aortic valve has only two leaflets instead of the usual three.

It can cause serious complications, including heart failure and infections, if left untreated.

Presley now receives regular hospital check-ups every 12 weeks, where doctors use heart scans and ECGs to determine when he will require open-heart surgery.

After watching a short film with Presley and the important work The Brompton Fountain does, an emotional Mark struggled to control his feelings at the charity event.

As he addressed the audience, Mark said, “When it’s that close to home, it just hurts,” his voice trembling.

My sister is an extraordinary woman, even though I don’t tell her often. Although I’m biased, I think we can all agree that her and her husband Will’s resolve, sincerity, and love for their son are unquestionable.

“And to my nephew, you’re the bravest little boy I know,” he added, turning his back to the stage to compose himself as the room — including his supportive wife Michelle Keegan — erupted in applause.

In this extremely difficult time, the touching scene demonstrated how tightly the family is putting together for little Presley.

Jessica made the hospital admissions process for Presley in February. When Presley refused food and was vomiting the entire night, leading to him sleeping in Jess and her husband Edward’s bed, she claimed it was inappropriate for her son. A week prior to the hospital dash, she opened up Presley and revealed that he had a mystery illness.

However, Jess made the decision to present Presley at their neighborhood accident and emergency department as his illness turned into a “horrible cough and temperature”

ExCLUSIVE: The former TOWIE star, who is the mother of Presley, described the Wright family’s growing family and how excited she is to watch Palma grow up.

Jess Wright has given fans a rare and heart warming glimpse into how her brother Mark Wright and sister-in-law Michelle Keegan are settling into life as new parents to their baby daughter, Palma.

The TOWIE star, who is mum to son Presley, spoke about her famous family’s growing brood and how excited she is to see little Palma join the close-knit clan. Speaking at The Brompton Fountain gala, Jess spoke about how Presley already has plenty of playmates, with Jessica’s younger brother, Ebbsfleet United footballer Josh Wright, having two sons – Josh Jr and Dustin. And now, with Mark and Michelle welcoming their first child in March, the family has another adorable addition.

Presley and his cousins Josh and Dustin are very close, and Palma will obviously fit right in, Jess exclaimed. She is “adorable!” Palma is an angel, and they all adore each other. She is sweet, beautiful, and adorable. The boys are very gentle with her and she is in their love.

Jess, who became a mum herself in 2022 when she welcomed Presley with husband William Lee-Kemp, revealed she was “excited” to become an auntie again and couldn’t be prouder of Mark and Michelle as first-time parents.

Mark, who shot to fame on The Only Way Is Essex, and Our Girl actress Michelle have been notoriously private about their journey into parenthood, making Jess’s comments even more special for fans eager to know how they’re getting on.

Mark and Michelle shared a touching black and white photo of their little one holding their hand with their newborn baby at the time of their baby announcement. A white heart emoji accompanied their heartwarming social media caption, “Together we have a new love share… Our little girl.” After that, they continued to mention “Palma Elizabeth Wright,” adding that she was born on June 26, 1925.

Jess gushed as she shared the caption, “Most beautiful addition to our family. I finally fell in love with my niece.

And Jess revealed that within the Wright family, giving advice is a two-way street.

She assured supporters that her brother has naturally adopted the role of father, saying, “It’s lovely to see Mark and Michelle] as parents, and they are. There is always room for improvement when you have babies because we’re always with each other regardless and we tell each other little things. Such a new territory, really.

As she grows up alongside her loving cousins, it sounds like baby Palma, whose sweet name is thought to be a nod to a special place in Spain close to Mark and Michelle’s hearts.

Fans of the Wright family will undoubtedly be thrilled to see the next generation of Wrights maintain their renownedly strong family bonds.

See www.thebromptonfountain.org.uk for more.

In a shocking video that was shared yesterday, Kath Ebbs, the ex of famous Big Brother star JoJo Siwa, revealed they were dumped at the ITV show’s afterparty. Kath has since deleted the post.

After JoJo Siwa’s ex-girlfriend, Kath Ebbs revealed at the afterparty that they were dumped by the Celebrity Big Brother star, she has posted a cryptic post.

Australian star Kath, 27, who identifies as non-binary, revealed in a video shared yesterday that JoJo, 21, they had been left feeling humiliated after flying to the UK to reunite with the CEO of gay pop following her stint in the ITV show’s house. Kath revealed they had hoped to “address my feelings of hurt and work through them like in all relationships.”.

Unfortunately, Kath continued to say that they were “dumped at the party” because JoJo claimed they had “confused feelings there” in an Instagram post that Kath has since deleted.

Kath has shared a cryptic post that appears to be a JoJo joke made in the Celebrity Big Brother house after their shock announcement. Kath shared an image of a protest occurring between two large sign-wielding women.

The sign, which Kath shared an image of of their Instagram story, read: “A day without lesbians is like a day without sunshine”. The post could be a cryptic dig at Kath’s ex JoJo, who revealed to Danny Beard while in the Celebrity Big Brother house that she no longer identifies as being a lesbian.

The Dance Moms star confided in Drag Race UK star Danny, 32, about her sexuality following the blossoming of her bond with Love Island star Chris Hughes. JoJo told Danny: “I feel so queer. I’ve never – I think I’ve always told myself, I’m a lesbian. I think you – I think being here – I’ve realised I am not a lesbian, I’m queer.”

The reality star continued, “I think that’s really cool because I’m switching letters!” I switched to the Q baby after removing the L! That’s what I enjoy most about sexuality.

Nobody Can Change Me! after a hug Danny, the film’s star, joked, “And you know what British people love more than anything,” using a non-binary person name and pronoun. “to queue”

Queer is defined as “a term used by those who want to reject particular labels of sexual orientation and/or gender identity,” according to LGBTQ charity Stonewall.

JoJo previously admitted to being pansexual in 2021, but has since admitted to being one in a few interviews. JoJo made it clear that she was on a “journey” with her sexuality in an interview that took place on Paul C. Brunson’s podcast We Need to Talk two hours before she entered the CBB house.

JoJo’s relationship with 32-year-old Chris Hughes grew closer as she spent time in the home. After Chris confronted JoJo against Mickey Rourke after he made homophobic comments to the Dance Moms star, their relationship blossomed.

The pair’s relationship developed, and they started to cuddle up in bed, massage one another, and pick each other’s bodies, making JoJolick chocolate off of Chris’ shorts in an eye-opening instance.

The pair’s relationship was questioned as the CBB season came to an end. Chris said, “JoJo was like a pure rock to me,” in his exit interview. I had a good time with her, I thought. That friendship struck me as lovely.

JoJo added that she “absolutely loved and adored Chris” and that he would live on forever in her life. He “has aided me in making this house my happy place, and we had a lot of fun together.”

JoJo and her partner Kath have separated since their appearance on the show, and they both revealed their breakup in a shocking Instagram video. They said, “I can’t even begin.” I’m filming this while completely shocked, which I know will be distressing and will probably cause me to “go have a sleep,” but I really feel like the only thing I need to do is finally deal with the situation because I feel so alone right now and so lost.

After two weeks of watching something happen and being unable to speak to the person involved, who I suppose was oddly, I guess I guess in an odd way, I finally got some clarity. I’m not sure if you can call it love bombing, but it seems like something I’ve gone through.

Being told I am the love of someone’s life, being asked to marry them before this social experiment, being adored throughout these closed doors, being hurt by what I saw but wanting to work through it and gain clarity, Kath went on, “To be met with further humiliation, that is more of a feeling than a fact, I’ve been humiliated,” JoJo had told them before entering the house.

I flew here, watched a live show, and supported my partner during their experience, and then addressed my feelings of hurt and worked through them, as all relationships do. “The story continues right now, in the final eight hours or whatever. However, I went to the after party with my now-ex, which is crazy, and I was dumped there before I could return to the hotel. They realized in the house that I wasn’t the person they wanted to spend the foreseeable. I was told there are confused feelings there. Do with that.

We asked the experts to explain the three essentials you should never skip with the seemingly endless array of skincare products currently available.

The skincare adage was once “cleanse, tone, and moisturise.” In the beauty aisles, shoppers are now confronted with a wide range of serums, essences, lotions, creams, mists, and masks, which makes it difficult to know what to really use and how to use them.

More is not always better, either. Overuse of too many products can make your skin more susceptible to aggravating it rather than repairing it or even causing conditions like perioral dermatitis. Additionally, lengthy skincare regimens can be time-consuming, expensive, and even obsessive.

We asked the experts for their skincare essentials and how to add them to help debunk the shelves. Additionally, we offer some tried-and-true recommendations from our team…

READ MORE: 14 of the best “Botox in a bottle” wrinkle-busting creams and serums starting at £3.79.

READ MORE: Anti-aging eye cream brightens dark circles and provides a “filler effect without needles.”

the fundamentals

If you want to see real skin changes, experts are in agreement on the essential skincare non-negotiables: a cleanser, SPF during the day, and retinoids at night. According to Dr. Ahmed El Muntasar, NHS GP, cosmetic dermatologist, and founder of The Aesthetics Doctor clinics, “these pillars are essentials for a solid skincare routine.”

Cleanser

A good cleanser is essential to leave behind impurities, oil, and dirt, Dr. Ahmed says. This will give you a clean foundation for your daily routine. Find one that suits your skin type and budget. Oilier skin may prefer a gel or foaming cleanser while those with dry skin might prefer a cream or milky cleanser.

Not always necessary, double cleaning is. Dermatologist Emma Coleman, who founded and runs Emma Coleman Skin Clinics, says, “I find it a little overkill, especially if you have skin issues, because it might potentially damage your microbiome.”

Use it when: A few drops of water may be sufficient for your skin in the morning, but use it as a cleanser only in the evening.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, £1.50, is what we adore.

Sunscreen

Regardless of skin type, “SPF is a non-negotiable step during the day to protect against UV damage and premature ageing,” says Dr. Ahmed. Skin-friendly sunscreens are typically more appealing and feel-good on the skin, whereas those with sensitive skin should try mineral sunscreens.

Use it whenever, year-round, every morning.

We adore La Roche-Posay UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+, which cost $20 and is now costing $116.

Retinoids

Retinoids are vitamin A’s derivatives, and they promote cell turnover. They are frequently referred to as the “retinol” umbrella. They are referred to as “the gold standard of anti-ageing,” and for good reason. Retinol has a beneficial effect on all skin types, aside from if you’re very sensitive, such as reducing acne, pigmentation, and texture, Emma says.

Use it at night or on clean skin. Introduce it gradually into your routine to allow your skin to adjust, starting with a low concentration of 1%.

Starting at just £45, we adore: Medik8 Crystal Retinal.

Extras

Eye cream

Add if… You have concerns about the eye area, whether it’s fine lines, puffiness, or dark circles.

Although “they won’t work miracles,” Emma asserts that the majority of people can benefit from using eye cream. I like products with antioxidants like vitamin C or flavonoids, and they have lines and wrinkles that are treated with retinol.

Use it in the morning and at night, and then follow the cleansing process.

We adore the REN Clean Skincare Radiance Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream, which cost $49 before it changed to $39 today.

Essence

Add if you need a lightweight layer of hydration for dehydrated skin.

According to Dr. Ahmed, “Essences are lightweight fluids that can provide an additional layer of moisture and nourishment,” according to Dr. Ahmed. Not everyone needs them, though, said the statement. A serum could be replaced with an essence.

When should it be used: Before or after a serum, before a moisturiser, and before a cleanser.

We love: Curél Hydrating Water Essence, £17.50.

moisturizer or serum

Add if… More hydration is required from the foundation than it is currently receiving.

If not, “ahydrating and repairing serum, such as one containing niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, helps to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier,” says Dr. Ahmed. You may find that your sunscreen and retinol products are sufficient moisturisers.

When should I use it: After cleansing and applying active ingredients.

The £15.00 INKEY List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum is what we adore.

Exfoliator

Add if: You have blackheads, signs of ageing, or pigmentation, or congestion.

According to Dr. Ahmed, “chemical exfoliators (acids) break down the bonds between skin cells and help lift them off,” while physical exfoliators (scrubs) slough off dead skin cells. Everyone should exfoliate as we get older, because the skin’s renewal process slows down. Exfoliating with care is crucial.

Use it once or twice per week in the evenings.

The Gentle Acid, priced at $49, is a favorite of ours.

Masks for the face

Add this if you need a quick boost in hydration, glow, or self-care.

Masks for the face come in many forms nowadays: cream, charcoal, sheet, peel-off… “While they can provide temporary results, I’m sceptical about their lasting impact,” says Dr Ahmed. “That said, if you enjoy using them, there’s no harm in incorporating them into your routine. Masks contain exfoliating acids can offer more noticeable results.”

When to use: Every other week, before a special occasion.

We adore the £4.99. Garnier Hyaluronic Cryo Jelly Anti-Fatigue Sheet Mask