Taylor Swift makes history again with huge accolade for her songwriting
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Taylor Swift will be in Hall Of Fame this Summer (Image: Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Taylor Swift will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee in her first year of eligibility. She will become the youngest woman ever to reach the milestone.
The new was announced in the US today and Swift will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at their annual Induction and Awards gala on June 11.
Billboard reported that at 36, she will be one of the youngest songwriters ever elected. CBS who broke the news first said she is the youngest ever female by almost a decade.
A songwriter with a notable catalog of songs can be inducted into the Hall of Fame 20 years after their first commercial release of a song.
Swift’s first single, “Tim McGraw”, was released in June 2006, so she was only just eligible this year but was immediately considered for the accolade.
In the UK Taylor Swift is also a huge success almost beyond compare. On 26 April 2024, The Tortured Poets Department delivered Taylor Swift her 12th Number 1 album. The official charts say no other artist in their history had notched up 12 chart toppers in such quick succession; Taylor Swift did it in a record-breaking 11 years and 6 months, from Red in October 2012.
Then in February 14, 2025 she overtook Madonna to become the female artist with the most UK Number 1 albums ever as vinyl release Lover (Live From Paris) topped the Official Albums Chart.
The Hall of Fame ceremony, which is sure to get lots of attention from Swift’s millions of fans around the world, is scheduled for June 11 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, and will not be open to the general public. Additional special award honorees will be announced in the coming weeks.
Taylor Swift makes history again with huge accolade for her songwriting
View Image
Taylor Swift will be in Hall Of Fame this Summer (Image: Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Taylor Swift will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee in her first year of eligibility. She will become the youngest woman ever to reach the milestone.
The new was announced in the US today and Swift will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at their annual Induction and Awards gala on June 11.
Billboard reported that at 36, she will be one of the youngest songwriters ever elected. CBS who broke the news first said she is the youngest ever female by almost a decade.
A songwriter with a notable catalog of songs can be inducted into the Hall of Fame 20 years after their first commercial release of a song.
Swift’s first single, “Tim McGraw”, was released in June 2006, so she was only just eligible this year but was immediately considered for the accolade.
In the UK Taylor Swift is also a huge success almost beyond compare. On 26 April 2024, The Tortured Poets Department delivered Taylor Swift her 12th Number 1 album. The official charts say no other artist in their history had notched up 12 chart toppers in such quick succession; Taylor Swift did it in a record-breaking 11 years and 6 months, from Red in October 2012.
Then in February 14, 2025 she overtook Madonna to become the female artist with the most UK Number 1 albums ever as vinyl release Lover (Live From Paris) topped the Official Albums Chart.
The Hall of Fame ceremony, which is sure to get lots of attention from Swift’s millions of fans around the world, is scheduled for June 11 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, and will not be open to the general public. Additional special award honorees will be announced in the coming weeks.
TV host and podcaster Vicky Pattison won’t be holding back as the 2026 tour kicks off in Birmingham on Friday with 30 UK dates
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Strictly Come Dancing favourite Vicky Pattison has revealed she’s treating her role in the show’s forthcoming live tour “very seriously” and is determined to deliver the “absolute best show that I can”.
The reality television personality spoke out as the 2026 tour prepares to launch at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on Friday, marking the first of 30 performances across the UK, with fresh images of all the participating stars now unveiled. Soap actor Lewis Cope, who’s also part of the tour, admitted he’s feeling “rusty”, though he’s been religiously watching his past performances on YouTube daily to refresh his memory of the routines. Other former celebrity Strictly competitors set to take to the stage include Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, George Clarke and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Ellie Goldstein, La Voix and Layton Williams round out the cast, whilst Janette Manrara returns as host. Discussing her involvement in the tour, Pattison insisted she wanted to win and lift the Glitterball trophy whilst on the road. She said: “It’s a moment, quite frankly, that I never, ever thought would be mine. And it probably never will be again. So I’m taking it very seriously, I’m gonna put on the absolute best show that I can.”
Cope, who departed during the quarter-final stage of the BBC programme’s most recent series, commented: “I’m so happy because I’ve really missed dancing over these last few weeks. But I am feeling a bit rusty. I would be lying if I said I haven’t been watching our dances on YouTube every single day to remind myself. We had so much fun on the TV show that now this tour feels like a celebration.”
Social media sensation and Strictly finalist Clarke revealed he was hoping he “can lift the Glitterball at least once” during the tour. “I’m looking forward to just having a lot of fun, it’s a nice way to tie the bow on top of Strictly,” he continued.
His feelings were mirrored by former Olympian Aikines-Aryeetey, who commented: “Strictly is a celebration and this tour feels like that. The fans, people that love it, get to come and celebrate it with us in a packed arena, which is the best thing.”
Drag performer La Voix, whose real name is Christopher Dennis, was devastated to withdraw from last year’s competition due to a foot injury, and revealed she would have to don more sensible footwear for the tour.
La Voix explained: “I’ve been doing my rehab and they’ve given me a lower heel to make it easier. This is the only time you’ll see La Voix in a frumpy heel, but it’s what I’ve got to do.”
Model Goldstein expressed her excitement about performing with her professional dance partner Vito Coppola once more. She commented: “I’m so excited to be doing our couple’s choice again. We were the Cheeky Team but I think we’re Team Golden now. This tour is going to be amazing.”
However, former Chelsea footballer Hasselbaink confessed he was feeling somewhat anxious about the upcoming tour. “Football is something I’ve done that for years and years and years,” he explained.
“You just play because it’s in your genes and you know what every situation is going to be like. But with the tour, I am so nervous.”
Musical theatre sensation Williams, who took part in Strictly during 2023, will also be joining the tour as a special guest. The former competitors and their professional dancing partners will additionally stop off in Glasgow, Leeds and Manchester, before wrapping up at London’s O2 Arena on February 15.
It was earlier revealed that judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood will feature in the line-up. It Takes Two host and ex-Strictly professional dancer Manrara is back to present the tour, which is anticipated to follow a comparable format to the television programme, with spectators encouraged to vote for their preferred pairing.
Article continues below
Every show will feature a British Sign Language interpreter, who will appear on two large screens positioned on each side of the stage. The previous series of Strictly was claimed by former England Lionesses footballer Karen Carney.
Tickets for the live tour and further details about the dates and venues can be found at https://strictlycomedancinglive.com.
TV host and podcaster Vicky Pattison won’t be holding back as the 2026 tour kicks off in Birmingham on Friday with 30 UK dates
View 4 Images
Strictly Come Dancing favourite Vicky Pattison has revealed she’s treating her role in the show’s forthcoming live tour “very seriously” and is determined to deliver the “absolute best show that I can”.
The reality television personality spoke out as the 2026 tour prepares to launch at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on Friday, marking the first of 30 performances across the UK, with fresh images of all the participating stars now unveiled. Soap actor Lewis Cope, who’s also part of the tour, admitted he’s feeling “rusty”, though he’s been religiously watching his past performances on YouTube daily to refresh his memory of the routines. Other former celebrity Strictly competitors set to take to the stage include Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, George Clarke and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Ellie Goldstein, La Voix and Layton Williams round out the cast, whilst Janette Manrara returns as host. Discussing her involvement in the tour, Pattison insisted she wanted to win and lift the Glitterball trophy whilst on the road. She said: “It’s a moment, quite frankly, that I never, ever thought would be mine. And it probably never will be again. So I’m taking it very seriously, I’m gonna put on the absolute best show that I can.”
Cope, who departed during the quarter-final stage of the BBC programme’s most recent series, commented: “I’m so happy because I’ve really missed dancing over these last few weeks. But I am feeling a bit rusty. I would be lying if I said I haven’t been watching our dances on YouTube every single day to remind myself. We had so much fun on the TV show that now this tour feels like a celebration.”
Social media sensation and Strictly finalist Clarke revealed he was hoping he “can lift the Glitterball at least once” during the tour. “I’m looking forward to just having a lot of fun, it’s a nice way to tie the bow on top of Strictly,” he continued.
His feelings were mirrored by former Olympian Aikines-Aryeetey, who commented: “Strictly is a celebration and this tour feels like that. The fans, people that love it, get to come and celebrate it with us in a packed arena, which is the best thing.”
Drag performer La Voix, whose real name is Christopher Dennis, was devastated to withdraw from last year’s competition due to a foot injury, and revealed she would have to don more sensible footwear for the tour.
La Voix explained: “I’ve been doing my rehab and they’ve given me a lower heel to make it easier. This is the only time you’ll see La Voix in a frumpy heel, but it’s what I’ve got to do.”
Model Goldstein expressed her excitement about performing with her professional dance partner Vito Coppola once more. She commented: “I’m so excited to be doing our couple’s choice again. We were the Cheeky Team but I think we’re Team Golden now. This tour is going to be amazing.”
However, former Chelsea footballer Hasselbaink confessed he was feeling somewhat anxious about the upcoming tour. “Football is something I’ve done that for years and years and years,” he explained.
“You just play because it’s in your genes and you know what every situation is going to be like. But with the tour, I am so nervous.”
Musical theatre sensation Williams, who took part in Strictly during 2023, will also be joining the tour as a special guest. The former competitors and their professional dancing partners will additionally stop off in Glasgow, Leeds and Manchester, before wrapping up at London’s O2 Arena on February 15.
It was earlier revealed that judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood will feature in the line-up. It Takes Two host and ex-Strictly professional dancer Manrara is back to present the tour, which is anticipated to follow a comparable format to the television programme, with spectators encouraged to vote for their preferred pairing.
Article continues below
Every show will feature a British Sign Language interpreter, who will appear on two large screens positioned on each side of the stage. The previous series of Strictly was claimed by former England Lionesses footballer Karen Carney.
Tickets for the live tour and further details about the dates and venues can be found at https://strictlycomedancinglive.com.
Ulster captain Iain Henderson has been left out of Ireland’s 37-strong squad for the Six Nations.
The second row, 33, made his Ireland debut in 2012 and has won 85 caps, including five Six Nations titles and two Grand Slams.
Leinster prop Andrew Porter will miss the start of the Six Nations with a calf injury while Robbie Henshaw, Calvin Nash, Jimmy O’Brien are also sidelined.
Ulster forward Cormac Izuchukwu is also unavailable for selection, while wing Mack Hansen has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a foot injury.
Munster back row Edwin Edogbo and Ulster scrum-half Nathan Doak are the two uncapped players in Andy Farrell’s squad.
Hugo Keenan has been named despite not featuring for Leinster or Ireland since the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia last summer.
There is no place for former Ireland Rugby Sevens stars Zac Ward and JJ Kenny, who have impressed on the wing for Ulster and Leinster respectively but have not been selected by Farrell.
Ireland open their Six Nations campaign against holders France in Paris on Thursday, 5 February.
Farrell’s side then host Italy and visit England before two final matches in Dublin with Wales and Scotland.
Ireland won the Triple Crown in 2025 but finished third in the table behind France and England.
“I believe that we have a talented and committed group who have the aptitude and drive to bring success to Ireland over the coming weeks.
“The Six Nations is an incredible tournament which brings out the best in players, and I have no doubt that these fixtures will be keenly contested once more.”
Henderson, 33, returned on New Year’s Day from a back injury that had kept him out since November.
Ireland squad
Forwards: Tom Ahern (Munster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Jack Boyle (Leinster), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), Jack Conan (Leinster), Caelan Doris (Leinster) captain, Edwin Edogbo (Munster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Ronan Kelleher (Leinster), Jeremy Loughman (Munster), Joe McCarthy (Leinster), Michael Milne (Munster), Tom O’Toole (Ulster), Cian Prendergast (Connacht), James Ryan (Leinster), Dan Sheehan (Leinster), Tom Stewart (Ulster), Nick Timoney (Ulster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster).
Before a potentially crucial opening round match against Ireland on February 5, France’s all-time top try-scorer Damian Penaud is omitted from the defending champions’ Six Nations squad.
The 29-year-old wing started all three of France’s autumn internationals in November and has 40 tries in 59 appearances for his country.
However, this season, his strike rate has decreased. In 16 games for the club and nation so far, Penaud has attempted eight tries, compared to 27 in 2024 and 25.
With Henry Pollock’s late kick-in in a recent Bordeaux-Begles’ Champions Cup win being the most recent piece of evidence against him, his defense has also received criticism.
In addition to Antoine Dupont’s injury at last year’s Six Nations, veteran center Gael Fickou and back row Gregory Alldritt, who captained the team at the time, are one of several prominent players being selected by coach Fabien Galthie.
18 September 2024
Galthie has called up a number of young centers in Fickou’s absence, led by Toulouse’s much-anticipated 20-year-old Kalvin Gourgues, who won his first cap against Australia in November.
Aaron Grandider-Nkanang, Pau’s London-born wing, is one of the 17 backs chosen for having 10 caps or less. The 25-year-old won Olympic Sevens gold alongside Dupont at Paris 2024, but he has yet to play for France in the 15-a-side competition.
Romain Ntamack is expected to miss the first two matches of France’s campaign while he is sidelined with a back injury, but Bordeaux-Begles’ in-form Mathieu Jalibert appears to be leading the charge at fly-half.
After recovering from knee ligament damage sustained at the previous year’s tournament, Talismanic scrumhalf Dupont is in line to play again.
France Six Nations Team
Forwards: Dany Priso, Thomas Staniforth, Tevita Tatafu, Dany Priso, Thomas Staniforth, Tevita Tatafu, and Cameron Woki
