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Archive May 13, 2025

Eurovision’s Rylan Clark reveals he kept Doctor Who role ‘super private’

By in Entertainment News, News

Rylan Clark will appear in a Eurovision Song Contest themed episode of Doctor Who on the weekend ahead of the BBC airing the grand final of this year’s actual contest

TV

Lauren Del Fabbro, PA Entertainment Reporter and Joel Leaver Showbiz Reporter

Rylan Clark has spoken about being cast in Doctor Who ahead of his episode airing later this week(Image: Getty Images)

Presenter Rylan Clark has spoken about keeping his role on Doctor Who a secret. It comes ahead of him appearing as the host of a fictional version of the Eurovision Song Contest out in space in an episode of the BBC show.

The Interstellar Song Contest episode will air on Saturday, ahead of the final of this year’s Eurovision, which is taking place in Basel, Switzerland, later that night. The news of his involvement was announced two months ago but Rylan, 36 – who previously said he was left in tears after being offered the role – has revealed that he tried to keep it a secret for a year.

Speaking to PA news agency, Rylan said: “It was so hard to keep the secret, and I’ve been sat on it for a year.” He’s shared that he managed to only disclose the news to some “key” individuals. He said ahead of the episode airing this weekend: “I told a few key people who had to know but we’ve really kept it super private.”

Rylan Clark and Julie Dray in character in an episode of Doctor Who.
Rylan Clark (left), pictured with co-star Julie Dray (right), will star in an episode of Doctor Who over the weekend(Image: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon)

Speaking about his role, Rylan revealed that he plays himself but added elements of the Hunger Games character Caesar Flickerman, who was played by Stanley Tucci in the film series. That character, who’s considered an eccentric presenter, interviews the tributes and commentates on the Hunger Games, which see children fight to the death in an arena. Rylan said: “I played myself but also added a bit of Caesar from the Hunger Games for good measure.”

Teasing an unbelievable experience for fans, Rylan said the episode is “out of this world” with several twists, while still paying homage to the real-life song contest that it imitates. He hinted: “People can expect to see everything they love about Doctor Who. Also, from working on actual Eurovision itself, there were so many similarities – the attention to detail was amazing.” He added: “Expect the unexpected – it’s probably the most twisty one of the whole season.”

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Ncuti Gatwa, 32, who rose to fame on Netflix’s Sex Education, plays the Doctor in the latest season of Doctor Who. The actor is joined by co-star Varada Sethu, 33, as companion Belinda Chandra in the new season, which is currently airing.

Writer Juno Dawson, 43, has recalled being approached by the show’s producer Russell T Davies, 62, for the episode. She said: “In 2022, Russell asked how I would feel about doing Die Hard meets Eurovision. I couldn’t turn that down.

“Russell initially pitched the bare bones concept of Eurovision meets Die Hard, which were two things I knew really well. Then, I went away and pitched a plot, and it hasn’t really changed all that much.

“Obviously, there was a lot of discussion between myself, the producers and Russell. But it’s still those two things. What would happen if an enemy faction planned an attack on the Eurovision Song Contest in space?”

Juno Dawson in a black dress and brown boots on a red carpet.
Writer Juno Dawson has also teased what to expect from the upcoming Eurovision-inspired episode(Image: Jordan Peck / WireImage / Jordan Peck via Getty Images)

Juno, whose books include This Book Is Gay and Her Majesty’s Royal Coven, described the upcoming episode as reminiscent of a “disaster movie”, but with the quintessential campiness Eurovision is celebrated for. She said of the episode: “It’s like a disaster movie. I think people are certainly going to expect it to be … let’s just say camp. I mean of course it is, it’s the Interstellar Song Contest. But also, it’s action-packed. It doesn’t let up for a second. It’s a really high-octane episode.

“But also, it’s action-packed. It doesn’t let up for a second. It’s a really high-octane episode. In places it’s quite harrowing. I think the best science fiction and fantasy should always have something to say about the world. While being an absolute romp on a space station, these are characters caught in an extraordinary situation that I hope people will feel on an emotional level as well.”

The episode will air ahead of group Remember Monday representing the UK at this year’s Eurovision with their song What The Hell Just Happened? Rylan will present live commentary of the final for BBC Radio 2 with Scott Mills, 52. The pair will also host coverage of the prior semi-finals tomorrow and Thursday on BBC One.

Doctor Who continues 7.10pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday night. It will be followed by the Eurovision Song Contest final at 8pm that night. The semi-finals will air tomorrow and Thursday from 8pm.

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Jeremy Clarkson hit with huge ‘wake-up call’ after being left to fend for himself

By in Entertainment News, News

Things don’t always go to plan for Jeremy Clarkson on his Diddly Squat Farm, especially when Kaleb Cooper is away with series four of the Amazon Prime show weeks away

Solo farming didn’t go well for Jeremy Clarkson (Image: PR)

Jeremy Clarkson says his first attempt at solo farming when trusted right-hand man Kaleb Cooper went away was “a slow-motion accident”.

The former Top Gear presenter, 64, bought Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire back in 2008 and it has since became a well known piece of land thanks to becoming the focus of his popular Amazon Prime series, Clarkson’s Farm.

He’s mucking in – and that means turning his hand to all kinds of new experiences – including birthing a cow. But he described having to fend for himself as a huge “wake-up call,” and when the harvest didn’t go quite as planned, it all got a little heartbreaking.

Jeremy has spoken about the ups and downs of life on the farm in series four, which is about to drop on Prime next Friday. “I did do some of the farming for the first time ever, completely on my own, with Kaleb not being around,” Jeremy said. “I had to take care of the pigs on my own. I had to take care of the cows on my own, and I had to get the crops planted on my own.

Kaleb Cooper
Things aren’t easy for Jeremy when Kaleb Cooper is away (Image: PR)

“When you’re doing it completely on your own – well, things had to be redone a few times! When you have planted an entire field and it’s taken days, it shouldn’t have taken days, but it did take me days – you finally get it in, and then three weeks or a month later, absolutely nothing grows out of it.

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“That’s a slow-motion accident, and it’s extremely disheartening when you’ve worked your socks off and nothing grows. Nothing. Not one single thing grew out of the soil.” Jeremy concluded: “That, in terms of farming, was my big wake-up call.”

Jeremy was left to fend for himself
Jeremy was left to fend for himself(Image: PR)

Back-breaking labour is often left unrewarded when the harvest comes in, with the TV star frequently barely breaking even on his crops, livestock, and farming side hustles.

When harvest rolled around, the two butted heads once again – particularly due to Clarkson’s “incompetence”, as Kaleb puts it.

Kaleb opened up about his clashes with Jeremy
Kaleb opened up about his clashes with Jeremy(Image: PRIME)

“Jeremy and I argued quite a bit in harvest because it was so stressful for me trying to do my very best again as a contractor,” he says. “It was pretty tough mentally. The problem with the harvest was because I’m still young, I’m 26, I think a lot of people can doubt me sometimes.

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“I doubt myself sometimes because I think everyone does ask themselves if they’re doing things right. Jeremy really enjoys doing the harvest, but he’s a pain. Life would be easier if he wasn’t there during harvest, just because he’s a bit incompetent!”

Clarkson’s Farm series 4 comes to Prime Video on Friday, 23 May.

Music mogul ‘Diddy’ faces allegations of abuse during first day of US trial

By in News, World News

A number of witnesses have taken to the stand in the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is facing allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking during his time as head of an entertainment empire.

Testimony in the trial began on Monday after the final phase of jury selection and opening statement from lawyers. Combs, donning a light-grey sweater, gave a thumbs-up to supporters in the courtroom in New York City in the United States.

“For 20 years, the defendant, with the help of his trusted inner circle, committed crime after crime,” Assistant US Attorney Emily Johnson told the court. “That’s why we are here today. That’s what this case is about.”

A number of witnesses testified that they had experienced physical violence, intimidation, and manipulation by Combs, while the rapper’s lawyers said that he has been charged with the wrong categories of crimes and “his kinky sex and his preferences for sex” were being portrayed as nefarious.

Attorney Teny Geragos told jurors that they may end up thinking Combs was a “jerk” or “kind of mean”, but that he is not being charged “with being mean or a jerk”.

“This case is about voluntary choices made by capable adults in consensual relationships,” Geragos said during her opening statement.

Johnson, the US attorney, said that Combs “viciously attacked” women who refused to participate in the parties that were called “freak offs”.

“They will tell you about some of the most painful experiences of their lives. The days they spent in hotel rooms, high on drugs, dressed in costumes to perform the defendant’s sexual fantasies,” Johnson told jurors of testimony from victims in the case.

Prosecutor Emily Johnson points to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs before US District Judge Arun Subramanian at Combs’s sex-trafficking trial in New York City, New York, the US, May 12, 2025, in this courtroom sketch [Jane Rosenberg/Reuters]

‘She was shaking’

The courtroom became audibly silent as a video of Combs beating and kicking his former girlfriend Casandra Ventura in 2016 was shown.

A stripper named Daniel Phillip testified that Combs had thrown a liquor bottle towards Ventura before grabbing her by the hair and dragging her screaming into another room, where Phillip says he heard Combs yelling and beating Ventura.

“She literally jumped into my lap and she was shaking, like literally her whole entire body was shaking. She was terrified,” Phillip testified of Ventura.

Geragos conceded that Combs is prone to jealousy and had committed an act of “horrible, dehumanising violence” in the video shown to jurors, but that it was evidence of domestic abuse, not alleged acts of sex trafficking or racketeering that are at the centre of the case.

Prosecutors say that Combs, who faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted of all five felony counts to which he had pleaded not guilty, pushed women to engage in drug-fuelled parties and then blackmailed them with videos of their encounters.

Prosecutor Christy Slavik questions Israel Florez, a former security guard, as Sean
Prosecutor Christy Slavik questions Israel Florez, a former security guard, at Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’s sex-trafficking trial in New York City, New York, the US, May 12, 2025 in this courtroom sketch [Jane Rosenberg/Reuters]

Combs’s status as a high-profile entertainer has brought substantial attention to the trial, as well as larger debate about how powerful figures in sectors such as entertainment, business, sports, and politics often evade accountability for acts of abuse.

As the case began, the jury and alternates – 12 men and six women – were seated in the courtroom. Opening arguments started after the judge finished explaining the law as it relates to this trial, along with incidentals such as that a light breakfast will be provided to the jury in addition to lunch.

The jury for this case is essentially anonymous, meaning their identities are known to the court and the prosecution and defence, but will not be made public.

“We will keep your names and identities in confidence,” Subramanian told jurors.

It’s a common practice in federal cases to keep juries anonymous, particularly in sensitive, high-profile matters where juror safety can be a concern. Juror names also were kept from the public in US President Donald Trump’s criminal trial last year in state court in New York.

Subramanian urged jurors to judge the case only based on the evidence presented in court. It’s a standard instruction, but it carried added significance in this high-profile case, which has been the subject of intense media coverage.

UN urges calm as heavy fire, clashes erupt in Libya’s Tripoli

By in News, World News

The United Nations has called for urgent de-escalation in Libya’s capital, Tripoli, as rival gunmen exchanged fire in the city’s southern districts after the killing of a powerful militia leader, prompting authorities to impose an emergency lockdown warning.

Residents reported hearing heavy gunfire and explosions across multiple neighbourhoods from about 9pm local time (19:00 GMT), according to journalists on the ground.

Reporting from Libya’s Misrata, Al Jazeera’s Malik Traina said security sources had confirmed the killing of Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, widely known as “Gheniwa”, who is the head of the powerful Stability Support Authority militia.

Gunfire and clashes then consumed several parts of Tripoli.

Al-Kikli was one of the capital’s most influential militia leaders and had recently been involved in disputes with rival armed groups, including factions linked to Misrata.

Traina said that at least six people have been injured, although it remains unclear whether they are security force members or civilians.

“People are angry that every time these armed groups clash, civilians are caught in the crossfire,” he continued, adding that residents are demanding “accountability”.

“When these groups fight and people are killed, no one is held responsible. Locals want justice, and expect the authorities to hold those behind the violence accountable,” he said.

In a statement early on Tuesday, the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said it was “alarmed by the unfolding security situation in Tripoli, with intense fighting with heavy weaponry in densely populated civilian areas”.

UNSMIL added that it “calls on all parties to immediately cease fighting and restore calm, and reminds all parties of their obligations to protect civilians at all times”.

UNSMIL voiced support for local mediation efforts, particularly those led by elders and community leaders, emphasising the need to protect civilians amid mounting tensions.

Schools shut, residents told to stay indoors

The Ministry of Internal Affairs urged residents to stay home and avoid movement, warning of further instability. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education suspended classes across Tripoli on Tuesday, citing the deteriorating security situation.

Libyan social media platforms have been flooded with videos and images showing gunfire, plumes of black smoke rising, armed men in the streets and convoys entering the city.

Footage verified by Al Jazeera’s Sanad fact-checking agency captured the sound of medium-calibre gunfire in several neighbourhoods, including areas where the Stability Support Authority militia is known to operate.

Several districts have seen what local sources describe as “suspicious military manoeuvres”, with convoys arriving from Az-Zawiyah, Zintan, and Misrata – seen by many as preparations for a possible showdown in the capital.

Love Island star engaged to ‘love of her life’ footballer after holiday proposal

By in Entertainment News, News

Former Love Island star Kendall Rae Knight has revealed she’s engaged to Preston North End’s Andrew Hughes after he popped the question while on holiday in Dubai

Love Island star Kendall Rae Knight has announced that she’s got engaged to her partner (Image: kendallraeknight/Instagram)

A former Love Island contestant has announced that she got engaged over the weekend. The reality TV star has told fans that she is “still in shock” after her partner got down on one knee whilst the couple were on holiday together.

Kendall Rae Knight, 33 – who appeared on the ITV2 show in 2018 – shared the news of her engagement to professional footballer Andrew Hughes, 32, on Instagram tonight. She revealed to her followers on the platform that the Preston North End defender proposed to her in Dubai on Saturday.

The couple, who have been together for six years, flew out to the United Arab Emirates with their son Cooper, one, recently for their latest holiday as a family. Kendall had been sharing updates from the trip prior to her engagement.

She has now posted a series of photos from the proposal, which took place on a balcony. Kendall is seen wiping tears from her eyes in some of the photos as her fiancé Andrew, who’s down on one knee, holds open a box with a ring in it.

Alongside the photos, Kendall revealed that the engagement took place on Saturday. She also confirmed that she had accepted the proposal, with her having written in the post’s caption: “10.05.25. YES YES YES to the love of my life!”

Kendall Rae Knight stood beside her partner Andrew Hughes, who is holding their son Cooper, whilst on a beach together.
Kendall Rae Knight (left) has announced that she’s got engaged to her partner Andrew Hughes (right), with whom she shares her son Cooper(Image: kendallraeknight/Instagram)
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Kendall later reflected on the experience whilst sharing the post on her Instagram Story. She told fans in the follow-up post this evening: “How did I get this lucky. Still in shock. This man never fails to amaze me, it feels like a dream.”

The news has prompted well wishes on the platform, including from other celebrities. Charlotte Dawson reacted: “So happy for you. Congrats so so so beautiful.” Maura Higgins replied to the announcement: “Congratulations.”

Shaughna Phillips said in the comments section: “Omg. Congratulations gorgeous girl I am soooooo happy for you.” Love Island winner Jess Harding wrote in her response to Kendall: “Awww congratulations this is so beautiful.”

Laura Anderson wrote: “Oh huni!!!!! You found your happily ever after and made a beautiful family together.” She added in her reply: “I couldn’t be happier for you. Congratulations to the most stunning bride to be inside and out.”

Numerous other people expressed excitement for Kendall and Andrew in the comments section. One person wrote: “Aww congratulations. You look stunning.” Another said: “Omg, huge congratulations!! This is amazing news.”

Kendall Rae Knight stood on a balcony with her partner Andrew Hughes down on one knee in front of her proposing with a ring.
She’s shared photos from Andrew’s proposal and revealed that it happened in Dubai over the weekend(Image: kendallraeknight/Instagram)

Kendall is said to have begun her romance with Andrew in 2019, a year after she appeared on Love Island. She took part in the dating show after her previous relationship came to an end just months after she got engaged back in 2017.

As reported at the time, Kendall had been engaged to her ‘soulmate’ Michael Clark. He’s said to have proposed on a trip to the Dominican Republic before reportedly ending their five-year relationship 12 weeks later.

Whilst reflecting on the year on New Year’s Eve in 2017, Kendall said on Instagram: “I got engaged in the most beautiful country in the Caribbean but that ended in getting my heart broken.” Ahead of her stint on Love Island the following year, she teased over her ex: “There’s no bad blood between us.”

Although she didn’t find love on the ITV2 show, Kendall later moved on with footballer Andrew, whom she’s now been with for six years. Kendall gave birth to their son Cooper in March last year and, alongside a photo of the family together, she told fans in March this year: “My whole universe right there.”

Last year, she paid tribute to Andrew for his birthday in June. She wrote at the time: “Thank you for everything you do for the 3 of us. I’m so lucky to have a man like you who’s stepped up to being the most hands on, amazing, funny, caring daddy to our baby boy. You make my life as a mummy so enjoyable! Thanks for always being the best partner and caring for me the way you do, you’re my rock. I love you so much!”

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‘Nigeria First’ Policy To Contribute ₦3trn To Economy – Minister

By in News, Nigeria News

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Enoh on Monday said the economic value of implementing the “Nigeria First” policy is about ₦3 trillion Naira annually.

He stated this while briefing State House Correspondents shortly after the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House Abuja.

On May 5, 2025, President Bola Tinubu announced a plan to issue an Executive Order which would ensure that Nigerians patronise goods and services that are produced in Nigeria.

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Enoh said the policy would also contribute about 20% to the growth of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria in the next 3 years.

He further explained that over five hundred thousand jobs would be created through the policy in the short term and lead to a reduction of about 30% percent of imports.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council have directed the Bureau for Public Procurement to communicate the new threshold for procurement of goods and services.