Archive November 10, 2025

Strictly Come Dancing fans figure out real reason La Voix was saved amid backlash

By in Entertainment News, News

Strictly Come Dancing fans were far from impressed over the weekend when Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey became the latest celebrity to be sent home

Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor

Strictly Come Dancing fans think they’ve worked out why La Voix was saved. On Sunday night, fans of the BBC dance programme were left stunned when Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey was sent home following a tense dance-off.

During the results show, which is filmed shortly after the live programme, La Voix and her partner, Aljaž Škorjanec, and Harry, as well as his professional partner, Karen Hauer, danced for a second time after receiving the fewest votes from the public.

Head judge Shirley Ballas, and fellow judges Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse all decided to save La Voix and Aljaž, to keep them in the competition.

However, it’s no secret that La Voix has had her eye on the presenting position after it was announced that current hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be leaving this year.

Now, fans believe that La Voix could be lined up for the position and this could be the reason that they were saved in the dance off to increase their air time and publicity. Taking to social media, one said: “La Voix?? Is that because she’s being lined up as a future presenter?”

A second added: “100 per cent La Voix and Aljaž should have gone home. Harry and Karen were definitely the better dancers. The judges are clearly only saving La Voix because she’s going to be the new Strictly Come Dancing presenter.” Meanwhile, a third tweeted: “I agreed, I was shocked they were all in consensus.”

But a fourth disgruntled fan went on to fume: “That Strictly dance off tonight was a fix! How has La Voix been saved over Harry?? Harry robbed. ABSOLUTELY FUMINGGGGG. Like I sometimes don’t understand what goes through them judges heads… #StrictlyComeDancing.”

During a previous episode, La Voix stated live on eair that they wanted Claudia’s job when she departs at the end of the season. Following her Icons Week performance as Cher, La Voix headed upstairs to chat with Claudia.

“Claudia, while I’ve got you, do you know the address when you send your CV to the BBC?,” she asked, before adding: “Just in case any new jobs are coming up. Just asking for a friend.”

Traitors host Claudia found the comment extremely amusing as she quipped: “Give it a go, babe, let’s do it now.” But La Voix took the opportunity and delivered one of Claudia’s signature sign-offs. Looking down the camera, she said: “Tess,” as she handed back to Daly to continue presenting the show, with Claudia being left in fits of laughter.

Fans were left in fits of laughter after the moment. “La Voix stealing the entire show with one single word, omfg, forget the glitter ball, give her the job,” said one. A second went on to type: “She’s this generation’s Lily Savage.”

“She would be ace on this show,” commented a third. Another tweeted: “Brilliant – seriously, this could be a great choice! And as another post – Alan Carr who is brilliant on Celebrity Traitors – such quick wit.” As a fifth penned: “She has the sarcastic wit of Bruce Forsyth, love it, make a great replacement for Claudia.”

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BBC Radio 1’s Tim Westwood arrives in court over multiple charges of rape and sexual assault

By in Entertainment News, News

Former BBC Radio 1 broadcaster Tim Westwood has appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, just weeks after being charged with rape and sexual assault against seven women

Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor

Tim Westwood has appeared in court after being charged with rape and sexual assault. The former BBC Radio 1 presenter, 68, is accused of offences against seven different women, with some being aged 17.

The Metropolitan Police charged Westwood with four counts of rape, nine counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault. The alleged incidents are believed to have taken place between 1983 and 2016.

Police have said that Westwood allegedly indecently assaulted a 17-year-old girl in Fulham, West London, in 1983. He has also been accused of indecently assaulting a woman in her 20s in the Vauxhall area of London in 1986, as well as raping and indecently assaulting a woman aged between 17 and 18 in London, between 1995 and 1996.

Westwood, who lives in Westminster, is also accused of raping and indecently assaulting a woman between the ages of 17 and 18, between 2000 and 2001, as well as raping a woman in her 20s in 2010. This alleged incident is believed to have taken place in London.

The former broadcaster is also accused of sexually assaulting a woman, believed to be in her 20s, in Stroud, Gloucestershire, in 2010 and sexually assaulting another woman, in her 20s, in the Finchley area of London in 2016.

Westwood has previously stated he “strongly denies all allegations of inappropriate behaviour”. Andy Furphy, Detective Superintendent, said: “It takes courage to come forward and report allegations of this nature.

“The women who have done so have put their trust in us and we continue to provide them with all available support. Our investigation remains open and we’d encourage anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone with information, to come forward and speak with us.”

The BBC Board has also previously apologised after a review, of which the corporation said they “did not take adequate action” after hearing concerns relating to Westwood’s alleged behaviour.

Westwood stepped down from his show on Global’s Capital Xtra in April 2022 and also left Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra in 2013 having been at the corporation for almost two decades.

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He also fronted the MTV UK programme, Pimp My Ride UK, which aired for three seasons between 2005 and 2007.

India win sparks surge in sales for T20 World Cup

By in News, Sports News
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Matthew Henry

BBC Sport Journalist
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There has been a surge of tickets purchased for next summer’s Women’s T20 World Cup in England following India’s victory in the 50-over World Cup final earlier this month.

Overall sales for the tournament, which runs from 12 June to 5 July, have increased 171% compared to the previous week with a 265% upturn in India fixtures.

All of the best-selling fixtures were India group-stage matches, including a repeat of their World Cup final against South Africa at Old Trafford on 21 June and their meeting with Australia at Lord’s on 28 June.

Tournament director Beth Barrett-Wild said: “Demand for tickets to next year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England & Wales has been incredibly high from the outset, propelled by a stellar summer of women’s sport which culminated in a thrilling finish to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India earlier this month.

“We’re thrilled to see India Women’s incredible win prompting a significant spike in ticket sales for next summer’s tournament, underlining its truly global appeal, and demonstrating how women’s cricket is breaking firmly into the mainstream.”

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The Saturdays star announces pregnancy and engagement at the same time

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The Saturdays star Vanessa White took to Instagram to share a snap of her pregnant belly and engagement ring as she revealed she is back with partner Emmanuel Lawal

The Saturdays star Vanessa White has hit fans with a double dose of good news this Monday morning as she took to Instagram to reveal she is both pregnant and engaged.

In a simple post, the 36-year-old singer let the photos do the talking as she shared snaps of her pregnant belly as she cradled it with her left hand that had a huge diamond ring on it. She captioned the post: “There’s a V and E in love.”

Celebrity pals were quick to post in the comments – including her ex-bandmates. Rochelle Humes one of the first to say: “Congratulations my girl.” Una Healy also offered her congratulations followed by three red love hearts. While Frankie Bridge also piped up: “The best. Why in my head are you still too young? You look beautiful V.”

Former Pussycat Doll turned presenter Ashley Roberts wrote: “Omg Ness!!! Congratulations.” Broadcaster Laura Whitmore posted: “Delighted for you! The best!” While Sugababes star Mutya Buena said: “Omg congratulations sis.”

READ MORE: What really happened to Caroline Flack – truth about boyfriend row and final note

Fans were also here for the youngest Saturdays star starting a family, with one writing: “OMG yay, our Saturdays baby is finally having a child. Congratulations to you Nessa.”

The understated snap of Vanessa in blue tracksuit bottoms and a white rolled up vest top revealing her pregnancy news was also shared by her partner – and now fiancé – Emmanuel Lawal in his Instagram stories as the couple made their low key announcement.

Emmanuel is a man of many talents said to be ‘one of London’s brightest artists’. His work spans modelling, music and design. He creates furniture, as well as DJs, and has a music production company.

Though the pair largely keep their private lives off social media, it’s thought the pair got together back in 2020 when they were spotted cuddling on holiday on the Spanish island of Majorca.

They went Instagram official in December that year with Vanessa revealing they had spent Christmas together. Posting a snap in their Christmas PJs, Vanessa captioned the post: “Merry Christmas everyone! Sadly couldn’t see the fam but v grateful for you @emmanuellawal.” Emmanuel simply replied with a kissing heart emoji.

Vanessa and Emmanuel were in a relationship for three years before calling it quits in early 2023 after reportedly ‘growing apart’.

At the time a source told The Sun: “Vanessa and Emmanuel struck up a relationship during lockdown and quickly got close. At one point they were getting serious.

“They spent all their time together, and went on loads of glamorous holidays. It seemed like a match made in heaven. But earlier this year they began to grow apart and decided to go their separate ways.”

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The pair seemed to unfollow each other on social media and Vanessa was reportedly throwing herself back into music “spending time in the studio, pouring her feelings into creativity.”

But now it seems that her and Emmanuel are back together and stronger than ever – as they are set to become parents.

READ MORE: ‘Ninja’s Crispi airfryer transformed my everyday meals and now it’s £40 off for Black Friday’

Anambra Poll Was A ‘Bazaar,’ Nigerians Should Be Worried About 2027, Says ADC

By in News, Nigeria News

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concern over the conduct of the recently concluded Anambra State governorship election, describing it as “a cash-drenched spectacle” that undermines democracy.

This was contained in a statement by the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdulahi, who said what transpired during the poll was more of “a bazaar than an election.”

According to him, the poll fell short of democratic standards.

“The African Democratic Congress has observed the conduct of the just concluded Anambra gubernatorial election with a deep sense of concern for the electoral process in Nigeria,” he wrote on his X handle on Sunday, hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Chukwuma Soludo as the winner of the exercise.

“What unfolded in Anambra was, regrettably, a cash-drenched spectacle that was more of a bazaar than an election. This undermines the very essence of democracy.”

The ADC accused the incumbent and his party of engaging in “several forms and styles of cash-for-votes”. The party alleged that bundles of naira notes exchanged hands at polling units across the state in full public view, a clear violation of the Electoral Act.

READ ALSO: [Anambra Poll] ‘Shambolic Election Confers Shambolic Mandate,’ ADC Candidate Kicks

Abdullahi also faulted security agencies and electoral officials for failing to enforce electoral integrity.

He said, “security operatives stood by as voters were harassed and compromised, while electoral officials, overwhelmed or indifferent, failed to uphold even the most basic standards.”

It warned that if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues in this direction, Nigerians should be concerned about the credibility of the 2027 general elections, especially as the world closely watches the country’s democratic process.

However, the ADC spokesman said that the party remains dedicated to building “a Nigeria where leadership is earned through integrity, inclusion, and service, not through the crude exchange of cash for votes.”

ADC’s candidate in the election, John Nwosu, came a distant fifth in the election with 8,208 votes.

Apathy reigns as Welsh rugby accepts new reality

By in News, Sports News
Huw Evans Picture Agency
Dafydd Pritchard

BBC Sport Wales
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It was a strange sound, the muffled shuffle of 50,000 shrugs.

Argentina had just scored their seventh try against Wales, taking them past 50 points and a record winning margin over their opponents.

There were no boos at the final whistle, no howls of anger. Just the muted tones of apathy.

The Principality Stadium is meant to be a cauldron of noise on matchdays, an intimidating arena which visiting players often describe as the best in the world.

It has not been that way for some time. A once proud rugby nation is on its knees.

National and domestic teams are pitifully underpowered, while off the field the game is gripped by interminable existential crises.

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After all, Wales have only won one Test match since 2023, while Argentina can count New Zealand among their conquests this year.

This was Steve Tandy’s first game as Wales head coach, a fresh start of sorts, but the attendance was 50,185 – the lowest for a non-Covid-era game since 2016.

It’s all relative – many sporting entities would love that kind of support – but it is still a sizeable drop from the capacity crowds of close to 75,000 which the Welsh Rugby Union has come to rely on for much of its income.

Whereas sell-outs used to be a given, there is now an acceptance of Wales’ new reality.

And more striking than the empty seats was the way in which that acceptance manifested itself in such a flat and passive atmosphere.

Yes, the volume increased as Wales briefly fought back with two tries to level the score during the first half – but that optimism was short-lived.

You can’t really blame the fans. This was a 10th successive home defeat for Wales, with the two most recent visitors racking up 120 points between them.

Yet as those supporters streamed out onto Westgate Street after the final whistle, much of the chatter was strangely upbeat.

Some were impressed by the sharper looking attack, others encouraged by the brief spells where Tandy’s young charges competed with superior opposition.

But it is a grim state of affairs when conceding 52 points at home – having shipped a record 68 against England on their last outing at this stadium – is considered par for the course for Wales.

Even for a country which has swung wildly from soaring highs to crushing lows throughout its tumultuous rugby history, this is a nadir for the game in Wales.

You would not have known this team were Six Nations champions four years ago; Grand Slam winners and World Cup semi-finalists two years before that.

By now, they are languishing in 12th in the world rankings. Losing has become so routine that people have become desensitised to the humiliation.

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Sport keeps us coming back because of the passions it stirs as a compelling form of unscripted drama but, when you know what happens next, the magic disappears.

There will at least be a little jeopardy when Japan – the only team Wales have beaten in the past two years – visit the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

When New Zealand and South Africa roll into town over the following two weekends, however, it is difficult to shake the feeling that those will be another two foregone conclusions.

So when the All Blacks and Springboks inevitably pile on yet more punishing scores, it will likely be the same again in the stands – an air of resignation and a shrug of indifference.

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