Archive April 19, 2025

Julian Benson, who was a professional dancer for over four decades, rose to fame as a judge on RTE’s Dancing with the Stars, and also appeared on Ireland’s Got Talent

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Julian Benson, a former dancer, choreographer, and television personality, who has died at the age of 54. His family announced the heartbreaking news on Saturday as they wrote: “Julian passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and closest friends, after a courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis. His strength, warmth, and sparkle remained with him until the very end. “

Known affectionately as Captain Sparkle for his flamboyant style, Julian became a household name nearly ten years ago as a judge on RTE’s Dancing with The Stars, following a successful career in dance spanning decades.

Despite being diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis in childhood, Julian kept his condition private until an emotional revelation on The Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy in 2018. He touched the hearts of the nation when he declared: “I have Cystic Fibrosis, but Cystic Fibrosis doesn’t have me. “

Starting his dance journey at the tender age of four, Julian never allowed his illness to dampen his dreams, dedicating over 40 years to becoming a revered icon in the dance community.

Julian’s remarkable achievements will be forever immortalised, not least through the opening of Tranquility House a sanctuary offering solace to families of Cystic Fibrosis patients. Featured on Dermot Bannon’s “Room to Improve”, this project was made possible by donations from over 100 companies and individuals.

His family has expressed heartfelt appreciation for the teams at St Vincent’s University Hospital’s Cystic Fibrosis and ICU units, Beaumont Hospital’s transplant group, the care teams that looked after Julian, contributors to his foundation, and all those who offered their support during his extraordinary life.

Survived by his brother Adrian, sister-in-law Rachel, and treasured nieces and nephew, Julian left an indelible mark.

In memoriam, Larry Bass and ShinAwil said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our wonderful friend Julian Benson. Our very own Captain Sparkle who brought so much joy, brilliance and talent to the world.

“His attitude and outlook on life was ever inspiring and will continue to be thanks to his constant effort to better the lives of people around him, especially with the creation of the Julian Benson CF Foundation – his legacy will live on forever. Julian was one of a kind, and will be forever missed. The world lost a bit of sparkle today. “

Former TOWIE star Ferne McCann has been praised for her candid admission about body image while in a bikini as she urged fans to ‘choose self-kindness and self-empowerment’

Ferne McCann has been praised for making a candid admission as she rocked a green bikini while on a lavish holiday. The former TOWIE star urged others to “choose self-kindness and self-empowerment” in her honest post.

She wore a green two piece bikini while on a tropical beach as she filmed a ‘get ready with me’ clip. Ferne added pink floral earrings, patterned maxi skirt, oversized sunglasses, sandals and a straw hat.

The reality TV star, 34, looked stunning in the clip as she blew a kiss to the camera. Alongside the post, Ferne issued a candid message as she pointed out her ‘flaws’.

She then shared how grateful she is for her body and switched the narrative to praise her ‘flaws’ instead. Ferne said: “I’m grateful for my body and all that it does for me. “

Detailing her ‘flaws’, Ferne commented: “My boobs are sagging & two different sizes. I have cellulite. My outfit isn’t on trend. My face is wonky. I have wrinkles round my eyes. “

In a powerful message, Ferne shifted the narrative as she continued: “Or… My boobs provide comfort for my baby. My cellulite is just a sign of a female body that moves and lives. My outfit reflects my own style, not a passing trend. My face is uniquely mine, perfect in its own way. My wrinkles are laughter lines from years of joy and living. “

She urged: “No matter who we are, whatever our age, shape, or story we all seem to find faults in ourselves that wouldn’t even exist for anyone else. So why do we naturally lean toward the negative thought about ourselves?

“We get to choose how we speak to ourselves. So let’s choose self-kindness and self-empowerment. ” The mum-of-two was flooded with supportive comments as Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattison wrote: “You look so good. “

A fan shared: “You’re a beautiful PERSON. And that radiates outwards from within. ” This Morning’s Dr Zoe Williams commented: “Imperfectly perfect my beauty. ” Another gushed: “Love, love this! ! ! ! “

Just last month, Ferne was praised for opening up about breastfeeding her 20-month-old daughter and encouraging other mums to “keep going”.

The Dancing On Ice star admitted feeling nervous about sharing the update, as she said she was worried about what others would think of it. Posting a picture of her feeding Finty, Ferne said she was feeling the pressure to stop – but reassured other mums in the same boat that they weren’t alone.

Mum-of-two Ferne, who also has seven-year-old Sunday, wrote on Instagram: “Haven’t posted about my breastfeeding journey in a while, but I still get a lot of people asking if I’m still doing it. In complete honesty, I’ve been a bit nervous to share about it lately.

“Even though I’m such a big advocate for breastfeeding, the truth is, I’ve been afraid of what people might think or say now that Finty is 20 months old. “

She continued: “I’m sharing this because if you’re like me and still feeding, and you’re feeling pressure to stop or wondering if it’s ‘not the norm’ to breastfeed past one, I just want you to know…there are plenty of mums still doing it. Keep going, mamma. However it looks do your normal. “

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This Morning host Ben Shephard is taking part in a fit at 50 challenge and has shared his latest robust regime with his followers on social media and asked for their help

Fans of Ben Shephard were left stunned as the TV personality revealed the methods he goes to to stay fit. The ITV This Morning star recently turned 50 and continues to ensure he is in peak physical condition.

However, his recent five-step fitness regime revelation left some fans questioning his efforts. He took to Instagram to share his regime, which included cryotherapy, a “full-body squeeze” and a 3D body scan. Among the reel of images and videos were Ben taking part in each step – pulling some strange faces as he did so while also showing off his ripped and muscly physique.

Sharing his plan, he wrote: “They froze me. They squeezed me. They zapped me with air jets. “

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He continued: “In the name of Fit at 50 I took on a 5 step wellness gauntlet I wasn’t quite prepared for… Cryotherapy at -85°C (yes, really). A massage waterbed that gave my glutes a wake-up call. 3D body scan with some surprising results. Contrast therapy (hot AND cold). And a full-body squeeze that made me feel like I was being vacuum packed…”

And he revealed he “weirdly loved it”. Continuing his explanation, the Tipping Point star wrote: “My skin is fizzing, I feel amazing… and apparently I’ll be bouncing off the walls with energy all evening… good luck to the Mrs! “

He then went on to ask his followers: “What should I try next? Throw me a challenge. ” It comes as he continues to try challenges in his 50th year. “How about a full body wax…you’ll appreciate what us ladies have to suffer to look presentable,” asked one follower.

Another said: “How about doing an iron man.” Comedian Jason Manford also commented, excitedly saying: “Wow! I want!” The latest fit at 50 challenge comes shortly after he challenged his son to a pull up contest. In December, Ben let fans watch as he and his eldest son tried to complete a gym challenge.

The presenter and his 19-year-old son Sam joined each other in the gym to take on the endurance task. Taking to Instagram, Ben wrote: “So, Sam, my eldest, as part of my Fit@50 challenge has challenged me to do what… ? “

Sam replied: “50 pullups! ” before his dad added: “50 pullups! So, seeing as a I am desperately trying to get there, today we’re gonna try to complete the challenge. We’re having a big sit-down Chinese later on so we’re gonna see if we can work a little bit of space! “

Ben was delighted as he told his fans he “finally did it” after “a few sets and a lot of grunting, huffing and puffing, but we got there in the end! ” He explained it took the pair about seven or eight minutes to complete the impressive feat. “

Zara McDermott informed fans she was back in the UK after she was snapped kissing and holding hands with her new beau One Direction star Louis Tomlinson in Malibu

Over the last few days Zara McDermott has done little to prevent the rumour mill kicking into action after she was recently pictured holding hands with her new man, One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson. The former Strictly Come Dancing star, 28, was spotted looking happier than ever while walking the streets of Malibu, hand in hand with Louis.

But it looks as though Zara, who split with I’m A Celebrity Star Sam Thompson in December last year, is now back in the UK – and the first place she visited was the bakery Gail’s.

Just before she jumped on board her flight to the UK, Zara, who found fame on Love Island, was seen in a romantic embrace outside Louis’ property. Sharing a picture of her coffee from the much loved bakery branch, fans were over the moon. Captioning her post, she wrote: “I’ve missed you.”

It has only been a matter of weeks since their budding relationship emerged and judging by their body language, it looks as though things are going from strength to strength. Louis was seen pulling Zara in closer to him before planting a kiss on her lips.

However, one person who will not be jumping for joy over her arrival back in the UK is Sam ,who has made no secret of that fact he has been struggling with the couple’s split.

The pair first got together in 2019 and Zara then made her debut on Made In Chelsea, where Sam was a regular. After five years together, the pair shared a home in London next door to Sam’s sister Louise Thompson and were paw parents to two cats.

Posting a video on social media in the New Year, Sam did his best to remain upbeat, a trait that has fans have come to know and love.

Taking to Instagram, Sam shared a motivational video and captioned it saying: “Good morning for us all incoming.” He went on to declare: “But I feel you’re going to have a really good day. You’re going to have a really good week – and I’m never wrong.”

He went on to say: “Lets have it! And there is a new episode of Stayin’ Relevant out, so check that out. Pete’s in a good mood for this one. “

However, despite his happy go lucky demeanour, sources close to the reality TV star revealed that he was left “blindsided” and devastated over the speed in which Zara moved on.

A source told The Sun last month: “Sam is obviously devastated by the news, he was with Zara for years and the break-up has hit him hard. He’s taking some time out to focus on himself – it’s completely blindsided and embarrassed him. “

They added: “He didn’t expect Zara to move on so quickly and he’s still dealing with the aftermath of the split. He’s not found the split easy and has been trying to keep busy and take his mind off it by focusing on work, friends and family. But everyone can see that he’s struggling and just needs to take some time out to reassess things. “

Thankfully for Sam, he has been surrounded by a close circle of family and friends, including Staying Relevant co-host Pete Wicks. The source claimed that Sam is determined to put the relationship behind him and move on to focus on future work projects and has been focusing on is the live tour of his podcast at the O2.

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