Category Entertainment News

Strictly Come Dancing star Katya Jones opens up about the fallout from some of her biggest headline-making moments on the series, including so-called kiss-gate with Seann Walsh

Katya Jones became embroiled in one of the most talked-about scandals in Strictly Come Dancing’s history when she was photographed during a night out with her celebrity partner Seann Walsh. Katya and Seann were teamed up in 2018, but their time on the dancefloor was eclipsed by talk of the ‘Strictly curse’ when they were snapped sharing a kiss outside a London pub.

The incident led to the end of the comedian’s relationship to actress Rebecca Humphries, whose credits include The Crown and Friday Night Dinner. At the time, Katya was married to fellow Strictly pro Neil Jones but they separated the following year. Now, in an exclusive chat with OK!, Russian-born Katya reveals a piece of memorable advice her mum delivered to her at one of her lowest moments.

While she’s usually able to separate her “public life” from what happens in her “real life”, Katya admitted that at one time she struggled with the intense attention.

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“I remember, about a year after the first big scandal, I read some silly online comments and had a breakdown in my car,” she recalls. “I FaceTimed my mum, who was in a gym class and I couldn’t get my words out.

“I was probably looking for sympathy and soft words but my mum knows me so well. She said, ‘Stop crying! Do you think everybody’s going to be nice to you? No. So wipe your tears and go and crack on with your job. You’re good at it and you signed up to it.’ It wasn’t what I was expecting, but it worked. What I needed in that moment was a kick up the a**e from my mum!”.

Katya, who also became embroiled in last year’s drama about the on-and-off-screen conduct of her partner Wynne Evans, said she’s had to work on herself over the last five or so years, and is in a very happy place today.

Despite some of the trickier moments, she also revealed she made a promise to herself when she joined Strictly – and credits it with helping her reach her 10-year Strictly anniversary this year.

“When I joined, I told myself I must stay true to myself,” she shares. “Pretending to be someone else is hard work and I didn’t need that on top of such an intense job. I’d like to say I’ve remained myself, on and off the show. That’s what has allowed me to do it for 10 years.”

She also revealed she wouldn’t “change a thing” about her experience, adding: “It’s all shaped me into the person I am today,” she says, before adding with a devilish laugh, “and there are a lot of fun stories for dinner parties!”

TV presenter Davina McCall has opened up about the darkest days of her brain tumour diagnosis before she thankfully got the all clear in April of this year

Davina McCall has revealed that The Masked Singer played a huge role in getting her through one of the darkest times of her life as she fought a brain tumour diagnosis last year.

The much-loved TV presenter was diagnosed with a rare colloid cyst in her brain in November 2024, following a routine health check. The incredibly rare cyst, which affects only a handful of people worldwide, was thankfully discovered before it could cause serious complications.

After reluctantly going to for the health check, Davina subsequently underwent surgery to have it removed and has since confirmed that follow-up scans show the cyst is not returning. In April, the former Big Brother presenter confirmed her “final MRI” had shown a colloid cyst is “not coming back”.

Since then, Davina has continued to open up about how the terrifying diagnosis has given her a new lease of life while also detailing the darkest moments she endured throughout her diagnosis as she admitted that she didn’t know when her life was going to end.

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Speaking about her incredibly difficult yet life-changing year at the National Television Awards on Wednesday, Davina said that one element of The Masked Singer ‘kept her going’ throughout her darkest moments.

“You know what? Being apart of The Masked Singer during that time actually healed a huge part of me I think. You see, they gave me singing lessons. I always thought I could sing and wanted to be really good at it, so when I was diagnosed, I took lessons,” Davina explained.

“Singing really kept me going, and it was almost like a certain type of therapy for me. It was wonderful and I’m very grateful for those lessons,” she added.

It comes after Davina admitted she ‘didn’t think she’d be here’ as she opened up about her difficult year. The beloved presenter’s life completely changed last year when she underwent surgery to have a benign brain tumour removed, an ordeal that’s got her thinking about what comes next in life.

Weeks before her surgery, Davina was in tears as she accepted the Special Recognition Award at the 2024 National Television Awards. She told the audience at the time: “This means so much I can’t even begin to tell you…”

And this week, Davina was back at the annual event, healthier than ever and took to the winners’ room to reveal the backstory behind her tears the year before.

Reflecting on her journey, she said: “Last year, I knew I had a brain tumour and I knew I was being operated on six weeks later and I picked up the award, which meant so much to me.”

The star was speaking through tears as she continued: “Everybody else knew why it meant so much to me. It just meant the world to me because I wasn’t sure where I was going to be six weeks later. You know, what my life would look like.”

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A former Love Island star has admitted the influencer work after the show has dried up and he has returned to his day job as his influencer lifestyle was no longer paying the bills

A Love Island alum has revealed the reason behind his decision to steer clear of the limelight. While many stars of the popular dating show turn to an influencer lifestyle, the man known as Messy Mitch has returned to his day job following a stint on the show.

Mitchel Taylor from the 2023 series also bagged himself a spot in the All Stars spin-off of the show. However, he has now returned to his pre-show normality – and insists that is not a bad thing.

The 27-year-old took to Instagram to reveal how his showbiz lifestyle was over and he was back in the swing of a regular nine-to-five job. Insisting the influencer lifestyle was no longer paying the bills, Mitch – who was best known for his chaotic ways in the lavish villa – has returned to his role as a gas engineer.

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He said on social media: “Guys, if you’re not nearly 30 like gorgeous Messy Mitch, and you’re still trying to survive off Love Island money, not locking into other ventures, then yes, you’re stupid.

“You gotta do Love Island and you gotta do your day job, because money keeps sexy girlfriends and buys houses.”

His jokey confession came after his had updated his Snapchat fans on his latest move. “Yes guys listen giving you an update on my life and to be honest with you, I’ve just not posted on Snapchat at all since,” he said.

“I didn’t have a 9-5 for two years because I was, like, old rock star famous cool guy. Now I’m poor, so I’ve got to work.”

But he said that having a job “isn’t a bad thing” as he jovially spoke to followers. And he also ruled out a return to the cast of Love Island, revealing he is in a relationship.

Mitch confessed he is currently dating TikTok’s Hayley Griffin. He went on: “And I can’t go on a dating show because I’m in love with a girl. But it’s not that, guys, it’s just like I’ve been working loads.”

After earning the title Messy Mitch for his constant partner switching, he gave the villa another go in Love Island: All Stars in 2024. However, the experiment was short-lived.

On day 16, Mitch got the boot after clashing with Liberty Poole. It once again confirmed his reputation as one of the franchise’s most unpredictable Islanders.

But now he has turned his focus away from the spotlight and is enjoying life off camera. Mitch and Hayley have been dating for over a year after they went public with their link-up in July 2024.

Hayley previously joked about keeping her man off reality TV for good, saying in a viral video: “Me taking Mitch on as a boyfriend so no one has to watch him on Love Island again.”

Bobby Brazier has given insight into family feelings about the fact his younger brother Freddy, 20, is to become a first time father following reports of family tensions

Bobby Brazier has shared his feelings about becoming an uncle as his younger brother, Freddy, prepares to become a father. The 22-year-old actor has revealed he is “excited” by the news that his sibling is to become a dad.

Bobby, who played Freddie Slater in EastEnders since 2022, is the eldest son of TV star Jeff Brazier, 46, and late reality star Jade Goodie – who died in 2009 at the age of 27 following a battle against cancer. It was revealed this month that younger brother Freddy, 20, is expecting a child with an ex-girlfriend.

And it is clear that all the Braziers cannot wait to welcome a new addition to their family. Soon-to-be granddad Jeff has already spoken out about the way he hopes to support his youngest son.

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And now Bobby has also shared his thoughts on the upcoming arrival. Opening up to The Sun, Bobby said: “My dad broke the news to me about Freddy.

“I didn’t know what to believe to begin with. I’m looking forward to becoming an uncle – a funcle. We are excited.”

Bobby went on to explain that the baby will bring the family together closer than ever before. He gushed: “It’s going to be a team effort. Undoubtedly it will bring us together.

“My dad is uber supportive and I’m hoping I can take some of that and raise the baby together.” The statement follows positive reports of Freddy reconnecting with his dad, Jeff.

In a recent social media post, Freddy praised his dad’s stage debut after watching him in a production of 101 Dalmatians, writing: “I’ve now been to watch 101 Dalmatians three times. Some would say Fred you got a lot of time on your hands don’t ya? Well yes I do got too much time on my hands actually!

But I just love watching my Dad at work and having fun and smiling, it makes me smile. I’ve Loved watching my Dad and the rest of the cast in the show as has everyone that I’ve gone with or spoke to. What a great show if you haven’t watched it you’ve got till the 30th so hurry up!!”

Jeff responded to his son’s tribute with an emotional comment that hinted at hopes of a more personal reconciliation at home. He wrote: “This is beautiful Fred thank you for taking the time. I love you forever and I’m there for you through thick and thin. Hopefully see you at home tonight x”

There had been reports of friction between the father and son after it was reported Jade’s mother, Jackiey Budden, 68, had come between them. And there have also been reports that Bobby is moving to India to to “immerse himself” in the Hare Krishna movement and pursue a spiritual journey.

The reports have hinted at tensions within the Brazier family – but online posts by the three men suggest they family is united and as strong as ever.

Pete Briquette has opened up about his time with The Boomtown Rats and how, after 50 years in the business, the band are still extremely busy with sold-out tours

They’re celebrating their 50th anniversary, but The Boomtown Rats’ Pete Briquette admits he had a very different outlook on the band’s future. Briquette, Bob Geldof, and Simon Crowe will next month embark on an almost sold-out tour and launch a special documentary commemorating their 50th anniversary.

Speaking to the Mirror, Pete, 71, said: “If I come back 50 years, I thought 50 years ago what I’d be like in 50 years’ time – I had this vision of being in a special old people’s home for musicians, we’d all be a distant memory.

“We’ve had our busiest year ever with the Rats’ 50th birthday and then of course, Live Aid’s 40th birthday and Band Aid’s 40th, it’s been fantastic.”

Pete, from Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan, in Ireland, says it was an “honour” to have played a part in both Live Aid and Band Aid. “There are two things young people are impressed with in my career, if I’m talking to young people, one is that, and the other is the fact that we did a tour with the Ramones and Talking Heads – anything beyond that, they’re not interested, they don’t care about hit records, or anything else.

“It’s great for being involved in that. That final moment at Wembley, the Rats played Feed The World at the very end, that’s where the lead singer of The Rats was, alternatively, Freddie [Mercury], Elton [John], Bono, [David] Bowie, George Michael, Sting, and our normal geezer at the front, Geldof.

“That is just a great moment to always remember, playing that song, that iconic moment, Bono sings that line, Wembley sings that line with him. It’s great to be part of it. I mean, it’s good to be part of such a great rock and roll band. My life has been lived in a rock and roll world, playing with this band. I’m not going to pretend it’s amazing, and I feel extraordinarily lucky.

“To be playing a sold-out tour and all these festivals over the summer, it’s been an incredibly busy and fantastic year.” Pete says the “unique moment” will always be etched in his mind due to the chords being sung line for line at Wembley Stadium, adding he is “extraordinarily honoured” to have played a part in the iconic performance and song.

But after five decades, he says it’s “really nice to be relevant,” ahead of their upcoming tour. He added: “Most people our age become invisible, you become aware of that once you get into your 50s, 50s and 60s, you become invisible to later generations, they don’t see you in the room, they don’t see you in the street. This avoids that for people like me, I’m a very lucky man.”

While most artists would celebrate their fifth decade in music with their bandmates at a quiet party, The Rats will instead be celebrating at a concert at London’s Eventim Apollo on October 31. “It’s going to be a great gig,” he said, before explaining that there’s going to be a special half-hour film beforehand documenting their rise to fame and cementing themselves as one of the world’s greatest rock bands.

But the film is still being made; however, it will feature unseen footage of the band from the past five decades, as well as “funny stuff from the past.” However, Pete explained that The Rats use “certain criteria” to choose their setlist. This includes how the song sounds live, whether it’s a hit, and what fans want. “We’re forever leaving out songs,” he laughed, adding: “It’s not good, but it has to be done—it’s painful.” But one band he has respect for is Oasis, who on their mammoth Oasis Live’25 tour, have performed B-side tracks and had the whole sold-out crowd singing along to every word.

The Rats have inspired a whole generation, but Pete admits to being inspired by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones growing up. “I’ve always had a musical reference,” he said. Nowadays, he still listens to BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 2 – but his music choice is very different. “I love Fontaines DC and Kneecap. They’re Irish bands by coincidence, but I mean, Arctic Monkeys are a fantastic band, but before that, it was Radiohead that I loved. There’s always been a band that I love at the time.

“Fontaines are my favourite at the moment. Music is very important to me, it’s part of my core, part of my DNA, part of what makes me happy or sad, or if I’m sad, it’s music that I reach out to.” However, he admits that while there’s a resurgence in bands, there’s also a “lack.”

He added: “There are very few bands now, which is sad, a band is unique. What comes out of that band is a unique thing that’s only unique to that band; there’s a certain connection that people have. I think any one of the Stones playing with someone else becomes nothing but the minute they get together, they are The Rolling Stones.

“Me comparing us [The Rats] to the stones is a bit weird, individually, we’re like nothing, but as a band, we’re a complete powerhouse.” Reflecting on Kneecap, Pete said: “It’s not the politics I like about Kneecap; they’re a bit silly to be saying things. You can say those things without saying them where you get in trouble.”

The single Love Island star has come up with a cunning plan to find out who’s betrayed her

Ekin-Su Culculoglu says she has taken inspiration from Coleen Rooney’s Wagatha Christie tactics to expose disloyal lovers. The Love Island star has gone to great lengths to flush out those doing the dirty on her, smoking out traitors with fake news.

It’s the cunning method made famous by Coleen, who turned detective to root out the source of stories appearing in the press about her and her family by planting stories. In a now iconic social media post, she accused rival WAG Rebekah Vardy of being behind the leaks. The subsequent libel dispute was dubbed Wagatha Christie, in a nod to Coleen’s online sting and playing on the name of sleuth writer Agatha Christie. Rebekah agreed to pay Coleen’s legal costs of almost £1.2million in May.

Explaining why she has adopted the approach when it comes to dating, Ekin-Su said: “I don’t trust everyone. I test them first. I deliver fake stories and if it leaks, I know they’re after clout. I do that with friends too because you just never know. Coleen Rooney was smart doing that.”

Speaking at the National Television Awards on Wednesday, single Ekin lifted the lid on her love life after her split from dancer Curtis Pritchard in May. The pair got together earlier this year on Love Island: All Stars.

With a mischievous smile, she said: “I’m in a relationship with myself – it’s great. Me and myself, we take ourselves on walks, we kiss all the time… Jokes aside, I’ve had a few dates. It’s been fun. Raya [the celeb dating app] is amazing.”

She previously dated fellow Love Island star Davide Sanclimenti after the pair met on the 2022 series but the pair split months after leaving the villa amid accusations of cheating.

It was announced today that Ekin-Su will appear in a new Netflix reality series. The 31-year-old has been announced as one of the housemates for Inside: USA which will be coming to the streaming giant on September 21. The show, which is created by the UK YouTube group Sidemen has already had two successful seasons in the UK.

She will be living alongside a number of US celebrities and content creators, including Selling Sunset’s Breana “Bre” Tiesi.

Ekin, who has also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and the US version of The Traitors, teased another new project this week. She said: “I’ve been busy working my ass off. I just came back from Venice, now I’m flying to America.

“I’m burnt out, but life is about working hard. You’ve got to grab it with both hands. Something’s coming up in a few months. It’s not a reality show, it’s a different project.”