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Since beating cancer, Amy Dowden has learned to “take risks.” The Strictly Come Dancing singer was diagnosed with breast cancer in May of 2023, but the diagnosis was given just eighteen months later.

The 35-year-old professional dancer is teamed up with Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, who is a repeat cast member this year. She told host Claudia Winkleman that “life is too short” to try new things after the pair finished a Salsa routine set to Dizzee Rascal’s Bonkers.

Life is too short for me to take chances, she said, “If I’ve learned anything in the last two years, I’ve been.”

The pair only received 13 votes from judges Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke, and they didn’t get the best feedback on their routine. However, Amy joked later that Amy was a little frightened during rehearsals because of her partner’s focus on the stage.

She said, “It was okay until we had to do lifts, and I was high up there and he had his eyes closed,” before adding that she does “trust” him. She said, “I’m so proud of you,” and turned to him.

After doctors discovered the tumour, the Welsh dancer revealed that she had been told to have it lumped. Only the cancerous lumps and some surrounding tissue are removed during this surgical procedure.

When a tumor only affects one breast area, Cancer Research UK explains that is frequently the course of action. However, an MRI scan revealed that Amy, 35, had more tumors than initially believed.

She explained that everything happened so quickly for me: “Initially, I was having a lumpectomy, then, after my MRI, there were more tumors, so I needed a mastectomy, and all of a sudden, you’re trying to make these decisions so quickly and you’re not really thinking rationally because you’re so emotionally sensitive within the time.

I do believe that having all of your options and understanding everything is very important. I was also unsure of what would come into my wake, which is both terrifying and unsettling.

“I didn’t know whether it would wake up with it open or closed, or whether or not I would need an implant or an expander.” You don’t know what you will wake up with or what it will look like, which is the truth, even before surgery, and I wanted to be honest.

Following chemotherapy, Amy was forced to miss the 2023 season of Strictly due to her cancer diagnosis. Amy revealed in February of last year that doctors told her that they had found “no evidence of the disease” in her body, thereby enabling her Strictly recovery.

She and JLS singer JB Gill made a year-ago appearance on the program. She resigned from the competition on November 4 because she was taken to the hospital in October. A Strictly spokesperson said at the time, “Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not participate in the rest of the competition this year.” Lauren Oakley, a fellow professional dancer, will serve as JB’s dance partner while Amy focuses on her recovery from a foot injury.

Everyone involved in Strictly has a right to their own well-being, which is always top of mind. Amy is euphoric and well-wished by the entire Strictly family.

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Victoria Coren Mitchell, the host of Have I Got News For You, has apologized for the unanticipated removal of the most recent panel show from BBC iPlayer.

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Television presenter Victoria Coren Mitchell has spoken out following the removal of the latest Have I Got News For You episode from BBC iPlayer after she made a blunder concerning Labour’s digital ID card proposals.

Panelists Sheila Hancock, Miles Jupp, Ian Hislop, and Paul Merton were in charge of the satirical program on Friday night (October 3).

Before addressing the teams, Victoria asked them in one section who would benefit from Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to launch the ID system: “I was considering choosing the company Multiverse to manage the digital ID cards scheme.

She continued, mentioning that Tony Blair’s son Euan was the founding partner, and that this was a “happy coincidence”?

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FullFact, a fact-checking organization, refutes claims that Multiverse will run the government initiative, which is an “upskilling company” rather than a software developer.

The organization continued, “The government hasn’t announced any partners for the project. Although there has been some media speculating about whether the scheme may open up opportunities for other tech firms, it is understood that the government expects digital ID to be created, constructed, and managed by an internal team rather than external suppliers.

Today (October 4), Victoria has tackled the mortifying mistake with a brief statement online. Posting on X – formerly known as Twitter – she wrote: “Meanwhile, if you see a clip of me saying the ID card contract has gone to Tony Blair’s son: it hasn’t.

That was something I was asked last night, but it turns out to be incorrect. Which is good for social mobility but bad for fact-checkers.

Despite Tony Blair’s earlier public support for the idea, FullFact confirms that there is “no evidence” of Blair’s son or the company being linked to the scheme.

One social media user wrote, “Part of the script, not just a throwaway quip,” leaving viewers furious. This is receiving a lot of negative feedback from some. (It’s possible that the iPlayer edit will also be removed.)

Another said, “Oh my god. Has I Got News For You only made a fact out of this utterly false claim? Absolutely amazed that Multiverse will manage the government’s digital ID system. “whilst someone else raged:.” An utterly fundamental error in fact-checking.

After that, a BBC spokesperson told Express. a fictitious article appeared in this week’s Have I Got News For You about Euan Blair’s business, Multiverse, being chosen to develop the government’s contract to produce digital ID cards.

Because “Multipverse is not a software developer and there is no evidence of any involvement in the proposed digital ID scheme,” we have deleted the episode from BBC iPlayer while removing the relevant section. This unintentional editorial error is our regret.

In addition, a representative from the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology clarified: “Claims that Multiverse has been chosen to develop the Government’s digital ID app are false. No decisions have been made on its delivery, but we expect it to be designed, built, and run by in-house Government teams – not outsourced to external suppliers.

We will launch a public consultation to ensure we get the best possible input on the scheme’s design and delivery, as we previously stated last week.

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The popularity of Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album is demonstrated by the statistics, which show how well received it has been. Swifties all over the world couldn’t get enough of the 35-year-old singer’s release, The Life Of A Showgirl, on Friday, October 3.

Some fans praised the 12-track offering as her best so far, while others quickly questioned the songs’ meaning. Statistics have now demonstrated how popular the album has already become.

However, despite having so many record-breaking moments, the new album didn’t manage to top the streaming list in its opening day. Taylor retains the title in comparison to her previous album, The Tortured Poets Department.

The biggest streaming day for any artist on Spotify in 2025 was reportedly Taylor’s most recent release, according to Chart Data. On the day of its debut, the star’s album was streamed 309 million times across the artist’s entire catalogue.

The only album that received more than 380 million streams on its first day, according to the website, was her 2024 release, which was streamed 380 million times. It became the second biggest day of any stream album ever.

The Fate of Ophelia is the most-streamed debut song in the history of the global Spotify chart, according to the website. Additionally, Honey was the least-streamed track on The Life of a Showgirl’s opening day.

But Swifties, don’t worry. This doesn’t mean it wasn’t received favorably. In fact, the website claims to still stream any non-Taylor Swift debut songs to Spotify. Seven by JungKook, reportedly, has been streamed only 87 more times, making TayTay’s song.

Actually Romantic is one song that she has chosen to highlight more than others in her newest release. Taylor sings, “I heard you called me “boring Barbie” when the coke made you brave,” in the song.

She later added, “High-fived my ex, then said you’re glad he ghosted me,” “Wrote a song saying it makes you sick to see my face, “Some people might be offended, but it’s actually sweet,” and then continued, “I’m glad you’re glad you’re glad you’re glad you’re glad you’re glad you’re glad you’re glad you’re glad you’re glad you’re glad you’re glad you’re glad

Fans quickly speculated as to whether Charli XCX was heading in the wrong direction. Some people wondered if it was a response to Charli’s song Sympathy Is A Knife from her Brat album.

Taylor argued that this isn’t the case in an audio track-by-track breakdown of the new album for Amazon Music. She instead stated that her new song is “a song about coming to terms with someone who has sort of had a one-sided, antagonistic relationship with you that you didn’t know about.”

She continued, “And suddenly they start acting excessively and letting you know that you’ve been living rent-free in their head.” You take it for granted that someone has made you such a big part of their reality when you didn’t even consider it, even though they may be resenting you or having a problem with you.

Taylor also released a new movie along with her album. The world premiere of the music video The Fate of Ophelia, as well as behind-the-scenes footage from the music video shoot, were included during the special screenings, which were only shown for one week.

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Dianne Buswell, a professional dancer for Strictly Come Dancing, was in trouble at the beginning of the year when a careless mistake on social media sparked engagement rumors.

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Strictly favourite Dianne Buswell was left squirming when she got grilled on Good Morning Britain back in March amid Joe Sugg engagement rumours after a huge social media blunder.

The Australian professional dancer, 36, graced the ITV morning show to chat about her dance tour with Strictly Come Dancing so-star Vito Coppola, but it wasn’t long before the conversation took a cheeky turn towards her private life.

GMB host Susanna Reid didn’t hesitate to dive into swirling engagement whispers after eagle-eyed fans clocked a glinting ring in Dianne’s social media posts earlier this year.

Dianne has been loved-up with Joe Sugg since their stint together on Strictly in 2018 and the pair are now expecting their first child together, with Dianne announcing her pregnancy news last month.

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TV host Susanna inquired as to whether Dianne and Joe were engaged earlier this year because there had been a lot of rumors that they might have engaged in recent days.

Caught off guard, Dianne let out a shriek then laughed off the idea, sharing: “It’s a really funny story! I was in Australia and it’s quite hot over there. I had just flown in and my fingers get a little bit swollen on the plane.”

She moved her rings because of the swelling, making no claims about the engagement-related connection between the left hand. I’m posting pictures with my family online so that everyone could see my engagement photos. I don’t have a girlfriend.

Ed Balls also addressed her beau Joe in a humorous manner, exclaiming, “Joseph, what are you doing? ” What is he really doing? “I know! I know!” Dianne joined in the jest. Joe”!

The hilarious jewelry malfunction caused Dianne to refer to the entire episode as a brilliant blunder, making both the hosts and the dancer chuckle.

BBC audiences first witnessed the chemistry between Dianne and Joe when they teamed up on Strictly in 2018.

The pair won over both the judges and viewers, coming in second place, just behind Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton. By the time the couple started dating each other, they had already started to date each other on social media.

In a sweet picture, the lovers gazed into each other’s eyes while sporting their best outfits, as Joe put it: “I may not have won the glitter ball, but I’ve won something a million times more special.”

Following the exciting pregnancy announcement, Dianne recently teased fans with possible names for her baby boy. Last month, Dianne revealed the exciting news that she is expecting a bundle of joy with her partner Joe.

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As the first pregnant professional dancer since the new series’ debut on September 20, Dianne has made history on Strictly. The couple, who met in 2018 while Joe was a BBC show competitor, shared their happiness with a sweet stick-figure illustration with the caption “Our little baby boy.” We look forward to meeting you.

Dianne shared some ideas about baby names on her podcast with comedian Chris McCausland, her successful 2024 Strictly partner.

Before Dianne and Joe realized they were expecting a boy, they initially considered a girl’s name unusual but ultimately had reservations. According to Dianne, “Joe would never have that,” but if it were a girl, it would always be Americus.

She joked about omitting Joe’s permission, saying, “However, I had planned to let him leave the room when I do the certificate or whatever you do and just put it on there.” That’s kind of cool, though, now that you’ve just said Americano.

It will be called Christopher Anton Craig Buswell-Sugg, I think. Christopher Craig Anton Buswell-Sugg might be the culprit, but that’s TBC right now. How many people have texted me saying, “You better call that baby, Chris? “? ‘. “I’m not even joking,” I said.

She said, “I’m still doing everything I did before,” in a conversation with Chris about how pregnant influences her dancing. Although my doctor has stated that everything is normal, lifts will likely require a little more caution.

He said, “Basically, if you’ve done it before, then crack on and keep doing what you were doing,” not to mention that you shouldn’t. ‘”.

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Conor Maynard has reflected on the scandal he faced in his most recent song, which he addressed after being accused of raising a child with Charlotte Chilton.

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Conor Maynard admits the scandal he found himself in “could have been avoided.” The musician was left lost for words when it emerged that former The Traitors star Charlotte Chilton alleged she was pregnant with his child.

The singer, 32, and Charlotte met at the wrap party for the BBC programme, of which Conor’s sister’s boyfriend, Harry Clark, had won the second series, which aired in January 2024. Charlotte and Conor had a one-night stand, and it was after this that Charlotte claimed she had fallen pregnant.

Throughout Charlotte’s pregnancy, Conor remained silent after she claimed he wanted nothing to do with her daughter, Penelope, who was born last year. Shortly after Charlotte’s daughter was born, Conor took a paternity test, which revealed he was, in fact, not the father.

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However, after receiving the results, Charlotte was “shell-shocked” and demanded a second test because it was believed that a male had been taking Conor’s sample. However, a second test confirmed the initial findings that Conor wasn’t the biological father.

Given the extreme autobiographical nature of his music, Conor, who is well known for hits like “Animal,” has admitted to spending a year and a half in hell on his most recent single, “Cherry On Top.” There are subtly referencing his struggles in the accompanying music video.

Including a mock press conference, featuring fictional news outlets such as Traitor Times and The Daily Polygraph, which is used during lie detector tests. Speaking to the Mirror, Conor said: “I’ve pretty much always poured what I’m going through into my music, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

It made sense to continue my custom of putting it into my music because this was a pretty intense situation to go through over the course of the past year and a half. Conor makes a subtle nod to Charlotte’s widespread media exposure and social media abuse in the video that comes with the track.

You talk too much, please shut up,” is one of the lyrics in the song, but he acknowledges that many of the lyrics were written in jest. He said, “Obviously, many of the lyrics to the song are uttered in jest, but I believe they primarily point out how this entire situation could have been avoided.

“I was always of the opinion that the situation could and ought to have been handled quietly and privately, especially since no evidence existed prior to its reaching the court of public opinion.” Although it was not beneficial because it had been carried out in the open, it is now too late to do that; instead, what is done is done. So, in my opinion, the lyric kind of emphasizes that sometimes it’s better to handle situations before shouting them out loud.

Conor only learned about Charlotte’s allegations when his team received an abundance of emails asking for a response, according to The Mirror. He now acknowledges that thanks to his supportive friends and family, he is in a better place and has been able to move on with his life, but he also recognizes that this experience will stick with him for a significant amount of time.

He assured me that I’m feeling fine. Although it’s not an experience you can forget about overnight, Conor continued, “I’ve always had so many supportive people around me, and that hasn’t changed. Every day, they assist me in putting this mess together.

Conor, however, has no regrets for Charlotte and Penelope despite going through the ordeal. He sings about how sorry he is for the other guy in his Cherry On Top lyrics, and another lyric reads, “You stole the show, so take a bow, you stole the show.”

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Conor stated to fans in August that she had learned about the results of Charlotte Chilton’s request for a second paternity test regarding her baby girl, Penelope.

This test has once more confirmed that I’m not Penelope’s father, as with the previous test. Penelope’s, Charlotte’s, and my DNA were all taken at a Ministry of Justice-accredited DNA testing facility, which Charlotte requested.

The conclusions are therefore conclusive. I’m so grateful for everyone’s help because this has been difficult for me and my family. I’m pleased to see that this is finally able to be drawn out. I sincerely hope that the results of these tests will inspire everyone to find a way to move on. Conor”.

Later, a Charlotte spokesperson stated that over the course of the 12-month ordeal, she had “fought an extraordinary battle for truth and justice with heartfelt conviction” and would “share her story in full.”

An exotic dancer nicknamed The Punisher who testified against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs during his trial has spoken out about the disgraced star’s charge

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Disgraced music star Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs was jailed for four years and two months on Friday and one person who testified against him has made it clear how they feel about the decision. Combs, 55, was also fined $500,000 fine, which is the highest the judge could impose.

The sentence came as the rapper was acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking in July. However, he was found guilty on two charges of transportation of former girlfriends for prostitution. During the trial, vile details emerged about Combs’ sex life and ‘freak off parties’ involving ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.

Ventura was among those who testified against the Bad Boy Records founder. So too was Sharay Hayes. The exotic dancer, nicknamed The Punisher, spoke during the trial to give his recollection of events.

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At the time, Hayes told the court about his encounters with the musician. He claimed to have had around eight to 12 encounters with Combs and his ex-girlfriend.

Now, Hayes has revealed he believes the sentence by Judge Arun Subramanian was handed out to send a clear message that he is trying to protect victims and deter others from such behaviour.

Hayes told TMZ he believes the star truly is remorseful after Combs revealed his sorrow at events during sentencing. Hayes added: “He was on top of the world and lost it all … and has no one to blame but himself — that changed him forever.”

However, another sex worker named in trial testimony told the publication they believe Combs got off lightly. The anonymous source explained they believed the disgraced star might have got 10 years behind bars.

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Other famous faces to react to the sentencing included Combs’ long-term rival, 50 Cent. The rapper, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, couldn’t help but take aim following the judge’s decision.

He wrote on social media: “Hey to whoever was booking Diddy for speaking engagement. I heard he won’t be able to make it, I’m available!”

Following the sentencing, Combs’ attorneys spoke outside of court to reveal they plan to appeal the sentence. His lawyers Marc Agnifilo and Brian Steel said: “We are planning to appeal, we are planning to appeal.

“We think we have strong basis to appeal – the strongest basis is that the jury reached a verdict on coercion, they found it was not coercion and I think that the judge said coercion today at least a dozen times. We think that is unconstitutional. We think that a jury verdict should mean more than our jury’s verdict seems to mean. So we are planning to appeal.”

Combs’ mother also reacted to the sentence outside of the court. As she stepped outside of the venue, she waved to the crowd that had gathered.

She had been supporting her son throughout the trial. . Upon hearing his sentence, Combs told her: “I’m sorry.” She wore a white suit and was joined by six of the star’s children on Friday.

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