Category Entertainment News

Professional dancer Carlos Gu has issued a two-word message to his Strictly Come Dancing co-star amid rumours of a fallout between them after they unfollowed each other

View 3 Images

Strictly Come Dancing stars Carlos Gu and Nancy Xu were once so close they called each other “baby brother” and “favourite sister”. However, their tight bond was rocked by feud rumours which only intensified when they unfollowed each other on social media.

The pair have a long history of friendship, having grown up together in China before making the move to the UK to join Strictly. They once proudly showed off their bond, which was clear for fans to see both on and off the dancefloor.

Yet, things appeared to turn sour behind the scenes amid rumours Nancy and Carlos weren’t speaking to each other during the 2024 series. It seemed to stem from the fact Carlos wasn’t given a celebrity partner, while Nancy was.

READ MORE: Wynne Evans hits out at Strictly Come Dancing co-stars as he bashes ‘fake’ friendshipsREAD MORE: Claudia Winkleman makes huge Strictly blunder – and fans are quick to notice

View 3 Images

View 3 Images

However, this year Nancy hasn’t been given a celebrity pairing, which has left her upset and disappointed. She wasn’t best pleased she hadn’t landed a starring role in the series but on Sunday night she performed a stunning routine with fellow pro Kai Widdington.

The pair have received praised from their fellow pros following the dance, with even Carlos joining in. He re-shared a clip of the performance from Nancy and Kai, in what could be a turning point for their once close bond.

Alongside the video, he said: “A sensation performance.” Just a few weeks ago, Nancy addressed reports she wasn’t happy about the partner snub.

Nancy said: “I am okay. I am okay. As you all know now, I don’t have a dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing this year. In the very beginning, when I just received the messages, it [did] upset me and [I] felt disappointed.”

The dancer, who joined the BBC show in 2019, said about having moved to the UK from China: “All I wanted is to achieve my dream. Strictly has given me such a big platform to allow me to show my skills, show my talents.

“Of course, I felt this year has been left out but I’m good because I’m still part of the Strictly family. This year you will possibly hear my voice more than ever because I will give all my energy to support all my Strictly family. I will be there cheering for them.”

Yet, Carlos didn’t react to Nancy’s post, despite her receiving support from the Strictly cast. The pair had also unfollowed each other on social media, in a sign things haven’t been patched up between them.

Last year, a Strictly insider told The Sun : “The feud between Nancy and Carlos is really sad and has left everyone really shocked. They’ve been close since childhood, but have fallen out and unfollowed each other on socials.

“The atmosphere on set is said to be awkward and tense when both are around, and to many it was a relief when Carlos didn’t attend the show weeks ago.”

Breaking his silence on the alleged row with Nancy, Carlos insisted to the Daily Mail that he was ‘fine’ with his co-star and dismissed any notions that there was an ongoing feud.

He said: “We’re fine. We’ve been friends since childhood, and friends argue, we’re too close and are like brother and sister to completely fall out.”

READ MORE: ‘Best’ Charlotte Tilbury product sells ‘one a minute’ and is ‘brilliant for mature skin’

Shoppers hail this moisture absorber as ‘the best unit I’ve used’ that ‘work so well’ at banishing smells, moisture and damp – and right now, this gadget is up for grabs for a nifty 20% less

View 2 Images

Shoppers are raving about the effectiveness of a moisture absorber in tackling dampness in their homes. The Absodry Moisture Absorber, currently on offer at £22.39, down 20% from its usual price of £27 at Lakeland, is proving to be a hit.

Sporting a chic grey hue, customers have praised not only its aesthetic appeal but also its impressive performance in areas prone to dampness, such as bathrooms, garages or basements. Included with the product is a 600g bag of moisture-absorbing crystals, which are expected to last up to three months. Refill bags can also be purchased separately.

READ MORE: Best value pre-lit Christmas trees to invest in now– and that can save households £875

READ MORE: Classic sheepskin mini boots get a huge 68% saving as cold weather descends

View 2 Images

These crystals work by absorbing excess moisture from the air and condensing it into the water container, thus preventing excessive humidity. Its sleek and minimalist design allows it to blend seamlessly on a window ledge or shelf. In addition to grey, it is also available in green, pink or blue, reports the Express.

Another plus point is that it operates without electricity and is completely silent. A handy feature is an indicator that signals when the water container is full and needs to be emptied. Lakeland also praises its ‘sleek and minimalistic design that sits nicely in any room, whether it’s your cosy living room or busy workplace’.

For those looking to explore other options, there’s the Wilko Refillable Dehumidifier Fresh Linen – Green, priced at £2.99. This is touted as being perfect for use in closets, bathrooms and kitchens, and is refillable. Standing at 18cm in height, it offers durability as it can be refilled.

Another option is the Minky Damp Guards with 4 Refill Tablets, currently available for £20 at Argos. The 0.5 litre absorber features an adjustable air vent to quickly and effectively absorb moisture, along with a spout that allows water to be easily emptied down the drain.

However, Lakeland customers are enthusiastically endorsing the Absodry Moisture Absorber, which boasts numerous 5-star ratings. One commented: “Needed a solution for my cloakroom to manage the damp smell and moisture, these not only look good but work so well. Takes a few days to start working, but the amount of water this has collected is amazing! Highly recommended!”

Others revealed it was so effective they have purchased multiple units: “Best unit I’ve used, I have three now, no electric, so no noise, works great in my bedroom, no damp on the windows like I did have. I rate this product to anyone.”

One buyer described it as a mould preventative, stating: “I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting these to work as we’ve tried various similar items (from other companies) and they’ve been no good at all. I am so impressed with these; they work so well! We get a lot of condensation around our windows, especially in the wintertime, which then causes a little mould on the window frames, but with these, there is no mould at all. Well worth the money!”

On Trustpilot, customers have shared their experiences of shopping at Lakeland. One shopper commented: “Nice clean well laid out shop, good service, I would have given it five stars if the prices were a little reduced.”

Ozzy’s last gig was with the original Black Sabbath line-up and a host of other huge rock and metal bands. An event to honour him may now be held every year after an application was made to trademark the ‘Back to the Beginning’ name.

View 3 Images

Sharon Osbourne looks set to celebrate her late husband Ozzy’s legacy with an annual gig in his name.

An application has been made to trademark ‘Back to the Beginning’, the event which marked Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance. The historic, all-day concert featured Ozzy with the original Black Sabbath line up and a host of other prominent bands.

View 3 Images

Now the firm set up by her late husband has applied to trademark the title of the gig in the US. It is registered under “entertainment services in the nature of live musical performance”. Legal documents filed by holding firm Monowise Ltd also seek legal protection for merchandise. A similar application will be made in the UK. The gig at Villa Park in Birmingham, 17 days before Ozzy’s death, raised millions for charity.

All of the proceeds are to be split equally between three charities, Acorns Children’s Hospice, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Cure Parkinson’s. Ozzy, born John Michael Osbourne, died aged 76 in July. He had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019. Ozzy was buried next to a lake at his Buckinghamshire home.

A wreath, which read: “Ozzy f***ing Osbourne,” was placed by the bank of the water as 110 of Ozzy’s nearest and dearest joined his wife Sharon and his children. His son Jack told US news programme Good Morning America about his tears as he watched his dad perform for the last time at ‘Back to the Beginning.”

He said: “I ran back into the dressing room, and I just gave him a big hug. I just kissed him.

View 3 Images

“And I was crying. I was in the crowd with my brother and we both were just crying. It wasn’t because of feeling sorry for him. It wasn’t because we were sad for him. I think it was because we knew it was the last time. In hindsight, it was a kind of living wake. He got to say goodbye to everyone.”

As the temperatures continue to plummet, we’re all looking for comfy and cosy ways to keep our feet warm without sacrificing style – and these on-sale sheepskin boots may be just the ticket

View 2 Images

Last autumn, the footwear choice of the season was clearly Uggs, a standout style that seamlessly blends fashion with comfort and practicality. That said, the classic Ugg boot comes with a hefty price tag, making it a less budget-friendly choice for most of us.

But there’s no reason we can’t all be wearing sheepskin slippers this season, without spending a fortune, as the iconic brand Aus Wooli Australia offers plenty of similar styles that promise style and cosiness without the steep cost. And what’s more, these plush suede mini boots are currently up for grabs for a whopping 68% off, thanks to Debenhams’ current sale.

READ MORE: The Traitors’ Kate Garraway praised for her ‘very elegant’ Chanel-inspired high street dress

READ MORE: Best value pre-lit Christmas trees to invest in now– and that can save households £875

View 2 Images

Touted as a pair of fashionable mini boots, these shoes promise to stay up-to-date with the latest trends at a more affordable price. Constructed from soft, premium, genuine Australian Sheepskin wool lining, these shoes boast a full leather Suede upper that mimics the iconic Ugg boots.

Promising water resistance and rubber, high-density EVA blend outsole, which makes them lighter, softer and more durable, these shoes are an easy choice for inside and outside wear, ensuring you can wear them around the house or while running errands, without getting your feet cold or soggy, and without the autumn weather ruining your new slippers in their first season.

These mini boots feature a unique, fully moulded insole that delivers plenty of comfort and support with every wear, plus the sheepskin-lined footbed keeps your toes cosy and toasty.

Described as extremely comfortable, these sustainable and eco-friendly slippers feature double stitching and a reinforced heel, not only keeping you looking stylish but also providing ample durability and protection. What’s more, the breathable sheepskin allows your feet to stay warm in winter and cool in summer.

Normally retailing for a hefty £155, Debenhams is now offering these mini boots for a much more affordable £49.99 in a range of colours and sizes. That said, some options are already sold out, so you’ll need to act quickly to secure yours before they’re gone.

Debenhams is offering a huge range of discounts on Aus Wooli Australia’s slippers, including this pair of Short Sheepskin Button Boots, which would normally cost £165, but are now up for grabs for the reduced price of £55.99.

Elsewhere, shoppers can find the Jack Wills Personalisable Low Snug Boots Women’s, worth £74.99, for £30 at Sports Direct. ASOS is also offering a pair of SEQWL cosy mini ankle boots in sand for the budget-friendly price of £18.

Gavin Plumb, who has given a life sentence in prison over a plot to kidnap, rape and murder TV presenter Holly Willoughby, is set to have his appeal bid heard in court next week

View 2 Images

The man who was jailed over a plot to kidnap, rape and murder Holly Willoughby is set to be back in court later this month. Security guard Gavin Plumb, 38, was found guilty of soliciting murder and inciting rape and kidnap.

He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 15 years and 85 days following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court. Plumb, from Harlow, Essex is now set to have an appeal bid heard in court on October 21.

According to court listings, his case will be heard at the Court of Appeal in London. Court officials had previously said they received applications for permission to appeal against his convictions and the sentence.

READ MORE: Inside Gavin Plumb’s TV appearance before Holly Willoughby kidnap and murder plotREAD MORE: Ian Watkins ‘spent thousands buying friendship’ in prison after crimes horrified inmates

View 2 Images

Judge Mr Justice Murray described some of the plans Plumb had discussed online as “particularly sadistic, brutal and degrading”. His plan was revealed after a US undercover cop infiltrated an online group.

He became so concerned about Plumb’s posts that he passed on evidence to the FBI. Police in the UK were contacted by US law enforcement.

Essex Police raided Plumb’s flat where they found bottles of chloroform and an “abduction kit” complete with cable ties. The court heard how Plumb had planned to “ambush” the former This Morning presenter at her family home.

Plumb had argued it was just an online chat and fantasy. Yet, it was dismissed by Mr Justice Murray, who said: “I have no doubt that this was all considerably more than a fantasy to you.”

The court heard how the sinister plan had a ‘life-changing’ impact on Holly, who bravely waived her right to anonymity. In a rare interview earlier this year, Holly courageously opened up on her experience stepping back from the spotlight following the ordeal.

She left This Morning in October 2023 after 14 years on the daytime show. At the time, she said she’d made the decision “for me and my family”.

Speaking about the harrowing ordeal, Holly said: “I wouldn’t wish what happened to me on anybody at all — sometimes things go wrong, but you have to keep going for it because that’s all you can do.

“You have to hold on to, ultimately, [how] all this serves its purpose. A lot of the change has been really good, you know? I’ve spent a long time not being able to take my kids to school,” she told The Sunday Times Style Magazine.

Following Plumb’s sentencing, Holly issued a statement where she praised the Crown Prosecution Service and those involved in convicting him. She said: “As women, we should not be made to feel unsafe going about our daily lives and in our own homes.

“I will forever be grateful to the undercover police officer who understood the imminent threat and to the Metropolitan and Essex police forces for their swift response.

“Thank you to the Crown Prosecution Service, the Rt Hon Mr Justice Murray, Alison Morgan KC, the members of the jury and all involved in this case for ensuring that justice was done and that the defendant will not be able to harm any more women.

“I would also like to commend the bravery of his previous victims for speaking up at the time. Without their bravery, this conviction may not have been possible.”

READ MORE: ‘I’m a wine connoisseur and this wine advent calendar is the best I’ve found’