Category Entertainment News

BBC Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner’s mum has shared an emotional statement about her ‘ loyal, funny and fiercely protective ‘ son who tragically died last week

Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner’s mum has issued an emotional statement about her ‘ beloved son ‘ after he tragically died in a car crash in Manchester last week. Greater Manchester Police said the 24-year-old, who appeared on the hit BBC show in 2019, had been driving on the A34 on Monday, 26 May, when his car left the road and rolled before landing on its side.

Sam had been working in Scotland and travelled to Stockport to attend a family birthday celebration earlier in the week. Sam’s parents, Jo and Andrew, have now shared a statement where they described Sam as ‘ loyal, funny and fiercely protective ‘.

They said: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Sam in a terrible accident. Sam left us far too soon, and whilst words will never fully capture the light, joy and energy he brought into our lives, we hold on to the memories that made him so special. Sam was adored by his family. As a son, brother and nephew, he was loyal, funny and fiercely protective”.

His parents added: “He did Race Across The World in 2019, which opened his eyes to the wonder of adventure and travel. He was willing to go wherever the trail might lead and he touched everyone he met on the road. He found great happiness working as a landscape gardener on the west coast of Scotland.

” Sam brought warmth, laughter and a smattering of chaos wherever he went. He leaves behind a huge hole in our hearts. We will miss him endlessly, but we’ll also remember him with smiles, tall tales, and a depth of love that will never fade”.

Sam’s uncle Jonny Dunlop has spoke out about the young gardener as he told the BBC: “What you saw was what you got. Sam loved gardening, animals and doing physical activity.” He said his sister Jo and Sam had a “special relationship” and were an “enormous hit on the show”. “The public really loved them,” he said.

Sam, who previously worked as a landscape gardener, appeared on the BBC travel show alongside his mum Jo. The duo trekked across South America in the second series of Race Across the World that aired in 2020.

Although the mother and son were unable to compete in the final leg of the race due to running out of money, Sam described his time on Race Across the World as a” life-changing “experience.

Following the devastating news, a Race Across the World spokesperson said:” Everyone who worked with him and indeed everyone who watched Sam could see just how precious and transformative the trip was for both him and his mum, Jo.

“Sam embraced the seven-week trip with an energy, love and a determination that saw the pair enjoy adventures across Mexico to Argentina making audiences fall in love with them and their special bond as a result.

” Since filming, both Sam and Jo have been an integral part of the Race Across the World cast family and on behalf of us all from the BBC, production and the rest of the cast, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to his parents, Andrew and Jo, his brothers, William and Charlie, his step mum Justine, his family and friends. “

Danny Dyer left guests at Dani Dyer and Jarrod Bowen’s wedding in fits of laughter as he led them in a very rude West Ham chant which the footballer often faces

Danny Dyer reworded a West Ham chant to make sure he scored a winner with his speech as the father of the bride at the weekend. EastEnders star Danny walked his daughter Dani, 28, down the aisle so she could marry footballer Jarrod Bowen. White rose petals lined the aisle, with floral sculptures and candles creating a stunning backdrop which the bride and groom shared a kiss in front of.

And after Dani, wearing a designer Suzanne Neville dress, and Jarrod said ‘I do’, cheeky Danny then couldn’t resist bringing a bit of football into proceedings. With mic in hand on videos shared on social media, he can be heard urging the guests to sing and he’s married Dani Dyer ‘ to the tune of pop star Gala’s hit Freed from Desire.

They responded and also waved white napkins in the air. The usual lyrics are less family friendly – but also refer to Jarrod and Dani being an item. Despite a possible hangover today, Dani quickly changed her surname to Dyer-Bowen on Instagram, and is thrilled with how her big day went.

Other photos also showed her holding a bag from the celebrations saying ‘ Wifey For Lifey ‘ making it clear she thinks the commitment and marriage is very much for keeps. The couple have twin daughters, Summer and Star, both one. Dani also has son Santi, four, from a previous relationship.

On her Instagram, Dani said”, The most perfect, special day, “alongside a video of herself getting married. A purpose-built glass marquee had been erected in the Buckinghamshire countryside for the event, although the ceremony itself took place outside to make the most of the sunny weather.

After the couple cut a giant white cake, a band could be seen in the background poised to begin, so everyone could get the party started with some dancing.

Around 60 people are said to have attended the ceremony, which is in keeping with the down-to-earth couple who have a small circle of close friends as well as family to invite.

Aside from dad Danny, other famous faces are thought to have included Jarrod’s former West Ham teammate Declan Rice. Other celebrities lined up on social media to praise the newly married couple and send their congratulations.

Podcaster Giovanna Fletcher, who recently had Dani on her show, said: “Whoooooooop!!! Huge congratulations!” Actor Vicky McClure said: “Huge congratulations!”

Liverpool footballer Andy Robertson said: “Congrats mate.” And former Love Island star Samira Mighty said: “Omgggggggg my beautiful babe.”

West Ham’s Instagram also commented, saying:” Congratulations to you both. “Dani later posted a video on social media of her whole day, which began with her drinking a glass of champagne for breakfast as she sang Hop Little Bunnies with her twins.

After the ceremony she and Jarrod were showered in white confetti before both Jarrod and Dani’s dad Danny gave speeches. Dani’s bridesmaids wore pink whilst her team of stylists and make-up artists wore brightly coloured dresses on the day and also posed with her in her bridesmaids dress.

The video of the day appeared to show Dani’s having a first dance with both her dad Danny and Jarrod before other guests joined them on the dancefloor. After a late night partying with a live band, guests could help themselves to take away pizzas. The boxes were specially made for the day and said ‘ D&amp, J that’s amore ‘ on them.

As reported on Sunday, Dani Dyer has been in talks with the BBC and has now verbally agreed to take part in Strictly Come Dancing this year. It will be another thing to make 2025 a year to remember for her. In February, Dani spoke about how she first met her fiancé in 2021, because he was her neighbour and took in her parcels for her.

” Jarrod was my neighbour”, Dyer told the Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast as she recalled the unusual story of how they met. I’ve never really spoken about this. I moved into the house I was in with Santi and he was only a few months old.

” It was a really small, cute little neighbourhood. I loved that house. People were like ‘ oh, Jarrod Bowen lives next door ‘ but I didn’t follow football at the time, just wasn’t interested in football.

“Then he knocked on my door a couple of times because my parcels went there. I remember the first time I opened the door… you know what it’s like, slicked-back hair… and I opened the door and I didn’t know it was Jarrod Bowen and he was hot.

” Blue eyes, blonde hair, a bit of me. I was like ‘ ohh, thanks! ‘ Then there were a few times I’d see him. I used to know when he was leaving for football because I’d hear his car go and he’d reverse out and I was like, oh I can go put the bins out.

“There was once I knew I looked OK because I had a shoot that day and I remember walking back round and then I put the key in the door and he came out and I thought ‘ I know I look good today’. So then he said ‘ have you got a meter reading key? ‘ once, a meter reading key for your gas or something.

” But I did not think nothing of it and said ‘ no, no I don’t ‘ and then he was like ‘ oh I’m moving house ‘ and I was like ‘ oh good luck with everything’. “Dyer said after he moved out, Bowen messaged her on her birthday to say ‘ happy birthday ‘ and following that ‘ they never stopped speaking’.

Dad-of-three and West Ham fan Danny is thrilled his daughter Dani has ended up marrying the West Ham star, who sources say is generally a private person and family man and not a flashy footballer by modern standards.

In the lead up to the wedding, Danny said:” I have met every single boyfriend that has walked through my door – and then she brings home the West Ham captain.

“I have gone from the lying scum, and I hate them, to a man who I would not mind tonguing myself! A strong man. If he lent in I would put my lips on this geezer.

” He is just, as a father and joking aside, he took her on with a 14 month old son and that says a lot about a man I will tell you. He is amazing. I can’t wait to give her away. What a touch. But if he was to make a move on me before…

“I think I’m in love with him, slightly”. Jarrod joined West Ham in 2020 and has regularly been the best player on the pitch, including when he scored the winning goal to give West Ham their first trophy in 43 years during the 2023 Europa Conference League final.

Danny added: “Okay. He plays for West Ham. He’s one of West Ham’s hot ones. He’s the captain of West Ham. And he’s unbelievable, this guy. I mean, he comes in my house. I take his shoes off for him.

” And I give him the remote control. And I say, ‘ Mate, this is your house now’. But he’s an incredible person. I just want someone to love my daughters the way I do. I want them to worship them and look after them. Let me tell you that. I love him. “

Singer A $AP Rocky was spotted in New York rushing to be by pregnant Rihanna’s side after her father, Ronald Fenty, died at the age of 70 following a brief illness

Rihanna’s boyfriend, singer A$AP Rocky, rushed to be by her side after tragically losing her father. Rihanna’s dad, Ronald Fenty, has died aged 70 in Los Angeles following a brief illness, according to reports. The pop icon, who shares two sons, RZA, 2, and Riot, 1, with A$AP Rocky, has reportedly been supported by her partner throughout this difficult time. The rapper was spotted in New York, where Rihanna is also staying.

The musician stepped out in all-black attire, consisting of some cropped black jeans, a dark t-shirt and a black leather bomber jacket. He completed the look with some sunglasses and chunky jewelry.

A $AP Rocky was snapped with his assistant, who covered him with an umbrella as he walked to a car where he reportedly made his way back to his family.

Ronald and Rihanna had a turbulent relationship. However, he previously opened up on how much she is loving mum life. The pop star’s father told Page Six: “She’s loving it. She’s a very overprotective mother”, before joking that the baby looks like him.

He added: “Everybody says]the baby] looks like me, but you know, babies change, faces change. He]resembles] a lot of Rihanna and Rocky together”.

Rihanna previously paid for her father to attend a $58, 000 Malibu rehab following a difficult period in their relationship that saw her send him home from her tour due to his alcohol abuse. Ronald was also the subject of a lawsuit filed by his daughter, who accused him of misusing her name to benefit his own entertainment company, however, she later dropped the lawsuit.

Rihanna announced her third pregnancy earlier this month when she attended the 2025 Met Gala, following many rumours that another baby was on the way. After keeping fans guessing by wearing baggy clothes, Rihanna used her fitted two-piece to make the big announcement at the 2025 gala.

The singer is building quite a reputation for delivering iconic pregnancy announcements after she announced her second pregnancy while performing at the Super Bowl.

Her dad reportedly had “no idea” his daughter was expecting a second baby at the time and is thought to have ‘ found out while watching the Super Bowl’.

TMZ reported Ronald said: “Oh my God! My baby girl looks pregnant”, while recalling the moment that he watched her perform the halftime show.

Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner has died aged 24. The former BBC show contestant died following a car crash in Manchester last week as his parents have paid an emotional tribute.

He had been driving on the A34 on Monday 26 May when his car left the road and rolled before landing on its side, Greater Manchester Police said. Sam had been working in Scotland and travelled to Stockport to attend a family birthday celebration earlier in the week, his uncle has said.

The landscape gardener appeared on the BBC travel show alongside his mum Jo. They trekked across South America in the second series of Race Across the World that aired in 2020. In a statement, Sam’s parents Jo and Andrew said they were “devastated”.

“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Sam in a terrible accident. Sam left us far too soon, and while words will never fully capture the light, joy and energy he brought into our lives, we hold on to the memories that made him so special”, they said.

Sam’s parents said he was “adored by his family” and described him as “loyal, funny and fiercely protective”. They added his time on the BBC show “opened Sam’s eyes to the wonder of adventure”.

His parents continued: “He was willing to go wherever the trail might lead and he touched everyone he met on the road. He found great happiness working as a landscape gardener on the west coast of Scotland.

” Sam brought warmth, laughter and a smattering of chaos wherever he went. He leaves behind a huge hole in our hearts. We will miss him endlessly, but we’ll also remember him with smiles, tall tales, and a depth of love that will never fade”.

Sam and mum Jo were unable to compete in the final leg of the race after they ran out of money. However, Sam had described his time on Race Across the World as a” life-changing “experience.

Sam’s uncle Jonny Dunlop has spoke out about the young gardener as he told the BBC:” What you saw was what you got. Sam loved gardening, animals and doing physical activity. “

He said his sister Jo and Sam had a” special relationship “and were an” enormous hit on the show””. The public really loved them, “he said.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said:” We sadly must confirm that the driver of a white VW Golf R estate involved in a single vehicle collision on Monday 26 May on the A34 in Gatley has since passed away from his injuries.

“The driver, a 24-year-old man, has been named as Sam Gardiner. His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. They have asked for privacy at this terrible time.

” We’d like to thank everyone who shared our appeal and have sent their best wishes to Sam and his family. “

In a statement at the time, police said:” Emergency services attended the scene and the driver, 24-year-old man, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, suffered serious head injuries and was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious and life-threatening condition. “

They added:” Initial enquiries suggest that the car, a white VW Golf R estate, was travelling north on the A34 in Gatley and officers believe that the vehicle went off the carriageway and rolled before landing on its side. “

Following the devastating news, a Race Across the World spokesperson said:” Everyone who worked with him and indeed everyone who watched Sam could see just how precious and transformative the trip was for both him and his mum, Jo.

“Sam embraced the seven-week trip with an energy, love and a determination that saw the pair enjoy adventures across Mexico to Argentina making audiences fall in love with them and their special bond as a result.

” Since filming, both Sam and Jo have been an integral part of the Race Across the World cast family and on behalf of us all from the BBC, production and the rest of the cast, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to his parents, Andrew and Jo, his brothers, William and Charlie, his step mum Justine, his family and friends. “

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Over the weekend, EastEnders icon Diane Parish posted a fun-filled video of the 2025 British Soap Awards highlights on social media that did not reveal any of the winners.

Diane Parish and her EastEnders castmates made a celebratory trip to Hackney on Saturday night as they prepared to attend the British Soap Awards 2025. The 55-year-old soap icon, who has been starring in Denise Fox on the BBC show since 2006, was long on the waitlist for one of the show categories.

The star had been initially nominated for the Best Leading Performer gong, but did not advance to the second round of nominations for the prestigious award. Instead, EastEnders co-stars Lacey Turner and Kellie Bright were nominated for the gong alongside Emmerdale stars Beth Cordingly and Eden Taylor-Draper.

The glitzy awards show, which was hosted by singing sensation and cruise ship enthusiast Jane McDonald, was also attended by Coronation Street and Hollyoaks stars. When highlights from the ceremony are broadcast on ITV on Thursday night, some fans are awaiting the results to be revealed.

In keeping with this, Diane took to social media on Sunday to post some of her favorite moments from the night. Before, during, and after the event, she shared a two-and-a-half-minute-long video of the festivities that included footage of her partying with other soap stars.

No spoilers for those who don’t want to know, Diane wrote in her main grid after uploading the footage. But I’m SO VERY appreciative of everyone who participates in “What a night” on @bbceastenders!

Clips showed her chuckling and chatting with co-stars, cheering crowd members in the live audience, showcasing Anita Dobson in the crowd, and partying at the after party. However, the after-show venue was the subject of a bomb hoax, so pop stars were in a fit for the occasion.

Following the main awards, the event took place at London’s Hackney Town Hall. However, shortly before 1am, after the event was reportedly threatened with a bomb, attendees were abruptly ordered to leave the venue.

“We all got evacuated just before 1am. No reason was given at first and security came round and told us we had to leave immediately,” a source told The Mirror – recounting the nerves shredding experience.

Security informed us that there had been a bomb threat as we all stood outside the street. People started making their way home because we were prevented from returning to the building.

In a video shared with The Mirror, some of TV’s biggest soap stars can be seen waiting outside the venue as more evacuate – with the likes of EastEnders’ Tameka Empson and former Hollyoaks star Emmett J Scanlan among them.

Additionally, a show source added that “the after party venue was required to be evacuated due to a security alert following the recording of the awards.” Everyone was safely cleared from the building.

Fans of soaps took to social media to criticize ITV for failing to broadcast the event live, with many upset that they had to wait until Thursday to see who would take the stage.

Taking to X to slam the delay in broadcast, one fan raged: “It’s ridiculous that the British Soap Awards isn’t live… there’s more hype for the soap stars arriving outside for something not even airing on tv for another week than there is the Britain’s Got Talent final… sort it out for next year please @itv.”

On Thursday, June 5, 2025, 8 p.m., ITV1 and ITVX will broadcast the British Soap Awards 2025.

Following her victory at the Soap Awards and his harrowing health scare last year, queen rocker Brian May has made a remark about his actress wife Anita Dobson.

Brian May has made a rare comment about his wife Anita Dobson following her Soap Awards win. The Queen rocker, 77, gushed over the actress as she took home the Scene of the Year gong at the annual award ceremony.

EastEnders icon Anita, 76, made a dramatic comeback as her beloved character Angie Watts on the soap, and the move secured her win. Speaking before she was presented with the gong, Anita: “It was just perfect.”

When asked if she could go back, she replied, “I don’t think so; it would have to be something extra special.

As Brian addressed his wife in a public message of support, Brian made sure to congratulate Anita. He gushed, “Congratulations Anita Dobson!!” before going to X. !

My incredibly talented lady wife, who won the Scene of the Year award, has once more shook the East End as a ghost from another life! incredibly proud!!! Bri. “

Actress Anita, who has been married to Brian for 24 years, spoke out about the musician’s health earlier this year following his terrifying stroke.

In September, Brian said that “out of the blue” he suddenly lost control of his left arm, and was rushed to hospital in an ambulance where he was diagnosed with a stroke. He was later told to take it easy and made the announcement himself with a social media video.

Earlier this year, Anita revealed Brian was in a “stable” condition. Anita gave a reassuring four-word answer while on Good Morning Britain.

She continued, “He’s doing well now,” before adding, “I’m very happy to say, thank you both for asking, he’s doing well now, he’s back to his old self!”

Last year, the We Will Rock You legend shared the news with his followers on Instagram by saying, “I hope you’re all well out there. I’m here to share some positive news with you first.

After the events of the past few days, I believe the good news is that I can play guitar because that minor health hiccup, which they referred to as a minor stroke, suddenly appeared out of nowhere, making it a little frightening.

He also praised the excellent care provided by the medical staff at Frimley Hospital in Camberley, Surrey. I must add that Frimley Hospital gave me the most incredible care and attention, and that they even flashed the blue lights. Very exciting” !

Brian also experienced a heart attack in 2020, and he was initially assumed to have had a simple injury from gardening. He now “could have died.”

He subsequently had his heart fitted with three stents, which are tiny tubes that hold open blocked arteries, that helped him recover.

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