Connect with us

Published

on

I’m A Celebrity has announced its famous contestants for this year’s series, with stars from the worlds of pop music, international football and soap among the 2021 group.

The ITV show will head back to Gwrych Castle for a second season after uncertainty surrounding international travel meant producers could not be sure they could return to the Australian jungle.

Ant and Dec are back as hosts once again, taking the new set of celebs through their paces in the Welsh castle – take a look at the 2021 line-up below.

Dame Arlene Phillips - I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Pic: ITV/Lifted Entertainment

Dame Arlene Phillips

Dame Arlene became a household name in the UK when she joined Strictly Come Dancing’s first series as a judge in 2004.

She later left in 2008 and went on to work on shows such as Britannia High and So You Think You Can Dance?

She is also a prolific theatre choreographer and director, and has been part of shows such as We Will Rock You, Starlight Express and Saturday Night Fever.

At 78, she is I’m A Celebrity’s oldest-ever contestant – but says that isn’t going to hold her back.

Danny Miller is one of the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! 2021 contestants. Pic: ITV/Lifted Entertainment

Danny Miller

Miller has played Aaron Dingle in Emmerdale since 2008.

He has been part of some key storylines in the soap, including themes of child sexual assault, car crashes and heists.

Miller has also appeared in Grange Hill, Scott & Bailey and Cruel Summer.

David Ginola - I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! 2021. Pic: ITV/Lifted Entertainment

David Ginola

There aren’t many sporting fans in the world who don’t know who David Ginola is – a French footballing legend who had stints at teams including Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle, Spurs, Aston Villa and Everton.

Since then, he’s become a regular on the BBC, BT Sport and CNN, as well as the French version of Strictly Come Dancing.

He has also worked as a model and an actor.

Frankie Bridge - I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! 2021. Pic: MUST CREDIT ITV/Lifted Entertainment

Frankie Bridge

Bridge was part of noughties girl band The Saturdays for seven years, with hits including Up, Ego and Higher.

Before that she was a member of S Club Juniors, a spin-off of S Club 7.

After her music career, the singer went on to marry footballer Wayne Bridge, a former contestant himself, and has presented TV shows and spoken openly about mental health.

Kadeena Cox MBE - I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Pic: ITV/Lifted Entertainment

Kadeena Cox MBE

A decorated British Paralympian, Cox has medals for both sprinting and cycling at the game – including gold.

Suffering from multiple sclerosis, she has broken world records on the track and represented the UK at two games.

Away from the track and the velodrome, she won this year’s series of Celebrity Masterchef.

Louise Minchin - I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! 2021. Pic: ITV/Lifted Entertainment

Louise Minchin

Journalist and presenter Minchin has recently departed the BBC Breakfast sofa after 20 years on the flagship show.

She has had a long career at the BBC, which has also included projects such as Sunday Life, The One Show and Olympics coverage.

Minchin says she hopes her stint in the castle will show her fun side after being known as a “serious news presenter”.

Matty Lee - I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Pic: ITV/Lifted Entertainment

Matty Lee

Diver Lee took home the gold medal with Tom Daley in the 10 metres synchronised event at the Tokyo Olympics earlier in 2021.

The 23-year-old says taking part in I’m A Celebrity ticks off another life goal.

“Nothing ever prepares you for what life will be like after you do well in the Olympics,” he says. “I was and still am mainly in shock that I am doing I’m A Celebrity. My two childhood dreams were to win an Olympic medal and take part in my favourite TV series. And now I am doing both this year!”

Naughty Boy - I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! 2021. Pic: ITV/Lifted Entertainment

Naughty Boy

A DJ, songwriter and producer, Naughty Boy has worked with some of the biggest names in pop, including Beyonce and Sam Smith.

The star, whose real name is Shahid Khan, thinks his background working with artists will stand him in good stead when he enters the camp.

“I would love to see more musicians go into the castle this series, Sir Elton John would be incredible,” he says. “We (musicians) are more equipped than people think as we spend such a lot of time in the studio.”

Richard Madeley is one of the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! contestants for 2021. Pic: ITV/Lifted Entertainment

Richard Madeley

As one half of Richard and Judy, there are not many light entertainment jobs that Madeley has not been involved with.

He hosted This Morning with his wife Judy Finnigan between 1988 and 2001 before moving to their own show, Richard and Judy on Channel 4. The pair have hosted quiz shows and chat shows, appeared on comedy panel shows and even been contestants on reality shows.

Madeley says I’m A Celebrity… has “become part of the fabric of British life and part of the countdown to Christmas”, which is why he wanted to take part.

Snoochie Shy - I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! 2021. Pic: ITV/ Lifted Entertainment

Snoochie Shy

BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ Snoochie Shy landed her late-night slot on the station two years ago.

Colleague and fellow DJ Jordan North was a runner-up on I’m A Celebrity… last year, so she is following in his footsteps.

The 29-year-old says she is looking forward to her listeners finding out more about her.

“I am actually quite a shy person when I am outside my comfort zone,” she says. “I think my shy side might come out and I might be quite shy in the first couple of days but I also will definitely be a team player.”

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! begins on ITV and ITV Hub on 21 November

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Peter Kay forced to postpone gigs for a second time because of arena issues

Published

on

By

Peter Kay forced to postpone gigs for a second time because of arena issues

Peter Kay says he has been forced to postpone two shows at a new arena in Manchester again – this time for almost a month.

The comedian was due to perform at the Co-op Live in Manchester, which is set to become the UK’s biggest arena, on 23 and 24 April.

Behind-schedule power tests and safety concerns meant both gigs were initially pushed back to 29 and 30 April – but now, the dates have been delayed until 23 and 24 May.

Co-op Live’s general manager, Gary Roden, resigned yesterday following a series of problems and delays at the new venue.

Kay wrote: “To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again… I know I can’t believe it either.”

He added: “It’s very disappointing but your safety is important and I won’t compromise that.”

The £365 million arena’s general manager announced his resignation after a slew of issues led to a delay in the opening of what will be the UK’s biggest indoor arena.

More from UK

In an X/Twitter post today, comedian Kay apologised to fans for the cancellations.

The 50-year-old Phoenix Nights star wrote: “To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience.

“Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either).”

Today it also emerged that The Black Keys gigs due to be at the venue this month have also been pushed back.

Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys performs live on day 2 of the Isle of Wight Festival 2015, Seaclose Park, Isle of Wight
Image:
Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. Pic PA

Headaches for Co-op Arena became patently clear after capacity for a test event last Saturday was reduced with just hours’ notice.

The arena announced on Monday that Kay’s performances would instead take place on 29 and 30 April, with Kay saying he was “truly gutted” by the delay but the comedy gigs will now move to 23 and 24 May 23.

He wrote: “Tickets will be transferred, or refunds given if the new dates aren’t suitable. It’s very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won’t compromise that.”

In a post on X/Twitter, Co-Op Live Arena said: “Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co- op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans.

“To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows.”

The US rock band will now play at the venue on 15 May.

Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester
Pic: Cover Images/AP
Image:
Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester
Pic: Cover Images/AP

A spokesperson for the venue posted: “Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly.

“This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.”

Over the weekend, a preview concert starring Rick Astley was also hit by delays, with ticket capacity slashed just hours before his gig was due to begin.

Astley fans who had their tickets cancelled have instead been offered seats to see US rock band the Black Keys play next week – but now that show has been cancelled.

Organisers said one problem in particular related to the power supply that was the cause of the cancellation.

Read more:
Jack Whitehall reacts to Prince William calling his jokes ‘dad-like’
Comedians Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorce
Crime scene weeks after discovery of human torso in woods

A spokesperson said: “It is critical to ensure we have a consistent total power supply to our fully electric sustainable venue, the completion of which is a few days behind.

“Rescheduling gives us the extra time we need to continue testing thoroughly. This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size.”

Once fully open, the arena next to Manchester City’s ground will have a capacity of 23,500, overtaking the size of the existing Manchester Arena which can hold 21,000 spectators.

Built at an estimated cost of £365m, the arena counts former One Direction singer Harry Styles as one of its investors, with the pop star also advising on some elements of the arena’s design.

Other stars that were due to play at the venue include Take That, Liam Gallagher, Olivia Rodrigo and Eric Clapton.

Peter Kay has been on a comeback tour since December, appearing in Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham – his first tour since 2010.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Jack Whitehall reacts after Prince William calls his jokes ‘dad-like’

Published

on

By

Jack Whitehall reacts after Prince William calls his jokes 'dad-like'

Jack Whitehall says he’s been the victim of “outrageous shading” after the Prince of Wales described his jokes as “dad-like”.

The next in line to the throne was asked by a group of school kids to tell a “dad joke” – and responded by saying he was “channelling” the 35-year-old comedian.

On X, Whitehall quipped: “There goes my knighthood.”

In a light-hearted, split-screen video, Whitehall reacted to the prince’s comments – but flattery after being name dropped turned to mock offence after William critiqued his jokes.

“Rinsed by the future King,” the comic said.

William made a surprise visit to a school in the West Midlands yesterday after a pupil requested he come and learn about their mental health campaign.

During the trip, William was asked to join children from St Michael’s Church of England School in Sandwell for the “dad joke” segment of their radio show.

More from Ents & Arts

He said: “I’m trying to channel Jack Whitehall, because most of his jokes are pretty dad-like.

“I think what I’ll do is I’ll say a joke which is Charlotte’s favourite joke at the moment, she keeps telling me.”

The Prince of Wales during a visit to St. Michael’s Church of England High School in Sandwell
Pic Kensington Palace
Image:
The Prince of Wales visits a school in Sandwell. Pic: Kensington Palace

The royal began with “knock knock” – and when pupils replied “who’s there”, William said “interrupting cow”.

As the kids tried to ask “interrupting cow who?” he made them laugh by saying “moooooo” before they could finish the sentence.

Whitehall shook his head with disapproval while listening to the joke – but then picked up a notebook and scribbled it down, as if he planned to use it in a future set.

Read more:
Photo of Louis taken by Kate to mark birthday
King recognises Queen and Prince William
Prince William and George spotted at Villa

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Prince William surprises student

Whitehall – who welcomed his first child with his partner Roxy Horner last year – has written a Netflix special called Settle Down about becoming a father.

He is known for his sarcastic and self-deprecating stand-up comedy, starring in the sitcom Bad Education, and his long-running travel show with his father Michael.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Orpheus Pledger: Home and Away star accused of assault arrested after manhunt

Published

on

By

Orpheus Pledger: Home and Away star accused of assault arrested after manhunt

Former Home and Away star Orpheus Pledger has been arrested following a three-day police manhunt for the actor, according to Australian media reports.

The 30-year-old was due to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday accused of assaulting a woman, Sky News Australia said.

The actor had been granted bail on Monday for a court-ordered hospital assessment and had been ordered to return to court the next day.

When he failed to show up – Victoria Police issued a warrant for his arrest and asked the public to help find him.

On Thursday night, Victoria Police confirmed Pledger had been found and arrested, ABC News and Sky News Australia reported.

He is facing four assault charges for allegedly assaulting a woman.

Pledger’s manager Craig McMahon told the Sydney Morning Herald he had not been in contact with his client this week but that he had been shocked by the assault allegations.

Read more from Sky News:
The true story of a ‘snow baby’
Healy reacts to Swift’s ‘diss track’

Pledger starred in Neighbours, another Australian soap, in 2011.

He joined the cast of Home and Away in 2016 and played Mason Morgan for three years.

Earlier in his career, he appeared in other TV shows, Silversun and CrashBurn.

Continue Reading

Trending