American football star Travis Kelce has praised girlfriend Taylor Swift’s work ethic, saying her record-breaking Eras Tour was “excruciating” on the singer’s body and mind.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl, Kelce, who is a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, was asked by reporters what he has learnt about Swift‘s dedication to her craft.

“What I saw on that [Eras Tour] last year was pretty remarkable,” Kelce replied.

“To see the week in, week out, travelling from one country to the next, how excruciating it is on her body and on her mind.

“It’s not just her, it was her entire tour. It was the dancers, it was the band, the singers, it was everybody involved.

“It was an absolute machine, and it was something I could admire watching, and I think about it all the time.”

Spanning five continents, Swift’s Eras Tour became the highest-grossing of all time and the second most attended, seen by 10.1 million fans worldwide.

The singer played a total of 149 shows, each running for around three hours, the elaborate performance also featured multiple costume changes and a set list of more than 40 songs.

Kelce, who has been dating the singer since September 2023, attended multiple shows and even delighted fans when he joined Swift on stage at London’s Wembley Arena.

Swift’s support and possible proposal?

Although focus is firmly on Kelce as the Chiefs prepare to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in a bid to win an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title, questions about his love life have dominated the build up to the game.

The 14-time Grammy Award-winning singer was born in Pennsylvania – the largest city in Philadelphia – but when asked what team would get her full support, Kelce said he thinks this year she will be “wearing red” (the colour of the Chiefs).

“I know her father is an Eagles fan,” he said, adding: “But she’ll be all for the Chiefs this time around for sure.”

The footballer was also quick to shut down questions on whether he plans to give Swift an engagement ring, should the Chiefs win a three in a row. When asked, he simply responded: “A Super Bowl ring? Next question.”

Swift has become a regular feature at Chiefs games, last seen cheering Kelce and his teammates on as they beat the Bills in the AFC Championship game that secured their place in the Super Bowl, and came on to the field at the Arrowhead Stadium after their victory to kiss him as confetti fell behind them.

Read more from Sky News:
Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Sarah Michelle Gellar confirms revival
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s legal battle explained

She also attracted plenty of attention in her own right at last year’s game, as she was making a much-discussed journey from her concert in Tokyo in time for the big kick-off in Las Vegas.

In the end she made it with plenty of time to spare, and went on to enjoy herself after the Chiefs’ 25-22 win over the 49ers.

TV chef Gino D’Acampo has denied dozens of allegations of inappropriate and intimidating behaviour on the sets of TV shows he has appeared on.

D’Acampo actions were described as being “unacceptable”, “distressing” and “horrendous”, according to an ITV News investigation.

Anonymous women who spoke to the news broadcaster also accused D’Acampo of aggressive behaviour and making highly sexualised remarks.

In a statement to ITV News, D’Acampo has said he “firmly” denies the allegations and “would not do anything that I thought would upset or distress anyone”.

He adds: “I am a father, husband… the suggestion that I have acted in an improper way against is deeply upsetting.”

Sky News has contacted D’Acampo for comment.

ITV also reported that bosses at Objective Media Group, the production company behind Gordon, Gino And Fred’s Roadtrip in 2018, appear to have been aware of concerns about D’Acampo’s behaviour.

Objective Media Group said: “We have robust protocols and procedures in place for all cast and crew, including on-screen talent, that we review regularly whilst also ensuring that we take into account developments regarding industry wide ‘Duty of Care’ guidelines.”

The production company continued: “Across all productions we encourage people to raise any concerns at the earliest opportunity… If there are incidents or complaints reported, we implement our Escalation Procedure and ensure that a full and thorough process is followed in close collaboration with the broadcaster.”

Read more from Sky News:
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s legal battle explained
Steve Coogan avoids driving ban

Other production companies that have worked with D’Acampo have also issued statements following the allegations.

Studio Ramsay said: “Whilst we do not disclose or discuss personnel matters publicly, Studio Ramsay is committed, in conjunction with our broadcast partners, to a safe and professional work environment. We take all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and workplace misconduct seriously, promptly investigate, and take appropriate remedial action when warranted.”

MultiStory Media said: “It would be inappropriate to go into the detail of individual concerns but we give our assurance that we are reviewing the concerns which have been raised, what was known at the time and what action was taken. We will also look at any new concerns that have come to light.”

American music producer Irv Gotti has died at the age of 54. 

The producer, who founded the hip-hop label Murder Inc Records, produced nearly 30 Hot 100 hits in the US charts for artists including Ashanti, Ja Rule, Ye, DMX, Fat Joe, Mary J Blige and Jay-Z.

His death was confirmed by his children – Angie, Sonny and JJ – who posted on his official Instagram page to say that he died on 5 February “surrounded by his family and friends”.

Describing their father as an “incredible man” and “true visionary”, they said he will “leave behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him and the countless lives he touched”.

“As we navigate this difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy while we grieve the loss of our dad, son, brother, uncle, and friend. We take comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on through his music and the love he shared with all of us,” the family statement added.

Gotti’s cause of death has not been revealed.

After founding Murder Inc in 1998, Gotti signed Ashanti and Ja Rule as the record label’s first artists.

Ja Rule landed his first top 40 Billboard Hot 100 hit with Holla Holla from his 1999 debut album Venni Vetti Vecci, while the song Always On Time, which featured both him and Ashanti, became his highest-charting single.

Meanwhile, Ashanti’s 2002 debut single, Foolish, made her only the second artist to simultaneously occupy spots in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 with her first three charting singles.

The label’s success skyrocketed, and between 1999 and 2005 Ja Rule had a total of 17 Hot 100 hits.

Leading tributes to the producer, Def Jam Recordings – another record label owned by Universal Music Group – posted on social media, writing that Gotti’s work “reshaped the soundscape of hip-hop and R&B”.

“Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives and employees, are deeply saddened at the loss of Irv Gotti,” Def Jam said.

“His contributions at Def Jam, as both an A&R executive and in partnership with Murder Inc, helped pave the way for the next generation of artists and producers, a force that reshaped the soundscape of hip-hop and R&B.

“His creative genius and unwavering dedication to the culture behind countless hits, defined an era of music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.”

Read more from Sky News:
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s legal battle explained
Steve Coogan avoids driving ban

Ja Rule also posted, sharing two images, one featuring them together, with the caption: “Love you.”

50 Cent, who appeared to reference his long-running feud with Gotti, also paid tribute, posting a picture of himself smoking next to a gravestone that read RIP.