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

Los Angeles fires: Hanks, Affleck, Witherspoon and Star Wars legend among stars evacuated as fires spread

Published

on

By

Los Angeles fires: Hanks, Affleck, Witherspoon and Star Wars legend among stars evacuated as fires spread

Hollywood celebrities are among thousands of people to have been evacuated from their homes as fires rip through areas of Los Angeles.

Sky News’ US correspondent Martha Kelner reported that Tom Hanks, Ben Affleck and Reese Witherspoon were all evacuated on Tuesday as wildfires continued to spread in the Pacific Palisades suburb of LA.

The blaze spreading there is one of four raging in California.

Follow latest: At least two killed as flames spread

The US flag flies as flames from the Palisades Fire engulf a structure during a windstorm on the west of Los Angeles. Pic: Reuters
Image:
The US flag flies as flames from the Palisades Fire engulf a structure during a windstorm on the west of Los Angeles. Pic: Reuters

A wildfire-ravaged property in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles. Pic: AP
Image:
A wildfire-ravaged property in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles. Pic: AP

The area, which is home to billionaires as well as Hollywood A-listers, is located between Santa Monica and Malibu.

Other celebrities who have fled their homes include the award-winning actor James Woods, who said last night he had been safely evacuated from his home in Pacific Palisades.

But he added in a post on X: “I do not know at this moment if our home is still standing.”

Actor Mark Hamill, best known for playing Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars films, also posted on social media last night saying he evacuated his home in Malibu and his family were “fleeing for our lives”.

This Is Us actress Mandy Moore was also forced to leave her home due to the fires.

She said in two Instagram stories she had fled the Eaton fire, which is raging near Altadena, with her children, cats and dog. They have found temporary refuge with friends.

The actress said: “Trying to shield the kids from the immense sadness and worry I feel.

“Praying for everyone in our beautiful city. So gutted for the destruction and loss. Don’t know if our place made it.”

Mark Hamill and Mandy Moore. File Pics: Reuters
Image:
Mark Hamill and Mandy Moore fled their homes. File Pics: Reuters

Ben Affleck Reese Witherspoon Tom Hanks
Image:
Tom Hanks, Reese Witherspoon and Ben Affleck were all evacuated from their homes. Pics: AP

According to Velvet Ropes, which maps celebrity properties, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Matt Damon, Steven Spielberg, Hilary Swank and Sally Field all have homes close to where fires are raging.

Dr Dre, Adam Brody and Leighton Meester, Tyra Banks, Martin Short, Anna Faris, Milo Ventimiglia, Linda Cardellini, Mary McDonnell, Adam Sandler, Miles Teller, and Jennifer Love Hewitt are also said to have houses in affected areas.

The Palisades Fire burns a Christmas tree inside a residence in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. Pic: AP
Image:
The Palisades Fire burns a Christmas tree inside a residence in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. Pic: AP

The skyline of Los Angeles covered with smoke due to wildfires raging in the area. Pic: Reuters
Image:
The skyline of Los Angeles covered with smoke due to wildfires raging in the area. Pic: Reuters

In neighbouring Malibu, which was also affected by fires in December, stars including Beyonce and Jay-Z, Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish are said to be among the celebrity residents.

The Palisades blaze has already burnt through more than 11,000 acres of land while the Eaton one has caused the death of two people, Los Angeles County fire chief Anthony Marrone said on Wednesday.

The two other fires are known as Woodley and Hurst, after the main areas affected.

All four blazes are still growing, Mr Marrone said.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Star of The Hills and Made In Chelsea says family’s homes have burnt down in LA wildfires

Published

on

By

Star of The Hills and Made In Chelsea says family's homes have burnt down in LA wildfires

A reality TV personality known for appearing on shows like The Hills and Made In Chelsea has told Sky News her family have lost their homes in the California wildfires.

Stephanie Pratt, a model and the sister of fellow reality TV celebrity Spencer Pratt, lives in the Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles, where more than 30,000 people have fled their homes due to the fast-moving blaze.

Los Angeles fire chief Anthony Marrone said on Wednesday that the Palisades fire is still growing and that “well over 5,000 acres” have been burnt.

At least two people have been killed so far, with around 1,000 buildings destroyed.

Follow latest: Two killed in LA wildfires

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

House surrounded by flames during wildfire

A firefighter shields their face as the Palisades Fire burns down a home in Los Angeles. Pic: AP
Image:
The flames burning down a home in Los Angeles. Pic: AP

The Palisades Fire burns a residence in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Image:
Some of the damage after the wildfire. Pic: AP

California governor Gavin Newsom earlier declared a state of emergency over the four wildfires in the south of the state.

Speaking to Sky News from London, an emotional Ms Pratt said: “It’s just so crazy, I had no idea what was happening.

“I talked to my dad yesterday and he said ‘The Palisades is burning’. He said that he was at my brother’s house on Chautauqua [Boulevard] and they were just watching the flames come.

“The firefighters came and said you got to leave.”

Former Made in Chelsea star Stephanie Pratt on her brother who has lost his home in the wildfires.
Image:
Former Made In Chelsea star Stephanie Pratt speaking to Sky News

Map showing wildfires in California.
Image:
Map showing wildfires in California.

‘I don’t know if my house is there’

Ms Pratt said her parents and brother Spencer, who like her starred in the reality series The Hills, were safely evacuated from the area.

However, the 38-year-old added that “all of the phones are disconnected” and that she doesn’t know what had happened to her home.

“I talked to my neighbour last night and she told me that [Palisades Charter High School] had burnt down, and that’s directly behind me, and so had Gelson’s Supermarket which is adjacent,” she said.

“I just can’t reach anyone to see if my house is okay. I just Googled it and it said that it’s destroyed and terrible… I don’t know if my house is there.”

Read more:
Terrifying firestorm tears through film stars’ homes
Why are there wildfires in January?

Reality TV personality Stephanie Pratt in 2010. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Reality TV personality Stephanie Pratt in 2010. Pic: Reuters

‘This is where they raised their kids’

When she asked her dad about Spencer, 41, who is married to 38-year-old Heidi Montag – another co-star of The Hills – Ms Pratt said he told her “I’ve never seen him like this”.

“I’m assuming he’s just completely catatonic,” she added. “We don’t care about the material things or anything like that, but this was their family home.

“This is where they raised their two little kids.”

Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2008. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2008. Pic: Reuters

The Palisades fire is one of five blazes currently burning in southern California – evacuation orders were in place on Tuesday in Altadena after another fire, called the Eaton fire, started near a nature preserve.

A third blaze, called the Hurst fire, also ripped through Sylmar in the north of the city.

And according to the state department Cal Fire, two more blazes – the Woodley fire in Los Angeles and Tyler fire in Riverside – broke out on Wednesday.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

School Of Rock wedding: Co-stars marry decades after first meeting on set of film

Published

on

By

School Of Rock wedding: Co-stars marry decades after first meeting on set of film

Two School Of Rock co-stars, who met at the age of 10, have got married.

Caitlin Hale and Angelo Massagli, who played Marta and Frankie respectively in the 2003 classic alongside Jack Black, tied the knot in New York on Saturday.

The couple brought some of the original cast of the film, which centres on a pretend substitute teacher turning a group of musically gifted school children into a rock band, together to celebrate their nuptials.

Posting on Instagram, Hale, 33, shared various images of the day, including a photobooth picture with a handful of their former cast mates.

The former actress, who now works as a sonographer, wrote under the post: “Special thank you to everyone who contributed to an unforgettable day!”

More from Ents & Arts

Set
5882970

Image
5882970e

Photographer
Andrew Schwartz/Paramount/Scott Rudin Prods/Mfp/New Century/Sor Prods/Kobal/Shutterstock

School Of Rock - 2003
Maryam Hussan, Cuitlin Hale, Jack Black

2003
Image:
Caitlin Hale (middle) with Maryam Hussan and Jack Black. Pic: Andrew Schwartz/Paramount/Scott Rudin Prods/Mfp/New Century/Sor Prods/Kobal/Shutterstock

Rivkah Reyes, who played bass player Katie in the film, also posted about the wedding, sharing a video on TikTok.

The clip, set to Stevie Nicks’s Edge Of Seventeen, included cameos from Brian Falduto, who played Billy, Joey Gaydos Jr, who played Zack, and Aleisha Allen, who played Alicia, among others.

The use of the song was a nod to one of the scenes from the film where Black and Joan Cusack, who plays headteacher Rosalie Mullins, sing the song in a bar.

“Celebrating the marriage of Caitlin & Angelo with my forever fam #schoolofrock #wedding,” Reyes wrote alongside the video, which showed them all dancing together.

After appearing together in the film the only contact Hale and Massagli had was through a WhatsApp chat set up with the entire cast, according to The New York Times.

The pair then both left show business and coincidentally reconnected while studying in schools in Florida.

Massagli, 32, who now works as a lawyer for TikTok, according to The Times, told the paper the familiarity they both had due to working together when they were younger “cut through some of those early relationship hurdles”.

The couple got engaged in June 2023.

Continue Reading

Trending