'X Factor': Ben Haenow Admits He 'Necked A Bottle Of Vodka A Night' As A Teenager To Cope With Personal Troubles

November 8, 2014, 1:25 am

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‘X Factor’ hopeful Ben Haenow has opened up about his difficult early years, admitting he turned to alcohol as a teenager to help him deal with his feelings of deep depression.

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While Ben is enjoying huge success on the TV singing contest, where he is mentored by music mogul Simon Cowell and is currently among the favourites to win, things haven’t always been so great for the aspiring artist.

During last week’s show, the singer was seen telling his mum he hoped that his success on ‘X Factor’ meant that she’d finally be able to take it easy, having been forced to work three jobs when she and her husband split when Ben was just four years old, leaving her to raise her two sons alone.

Ben Haenow

Ben tells The Mirror that his rocky home life left him spiralling into depression, admitting: “As I got older, I couldn’t handle it and used to drink a lot. I was 14 years old and just necking a bottle of vodka a day until I was sick and paralytic.

“Me and a mate would get a few bottles in and do it every night. I would stay out at a friend’s house so my mum wouldn’t see me like that.

"Physically and mentally it was bad. I was hungover and felt like s*** at school.”

Ben says that he stopped drinking to excess when he was 18, claiming alcohol was “ruining” his life, and now has his heart set on winning ‘The X Factor’, so he can buy his mum a new house.

He says: “My mum had to fend for herself with no financial help. It breaks my heart. This is the whole reason I want to do it.

“She has put herself through so much mental stress. She deserves so much better than what she has got.”

Ben is one of nine contestants currently still fighting for a place in ‘The X Factor’, and will be performing the emotional Michael Jackson ballad ‘Man In The Mirror’ during Saturday night’s show.

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'I'm A Celebrity' Line-Up: Tinchy Stryder And Newsreader Michael Buerk To Head Down Under For New Series?

November 8, 2014, 1:56 am

≫ Next: Robin Williams' Autopsy Report Confirms Academy Award Winner Had No Alcohol Or Illegal Drugs In His System Before Suicide

≪ Previous: 'X Factor': Ben Haenow Admits He 'Necked A Bottle Of Vodka A Night' As A Teenager To Cope With Personal Troubles

With the launch of this year’s ‘I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here’ inching ever closer, two more stars have been linked with a spot on this year’s jungle line-up.

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The Mirror have claimed that R&B singer Tinchy Stryder - who has been previously soared to the top of the UK singles chart, thanks to his collaborations with N-Dubz and Amelle Berrabah from Sugababes - is among the stars heading Down Under for the new series of the reality show.

A source tells the newspaper: “Tinchy always has been up for a new challenge and likes the idea of doing the show and getting a new audience for his music and business interests.

Tinchy Stryder

“Bosses are hoping he will tell some anecdotes about his A-list friends and also get flirty with some of the single females in there too.”

Surely it can’t be a coincidence that Tinchy’s upcoming third album, ‘360°’, has previously been slated for release at the tail-end of 2014 - right when ‘I’m A Celeb’ is due to finish..?

Tinchy is good friends with former N-Dubz singer Tulisa, who is also among the celebrities rumoured to be taking part, while he also recently made headlines thanks to the release of his unexpected collaboration with the Chuckle Brothers.

Meanwhile, BBC newsreader Michael Buerk has reportedly also signed up for the show, at a rumoured cost of £120,000.

Michael Buerk

An insider has told The Sun: “Every year I’m A Celebrity try to get at least one name that makes jaws drop and Michael could be the best ever.

"They’ve had to pay through the nose but he’s worth every penny.”

While TV personality Melanie Sykes and ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ star Gemma Collins are both thought to have been confirmed for ‘I’m A Celebrity’, here are some of the other stars who might be taking part in the new series, which kicks off on 16 November...

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Robin Williams' Autopsy Report Confirms Academy Award Winner Had No Alcohol Or Illegal Drugs In His System Before Suicide

November 8, 2014, 3:09 am

≫ Next: Katie Price 'Will Never Forgive Kieran Hayler' For Cheating On Her With Her Two Friends While She Was Pregnant

≪ Previous: 'I'm A Celebrity' Line-Up: Tinchy Stryder And Newsreader Michael Buerk To Head Down Under For New Series?

The results of Robin Williams’ autopsy have shown that there were no illegal drugs or alcohol in his system before he took his own life.

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The report, released by the Marin County coroner, also confirmed the Oscar-winning actor’s cause of death as “asphyxia by hanging”.

The autopsy results had originally been meant to be released at the end of September, but were delayed twice before finally emerging this week.

Robin Williams

The news of Robin’s suicide caused shockwaves the world over, when it was reported that he had been found dead in his California home back in August, at the age of 63.

His death led to a number of public tributes, both from the world of showbiz and from his fans, who paid their respects by laying floral tributes at his home, as well as at the home of his character Mork from the sitcom ‘Mork & Mindy’.

Robin’s three children also paid tribute to their father with an emotional statement, with his daughter, Zelda, describing him as “one of the kindest, most generous, gentlest souls I've ever known”, adding: “I will carry his heart with me every day.”

Though he was best known for his stand-up comedy and comic film performances, Robin also took on more serious parts throughout his decades-spanning career, and won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1997, thanks to his performance in ‘Good Will Hunting’.

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Katie Price 'Will Never Forgive Kieran Hayler' For Cheating On Her With Her Two Friends While She Was Pregnant

November 8, 2014, 3:53 am

≫ Next: 'Downton Abbey' Series 5 Finale - The 10 Questions We Need Answered

≪ Previous: Robin Williams' Autopsy Report Confirms Academy Award Winner Had No Alcohol Or Illegal Drugs In His System Before Suicide

Katie Price has said that she will never forgive Kieran Hayler for cheating on her with two of her close friends.

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Earlier this year, days after the news broke that she was pregnant with his child, Katie revealed on Twitter that she was planning to divorce Kieran, following the revelation that he’d been having an affair with her close friend of over 20 years, Jane Pountney.

Following the birth of their daughter, Bunny, the former glamour model revealed she’d had a change of heart, and was giving Kieran another chance, though she’s insisted that she’s far from forgiving him.

katie price kieran hayler

Katie Price and Kieran Hayler

Speaking to Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford on Friday’s ‘This Morning’, she explained: “I will never forgive him. And it was two of my best friends. I never will [get over it], it paralyses me every day, but I try and be positive in life and he’s getting help.

“I’m still gobsmacked he’s done it. I was in shock myself. But he’s done me a favour, my friends are obviously not my real friends. He does have a problem and he’s obviously getting help for it.”

Katie went on to say that she was still seeing a therapist to help her work through the anger she holds towards the friends who slept with Kieran behind her back.

She also spoke about her plans to renew her wedding vows to Kieran, claiming she planned to have two pigs as her bridesmaids, and had even named them after the friends that she feels betrayed her, joking: “Then we’re putting them on the hog roast!”

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'Downton Abbey' Series 5 Finale - The 10 Questions We Need Answered

November 9, 2014, 12:19 am

≫ Next: 'X Factor' Stage Invasion: Lee Nelson Crashes Stereo Kicks' Performance Of 'You Are Not Alone'

≪ Previous: Katie Price 'Will Never Forgive Kieran Hayler' For Cheating On Her With Her Two Friends While She Was Pregnant

Here we are again, eight speedy weeks into the autumn schedule, and already it's the end of 'Downton Abbey'... again. Never mind the years rushing by as you get older, series of Julian Fellowes' period saga seem to fly by.

Anyway, here we are again, with a whole wool-ball of loose ends to tie up, both up and down stairs. Not everything has to be sorted, mind you, because ITV bosses confirmed this week that a sixth series is on its way. Just as well, because I, for one, feel sorely underserved by Thomas Barrow in Series 5. Still one of the best characters in the show, Mr Barrow's attempts to chemically subdue his sexuality were given only a few minutes in these past episodes, so cross fingers he'll be back on sly-fox, winning form next time around.

In the meantime, here are just a few of the questions that Lord Fellowes might need to answer for us, before credits roll for a the final time this year (well, if you don't count the Christmas special, the ITV charity special... TV bosses can smell a cash-cow, even when the storylines aren't quite as compelling as they once were). But for now...

Can just one wedding at Downton Abbey go off without incident, and with bride and groom both present, happy and assured of a bright future? Pretty please. It does seem as though perpetually grinning Lady Rose has found her male counterpart in the ridiculously named Atticus Aldrige. But the furrowed brows of his father and her mother almost joining in their misgivings, let’s not dip our hands into the confetti just yet. But, please, Lord Fellowes… we need some more grinning children at Downton for the adults to play with, for three whole minutes before dinner.

Talking of les enfants, will Robert discover that the new cherub under his roof is, in fact, his own grand-daughter, courtesy of Lady Edith’s shocking ‘trip to London’* (*euphemism) with her publisher gent, who swiftly had the misfortune to disappear and be swallowed up by “those nasty brownshirts, they’re on the rise” – thankyou, Lady Cora, for that swift pre-dinner history chat. Fortunately, Lady Edith was able to sneak little Marigold into the drawing-room, because Robert was far too concerned with Isis. Nope, the dog. But there seem to be a few too many people in on this particular secret for it to remain that way for long.

Mr and Mrs Bates. Yawn. Now he’s discovered her little box* (*not a euphemism), the only trouble they’ve got brewing is the small matter of a murder charge. Because, let’s face it, somebody killed Mr Green. It’s terrible, really, what cruel winds come blowing for the smuggest, sorry, I mean, nicest people. Looks like that lil’ old B&B dream might have to wait.

Will Lady Mary end up turning those new houses on the estate into a summer camp where ladies go to ‘try out’ prospective husbands, or will she come to her senses and see that the only man who still finds her charming is right under her very, pinched nose? Get on with it, woman. It’s what Matthew would have wanted.

Now that her companion has gone and made herself a rich match, it looks as though the Countess Dowager and Mrs Crawley’s chances of rebooting ‘Rosemary and Thyme’ are somewhat reduced. Only one thing for it… some autumn romance for the Dowager-ski. Could we dare to hope?

How soon will Daisy be running the country?

Will he or won’t he get on that boat to Boston? Ever since he gave Lady Sybil a smile from his chauffeur’s seat, Branson’s position in the house has been neither up nor down, but somewhere on the stairs. So, sad as it would be to see him go, it might be his only chance to find a proper perch. But what about the child? Ahh…

Will Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes ever have one too many sherries together one evening when the house has been put to bed, and get their life together sorted? In last year’s Christmas special, we had the tantalising glimpse of hands held at the seaside, but there’s been nothing since. Come on, you two, have you learned nothing from Remains of the Day? Carpe diem and all that.

Dare we ask… Isis? Hugh Bonneville may have scotched pernicious rumours that the dog is being killed off because of its unfortunate name, but there is surely a bigger question here. Why exactly is an ailing dog being given so much air time, compared with, say, Thomas Barrow? The mind boggles.

Never mind all that, when we do get to see the Countess Dowager flirting with George Clooney?

'Downton Abbey' Series 8 concludes on Sunday 9 November at 9pm. Pictures below...

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'X Factor' Stage Invasion: Lee Nelson Crashes Stereo Kicks' Performance Of 'You Are Not Alone'

November 9, 2014, 12:32 am

≫ Next: 'Strictly Come Dancing': Pixie Lott's Foxtrot Scores A Perfect 10... But The Judges Still Have No Time For Judy Murray

≪ Previous: 'Downton Abbey' Series 5 Finale - The 10 Questions We Need Answered

A stage invader during Stereo Kicks’ performance was one of the highlights of Saturday night’s otherwise uneventful instalment of ‘The X Factor’.

The eight-piece boyband were singing the Michael Jackson hit ‘You Are Not Alone’, which proved to be more appropriate than ever when they were joined on stage by comedian Lee Nelson, who charged on stage and mimed along with the group.

Ever the professionals, the band just kept on singing until Lee was escorted off the stage by a security guard.

Lee Nelson storms the stage

The judges were full of praise for Stereo Kicks for continuing with the performance despite the incident, with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini admitting: “I don't know how I would have dealt with what you just dealt with.”

Simon Cowell also joked to the group’s mentor, Louis Walsh: “One minute you want to turn to them into a five-piece, now you want to turn them into a nine piece!”

Security remove Lee Nelson from the stage

Explaining the incident on his official Twitter page, Lee wrote:

A spokesperson for ‘The X Factor’ explained: “During Stereo Kicks performance this evening, there was a brief disturbance on stage, which was immediately dealt with by security. The performance continued as planned.”

Other highlights from Saturday night’s show included Simon telling Paul Akister that he had been like a “dementor” in previous weeks, and Stevi Ritchie’s showstopping rendition of Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.

Lee’s stage invasion echoed a similar incident years beforehand, when Calvin Harris ran on stage with a pineapple on his head while Jedward performed, reportedly earning himself a lifetime ban from ‘The X Factor’ in the process.

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'Strictly Come Dancing': Pixie Lott's Foxtrot Scores A Perfect 10... But The Judges Still Have No Time For Judy Murray

November 9, 2014, 1:29 am

≫ Next: MTV EMAs 2014: Calvin Harris Pulls Out Of Europe Music Awards Performance Due To 'Heart Problems'

≪ Previous: 'X Factor' Stage Invasion: Lee Nelson Crashes Stereo Kicks' Performance Of 'You Are Not Alone'

Pixie Lott and her professional partner Trent Whiddon became the second couple of this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ to garner 10 points from the judges, following their routine in Saturday night’s show.

The pair received massive praise from the panel for their foxtrot to The Beatles’ hit ‘When I’m Sixty-Four’, with Darcey Bussell gushing about their routine telling Pixie: “You stretched yourself and ate up that dance floor”, before giving her a top score of 10 points.

Pixie Lott

The Saturdays singer Frankie Bridge has so far received 10 points twice in the competition - a decision which came under fire from former ‘Strictly’ pro James Jordan on Twitter - but she was less lucky this weekend.

In fact, Frankie was seen visibly breaking down in tears after no-nonsense judge Craig Revel Horwood branded her samba to Connie Francis’s ‘La Bamba’ “the worst dance”, though she still managed to rack up a respectable 32 points.

Coming in at the bottom of the leaderboard was Judy Murray, whose Paso Doble to The Clash’s ‘I Fought The Law’ earned just 18 points - half of what Pixie managed to score for her dance.

Judy's performance kicked off with this flawless display

The judges have been heavily critical of Judy during her time in the competition, with judge Craig saying before last week’s show that he was hoping the tennis coach would be out of the competition soon.

He previously revealed: “I do have a laugh watching [Judy], I’ve got to admit. It is a dance competition after all and, as a judge I’ve got to wave the dance flag. The audience, I think, will make the right choice.”

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MTV EMAs 2014: Calvin Harris Pulls Out Of Europe Music Awards Performance Due To 'Heart Problems'

November 9, 2014, 2:09 am

≫ Next: 'I'm A Celebrity' 2014: Carl Fogarty and 'Allo 'Allo Actress Vicki Michelle Land In Australia... After Josie Cunningham Drops Huge Twitter Hint

≪ Previous: 'Strictly Come Dancing': Pixie Lott's Foxtrot Scores A Perfect 10... But The Judges Still Have No Time For Judy Murray

Calvin Harris has been forced to pull out of a performance at the MTV EMAs after a health scare.

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Calvin had been scheduled to open the show on Sunday night, which is being held in his native Scotland, but has had to cancel his DJ set due to what he put down to problems with his heart.

An official statement from the MTV Europe Music Awards explained: “We have really sad news. Calvin Harris has taken ill and will not be able to perform at the show. He sends his sincere apologies. Get well soon, Calvin!”

Calvin Harris

According to The Mirror, the DJ later took to his Twitter to explain his absence from the ceremony, saying: “No EMAs for me this weekend. Got some heart problems. Heading home to see if it can be fixed [sic]”

Following Calvin’s cancellation, it has now been reported that show bosses are frantically trying to re-organise the ceremony, before it all kicks off in Glasgow on Sunday night.

A source told The Mirror: “Obviously everybody wishes Calvin all the best for a speedy recovery - but it will take a lot of reorganisation.”

Nicki Minaj will be taking on presenting duties, while the event will also feature performances from stars including Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran and U2.

The event will also honour Ozzy Osbourne - who it was announced this week is due to feature in new episodes of ‘The Osbournes’ next year - with the Global Icon award, previously won by Eminem, Whitney Houston and Queen.

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'I'm A Celebrity' 2014: Carl Fogarty and 'Allo 'Allo Actress Vicki Michelle Land In Australia... After Josie Cunningham Drops Huge Twitter Hint

November 9, 2014, 3:29 am

≫ Next: 'X Factor' Fleur East Reveals Racist Abuse From School Bullies: 'I Would Go Home In Tears'

≪ Previous: MTV EMAs 2014: Calvin Harris Pulls Out Of Europe Music Awards Performance Due To 'Heart Problems'

Motorbike racing legend Carl Fogarty has landed in Australia ahead of his appearance on ‘I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here’, according to reports.

The extreme sportsman, who retired from his field in 2000 after sustaining a serious injury, is reportedly taking on a whole new challenge and heading to the ‘I’m A Celeb’ jungle.

Carl Fogarty

The Mirror have claimed, after Carl was seen arriving at Brisbane airport in the early hours of Sunday morning, that he is the latest star to sign up for the new series of the ITV reality series, which kicks off later this month.

It’s also been reported that he’ll be joined by former ‘’Allo ‘Allo’ actress Vicki Michelle, who was also spotted landing in Australia over the weekend, though neither of them had been rumoured to be taking part in the series prior to their arrival Down Under.

Vicki Michelle

Meanwhile, controversial media personality Josie Cunningham has dropped her biggest hint yet that she’ll be on this year’s ‘I’m A Celebrity’ line-up, after tweeting crude remarks about rumoured campmate, Jake Quickenden.

However, it might be best to take Josie’s remarks with a pinch of salt, she hinted several times on her Twitter page that she would be one of the housemates in this summer’s series of ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ - particularly after making similar jokes about her attraction to David McIntosh - but ultimately didn’t end up in the house.

Here are some of the other stars who may well be heading into the ‘I’m A Celebrity’ jungle when the new series kicks off on 16 November...

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'X Factor' Fleur East Reveals Racist Abuse From School Bullies: 'I Would Go Home In Tears'

November 9, 2014, 4:16 am

≫ Next: Katie Hopkins Celebrity Big Brother Appearance On The Cards

≪ Previous: 'I'm A Celebrity' 2014: Carl Fogarty and 'Allo 'Allo Actress Vicki Michelle Land In Australia... After Josie Cunningham Drops Huge Twitter Hint

‘X Factor’ hopeful Fleur East has spoken candidly about the racism she endured at the hands of bullies, during her school days.

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In a new interview, Fleur - who has received unanimous praise from the judges throughout this year’s ‘X Factor’ live shows - reveals that when she was young, she was often met with racist abuse when she was growing up in East London, because she is mixed race.

She tells The Mirror: “I remember going home in tears and my mum and dad said to me, ‘don’t ever listen to anyone who makes those kind of comments - you are beautiful and this is the way that God made you.’

Fleur East

“They told me to ignore people like that. But it was still awful. I would get asked by kids, ‘are you black or are you white?’ I was often in a position where I felt like I had to pick a side and that was difficult.”

Fleur has also said that she hopes taking part in ‘The X Factor’ will help her provide a new life for her family.

Speaking about her childhood, when her parents would often be strapped for cash, she explains: “We were really broke. There were times when I wouldn’t have money for the bus.

“Winning The X Factor would mean my family would finally get to have a bit of luxury - and I would be the happiest person ever as I would be getting to do what I love most.”

Fleur isn’t the only contestant in Simon Cowell’s ‘over 25s’ category to have had a tough time growing up, after Ben Haenow’s admission this weekend that when he was a teenager he used to drink heavily to help him cope with his personal troubles.

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Katie Hopkins Celebrity Big Brother Appearance On The Cards

November 9, 2014, 8:04 am

≫ Next: 'Strictly Come Dancing': Alison Hammond Loses Out To Caroline Flack In Dance-Off, Vows To Dance At Blackpool Anyway

≪ Previous: 'X Factor' Fleur East Reveals Racist Abuse From School Bullies: 'I Would Go Home In Tears'

The rather outspoken Katie Hopkins has reportedly been offered more than £400,000 to appear on Celebrity Big Brother.

The undisputed winner of Ms. Rent-A-Gob 2014 has been tempted with even more than the amount offered to sex-swap boxing promoter Kellie Maloney.

Hopkins, 39, would no doubt be a ratings winner for the Channel 5 show as people tune in to see who she can manage to offend next.

katie hopkins

So far this year she's already had a go at the McCanns, Lord Sugar and fat people, not to mention public breastfeeders and Mariah Carey.

A source told The Mirror: "Undoubtedly she will clash with some of the other housemates and generate loads of publicity for the show.

"She has been approached previously, but it looks like a deal has been reached this time."

CBB will air in January of next year and is rumoured to be being extended to five weeks.

Channel 5 have neither confirmed nor denied Hopkins' appearance.

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'Strictly Come Dancing': Alison Hammond Loses Out To Caroline Flack In Dance-Off, Vows To Dance At Blackpool Anyway

November 9, 2014, 12:30 pm

≫ Next: A Long Time Between Drinks

≪ Previous: Katie Hopkins Celebrity Big Brother Appearance On The Cards

She’s been entertaining viewers for weeks with her over-the-top routines and infectious grin, but, alas, Alison Hammond’s time in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has come to an end.

MORE 'STRICTLY' NEWS:

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The ‘This Morning’ showbiz reporter and her professional partner Aljaž Skorjanec have officially performed together for the final time in the competition, after being chosen by the judging panel as the couple who should be sent home in Sunday night’s show.

Alison and Aljaž wound up in the bottom two following their Charleston to ‘Friend Like Me’ from ‘Aladdin’ on Saturday night, alongside Caroline Flack and her partner Pasha Kovalev.

Alison and Caroline failed to impress the public

While the judges had praise for Alison while delivering their verdicts, they ultimately chose to save Caroline, with Craig Revel Horwood explaining: “One is a fun dance, one is a very serious dance but I have to go for the best dance and that is Caroline and Pasha.”

Despite not progressing any further in the competition, Alison said she’d had a great week but would be disappointed that she wouldn’t be joining the rest of the contestants for next week’s show in Blackpool.

She said: “Caroline smashed it tonight; I want her to go on and get to the final. I’ve had the best time ever and I am still going to Blackpool and I don’t care what anyone says!”

alison

Alison with Aljaž and presenter Tess Daly

To her dancing partner, Alison said: “From day one when I got you I thought I’d won! Thank you for being so patient and so kind you have been amazing. I really genuinely from the bottom of my heart love you as a friend.”

Before the competition began, Alison - who is no stranger to reality TV, having previously appeared in ‘Big Brother’ and ‘I’m A Celebrity’ - admitted she was hoping to represent the plus-sized community with her stint on ‘Strictly’, telling us: “I'm waving the flag for all of them... the curvy girls, fat girls, obese girls, I'm waving it for the lot of them.

“I do believe anyone can do anything. It doesn't matter what colour you are, what size you are, if you want to do something, then do it.”

Remind yourself of one of her finest moments, her 'I Just Wanna Make Love To You' performance, below:

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A Long Time Between Drinks

November 9, 2014, 5:18 pm

≫ Next: Making the Album

≪ Previous: 'Strictly Come Dancing': Alison Hammond Loses Out To Caroline Flack In Dance-Off, Vows To Dance At Blackpool Anyway

It was late 1995 when I flew over to London for the very first time. I was 27 years old.

I'd spent so much time in Australia and the USA I'd never managed to get to London before this, surprising really; it's much closer geographically to my Sicilian heritage that I feel so connected to.

I'd always dreamt of visiting the motherland, the Commonwealth's headquarters, and when it finally happened I was so excited.

My entry into the UK came through my music; it was a work trip, not a holiday but it was still a thrill. I had established my career in Australia and now the music was starting to spread internationally.

I had been on Australian TV for 20 years by the time I visited the UK, which sounds extraordinary, but I did start my TV career at age 7 on the Aussie version of the Mickey Mouse Club.

It's pretty much the longest flight in the world but after 24 hours I'd landed and was met by my very British chauffeur Reggie who collected me, my manager and a record label representative. "I only drive stars in this car," I remember Reggie saying to me. For some stupid reason I believed him!

Not that I thought I was a star by any stretch of my imagination, but I believed that the car I was in, must have driven everyone. If only seats could talk.

I was swept away by the architecture; all monuments and landmarks that were familiar to me: Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace. Places I had seen in books and on television, these British icons now right in front of me. The next 3 years were spent promoting in and out of the England, Wales and Ireland.

If Reggie or anyone had told me that within a few years I'd have Gold albums here and perform lead roles on London's West End I'd have probably laughed and laughed. I had no idea the UK was going to embrace me so whole-heartedly.

The people whose paths I crossed remain fond in my mind. I met some brilliant characters along the way and also felt a connection to the British way of life and sense of humour. I felt at home.

In 2003 after constant travel around Europe, my French partner and I decided to move to the UK. We lived between Fulham and Clapham. Our time living there was peaceful and friendly. It was also a time of growth & transition. The next few years were spent discovering and travelling in and out of England and France, where my musical career was experiencing a healthy ascend. I somehow managed to have hit songs on the French music charts (God only knows how that happened: an Aussie girl, whose first language was Italian - singing in French!)

Falling pregnant in 2005 forced both Vincent and I to rethink things. Being far away from both of our families didn't make a lot of sense. We both decided that the best place to give birth to Gabriel was in Paris, close to family and friends. My family was back in Australia. I do remember being homesick and pinning for my parents and two sisters. It wasn't easy at the time. I was still working right up until 2 weeks before I gave birth.

My last TV show was with Bernadette Chirac, the former French President's wife. She seemed somewhat concerned due to my size that my waters may have broken on national television during a telethon. Frankly, I was fine and having a good time, radiating life.

I focused on my French language albums and my family and my new life in France. In terms of my music, I felt the timing wasn't right to release a new original English record.

The global financial crisis was hitting and piracy was rife, the digital music age had arrived and everything felt quite unsettled for me; "duck for cover" was the word on the street and on people's lips! I'd also just given birth to my son Gabriel and needed to focus on him. To be honest I also needed some time for myself, although my European career was still in its early stages, I'd been performing solidly since the age of seven.

I felt tired and personally I thought a lot of the pop music was predictable and creativity had been sucked away. So I decided to do my first concept album, titled Love & Loss. It was a collection of songs that had inspired me growing up. I had felt a little post natal depression and after a brief time-out, performing was my saviour during that period. I ended up touring the album with an orchestra, performing on-stage with up to 80 musicians every night. It was a magical time but I would stress so badly wondering about how I was going to combine being a mother, a performer and partner to my lover. Luckily for me, he held my hand all the way, reassuring me and us every step of the way. Somehow we get can all get through anything, we are very resilient.

These orchestral shows and the success of the Love and Loss project gave me the drive and impetus to record original English material again. I'd devoted so much time to my career in France, where my two French albums had been so well received: I was even awarded an Order of Merit, a French Knighthood by Nicolas Sarkozy and Frederic Mitterrand. I decided it was time. And that brings us to now.

My new album Reset, the first collection of original songs in English I've made since 2003 was released this week in the UK. I was thrilled at the reaction to the record in Australia, where it became one of the biggest selling albums of 2013, something I never expected. I made the album on my own terms, and it's special that people have reacted in the way they have. I took the record on tour in Australia this year, and here you can see an exclusive little clip of one of my new songs Out Of The Blue performed live.

I've always loved London. I feel it's time to reconnect with its culture and the people. And see my audience again after all this time. Personally, I think London has evolved more than most European cities, it's really one of, if not the most dynamic cities in the world - the artistic community is so eclectic, the food is amazing and the multi-cultural energy is second to none. It's been a long time between drinks (as we colloquially say in Australia) but I'm looking forward to performing there again and reconnecting with a very loyal and diverse community.

Reset is out now

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Making the Album

November 9, 2014, 5:32 pm

≫ Next: Cheryl Fernandez-Versini Makes Chart History With Number One Single ‘I Don't Care'

≪ Previous: A Long Time Between Drinks

When I decided to go to South Africa to record mi Mandela, I contacted some producers to help me express my ideas. Several musicians came with me from England, including Ben Hudson, George the Poet, Maverick Sabre and Remi Rabaka, and when we arrived in Johannesburg we were lucky enough to work with a local producer called Spoek.

Spoek acted as a conduit for our ideas. He introduced me to some really fantastic musicians who formed a sort of house band who would be with us during every session. There wasn't a set way of writing, but we'd often start by me telling everyone about my time in South Africa making Long Walk to Freedom. That would lead to other conversations and then everyone would fraction off into groups to work on beats and idea. I'd float between them, give my opinion and jam a little, and eventually songs would emerge and evolve.

At first we spoke about having a lot of South African house producers because I wanted that vibe on the album, but I also thought that sticking to one sound would really limit all of the ideas that I wanted to express.

It was also really important that we struck a balance between South Africa's young talent and the nation's musical legends. For example, we had The Mahotella Queens come in. They have an old-school, three-part vocal harmony sound which they practically invented, but we had the idea to team them up with Aero Manyelo who had produced this beat and he was like, "I really want them to sing on this. I've never heard them sing on anything like that." It was a bit nerve-wracking because house music to traditionalists in South Africa is not considered music. But they're legends and really humble and it worked out really well.

We had so much great local talent involved: as well as Aero and The Mahotellas, there was Thandiswa Mazwai, an amazing singer; Phuzekhemisi, who's a Zulu guitarist who's sold so many records; Macho, a young whizz-kid producer; and many others. Plus we had the likes of Maverick Sabre, Mumford and Sons and James Blake from England, and even Cody ChesnuTT. We were blessed with a lot of talent.

One of the best songs, Home, started out as an unreleased Mumford and Sons track. We played it to the musicians but not everyone got it at first. I had a moment of panic, but I explained that I interpreted it as a love song that really spoke about Nelson and Winnie's relationship. Ben Hudson, the genius that he is, broke the song down to its components which inspired everyone, and then Maverick Sabre started singing it and even he hadn't realised before that his voice really lends itself to folk. And it just continued to evolve. The best part of the song is when Thandiswa jumps in with "Spin me round just to pin me down on the cover of this strange bed." What does that mean? To me, that's a metaphor for what happens to you when you fall in love.

I'm well aware of the stigma that comes when an actor works on music. I hate that preconception, but the only way to fight it is to be completely honest about it: this is who I am, this is what inspired me, this is what the album is about. I'm not hiding behind any gimmicks. It's been a really long journey to release this album - I spent almost a year playing Mandela - and I'm really excited that people will finally be able to hear it.

Idris Elba Presents mi Mandela is released on 27th November. Pre-order it here - http://smarturl.it/miMandela

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Cheryl Fernandez-Versini Makes Chart History With Number One Single ‘I Don't Care'

November 10, 2014, 3:44 am

≫ Next: Cranberries Singer Dolores O'Riordan Arrested For Allegedly Assaulting Cabin Crew Staff Member On Flight From New York

≪ Previous: Making the Album

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini has made chart history, becoming the first British, female solo artist to top the UK Singles Chart five times.

The mid-week charts indicated that ‘I Don’t Care’ was set to go to number one and on Sunday, Cheryl was confirmed as this week’s chart-topping artist.

cheryl fernandez versini

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini

The ‘X Factor’ judge took to Twitter to share her joy at the news and also shared her thoughts on the evening’s results show.

“Wow what a roller coaster of a day! I am so happy and proud of us for achieving the No.1 and place in history today,” she wrote. “Then those results shows are so stressful!! Really felt for Paul tonight and thank you so much for everyone voting for Lauren.”

The record was previously held by Geri Halliwell and Rita Ora, who have each topped the chart four times.

While the new world record will put a smile on Cheryl’s face, she wasn’t too happy earlier this week and blasted her former bandmate Nadine Coyle, labeling her a “liar” who is “full of s***”.

Cheryl also faced criticism after performing ‘I Don’t Care’ on ‘The X Factor’, with many viewers accusing her of miming during the pre-recorded performance.

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Cranberries Singer Dolores O'Riordan Arrested For Allegedly Assaulting Cabin Crew Staff Member On Flight From New York

November 10, 2014, 4:43 am

≫ Next: Simply Red's Mick Hucknall: 'I've Probably Slept With 1000 Women... I Don't Keep Count'

≪ Previous: Cheryl Fernandez-Versini Makes Chart History With Number One Single ‘I Don't Care'

Dolores O'Riordan, the former singer with Irish rock group The Cranberries, has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a female flight attendant on a flight from New York.

The singer was detained at Shannon airport following the incident onboard the Aer Lingus flight from JFK airport.

Gardaí confirmed the 'Linger' singer was arrested on the plane and taken to Shannon Garda station.

dolores oriordan

Dolores O'Riordan

A Garda spokesman said: “Gardaí were called to meet the aircraft following an allegation of an assault on a female Aer Lingus air hostess. A Garda was also assaulted during the course of the arrest.”

The flight attendant is understood to have suffered a foot injury that required medical attention and was taken to Mid-West Regional hospital in Limerick.

A spokesman for Aer Lingus described the incident as a “security matter”.

He said: “An incident took place on board flight EI110 en route from New York to Shannon today. The matter is being investigated by An Garda Síochána. As this is a security matter we will not comment any further.”

Dolores shot to fame at the age of 18 when she became the lead singer of the Cranberries. The band went on to become of the most successful bands of the 1990s, with hits including 'Linger' and 'Zombie'.

She lives in Dublin with her husband and three children and recently appeared on the Irish version of 'The Voice' as a coach.

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Simply Red's Mick Hucknall: 'I've Probably Slept With 1000 Women... I Don't Keep Count'

November 10, 2014, 5:37 am

≫ Next: Abbey Clancy Shows Off Her Bikini Body During Sizzling Beach Photoshoot In Dubai (PICS)

≪ Previous: Cranberries Singer Dolores O'Riordan Arrested For Allegedly Assaulting Cabin Crew Staff Member On Flight From New York

Simply Red super-hunk Mick Hucknall has revealed that he’s “probably” slept with over 1000 women throughout his lifetime.

When quizzed in a new interview by The Telegraph about whether it was true he had slept with over a thousand woman, the singer nonchalantly replied: “It probably is. I’ve not denied that but I never claimed it. I never bragged about it.”

Mick Hucknall

He went on to say that he doesn’t keep a tally of how many women have enjoyed his company in the boudoir, adding: “I don’t keep count. I’ve no idea, but I would think over a 25-year period that’s probably reasonable to say. But do I want to say it? No. It’s not what makes me tick. I don’t put chips on the bedpost.”

Mick, who recently announced that he was reuniting with his former bandmates, also reckons that during his youth, he could take his pick of the ladies.

Discussing his popularity with the fairer sex during his younger years, he claimed: “It’s like kids in a candy store. You can’t believe it. There’s girls chasing you all the time - it’s incredible.

“When you’re 24 you don’t give a toss. You’re invincible. You can do anything. Your mind is set in a way that the world is just ready and you’re just going to take it all. You’re just going to have a grand time.”

In an interview with The Guardian in 2010, Mick claimed that at one point in his life he slept with “three women a day”, and described himself as a “sex addict”.

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Abbey Clancy Shows Off Her Bikini Body During Sizzling Beach Photoshoot In Dubai (PICS)

November 10, 2014, 6:12 am

≫ Next: Bluey The Budgie Can Do An Amazing Impression Of R2-D2 From 'Star Wars'

≪ Previous: Simply Red's Mick Hucknall: 'I've Probably Slept With 1000 Women... I Don't Keep Count'

Abbey Clancy has been showing off the body that has helped her modelling career reach new heights, during a photoshoot in Dubai.

READ MORE:

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The 'Strictly Come Dancing' champ showed off her athletic frame as she posed in a black bikini at the Le Royal Meridien Hotel's beach.

abbey clancy

The 28-year-old looked every inch the golden girl as she smouldered away in the series of snaps.

abbey clancy

Last month, Abbey showed a completely different side to her character in another photoshoot for Vauxhall cars.

The mum-of-one looked a deadringer for Kate Moss in a short film produced to promote the new motor.

At one point, Abbey is so busy channeling her inner rock chick that she forgets to put her bra on.

abbey clancy

It wasn't the first time Abbey had gone all rock n roll - earlier this year she looked almost unrecognisable dressed as a punk to help raise awareness of those affected by cancer.

The mum-of-one ditched her trademark blonde tresses for something a little edgier as she posed in a black, spiky wig for Macmillan's Shave Or Style campaign.

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Bluey The Budgie Can Do An Amazing Impression Of R2-D2 From 'Star Wars'

November 10, 2014, 6:15 am

≫ Next: Holly Willoughby Surprises Phillip Schofield And Amanda Holden With Surprise 'This Morning' Appearance

≪ Previous: Abbey Clancy Shows Off Her Bikini Body During Sizzling Beach Photoshoot In Dubai (PICS)

"We taught Bluey the budgie how to do R2-D2 and now he drives us crazy!" writes YouTuber Carli Jeffrey.

Or to put it another way: the Force is strong with this one...

↧

Holly Willoughby Surprises Phillip Schofield And Amanda Holden With Surprise 'This Morning' Appearance

November 10, 2014, 6:24 am

≫ Next: Matt Damon Confirms 'Bourne' Return: Actor To Play Jason Bourne In New Film, Slated For 2016 Release

≪ Previous: Bluey The Budgie Can Do An Amazing Impression Of R2-D2 From 'Star Wars'

Holly Willoughby brightened up our dreary Monday morning when she surprised the cast and crew of ‘This Morning’ with a guest appearance.

SEE MORE:

Katie Hopkins Can't Resist Commenting On Holly's Choice Of Baby Name

Phillip Plans Mammoth 'Text Santa' Stunt

Holly is currently on maternity leave after giving birth to her newborn son, Chester, in September, but decided to surprise presenters Phillip Schofield and Amanda Holden by popping in during a cooking segment.

‘This Morning’ chef Gino D’Acampo, who is currently covering Holly’s spot on ‘Celebrity Juice’, was preparing a chicken dish when she walked onto the set and joked: “Oh, I hope you’ve got an extra plate!”

holly willoughby

Holly surprises her former co-presenters

Phillip and Amanda were visibly shocked to see Holly, who was still wearing her coat as she walked onto the ‘This Morning’ kitchen when she made her flying visit.

She said: “I brought the baby in to show you… and I’ve lucked out because you’ve done a family feast!”

holly phil

Phillip, Amanda and Gino were - as you can see - very happy to see Holly

Holly admitted that she had been feeling “so nervous” about making her impromptu guest appearance, adding: “Don’t stop because I’m hungry! Oh I’ve timed this right… I’ve literally just got here, I’ve just come up and I thought I’m going on.”

Amanda has been presenting on the ITV daytime show since the new mum went on maternity leave back in September, receiving praise for her presenting skills from most viewers ever since taking the reins.

Christine Bleakley will take over co-hosting duties midway through Holly’s maternity leave, having previously filled in during Phillip’s absence earlier this year.

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