HE has faced the Strictly dance-off twice this series, so singer Shayne Ward has the perfect soundtrack to his quickstep tonight – Help! by The Beatles.

It will be a challenge for the singer and actor as he takes to the dancefloor knowing the public has not supported him the way they did when he won The X Factor in 2005.

5

Advertisement

5

Back then, he sailed to victory, never once ending up in the bottom two on the ITV talent contest.

And the hothouse nature of Strictly brings the memories flooding back every week.

Shayne, who is paired with pro dancer Nancy Xu, said: “I never thought that, 20 years after The X Factor, I’d be listening to the same ‘heartbeat’ music that they played when I stood on the stage to win the show.

“I’m 40 and it brings back so much nostalgia. It’s weirdly the same feelings I had when I stood on that stage at the age of 21.

“You grow so close to everybody you’re working with, you see them pretty much every day. So you want everybody to do well. But then the realisation kicks in that somebody has to go home.

“The moment you hear that heartbeat, you’re like, ‘Oh, we’re back to a competition again, aren’t we?’.”

Just like on Strictly, the X Factor contestants had to secure enough public votes to get through to the next week.

The two acts with the fewest perform again, and their fate is decided by the judges.

Mancunian Shayne appeared to easily triumph on the now axed X Factor.

‘I really want this’

He immediately went on to get that year’s Christmas No1 with another aptly named track, That’s My Goal.

But Shayne, who was also in Coronation Street from 2015 to 2018, has not been so lucky on Strictly — and freely admits he doesn’t like it.

The star — who danced the paso doble to Edvard Grieg’s In The Hall Of the Mountain King for Halloween Week — said: “It’s not nice being in the bottom two. It’s a horrible feeling.

“You never know what the public are going to warm to, but I’m proud of the routine we did on Saturday. It fitted Halloween Week perfectly.

I’m 40 and it brings back so much nostalgia. It’s
weirdly the same feelings I had when I stood on that stage at the age of 21

Shayne Ward

“Being in that bottom two, I was gutted, you know. In that moment, you’re thinking, ‘Is this the end of my adventure on Strictly?’.

“We’re just truly grateful to the judges for putting us through.”

Though he picked up decent scores from Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton du Beke, he doesn’t seem to be winning over viewers at home quite the same.

So far, Shayne has had to fight for survival against DIY SOS star Nick Knowles in week four of the competition, and he saw off Doctor Punam Krishan last weekend.

Each time, he has been unanimously saved by the judges, but the competition is set to intensify this weekend with a “music icons” theme to help mark Strictly’s 20th anniversary.

Shayne says being in survival mode has affected his confidence in training, but insists he is using the nervous tension to motivate himself to come back fighting tonight.

He explained: “It’s hard not to let something like that come into the rehearsal room. But it definitely re-focuses you and reignites that fire to make you go, ‘I really want this, I don’t want this to be over. I want to keep dancing with Nancy’.

Being in that bottom two, I was gutted, you know. In that moment, you’re thinking, ‘Is this the end of my adventure on Strictly?’

Shayne Ward

“It gives you that spark again, to go, ‘Right, this is a new week, let’s go for it’. We’ve taken everything that the judges have said into the rehearsals to come back fighting.”

Shayne knows a thing or two about bouncing back by embracing a new skill.

Despite a hugely promising musical start in 2005, when That’s My Goal became one of the fastest-selling singles in UK chart history, his singing career took a huge blow in 2010.

His third album, Obsession, failed to make the Top Ten and in 2011, he was dropped by Syco, Simon Cowell’s record label that gave all X Factor winners a sought-after deal.

So he immediately turned to the stage, appearing first in Rock Of Ages at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London, before joining the arena tour of Jeff Wayne’s musical version of The War Of The Worlds.

5

5

Advertisement

5

Then in 2015, Corrie came knocking, but after three years of playing troubled Aidan Connor, he exited the soap in a suicide storyline.

It gained the actor and ITV show huge praise for their sensitive handling of an issue affecting millions of people, particularly younger men.

While on the show, Shayne also started a relationship — and a family — with former Hollyoaks actress Sophie Austin, 40.

In 2016, the couple, who are engaged, had a daughter Willow and, in 2022, son Reign.

But it is fair to say Shayne’s career as a performer has not gone from strength to strength in recent years.

In 2015, his fourth and final album, Closer, was released, funded through PledgeMusic, and scraped its way to No 17 in the charts.

I’m a man now. I’ve got a family of my own, a partner I love, but I still feel like I have the world at my feet the same way I felt at 21

Shayne Ward

Recently, his most high-profile TV acting role was playing a cabaret singer in widely panned Channel 5 drama The Good Ship Murder.

So does he ever regret taking part in The X Factor and being set on the bumpy road that has been his career for the past two decades?

Shayne said: “My answer is no, because I wouldn’t be where I am right now in my career and my personal life with my two amazing children and my amazing partner, Sophie.

“I think it gave me life lessons. I’ve travelled the world and I’ve got to have these incredible moments thanks to starting out on The X Factor.

‘My absolute rock’

“I’m a man now. I’ve got a family of my own, a partner I love, but I still feel like I have the world at my feet the same way I felt at 21.
“I still have that drive to work, to push myself to see what I can do.”

It seems Shayne already has so much, but he is determined to win the Glitterball, just as he won that record contract and overnight fame.

He said: “Wouldn’t it be something to win X Factor and Strictly? Honestly, for me, it would be an absolute honour to lift that Glitterball for myself and Nancy. She deserves that moment. All we can do is our best and what will be, will be.”

Meanwhile, Shayne has insisted that Strictly fans who have branded him “cocky” and “arrogant” are wrong.

He said that while he might seem confident on the dance floor, he is “absolutely terrified because this is a huge deal”.

And he revealed it is Sophie who has kept him strong.

Shayne said: “She’s been my absolute rock through it all.

She’s been my absolute rock through it all

Shayne Ward

“I haven’t really seen the kids that much, and it breaks my heart because I miss them.

“But she is just an absolute force to be reckoned with because she’s just like, ‘I’ve got it all under control’.

“You think it’s impossible to love somebody more every day, but it’s true. Strictly can take all your concentration and what’s so amazing is the support and understanding I’ve had from Sophie. It’s incredible.

“You can’t do this show alone, and I’m so lucky to have her by my side.”

Shayne has laughed off reports he postponed his wedding to take part in Strictly.

He said: “Can you imagine if I did? That’s a very understanding wife to be!

“No, we’re looking to get married next year. It’s as simple as that. We’re very excited.

“There’s pressure for my wedding dance now I’ve been dancing for a few months.”

First of all, he has to nail tonight’s Beatles number.

Otherwise, it may be more Hello, Goodbye, Shayne.

• Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One at 6.30pm.

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Francesca de André, who appeared on the Italian version of Big Brother in 2019, was recently hospitalized after accidentally ingesting a glass of laundry detergent she had mistaken for yogurt.

The Grande Fratello star shared the harrowing story of her near-death experience in an Instagram Story posted on Wednesday (October 31). “At home, happy and you mistake the glass of detergent left there by mistake for yogurt,” the 34-year-old said in the post, according to E! News.

“I risked death today… and maybe also those who were worried about me when they saw and heard me sick and screaming from the pain of internal corrosion and being forced to run to the hospital….”

Alongside a selfie from the hospital, she added: “The detergent risked damaging my liver, appendix, stomach, intestines. Not to mention the corroded respiratory and gastrointestinal systems.”

The model went on to share a warning with her followers, writing: “I feel like saying be careful, especially children and animals who may have access to it.”

De André first rose to prominence during her time on the 16th season of Grande Fratello, which follows the same format as the American reality competition series. The show focuses on a group of strangers who are brought together to live in a secluded house, where viewers can watch them 24 hours a day.

Her time on the show was characterized by drama, including her rivalry with Mila Suarez and her romance with Gennaro Lilli. She faced viewer backlash for her behavior and was eliminated from the show through fan vote, ultimately coming in seventh place.

De André, who is also the niece of the late Italian singer-songwriter Fabrizio De Andre, was previously hospitalized in September after doctors discovered she had cancerous masses that immediately needed to be removed.

At the time, she revealed in an Instagram post that she “can no longer have children naturally” as a result of the operation, and surgeons “had to take everything [out].”

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Another rumoured I’m a Celebrity 2024 contestant has “quit” the show with just weeks to go.

One week after another alleged star reportedly withdrew from the series, it’s been claimed that Ally McCoist, who was a firm favourite to be taking part, will no longer enter the jungle.

Former Rangers pro McCoist, who played for Scotland and is now known by many for his commentary, was one of 11 rumoured stars believed to have been secured for this year’s series.

His participation was particularly exciting for fans as he backed out from an appearance on the show in 2022.

Other celebrities that have been speculated to appear include Reverend Richard Coles, Maura Higgins and Coleen Rooney, who will reportedly be the highest-paid campmate ever.

However, it’s now being reported that McCoist will no longer be on the show – and that bosses have lined up another sporting figure to take his place.

open image in gallery

Advertisement

According to The Mirror, Irish boxer Barry McGuigan will be entering the jungle,

A source told the outlet: “Barry is a bona-fide sporting legend and he’s a great person to have heading for the jungle. When he rose to fame in the 1980s as the WBA featherweight boxing champ he became a non-sectarian ambassador.

“He fought for both Ireland and Great Britain and was loved and respected on both sides of the divide. There’s not many who can say that.”

open image in gallery

Advertisement

The ITV reality show has been on the air since 2000, with winners including Tony Blackburn, Stacey Solomon, Jill Scott and last year’s victor Sam Thompson.

In recent years, I’m a Celebrity has been plagued with controversy for signing up two controversial politicians: former health secretary Matt Hancock in 2022 and Nigel Farage in 2023, which appeared to lead to a downturn in ratings.

Currently, it seems like bosses don’t have anyone quite so contentious waiting in the wings.

An ITV spokesperson said of the rumoured line-up: “Any names suggested are just speculation.”

STRICTLY Come Dancing fans have been buzzing with speculation over the lack of chemistry between Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal during their appearance on It Takes Two.

The duo were rumoured to have a possible off-screen romance during the first few weeks of filming.

4

Advertisement

4

So fans were surprised to notice an unusual distance between the duo during their interview on the spin-off show.

The pair appeared downbeat and maintained a noticeable gap between them on the sofa, prompting viewers to wonder if the romance rumors have put pressure on their partnership.

Observant viewers flocked to social media to dissect the interaction, with many pointing out their “awkward” body language.

One person wrote: “Pete and Jowita did not look comfortable together tonight and there was definitely a gap between them on the sofa.”

A second queried: “What is up with Pete and Jowita? They look distant and awkward.”

Someone shared their opinion, saying: “Can’t blame them with the romance rumours which Pete has said is utter nonsense.”

Another person added: “Yeah that has probably ruined their whole experience, Jowita is not her bubbly self.”

Pete responded to speculation that there might be a spark between him and Jowita, when he was asked about it on a podcast hosted by Olivia Attwood.

He later confirmed that there is no romance between them during an appearance on This Morning when he was questioned about their relationship.

He told Alison Hammond: “No, it’s not a love bubble, we have great chemistry because we’ve become such good friends.”

Since then Pete has also been linked to Maura Higgins, which could be another reason why he seemed distant from Jowita on It Takes Two.

Pete was recently snapped snogging the Love Island star while out and about in London.

While both stars have remained tight lipped about the budding romance, Maura did confirm they have a connection, saying: “We just get on very, very well. I adore him, he’s an amazing person.

“Do you know what’s so weird? We met very soon after me coming off Love Island and we just instantly clicked. 

“Our humour is the same. It’s like that sick, dark humour. It’s very abusive. We abuse each other. Very nasty, it’s hilarious.”

Strictly Curse – The Lowdown

STRICTLY Come Dancing’s latest series has already been hit by rumours of a BBC show ‘curse’ – yet what is it?

A host of Strictly Come Dancing stars have been struck by the Strictly Curse during the past two decades.

This is where celebrities who may or may not be attached in the outside world become more than friends with their professional partners.

A total of 20 relationships are said to have been impacted so far over the show’s 20 years.

Advertisement

It has seen relationships crumble with dance floor romances and punishing rehearsal schedules to blame.

This includes the partnerships of Louise and Jamie Redknapp as well as Kevin Clifton and Karen Hauer.

Controversially, Judge Craig Revel Horwood once said of the curse: “I think of it as a blessing, to be honest. One person is married, the other one had a girlfriend but my point in this entire thing is: if you come on Strictly, sometimes you are in a relationship that is not working anyway.

“There has to be something wrong in your relationship before it all goes awry.”

Advertisement

Series one winner Brendan Cole left his fiancé, fellow Strictly professional Camilla Dallerup, during filming for the very first series in spring 2004. 

Brendan was said to have fallen for his celebrity partner and inaugural winner Natasha Kaplinsky, although the duo didn’t confirm they were romantically involved.

4

4

Advertisement

MAFS fans have flocked to compliment Emma after the reality star posted a snap on Instagram in swimwear.

The Bristol local was seen leaving the series in tears this week as her and Caspar called time on their marriage.

3

Advertisement

3

3

Things got off to a rocky start for the couple when Caspar admitted he wasn’t attracted to Emma on their honeymoon.

The crestfallen bride asked if he didn’t even think she looked good in her bikini earlier that day in the waterpark.

Shamefully, he responded that he’s “rarely gone for the curvier person”.

After that Emma struggled to connect with her husband, even when he decided he wanted to give their relationship a chance.

It was clear the comments about her body hurt her deeply, and she brought them up a few times during couch sessions with the experts and when her friends visited the couple during the E4 experiment.

Eventually the couple decided to break things off as Emma found herself unable to open up emotionally to Caspar.

He made it clear that without the emotional intimacy, he couldn’t progress with her physically, and in the end they both decided to call it quits.

Since the episode aired Emma has posted a cheerful recap of what she has been up to this October.

The photos on Instagram show her catching up with friends, attending a baby shower, and going for a dip at a swimming pool.

Fans gushed over her appearance in the demure black swimsuit, with one writing: “You are so beautiful Emma.”

Another added: “You are beautiful. Love your smile, attitude and sass.”

A third slated her former husband, saying: “You are tremendous, a true woman!

“Girl power, Casper didn’t know what was beautiful in front of him! Here’s to curvy gals! Loved watching you.”

Someone else joked: “Well you look happier than most married women!”

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Karl Pilkington has been “vindicated” by a new report about monkeys and William Shakespeare.

On Friday (1 November), a study into the Infinite Monkeys Theorem, which claims that an endless number of primates would be able to type out the works of Shakespeare if given an infinite amount of time, suggested that this thought experiment is “potentially misleading”.

As an example, the two Australian mathematicians who conducted the study claimed that the time it would take these primates to write out Shakespeare’s many plays and sonnets would last longer than our universe.

The findings of the study have since gone viral on social media, with the BBC writing: “Monkeys will never type Shakespeare, study finds.” In response to this, a flurry of comments have pointed to remarks once made by Pilkington in a conversation with Ricky Gervais.

In a 2014 clip that’s being widely shared online, Gervais says to Pilkington: “They say an infinite amount of chimps with an infinite amount of typewriters will type the complete works of Shakespeare, and you couldn’t grasp that.”

Pilkington, keeping a straight face, replied: “It wouldn’t happen. It wouldn’t happen – and I think you know it wouldn’t happen but you say it would, to annoy me.”

Gervais interjects: “No, it works by definition because it’s the nature of infinity,” to which an unimpressed Pilkington fires back: “It doesn’t matter.”

Many are saying Pilkington has been “vindicated” by the new study, with one person stating: “Hey @rickygervais, I think you owe Karl Pilkington an apology!”

“Justice for Karl Pilkington!” another fan wrote.

For their study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Franklin Open, mathematicians Professor Stephen Woodcock and Jay Falletta from the University of Technology Sydney based their calculations on the heat death hypothesis, in which the universe expands to the point that it can no longer sustain life.

“The Infinite Monkey Theorem only considers the infinite limit, with either an infinite number of monkeys or an infinite time period of monkey labour,” said Professor Woodcock.

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

Advertisement

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

“We decided to look at the probability of a given string of letters being typed by a finite number of monkeys within a finite time period consistent with estimates for the lifespan of our universe,” he said.