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Strictly Come Dancing reveals songs and dances for first Icons Week

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Strictly Come Dancing reveals songs and dances for first Icons Week


To celebrate 20 years of Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC dancing competition has launched a brand new theme: Icons Week.

It’s a pretty special occasion given that Strictly has kept its themes limited to Halloween Week and Musicals Week throughout its two-decade-long history.

Icons Week will see couples dance to music by stars who have defined musical history, such as Whitney Houston, Shirley Bassey and Queen.

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The BBC has already teased that the professional dancers will be performing a Beyoncé medley, featuring Johannes Radebe channelling his inner Sasha Fierce.

Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas, who were at the top of the leaderboard last week, will dance a Samba to “Faith” by George Michael, while Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec, who were joint top of the leaderboard with Borthwick, will perform a Couple’s Choice to “What About Us” by P!nk.

Meanwhile, Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell will dance a Tango to “Rock and Roll All Nite” by KISS and Gladiators star Montell Douglas and Radebe will perform a Waltz to “I Will Always Love You”  by Whitney Houston.

Amy Dowden won’t feature in Saturday night’s show after falling ill backstage during filming last week. Fellow pro dancer Lauren Oakley will instead dance with Dowden’s partner, JLS star JB Gill, performing a pre-planned Couple’s Choice to a Bruno Mars Medley.

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Amy Dowden and JB Gill dancing in ‘Strictly’ week six

Amy Dowden and JB Gill dancing in ‘Strictly’ week six (BBC/Guy Levy)

This week’s show will be without Dr Punam Krishan, who was eliminated last week alongside her pro partner Gorka Márquez, in a tense dance-off  opposite Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu. Krishan’s exit follows the departure of footballer Paul Merson, who departed two weeks ago, as well as Toyah Willcox, Nick Knowles and Tom Dean, who all left the competition in its earlier stages.

Find the full list of songs and dances for Icons Week below:

Chris McCausland and Dianne will dance a Tango to “Rock and Roll All Nite” by KISS

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Jamie Borthwick and Michelle will dance a Samba to “Faith” by George Michael

JB Gill and Amy Dowden’s stand-in Lauren will dance a Couple’s Choice to a Bruno Mars Medley

Montell Douglas and Johannes will dance a Waltz to “I Will Always Love You”  by Whitney Houston

Pete Wicks and Jowita will dance a Salsa to “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen

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Pete Wicks and Jowita dancing in last week’s Halloween special

Pete Wicks and Jowita dancing in last week’s Halloween special (BBC/Guy Levy)

Sam Quek and Nikita will dance a American Smooth to “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift

Sarah Hadland and Vito will dance a Cha Cha to “Like a Prayer” by Madonna

Shayne Ward and Nancy will dance a Quickstep to “Help!” by The Beatles

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Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz will dance a Couple’s Choice to “What About Us” by P!nk

Wynne Evans and Katya will dance a Rumba to “This Is My Life” by Shirley Bassey



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Carol Vorderman’s LBC permanent replacement revealed as Vanessa Feltz

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Carol Vorderman’s LBC permanent replacement revealed as Vanessa Feltz


Broadcaster Vanessa Feltz will take over Carol Vorderman’s Sunday slot on LBC on a permanent basis.

The 63-year-old former Countdown star said she would not continue with her radio show last month after suffering “burnout” from working seven-day weeks.

In a video posted on Instagram, Vorderman said she had a “tight feeling in my chest and I was utterly exhausted”, but after many scans and checks, her doctors found no underlying health issues.

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Vorderman, who joined the station in January, explained that she was taking the health scare as a “warning sign to slow down slightly”, adding that she has “decided to cut my work back to weekdays for now”.

“I am very fed up about it, but I have made the decision that I can no longer do my Sunday show on LBC, which is a very hard decision to come to but I couldn’t see anything else I could do,” she said in the Instagram video.

It has now been announced that Feltz will be replacing her. Feltz joined LBC in May and presents a Saturday afternoon show where she offers her opinion and analysis on topics that matter to the British public.

Vanessa Feltz will be replacing Vorderman on a permanent basis

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Vanessa Feltz will be replacing Vorderman on a permanent basis (Matt Crossick/LBC/PA Wire)

The Loose Women star and former host of The Vanessa Show, said: “I can’t wait to be a weekend appointment to listen to. I’m looking forward to holding Britain’s biggest and most spirited conversation with my lovely LBC listeners every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.”

Tom Cheal, LBC’s senior managing editor, said: “Vanessa has quickly made her mark on the LBC schedule since she joined the station in May.

Carol Vorderman said burnout symptoms have prompted her to cut down her working days

Carol Vorderman said burnout symptoms have prompted her to cut down her working days (Getty)

“She is a genuine, straight-talking and incisive broadcaster who has proved incredibly popular with LBC listeners and knows what really matters to them, so we are excited to announce her new Sunday show.”

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Speaking to The Independent in a recent interview, Feltz credited her longevity in radio to the fact that she remains interested in what people have to say.

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“I don’t see why you’d still speak to people if you weren’t curious about what their answers might be. ‘What’s happened?’ ‘What’s got to be done?’ ‘What’s going on with you?’ ‘Why are you so angry?’ Often you hear people interviewing and they couldn’t care less. But I really, really want to know!” she said.

Vorderman joined LBC in January to front her Sunday programme from 4pm to 7pm. Her appointment came two months after she left her BBC Radio Wales show, stating that she was “not prepared to lose my voice” after the corporation introduced new social media guidelines.

Vorderman was vocal in her criticism of the previous government on social media and has had several arguments on X/Twitter with Tory MPs. The TV personality said management decided that she should give up her Saturday morning show on Radio Wales over a breach of the new guidelines.

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With additional reporting from PA



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Kelsey Parker reveals late husband Tom’s parents support new romance telling trolls ‘you haven’t walked in my shoes’

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Kelsey Parker reveals late husband Tom's parents support new romance telling trolls 'you haven't walked in my shoes'


KESLEY Parker has revealed her late husband’s Tom Parker’s parents support her new relationship with aspiring musician Will.

The influencer went Instagram official with her new boyfriend in September, two years after The Wanted singer’s death.

Kelsey Parker joined ITV's Lorraine today and spoke to presenter Ranvir Singh

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Kelsey Parker joined ITV’s Lorraine today and spoke to presenter Ranvir SinghCredit: Rex
Kelsey opened up on her new relationship and said her late husband's parents support her

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Kelsey opened up on her new relationship and said her late husband’s parents support herCredit: Rex
Kelsey has found love again with new boyfriend Will

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Kelsey has found love again with new boyfriend WillCredit: Click News and Media
The Wanted singer Tom Parker married Kelsey six years ago

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The Wanted singer Tom Parker married Kelsey six years agoCredit: being_kelsey/Instagram
Tom tragically died after being diagnosed with a brain tumour

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Tom tragically died after being diagnosed with a brain tumourCredit: Instagram

The mum tragically lost Tom in March 2022 after he died aged 33 of an incurable brain tumour.

Kelsey and her new boyfriend, a tree surgeon called Will met earlier this year and have been a part of each other’s lives over the past few months.

Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine, the podcast host said her social media followers have been incredibly supportive and so have Tom’s parents, Noreen and Nigel.

She said: “I’ve got such an amazing village and even with Tom’s parents Noreen and Nigel.

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READ MORE ON KELSEY PARKER

“They have supported me with whatever I’ve decided to do and they understand how hard it is.”

She said Will lost his dad when he was 21 and “understands what we’re going through”.

She continued: “It’s about finding happiness and with friends and family there is only so much they can do. It’s lovely to have someone to offload to.

“I was lonely and I’m 34 now. I was so lonely. I just wanted someone and now I’ve met someone.”

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The star urged critics to respect her choices, asking for more “kindness”.

Reflecting on how her perfect life was turned upside down, she said: “I had the perfect life. Tom was a pop star, you know, who wouldn’t want to be with a pop star?

Kelsey Parker goes public with new love two years after tragic death of husband Tom

“And, you know, my life has been to flipped upside down, and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone.

“So I just think as well, a little less judgment, a little more kindness. You’ve not lived my life, you’ve not walked a day in my shoes.”

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Kelsey previously told The Sun she met Will through friends on a night out.

She said: “I just met him authentically when I was out, which is what I always wanted to do.

“I was just out with my friends, and we met, and it’s really nice. I’m so happy.”

When asked who made the first move, she added: “I think it was a mutual feeling between us.

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“Obviously I wasn’t expecting to find anyone, and he’s literally just swept me off my feet.”

Kelsey also believes that Tom sent him to her.

“I definitely think he’s very special and I do feel like Tom had a little sprinkle of magic in me meeting him,” she confessed.

Tom was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in 2020 (a noperable stage 4 glioblastoma) and given just 18 months to live.

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He later underwent several rounds of chemotherapy and 30 sessions of radiotherapy.

Before his death he was undergoing treatment in Spain and also managed to perform on stage with the rest of his bandmates.

Kelsey went official with her new man last month

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Kelsey went official with her new man last monthCredit: Instagram
Tom is best known for being in The Wanted

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Tom is best known for being in The WantedCredit: Getty



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MAFS UK star forced to deny pregnancy as she shares snaps from hospital dash and says ‘it’s never ending’

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MAFS UK star forced to deny pregnancy as she shares snaps from hospital dash and says ‘it’s never ending’


MAFS UK star Tasha Jay has been forced to deny that she’s pregnant after she shared a snap from hospital.

The 26-year-old, who took part in the E4 show last year, posted a picture of her lying down on a medical bed with her stomach on display as she admitted “It’s never ending”.

Married At First Sight's Tasha Jay was forced to deny that she is pregnant

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Married At First Sight’s Tasha Jay was forced to deny that she is pregnantCredit: Instagram
The star posted this picture on her Instagram story

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The star posted this picture on her Instagram storyCredit: Instagram

The reality star also put a thumbs up to the camera.

Tasha then shared another picture of her posing with an unimpressed face.

She told fans: “Guys, if I was trying to hide a pregnancy do you think I’d post it on my story.

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“You can have ultrasounds for things other than pregnancy.

“Don’t with no baby all up in my womb.”

A while later she shared an update with fans on what the doctors had found.

Tasha said: “Hey guys, thank you for all your sweet messages.

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“I am out of hospital now after doctors found out that I have stomach ulcers.

“I’ve never felt pain like it, honestly.

“I’m not 100% but we move.

Watch the moment MAFS bride makes major relationship U-turn as she drops bombshell on husband after meeting his family

“Couldn’t let the kids down for Halloween tonight so if I turn up at your door asking for a KitKat, then sensational times.”

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Tasha tied the knot with husband Paul Liba last year on the show.

They are one of the remaining couples who are still going strong.

Despite getting married just seconds after meeting as part of the experiment, it isn’t legally binding.

In an exclusive chat with The Sun, Tasha hopes that they will get married one day.

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“I want another wedding,” she told us.

“I’m waiting for my ring but that’s on Paul, so I’ll let Paul take that one.”

Paul added: “She’s ready. She’s really annoying me for the ring. And I said, ‘In good time,’ and she’ll definitely get it.

“When I first signed up to MAFS, I was fully committed to the whole process, thinking it was real. 

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“I thought, you know what? If I’m legally married to someone, fingers crossed it’s someone I actually like, so even if I’m not properly married to Tasha, I would not have known. I could’ve saved money on another wedding.”

However they still have to tick off one milestone before getting engaged – as the pair live in different parts of the UK.

Tasha is based up north in Leeds, while Paul is in London.

She told us: “It will definitely be by the end of this year. He will be in Leeds and then he will have to become a northerner.

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“The plan was originally to move to Manchester together but we’ve decided that Paul’s going to come to Leeds, where I already am and I’ve got my house and then we’ll finally settle on a Manchester apartment. 

“That’s the only argument we have. We’re trying to settle on an apartment because there’s so many and we just have two different tastes.”

Tasha shared an update with fans later on in the day

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Tasha shared an update with fans later on in the dayCredit: Instagram
Tasha with her MAFS husband Paul

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Tasha with her MAFS husband PaulCredit: E4
The couple are the only success story from last year's series

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The couple are the only success story from last year’s seriesCredit: Instagram/ @itstashajay



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I’m a Celebrity 2024 line-up rumours ahead of ITV launch episode

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I’m a Celebrity 2024 line-up rumours ahead of ITV launch episode


As the end of the year approaches, another batch of stars are set to enter the I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! jungle.

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.

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Currently, it seems like bosses don’t have anyone quite so contentious waiting in the wings; in the past few weeks, reports have surfaced about which stars could be facing their fears in the Australian jungle.

Below is a rundown of the nine stars who might be on this year’s series.

Coleen Rooney

Coleen Rooney

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Coleen Rooney (Getty Images)

Coleen Rooney has reportedly signed up to appear on this year’s series. The wife of former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is said to have secured the biggest deal in the show’s history, which would surpass that of Farage and presenter Noel Edmonds with a fee of over £1.5m. “I’m a Celeb bosses have pulled off a huge coup getting Coleen for the jungle this year and the team are thrilled to have her on board,” a source told The Sun. “Coleen has a huge fanbase and she won massive plaudits for her classy handling of the Wagatha Christie case. She’s excited to show fans a different side to her and prove she can survive without her creature comforts.”

Ally McCoist

Ally McCoist

Ally McCoist (Getty Images)

This year’s star from the world of football – following in the footsteps of Harry Redknapp, Ian Wright and winner Jill Scott – could be Ally McCoist. The former Rangers pro, who played for Scotland, is now known by many for his commentary on ITV – but it seems he might be heading into the jungle two years after reportedly backing out. An insider told The Sun: “Ally has such a huge fan base thanks to his years of commentating and punditry, plus his long stint on A Question of Sport. He’d be great for the jungle – as his wife and kids have been telling him forever – so everyone is really hopeful that this will be the year.”

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Tulisa Contostavlos

Tulisa Contostavlos

Tulisa Contostavlos (Getty Images)

One of this year’s biggest rumours is N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos, who was also once a judge on The X Factor. An insider suggested to The Sun that Contostavlos’s booking was inspired by a recent N-Dubz tour, which “introduced her to a younger generation, especially through platforms like TikTok”. They added: “Tulisa’s diverse career makes her a strong contender for I’m a Celebrity because she appeals to a wide audience. ITV is particularly excited about her new following among 16 to 24-year-olds, and hopes the deal is finalised soon.”

Jane Moore

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Jane Moore

Jane Moore (Getty Images)

The second Loose Womenstar who is reportedly poised to follow in the footsteps of fellow panellists Janet Street-Porter, Frankie Bridge and Charlene White is Jane Moore, who first appeared on the ITV panel show in 1999. he has been a regular panellist since 2013 and is rumoured to be up for entering the jungle following a split from her husband of 20 years.

Reverend Richard Coles

Reverend Richard Coles

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Reverend Richard Coles (Tim P. Whitby / Getty Images for)

Reverend Richard Coles, the media personality and former vicar, who was once a member of the band the Communards, will – according to The Sun – be a campmate on this year’s I’m a Celebrity. A source said: “Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly Come Dancing and his later life as a man of the cloth.” Earlier this year, Coles described his time on Strictly as “brutal” amid a behind-the-scenes scandal.

Dean McCullough

Dean McCullough

Dean McCullough (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Northern Irish BBC Radio 1 DJ Dean McCullough has reportedly been tapped to appear on this year’s series. He started presenting for the station in 2020, standing in for Clara Amfo, and in September 2022, he replaced Scott Mills and Chris Stark, alongside Vicky Hawkesworth, as hosts of Radio 1’s afternoon show.

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Alan Halsall

Alan Halsall

Alan Halsall (Getty Images)

Coronation Street star Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs, had an I’m a Celebrity near-miss in 2023. He was rumoured to be a part of the line-up but was reportedly forced to withdraw after suffering a knee injury; the photo he shared of himself from his hospital bed essentially ruled himself out of appearing. It’s a likely bet, then, that Halsall has been drafted in for the new series.

GK Barry

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GK Barry

GK Barry (Kate Green/Getty Images)

There are two Loose Women stars being tipped to join I’m a Celebrity this year – and one became a wift favourite to appear after it was reported she had withdrawn from participating in Strictly Come Dancing due to the rehearsal room scandal that hit the BBC show earlier this year. GK Barry – real name Grace Keeling – would be a hit with the youngsters considering she had a huge following on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube

Olivia Atwood

Olivia Atwood

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Olivia Atwood (Getty Images)

Love Island star Olivia Atwood might finally be able to re-enter the jungle after being forced to withdraw from the competition in 2022 after just one day. Atwood left the series “as a precautionary measure” in order to “undergo some medical checks” and, when asked if she would appear the following year, she ruled herself out due to scheduling conflicts. However, Atwood could very possibly have kept this winter free to finally complete her tenure in the jungle.

Tommy Fury

Tommy Fury

Tommy Fury (Getty Images)

One star who is sure to be top of producers’ wish list is Tommy Fury. The former Love Island star and boxer, who recently split from his fiancée Molly Mae Hague, has just released a memoir he will undoubtedly want to promote ahead of Christmas. Fury has now fanned the flames of speculation after dodging a question about his possible I’m a Celebrity involvement on Heart Radio.

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When asked if he’ll appear, he said: “Listen, a lot of things in my life is like a rollercoaster in a minute. There are so many things I might do. You know, could he be doing this? Could he be doing that? I don’t know what I’m doing this afternoon. I mean, I just take literally an hour at a time, so I don’t know. There’s a lot of things going on in my life right now. So, I’m not sure on anything.”

However, it was reported on 25 October that Fury had dropped out of the show, weeks before it was due to begin on Sunday 17 November.

Maura Higgins

Is Maura Higgins entering the ‘I’m a Celebrity’ jungle?

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Is Maura Higgins entering the ‘I’m a Celebrity’ jungle? (Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

Shortly after it was claimed fury had withdrawn from the series, another Love Island star’s name was thrown into the mix: Maura Higgins. Higgins is one of the ITV2 reality show’s best-loved contestants, having appeared on series five in 2019. A source told The Sun: “With Tommy Fury pulling out, it gave show bosses the opportunity to look at other Love Island stars and Maura stood out as the perfect candidate.”

An ITV spokesperson told The Independent: “Any names suggested for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! are just speculation.”

Want to watch I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! while travelling abroad? Then you’ll need a VPN to stream this show. Discover the UK’s best VPN deals today. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.



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Mandy Dingle’s blackmail hell as Tina Dingle returns with shock demands in Emmerdale – and she’s got a new target

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Mandy Dingle’s blackmail hell as Tina Dingle returns with shock demands in Emmerdale - and she’s got a new target


MANDY Dingle is set for a blackmail nightmare in upcoming Emmerdale scenes.

Viewers of the ITV soap have recently seen Mandy (Lisa Riley) be reunited with her long absent cousin Tina (Samantha Power).

Mandy Dingle is set for a blackmail nightmare in upcoming Emmerdale scenes

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Mandy Dingle is set for a blackmail nightmare in upcoming Emmerdale scenesCredit: ITV
Tina Dingle made her return to the village last month

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Tina Dingle made her return to the village last monthCredit: ITV
Mandy is at Tina's mercy in scenes yet to air

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Mandy is at Tina’s mercy in scenes yet to airCredit: ITV

Spoilers suggest fan favourite Mandy is set for a difficult time ahead of her.

In scenes yet to air, Sam (James Hooton) is dumbfounded by Tina’s audacity as she continues to reside next door to Wishing Well and maintains her claim on the house.

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Meanwhile, Sam’s further distressed upon realising his father Zak’s (Steve Haliwell) will has been taken.

Mandy – having been blackmailed by Tina – reluctantly hands over Zak’s will to keep Vinny’s (Bradley Johnson) parentage a secret.

Tina is secretly his biological mother, although Mandy raised him.

However, Mandy is beyond frustrated when Vinny sticks up for Tina.

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The young man protests Tina’s in the village to get to know her family, rather than run off with Zak’s money.

Elsewhere, Tina tries to persuade Sam to sell the house – as a drunken Sam accidentally admits Vinny’s got Liv’s inheritance. 

Iconic character Tina returned to the village last month for her dad Zak’s funeral.

New actress Samantha Power took over the role from original star Jacqueline Pirie.

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Scottish actress Jacqueline played Tina in her original stint, spanning 1994 to 1996.

Emmerdale legend makes shock return after bosses recast character

Previously, The Sun exclusively revealed she was approached to return – but declined.

A source said: “Jacqueline loved her time on Emmerdale and life as an actress but it was a long time ago and she’s moved on.

“She lives in Canada now and has a new career as a novelist and while she’ll always be fond of the show, a return isn’t something she’s interested in.

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“These things happen, people move on and recasts happen all the time.”

Soap characters who’ve been recast

Soap operas are staple viewing for many people, but even some of the most famous characters have been played by different actors. Here are some examples from over the years.

Coronation Street

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  • Tracy Barlow: Kate Ford took on the role of Corrie legend Tracy Barlow in 2002. Before Kate, three other actresses had played Tracy – most notably Dawn Acton from 1988 to 1999.
  • Nick Tilsley: Ben Price has been playing Gail’s oldest child in 2009, but the former Footballers’ Wives star is the third actor to take on the part.
  • Sarah Platt: Although Tina O’Brien debuted as Sarah Platt in 1999, she is the third actress who has played the iconic role of Sarah Platt.
  • David Platt: Completing the line-up of Gail’s children, David was initially played by Thomas Ormson for a decade before Jack P. Shepherd took over.
  • Daniel Osbourne: For almost a decade, the role of Ken Barlow’s son Daniel has been portrayed by actor Rob Mallard. Before Rob joined, two other actors had previously played Daniel.
  • Bethany Platt: Fans know Lucy Fallon as Bethany nowadays but before her, three other actresses had stepped into the character’s shoes.
  • Kirk Sutherland: Before Andy Whyment took on the role of Kirk, he played by an uncredited actor in his very first appearance.
  • Todd Grimshaw: Gareth Pierce stepped into the role of Todd back in 2020, becoming the second performer to play this part.
  • Summer Spellman: Harriet Bibby became the second actress to play Summer, taking over the role from Matilda Freeman in 2020.
  • Ryan Connor: Ryan Prescott currently plays the long-running character, but Ben Thompson and Sol Heras had earlier portrayed the role.

EastEnders

  • Martin Fowler: Although Martin was the first baby born on-screen in EastEnders, he hasn’t always been played by the same person. His current portrayer, James Bye, is the third actor to star as the character.
  • Peter Beale: Seven actors have portrayed Ian Beale’s elder son, with the current actor, Thomas Law, in his second stint as the character.
  • Ben Mitchell: Ben has been played by a total of six actors – with Max Bowden bowing out of the role in March 2024.
  • Bobby Beale: Before Clay Milner Russell, Ian’s younger son had been played by four other actors.
  • Freddie Slater: Bobby’s best mate, Freddie Slater, had been previously played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby before Bobby Brazier took over in 2022.
  • Chelsea Fox: Former Coronation Street actress Zaraah Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea in 2020. The character had been first played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010.
  • Lauren Branning: Jacqueline Jossa took on the role of Lauren in 2010, succeeding Madeline Duggan who’d played her from 2006 to 2010.
  • Johnny Carter: Johnny has been played by three actors since debuting in 2013 – most recently, Charlie Suff has taken on the role.

Viewers were not fully convinced by the recast, however, as one penned: “The original Tina was nothing like this character that has been brought in.

“She had all the Dingle traits but was profound about her ways to get what she wanted. She was not loud or trashy.”

Another added: “When they said familiar face … what they really meant was familiar name with a different face.”

Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and is available to watch on ITVX.

Mandy is hiding the secret of Vinny's parentage

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Mandy is hiding the secret of Vinny’s parentageCredit: ITV



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The horrifying true story behind ITV’s Until I Kill You

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The horrifying true story behind ITV’s Until I Kill You


ITV’s new drama Until I Kill You tells the true story of nurse Delia Balmer’s shocking ordeal of realising her boyfriend of three years was a serial killer.

The series, based on Balmer’s 2017 memoir Living with a Serial Killer, stars Motherland ‘s Anna Maxwell Martin as Balmer andVigil actor Shaun Evans as serial killer John Sweeney. It depicts everything from the beginning of the pair’s relationship to all the moments Balmer tried to leave Sweeney, up until when he attacked her using an axe.

Balmer and Sweeney met in a pub in London’s Camden in 1991 and instantly got along when they learnt of each other’s love for travelling. Sweeney told Balmer he worked on construction sites in Germany and travelled frequently.

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When their relationship began, Sweeney called Balmer regularly; he would gift her flowers and shower her with affection. Balmer later realised that these attempts at showing love were manipulative as he gradually became more controlling and physically abusive as time went on.

Writing in her memoir, Balmer remarked that the changes happened slowly at the beginning. “I should’ve known something was wrong but I am too soft and trusting. I’d never come across anything like it before,” she wrote.

Balmer attempted to get out of the relationship but she feared for her safety. She briefly left Sweeney in 1994 and changed the locks on her front door. She asked the police to investigate a suspicious bag hidden behind a bathroom panel, which she describes in the book as a “body disposal kit meant for me”.

Anna Maxwell Martin and Shaun Evans as Balmer and Sweeney

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Anna Maxwell Martin and Shaun Evans as Balmer and Sweeney (ITV)

Despite Balmer’s attempts to warn the police, Sweeney broke into her home and held her hostage for four days, tying her to a bed and threatening her with a gun. He then confessed to murdering his previous girlfriend, 33-year-old Melissa Halstead and two men in Amsterdam (Halstead’s remains had been found mutilated in a canal in Rotterdam in 1990 but no suspect had been linked).

When Sweeney did leave the flat, Balmer fled to report what had happened to the police. They arrested Sweeney for holding her hostage but allowed him out on bail.

Anna Maxwell Martin in ‘Until I Kill You’

Anna Maxwell Martin in ‘Until I Kill You’ (ITV)

Balmer returned home one day after Sweeney’s release to find him waiting to attack her with an axe. In harrowing scenes recounted in both the book and series, Sweeney cut off one of Balmer’s fingers, while a neighbour came to her rescue by striking Sweeney with a baseball bat. Sweeney escaped and went on the run.

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In the subsequent trial, Balmer said: “He had the axe above his head ready to finish me off. Then the man next door came out and risked his life. I had just curled up ready to go.”

Balmer was severely injured; her arm was broken, her tendons were torn and she had a missing finger.

Sweeney was arrested in 2001 and was given four life sentences for the attempted murder of Balmer, and for having four guns when he was arrested while on the run.

In 2010, while serving this sentence, he was charged with the murder of Halstead and the murder of 31-year-old Paula Fields, who he had killed while on the run. Her body was also found in Regent’s Canal near Camden in 2001.

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He was found guilty of both crimes in 2011 and sentenced to life imprisonment. According to the BBC, authorities believe he may have killed three more women who had gone missing in the area between 1970 and 1990.

When Sweeney, originally from Merseyside, was sentenced at the Old Bailey in 2011, judge Mr Justice Saunders called the murders “terrible, wicked crimes”.

“The heads of the victims having been removed, it is impossible to be certain how they were killed. The mutilation of the bodies is a serious aggravating feature of the murders,” he explained.

“Not only does it reveal the cold-blooded nature of the killer, but it has added greatly to the distress of the families to know that parts of the bodies of their loved ones have never been recovered.”

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Until I Kill You begins on 3 November on ITV1.



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