He will face magistrates over the allegations that he tried to ensure prohibited drugs and phones entered Risley prison.

Amir Kamchah, aged 50 and of Park Lane West in Swinton, has been charged with four counts of attempt to convey a prohibited article into a prison, namely HM Prison Risley.

All of the charges are alleged to have been committed in Warrington on May 31, 2024.

The defendant is alleged to have conveyed three ‘list A’ items into the category C prison on Warrington Road.

According to the particulars of the charges, these items are the class B drugs ketamine and cannabis and the opioid methadone.

The fourth item is said to be ‘list B’ in the form of two mobile phones.

Kamchah is due to make a first appearance in connection with the allegations before Warrington Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Tuesday.

A spray of perfume on the neck is a familiar final step before leaving the house. But a viral Instagram post by a cancer specialist has singled out the neck as an area “worth thinking about” because it lies close to the thyroid gland.

The caption says there is no evidence that spraying perfume on the neck damages the thyroid. Yet its references to hormone disruption and lifelong chemical exposure through thin skin may suggest a possible link with thyroid disease or cancer. Could a quick spritz really pose a special risk?

Current evidence does not show that applying perfume over the thyroid selectively delivers fragrance chemicals to the gland or exposes it to a higher dose than spraying elsewhere. Research on skin absorption and the anatomy of the neck do not support the idea of a direct, selective route to the thyroid.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the lower front of the neck. It releases hormones that help control how the body uses energy and sits beneath the skin and several layers of connective tissue and muscle.

What happens when perfume reaches the skin?

Skin acts as a barrier. An ingredient may evaporate, remain on the surface, enter the skin’s layers or reach the bloodstream. Absorption depends on the chemical, its mixture, skin condition and location, dose and contact time.

Body site can influence absorption. Once a chemical reaches blood vessels in the deeper skin, it can circulate more widely. Applying a substance near an organ does not automatically target that organ.

Safety assessments of sprayable cosmetics also consider inhalation. This route does not give the thyroid special exposure from neck application.

What about phthalates and hormones?

Much of the concern centres on phthalates, a family of chemicals with different uses and health effects. Diethyl phthalate, or DEP, has been used as a solvent and fixative in fragrances. Other phthalates have mainly been used to make plastics flexible. Evidence about one member of the family cannot simply be applied to all the others.

A systematic review published online in 2024 brought together 17 studies involving 5,616 children and adolescents. It reported associations between phthalate exposure and levels of some thyroid hormones, while findings for other hormones were inconsistent. The studies examined exposure from multiple sources. They did not investigate perfume application to the neck or the development of thyroid disease, and cannot establish cause and effect.

Perfume can contribute to DEP exposure. In a study of 337 women, perfume users had higher urinary levels of monoethyl phthalate, a breakdown product of DEP. This supports perfume as a source of DEP exposure. The study did not examine thyroid damage or application site.

An “endocrine disruptor” is an outside substance that changes the hormone system and causes a harmful effect. Risk depends on the chemical, dose, route, timing and duration of exposure. A hormonal effect in a laboratory experiment does not establish the risk from a finished perfume used in everyday conditions.

Repeated use means repeated exposure, although it does not necessarily mean accumulation. Phthalates are converted into breakdown products that pass out of the body quickly in urine, while frequent use can repeatedly renew exposure.

In Great Britain and Northern Ireland, cosmetics must undergo a safety assessment before being placed on the market, although the regulatory systems differ. Assessors consider ingredients, concentrations, intended use and likely exposure. Fragrance mixtures may be listed as “parfum”, while specified allergens must be named above prescribed concentrations under Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s rules.

The better-established skin risks

For perfume applied directly to skin, the clearest established concern is allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy, inflamed rash caused by contact with an ingredient. A review estimated that fragrance contact allergy affects 0.7% to 2.6% of the general population.

An allergic reaction can develop after someone becomes sensitised, meaning their immune system has learned to react to an ingredient. Later contact can produce itching and an eczema-like red rash. Perfume can also irritate skin without causing an allergy. If a rash persists or returns, patch testing can help identify the cause.

Some fragrance ingredients can cause a phototoxic reaction, a sunburn-like response when a chemical on the skin is exposed to light. A human study of model perfumes found that bergamot oil containing a light-reactive chemical could cause such a reaction after exposure to ultraviolet A, or UVA. The risk depended on the concentration and UV dose, so this does not apply to every perfume.

Long-term sun exposure is considered a main contributor to poikiloderma of Civatte, which causes reddish-brown, thinned skin with visible small blood vessels on the sides of the neck. A small study of 32 patients suggested fragrance allergy might contribute in some people, but could not show that fragrance caused the condition.

Perfume odour can also affect people with migraine. In one clinic-based study, people with migraine frequently named perfume as an odour they believed had triggered attacks. The study relied on recollections, so cannot provide a population estimate or prove causation. It provides no evidence of thyroid damage.

So, should you avoid spraying your neck?

For most people, current evidence provides no thyroid-related reason to avoid the neck specifically. Cancer Research UK reports no evidence that using perfume causes cancer.

If perfume causes burning or an itchy rash, stop applying it to the skin and seek medical advice if the reaction persists. “Natural” fragrances are not automatically gentler because essential oils can also cause allergic contact dermatitis. A “phthalate-free” label does not by itself establish that a fragrance is safer because phthalates differ and replacement products are not automatically safer.

Further research could clarify the effects of repeated exposure to fragrance mixtures. Current evidence does not show that spraying the neck gives fragrance chemicals special access to the thyroid.

North Yorkshire Council has confirmed that the Swaledale Drainage Improvement scheme will require a full road closure over two separate periods in August.

The first closure began at 8.30am on Monday, August 17, 2026, and is scheduled to remain in place until 3.30pm on Friday, August 21.

The road will then reopen for the weekend before a second full closure comes into force at 8.30am on Monday, August 24, lasting until 3.30pm on Friday, August 28.

Roadworks information published for the scheme shows a signed diversion of around 77.4km, or 48 miles, which is expected to take motorists about an hour to complete.

The diversion begins on Guning Lane and takes drivers through a number of roads before eventually returning to Guning Lane.

The route includes sections towards Cliff Gate Road, Brunt Acres Road, Burtersett Road, High Street, Richmond Road, Mount Drive, Bellerby Road and Runs Bank.

The reverse route applies for motorists travelling in the opposite direction.

Information provided for road users states: “Closure for drainage improvement works.

“The works are scheduled to begin at 8.30am on Monday, August 17, 2026, and will be carried out under a full road closure until 3.30pm on Friday, August 21, when the road will be reopened for the weekend.

“A second full road closure will then be in place from 8.30am on Monday, August 24, to 3.30pm on Friday, August 28.”

Although the roadworks listing gives an overall event period running until 11.59pm on August 28, the council’s description says the second full closure is expected to finish at 3.30pm that day.

Motorists are being advised to follow the diversion signage in place and allow extra time for their journeys.

Drivers should check the latest road conditions and diversion information before travelling, as arrangements can change depending on the progress of the works.

A new series features an extraordinary row between Kyle Walker and Pep Guardiola as Manchester City struggled during the 2024/25 season

Kyle Walker explosively claimed that Pep Guardiola never wanted him to be Manchester City captain in an X-rated dressing room row weeks before leaving the club. The England defender reacted furiously to criticism from the manager after a 2-0 defeat at Anfield in December 2024 and challenged Guardiola for ‘bringing up my name in every f****** meeting’.

The flashpoint is one of a number of clashes in a new Amazon documentary out this week that shows the fracturing of a squad that had won the previous four Premier League titles. As defeat to Liverpool continues a wretched run of form, Walker is shown reacting to Guardiola’s criticism and then losing his temper when the manager tells him he doesn’t understand.

“If you keep saying my name in every meeting and every f****** thing you make it impossible. You’re going to get a reaction. Every f****** meeting it’s my name,” he says. Having captained the side to glory as they won the title in 2024, Walker would leave on loan six months later and left permanently for Burnley the following summer.

The documentary, called A Beautiful Obsession, follows life at City as their season falls apart after Guardiola’s belief that his squad can push through for another season quickly comes back to haunt the club. There are several bruising encounters between the manager and his players in the dressing room during and after matches, although Walker’s is the most startling row.

Walker’s departure saw Guardiola change the habit of his previous nine years at City and insist on picking the club captain himself for his tenth and final year in charge. Bernardo Silva took over from Walker and skippered the team to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup trophies before leaving for Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.

A Beautiful Obsession launches exclusively on Prime Video in UK & Ireland 19 August 2026

The Causeway Coast settlement has been rated Northern Ireland’s top seaside town in the annual Which? reader survey, beating off competition from well-known rivals

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Northern Ireland’s top seaside destination has been revealed – and it’s not Ballycastle, Portrush or Newcastle.

This summer has been an absurdly hot one across the UK. Last week, Northern Ireland entered its fourth heatwave of the season. Temperatures exceeded 25C in several spots on Thursday, while Armagh had three consecutive days of 25C or more, meaning it is officially a heatwave.

According to the Met Office, the mean temperature this summer in Northern Ireland is 15.4C, which is 1.38C above the long-term average. The country is on track to record its hottest summer ever.

While this has (and should) make us concerned about the worsening impacts of climate change, it has also presented some good opportunities to head to the beach. And Northern Ireland has one of the best.

Every year, Which? readers cast their votes to determine their preferred coastal location across the UK. England’s Bognor Regis had another year to forget, finishing bottom of the rankings for the second year running, with visitors criticising its high costs and dilapidated appearance.

Fortunately, none of Northern Ireland’s seaside towns featured among the worst 30. In fact, one secured a place on the ‘best’ list.

Several local contenders were in the running. Portrush in County Antrim is arguably the province’s most famous coastal town, sitting on a rugged peninsula with three expansive sandy beaches. Newcastle in County Down is another firm favourite, nestled between the Irish Sea and the Mourne Mountains and offering a fine combination of mountain trails and coastal walks. Then there’s Ballycastle, also in County Antrim — a historic market town that consistently ranks among the finest places to live, with a stunning Blue Flag beach and a thriving traditional harbour.

Yet none of these made the Which? list. That accolade belongs to Portstewart in County Derry.

Portstewart ranks among the most picturesque destinations along Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast, and its appeal is easy to understand. Portstewart Strand is the headline attraction — a two-mile Blue Flag beach managed by the National Trust and backed by a spectacular dune system. What sets it apart is the rare ability to drive directly onto the sand, making it ideal for families with young children or those travelling with lots of kit. Whether you fancy swimming, surfing, paddleboarding or simply a stroll through the dunes, there is something for everyone.

The town itself has plenty more to offer. The Promenade retains its charming Victorian-era seafront character, lined with cafes, ice cream parlours and sweeping sea views. During the summer months, it becomes the beating heart of the town’s social scene.

Much like Broadstairs in Kent, Portstewart has its own ice cream institution in Morelli’s. A beloved fixture on the Prom, it has been serving locals and visitors alike since the early 1900s.

Golf enthusiasts are equally well catered for at Portstewart Golf Club, which features three courses including a championship links course that hugs the coastline. The world-renowned Royal Portrush is also within easy reach.

For those with a cultural appetite, Flowerfield Arts Centre — housed within a grand Victorian mansion — hosts exhibitions and events throughout the year. The town also serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider coastline, with convenient access to the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Dunluce Castle and Mussenden Temple. The area has long attracted Game of Thrones fans too, thanks to its proximity to a number of filming locations used in the series.

In contrast to its livelier neighbour Portrush, Portstewart maintains a calmer, more residential atmosphere — making it an ideal base for those who want easy access to the region’s attractions without the bustle of the crowds.

The town itself has plenty more to offer. The Promenade retains its charming Victorian-era seafront character, lined with cafes, ice cream parlours and sweeping sea views.

Much like Broadstairs in Kent, Portstewart boasts its own ice cream institution — Morelli’s. A beloved fixture on the Prom, it has been serving locals and visitors alike since the early 1900s.

For those with a cultural appetite, Flowerfield Arts Centre — Northern Ireland’s first such venue — is housed within a grand Victorian mansion and hosts exhibitions and events throughout the year. The town serves as an excellent starting point for discovering the broader coastline, offering convenient access to the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Dunluce Castle, and Mussenden Temple.

Paul Kemp has sold the Last Drop Inn to the Ilkley-based White Wells pub company.

As previously reported, Paul acquired the Last Drop Inn from the Black Sheep Brewery after it entered administration in 2023 and transformed the venue into a much-loved, award-winning success.

However, earlier this year, the 51-year-old announced plans to sell the pub mainly for health reasons and to seek a new ‘adventure’ whilst he was young.

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White Wells Pub company was formed earlier this year and bar at 20 and spent the last 15 years in brewingis made up of Ian Fozard of Harrogate-based Roosters Brewery; Paul Betts of Roosters Brewery and the Ilkley Brewing Company, Graham Smith and Luke Raven.

Luke says White Wells was formed out of a love for pubs, to see them thrive, not just survive. The company seeks ‘pubs with purpose’, aiming to put quality first, be it beer or service.

Luke has worked in hospitality since he was 15, starting out as a pub bottlewasher. He opened his first bar at 10 and then spent 15 years at the Ilkley Brewery, rising to becoming its managing director until recently. He also co-owns The Ilkley Tap, which opened in 2024.

Luke Raven of the White Wells Pub Company getting the keys from Paul Kemp (Image: Darren Greenwood)

He left the brewery to set up the White Wells Pub Company, which aims to have an estate of ten pubs in the next couple of years.

Luke told the Press: “This won’t be a chain, with one-size-fits-all branding or approach – each site we find will be unique and will have its own identity.”

Luke says the Last Drop Inn is ‘fantastic’ noting Paul Kemp “transformed it from a tired and unloved pub into a cask beer haven.”

He continued: “When we found out it might be available, we didn’t hesitate. Just before the sale went through, the Last Drop was awarded City Pub of the Year by York CAMRA, and so we see ourselves as proud custodians more than anything else.”

Already, Luke says the basics are in place, with loyal regulars, who will be sought their views.

The number of handpull cask lines will be increased from 8 to ten, ensuring there is alcohol free beer, and expanding the local craft beers, with an emphasis on Yorkshire.

Luke continued: “We’re planning a little facelift at the beginning of September, to freshen up the place and also to increase the seating options. York is such a vibrant city, and Colliergate always bustling and busy, but our little pub is easy to miss, so we want to add some subtle touches that draw people in. We are also looking to utilise additional space in the upstairs rooms.”

The venue continues with its cask club, its Wednesday pub quiz, pies from from the Sambles Pie & Sausage company, and is planning to relaunch live music very soon. There is also a Last Drop loyalty card, plus a locally-brewed Last Drop Lager and Blonde

All the former staff were kept on and the only new member is a returning staff member Nat, who was recommended by Paul Kemp and is back as manager.

Luke added his company has offers for a number of pubs across Yorkshire and having “fallen in love” with York, could acquire a second venue in the city.

He added on Thursday September 10, the Last Drop will celebrate its mini-refit  and “would love to welcome faces new and old for a drink that evening.”

At the time, the true extent of the violence and its racial motivations were not fully exposed. Senior Metropolitan police officers attempted to dismiss the violence as the work of “ruffians, both coloured and white” hellbent on hooliganism. But confidential police files only released in 2002 confirm what many in the black community already knew to be true: that the unrest was overwhelmingly instigated by 300 to 400-strong “Keep Britain White” mobs, many of them Teddy Boys armed with iron bars, butcher’s knives and weighted leather belts, who went on a rampage among the West Indian residents of Notting Hill. The files, which were closed under the 75-year rule but were released early, show that senior officers tried to convince the then home secretary, “Rab” Butler, that there had been no real racial element to the rioting.

The victim was found at his home

A man who stabbed his father in a “horrific act of violence” pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Adam Merritt stabbed 60-year-old Robert Merritt 16 times at home in Orton Malborne, Peterborough, in June 2022.

Mr Merritt was found at his home in the early hours of June 29, 2022. He was found with injuries and was declared dead shortly afterwards. A post-mortem examination concluded that Mr Merritt died from stab wounds.

His son, Merritt, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and was taken to Thorpe Wood Police Station. He was since charged with murder.

Merritt had lived with a chronic psychiatric disorder since 2008, according to the BBC. He reportedly stopped taking his anti-psychotic medication two weeks before the attack but had taken a dose of medicine the day before stabbing his father to death, the jury heard.

On Friday, August 14, Merritt pleaded not guilty to murder, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He was handed a Section 37 hospital order and Section 41 restrictions order.

Detective Superintendent Iain Moor, from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit, said: “What Adam Merritt did that day was a horrific act of violence, which saw a man who was a father, a grandfather, a friend, and a neighbour tragically lose his life. The whole case is terribly sad and my thoughts and sympathies are with the family.”

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for help to identify a man following a racially aggravated incident in Harrogate.

The incident took place in Ripon Road, where a man was racially abused and had his car attacked as he drove along.

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“We believe the man in the image will have information that could help our investigation,” said a spokesperson for the force.

Anyone who recognises him or can help identify him is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police by emailing Sam.Raw@northyorkshire.police.uk, calling 101, or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference 12260140563 when providing information.

Chris Appleton showcased his very muscular frame on Sunday as he worked out in a London park ahead of making his Strictly Come Dancing debut next month.

Kim Kardashian’s hairstylist, 43, looked on fine form as he was put through his paces by a personal trainer in Hyde Park.

The hunk, who recently shaved and dyed his hair blond, was sure to garner plenty of attention while showing off his ripped six pack in black shorts.

He also donned white trainers and a grey hoodie, which was promptly removed as he worked up a sweat while skipping. 

While his professional dance partner will no doubt whip him into shape in rehearsals, his trainer ensured that Chris will be physically prepared for training, with the conceptual hair stylist seen sprinting through the park.

He was also seen doing lunges during the workout, with things intensifying as dumbbells were added. 

Kim Kardashian’s hairstylist, 43, looked on fine form as he was put through his paces by a personal trainer in Hyde Park

Chris, who is currently flat hunting in the capital, was also seen picking up a kettlebell while an agility ladder was laid out ahead of him.

Amid the gruelling workout, the soon-to-be Strictly star stopped for a well-earned break as he hydrated with a bottle of water. 

Chris is a world-renowned hairstylist and is best known for working with Kim Kardashian. 

Named a ‘Hair Star’ by Vogue UK, Chris’s work has been showcased on covers and in major features for publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, Grazia, L’Officiel Paris and more. 

His other celebrity clients include Jennifer Lopez, Sofía Vergara, Ariana Grande and Katy Perry. 

Back in June, during an appearance at Wimbledon, Kim’s pal looked ahead to his Strictly stint and revealed his dream pro partner is US dancer Alexis Warr, 26. 

He told the Daily Mail: ‘I’d love to be with Alexis. She’s amazing and I think our personalities would work really well together.’

Alexis made her Strictly debut last year and finished as runner up with her partner, TikTok star George Clarke.

The hunk, who recently shaved and dyed his hair blonde, was sure to garner plenty of attention while showing off his ripped six pack in black shorts

Chris put on a head-turning display as he worked up a sweat in the London park

Chris donned white trainers and a grey hoodie, which was promptly removed as he worked up a sweat while skipping

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While his dance partner will no doubt whip him into shape in rehearsals, his trainer ensured that Chris will be physically prepared, with the hair stylist seen sprinting through the park

Chris showed off his form as he sprinted alongside a woman while his trainer watched on

He was also seen doing lunges during the workout, with things intensifying as dumbbells were added

The hair stylist pushed himself during the workout

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Chris, who is currently flat hunting in the capital, was also seen picking up a kettlebell while an agility ladder was laid out ahead of him 

The soon-to-be Strictly star was full of concentration as he watched his trainer

Amid the gruelling workout, Chris stopped for a well-earned break as he hydrated with a bottle of water

She also has a big presence back home in the US where she first achieved fame by winning So You Think You Can Dance in 2022.  

Chris is part of the 2026 Strictly line-up which also includes Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best, Dame Sarah Storey, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme Hall, Lawrence Robb, Tabby Stoecker, John Nellis and Melanie Walters.  

The cast for the upcoming 2026 series is complete but disappointed fans of the BBC‘s flagship show have criticised the ‘weak’ line-up, with fans claiming there aren’t enough ‘household names’. 

An insider has revealed the BBC has a casting strategy as part of its major overhaul of the show, which has been running for 22 years.

This year the series has been deliberate in its targeting of celebrities with big social media followings in a ploy to attract younger viewers to the show.

It has been suggested this is to follow a similar, hugely successful social media strategy employed by its US counterpart Dancing With The Stars. 

‘Although your traditional Strictly audience might not know who some of the signings are, that’s not as important as bringing in new viewers who are more than familiar with them,’ the source revealed.

‘Their followers are vast in numbers, enthusiastic and, by sharing content on Strictly, raise the profile of the show massively.

Chris is a world-renowned hair stylist and is best known for working with Kim Kardashian  

‘And, in time, the viewers who don’t know these people get to know them. If anything they end up going on much more of a “Strictly Journey” than the stars you’d describe as “household names,”‘ the source added to The Sun.

Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian’s hair stylist Chris might not be a household name, but he does boast a huge social media following with 4million fans on Instagram.

Dancing With The Stars has used their celebrity contestants’ followings to their advantage, introducing a TikTok Night last year – an episode which saw the contestants perform viral dance routines, sparking an uptick in interaction from younger viewers.

The Dancing With The Stars TikTok account now has more than 5million followers, in comparison to Strictly’s 670,000.

The insider has explained that the BBC struggles to attract big-name celebrities these days because the landscape has changed.

The source continued: ‘Crucially the pipeline that used to feed these big shows has changed.

‘Boyband and girlband stars aren’t as prevalent any more and, once upon a time, getting someone from a soap or a big drama was a massive deal, but now even that has diminished somewhat.

‘Now, though, social media is continuing to boom and big stars from the world of TikTok, YouTube and Instagram are known to a vast section of society.’

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2026: MEET THE CONTESTANTS

LACEY TURNER 

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AGE: 38

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Stacey Slater on BBC’s EastEnders 

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’m so excited and terrified at the same time but I’ve had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time that I plunked up the courage and made my way onto that dance floor.’

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DELTA GOODREM

AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Played Nina Tucker in Neighbours and has released eight music albums

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from tv, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor!’

CACH MERCER

AGE: 25

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Won Love Island 2025 and is a TikTok influencer

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!’

DAME SARAH STOREY

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AGE: 48

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Britain’s most successful Paralympian 

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.’

BETHANY ANTONIA 

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AGE: 28

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill.’

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GRAEME ‘THE DOGFATHER’ HALL

AGE: 59

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Channel 5 series Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking!’

TABBY STOECKER 

AGE: 25

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Olympic champion skeleton racer

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve had the wildest year of my life so far, so to be rounding it off with a childhood dream of dancing in the Strictly ballroom is surreal and I can’t wait to get stuck in!’

MELANIE WALTERS 

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AGE: 64

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Gwen West in BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room.’

DANI DYER

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AGE: 30

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Winning Love Island and being the daughter of actor Danny Dyer

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!’

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CHRIS APPLETON

AGE: 43

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hairdresser to the stars – including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new.’

WILL BEST

AGE: 41

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Big Brother and previously TV

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!’

JAIME WINSTONE

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AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Starring in films such as Kidulthood and Tomb Raider

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me.’

SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS 

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AGE: 44

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Footballer who played for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!’

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LAWRENCE ROBB

AGE: 34

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Mackenzie Boyd on ITV’s Emmerdale

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I can’t quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time!’

JOHN NELLIS 

AGE: 33

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Face of a popular football-focused YouTube channel

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I can’t wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it!’

 

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