A 50th high school reunion brought four lifelong friends together with a chance to reconnect not just here but in Amsterdam for 12 days.
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Wish You Were Here: Amsterdam adventures with four childhood friends
Strictly fans ‘work out’ WHY Tom Dean was booted off show by judges – amid fix row
STRICTLY fans think they’ve worked out why Tom Dean was booted off the show by judges last night.
The BBC ballroom show has been plunged into a fix row afer Olympic swimmer Tom, 24, and his partner Nadiya Bychkova, 35, were eliminated from the competition.
Head judge Shirley Ballas had opted to save Toyah Willcox in the dance-off – sparking outrage among fans who have raised their theories in a Reddit chatroom.
Some have claimed it was to even out the cast’s gender imbalance while others think it’s because he prematurely announced his participation over the summer.
One wrote: “My only thought for getting rid of Tom is because of the male/female weighting and a concern that it’ll become too male heavy too quickly.”
Someone else said: “My only thought for getting rid of Tom is because of the male/female weighting and a concern that it’ll become too male heavy too quickly.”
A third pointed out: There’s already a gender discrepancy and they’re probably concerned about losing the female cast. You can guarantee that either Punam or Sam, or both, will be in the bottom next week.
Elsewhere, another penned: “Are producers mad he revealed he was on the show before the announcement?” with a fifth agreeing: “The thought did cross my mind…”
Breaking her silence, Nadiya wrote: “I really appreciate all the messages but I’m not ready to talk about what happened tonight just yet.”
Her former partner on the show Dan Walker was also furious at the decision and shared his own post.
He wrote: “What just happened on Strictly feels a bit messed up.
“@tomdean00’s departure will go down as one of THE early shocks. Lovely bloke who really could have become a great dancer. He looked like he was loving every second of it and @nadiyabychkova looked like she loved teaching him.
“I’m not an expert – and I’m happy for someone to explain – but how he lost that dance off is completely beyond my comprehension. Genuinely thought they could have gone a long way.”
Tom shared both posts, before commenting on the journey himself.
Former It Takes Two presenter Zoe Ball seemed to be on the same page and told Nadiya: “Love you Lady. gutted for you and Tom.”
While Gorka Marquez told Tom: “Gutted for you man but should be product.”
Katya Jones commented: “So gutted for you and Nadiya.”
Following the public vote, the gold-medallist swimmer faced singer and actress Toyah, 66, in the dance-off.
Strictly 2024 pairings
Here's who is matched with who this series...
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
JB Gill and Amy Dowden MBE
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystał
Punam Krishan and Gorka Márquez
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Tom Dean MBE and Nadiya Bychkova
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones
Sam Quek MBE and Nikita Kuzmin
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones
Donning sparkly and fringed outfits, Tom performed his energetic cha cha to Boogie Wonderland by Earth, Wind & Fire once again.
He kicked off the live show on Saturday with the routine, receiving a score of 20 from the judges and bringing his total to 43 after picking up 23 points last week for his tango to Harry Styles‘s song Golden.
Meanwhile, Toyah and professional partner Neil Jones reprised their lively jive to Nutbush City Limits by Ike & Tina Turner.
They picked up 18 points for their effort but they still remained at the bottom of the leaderboard with a total of 30 after they placed at the bottom last week with a score of 12.
After both couples danced a second time, the judges delivered their verdicts, with Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse both choosing to save Toyah while Anton Du Beke opted to save Tom.
Head judge Shirley had the deciding vote and chose to save Toyah.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Second Week Scores
As is tradition, the first week scores are rolled over and combined into the second week. Here’s how the leaderboard now looks after the combined scores
- Tasha and Aljaz = 65 (30+35)
- Sarah and Vito = 62 (30+32)
- JB and Amy = 58 (31+27)
- Montell and Johannes = 56 (26+30)
- Wynne and Katya = 56 (26+30)
- Shayne and Nancy = 52 (21+31)
- Chris and Dianne = 52 (23+29)
- Jamie and Michelle = 50 (23+27)
- Sam and Nikita = 45 (23+22)
- Tom and Nadiya = 43 (23+20)
- Nick and Luba = 39 (18+21)
- Pete and Jowita = 39 (17+22)
- Dr Punam and Gorka = 37 (19+18)
- Paul and Karen = 32 (17+15)
- Toyah and Neil = 30 (12+18)
Richard Madeley reveals anti-ageing secret at 68 as he admits everyone thinks he dyes his hair
HE’LL be turning 69 next year.
But Richard Madeley still seems to be defying the ageing process, and opened up about how he does it on the White Wine Question Time podcast with Kate Thornton.
In fact, the TV host’s still brown hair has even sparked rumours that he dyes his locks – which he was quick to refute during the interview.
“I’ve been accused of actually dying my hair lighter, which I always happily and honestly refute,” Richard laughed.
“I don’t. It’s funny, again, I’ve kind of come full circle!”
The Good Morning Britain host added that when he was very little, he was “really, really blonde”, before he started to go brown about “seven or eight”, and then went “quite dark brown”.
And then around “20 years ago”, Richard said he did “start to go grey”,
“But when I’m in the sun, and we spend a fair bit of time down in the south of France, we’ve got a little place down there, and I’m in the pool and I get out of the pool, the sun lightens my hair,” he said.
“So when I come back, like I came back in July, we had a few calls when I came back on air in July this year, saying, has he put streaks in his hair?
“And I honestly, honestly, honestly haven’t.
“Honestly, it’s just sunshine!
“And I think it must, I think it may be the chemicals in the pool, I don’t know.”
Kate noted in the interview that Richard “could pass for a man much younger”.
But he said he reckons it’s because he has aged on camera.
“Don’t you think that’s because I’ve not actually ever been off…. So you know, I’m aging slowly on camera because I haven’t been away for like five years or 10 years,” he mused.
Richard also does his best to keep a close eye on his weight as he gets older.
“It’s important to watch your weight as you get into middle age, and in my case, late middle age,” he said.
“In fact, I guess you have to say old age!”
Three hair mistakes that are making you look older
THERE are some hair mistakes to avoid if you don't want to make yourself look older than you actually are:
- One dimensional hair colour – it’s a good idea to visit a hairdresser to get your colour done. Using a box dye can leave you with one block colour, so steer clear.
- Hair that’s too dark around the hairline – “Add softer, lighter tones and shades around the sides of the face to bring lift and life to your eyes; too dark a colour will do the opposite and feel very gaunt and dreary,” Jack Howard, UK colour spokesperson for L’Oreal, said.
- Sticking to the hair colour of your youth – While you might have looked good with jet black hair in your 20s, the same may not be said now you’re in your 50s. The general rule is that your hair colour should lighten with age, just as your skin tone does.
Richard also spoke about wife Judy on the podcast, as he revealed that she’s “really enjoying” not being on the small screen.
But she’s still finding the time to pull her husband up on things when he needs it.
“I think, to be honest, she challenges me more than I challenge her, but that’s probably because I deserve it,” he laughed.
“I earn it.
“I think our family and our friends would say that.
“It tends to be her, you know, pulling me up rather than the other way around.”
Arsenal fans say ‘take my money now’ as away kit for 2025-26 leaked including incredible nod to iconic retro jersey
ARSENAL’S away kit for next season will be inspired by the club’s iconic 1995/96 blue shirt, according to reports.
The Gunners may be just nine games into the new season – but Adidas‘ ideas for a new look have supposedly been leaked.
Back 29 years ago, the club had a much-loved away kit with a zig-zag in dark and light blue on it.
And the retro Nike design it set to come back next campaign, with Adidas planning a modern take on the classic.
An AI prediction of what the kit might look like on Bukayo Saka has surfaced on social media and fans love it.
One said: “Take my money now.”
Another added: “That is lovely.”
A third wrote: “This would be elite.”
More commented: “The gold Premier League champions badge might throw the colours off.”
But Arsenal fans will be hoping the shirt only brings back a retro vibe rather than the team’s form that season.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
In the 1995/96 campaign under Bruce Rioch, the Gunners finished fifth in the Premier League and crashed out the FA Cup in the third round.
Ian Wright was the top scorer that year with 23 goals.
Arsenal player ratings
By Tony Robertson, Digital Sports Reporter
LEANDRO TROSSARD inspired Arsenal to a dramatic injury-time 4-2 win after Leicester’s second-half fightback
Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the players…
David Raya – 6
After quiet first half Spaniard had to be alert in the second. Quick distribution allowed Arsenal to sustain attacking pressure.
Could do nothing for the goal after being wrong-footed by the Havertz deflection and was at full stretch for Justin’s world class equalising volley.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Showed off both sides of his game with some good early interceptions before a superb low cross to set up Martinelli’s opener.
Skied a shot over the bar following a goal mouth scramble in the second half.
William Saliba – 7
Expertly marshalled Jamie Vardy whenever caught in a one-v-one situation in the first half.
Gave away a free-kick against the Foxes ace which ended up going in after a deflection off Havertz.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
After being centre of attention against Tottenham and Man City, the Brazilian had a more low-key day dealing with the Foxes, at least in the first half. His problems today were more on the ball than off.
Saw one near-post header miraculously saved by Hermansen in the second half.
Riccardo Calafiori – 6
Closed down a dangerous chance early on after some sloppy midfield play from Thomas Partey, often tucked into midfield when in possession and looked very comfortable in the role.
Went missing for Justin’s equaliser and was booked in the second half. Denied by a goal with a far-post header by a superb Hermansen save.
Thomas Partey – 5
Caught out on the ball in the opening stages by Ndidi but recovered to play some nice passes.
Seemed absent from the midfield at times when asked to defend.
Declan Rice – 6
Made some good runs into the attacking third and was always able to offer an option. Delivered some dangerous corners and provided energy in midfield, even if much of the rest of his impact on the game was limited.
Saw a pass into Havertz on the edge of the area result in a penalty appeal that was waved away.
Kai Havertz – 7
Back in midfield role today and looked assured in much of his play. Nodded a header agonisingly wide in the 37th minute. Saw Leicester’s goal just after half-time deflect in off his chest to wrong foot Raya.
Only denied a goal by a world-class save by Hermansen and was denied a penalty moments later. Showed desire to get to the far-post and score a last-minute goal and make it 4-2 after a Jesus run.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Usual bright self and tested the gloves of Hermansen early on before smart switch to play in Martinelli, who should have done better before skying his shot over the bar. Moments later played in Timber before he set up the opener.
A real captain’s performance from the winger with the most chances created, most shots and most completed dribbles out of any of his team-mates – and he chipped in with an assist.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Naughty tackle from ex-Spurs man Oliver Skipp didn’t dampen his spirits as he ended his goal drought by netting from Timber’s low cross. Arsenal’s most dangerous player in the first half and ended with an assist for Trossard on the stroke of half-time.
Faded in the second half and did not get back in time for Justin’s equaliser before being hooked for Sterling.
Leandro Trossard – 9
Tigerish work leading the line and forced a number of high turnovers, one of which led to a good Martinelli chance being saved by Hermansen. Got a goal for his efforts with a deft side foot into the bottom corner on the stroke of half-time.
Struck the wood work in the 58th minute and should have scored after Arsenal won the ball back high. Was eventually the match winner with a scruffy injury time strike from close range.
Subs
Raheem Sterling (on for Martinelli 74 mins) – 5
Didn’t make much impact after coming on.
Ethan Nwaneri (on for Partey 85 mins) – 7
First act after getting the ball was to dribble and curl a shot to the far corner, which was destined for the net if not for a superb Hermansen save.
Gabriel Jesus (on for Trossard 94 mins) – 6
Dribble and shot helped Havertz net a last minute goal.
I was meant to meet my vibrant best pal for drinks but I cancelled on her – days later her body was pulled from river
A WOMAN has been left plagued with guilt after cancelling plans to meet her best friend before she went missing – days later her body was pulled from the Thames.
“Vibrant” Natasha Reddington-Romanov, from Southwark, was tragically discovered in the River Thames near Vauxhall Bridge on Saturday.
The 55-year-old was last seen in Soho in the West End of London in the early hours of Friday, September 20, apparently heading home to Old Kent Road.
Natasha was reported missing the following Tuesday after she failed to show up for work.
Pal Tracy Kawalik described her friend of 10 years as “magnetic” and “super hilarious”.
She told The Sun after the grim discovery: “I’m full of grief. I’m full of guilt. She’d asked me to meet her for a drink on the Friday night and I didn’t go.
“And there was so much on myself that I won’t ever forgive for that.
“Of course, I was not to know what would happen that evening but I’m heartbroken.”
Natasha is said to have eaten dinner in Chinatown with the owner of Trisha’s, a jazz club on Greek Street in Soho.
Natasha was the most beautiful person in the entire world.
Tracy Kawalik
She returned to the club for a drink with the same woman – known as Trish – later that evening.
The trans woman then walked from the bar towards Bateman Street at 2am wearing a white Chanel suit.
She was seen by friends going past Raincall club.
Natasha often took the bus home from Tottenham Court Road to where she lives near the Old Kent Road.
However, that night the battery on her phone had died, Tracy understands.
Paying tribute to her friend, Tracy went on to say: “Natasha was the most beautiful person in the entire world.
“She was so caring, vivacious and a force to be reckoned with. A beautiful force of nature. She was so protective.
“She was very protective of all of her female friends. She was just an absolutely vibrant human being.
“You wouldn’t have come across her and not remembered her.
“I reckon everyone whose paths she crossed she would have made a mark on them.
“She was incredibly funny without trying very hard. She was naturally super hilarious.
“She was a bit like the life of the party but without trying to be the centre of attention if that makes any sense.
“It was very natural for her. She was an incredibly intoxicating character. Very magnetic. You would never have forgotten her.”
Cops said Natasha’s death is “being treated as unexpected, but not suspicious”.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Officers conducting enquiries in relation to a missing person‘s report have recovered a body.
“Officers believe that the body discovered is that of Natasha Reddington-Romanov, a 55-year-old woman that had been reported missing from Southwark.
“Natasha’s next of kin have been informed of this development.
“On Saturday, 21 September, officers were alerted to the discovery of a body in the Thames near Vauxhall Bridge.
“Work was undertaken to confirm the identify of this person.
“In the interim, Natasha disappearance was reported to police on Tuesday, 24 September and a missing person’s investigation was immediately launched.
“It was subsequently confirmed that the body recovered was that of Natasha’s.
“The death is being treated as unexpected, but not suspicious. A file will be prepared for the Coroner.”
NYC Mayor Eric Adams seeks dismissal of bribery charge brought by ‘zealous’ prosecutors
The defense is suggesting what Mayor Eric Adams is accused of doing is routine, not criminal.
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San Diego search and rescue task force members involved in serious accident
Members of a San Diego search and rescue task force were involved in a serious accident over the weekend while heading to North Carolina to help with Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
The post San Diego search and rescue task force members involved in serious accident appeared first on KYMA.
France’s Le Pen goes on trial accused of embezzling EU funds
If convicted, the far-right leader could be barred from running for President in 2027.
Read More »TD: State swimming in “rivers of cash” must offer carers lifeboat
Reform
The post TD: State swimming in “rivers of cash” must offer carers lifeboat appeared first on Gript.
Amal and George Clooney Share Their Romantic 10th Anniversary Plans
A decade of love.
George Clooney and Amal Clooney are celebrating their milestone wedding anniversary in style, or so it seems. The couple, who share twins Ella Clooney and Alexander Clooney, are...