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    Huge Radio 2 shake-up as Steve Wright’s replacement is revealed and Top Gear star bags Sunday show

    STEVE Wright’s replacement has been announced two months after the radio legend passed away. It’s been revealed that Michael Ball will be the new voice for Love Songs on Radio 2 every Sunday. Michael Ball will be the new host of the Love Songs show on Radio 2Steve Wright died in FebruaryThe singer said that he’s “nervous” to continue Steve’s legacy but is excited to get started. “Steve made Love Songs ‘appointment to listen’ radio. I’m beyond excited and more than a little nervous to be tasked with the chance to continue with his extraordinary legacy,” he said.”Beautiful, moving, relaxing and uplifting music to lift the soul on a Sunday morning, coupled with the stories, suggestions, requests and precious memories from you, the listener, will ensure that this won’t be just MY show, but OUR show,” he added. There have been other big changes at Radio 2, including a popular presenter becoming a permanent fixture on the team. read more on radio 2Paddy McGuinness will be behind the mic for a new Sunday show from 11-1pm from June, which will see Micheal’s slot move to an earlier spot.The Top Gear star first presented on the station last year when he was covering pop quiz Ten To The Top while Vernon Kay was doing a marathon for Children In Need.He’s also been sitting in for Rylan Clark on Saturday afternoons and presented shows across the Easter Weekend.Talking about his new gig, Paddy said: “I’ve loved keeping Rylan’s seat warm on Saturday afternoons and returning to the airwaves over Easter. To be given my very own regular show on the legendary Radio 2 is a dream come true.”Most read in ShowbizThe comedian’s arrival will see a reshuffling of the Sunday programmes, resulting in Michael Ball’s show moving to an earlier time.Steve’s death was announced in February after he was found in his London flat. His death was not treated as suspicious, but friends said the beloved presenter “died from a broken heart”.He was axed from his Radio 2 afternoon show in 2022 after 24 years behind the microphone.His friend of 40 years Gary Farrow said Steve was “devastated” to lose his massively popular slot two years ago.Gary blasted BBC bosses who deemed Steve “too old”, saying there was no one more “current”.He added: “Steve lived for that show, he absolutely loved it – and the listeners loved him. My view is that he died from a broken heart.”Paddy McGuinness secured a new gig on Radio 2 More

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    Ellie Leach shows Bobby Brazier what he’s missing as she poses in miniskirt after he ‘confirms’ new romance

    ELLIE Leach has wowed her fans as she showed Bobby Brazier what he’s missing following his new romance.Strictly Come Dancing champ Ellie had enjoyed a whirlwind romance with Bobby, 20, after their time together on the BBC show.Ellie Leach has wowed her fans as she showed Bobby Brazier what he’s missing following his new romanceCredit: InstagramStrictly Come Dancing champ Ellie had enjoyed a whirlwind romance with Bobby, 20, after their time together on the BBC showCredit: Instagram / @ellielouiseleachBobby Brazier and Ellie Leach called time on their relationship in MarchCredit: InstagramHowever, it was revealed last month that the soap actors had called time on their relationship.Taking to Instagram, Ellie posed in a series of photos as she showed off her black miniskirt.She completed the look with a white blouse as well as a waistcoat.Ellie’s fans were left swooning as they flooded her with compliments.more on ellie leachOne said: “You look so confident now ❤ really are shinning well done girl.”A second wrote: “Beautiful lady, you keep on shinning Ellie.””Beautiful, absolutely beautiful,” said a third.While a fourth commented: “I’m sure you’ve heard it before but u remind me of Meghan Markle!”Most read in ShowbizThe Sun on Sunday has since revealed how Freddie Slater star Bobby has moved on with an EastEnders co-star.He’s grown close to Jazzy Phoenix, who plays sex worker Nadine on Albert Square.Smitten Bobby took Jazzy on a glamorous dinner date in London’s Mayfair to upmarket restaurant Bagatelle, a popular haunt for top-flight footballers.EastEnders star Bobby Brazier has string of dates with sexy co-star weeks after romance with Strictly’s Ellie Leach fizzled outThe Sun on Sunday has revealed how Freddie Slater star Bobby has moved on with EastEnders co-star Jazzy Phoenix, picturedCredit: BBC More

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    Paul O’Grady fans in tears as late star makes emotional TV return in Great Elephant Adventure

    PAUL O’Grady fans were left in in tears as the late personality made an emotional TV return. His last series, Paul O’Grady’s Great Elephant Adventure finally hit TV screens. Paul O’Grady’s last project finally hit the airwaves on Sunday nightCredit: ITVThe TV personality displayed his classic humour and quick witCredit: ITVFans couldn’t help but get emotional as they saw Paul what he did bestCredit: ITVPaul O’Grady sadly passed away in March 2023 at the age of 67 from sudden cardiac arrhythmia.Before he died, the beloved TV presenter filmed a two-part nature series for ITV before his sad passing. As the show hit screens a year after his death, droves of fans couldn’t help but get emotional as they saw the star in his element. Taking to X – formerly known as Twitter – one viewer wrote: “It’s great to see new stuff by the dearly missed Paul O’Grady his elephant 🐘 adventure series will be lovely We Miss You Paul 😥😥.READ MORE ON PAUL O’GRADYA second fan gushed: “Fantastic to see @ITV showing the wonderful #PaulOGrady #GreatElephantAdventure. Paul was so passionate about wildlife and you can clearly see he loved all animals and we loved Paul.”Now watching Paul O’Grady ‘s #GreatElephantAdventure A lovely, caring , sensitive man. You’re sorely missed,” stated a third user.As a fourth emotionally noted: “Paul O’Grady passed away last year and tonight they’re showing the last tv programme he filmed. He certainly had a passion for animals.”And a fifth fan added: “#Elephantadventure making me happy and sad, smile and cry all in one go.”Most read in ShowbizIt’s clear from all his work that that Paul was passionate about wildlife and taking care of animals. Aside from the world famous character of  Lily Savage, he was also known for his documentary series, For The Love Of Dogs.Trailer for Paul O’Grady ‘s Great Elephant AdventureIn the acclaimed documentary series, he was able to share his love for canines.Now, the TV star got to show his love for elephants as he traveled to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. According to the programme’s description, this area housed over half the country’s thousands of domesticated elephants.Paul explored the lives and situations of the 3,500 animals as he got up close and personal with the beautiful creatures.But he also got his usual doggy fix when visited an doggy sanctuary that house over 600 disabled canines.Paul got to explore the lives of the rescued elephants on ThailandCredit: ITVThe country houses 3,500 domesticated elephantsCredit: ITVHe still got his doggy fix as he visited a sanctuary which housed 600 disabled canines More

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    Tess Daly celebrates birthday with huge cake and presents as Strictly Come Dancing fans ‘can’t believe’ her age

    TESS Daly has celebrated her birthday in style – sharing the sweet gifts and cake she got from her family. The Strictly Come Dancing star turned 55 on Friday, and her friends and family made sure it didn’t go unnoticed. Tess Daly looked incredible in the sweet and simple birthday postCredit: InstagramThe star’s family made sure she was well spoilers for the dayCredit: InstagramWhile the private star kept the real celebrations away from the cameras, Tess shared an insight into her home life by sharing a selfie of her holding a birthday cake. Another photo saw a table filled with cards, flowers and presents for the TV presenter. Later telling fans in the comments she was treated by 19-year-old daughter Phoebe, 19, and Amber, 14, Tess looked beaming at what she’d been given. “Thank you so much for all the lovely birthday well wishes…feeling very grateful,” she wrote. READ MORE STRICTLYCeleb pals were quick to send their love, with Kate Thornton writing: “Happiest of birthdays lovely x” Strictly stars AJ Odudu, Zoe Ball, Michelle Visage, Jowita Przystał and Ellie Leach also sent their love. Eamonn Holmes added: “Many Happy returns Tess.” Other friends shared Instagram Stories in her honour, with one pals sharing a picture of them back in the summer with the words: “Happy birthday to our gorgeous Tessie. You really are one in a million, love you lots.” Most read in ShowbizTess credited her daughters for making sure the day was specialCredit: 3A host of celebrity stars – including co-host Claudia Winkleman – sent their loveCredit: PA More

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    Katie Price ‘cut off’ by Radio 4 host as she rants about driving ban on Woman’s Hour

    KATIE Price was ‘cut off’ by Radio 4 host Clare McDonnell as she ranted about her driving ban on Woman’s Hour.The former glamour model, 45, was slapped with a two-year driving ban after flipping her BMW in a drink-driving crash in September 2021.Katie Price ranted about her driving ban on Woman’s Hour todayCredit: RexIt caused her to be ‘cut off’ by Radio 4 host Clare McDonnellCredit: TwitterWhen she discussed her legal woes on the air today, Clare interrupted her in order to ensure things remained balanced on the state-funded station.Presenter Clare had quizzed Katie on her bankruptcies and being caught driving her Range Rover without a licence.She said, “I need to ask you about personal responsibilities. You say you are taking it.”You have had two bankruptcies and recently lost your license again – you were caught driving when you should have been allowed to.read more on KATIE Price”How much of that do you say, ‘Ok, I can criticise the press when they’ve been intrusive but a certain amount of this I have to take on the chin?'”Katie hit back, insisting she “didn’t even know” about her second bankruptcy before Clare pushed her on the driving offences.She replied, “The driving thing is a different story because I have my licence, I got it back in April.”But unfortunately, if there is anyone listening from the DVLA, please contact me because the reason why I haven’t got my license is my doctors have filled out [the fit to drive forms], I did my blood tests last summer that showed no alcohol, but there’s somebody that keeps emailing the DVLA saying I’m not fit to drive.”Most read in Showbiz”Ok, alright,” Clare interjected, cutting Katie off from saying anything more.However, Katie went on to add, “I can’t contact anyone from the DVLA. It takes four to six weeks to process that but you’ve had my doctors four times to say I can drive.”Clare concluded, “We will have to leave that there. Obviously they’re not here to put over their side of the argument.”The former I’m A Celebrity camp-mate was previously due at Northampton Magistrates’ Court charged with driving without insurance and without a valid driver’s licence.KATIE’S PREVIOUS DRIVING CONVICTIONSKATIE Price has been banned from driving six times in the last ten years after a series of infringements.
    OCTOBER 2003: Escapes a speeding charge on a technicality.
    JUNE 2008: Given three points for talking on mobile.
    JULY 2010: Four points for speeding at 99mph.
    SEPTEMBER: Three points for veering from her lane in her 7½-ton pink horsebox.
    DECEMBER: Six-month ban after three more points for doing 83mph in a 70mph zone takes her total to 13.
    AUGUST 2012: 12-month ban after failing to respond to two speeding tickets.
    FEBRUARY 2018: Banned for six months for failing to give details about the person driving her speeding car.
    JULY: Quizzed by police for getting behind the wheel while still banned. Says she thought ban was over.
    SEPTEMBER: Crashes her £63,000 Ranger Rover while allegedly on her mobile.
    OCTOBER: Held for suspected drink-driving. Spent a night in the cells.
    DECEMBER: Charged over the drink-drive allegation.
    JANUARY 2019: Three month ban for driving while banned.
    FEBRUARY: Further three months after another driving conviction.
    AUTUMN: Issued with sixth ban, this time for two years. Cut to 18 months on appeal.
    MARCH 2021: Drives boyfriend’s Range Rover. An admin error meant an extra six months under totting up rules had not been added. Questioned by police.
    SEPTEMBER: Arrested after turning over car
    DECEMBER: Price banned from driving and given 16-week suspended sentence
    JULY 2023: Model caught speeding on A417 near Gloucestershire. Her Range Rover is also seized by officers.
    NOVEMBER: Price is convicted of driving without a licence by JPs at Cheltenham.
    JANUARY 2024: The mum is slapped with a fine for the speeding offence on the A417.
    MARCH: Price is ordered to pay another fine and handed more points on her licence after being caught driving without licence or insurance.

    Although she failed to show up, the star was still tried and convicted as she received eight points on her licence and was fined £1,852.This brings the total number of points she has on her licence to 11.This was after the OnlyFans star was captured on CCTV driving in a Range Rover on the A14 bypass in Kettering, Northamptonshire.The Member of Parliament – who represents the North-West Norfolk constituency, close to where Katie was caught illegally driving – has called for an overhaul to serial driving offenders’ sentencing guidelines.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe previously told MailOnline: “The public would rightly expect repeat driving offenders to get maximum sentences for reckless behaviour. “Unlimited fines can be imposed for driving without insurance and in some cases the vehicle being seized.”Katie was previously captured on CCTV leaving her gold Range Rover while at a M&S petrol garage in KetteringCredit: PAShe crashed her BMW on a country road in West Sussex in the early hours of September 28 2021Credit: The Mega AgencyEverything you need to know about Katie Price Step inside the life of former glamour model Katie Price More

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    This Town cast, plot and filming locations explained – all about the BBC1 drama by Steven Knight

    THIS Town is set to be popular with anyone who enjoys a drama.Set in the 1980s the show follows the time when riots and ska music reached the Midlands.This Town is coming to BBC OneCredit: BBCWho is in the cast of This Town?You are set to recognise some of the faces in BBC One drama This Town.One in particular is Michelle Dockery who is best known for starring in Downton Abbey as well as Defending Jacob, Anatomy of a Scandal, The Gentlemen, The Hollow Crown, Waking the Dead and Good Behavior.Who is in the cast of This Town?Here’s a look at who is in the cast of This Town:

    Michelle Dockery
    David Dawson
    Nicholas Pinnock
    Manoj Annand
    Jordan Bolger
    Eve Austin
    Ben Rose
    Mark de Freitas
    Levi Brown
    Luke Hughes

    Levi Brown opened up about playing his character Dante, saying: “My first impression of Dante was: ‘I like this guy, he’s instinctive.'” When discussing how his character is a tough guy at the same time as being a sensitive soul, he said: “Why is he doing and saying these things? Read more on dramas”I was intrigued that he can go from being in front of the area’s most dangerous gangster to being a romantic who goes the extra mile. “He does things a bit differently, and he can’t express the way he feels unless it’s through poetry or a song.Michelle Dockery is playing one of the main charactersCredit: PA”Bardon has such an interesting relationship with his Dad Eamonn and his Mum Estella. But he’s also struggling with his relationship with himself, and how to navigate that.”What is This Town about?The official synopsis of This Town reads: “An extended family and four young people are drawn into the world of ska and two-tone music, which exploded from the grassroots of Coventry and Birmingham in the late 70s and early 80s which united black, white and Asian youths.”Most read in ShowbizThe series is set in 1981 and follows a story of social unrest with young people fighting to choose their own paths.Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is behind the drama after growing up in the area himself.He said: “This is the area where I grew up.”There was this period in Coventry and Birmingham when people who were opposites suddenly came together, and I thought it would be interesting to tell this story of poor people in very different circumstances.”Where was This Town filmed?Filming first started in November 2022 in Birmingham with locations including the city centre.In January 2023 TV crews were in Wolverhampton filming what looked to be riot scenes for the drama. A burnt-out van was spotted on Victoria Street and police lined up next to an old-style riot van in the city centre.At the time casting agents put out a call for “skinheads and people with shaved heads” from in and around West Bromwich. More

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    Radio 2 chaos as Zoe Ball ‘removed from air’ – with fans baffled as BBC legend takes over her show for an hour

    THOSE tuning into Zoe Ball’s Breakfast Show were given a shock as she was ‘removed from air’ during her usual Thursday Morning slot.Earlier this week the DJ returned to her show following the heartbreaking news of her mother’s cancer diagnosis, but was nowhere to be heard today. Zoe was ‘removed from air’ during her Thursday morning slotInstead, fans were greeted by Tony Blackburn who said an emotional goodbye on MondayCredit: BBC Press HandoutTony Blackburn had been with BBC Local Radio for 43Credit: Hulton Archive – GettyInstead, viewers were greeted with the voice of BBC legend Tony Blackburn, who took over the breakfast show as part of a stunt to celebrate 60 years since the launch of Radio Caroline.The BBC said: “Tony has just taken over the controls in the studio and is now broadcasting live on Radio 2, playing just 60s tracks like he played to listeners all those years ago on Radio Caroline.” Tony interrupted the music and to play Caroline by The Fortunes and mentioned that his pirate colleague Johnnie Walker was supposed to join him on the show but had overslept.He said on air: “We are back, the pirates are back! Zoe Ball has been locked out of the studio. Read More on Zoe Ball”I’m here, anarchy once again. We ARE pirates, we’re pirate Radio 2 and here we go, and for the next hour I’m going to play you proper music! Here it is!” Tony, who had signed off from his last radio show after 43 years on Monday, told listeners he was happy to be helping out after playing his emotional final song earlier this week.He continued: “I’m back where I belong on the breakfast show for goodness sake.“I understand that Radio 5 Live is celebrating 30 years. We laugh at them. We actually laugh at Radio 5. Most read in Showbiz”Celebrating 30 years for goodness sake. Unbelievable.”It comes after Zoe returned to her Breakfast show earlier this week, after sharing the sad news of her mother’s cancer diagnosis.Zoe, who replaced Chris Evans as host of the station’s breakfast slot in 2019, returned to host the programme on Monday (18 March), telling her listeners: “It’s me! I’ve missed you all. I’ve been looking after my dear ma, but I’m back to bother you.”Shen then shared a health update on her mother Julia and revealed that “sadly, heartbreakingly, her cancer is quite advanced”.Iconic BBC Radio host signs off from final show after 43 years on air with emotional message to fans Zoe added: “But we’re making loads of lovely memories and taking care of her – she has some amazing people around her.”The DJ usually hosts her breakfast slot on Radio 2 every weekday morning from 6.30am to 9.30am. More

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    Jordan North left speechless as he makes disgusting discovery when investigating vapes

    JORDAN North has been left speechless after making a vile discovery while carrying out an investigation into vaping. The DJ and telly presenter uncovered the shocking revelation as he filmed a documentary about electronic cigarettes for the BBC. Jordan North made a shock discovery while investigating vapingCredit: BBCHe watched undercover footage from a vape factory that could ’cause bellyache’Credit: BBCJordan, who began vaping in a bid to ween himself off tobacco, couldn’t believe his eyes while watching undercover footage filmed in a vape factory. The unnamed workers were caught on camera using their mouths to suck away on rows of e-cigarettes – before they were packaged up for public sale. Jordan, 34, explained to viewers that he was watching the clips in order to discover where black market, dangerous illegal vapes are made. He said: “How are the shops getting hold of them in the first place?READ MORE ON JORDAN NORTH”There’s so many different brands, it’s hard to pinpoint precisely who’s making the illegal ones. “But I’ve found some videos on social media that may give us some clues…and possibly bellyache.”Watching the grim clips, Jordan gasped: “Oh!” He continued: “This lady in the factory is taking a puff on a load of vapes. You could call it quality control but I don’t think that’s how it’s done.”Most read in ShowbizWatching another, which saw several men sucking on dozens of vapes, he added: “This is even worse. “This is a group of factory workers sucking on all the vapes.”I don’t know if they’re trying to see if they work or if they’re just doing it a bit like when Ariana Grande tried to lick a donut. “But that’s pretty shocking that somebody else could have had their mouths around it.”BBC Radio 1 star lands brand new TV series just days after quitting broadcasterUnfortunately, Jordan and his documentary team were unable to verify the authenticity of the videos or which factory they were filmed in. Jordan had opened his show, called Jordan North: The Truth About Vaping, by admitting he vapes. He said: “I’m Jordan North, a presenter and podcaster, and I’m also a vaper. And I’m starting to wonder if it’s time I packed it in. “Vapes have helped me cut back on the cigs but I’m starting to hear horror stories about their impact on our health and seeing stuff to make your stomach churn online.”Later in the BBC One documentary, Jordan met 34-year-old Gemma. She has been using legal and illegal vapes for 10 years and has been diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a serious lung condition that causes restricted airflow and breathing problems. There is no cure and doctors have warned Gemma she is likely to only live for another 20 years at most. Jordan said: “She thinks that long-term vaping has probably had a serious impact on her health.”They’ve said it has limited her life expectancy, which is really close to home for me, because we both vape and we’re the same age.”So that’s like, really serious.”Jordan visited a lab to find out what dangerous chemicals are hidden in vapes, both legal and illegal. He also had his own vascular health tested by experts and his lung function scrutinised. Jordan was warned his lung performance was not as good as somebody of his age who has never smoked cigarettes or vapes.He concluded: “I do know the risks feel pretty real for me right now.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I really don’t want to be vaping any longer. I don’t want to be glued to this little stick in my hand vaping in 10 years time.”I think long-term it is going to affect you and, overall, I think it’s best to just pack them in.”Jordan watched factory workers sucking on vapes with their mouthsCredit: BBCA woman sucked a handful of vapes before packaging them up for saleCredit: BBCJordan met 34-year-old Gemma who has COPDCredit: BBCHe has decided to quit vaping for goodCredit: BBC More