Strictly Come Dancing has reportedly reached out to Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty for its upcoming 2021 series. The show said it has been making “discreet enquiries” to land a “star of the pandemic” for this season. Jonathan Van-Tam, Whitty’s deputy, and Kate Bingham, head of the UK Vaccine Taskforce, have also been mentioned as possibilities. Unfortunately, the “hectic schedule” of Health Secretary Matt Hancock means he won’t be able to take part.
A source told The Daily Mail: “After all the doom and gloom of Covid, it would be brilliant viewing to get one of these three out of their suits and into some sparkles.” This wouldn’t be the first time a politician or other notable public figure had starred in the series. Ann Widdecombe previously competed in 2010, followed by Ed Balls in 2016 and Jacqui Smith last year.
Three new documentaries planned to show Johnny Depp’s fall from grace
A TV insider has revealed three documentaries are in the works to tell the story of Johnny Depp’s downfall in Hollywood. They will tell the story of how his career fell apart after losing a libel case against ex-wife Amber Heard and The Sun after the British newspaper labelled him a "wife-beater”. The documentaries will be made in the US and the UK, including one for ITV with the working title Depp vs Heard.
The insider told The Sun: “They will make for excruciating viewing for Depp who’d probably wish the whole disastrous saga would go away. But the story of how a multi- millionaire who was box office gold was the author of his own downfall is just too sensational a subject not to explore.”
Rachel Riley announces pregnancy with second baby
Rachel Riley posted on Twitter this week, announcing she is pregnant with her second child. The Countdown star showed off her growing baby bump on the set of the show and joked: “Nice being able to breathe again at work, no more stomach holding in, phew!” She later added: “A special teatime teaser! And your clue is… Riley had this to thank for the reason her clothes no longer fit her… And it’ll only get worse till Autumn!”
Rachel had baby daughter Maven in 2019, after marrying her husband Pasha in Las Vegas the same year. The pair met on Strictly Come Dancing. They were partnered together for the competition in 2013 and started dating the following year. Riley called the news “happy, happy days for our little family.”
Conspiracy theorists hound Ivanka Trump on Twitter after her Covid vaccine
After a three-month hiatus from social media, Ivanka Trump broke her silence today to tell the world about her Covid vaccine. Alongside a photo of her receiving the vaccine, she wrote: “Today, I got the shot!! I hope that you do too! Thank you Nurse Torres!” She later confirmed in a statement that she had received the Pfizer vaccine.
But her Twitter followers weren't happy about the news. Many piled onto the post, saying they "don't agree with healthy people getting the shot" and were "not putting that in my body". Many referenced conspiracy theories and anti-vax ideas. However, some announced their support for the post. One summarised: "I despise you and your entire family but glad to see you promoting the vaccine against this terrible pandemic."
Man ‘gatecrashed’ Prince Philip tribute on Good Morning Britain, leaving fans furious
In a segment on Good Morning Britain this week about Prince Philip's funeral preparations, a man in an afro wig 'gatecrashed’ the shot to promote his disco website. The man held up a large cardboard sign in the background, which sparked anger amongst viewers, who called the move “disrespectful”.
One wrote on Twitter: “Who’s the disrespectful wig wearing prat advertising his disco thing behind the reporter on GMB whilst they discuss Prince Philip funeral plans and his life #ShameOnYou.” The segment was shot at Windsor Castle, where Prince Philip’s funeral will be held on Saturday.
Image Credit: Keith Laverack, CC BY-SA 2.0
