Eric Clapton announced he wouldn't be playing venues requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination after Boris Johnson announced nightclubs would require Covid passes from September. Clapton's stance follows several anti-vaccination and anti-lockdown statements he has made over the past year, blaming "propaganda" for pushing the vaccine on him.
The rock star stated: “I feel honour bound to make an announcement of my own. I wish to say that I will not perform on any stage where there is a discriminated audience present. Unless there is provision made for all people to attend, I reserve the right to cancel the show.”
Phillip Schofield’s Five Gold Rings axed
Phillip Schofield’s gameshow, Five Gold Rings, has been axed by ITV bosses following ongoing Covid concerns. While he will continue to present This Morning with Holly Willoughby, his other gameshow The Cube, and Dancing on Ice when it returns, Five Gold Rings didn’t make the cut.
An insider told the Daily Star: “It won’t be back on TV this autumn like it normally would and there are currently no plans to bring it back in the future. This show has been a fantastic success for ITV, but the current climate has made things very tough indeed. TV production is extremely difficult while the virus is still around. That means some shows have to be dropped.”
Strictly Come Dancing confirms first contestant for 2021
BBC’s hit show Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed the first contestant competing in the upcoming 2021 season. Ex-England Rugby Union star and Harlequins regular Ugo Monye will be trading his rugby boots for dancing shoes when the show returns in autumn. Made in Chelsea star and last year’s Strictly finalist Jamie Laing reportedly encouraged Monye to take part.
One source said: “He’s not known for his dancing, but he isn’t afraid of a challenge…Ugo is very much a rising star at the BBC. He is a captain on the revamped Question of Sport and getting a turn on Strictly will help boost his profile even further.
The Rolling Stones announce new tour dates
The Rolling Stones have announced new gig dates after they postponed their eagerly-awaited 'No Filter' tour last year due to Covid-19 concerns. This September, the rockers will be touring the United States, visiting 15 cities that had gigs cancelled last year, plus new dates in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New Orleans.
The group posted on social media this week: “We want to thank you all for your patience during this very difficult and unprecedented time. All previously purchased tickets will be honoured at the rescheduled dates, unfortunately there are a few dates we were unable to reschedule.
Kerry Katona’s daughter ‘comes out’ as a witch
Kerry Katona has said she is “so proud” of her 18-year-old daughter Lilly for coming out as a witch. After turning down a place on reality TV show Love Island earlier this year, she is now spending her time casting spells, reading tarot cards and mixing “moon water” – but claims she would never put a curse on anyone.
Despite being born Irish Catholic, she told OK! Magazine: “I remember I went to the woods one day, and I actually got drawn down this path I’d never been down before, and there was this tree with a tiny fire burning by it. It felt like a sign, so I went back and researched it and it took me down a Wicca rabbit hole. I realised it’s such a beautiful religion, it’s incredibly spiritual.”
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