Friday, December 19, 2025

Texas progressive country pioneer Joe Ely, who collaborated with The Clash, dead at 78

Joe Ely, a central figure in Texas’ progressive country scene during the 1970s, has died aged 78.  His representative...

Latest Posts

Kylie Minogue tops UK Christmas charts

Kylie Minogue has achieved her first-ever Christmas number one. The 57-year-old pop star has topped the Christmas charts in...

Guitarist Gem Archer reveals Oasis Live ’25 tour setlist was ‘amended’

The Oasis Live ’25 tour setlist went through some last‑minute trimming, leaving a few planned songs on the cutting‑room floor.

Addison Rae doesn’t want to be seen as just a ‘pop star’

Addison Rae says she doesn’t “really care about being a pop star” — she just wants to be a “star”.

Måneskin enjoying the ‘space to experiment’ before regrouping

Måneskin have every intention of getting back in the studio together, but for now, they’re relishing the chance to experiment individually.

Great British Bake Off stars paid for charity shows

‘Great British Bake Off’ judge Paul Hollywood received up to £117,500 to appear in charity specials of the show.
The 52-year-old baking expert was paid for his stint on Channel 4’s recent Stand Up To Cancer celebrity episodes, as were fellow judge Prue Leith, 78, and presenters Sandi Toksvig, 59, and 44-year-old Noel Fielding, though it’s unclear how much they received or how much of their fees were donated to charity.
All of the celebrities who took part in the contest, including Teri Hatcher, Alan Carr, Ricky Wilson, Martin Kemp and Jamie Laing donated their fees.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "None of the celebrity bakers took any money as there entire fees were donated to Stand Up To Cancer.
"But the presenters and judges all took a massive payday as part of their wider new ‘Bake Off’ contracts. It’s pretty appalling.
"Viewers are going to be furious that Paul, Prue, Noel and Sandi took huge sums when the show was presented as a charity project.
"Channel 4 bosses claim the four donated a portion of their fee to the charity, but refused to say what percentage."
The show regulars were left to decide how much of their fee they gave to charity.
A source said: "It was up to them to decide what to donate.
"The show involved a big time commitment for filming several episodes and doing voiceovers later.
"Celebrity contestants who took part, like Alan Carr and Harry Hill, weren’t paid at all.
"Their fees went straight to the charity."
A spokesperson for Channel 4 said the presenters and judges made a "significant donation" to the charity campaign and helped to raise "millions" more.
The representative said: "Our aim is to raise as much as possible for Stand Up To Cancer.
"hose contracted for long-running series make a significant donation to the campaign.
"As a result of their involvement millions have been raised with 100 per cent of the money raised going to fund ground-breaking research."
During the final episode of the series this week, comic Alan, 41, insisted it didn’t matter how skilled the contestants were in the kitchen as they were all involved for a good cause.
He said: "At the end of the day it doesn’t matter if your cakes taste delicious or they are rubbish, we’re all doing it for Stand Up To Cancer.
"And 100 per cent of that money goes to the charity — 100 per cent. What’s not to love."

Latest Posts

Kylie Minogue tops UK Christmas charts

Kylie Minogue has achieved her first-ever Christmas number one. The 57-year-old pop star has topped the Christmas charts in...

Guitarist Gem Archer reveals Oasis Live ’25 tour setlist was ‘amended’

The Oasis Live ’25 tour setlist went through some last‑minute trimming, leaving a few planned songs on the cutting‑room floor.

Addison Rae doesn’t want to be seen as just a ‘pop star’

Addison Rae says she doesn’t “really care about being a pop star” — she just wants to be a “star”.

Måneskin enjoying the ‘space to experiment’ before regrouping

Måneskin have every intention of getting back in the studio together, but for now, they’re relishing the chance to experiment individually.

Don't Miss

Duchess Catherine’s cancer note

Catherine, Princess of Wales left a handwritten note at an art installation dedicated to those who have lost their lives to cancer....

21 Savage warned Drake about Kendrick Lamar feud

21 Savage warned Drake not to get into a rap feud with Kendrick Lamar. The 33-year-old rapper – who...

Ed Sheeran’s Drive inspiration

Ed Sheeran was inspired by ’70s rock music when working on Drive for the F1 movie soundtrack. The 34-year-old...

Florence Welch worried she’d mess up Taylor Swift Eras Tour duet

Florence Welch was terrified she would "f*** this up" when she joined Taylor Swift onstage during The Eras Tour.

Yungblud brands Grammy nomination ‘tragic’

Yungblud has branded his Grammy Awards nomination "tragic". The 28-year-old singer has been shortlisted for Best Rock Performance for...

Stay in touch

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.