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.

Ant and Dec to reunite with Cat Deeley for SMTV special

Ant and Dec will reunite with co-star Cat Deeley for a ‘SMTV’ one-off special.

The Geordie duo will mark their 30 years in showbiz by returning for a special episode of the Saturday morning show later this year, alongside their co-host.

An insider told The Sun newspaper: "’SMTV’ was such a huge part of Ant and Dec’s career they knew they wanted to mark it in some way.

"The show will look back on some of the best moments and see old guests reminisce."

The trio presented the show – which featured competitions, sketches and challenges – from 1998 until Ant and Dec, both 44, decided to leave in 2001, and Cat departed in 2002.

During their run, the ITV children’s show featured their own sitcom ‘Chums’ which was a spoof series of ‘Friends’ and saw a host of celebrity guests.

After the trio left the show to focus on other presenting roles, ‘SMTV’ was hosted by Steps stars Ian "H" Watkins and Claire Richards, among others, until the programme’s end in 2003.

H felt the show was like a "youth club" after being able to meet all his pop peers, as well as some huge stars.

He recalled: "We were probably on there more than any other band. It was almost like a youth club. We’d meet our pop peers so there would be Five or B*Witched and then in the corner you’d see Mariah Carey rehearsing ‘Chums’."

The reunion show comes after the presenting pals decided to host a virtual event to look back on their 30 years on TV and to promote their upcoming book ‘Once Upon A Tyne’.

In a post on Instagram, they wrote: "Seeing as we can’t see you all face to face with a real life book tour, we thought why not have a ‘virtual’ natter instead?!

"Chatting and sharing stories from #OnceUponATyne and our 30 years in telly, and we’d love you to join us.

"@SantanderUK are proud sponsors of the event in aid of @PrincesTrust. (sic)"

Ant and Dec rose to fame on ‘Byker Grove’ in the 90s and have gone on to host several top shows, including ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!’.

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.