The UK entertainment industry is abuzz with recent developments and upcoming events featuring some of the nation's most beloved celebrities. From legal victories to new television series, here's a roundup of the latest news.
**Prince Harry's Legal Triumph Over News Group Newspapers**
In a significant legal victory, Prince Harry has settled his lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch's News Group Newspapers . The publisher admitted to unlawful actions at its tabloid, The Sun, and agreed to a substantial damages payment. Harry had accused NGN of illegally obtaining private information about him from 1996 to 2011 and intruding into the private life of his late mother, Princess Diana. The settlement, reported to be over £10 million, also included an apology from NGN for the serious intrusion into Harry's private life. This case marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle against unlawful media practices in the UK.
**Thomas Skinner's Rise in the Political Arena**
Former "Apprentice" star Thomas Skinner is making waves in the UK's political landscape. At 34, the Essex native—known for his cheerful social media persona and catchphrase "bosh"—has surprised many by becoming a key political figure, despite rarely expressing explicitly political views. Skinner's appeal lies in his unapologetically patriotic, working-class image and populist messaging that resonates with a culturally conservative demographic. His alignment with right-wing figures and apparent support for populist causes, such as admiration for Donald Trump and criticism of environmental protests, is drawing attention from across the political spectrum. As his fanbase—the "Bosh army"—grows, debates continue over whether he is a refreshing political outsider or a dangerously polarizing force.
**Upcoming 'Celebrity Traitors UK' Series**
The BBC is set to premiere "Celebrity Traitors UK" later in 2025, following the success of "The Traitors UK" season 3. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, this celebrity edition will feature well-known faces competing in the popular murder-mystery format. Confirmed participants include Tom Daley, Bob Mortimer, Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross, and Clare Balding, among others. Filmed at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, the show will follow the usual format: celebrities will start as Faithfuls, with a few secretly selected as Traitors aiming to deceive the rest. Through missions, players build a prize fund of up to £120,000, with celebrities aiming to win up to £100,000 for charity. Regular banishments and "murders" spice up the gameplay, culminating in either the Faithfuls or a remaining Traitor claiming the prize. Fans can anticipate plenty of deception, strategy, and entertainment in this new twist on the hit series.
**'Strictly Come Dancing' Series 23 Line-Up Announced**
The BBC has unveiled the celebrity contestants for "Strictly Come Dancing" Series 23. The line-up includes:
– Alex Kingston, stage and screen actress
– Balvinder Sopal, EastEnders actress
– Chris Robshaw, former England rugby player
– Dani Dyer, Love Island winner and actress
– Ellie Goldstein, model and Malory Towers actress
– George Clarke, social media personality and podcaster
– Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, former Olympic sprinter and Gladiators star
– Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, former Netherlands footballer and manager
– Karen Carney, former England footballer and pundit
– Kristian Nairn, Game of Thrones actor and DJ
– La Voix, drag queen and RuPaul's Drag Race UK finalist
– Ross King, television presenter
– Stefan Dennis, Neighbours actor and singer
– Thomas Skinner, The Apprentice contestant and businessman
– Vicky Pattison, television personality
The series is set to commence in late 2025, with the full line-up announced on 15 August 2025. Fans can look forward to another exciting season of dance and competition.
**'Cooking with the Stars' Series 4 Concludes**
The fourth series of "Cooking with the Stars" concluded on 3 September 2024, with Ellie Simmonds, the former Paralympic swimmer, emerging as the winner. The series featured celebrities paired with professional chefs, competing in various culinary challenges. Other notable participants included Carol Vorderman, who finished as the runner-up, and Pasha Kovalev, who secured third place. The show received praise for its engaging format and the celebrities' culinary progress throughout the series.
These developments highlight the dynamic nature of the UK's entertainment industry, showcasing the diverse talents and ventures of its celebrities.
