Watching the equestrian events? Wondering how Team GB transport all their horses to Paris 2024? Here's how it's done
While watching equestrian sports in Olympics gone by, we have been struck by a nagging question: how do the horses get to the Games? Of course, Paris is not the shortest trip – and there's a channel to cross. It's not a gentle stroll through the leafy back lanes of rural England, though it's not quite the arduous trek from the UK to Japan, 5,713 miles away, like in 2021. We wondered whether the horses are shipped over? Do they go by plane? Do they have passports? And do they have to suffer plane food like the rest of us? We decided to find out. Don’t miss a minute of the Games with our complete 16-day Olympics TV Guide download, including how to watch all the action on TV, online, on catch-up and on the radio. Read more: Olympics TV coverage | Olympics radio coverage | Olympics presenters and commentators How do horses travel to the Olympics? For starters, horses do indeed receive passports at birth detailing their health history, markings and size (though we're not exactly sure where they get their passport pictures taken). In 2021, a number of horse transfer flights left from the UK to Japan earlier in the summer, way before the Games. The animals were loaded into stalls at ground level, then levered up into the plane. Stalls are built to accommodate three horses, but as these are Olympians, they'll fly the equivalent of business class – just two animals per stall. At least 11 grooms and vets are on each flight. Think of them as equine cabin crew. This was also the case for Paris, despite the option to take a ferry across from the UK. According to the British Equestrian Olympic team, each horse has an individual limit for the flight, which includes its own weight plus items such as water buckets, tag bags and rugs. It was unclear how much space there was for bringing back souvenirs from downtown Tokyo. Horses are fed haylage (hay with a higher moisture content than normal), plus water for drinking, in the equestrian equivalent of an airline meal tray. Dehydration is the main issue for flying horses. However, they can rehydrate better than humans and be back to normal within 24 hours. They can also encounter respiratory infections from having to keep their heads up for a longer period of time than normal. Check out our Olympics on today guide, including hand-picked highlights from Olympic gold medallists and experts Other than that, a temperature-controlled atmosphere, the ability to sleep standing up, and plenty of hay chewing to help with changes in pressure means that a plane journey is actually far more comfortable than a bumpy ride in a horse box. "The pilots will control a more gradual take-off and a slower landing to a typical flight," explains British Eventing Team vet Liz Brown. "When you're on a passenger plane you'll experience a positive landing where they brake quite hard, but with horses they do a longer landing so they don’t feel that sudden deceleration." And now, truly, you have officially 'heard it all'. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Stephen Moyer replaces Christopher Eccleston in series two of Safe House
The True Blood actor will be starring in the crime drama on ITV with Mr Selfridge's Zoe Tapper
True Blood actor Stephen Moyer is returning to the UK to take up a starring role in ITV crime drama Safe House. Season two of the series centres around ex-police officer Tom Brook, who runs a safe house by the sea in wild and beautiful Anglesey. His world is set to turn upside down when news breaks of a crime remarkably similar to one he investigated years ago – a series of abductions perpetrated by an assailant known as 'The Crow’, who took wives away from husbands as they watched on helplessly. Moyer takes over from Christopher Eccleston, who previously starred in the drama as ex-cop Robert Carmichael. Other new cast members include Zoe Tapper as his partner Sam, Devla Kirwan and Jason Watkins. True Blood fans used to seeing him snarl "Sookie is mine!" will no doubt be excited to see how he fleshes out the role. Filming on Safe House begins later this month.
A host of top British names are voicing characters in the BBC's animated Raymond Briggs adaptation, including Jim Broadbent and Brenda Blethyn
Raymond Briggs' classic graphic novel Ethel and Ernest is being adapted for Christmas on the BBC this year, and a host of top British talent has been lined up to bring the characters to life. Jim Broadbent and Brenda Blethyn star in the animated film, telling the story of lady's maid Ethel and milkman Ernest over four decades as they live through tumultuous events including the depression, World War II and the arrival of television. View oEmbed on the source website Here's everything you need to know about the stars ahead of the film's screening on the BBC this Christmas. Jim Broadbent – Ernest Who is Ernest? Ernest Briggs is a milkman and an ardent socialist, with a keen interest in technology. He stars courting – and then marries – Ethel in the late 1920s. Where have I seen Jim Broadbent before? Where haven't you seen him? Broadbent picked up a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in 2001's Iris, and a Bafta for his role in Moulin Rouge in 2001. His other well-known roles include Horace Slughorn in the Harry Potter films, and on TV he won a Royal Television Society award for his role in Any Human Heart. Brenda Blethyn – Ethel Who is Ethel? Five years her husband's senior, Ethel has middle class aspirations and firm ideas about proper English behaviour – but despite her conservative leanings, she loves her husband dearl. She works as a ladies' maid but becomes a housewife after the birth of her son Raymond. Where have I seen Brenda Blethyn before? She's best known for starring in detective drama Vera, and has also received Oscar nominations for her roles in the films Secrets & Lies and Little Voice. Luke Treadaway – Raymond Who is Raymond? Author Briggs wrote himself into the story, appearing first as a child and later as a young man. Treadaway will be voicing the older version of the character. Where have I seen Luke Treadaway before? Not to be confused with twin brother Harry, Treadaway has appeared in Nordic TV thriller Fortitude and also won a Laurence Olivier Best Leading Actor award after starring in the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at The National Theatre. Recently, he starred in the recent film adaptation of the bestselling book, A Street Cat Named Bob, and played snooker player Alex Higgins in BBC iPlayer’s The Rack Pack. Who else is in the cast? June Brown The one and only Dot Cotton in Eastenders, Brown appears in Ethel and Ernest as Ernest's step mother. Virginia McKenna Screen legend McKenna is perhaps best known for her roles in 1966's Born Free and the 70s musical The King and I. She plays the Lady of the House. Pam Ferris Ferris plays Mrs Bennett and Aunt Betty. Her previous roles include Miss Trunchbull in Matilda and Sister Evangelina in Call the Midwife, a role she finally left earlier this year. Simon Day Best known for appearing on classic BBC sketch show The Fast Show, Simon Day voices Alf. Roger Allam As well as an extensive theatre career, Allam played Tom Sloane in The Thick of It, featured in the ITV Morse prequels Endeavour and was part of series two of The Missing. In Ethel and Ernest he plays the doctor. Ethel and Ernest is on BBC1 at 7.30pm on Wednesday 28th December
The motorbike race/mechanic has become a firm Channel 4 favourite – but what do you need to know about the daredevil TV presenter? Name: Guy Martin Age: 35 Why is he famous? Guy has been a regular face on TV screens for the past five years, fronting engineering programmes such as The Boat that Guy Built on the BBC in 2011 and Channel 4's How Britain Worked, before moving onto adrenaline-fuelled motorcycle racing show Speed with Guy Martin. He's now back with a new Channel 4 series, Our Guy in China, exploring China's history of innovation, technological development and manufacturing. He was offered a spot on Chris Evans' Top Gear – but turned it down. What did he do before TV? Guy is also a motorcycle racer, having competed in his first race back in 1998. He has since earned 15 podium finishes, and has broken his back twice while competing. His appearance in Closer to the Edge, a documentary about TT racing, is what launched his presenting career. Not content with both racing and media work, Guy is also a truck mechanic – a job he's held since leaving school at 16. He works Monday-Friday, only taking occasional time off for racing or filming work, and has even been known to cancel complicated shoots when they clash with the day job. Anything else I should know? He's said to be uncomfortable with his status as a public figure – and told Radio Times last year he wasn't interested in the Top Gear job partly because he didn't want to turn into someone who "doesn't know what a pound is". He was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome a few years ago, but said "It hasn’t changed anything, it just confirms why I do certain things in a certain way." When's he on TV next?: Our Guy in China starts at 9pm on Monday 21 November on Channel 4
Lesley Joseph brings Strictly partner Anton du Beke along for Birds of a Feather filming in Malta
Will the Strictly pro make a special appearance in the ITV Christmas special? Or are they getting in some last minute training?
The Birds of a Feather gang have been reunited in Malta – and there's a special visitor with them. Lesley Joseph, who is currently appearing in Strictly Come Dancing, joined co-stars Pauline Quirke and Linda Robsen on the Mediterranean island – and decided to bring along dance partner Anton Du Beke, too. View oEmbed on the source website It also happens to be Lesely's 71st birthday today too, so maybe he was helping her celebrate? View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website The Essex sitcom, which ran on the BBC from 1989-1998, was revived two years ago by ITV. View oEmbed on the source website This year's Christmas special will feature the pals heading off on a foreign adventure, and we've been promised guest stars, stunts, and many other surprises. Will one of them be an appearance from Anton? We'll have to wait and see...
Everything you need to know about the fourth results show
Find out which celebrities are through to the next round and who'll be competing in the dance-off... What time is it on? The Strictly Come Dancing results show starts at 7.15pm on Saunday 23 October on BBC1. Who's hosting? Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will be on hand as usual to kind both the audience and contestants through the evening. What can we expect? We'll find out which couples have come bottom of the public vote, and who'll be heading home after the inevitable dance off – let's hope it's not as controversial as previous weeks. There'll also be a live guest performance courtesy of Gary Barlow and the cast of the musical The Girls. What happened on Saturday night? If you missed the live show, don't worry – we've got a full recap here.
Everything you need to know about the fourth live show on BBC1
It's only the fourth live show and already this season of Strictly has been full of controversy. We've had Will Young's departure, Anastacia's no-show in the dance-off, and even a racism row. Will things calm down this week? Here's everything you need to know about tonight's show. What time is Strictly Come dancing on TV tonight? The 11 remaining couples will be taking to the dancefloor from 6.35pm on BBC1. And the results show? One celebrity dancer will be sent home on Sunday evening between 7.15 and 8pm. There'll also be a live performance from Gary Barlow and the cast of The Girls musical. What happened last week? Ore Oduba's stunning jive routine earned him a set of perfect 10's from the judges. And BBC breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty was sent home after losing to Anastacia in the dance-off. Who will be dancing tonight? Find out more about the celebrity dancers by clicking on their picture below. Strictly Come Dancing 2016: meet the contestants Anastacia Ed Balls Tameka Empson Claudia Fragapane Lesley Joseph Daisy Lowe Danny Mac Naga Munchetty Melvin Odoom Ore Oduba Louise Redknapp Judge Robert Rinder Greg Rutherford Laura Whitmore Will Young
Everything you need to know about the third live show on ITV tonight
It's been a suitably dramatic series so far, with boy band Brooks Way leaving and controversial 'rapper' Honey G making it through both weeks. This Saturday's episode sees the return of Diva Week, with contestants attempting songs by big-name female singers. Here's your need-to-know for tonight's episode... What time is it on TV? The third live show will kick off at 8pm on ITV1. Follow our live blog here. And the results? One contestant will be departing the show on Sunday from 8pm after the results of the public vote are announced. What happened in last week's show? And who's still in? The contestants all attempted Motown hits, and Freddie Parker was sent packing after losing the sing-off to Finnish Saara Aalto (whose mentor, Sharon, awkwardly forgot her name). Find out more about the acts below. Nicole Scherzinger's Boys Freddy Parker Matt Terry Ryan Lawrie Simon Cowell's Girls Emily Middlemas Gifty Louise Samantha Lavery Louis Walsh's Groups 5 After Midnight Bratavio Four of Diamonds Sharon Osbourne's Overs Honey G Relley C Saara Aalto
Tom Hiddleston to star in new film from the makers of Wallace and Gromit
Prehistoric adventure Early Man is being directed by Aardman's Nick Park
It's quite a day for celebrity voiceover announcements – first we have Dominic West starring in a new Roald Dahl adaptation, and now Tom Hiddleston has been confirmed for the latest Nick Park/Aardman film. The Night Manager star will play a villain in Early Man, a prehistoric adventure from the famed animation studio behind Wallace and Gromit, joining Eddie Redmayne who is already confirmed to voice the lead role of Dug. Hiddleston's character, Lord Nooth, is described as a "ridiculously pompous... money-loving tyrant" and director Park says it has been "thrilling to see him bring our comic villain to life". It's the first non-Wallace and Gromit-related movie from Park since 2000's Chicken Run, and Hiddleston described working with the director as "absolutely as brilliant as you might expect". Posting on Instagram, he said: "Sometimes he makes me laugh so much I have to leave the sound studio for five minutes and calm down and have another go." Early Man is set to hit cinemas in early 2018
Game of Thrones director Miguel Sapochnik is making a new Sinbad movie
We're expecting epic things from the man behind Westeros's biggest fight
Yet another retro movie re-vamp is on the horizon. According to The Hollywood Reporter, cult fantasy hero Sinbad the Sailor is being brought back to the big screen, with director Miguel Sapochnik at the helm. He made 2010's Repo Men, but this will be his biggest cinema project to date. That said, directing the epic Battle of the Bastards – the high point of Game of Thrones series six – must be as demanding as working on a full feature film, so we're sure Sinbad's in safe hands. The Sinbad character – an adventurous sailor from Baghdad who voyages to mysterious islands and lands – first appeared in the Arabian Nights tales, and was given the Hollywood treatment several times through the 20th century. Most famous was The 7th Voyage of Sinbad in 1958, which featured monsters brought to life by special effects legend Ray Harryhausen. The script is being written by Mind Games creator Kyle Killen and Studio 8, which acquired the rights to the film, said in a statement: "Sinbad was a rare comprehensive and engaging pitch which lends itself to an international audience and big visual set pieces but also distinct and unique actor roles for a diverse cast of characters. [It's] part of Studio 8’s ongoing commitment to working closely with filmmakers on the re-imagination of genres." This is one genre that has been re-imagined an awful lot already, but with Sapochnik in charge, Sinbad's biggest adventure may be ahead of him.
First look at The Voice UK judges in their new ITV studio
Just in time for the first auditions next week...
Here's a sneak peak at The Voice UK's new coaching panel in their brand new ITV home. Show veterans Tom Jones and will.i.am will be joined by new recruits Jennifer Hudson and Bush singer Gavin Rossdale when the singing contest makes its ITV debut early next year. Hudson is no stranger to the reality format, having initially found fame by coming seventh on American Idol – a feat that caused willi.i.am to declare that actually winning a talent show is "pointless." The auditions are kicking off in Manchester next Wednesday, with the eventual winner set to land a recording contract with Polydor records. The UK version of the The Voice ran on the BBC for five series until it was outbid by ITV.
Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange takes on Mads Mikkelsen's Kaecilius in epic new fight scene
Watch a brand new clip from the soon-to-be-released Marvel film
Marvel's latest superhero movie, Doctor Strange, hits cinemas in a few days, but you can watch its stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Mads Mikkelsen battle it out in a newly-released clip. Cumberbatch stars as Stephen Strange, a neuroscientist who is injured in a car accident and subsequently discovers a world of mysticism and alternate dimensions. Mikkelsen plays villain Kaecilius, a master of the mystic arts who breaks away to form his own sect. The special effects look as impressive as we've come to expect from a Marvel movie, and the fight is slick and well-choreographed, showing Doctor Strange still finding his feet when it comes to his fighting skills and new powers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj96BTSJ8yE Doctor Strange is released in the UK on 25th October
The makers of The Gruffalo are bringing Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes to the BBC for Christmas
Dominic West and David Walliams will lead an all-star cast
Roald Dahl fans brace yourselves – a new adaption is coming to the BBC this Christmas. Revolting Rhymes – Dahl's collection of six re-worked classic fairy tales – is being taken on by Magic Light Pictures, the Oscar-nominated production company behind the BBC's other recent children's festive centrepieces The Gruffalo and Stick Man. The two-part animation will feature an all-star voiceover cast led by Dominic West and David Walliams, with West taking on the role of narrator the Wolf and other actors performing as multiple characters. Walliams and Rob Brydon will voice the ugly sisters as well as Jack's mother and the King, Bertie Carvel (Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, Doctor Foster) plays both the Magic Mirror and the Prince, and Tamsin Greig is the Babysitter and Miss Maclahose. West says: "Voicing the Wolf in these wonderful films was a huge amount of fun. The incredible poems written by Roald Dahl have been beautifully brought to life by the production team and I was delighted to take part in the project. I look forward to enjoying them with the family this Christmas."
What time is the Bake Off semi-final on TV tonight?
Everything you need to know about the latest episode of The Great British Bake Off on BBC1
What time is The Great British Bake Off on TV tonight? The bakers will be springing into action at 8pm on BBC1. What's the theme this week? We're one week away from the final and – sob – the last ever episode of Bake Off on the Beeb. The theme is patisserie week, so the four remaining bakers will be attempting French pastries, a yeast-based cake with a fruity top and delicate chocolate work, and a multiple mini-cake bake for the Showstopper final. Which bakers are left in the competition? Andrew, Jane, Selasi and Candice are your semi-finalists. Click on the images of the contestants to find out more about them. Andrew Smyth Jane Beedle Louise Williams Selasi Gbormittah Michael Georgiou Benjamina Ebuehi Candice Brown Val Stones Lee Banfield Kate Barmby Tom Gillford Rav Bansal
American Crime Story season 3's murder case has been revealed
The team will be taking on another notorious investigation
We've already learnt that Series 2 will tackle Hurricane Katrina, and now the story for American Crime Story Series 3 has been revealed too. According to Deadline, the team behind The People vs OJ Simpson will be exploring another notorious 90s murder – that of Gianni Versace at the hands of serial killer Andrew Cunanan. The fashion designer was shot on the doorstep of his Miami mansion in 1997, after Cunanan had already killed four people. He committed suicide following a manhunt and police still do not understand why Versace was targeted. Like the OJ Simpson case, the murder has been the subject of a book – Vulgar Favours by Maureen Orth – which will serve as the basis for the script. According to the report, FX is fast-tracking the third series to shoot concurrently with the second, although Series 2 will still air first. It's still not known whether American Crime Story will use the same actors in different roles – like the producers' other show American Crime Story does – but a 'top Hollywood actress' is apparently in talks to play Versace's sister Donatella.
Brendan Cole replaced by Gorka Marquez in Strictly training
The New Zealander has been struggling with a chest infection
What's up with Strictly this year? First we had Will Young's shock departure, and now Brendan Cole is having to take a short break. The dancer from New Zealand – who is paired with singer Anastacia – revealed on spin-off show It Takes Two that Tameka Empson's partner Gorka Marquez has replaced him in training because he's still struggling with a chest infection. It's the second time the pair have suffered from ill health this series – Anastacia failed to take part in the first week's dance-off because she was suffering from an injury. "I'll let you into a little secret," Brendan told host Zoe Ball. "We have the lovely Gorka stepping in for me for a few days." So will Brendan be well enough to return in time for Saturday's performance? "[The doctor] said take off until Thursday or Friday at least, and then we'll see." Brendan and Anastacia are meant to be performing a quickstep to Frank Sinatra's My Kind of Town on the live show this Saturday. Get well soon, Brendan!
A lightsaber academy is opening in the States
Yes, you read that right – an actual lightsaber academy is coming to the US. According to io9, Ludosport – a competitive lightsaber training academy – is opening a branch in San Francisco. The school teaches seven forms of lightsaber combat, with levels ranging from Padawan to Knight. You can also choose whether you want to specialise in offence, defence, balance or full-on attack. Ludosport, which started in Milan, already has several branches across Europe. The new studio was funded using indiegogo and the company plan to open even more next year. Watch a video about the company below: View oEmbed on the source website
Strictly racism claims resurface after Naga Munchetty is latest to leave
The BBC Breakfast presenter is the third non-white contestant in a row to be sent home this series
A fresh racism storm is brewing around Strictly Come Dancing after Naga Munchetty's departure on Sunday night. The BBC presenter was the third to leave the show in three weeks, following Martin Odoom and Tameka Empson, both of whom are black. Naga competed in the dance-off against Anastacia, but the singer was saved after her rumba was described as "cleaner, slicker and more rounded." Fans took to Twitter to speculate as to whether racism played a part in the voting public's choices. View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website Sad to see Naga leave Strictly. Is it odd that no white dancers have left yet?#strictly — Huw Griffith (@griffunited) October 16, 2016 View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website Melvin was sent home in week one after Anastasia failed to compete in the dance off due to injury. EastEnders' star Tameka came last in the public vote alongside Laura Whitmore the following week, leading the judges to state that they believed the bottom two was wrong. Meanwhile, other fans pointed out that Ore Oduba's string of 10s – the first of the series – helped counteract any suggestion of bias on the judges' part... View oEmbed on the source website BBC bosses defended the show last week, saying "Judges judge the dancing and nothing else." Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday on BBC1
Strictly stars react to Will Young's shock departure
The Strictly Come Dancing contestants have expressed their upset at the singer's decision to leave the show
Plenty of fans are upset about Will Young's decision to quit Strictly – including his fellow cast members. Many of the celebrity dancers took to social media to express their sadness at the former Pop Idol winner's departure. Lesley Joseph posted a smiling selfie of her and Will... View oEmbed on the source website Gymnast Claudia Fragapane declared that she will miss him "loads". View oEmbed on the source website Danny Mac admitted he was "gutted" but wished the star all the best... View oEmbed on the source website Ore Oduba couldn't hide his upset either. View oEmbed on the source website Laura Whitmore cryptically retweeted several messages about Will's decision to leave, then posted an image saying "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about." A message to those criticising the singer, perhaps? View oEmbed on the source website Meanwhile, fans are calling for Tameka Empson to take his place after her exit last week, which many considered unfair. View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website Bring back @Tameka_Empson @bbcstrictly I need her infectious laugh in my weekends. #BringTamekaBack — Katy Schofield (@SchofieldKv) October 11, 2016 Sadly their pleas will go unheeded with the show already confirming that the eliminated EastEnders actress will not return to the series. Strictly returns on Saturday 15 October on BBC1.
Strictly Come Dancing 2016 Week 4 song and dance list revealed
Wait 'til you learn what Ed Balls is dancing to...
Strictly Come Dancing is back again this weekend, and after last week's Movie Week's greatness – and Tameka's shock departure – we have another round of Strictly dances to look forward to. The BBC has released Saturday's song and dance list, and it looks like a cracker. We certainly can't wait to see Ed Balls taking on Holding Out for a Hero – Twitter meltdown 100% guaranteed. Anastacia and Brendan will be dancing the Rumba to 'The Way We Were' by Barbra Streisand Claudia and AJ will be dancing the Foxtrot to 'I Really Like You' by Carly Rae Jepsen Daisy and Aljaz will be dancing the Rumba to 'Careless Whisper' by George Michael Danny and Oti will be dancing the Quickstep to 'I Won't Dance' by Fred Astaire Ed and Katya will be dancing the Paso Doble to 'Holding Out For a Hero' by Bonnie Tyler Greg and Natalie will be dancing the Salsa to 'Wrapped Up' by Olly Murs Judge Rinder and Oksana will be dancing the Viennese Waltz to 'Boom Bang a Bang' by Lulu Laura and Giovanni will be dancing the Quickstep to 'Ballroom Blitz' by The Sweet Lesley and Anton will be dancing the Charleston to 'Won't You Charleston With Me' from The Boy Friend Louise and Kevin will be dancing the Foxtrot to 'Tears Dry On Their Own' by Amy Winehouse Naga and Pasha will be dancing the Charleston to 'Minnie the Mermaid' by Firehouse Five Plus Two Ore and Joanne will be dancing the Jive to 'Runaway Baby' by Bruno Mars Catch all the action on BBC1 from 6.30pm Saturday 15 October. Strictly Come Dancing 2016: meet the contestants Anastacia Ed Balls Tameka Empson Claudia Fragapane Lesley Joseph Daisy Lowe Danny Mac Naga Munchetty Melvin Odoom Ore Oduba Louise Redknapp Judge Robert Rinder Greg Rutherford Laura Whitmore Will Young
Darcey Bussell denies that Will Young left Strictly Come Dancing because of Len Goodman
Will's departure from the show had nothing to do with the head judge, Bussell says
Darcey Bussell is confronting those Will Young Strictly Come Dancing rumours head-on. Since Will Young's shock departure earlier this week, speculation has mounted as to whether his decision to leave was down to clashes with Len Goodman. But Bussell insists that's just not true. She told MailOnline: "Like in anybody's lives, you have many things that are going on and it is not to do with Len Goodman – just to make that clear." She also said that the Pop Idol winner could have reached the show's final. "It's horrifying to think that somebody who could've easily got through to the final [has left.] "It’s sad. Unfortunately being a judge we are not allowed to see the rehearsals or what happened during the week so you don’t know the ins and outs and you only arrive on the day of the live show." Young cited "personal reasons" for his decision to leave the show on Tuesday. He later told Chris Evans' Radio 2 Breakfast Show that he was "fine and dandy", and that his departure was "very undramatic." Strictly Come Dancing continues this Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC1.
John Boyega delights London commuters by taking over the train tannoy
The Star Wars actor made everyone's day by announcing all the stations on the Victoria to Orpington train
Commuting to the London suburbs isn't the most exciting activity in the world, so congrats to John Boyega for making lots of passengers' days a little bit brighter. The Star Wars actor decided to assist his sister – who works for Southeastern rail – at work for a day, and boarded the 2.40pm train from London Victoria to Orpington in Kent. He made announcements at each of the 15 stops, telling anecdotes at each one – such as the fact his grandad pronounces Penge 'Pen-gey' – made a few Star Wars-related joked and even burst into a little sing-song. Boyega uploaded a video of his antics to Instagram with the caption ‘So decided to assist my sister @blessingboyega and her amazing colleagues at south eastern rail with some informative announcements. Hope everyone on the 2:40 train to Orpington had fun listening to me talk rubbish #Imrandom.’ View oEmbed on the source website He later thanked passengers via Twitter for listening to his "nonsense." View oEmbed on the source website Now if only celebrity guests could be introduced as standard on all trains – it'd certainly make commuting a little more amusing.
Miranda Hart is cast in another major Hollywood movie
She'll be starring alongside Helen Mirren and Keira Knightley in Disney's live-action Nutcracker
She disappointed fans when she revealed she wouldn't be starring in this year's Call The Midife Christmas special, but it appears there's a pretty exciting reason as to why Miranda Hart couldn't fit it into her schedule. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hart has been cast in Disney's The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, its live-action version of the classic Nutcracker ballet. The story follows a young girl, Clara, who is transported to a magical world when her nutcracker doll comes to life. Hart is set to play the comedic fairy Dew Drop alongside Dame Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman and Keira Knightley, who'll be playing the part of the Sugar Plum fairy. Disney has briefly taken on The Nutcracker before, when it included some of the ballet's music in Fantasia. Hart previously posted on Twitter that she wouldn't be able to do this year's Call The Midwife special as she'd "not been able to birth (pun) the schedule to make it work," but with production on the Disney film expected to start later this autumn, it's all starting to make more sense.
SNL just solved a massive Stranger Things mystery
Where the hell were Lucas's parents the whole time?
Stranger Things got the SNL treatment this weekend, and one of the show's greatest mysteries was solved in the process. No, not whether Eleven has died or what actually happened to Will in the Upside Down, but: where were Lucas's parents the whole way through? In this spoof episode, the kids are shown hunting for Will when up pop Mama and Papa Lucas, played by Leslie Jones and Kenan Thompson. They inform their son that, as a black kid in America, he doesn't need to go hunting for monsters – they'll find him easily. It's all pretty funny – including a part where the parents freak out at the arrival of Chief Hopper – but addresses some important social issues at the same time. Watch the scene below: View oEmbed on the source website
Paul Hollywood smashes up a loaf of bread for charity, then nominates Sue Perkins
Looks like there's a new social media charity campaign kicking off – and the Bake Off stars are joining in with the action. The #SmashCancer campaign, organised by Stand Up to Cancer, encourages people to post videos of themselves, erm, smashing things up. Participants write 'cancer' on an object, then destroy it using whatever tools they see fit. Today, Paul Hollywood posted a video of himself smashing up a loaf of bread baked to spell out the word cancer, and then nominating Sue Perkins to pick up the baton... View oEmbed on the source website The Bake Off judge himself was nominated by Amazing Spaces presenter George Clarke... Thanks for the nomination @jonsnowC4. Here’s me smashing cancer… Let’s see if @PaulHollywood can do any better ;-) #StandUpToCancer pic.twitter.com/FxeHDduBWO — George Clarke (@MrGeorgeClarke) October 10, 2016 ...who in turn was nominated by Jon Snow (in possibly our favourite video so far). View oEmbed on the source website How long before this challenge spreads to civilians? Let's wait and see...
He once said he'd rather slash his wrists than star in another James Bond film, but Daniel Craig appears to have had a change of heart. At the New Yorker festival over the weekend, the actor fuelled rumours that he may return to the role by declaring he has "the best job in the world". He told the audience: "I love this job. I get a massive kick out of it. And if I can keep getting a kick out of it, I will. "The things I get to do on a Bond movie and the type of work it is, there's no other job like it." Speculation intensified that Craig would return as Bond when the franchise's executive producer Callum McDougall told the BBC that he was "absolutely the first choice" for the role. Prior to that, there'd been intense speculation as to who might take over from Craig, with Tom Hiddleston being touted as a favourite. Tom Hardy, Idris Elba and Michael Fassbender have also been rumoured as potential replacements.
David Attenborough is returning to narrate series two of the epic nature documentary
The BBC has released a trailer for the long-awaited second series of Planet Earth – and it looks incredible. Displaying all the jaw-dropping cinematography we've come to expect from the Natural History Unit, there's birds, bats, insects, reptiles and more – including a couple of cheeky-looking monkeys. The scenery looks suitably stunning too, with cityscapes, mountains, sunrises, beaches, rivers and waterfalls all squeezed into the minute-long clip. David Attenborough is returning to narrate the series, which should start broadcasting on BBC1 later this month. We've been promised "the most immersive wildlife documentary experience to date", with the latest technology utilised to “allow viewers to experience the wilderness as if you were there”. And it looks like it won't disappoint. Watch the trailer – which uses the same Sigur Ros track, Hoppípolla, featured on trailers for the original 2006 series – for yourself: View oEmbed on the source website
Strictly viewers aren't happy about Tameka Empson's shock departure
EastEnders star Tameka Empson became the second celeb to leave Strictly last night – and fans were not happy. There was shock when Empson and TV presenter Laura Whitmore landed in the bottom two after the public vote was revealed, despite not-too-shabby performances the night before. After a tough dance off, the judges decided to send Tameka home, with Craig Revel Horwood describing both performances as "extraordinary" and declaring that he didn't feel he'd been in such a position before. Our Twitter poll revealed you were feeling the same, with a whopping 94% agreeing that the wrong couples were in the dance-off, and 78% saying Tameka shouldn't have left. Unsurprisingly, there were plenty of angry and upset tweets to be found (including some from Ed Balls' Labour Party colleagues – #awkward) View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website Strictly continues next Saturday on BBC1
What time is The X Factor on TV tonight?
Find out who'll be the first contestant to head home from the live stages...
The first of the X Factor live shows is out of the way... so let's see who's safe and who'll be fighting for a chance to return next week... What time is it on? The X Factor Sunday night results show starts at 8pm on ITV1, and runs until 9pm. Who is hosting? Dermot O'Leary will be on hand with his signature twirl. What can we expect? First there'll be the inevitable group performance, plus this week's special guests. Then we'll find out who's safe from elimination, while the two who've scored the lowest public vote will be forced to sing again for the judges. What happened on Saturday night? Check out our re-cap here.
Everything you need to know about the first of this year's live shows
It's that time of year again – the wannabes have been whittled down to the final 12 who will be performing every Saturday from now till almost-Christmas in the live shows. We hope you're sat comfortably, ready for the first round of X Factor bingo (points for Dermot's dance and Louis' 'You remind me of a young...'). Here's your need-to-know for this week's episode. What time is X Factor on TV tonight? Catch the action from 8pm on ITV. Once the episode starts, you can also follow it online with our live blog right here. And the results show? Tune in on Sunday at 8pm to see the bottom two battle it out in the sing-off. What happened in last week's show? The last round of judges' houses gave us our final 12: Simon is mentoring the girls (Emily Middlemass, Sam Lavery and Gifty Louise), Nicole Scherzinger has the boys (Matt Terry, Freddy Parker and Ryan Lawrie), Sharon Osbourne is looking after the overs (Saara Aalto, Relley C and Honey G) and Louis Walsh has got the groups (Bratavio, 5 After Midnight and Brooks Way). Find out a whole lot more about them below: Nicole Scherzinger's Boys Freddy Parker Matt Terry Ryan Lawrie Simon Cowell's Girls Emily Middlemas Gifty Louise Samantha Lavery Louis Walsh's Groups 5 After Midnight Bratavio Brooks Way Sharon Osbourne's Overs Honey G Relley C Saara Aalto What will the contestants be performing? It's all top secret, but rumour has it that Emily Middlemas will be attempting Toxic by Britney Spears and Saara Aalto will be singing her version of Frozen's Let It Go. X Factor have also revealed a new mechanical jukebox twist to determine the themes for each week. Who's the favourite to win right now? Matt Terry is currently on 9/4 to emerge victorious, although this may well change dramatically once the live shows get under way.