Siobhán McSweeney tells a truly surreal tale: best podcasts of the week
There's a strong chance that this podcast will sound a little familiar. Not only is it from the team behind Who Shat on the Floor at My Wedding, it kicks off with another faecal felony. If you could stomach that show and its low-stakes investigations, you'll love this speedier version, AKA 'part detective show, part gameshow, part panicky race'. HJD Widely available, episodes weekly
After her hit series following the Sean 'Diddy' Combs case, journalist Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty returns with the latest on another lawsuit: the allegations against Kanye West by his former chief of staff, Lauren Pisciotta (which West denies). Hollie Richardson Widely available, episodes weekly
Doyens of the true-crime podcast, Wondery, offer something slightly different here, with a tense show about environmental malfeasance. It kicks off with an episode about a Montana coalmine dubbed a 'den of thievery', where – Zach Goldbaum reports – fraud, embezzlement and even links to Putin were just the tip of the iceberg. HJDWidely available, episodes weekly
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In words that will be relatable to many, Alex Sujong Laughlin describes herself as 'terrified, uncomfortable and uneasy'. Gladly, the Normal Gossip co-creator has channelled this nervous energy into a charming, gentle series about people trying to do new things. First up is Mattie, a trans woman who finds exercising in public excruciating but would love to visit her local yoga studio. HJDWidely available, episodes weekly
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Metro
13 minutes ago
- Metro
Strictly star investigated over drug use on show 'also suspected of drinking'
The BBC has reportedly launched a probe to investigate claims of cocaine use by two stars of Strictly Come Dancing, with a fresh claim one of the stars involved was also drinking on the show. According to The Sun, a celebrity has alleged that it was 'well known on the show that two stars took cocaine.' In response to the allegations, BBC bosses are said to have launched an enquiry using external lawyers. The claims were reportedly made in March by law firm Russells, on behalf of former contestant and opera singer Wynne Evans. According to the tabloid, other sources have also reported allegations of drug use to the BBC. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. The publication has since reported that one of the stars involved in the probe was also suspected of drinking, after other cast and crew smelled alcohol on their breath. A TV insider told the tabloid: 'The person in question is renowned for loving to party. 'On a very physical show like Strictly, with lots of sets and moving parts, the idea of someone being intoxicated in any way is wholly unacceptable.' The publication also claimed that the BBC was set to offer the two stars involved in the drugs probe the opportunity to attend rehab. A BBC spokesperson previously told Metro: 'We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us.' Of the claims, the BBC's spokesperson continued: 'We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. 'It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.' As a part of the probe, former contestants, cast and crew alike will all be given the opportunity to speak to law firm Pinsent Masons about their concerns. This comes as a celebrity source told The Sun that it is 'well known on the show that two stars took cocaine…it was talked about widely among the cast'. Meanwhile, one Strictly star allegedly described another person on the show as being 'off their face.' The Sun has not named the stars who have been accused of taking cocaine. This comes at a fraught time for the BBC – and less than a year after its investigation into allegations of bullying on the Strictly set concluded. A probe was launched into claims of misconduct by professional Giovanni Pernice, who was forced to step down amid claims that he had bullied actress Amanda Abbington during their rehearsals together. After months of investigating, the BBC upheld two moments of 'inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace' The investigation uncovered no findings relating to physical aggression, but complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, according to the PA news agency. More recently, the BBC dropped former Strictly contestant Wynne Evans from his BBC Wales rolling contract after a series of controversies. The singer sparked furore when his professional dance partner Katya Jones appeared to move his hand from her waist – which he said was .just a body language experiment that was picked up on'. The pair maintained that this was a 'silly joke' which had simply misfired, but the opera singer was struck with more controversy when reports emerged that he'd made an 'unacceptable joke' about Strictly Live host Janette Manrara. More Trending Evans subsequently apologised, describing himself as 'deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate action caused' and would take a break from the public eye for 'self-reflection' and to 'prioritise my wellbeing'. Metro contacted the BBC for comment on this story. A version of this story was originally published on August 3. View More » Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC this autumn. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Inside Jay Blades' career as The Repair Shop host charged with two counts of rape MORE: Chloe Ayling: 'The email that made me realise why people doubted my kidnapping' MORE: The Repair Shop's Jay Blades charged with two counts of rape
Rhyl Journal
13 minutes ago
- Rhyl Journal
Jay Blades in court after separate rape charges emerge
West Mercia Police said the 55-year-old is due to appear at Telford Magistrates' Court on August 13 on the rape charges. On Tuesday, Blades, who fronted primetime BBC show The Repair Shop, appeared at Worcester Crown Court via video link for a preliminary hearing in relation to the controlling or coercive behaviour charge. Blades, who wore animal-print spectacles, a grey suit and a blue polka-dot tie, spoke only to confirm his name during a short hearing. The TV star previously denied engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards his estranged wife Lisa-Marie Zbozen between January 1 2023 and September 12 last year. He faces trial at a later date. In a statement on Tuesday, police also confirmed separate charges of rape. The force said: 'Jason Blades, 55, of Claverley in Shropshire, has been charged with two counts of rape. 'He is due to appear at Telford Magistrates' Court on 13 August 2025.' Furniture restorer Blades found fame on restoration programme The Repair Shop, which he started presenting in 2017. He also presented the BBC's Money For Nothing until 2020, and appeared on Celebrity Masterchef and Celebrity Bake Off as well as Comic Relief.
Daily Mirror
14 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
The One Show's Alex Jones supported by fans after major career milestone
The One Show presenter Alex Jones has been on the BBC programme for 15 years after making her debut back in 2010. Back in 2010, Alex Jones stepped into the presenter's chair on The One Show, taking over from Christine Bleakley. Ever since, BBC audiences have watched her chat with an array of famous faces, from Helen George and Don Warrington to Matt Damon and Catherine Zeta Jones, who recently left viewers utterly stunned. This month signals Alex's 15th anniversary at the helm of the programme, something she acknowledged during Monday's opening, reports Wales Online. As the show began, the 48-year-old warmly welcomed back co-host Ronan Keating following his extended absence. She declared: "Look who is back for one night only, it's lovely Ronan." He responded: "Alex, thank you, it's good to be back. Especially, as this month marks 15 years of you on this show." Alex exclaimed: "Stop! Stop, I can't believe it, they're going to send me back any minute." The Boyzone singer remained tight-lipped as he informed BBC watchers his mouth was zipped, though hinted more details about the anniversary would emerge on Friday's episode. It appears a special celebration is being planned as the programme's official Instagram account honoured Alex, suggesting bigger things are coming. The footage featured a collection of the host's moments through the years, spanning from her 2010 debut right up to recent times. The post read: "15 fabulous years of smiles, stories, and sparkle! Here's to Alex Jones-the heart of The One Show throughout the years! Join The One Show to help celebrate this Friday, August 8th, on BBC One." The post quickly earned comments, with a host of celebrities praising Alex for her long tenure on The One Show. Zoe Ball expressed: "Adore you, Al. Happy anniversary. Queen of the green sofa." Lauren Laverne chimed in with: "Happy anniversary, Queen Al! Xx". Steph McGovern exclaimed: "LOVE THIS ICON" and Jason Manford added: "You're the best xxx." The One Show's fans were also swift to comment on the post, with one viewer stating: "Love Alex she is so much fun never know what she is going to say next but a hoot. I love her genuine empathy too she is a communicator a real people person." Another fan noted, "Amazing presenter, especially during the early days of the pandemic, she kept our spirits up." The One Show is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
