Latest news with #BradCollins
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I watched Come Dine With Me with Americans and they were shocked by one detail'
Come Dine With Me has been a firm favourite with British fans for years, but what do Americans make of the show? In a city renowned for Mardi Gras, gumbo, and extravagant hospitality, I was curious how New Orleans locals would react to a programme that seems completely opposite: Come Dine With Me. The enduring British cult series features strangers taking turns hosting dinner parties, whilst secretly rating each other in competition for £1,000. So, I gathered three locals - all proud Big Easy dwellers - and pressed play. First was Brad Collins, a French Market business owner, who confessed he mainly watched for Channel 4 star Dave Lamb's sharp-tongued commentary. "That voiceover guy is savage!" he chuckled. "He says what everyone's thinking, but way more brutal. It's so British - sounds polite, but they're low-key scheming and roasting each other behind their backs. Like smiling while they plan your downfall." However, not everything went down smoothly for him: "Some of the food? I had no clue what I was looking at. I'm like, is that dessert or dinner? And sometimes I had to put the subtitles on because I didn't know what they were saying. But I kept watching - it's addictive," reports the Express. Next was mum-of-two Izzy Althans, 36, who works as an advertising operations coordinator. After tuning into the show, she rapidly became captivated. Izzy revealed: "Come Dine With Me is such a fun way to see British at-home entertaining. In the US, it's all about a theme - props, photo booths, curated playlists - but the Brits seem more focused on good ingredients and proper courses. "It felt structured but relaxed, without all the over-the-top effort." She was particularly impressed by the presenting approach on the Channel 4 programme, saying: "In America, it's very 'make yourself at home' - we want to have fun as hosts too. "But the show felt more like, 'how can I take care of you?' It's not that this doesn't exist in America, but it's definitely a declining part of our culture." Whilst she adored the programme's British appeal, she also valued its sharp edge. "They can be so catty towards each other - but in this incredibly emotionless way. I loved it! And I'm obsessed with watching them shop at these cute speciality stores. In short, I think it is a brilliant show that I plan to continue watching it," she explained. Finally, there was Jenny Collins, a local teacher, who was captivated by the authentic, unvarnished approach. She enthused: "After watching a few episodes I realised why I was so drawn to the show. It was the realism; from the appearance of the individuals, to the unedited conversations." She also spotted a stark difference in style, saying: "I felt like it was real. In the States, even series that are supposed to be reality TV, are severely edited as not to offend anyone. "Even the participants who we are expected to see as every day people, go in to make up like celebrities to improve their appearance prior to filming. I felt that I was seeing a true slice of the people who were hosting each meal." Despite the cultural differences - Yorkshire puddings, passive-aggressive banter, and sarcastic hosting - the consensus was clear: Come Dine With Me had charmed them. It appears that all it takes is a bit of sarcasm, some peculiar fish pies, and a ruthless narrator - and even one of the most renowned food cities in America will take a seat at the dinner table.
BBC News
30-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Luton must take care of business at West Brom
So it's one final push for Luton Town. A win at West Brom guarantees Championship football next season, a draw could be good enough and even defeat might not mean relegation if Hull slip up at Portsmouth. Three wins out of three has helped put the Hatters in this situation as has the longer spell of decent form - one defeat in it still always comes down to fine margins. On Saturday, at a tense Kenilworth Road what made Coventry goalkeeper Brad Collins inexplicably attempt to punch the ball 16 yards from his goalline with a minute to go? And even after that misjudgement, how did Luis Binks not manage to clear Shandon Baptiste's resulting shot off the line? That's football. Around 2,500 Luton fans will now head to The Hawthorns believing their side can pull off another great escape like they did 35 years ago at the Baseball Ground when Kingsley Black scored the winner against Derby and 42 years ago at Maine Road when Raddy Antic's goal led to David Pleat's famous jig. Those were very special days as was the Championship survival five years ago when Luton looked doomed as Covid hit. After the enforced break the Hatters produced similar form to this time around but the supporters didn't get the chance to celebrate the achievement. It's in Luton's hands and if they do stay up the club should toast the success but then quickly analyse what went wrong this season in preparation for the next campaign. Luton need to make best use of the final parachute payment money which gives them such an advantage over the majority of the other clubs. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Luton need to get the job done. They come up against a West Brom side short of morale and confidence after missing out on the play-offs. The atmosphere among the home supporters could be hostile after the previous match there saw them ship three to another relegation candidate fans don't want to worry about what's going on at Fratton Park. Take care of business against the Baggies, play as they have been doing for the past eight weeks and take all three points back to Bedfordshire. If only it was that on West Brom v Luton Town is on BBC Three Counties Radio
BBC News
08-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
🎧 Should Collins start in goal against Pompey?
Coventry City goalkeeper Brad Collins was involved in a mix-up with defender Liam Kitching for Burnley's second goal in the 2-1 defeat on 28-year-old deputised for first-choice keeper Oliver Dovin, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury at Sheffield United on 28 there are concerns about Collins starting against Portsmouth on Wednesday among some supporters, including Adrian Over and Lily Sloman who appeared on the Sky Blues Fancast with BBC CWR's Rob Gurney."I can't see a situation where Brad Collins can play against Portsmouth, can you?" Gurney asked the panel."It depends on whether [Ben] Wilson is fit enough," Over said. "I know he's been on the bench but there was a suggestion that he's not really fit to play."I'm not sure the modern game for goalkeepers suits Brad [Collins]. He actually made one really good save after conceding that goal."He made some good saves when he came on against Sheffield United. Coming on against the league leaders when you're 3-0 down is a bit of a thankless task and I thought he did well to keep the score down."It reminded us of things he was doing at the end of last season, what happened on Saturday, so I think probably bring Wilson in if he's fit enough but I do feel very sorry for Collins."Sloman added: "I think I would like to see Wilson in goal, I think that would be nice. But then again with Collins, you don't want to shatter his confidence even more." Listen to the latest episode of the Sky Blues Fancast on BBC Sounds.
