Latest news with #NickiChapman
Daily Mirror
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC star makes comment on retirement after health issue mistaken as stroke
Television favourite Nicki Chapman has spoken about the impact of being diagnosed with a brain tumour and her thoughts about retiring from a glittering career in television Television presenter Nicki Chapman has issued a definitive statement on whether she plans to retire any time soon. The star of Pop Idol and Escape to the Country said that she wants to continue looking forward and to stay in her profession. Nicki's comments came after a terrifying health incident in which she was originally believed to have had a stroke before doctors realised she had a benign melanoma on her brain. Speaking to Candis magazine about the ordeal, the BBC star said: 'They thought I'd had a stroke. I cannot praise the NHS highly enough: I was looked after brilliantly from start to finish. 'I went back to work six weeks to the day after surgery. I'm 58. I have my health, my various jobs, and my lovely husband.' On whether she plans to retire, Nicki added: 'Heavens no. If you're lucky enough to love what you do, keep doing it. And I've never been someone who looks back. I always look forward – in both senses of the phrase.' This isn't the first time Nicki has spoken about her tumour and how it has affected her since she was diagnosed in 2024, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show presenter spoke to the Brain Tumour charity in 2020 about the experience and the distress she felt. She said: 'My symptoms were very sudden, over 24 hours. Initially doctors thought I'd had a stroke but scans revealed a golf-ball-sized meningioma. "It's the initial shock of diagnosis and then the shock when you tell people that's even more distressing. "It's like a slap. When you have to ring people – your family – and tell them; it's just hideous." Later, in 2024, she would tell the Mirror how much she was thankful to the NHS for their treatment of her, especially during the recovery. She said: 'Fortunately, my experience was a good one, my recovery was amazing, but I still take one day at a time. 'I'm a very positive person, so to always put a positive spin on life has helped keep me going.' Nicki added that she felt like she should share her experience so that others in the same position didn't feel alone. She explained: 'I decided to speak out after my operation as I felt not only had I received the best care I could have asked for from my local hospital and the NHS, but also that my story may help others going through something similar.'
BBC News
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Nicki Chapman publishes memoir about working in music scene
Presenter Nicki Chapman has shared how she began her career as a promoter - propelling bands like the Spice Girls and Take That to global stardom. Chapman launched her television career by appearing as a judge on Pop Idol alongside her then lesser known fellow judge Simon Cowell, who went on to create talent competition shows X Factor and Britain's Got in Herne Bay, she said she wanted to share her passion for working in the pop music industry in her new book, So Tell Me What You told the BBC she "had never imagined a career in front of the cameras". "Without Pop Idol, I wouldn't be sitting here today. I love the music industry and I worked behind the scenes before Pop Idol and I was really comfortable with that," she added."But when a door opens you have to decide whether you want to take it or not. If it didn't work out I could have returned to my day job."Chapman recalled her experience in promoting the Spice Girls. "I was approached by Simon Fuller (then manager of the group). He asked what did the industry need and I said a girl pop group," she helped mastermind the creation of the Spice Girls who became one of the biggest acts in the world."I met the Spice Girls and they absolutely blew me away. I thought they were the real deal and I really wanted to work with them," she added. Before helping the Spice Girls find fame, Chapman had already promoted boy band Take That, who dominated the music charts in the '90s. "It took several years for Take That's fan base to build but they were so dedicated and they worked really hard," she was a joint partner in the PR company Brilliant! from 1995 to 2000, which represented artists including David Bowie, Amy Winehouse, S Club 7 and Kylie Minogue. In light of her success in promoting the careers of many music idols, she said she wanted to celebrate her story in her now presents programmes including Escape to the Country, the Chelsea Flower Show, Wanted Down Under and BBC Radio career has taken her around the world, but she said she would "always be proud of my roots in Kent".
Daily Mail
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Escape To The Country host fights back tears as she 'gets emotional on show for the first time EVER' after widow's heartbreaking tale
An Escape To The Country host fought back tears as she 'got emotional on the show for the first time ever'. Friday's instalment of the popular BBC show saw property expert Nicki Chapman help Steph, who was looking for a home in North Yorkshire. Steph's husband had sadly passed away after a battle with Parkinson's and dementia and she hoped to achieve their goal of living in the picturesque countryside. 'The past years have been more about dying than living and I think it's time to start living again,' Steph, who was moving from Buckinghamshire, said. Steph's best friend, Sue, also featured on the show and offered her support. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'I want to go swimming in landscapes that inspire me to do my art. Be near places that I can go walking and running, maybe some wild water swimming and to do all the things that my husband and I planned to do,' she said. With a budget of £420,000, Steph was looking for a semi-detached property with three bedrooms and enough room for an art studio. During the instalment, Nicki showed Steph around several possible homes in different areas of North Yorkshire including South Otterington and Thornton-le-Dale. At one point, while Steph was touring a property, Nicki spoke candidly and appeared to tear up. 'For the first time ever,' she said before emotionally covering her mouth. 'I'm getting quite emotional... 'I'll leave it,' Nicki added, before walking away from the camera. In the end, Steph put an offer on the mystery property, which was accepted on the basis she sold her house in Buckinghamshire. Another buyer on Escape To The Country burst into tears after 'falling in love' during a property viewing, before a baffling U-turn. A previous instalment of the BBC house-hunting show saw Joey ask property expert Alistair Appleton for help. Joey, who works in customer service for a major airline, hoped to find an idyllic countryside home in Wiltshire and move out of her small flat near Heathrow Airport as she approaches retirement. She explained, 'I've decided I want to move onto pastures new. Have a bit of greenery in my life.' Accompanied by her friend, Susan, during her search, Joey had a budget of £260,000 for a two-bedroom home with a garden and a two-hour commute from the airport. When Alistair showed Joey the very first property, an hour and 35 minutes away from her workplace, she was immediately taken. 'Well straight away I really like it, it's a perfect size,' Joey gushed about the 19th Century cottage. She commented on the 'perfect size' of the kitchen, but when she entered the living room which featured a characterful fireplace and wooden floors, Joey broke down in tears. Susan explained: 'This is just what she's been imagining for years and years.' Buyer Joey, left, on Escape To The Country burst into tears after 'falling in love' during a property viewing, before a baffling U-turn Accompanied by her friend, Susan, right, during her search, Joey had a budget of £260,000 for a two bedroom home with a garden and a two hour commute from the airport Joey agreed and added: 'It's so cosy isn't it, it's what I've been looking for. This is really really nice.' 'I just think this is Joey's dream,' Susan said. Alistair revealed the asking price was £220,000, putting it £40,000 under budget. Joey was overcome with emotion again and wiped away tears before continuing the tour. However, even though Joey felt so strongly about the property, at the end of the episode she didn't make an offer and instead decided to continue searching.
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
BBC schedule shake up as string of hit shows taken off air this week
gone missing Fan favourite shows will disappear off the TV guide this week A SCHEDULE shake up on BBC2 this week will see a string of hit shows taken off air. A number of viewers' favourite programmes have been cancelled. 1 It's to make way for the coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show which airs every night at 8pm. That means Only Connect, Digging for Britain and Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing will all be off air. RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the pinnacle of the gardening calendar, from Sunday, May 18 through to May 25. It is hailed as a celebration of horticultural excellence, sustainability, and creative garden design. This year's coverage features an all-star presenting line-up with some exciting new additions. From Monday to Friday on BBC One and iPlayer from 2pm, Nicki Chapman and Angellica Bell offer practical take-home gardening tips. Every evening on BBC2 and iPlayer from 8pm, Monty Don, Rachel de Thame, and Arit Anderson offer expert insights from Carol Klein, Frances Tophill, and more. Then on May 23 on BBC One and iPlayer from 7:30pm there is a special evening programme hosted by Sophie Raworth and Adam Frost. This weekend, on Saturday May 24 and Sunday May 25 on BBC One, the end-of-week highlights will air with and reflections on BBC Two and iPlayer from 5.25pm. Plus, Radio 2's The Scott Mills Breakfast Show will be live from Chelsea Flower Show on 19 May as he officially unveils the The RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden live on the station and BBC Sounds.
Scotsman
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Chelsea Flower Show 2025: Television schedule, lineup, medals and theme
It's the biggest week of the year in the world of gardening. From gorgeous Georgian town houses to jaw-dropping penthouses, converted campervans to bargain boltholes. Take a peek at the finest homes across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... First held in 1912, the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show takes place every year over five days in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London. A visitor looks at a floral display during the preview day at the RHS Chelsea Flower show in London on May 19, 2025. | AFP via Getty Images Traditionally attended by members of the royal family, it features a range of green-fingered exhibits, from the large show gardens and feature gardens to smaller spaces of the artisan and urban gardens. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There are also endless displays or flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables, alongside numerous exhibitors from the world of gardening - and a healthy sprinkling of celebrities. Winning a gold medal at Chelsea is one of the highest accolades in the world of horticulture. Here's everything you need to know about this year's show. When is the Chelsea Flower Show? The Chelsea Flower Show 2024 runs from Tuesday, May 20, until Saturday, May 24, with a 'preview day' held on Monday, May 19. What is the theme for this year's Chelsea Flower Show? This year the Royal Horticultural Society have chosen the theme 'Your Space, Your Story'. It celebrates the individuality of all gardeners and how gardens can bring to life our greatest loves. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Can I watch the Chelsea Flower Show on television? Don't worry if you can't make it along to the show - the BBC has exclusive rights to broadcast all the action from the show. The coverage is as follows: Weekday afternoons from Tuesday, May 20, to Friday, May 23, from 2pm on BBC One andiPlayer RHS Chelsea regular Nicki Chapman and presenter Angellica Bell will present coverage from the show every afternoon with celebrity guests, live demonstrations, a variety of features and money-saving tips Weekday evenings from Tuesday, May 20, to Friday, May 23, 8-9pm on BBC Two and iPlayer Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gardeners' World stars Monty Don will be joined by Rachel de Thame, and Arit Anderson to round up the day's action, with expert insights from Carol Klein, Frances Tophill, and more. Friday, May 23 on BBC One and iPlayer A special evening programme hosted by Sophie Raworth and Adam Frost. Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25 on BBC One, BBC Two and iPlayer 5.25pm End-of-week highlights and reflections on BBC Two and BBC One respectively. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What medals are awarded at the Chelsea Flower Show? There are four grades of award presented – gold, silver-gilt, silver and bronze – in each of the awards categories as follows: Flora – Gardens and floral exhibits Hogg – Exhibits of trees Knightian – Exhibits of vegetables, including herbs Lindley – Exhibits of special educational or scientific interest Grenfell – Exhibits of pictures, photographs, floral arrangements and floristry There are also a series of special awards presented at the show as follows: Best Show Garden Award Best Courtyard Garden Award Best Chic Garden Award Best City Garden Award RHS Sundries Bowl RHS Junior Display Trophy RHS Floral Arrangement Trophies RHS Floristry Trophies Show Certificates of Merit Certificates for Junior Displays RHS President's Award RHS Best Tradestand Award RHS Director General's Award for the Best Tradestand What are the Show Gardens for 2025? The Chelsea Flower Show is famed for its show gardens, which draw the crowds every year. Here's what you can expect at this year's show: The Pathway Garden designed by Robert Beaudin and Allon Hoskin designed by Robert Beaudin and Allon Hoskin The Boodles Raindance Garden designed by Catherine MacDonald designed by Catherine MacDonald Killik & Co Save For a Rainy Day Garden designed by Baz Grainger designed by Baz Grainger Addleshaw Goddard: Freedom to Flourish Garden designed by Joe and Laura Carey designed by Joe and Laura Carey Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden designed by Manoj Malde designed by Manoj Malde The King's Trust Garden: Seeding Success designed by Joe Perkins designed by Joe Perkins The Garden of the Future designed by Matthew Butler and Josh Parker designed by Matthew Butler and Josh Parker The Hospice UK: Garden of Compassion designed by Tom Hoblyn designed by Tom Hoblyn London Square Chelsea Pensioners Garden designed by Dave Green designed by Dave Green British Red Cross Here for Humanity garden designed by John Warland and Tom Bannister designed by John Warland and Tom Bannister Children with Cancer UK 'A Place to Be...' garden designed by Ros Coutts-Harwood and Tom Clarke designed by Ros Coutts-Harwood and Tom Clarke The Down's Syndrome Scotland Garden by Duncan Hall and Nick Burton by Duncan Hall and Nick Burton The Cha no Niwa - Japanese Tea Garden designed by Kazuyuki Ishihara designed by Kazuyuki Ishihara Hospitalfield Arts Garden designed by Nigel Dunnett designed by Nigel Dunnett The Glasshouse Garden designed by Jo Thompson designed by Jo Thompson The Avanade 'Intelligent' Garden designed by Tom Massey with Je Ahn designed by Tom Massey with Je Ahn RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden designed by Monty Don
