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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Best karaoke songs revealed as Bon Jovi anthem Livin On A Prayer crowned top singalong
Icons Whitney Houston, Oasis, Shania Twain and Scottish stars the Proclaimers were beaten by rock gods Bon Jovi as a new study explains what makes a top karaoke tune It's the classic rock anthem that's top of the class when it comes to karaoke - and that's according to mathematicians, not music critics. Bon Jovi' s Livin' On a Prayer came in at number one in a new chart ranking the greatest singalong songs of all time. Put together by Oxford professor Dr Tom Crawford, the custom formula factored in how fast the beat was, number of verses, chorus repeats and even the release date of the song. "My research showed a preference for a faster pace, with an average beats per minute of 126, as well as a ratio of three chorus repetitions for every two verses,' he said. 'This fits with the standard structure of most pop songs - hence why you'll see your favourites scoring highly!' Livin' On A Prayer took top spot with a score of 91 out of a possible 100, closely followed by Whitney Houston's I Wanna Dance with Somebody (90). In third place was Oasis' iconic Don't Look Back In Anger (89). Dr Crawford devised his formula using research from a poll of 2,000 karaoke lovers, commissioned by mobile giant Three and suicide prevention charity Samaritans. The study found 90 per cent of people feel happier after a sing-along, with 81 per cent getting an emotional uplift and 70 per cent finding it therapeutic. And the research also identified the best year for karaoke gold. 'With ABBA dominating the 70s, through to Adele in the 2010s, the average release year of a karaoke classic is 1995,' Dr Crawford said. 'This captures the boyband craze, as well as Brit pop with Oasis, and girl power in the form of the Spice Girls, showing there's some serious maths behind a killer karaoke belter!' Three and Samartians are running the Kathartic Karaoke initiative to support people with their mental health There will be a special booth at the Latitude Festival in Suffolk (July 24 to 27) and The Mound at Edinburgh Fringe (August 15 and 16). Rob Winterschladen, Consumer Director at VodafoneThree, says: 'We are delighted to be partnering with Samaritans for the first time at music festivals, to create joyful spaces for people to connect to one another and experience our 'Kathartic Karaoke' for themselves.' The experience is designed to help festival goers boost their mood with music and singing, while also offering guidance on accessing support from Samaritans. The top 10 Livin' On a Prayer - Bon Jovi I Wanna Dance with Somebody - Whitney Houston Don't Look Back in Anger - Oasis Man! I Feel Like a Woman - Shania Twain I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The Proclaimers Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) - ABBA Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield Someone Like You - Adele Wannabe - Spice Girls Let Me Love You – Mario
Tom's Guide
27-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
Adding a Hot Girl Walk to my working day with this foldable under-desk treadmill helped me hit my 10,000 steps with ease
I don't know about you, but my social media feeds are a constant stream of 'get your 10,000 steps,' 'go on a Hot Girl Walk,' or '12-3-30.' The pressure to get the steps in seems to be getting heavier, but admittedly, I always feel better for doing them. So, adding the WalkingPad Z1 has changed everything. Adding one of the best under-desk treadmills to my home office is something that has appealed to me for a while now, and since trying it, I'm not going back. Truthfully, I felt like the missing member of the Proclaimers testing this out for my Hot Girl Walk. Despite being on the affordable end of home treadmills, the WalkingPad's understated looks still fit in with any home office. When combined with the companion app, you can get digestible metrics to evaluate your walking. It is also incredibly comfortable to walk on with four-layer shock absorption. It does have its drawbacks, though. The short power cord means you need to be set up near a power outlet, and when you're moving it about, you'll need an extra pair of hands, since it's on the heavier side. You should also avoid any thick carpets since the treadmill is low-profile. And despite the app being great, I wish the remote control would do more. With all that being said, this is a very good walking pad, and these issues are relatively minor. While they don't spoil the user experience, they are worth considering. You can find out more about how I got on in my full WalkingPad Z1 review. Dimensions unfolded 56.1 x 22.0 x 4.1 inches Dimensions folded 31.8 x 22.0 x 5.4 inches Weight 51lbs Max. user weight 242lbs Top speed 3.7mph Incline None Wheels Yes Walking area 47.6 x 15.7 inches The WalkingPad Z1 is available at Amazon U.S. for $348 and at Amazon U.K. for £299, and in dark gray only. If you're ordering from the U.K., you can add expert assembly for an extra £56, but unfortunately, this isn't an option if you're ordering to America, so you'll have to do a little DIY. At this price point, the treadmill is at the lower end of the market, with the price of a decent pad ranging from anywhere between $200 to $1,600. The WalkingPad C2 ($499) is one of the best compact under-desk treadmills, and is foldable like the Z1, but more expensive. The WalkingPad Z1 has a very minimal design, which looks understated and sleek and would fit in with any home office setup or just in front of the television. In my opinion, one of the best-looking under-desk treadmills in the range is the WalkingPad A1 Pro ($699). It is, however, twice the price of the Z1. So, while the look of the Z1 is less premium, it may be a sacrifice worth making if on a budget. It's worth noting that you'll need one of the best standing desks to use the Z1 as your workstation, for obvious reasons, although you can simply use it as a normal treadmill away from your desk. The power cord included with the treadmill is around 2 meters long, so you need to be set up pretty close to a power outlet. But if you're using it at your desk as part of a home office, you're probably next to a power outlet anyway, so it should be fine. It also comes with a remote control that has a wrist strap. The WalkingPad Z1 is low profile and sits just 6.7cm off the floor. Because of the low profile, consider using the Z1 on a hard floor; if you need to use it on carpet, be wary of the pile and height. This is because the friction from the belt rotation can cause friction on the carpet. If that is a concern, you could look at the WalkingPad P1. It's pretty thin and folds in the middle, so it fits comfortably under my desk and doesn't encroach too much into the walkway behind. It's also easy to store, and the wheels mean that if you tip it, it is actually simple to transport. However, if you need to carry it up or down stairs, you'll need an extra pair of hands, since it's pretty heavy at 51 lbs. There is an electronic display at the top of the treadmill that gives the speed, distance, time and calories on rotation. I found this to be a great motivator to check how far I had walked, and it's not too distracting since it sits under the desk. There are two ways you can control the WalkingPad Z1: the app or the remote. Personally, I have qualms with both methods, but in short, I feel like a more advanced version of the remote is all that's needed here. When using the remote, you can only increase and decrease the speed in increments of 0.5km/h. This was slightly annoying, as my ideal walking speed needed to be between 3.0km/h and 3.5km/h — I really felt like Goldilocks. And yes, that's all you really need the remote to do. However, with the KS Fit app, you have much more control over the pad, and I'd have liked to see some of that functionality make it to the remote. In the app, I was able to alter the speed in increments of 0.1km/h and settled on a speed of 3.3km/h, so I could walk and work with ease. In the app, you also see a whole host of metrics, including steps, calories burned, time elapsed, distance travelled, current speed, current pace, average speed, average pace, stride rate, average cadence and average steps. You can also set targets for these metrics. There's also a leaderboard section in the app to compare your stats with other app users, which is pretty great for motivation if you need it. The app can also keep your phone awake to act as a display for the treadmill, and you can switch the data displayed in the app while you walk. I genuinely enjoyed using the WalkingPad Z1. Not only was it easy to set up and use, but it also offered digestible metrics and got me active during my sedentary job. It's very responsive to inputs, and there is no lag when changing speed using the remote control or the app. It can also increase to a speed of 3.7mph/6km/h, so you can jog on it, but this felt a little unstable as I'm used to running on larger treadmills with handles. It doesn't mean you can't run on it, I just prefer the extra stability. The Z1 has four-layer shock absorption, and this had a positive effect after walking 5km. As someone with an old knee injury (yes, I would've made it into the big leagues otherwise), I often experience discomfort on other treadmills or outdoors at these distances. Not so with the Z1. The WalkingPad Z1 has a brushless motor, so it's supposed to be pretty quiet. However, to my ear, it made the same amount of noise as the treadmills I've used at the gym. It gave an average reading of 57.3dB, while the product description said below 45dB. I would certainly recommend the WalkingPad Z1 under-desk treadmill to anyone looking to increase their daily steps. As someone who works an office job, it's been an ideal addition to my work set-up — now I can squeeze in a quick walk and hit my 10,000 steps with ease when working from home. The Z1's foldable design makes it easy to store. It also looks good and is affordable, unlike WalkingPad's pricier models, including the A1 Pro. My only major issue is with the remote. While the app is great for providing digestible metrics from the data the treadmill collects, a more detailed remote control could have negated the need for an app altogether. Nevertheless, this pad is sure to help you hit your steps. If you want to walk 500 miles in your working week (and then 500 more), the WalkingPad Z1 is the way to do it.
The Herald Scotland
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
How in the name of the Pink Ladies can a rugby star play Danny Zuko?
But how in the name of the Pink Ladies can someone go from being a rugby internationalist to a charted engineer, and then end up starring in not only in Grease but in two other autumn theatre productions, The 39 Steps and Proclaimers musical Sunshine on Leith? 'My dream was of becoming a rugby player from a very early age,' Service recalls. 'My dad played rugby, and I wanted to follow him. But the problem was that at five feet ten I was relatively small. And as I progressed into the Scotland Under 18&19 team, I found the injuries were arriving hard and often. And every time I was sidelined with injury – a torn hamstring or whatever – I would lose even more weight during the recovery time. It was a vicious circle. So, just as a back-up, I talked it over with my parents and decided to go to university and study Mechanical Engineering.' Service at the Melrose 7s (Image: Sandy Service) Having finished his degree at Glasgow University, Service hadn't kicked the rugby dream into touch. He took off to New Zealand. 'I still wanted to play, and reckoned I would learn so much from being in the country where rugby is a religion.' To support himself, Service worked in cafes and bars in North Island. And he joined a band, singing and playing guitar. Meantime, he played and coached rugby, then a teammate suggested his chum for a job as a consultant engineer. Yet, it was the night-time work on stage that brought about a massive life change. 'I took a call at work one day from a theatre director called Heather Harrison who'd seen me perform with the band – we were doing stuff like Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne and John Farnham covers, that sort of thing – and wondered would I be interested in appearing in a play and come in for a reading? 'It's just a small role,' she added. And I was flattered and thought 'What have I got to lose?' and said yes straight off. I'd never actually acted before, except some small stuff at school, but I liked the idea of discovering if I could pull this off.' The theatre director however hadn't been entirely honest. It wasn't a small part. It was the lead role in My Boy Jack, the story of Rudyard Kipling's grief for his son (played in the TV movie by Daniel Radcliffe.) 'I was to be Jack,' he says, beaming in recall. 'I only had two weeks rehearsals. It was scary. And exciting.' Read more The virgin actor's reviews however were very good. He laughs. 'I began to think 'Maybe I'm not terrible at this.' And it wasn't too long before other Kiwi theatre producers came calling. The Scot was offered the role of Robbie in the Wedding Singer. 'I still hadn't thought of a career in acting. However, the likes of director Warren Bates sat me down and said, 'You should think about doing this full time.'' Service went on to land key parts in major productions of The Producers and Phantom of the Opera and this validation prompted him into thinking that perhaps, just perhaps, acting was worth a real shot. Yet, Alex realised that if he were to even consider a career in showbiz, he had to make the leap from New Zealand to London. Relocated, he took a weekend masterclass course with director/performer Michael Xavier, who was also hugely encouraging. Was this the planets again telling him his natural world was a spotlit hall showing off in front of an audience? 'Maybe it was, but I still didn't know for sure. Meantime, I needed to earn money and landed engineering work, having since become a Chartered Engineer, now working on some really big projects. And then I was asked to join West End Live, a showcase event and take over the role of Emmet (the male lead) in Legally Blonde.' Again, it went well, and Xavier pushed for his student to 'get real training'. Service was accepted into the London School of Musical Theatre and now determined to become a professional actor. He admits in sad voice however that he now had to let the rugby dream die. 'One director said to me, 'Alex, you are one kick in the face away from ever acting again.'' Service at work (Image: unknown) Service listened to the advice. He worked hard in shows such as Heathers. He worked on cruise ships, where he met his future wife, the Canadian actor Olivia Kustermans and the couple married in 2023. He smiles. 'Because of the work, we've spent more time apart since we married than we have been together.' But has rugby – or indeed mechanical engineering – played into his acting career. 'I think it has,' he says, pausing for thought. 'I've learned how to break things down technically. I can see where I'm supposed to be on stage. I'm a problem solver.' Yet, the life lesson Alex Service has learned is that it's a great idea to listen when others collectively say great things about you. And then be brave and run with your instincts. Even when they are taking you in an unimaginable direction. 'I guess that's it,' he says, grinning. Pitlochry Festival Theatre presents Grease, June 18 – September 27, The 39 Steps, July 11- September 26, Sunshine on Leith, July 25 – September 27.
The Courier
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Robbie Williams superfan from Dundee reveals how she got a kiss from idol in front of 70k fans
A Robbie Williams superfan from Dundee has revealed her kiss from the star in front of 70,000 people nearly didn't happen. Debbie Allan, from Lochee, says her 'dream came true' when she received a peck from the singer during his gig at Murrayfield in Edinburgh. It was the highlight of their 10-minute interaction, which was displayed on the big screen on Saturday night. During this time the former Take That superstar sang Proclaimers classic Sunshine on Leith, held Debbie's hand, and even lightheartedly traded swear words with the 42-year-old. Pictures and video of the encounter have gone viral on Facebook and TikTok, with thousands empathising with Debbie's on-screen tears as she got up close and personal with the household name. But the once-in-lifetime meeting so nearly didn't happen, Debbie told The Courier. Debbie has been a Robbie Williams fan for more than 30 years and has seen him perform live around 35 times. These include all his Scottish shows, many in England, and even a gig in Munich, Germany. In the past few tours he has picked out a fan standing at the front to dedicate his song 'She's The One' to. So Debbie, with fellow Dundonian and superfan Paula Williamson, joined the Robbie Williams gig queue first thing in the morning in the hope of being picked out by the 51-year-old Stokie. But on Saturday at 10pm, having been at Murrayfield since 6am, Williams chose another woman standing nearby. 'He actually spoke to another girl first,' Debbie told The Courier. 'But she was from Germany and he wanted someone from Scotland. 'So I shouted 'I'm from Dundee'. 'That's when he came over.' The next 10 minutes were 'crazy', Debbie says. 'He came down, asked me where I was from and then he started singing Sunshine on Leith,' she said. 'He had his hand on my arm and I was holding his arm. 'I was quite happy and could have stood there all day – I wouldn't have cared. 'I was just holding him, looking at him and thinking 'Oh my God, I can't believe this is actually happening'.' After mischievously asking why Hearts fans tend to boo Williams' rendition of Hibs anthem Sunshine on Leith, the focus again turned to Debbie. 'He said to me, 'I never ask a woman how old she is…so what do you weigh?',' she recalled. 'And I told him to f*** off. 'He then cuddled me and said, 'That's why I love Scottish people. You ask them a question and they tell you to f*** off'. 'He gave me a direct kiss on the lips. It was so unexpected and I burst out crying. 'The camera was on me the whole time. 'The crying face was all over the screens. 'It was the most surreal experience ever.' Williams returned to the stage to sing She's The One, which topped the UK charts in 1999. But the spotlight hadn't left Debbie just yet. She explained: 'He dedicates that song to a fan. 'And even during the song he said things like 'wee Debbie'. 'There was still a camera on me the whole time. 'Then he waved at me after he sang it. 'I was crying.' Debbie had only once before made it onto a TV screen through her Robbie fandom. It was in February 1999, when she was asked why she was queuing so early for Williams' only Aberdeen gig. 'It was snowing and reporters were saying 'You can't be out queuing in the snow'. But we didn't care,' Debbie said. The scale of this exposure was minor compared to Saturday's experience. Debbie said: 'I've waited 30 years for a moment like that, it's just unbelievable. 'Every fan wants it to be them, and I hope that girl from Germany gets her moment when Robbie is next over there. 'For it to be me was unbelievable. It was surreal. 'Even after the gig, complete strangers were coming up to me, saying 'It's Debbie from Dundee'. 'It's been so emotional. 'Robbie is one of the best entertainers we have. 'He knows how to work the audience and is just unreal. 'I can't put into words what the guy means to me.' She added: 'I have followed him since I was 10 years old and to have this moment is like a dream come true. It's just amazing. 'Every time I watch the video and talk about it I'm crying. It's mental. 'I'm trying to save all the different videos but every one of them is just amazing. It's crazy.' The Courier's live news reporter James Simpson was among the 70,000 people at Murrayfield for the gig. The Dundonian admits Debbie's interactions with Williams put a lump in his throat. He said: 'Robbie asked if anyone else was from Dundee, and there was a good reaction. 'Robbie then had a bit of banter with Debbie and her pal, who was trying to film it or take pictures. 'Robbie then dedicated 'She's The One' to Debbie. 'It was brilliant. 'She was emotional and gave him a hug during the performance. 'I was delighted that a local person had been picked – she even got a smacker on the lips from Rob. 'Suffice to say, she looked chuffed.'
Daily Record
31-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Good riddance to single use vapes, a blight that will finally be stuck in the bin
Vaping was almost unheard of 10 years ago but is now a part of everyday life for millions. The devices have helped countless people finally quit their cigarette habits after years of trying. But the hobby is not harmless and the vast industry it has spawned requires proper regulation. Tomorrow finally sees a long-awaited ban on the sale and supply of single-use disposable vapes. These cheap plastic devices should never have been allowed in the first place, given how many of them have ended being thrown away. There's not a street in Scotland that's not seen some of the 26 million single-use e-cigarettes disposed of each year kicked into a gutter. Their cheapness, colourful packaging and easy availability also encourages far too many children to pick up a habit they now can't kick. That's why the Daily Record launched our Bin the Vapes campaign to get rid of these disposable devices - which pose a threat to our kids' health and the environment. The campaign had an instant impact and has led, eventually, to a UK wide ban on disposable vapes - which comes into force tomorrow. The measure is part of a wider bill to make the UK and Scotland smoke free. And that is a welcome aim. Put simply, kids at school should not be vaping under any circumstance. It's alarming to learn that a quarter of 11-15-year-olds have tried the habit at least once. Shops specialising in vapes have been allowed to open next to high schools, with local authorities seemingly oblivious to the health risks. So it's good riddance to single use vapes, a blight that will finally be consigned to the dustbin of history. And finally off of our streets for good. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Answer the call A Glasgow bingo caller could see his life change tonight - and we can all play our part to make it happen. Vinnie McKee has wowed audiences in this year's Britain's Got Talent with his stunning voice. His rendition of Proclaimers hit 500 miles got the audience whipped up into a frenzy at the first audition stage - and earned him praise from Simon Cowell. Thanks to massive public support he has now been voted through to take part in tonight's grand final. In today's Daily Record Vinnie is asking all of Scotland to cheer him on and vote for him to win the contest. And we hope our army of readers will do their bit for this talented young Scot. We're sure Vinnie will do us all proud - win or lose. And hopefully he can go from calling out bingo numbers to Number One in the charts.
