Latest news with #QueenoftheJungle
NDTV
4 days ago
- NDTV
Mumbai's Iconic 'Van Rani' Toy Train To Return To Sanjay Gandhi National Park
After a four-year gap, Mumbai's beloved mini train, fondly known as "Van Rani" (Queen of the Jungle), is all set to return to the tracks of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), rekindling nostalgia for generations of Mumbaikars and nature enthusiasts. Sprawling across 106.95 sq km in the heart of Mumbai, SGNP is reviving this iconic Mini Toy Train, which was discontinued after Cyclone Tauktae caused severe damage in 2021. Originally launched in 1974, the train has been a cherished attraction for over 50 years, delighting children, families, and tourists alike. Now, under a major redevelopment initiative, the Van Rani is being brought back, refreshed, revitalised, and ready to roll. The effort is being led by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, with critical support from the Ministry of Railways. What's New with Van Rani? Track Overhaul The entire 2.3 km route has been relaid, and all 15 bridges along the track have been reconstructed, ensuring a safe and smooth ride for visitors. Modern Coaches A brand-new toy train unit has been added to the SGNP fleet. Trial runs began on June 30, and a successful full-capacity test was conducted on July 5, showcasing the readiness of the system. Upgraded Stations Krishnagiri Station has completed work on its building, platform, and accessibility ramps. Final touches are underway. Teenmurthy Station has a completed platform, and its station shed is expected to be ready by July 25. New Attractions The new Van Rani will offer more than just a ride. Passengers can enjoy educational panels on wildlife, panoramic views of the Deer Park, and an immersive journey through SGNP's rich biodiversity, adding a fresh dimension to the experience. Expected Completion: End of July 2025 The relaunch of Van Rani not only revives a treasured piece of Mumbai's cultural heritage but also aims to boost eco-tourism and inspire younger generations to connect with nature. With its official reopening just weeks away, the Forest Department is gearing up to welcome visitors, young and old, to relive memories and make new ones aboard the beloved jungle queen.
The Irish Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders star admits she's ‘unemployed' two years after quitting soap and love split
TV STAR Charlie Brooks has admitted to being 'unemployed' two years after quitting EastEnders - and she loves it. The actress, best known for playing Janine Butcher in EastEnders, took to Instagram to talk about life since leaving the BBC soap. Advertisement 4 Charlie Brooks is best known for playing Janine Butcher in EastEnders Credit: Instagram 4 Charlie has admitted she has been "unemployed" for the last two years Credit: BBC She wrote: 'Life is good. As someone who is generally validated by work…Turns out being at home, chilling with my dog, taking long walks, reforming, reading… '...and actually getting to hang out with my friends doing everything and nothing makes me really f***ing happy.' Charlie left the soap in December 2022 and since then, she has been seen attending gigs and spending time with her family. The 43-year-old actress portrayed the role of Janine Butcher on and off from 1999 until 2022. Advertisement Read more on EastEnders The character was famed for killing Barry Evans back in 2004. In scenes three years ago, Janine reignited her feud with Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Stacey (Lacey Turner), where Janine almost killed the former's son in an accidental fire. The character's manipulative ways were also behind the split of Mick (Danny Dyer) and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) as she wanted him all to herself. In her exit storyline, she was arrested after driving a car off a cliff, which led to the supposed death of her newest husband Mick. Advertisement Most read in News TV Outside of the soap, Charlie won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special in 2011 and took the title of Queen of the Jungle in the twelfth series of I'm a Me Out of Here! one year later in 2012. Most recently, she appeared on the 17th series of Dancing On Ice at the start of the year, partnering with professional skater Eric Radford. Charlie Brooks reflects on her acting career and starting out at 15 She was eliminated from the competition in the fifth week. Back in February, Charlie also Advertisement Charlie is mum to Ibiza nightclub owner Tony Truman. She and Tony split just two years after Kiki was born but they are on very good previously revealed 4 The 43-year-old appeared on Dancing On Ice at the start of the year Credit: Getty 4 Charlie was eliminated in the fifth week of Dancing On Ice Credit: Getty Advertisement
Edinburgh Live
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BBC Strictly Come Dancing 'in talks' with I'm A Celeb winner to join line-up
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Excitement is mounting as the countdown to this year's Strictly Come Dancing heats up, with whispers of potential contestants beginning to circulate online. Names such as Dani Dyer, Vicky Pattison, Paul C Brunson, Helen Flanagan and Ashley Cain are on the rumour mill for potential fame-seeking twirlers. However, buzz from the BBC hive suggests that Devon star Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo, the 2017 winner of I'm A Celeb, is the one to watch this season. An insider has hinted that the 30-year-old would be a hit with fans, adding some sparkle to the dance floor. They remarked: "Georgia is in talks to join – she would bring glamour, poise and fun to the show. She's been a huge hit on all the telly shows she's done and would be a popular contestant on Strictly." (Image: Getty Images for Royal Ascot) Toffolo shot to fame on Made in Chelsea in 2014, went on to become Queen of the Jungle in I'm A Celeb, and continues to dazzle the public eye. Noteworthy too is her nuptials to BrewDog magnate James Watt—Mirror pegs his fortune around a cool £250million—but the buzz doesn't stop with Toff, reports Devon Live. The Mirror drops another exciting tidbit, suggesting Queen Camilla's eldest offspring, Tom Parker Bowles, may also demonstrate his dancing prowess on the upcoming series of Strictly. (Image: Instagram) A Strictly insider revealed: "Top of their wishlist is MasterChef star Tom. His name was also sounded-out last year but never materialised. Bosses hope they'll have better luck this year. "It would be a coup to sign someone with such a strong royal link. Maybe we could see Camilla and Charles in the audience?" Ex-Strictly judge Arlene Phillips weighed in on the buzz about a Royal potentially joining the dance show, acknowledging it would add a touch of class. While on Good Morning Britain, she commented: "I think, today royalty doesn't quite have the reverence that it had, so we think of Tom Parker Bowles as just someone who cooks, I think, and is fabulous. (Image: David M. Benett/for Fortnum & Mason) "You don't really connect him to royalty, and he'll just be on there, if he's on, working like everybody else, to try to win." When Susanna hinted at the possibility of Queen Camilla being present if her son takes part, Arlene responded: "Of course! They would love it, everyone would love it. "They'd come along and watch Strictly, I mean anybody who is anybody watches Strictly anyway, this will just elevate it that little bit more." Strictly Come Dancing is set to air later this year.
Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Strictly 'sign Pete Wicks' mate up for new series' after their audience antics
Former TOWIE star Pete Wicks dazzled on the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor last year. It's thought one of his famous pals is set to follow in his footsteps and take part in the 2025 series Reality TV star Vicky Pattison is reportedly ready to add Strictly Come Dancing to her lengthy TV CV. The former Geordie Shore star, who has pivoted into making documentaries over recent years, is apparently set to get her dancing shoes on ready for the BBC show's new series. Vicky, who was crowned Queen of the Jungle in 2025, was on hand to support pal Pete Wicks during his time on the dancefloor last year. The former Geordie Shore's appearances in the audience didn't go unnoticed by BBC bosses, who liked what they saw. "She has great energy and will no doubt be a hit with the viewers," an insider of said of Vicky, who is reportedly ready to step out of her comfort zone and learn a new skill. A source close to the 37-year-old said: "She's had a continuing rise in popularity and her TV work is going from strength to strength after presenting a serious Channel Four documentary and appearing on Celebrity Gogglebox." Speaking to The Sun, they added: "It's a no-brainer they want to sign her up" The Mirror has approached the BBC and representatives for Vicky for comment on this story. Pete isn't the only former Strictly Come Dancing star Vicky is pals with. In May, it was announced that Vicky would launch podcast inspired by 'female comradery; with Angela Scanlon, who finished in sixth place during the 2023 series. Vicky and Angela will discuss topics including motherhood and internet drama as the hosts of a new podcast titled Get A Grip. The catalyst for the podcast was "female comradery in the face of the ridiculous", according to Virgin Radio UK host Angela. "Being told to 'get a grip' is not a new notion for most women, and is something I've experienced a couple of times (a week!), as has Vicky," the 41-year-old said. "Female comradery in the face of the ridiculous was the catalyst for our new podcast. We wanted to create a fun and empowering space where we can unpick the good, the bad and the bizarre happenings in the world each week as we move through our own lives loudly, unashamedly and maybe a little unhinged. "We're taking the group chat into the pod world and we can't wait for you to come with us!" Vicky added: "For those who know me by now I am never one to shy away from expressing myself whether people want to hear it or not! "So I'm thrilled that I get to do that alongside my partner in crime as we do our best to keep things real and put the world to rights with lots of laughter along the way. I have no doubt we will be bringing a lot of you along with us too." Speaking about Pete's Strictly stint last year, Vicky said: "Like when I found out Pete was doing it, the first thing I did was ring him and see if he was OK. "Because me and him are more like stand in the corner, drink and have a laugh than you know, centre of the dance floor people. And he was saying he was really nervous, and I think that's how I'll be."
Scottish Sun
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I'm A Celeb winner set to join Strictly after wowing bosses while supporting pal in audience last year
Scroll down to read what Vicky has previously said about her dancing ability NEW STRICTLY SIGNING I'm A Celeb winner set to join Strictly after wowing bosses while supporting pal in audience last year Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) REALITY star Vicky Pattinson has been offered a deal to join Strictly this year. The 37-year-old is set to take part after impressing BBC bosses when she supported pal Pete Wicks in the audience during last year's series. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattinson has been offered a deal to join Strictly this year 3 In 2015, Vicky was crowned I'm A Celebrity's Queen of the Jungle Credit: Rex Features 3 Vicky wowed BBC bosses when she supported pal Pete Wicks in the audience during last year's series Credit: PA A source said: 'Vicky loved watching Pete on the series and was in awe of the detail that goes into every performance. 'She has great energy and will no doubt be a hit with the viewers. 'Vicky's done plenty of reality shows but is ready to be out of her comfort zone on the dance floor.' Newcastle-born Vicky found fame in 2011 by drinking to excess and having sex on MTV UK's Geordie Shore. In 2015, she was crowned I'm A Celebrity's Queen of the Jungle, later calling the show the 'best thing' she had ever done. She previously said she would not rule out appearing on Strictly Come Dancing — but admitted she would struggle on the dance floor. She told The Sun last year: 'I've done my fair share of reality TV and I'd never say never to anything but I'm not a dancer, at all. 'Like, when I found out Pete was doing Strictly, the first thing I did was ring him and see if he was okay. 'Because me and him are more 'stand in the corner, drink and have a laugh' than the 'centre of the dance floor' people.' She added: 'He was really nervous, and I think that's how I'll be. Watch the shocking moment Vicky Pattinson PUNCHES Pete Wicks in the face in first look at new reality show Josh Must Win 'As I've gotten a bit older, I just feel like I get out of my comfort zone less and less. 'And I know that's not a good thing and I should be pushing myself out of it sometimes.' A source close to Vicky said: 'She's had a continuing rise in popularity and her TV work is going from strength to strength after presenting a serious Channel Four documentary and appearing on Celebrity Gogglebox. 'It's a no-brainer they want to sign her up.' The BBC declined to comment. Vicky's representative was approached for comment.
