We Can’t Stop Watching This Iconic Clip Of Linda From The Traitors In Her Opera Singing Days

Posted on 13/01/2025 by Boris Clair

Let’s just say it, we all know by now that Linda is the true queen of this year’s series of The Traitors.

Admittedly, her performance as a Faithful isn’t exactly convincing (truth be told, the fact she’s managed to remain unbanished every single day defies logic), but her theatrics and line deliveries have given us some of the season’s most iconic and quotable moments.

Before joining the latest cast of The Traitors, Linda had a whole other career as an opera singer (which might well explain why she has a flair for the dramatic when things are going on in the castle) and we’re happy to report that one fan has managed to dig up one of her old performances from back in the early 1980s.

The clip has already received more than half a million views on TikTok, of which we reckon we’re probably responsible for about a hundred thousand…

All we can say is… enjoy.

The most recent instalment of the Bafta-winning reality show ended on a massive cliffhanger, after Linda and fellow Traitor Minah picked four members of the Faithful group to go head-to-head in a “death game”.

While Anna and Alexander managed to come out on top, the episode ended with one hand left to go, with either Fozia or Leon set to be “murdered” when The Traitors returns later this week.

However, one viewer pointed out that Linda may have once again put herself in the firing line for banishment, thanks to her distinctive penmanship.

The Traitors continues on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night at 9pm on BBC One.

The Masked Singer Host Joel Dommett Teases Show’s First Ever Celeb Walk-Off

Posted on 10/01/2025 by Boris Clair

The Masked Singer viewers are apparently in for something new during this weekend’s show.

According to The Sun, Saturday night’s instalment of the ITV singing competition will see the first ever celebrity contestant storm off when they don’t take too kindly to being eliminated so early on in the series.

In the first ever diva strop of its kind for The Masked Singer, the unidentified character apparently throws a strop and walks off stage, eventually having to be coaxed back on to reveal their identity on camera.

An audience member reportedly described the scene as “absolutely bonkers”, recalling: “Usually the celeb with the lowest votes takes off their mask and then chats to the panel and sings again. But instead this character turned around and shuffled off stage, which was hilarious in their costume obviously — but we were all stunned.”

ITV declined to comment when contacted by HuffPost UK, but host Joel Dommett confirmed the incident took place during an interview with Principle magazine published last weeK.

“That is gonna be my favourite reveal forever, I think,” he said. “One of the characters gets voted off and they are really not happy about it. Like genuinely.”

Joel continued: “They were really upset that they did not win it. There’s something hilarious about seeing someone in a massive costume storm off.

“What they’re gonna show of it, I have no idea. But even if they don’t show it, I know, and that’s amazing.”

So far this series has seen daytime star Kate Garraway and Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith being unmasked.

The identities of the remaining contestants are still being kept firmly under wraps, with fan theories suggesting that comedian Harry Hill, Grammy winner Macy Gray and Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow are among the concealed stars still in the competition.

The Masked Singer continues on Saturday night at 7pm on ITV1.

It Looks Like Netflix Just Accidentally Let Slip The Exact Release Date For Squid Game Season 3

Posted on 03/01/2025 by Boris Clair

It would appear that Squid Game fans’ patience when it came to season two is being rewarded.

Squid Game returned for its long-awaited second season last week, more than three years after the South Korean drama became a global hit thanks to word-of-mouth.

A third and final season has already been filmed, with Netflix revealing earlier this week that the show would be back on our screens later this year.

However, it looks like the streaming giant may have revealed more than it intended to.

News of Squid Game’s 2025 return was confirmed in a video that was shared on Netflix’s social media pages.

According to Forbes, the version of this video that briefly went live in South Korea featured a more specific message listing the launch date of Squid Game season three as 27 June 2025.

If this is true, fans will have to wait just six months for the final outing of the award-winning drama, compared to the epic wait between its first and second seasons.

HuffPost UK has contacted the Squid Game publicity team for clarification.

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Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk recently claimed that he only wanted the show to run for two series, but when putting together the idea for its second run, decided this would work better as a two-season arc.

He explained: “I originally envisioned it as a single series, so both seasons two and three as a single series when I was writing it.

“But then, as I wrote the story along, it became to be too many episodes and too long of a story because you see Gi-hun’s journey where he returns to the game, but also he goes through a revolt, and that is actually the climax of that storyline, where he tries to create an uprising, but then that all goes to failure.”

Dong-hyuk also told Variety: “As for the storyline of the third season, Gi-hun having lost everything, including his best friend, and all of his attempts going to failure, it’s now, what is he going to be like? What state is Gi-hun going to be in? And what will he choose to do?

“Will he continue on with the mission? Is he going to give up or persist? And so you’re going to meet our character Gi-hun at a very critical crossroads as we begin the third season. Gi-hun will not be the man he was in season two.”

The first two seasons of Squid Game are available to stream now on Netflix.

Squid Game Has Already Been Toppled As The Number 1 Show On Netflix Right Now

Posted on 03/01/2025 by Boris Clair

The return of Squid Game was undoubtedly one of last year’s most anticipated TV moments.

At the end of December, the award-winning dystopian drama premiered its second season on Netflix, more than three years after its inaugural run became a global sleeper hit thanks to word of mouth.

Season two certainly pulled in the viewers, reaching the number one spot on Netflix’s most-watched list in a whopping 93 countries.

However, its time at number one only ended up lasting a week here in the UK.

At the time of writing, Squid Game has now fallen to number two in the Netflix TV chart, behind the new mystery series Missing You.

Harlan Coben’s latest collaboration with Netflix premiered on New Year’s Day, boasting an all-star cast that includes Rosalind Eleazar, Steve Pemberton, Sir Lenny Henry, Jessica Plummer, Busted singer Matt Willis and, naturally, Richard Armitage, who previously appeared in Fool Me Once and The Stranger.

Missing You is currently Netflix's number one show — Missing You is currently Netflix’s number one show

A third season of Squid Game is already confirmed to be coming, which will complete Gi-hun’s story.

While a release date for the third run – which it’s thought has already been confirmed – is yet to be confirmed, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk told Variety last month: “At this point, anything I might say is going to be a spoiler, so I want to be cautious.

“But what I can say is, after season two launches, I believe we will be announcing the launch date for season three soon. I probably expect that to launch around summer or fall next year.”

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“As for the storyline of the third season,” he continued, “Gi-hun having lost everything, including his best friend, and all of his attempts going to failure, it’s now, what is he going to be like? What state is Gi-hun going to be in? And what will he choose to do?

Both seasons of Squid Game and Missing You are now available to stream on Netflix.

This Is Why The Original Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special Is Still A Festive Masterpiece

Posted on 22/12/2024 by Boris Clair

While every year there are the same moans and groans about the Christmas TV schedules being packed with repeats, there’s one show that we definitely don’t mind watching again and again – the original festive special of Gavin & Stacey.

The BBC sitcom had been running for two seasons by the time we got the first festive episode in 2008, and what a seasonal delight it was.

While we’d seen plenty of interactions between the entire Shipman and West clan in the years previous, there was a real moment of joy seeing them all prepare for their first Christmas together following Gavin and Stacey’s wedding.

Not only did the hour-long episode deliver on comedy and plot, but it also highlighted all those little Christmas foibles that go on in households up and down the country come 25 December.

And as much as we loved having the gang back together in 2019 for the much-anticipated reunion episode, there’s something magical about the original that made it such a festive masterpiece.

Here’s why it’s a show that’s worthy of repeat viewing every December…

1. Pam’s stance on Christmas cards

Pam had strong views on when to send Christmas cards

Prior to 2008, we were always baffled as to why some people would send their Christmas cards before December had even rolled around, but Pam Shipman imparted some serious wisdom on us that made us completely reverse our stance.

“What is the point of sending cards that arrive on Christmas Eve? They’ll get taken down in a few days. That’s why I send all mine on the first of November. Gives people seven weeks to enjoy them,” she said.

You have to admit, she has a point, right?

2. John who?

Speaking of Christmas cards, Pam and Mick also tapped into something we’ve all heard our parents say when they receive a festive greeting from someone they cannot quite place.

“Oh, look at that, ‘From John’… It could be mechanic John… It won’t be John from Ann and John.”

3. Doris being ‘absolutely twatted’ before lunchtime on Christmas Eve

A relatable queen.

4. Nessa in the grotto

An inspired piece of writing from Ruth Jones and James Corden.

5. Gavin and Smithy’s sing-a-long

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It’s the scene that inspired James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke, and despite the fact he was eventually joined by the likes of Adele, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga in his car to sing along to their biggest hits, it’s still Smithy’s duet down the phone on Do They Know It’s Christmas? that remains the original and the best.

We’ve also never been able to say Midge Ure’s name the same way since.

6. The mint Baileys scene

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The scene where Gwen and Bryn share their first ever mint Baileys before boarding the coach to Essex wasn’t big or flashy, but it had a quiet comfort and poignancy about it, which Gavin & Stacey always nails so perfectly.

7. Mick’s turkey saga

Are you basting it? Are you soaking it overnight? Are you doing it the Nigella way? Or are you sticking to Jamie Oliver, because you “know where you are with him”?

Through the characters of Mick and Pete, the Christmas special managed to perfectly encapsulate the bizarre obsession and competitiveness dads have with other men about their turkeys each year.

8. The fight

Pam wasn't exactly thrilled with Gavin's news — Pam wasn’t exactly thrilled with Gavin’s news

Pam’s eruption after finding out her “little prince” was planning on relocating to Barry set off a chain of events that made this scene one of the most memorable in Gavin & Stacey history.

Not only did Alison Steadman absolutely commit to the moment, but we also saw Gwen finally stand up to Pam, Nessa threaten to “see her outside” (and Pam stupidly believe she could take her on), before Pete went toe-to-toe with Dave Coaches to defend Dawn’s honour.

Admittedly, there’s some language that we’d hope wouldn’t make it into the script in 2024, and we were very pleased when they all put the row behind them. But it has to be said, this scene shook up the dynamic between all the characters and also sent up those fights that happen in every family each festive season.

9. Pam and Mick’s royal romp

We learned that Pam’s royal obsession translated into the bedroom as she prepared to be “knighted” with Mick’s “special sword” – all while he was wearing a comedy pair of King Charles ears.

10. Pam’s vegetarianism comes unstuck

As “Three Steaks Pam” faced the prospect of a turkey-less Christmas after her long-standing lies about being a vegetarian, it transpired she hadn’t fooled anyone with her stance on meat – except for Gwen that is, who had bought her a vegetarian cookbook for Christmas.

11. The opening of the ‘presents’

Nessa and Dave gifted everyone a single chocolate from a box of Celebrations

Never before had we been so eager to see which Celebration someone was eating, and we definitely still relate to Smithy wrapping all his presents in tin foil for ease.

Doris gifting Gwen talcum powder, despite her still having a stack of it unused at home from previous years, was also a foible we’ve seen play out during present openings over the years.

12. The Nessa and Smithy sexual tension

Smithy didn't want Nessa to marry Dave — Smithy didn’t want Nessa to marry Dave

Years before we got the 2019 Christmas proposal, there was a special moment between Nessa and Smithy that gave fans hope that the characters would finally end up together as Smithy urged her not to marry Dave Coaches.

13. The end song

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No, you’re crying.

All episodes of Gavin & Stacey are available to watch on BBC iPlayer. The final episode of Gavin & Stacey will air on Christmas Day at 9pm on BBC One.

Alex Horne Revealed The Guests He’d ‘Love’ To Have On Taskmaster

Posted on 26/11/2024 by Boris Clair

If you’re a Taskmaster fan, you likely have favourite seasons, tasks and even comedians that have taken part.

Personally? Mike Wozniak and Fern Brady hit my top spots.

Plus, surely the hosts have favourites, too? Guests they’d invite back in a heartbeat and even guests that they dream of inviting into the Taskmaster house?

Well, according to Alex Horne’s recent interview with Radiox host Chris Moyles, there are a few comedians he is keen on getting on the popular show…

Alex Horne’s ideal Taskmaster contestants

After hinting that there’s one guest he would not like to revisit the show, Alex admitted that he still has some dream guests in mind, and that the only thing that’s prevented them so far is timing.

He said: “Stephen Merchant, we’ve talked for a long time. I’d really like Stephen Merchant to do it. Partly, the height with Greg would be nice, but he’s just a very, very funny man.

“I just want people who I don’t know what they’re going to do when they read the task. Richard Ayoade, we’ve come close. French and Saunders, we’ve come close. And so, there’s plenty of people out there who I still want to do it.”

Stephen Merchant is just an inch shorter than Greg at 6′7 has previously stated that he’d be keen to take part in the show.

Earlier this year, the comic said: “I love Taskmaster and I would happily do the show. It’s just finding the time and the time commitment to do it.

“That’s the only problem for me. It’s not that I have anything against doing it. I think it’d be great fun. Of all those sorts of shows, that’s the one that looks both fun and incredibly frustrating. I’d to think of myself as someone who can kind of think laterally, but I definitely can’t.”

Here’s hoping they find the time soon.

Taskmaster is available to stream on Channel 4.

Here’s The Full Line-Up For This Year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special

Posted on 21/11/2024 by Boris Clair

All six stars competing in this year’s Christmas Day special of Strictly Come Dancing have been confirmed.

Over the past two weeks, Strictly bosses have been slowly teasing the festive line-up, which includes celebrity contestants from across the world of comedy, sport, TV and beyond.

These celebs will each be paired with a dancer from Strictly’s resident troupe of professional dancers, in the hope of securing the Silver Star trophy in the show’s annual festive episode.

Here’s the full list of stars taking part…

Josh Widdicombe

Josh Widdicombe is a stand-up comedian known for his appearances on shows like Taskmaster, Have I Got News For You and Live At The Apollo.

He and fellow comic Rob Beckett also present the hit podcast Parenting Hell.

“I am utterly terrified this will end in humiliation and worried I’m going to be so bad I will ruin Christmas for the nation,” he joked, questioning: “Why have I done this?”

He has been paired with Karen Hauer on the Christmas special.

Tayce

Tayce is best known for her appearance on the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, where she made it all the way to the final.

She’s making history as the first drag performer to compete in the Strictly ballroom, where she’ll be dancing alongside Kai Widdrington.

“I cannot wait to sleigh on the Strictly ballroom floor,” Tayce said. “My partner and I are going to dance for our lives!”

The Welsh performer added: “In all seriousness, it’s an incredible honour to be the first drag artist to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.

“I hope I do all of my Drag Race and Welsh fans proud! Sign me up for all the glitz, glam and disco balls.”

Vogue Williams

As well as co-hosting the podcast My Therapist Ghosted Me and the documentary series On The Edge, Vogue Williams has also appeared on the reality shows Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump.

She’s no stranger to the dance floor, either, competing on the short-lived ITV show Stepping Out with then-husband Brian McFadden, as well as the Australian version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars.

Despite this, Vogue said that her professional partner Carlos Gu has “more of a chance of winning a Nobel prize than turning me into a good dancer but I am determined to try my very best!”.

“I’m loving it so far, bring on the ballroom floor,” she added.

Harry ‘Nitro’ Aikines-Aryeetey

After initially being rumoured for the main series, Harry – known to Gladiators fans as Nitro – is actually one of this year’s Christmas contestants.

Before joining the Gladiators squad, he was an Olympic sprinter, representing Team GB in Rio back in 2016.

“Nitro’s blasting onto the Ballroom floor this Christmas!” he declared. “I’m swapping my trainers for dancing shoes, and trust me, I’m bringing the power, the energy and the moves!

“This December I’m gonna light up that dance floor and crank the Christmas spirit all the way up. Let’s do this!”

He’ll be paired with Nancy Xu in the Christmas Day broadcast.

Tamzin Outhwaite

EastEnders favourite Tamzin Outhwaite will be performing with Nikita Kuzmin on the Christmas Day special.

As well as originating the role of Mel Owen in EastEnders, Tamzin has appeared in Doctor Who, New Tricks, The Fixer and Red Cap.

She said: “I’m so excited to swap the stage for the Strictly ballroom this Christmas. I’m used to performing in front of a live audience, but this is a whole new experience.

“I can’t wait to immerse myself in all things glitter and sequins, let’s hope the judges show Nikita and I some extra festive cheer this Christmas!”

Billy Monger

Completing Strictly’s Christmas line-up for 2024 is Formula 3 racing driver Billy Monger.

As well as his racing career, Billy is also a sports commentator and disability activist, having had both his legs amputated after an accident during a race in 2017.

“I’ve spent the last 12 months training 20 hours a week for an Ironman world record attempt, but the thought of donning sequins in front of Craig Revel Horwood fills me with a fear I’ve never experienced before,” he admitted.

“This is about as far from my comfort zone as it can get! My family are big Strictly fans, so I’m doing it for them and to raise awareness for what I’m doing for Comic Relief next year. I’m just hoping my leg doesn’t fall off mid-dance!”

Billy – who will be performing with Nadiya Bychkova in the Christmas special – previously competed on the first celebrity special of Race Across The World alongside his sister Bonny.

Tamzin Outhwaite Confirmed For Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special Line-Up

Posted on 20/11/2024 by Boris Clair

EastEnders favourite Tamzin Outhwaite has become the fifth celebrity confirmed to be taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.

Tamzin is best known for her performance as Mel Owen in the long-running BBC soap, for which she earned two wins at the National Television Awards.

Her other credits include Doctor Who, the police drama New Tricks, The Fixer and Red Cap.

On Wednesday evening, it was revealed that Tamzin is one of the stars who’ll be performing in Strictly’s Christmas Day special, where she’ll perform with Nikita Kuzmin.

Nikita had been paired with Olympian Sam Quek on this year’s regular series of Strictly, until she was eliminated earlier this month.

Tamzin Outhwaite is competing on this year's Strictly Christmas special — Tamzin Outhwaite is competing on this year’s Strictly Christmas special

Tamzin said: “I’m so excited to swap the stage for the Strictly ballroom this Christmas. I’m used to performing in front of a live audience, but this is a whole new experience.

“I can’t wait to immerse myself in all things glitter and sequins, let’s hope the judges show Nikita and I some extra festive cheer this Christmas!”

Strictly bosses began revealing the line-up for this year’s festive special last week, beginning with comedian Josh Widdicombe.

Although Strictly’s annual Christmas episode typically features six new celebs competing in a one-off special for the Silver Star trophy, two of the contestants on the regular series of Strictly this year are former festive winners.

JLS singer JB Gill triumphed on Christmas Day back in 2012, while Jamie Borthwick’s own festive win came just last year.

Strictly Come Dancing Confirms Fourth Celebrity For This Year’s Christmas Special

Posted on 18/11/2024 by Boris Clair

The line-up for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special is starting to take shape.

On Monday evening, it was revealed that athlete Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – better known to Gladiators fans as “Nitro” – will be the fourth celebrity being put through their paces this festive season.

Interestingly, Harry was previously widely rumoured for the main series of Strictly earlier this year, but it turned out to be his Gladiators colleague Montell Douglas who had signed up instead.

Harry "Nitro" Aikines-Aryeetey — Harry “Nitro” Aikines-Aryeetey

He enthused: “Nitro’s blasting onto the Ballroom floor this Christmas! I’m swapping my trainers for dancing shoes, and trust me, I’m bringing the power, the energy and the moves!

“This December I’m gonna light up that dancefloor and crank the Christmas spirit all the way up. Let’s do this!”

Harry will be partnered with professional dancer Nancy Xu on the Christmas special. Nancy was previously paired with Shayne Ward on the current series of Strictly, until he left the competition earlier this month.

Harry as his "Nitro" alter-ego in Gladiators — Harry as his “Nitro” alter-ego in Gladiators

The first three celebrities taking part in Strictly’s Christmas Day episode were revealed last week.

The rest of the line-up is expected to be announced in the coming days.

Strictly’s annual Christmas episode typically features six new celebs competing in a one-off special for the Silver Star trophy.

However, two of the contestants on the regular series of Strictly this year are former Christmas champions.

JLS singer JB Gill triumphed on Christmas Day back in 2012, while Jamie Borthwick’s festive win came just last year..

The EastEnders star came out on top during the 2023 Christmas special, during which he and Nancy Xu landed a perfect score for their Quickstep routine.

Let’s start with the man of the hour, Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris McCausland, whose one-liners over the course of the series provided plenty of laughs

In fact, this year’s Strictly gave us some brilliant moments, most notably Nikita Kuzmin’s epic musical blunder

And while we’re on the subject of Strictly Come Dancing and musical blunders – we have to give this clip a special mention

Carlos Gu’s fabulous costume during Halloween week definitely needs a shout-out, too

Oh! And who could forget when none other than Nessa Jenkins made a surprise cameo during the live final?

Way back in January, the nation’s jaws hit the floor when The Traitors competitor Diane Carson dropped three little words

Speaking of “hitting the floor” (sorry, Alison!)

Yes, Alison Hammond continued to bring us an endless list of joyful moments in 2024, including this epic reunion with Ryan Gosling and an unfortunate (though, apparently, deliberate!) choice of words

Some more of 2024’s most unintentionally hilarious celebrity interview moments came when Jordan North tried to explain the concept of a chip butty to Billie Eilish…

…Amelia Dimoldenberg struggled to get on the same wavelength as Sabrina Carpenter…

…Paul Mescal seemingly knew less about himself than one of his super-fans…

…and Miriam Margolyes made her feelings on grown-up Harry Potter fans abundantly clear

Meanwhile, the return of Celebrity Big Brother gave us this extremely sincere apology from Lauren Simon and Louis Walsh (and some excellent reactions from the rest of the house)…

…And Sharon Osbourne more than lived up to her reputation in the house, delivering this staggering takedown of Simon Cowell, The X Factor and TV talent shows in general

The regular Big Brother house also opened its doors for its second run of the ITV era – giving us this priceless moment

BBC News’ most viral star Maryam Moshiri continued to deliver…

…and deliver…

…and deliver

Hugh Grant turned on the charm at an otherwise uneventful Baftas

While this outtake from Hannah Waddingham at the Oliviers certainly delivered on laughs

Hannah also went viral at the TV Baftas for her hilarious reaction to losing an award to Strictly Come Dancing (that’s a secret flask in her bracelet, by the way)

Every second of this Joe Lycett speech from the same night is just excellent

The Bridgerton cast took us all behind the scenes of season three – including this impromptu dance party

While Nicola Coughlan also pranked co-star Luke Newton in a big way

Every moment of the Wicked press tour was a pretty wild ride, but we’ll always be holding space for this clip in particular

To promote the film, Ariana Grande made another epic appearance on Saturday Night Live – and while it’s hard to narrow her efforts down to just one clip, we think this one is still our favourite

Another of Ariana’s glorious SNL moments fell earlier in the season, during which even she and Bowen Yang struggled to hold in their laughs

And finally – let’s end on this delightful clip of Jake Grealish (fingers crossed he has a bit more luck with confetti on New Year’s Eve, eh?)

1. Pam’s stance on Christmas cards

2. John who?

3. Doris being ‘absolutely twatted’ before lunchtime on Christmas Eve

4. Nessa in the grotto

5. Gavin and Smithy’s sing-a-long

6. The mint Baileys scene

7. Mick’s turkey saga

8. The fight

9. Pam and Mick’s royal romp

10. Pam’s vegetarianism comes unstuck

11. The opening of the ‘presents’

12. The Nessa and Smithy sexual tension

13. The end song

Alex Horne’s ideal Taskmaster contestants

Josh Widdicombe

Tayce

Vogue Williams

Harry ‘Nitro’ Aikines-Aryeetey

Tamzin Outhwaite

Billy Monger