Latest news with #BigBreakfast
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Zoe Ball teams up with familiar face for new project after surprise BBC return
Zoe Ball is working with Jo Whiley on a brand new project, just weeks after she made a surprise return to BBC Radio 2 a few months after her departure Zoe Ball and Jo Whiley have teamed up to launch a new podcast. The Radio 2 legends have joined forces for the new project, which promises to be a "warm and welcoming conversation with old mates". The pair are fronting a special podcast which will feature "heartfelt and unfiltered conversations" as they discuss raising a family, careers, ageing and living healthily. There will be two episodes each week and special bonus content for those who subscribe. Zoe said of their new project: "I'm so super-excited to dive into the world of podcasting with my girl Jo, I've got so much love and respect for her – she's been a true lifeline. Our friendship goes back 30 years, to our days on The Word and The Big Breakfast. "We've grown up together, personally and professionally, along with our listeners. The show is what happens when two mates (who are constantly mistaken for each other) hit record on their regular catch-ups and talk life, unfiltered and full volume. We're chatting about our week, wild kids, ageing, what's for dinner, digging (literally), music obsessions, grief and everything in between." She added of their exciting new adventure: "No scripts, no gloss, just real talk, real laughs and a bit of beautiful mayhem. We'll be answering your questions too, so buckle up. It's going to be a blast." Meanwhile, Jo added: "I've been part of some amazing duos over the years, but I'm not sure any will quite compare to this new adventure. Starting a podcast with one of my oldest broadcasting friends (and let's face it, doppelganger), Zoe, is SO exciting! "The show will open a world of conversation on topics we don't normally discuss on air and, importantly, will bring us much closer to the listeners and fans who have made our careers so special over the last 30 years." Zoe stepped back from her breakfast show last year, leaving her fans devastated. She was replaced by Scott Mills but Zoe has since made her return to radio and now presents a weekend afternoon show. Announcing the news in February, Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said: "Zoe is one of the UK's most loved presenters, so I'm thrilled to announce that she has a new home on Radio 2 on Saturday lunchtimes, plus she'll be hosting various specials for us." Zoe also fronted the BBC's big VE Day concert, which saw the likes of Samantha Barks, Fleur East, John Newman, Victor Ray, Freya Ridings and Keala Settle all perform to honour the anniversary.
Metro
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Strictly legend 'almost missed deadline' to accept King's birthday list honour
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have been named in the King's Birthday Honours list, but one of the Strictly Come Dancing legends almost missed out. The TV presenting duo have both been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to broadcasting, having hosted the BBC ballroom show together for the last decade. But Tess, 56, admitted it 'almost didn't happen' after a mix-up with her letter. 'This genuinely came as the greatest surprise of my life. I don't think I've come back down to earth yet, I didn't see it coming, and it almost didn't happen, because the letter went to the wrong address,' she told the PA news agency. 'And thank goodness, someone very kind found me. And so by the time I got it, I only had, I think it was two or three days left to accept it. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. 'There's a deadline of acceptance. I can't imagine not ever wanting to accept such a wonderful award. But of course I did. But yes, it was cutting it fine, because it went to the wrong address first of all, but it ended well.' Tess made her TV debut on Channel 4 back in 1999 when she hosted The Big Breakfast's Find Me A Model competition, and five years later she joined Strictly alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth. As well as BBC documentaries, she's appeared on the likes of Children In Need over the years, and she's happy to accept the recognition. 'It feels like the most wonderful honour, because when you work as a broadcaster, you're part of people's viewing habits,' she said. 'It feels like a genuine privilege for people to invite you into their living room.' She added that she'd never 'take that for granted', while heaping praise on the people behind the scenes. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'I've been really fortunate to work with some of the very best production teams that there are in the business,' she said. 'And so my biggest thanks is to them, because you're only as good as your team.' Meanwhile, Tess admitted she 'cried' when she was finally able to open the letter, and she immediately wanted to be able to tell her late dad the news. She added: 'I cried when I opened the letter, because I just I couldn't believe it. 'I lost my dad many years ago, and I know how proud my dad would have been, and I would love to have shared that news with him more than anything,' she said. 'You're under strict instructions, of course, not to share the news before it's made public. But I must admit, I did tell immediate members of my family and swore them to secrecy.' More Trending Her co-star Claudia – who also fronts The Traitors, having started her career as a TV and radio presenter on a range of BBC shows – is 'incredibly grateful' but the hoour. 'It's a real privilege to work with extraordinarily talented people and I have only got this because of them. So this is for the BBC, the traitors and the faithful, for pianos and for the cha cha,' she said. View More » 'I will buy a hat and am taking my mum. I am ridiculously lucky and will celebrate with Tess by doing a paso doble.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Wynne Evans shares full apology video which he claims BBC 'cut short' MORE: Former Strictly Come Dancing pro takes aim at series after Wynne Evans scandal MORE: Wynne Evans becomes tearful over Strictly scandal a day after announcing engagement
Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC presenter Amanda Byram 'refuses to be shamed' for having a baby at 51
Former Total Wipeout presenter Amanda Byram has defended her decision to have a second child at the age of 51 TV presenter Amanda Byram has opened up about becoming a mother again at the age of 51, and says she "refuses to be shamed" for having a baby later in life. The former Total Wipeout and Big Breakfast host spoke about how her second son, Jett, was born earlier this year after a decades-long fertility journey that involved IVF and multiple miscarriages. In a first-person piece for the Daily Mail, she told readers: "In January this year, after 30 hours of sucking in Royal Sussex County Hospital's finest gas and air, at 51 I finally had the family I'd dreamt of. My second son, Jett, was a month premature, but he felt years overdue." Amanda began freezing her eggs at 40, met her husband Julian at 41, and the pair welcomed their first child, Phoenix, shortly after her 49th birthday. When their first boy was two years old, they decided they wanted to try again. Although both pregnancies were healthy and largely uneventful, she explained that the couple chose to keep them secret to avoid publicly going through possible disappointment after facing many fertility setbacks. When she announced Phoenix's birth three years ago, Amanda was initially showered with love and support, but the presenter was soon hit with online criticism for having a child at her age. One commenter exclaimed: "There's no way she gave birth to this child!" Others accused her of being selfish or predicted her children would suffer because of her age. "Fast-forward 20 years: a young man on the cusp of adulthood with two dead parents," another wrote. "I'm sorry but that's just a fact." Amanda said the most painful criticism came from fellow mothers, which left her questioning whether to even share her age at all with other parents at playgroups or parks. However, she has now embraced being an older mum and decided to speak out against judgements made based on her age. She shared: "I refuse to waste time worrying about what other people think, and even less worrying about what might happen 20 or 30 years from now. "Finally I have maturity and wisdom – and these outstrip any traits I possessed in my younger years." Amanda added that she stays healthy and doesn't drink or smoke, which she believes will give her many happy years with her kids. Beyond staying in shape, the BBC star wants to focus on what she can control: loving her children unconditionally and helping them grow into confident, compassionate adults. She defiantly hit back at naysayers, writing: "I might be a silver-haired lady when I collect my kids from primary school, but I'll be proud of every single strand. "If we don't speak up, how can we expect change? The keyboard critics will win, while society will continue to question and condemn the women who – for one reason or a million others – left it late to start a family."
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Tony Amos Joins Radio Aotearoa Network With 'Big Tony's Big Breakfast' Show
Press Release – Radio Aotearoa Tonys journey is a testament to the enduring power of radio to connect, inform, and entertain audiences. Radio Aotearoa is thrilled to announce the addition of veteran broadcaster Tony Amos to our network lineup. Amos will host 'Big Tony's Big Breakfast' from 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM, Monday to Friday. With over 50 years of radio experience, Tony brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the morning airwaves. Amos began his radio career in 1972, and throughout the decades has had the privilege of broadcasting on various radio stations across New Zealand. His extensive career includes working with some of the country's most respected broadcasters, ensuring he has a deep understanding of New Zealand's diverse radio landscape. Tony's journey is a testament to the enduring power of radio to connect, inform, and entertain audiences. Now broadcasting live from Radio Aotearoa's Tauranga studios, Tony's 'Big Breakfast' show will reach listeners across the country, including Paihia, Auckland, Pukekohe, Waiuku, Tauranga, Hawke's Bay, and Dunedin – the oldest radio station in New Zealand. In addition to Amos, Radio Aotearoa is excited to welcome other highly regarded broadcasters to the network. Sean Plunket and Michael Laws, known for their work on The Platform, will be joining Tony with their own shows. Sean will broadcast from Wellington, while Michael will provide his commentary from Otago. Barbara Hamilton, a long-time Dunedin broadcaster, will take the helm of the midday to 4:00 PM slot, providing the community with compelling content. George Ngatai, Radio Aotearoa's owner-operator, who previously hosted the breakfast show, now takes over the 'Drive' time slot from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday to Friday. George shared, 'While we are a National Māori Radio Network, we are excited to bring in these incredibly experienced broadcasters. Their wealth of experience will elevate the programming we offer to our listeners.' George also highlighted the ongoing work to expand the network's reach. 'We are working on the re-launching of Radio Northland from Paihia, Radio Pacific in Auckland, Radio Geyserland in Rotorua, and Radio Avon in Christchurch. It's been a two-year journey, and we are proud to see our network covering over 50% of Aotearoa.' While exploring the possibility of using dormant national Maori frequencies for these stations, George approached former Radio Minister Willie Jackson in 2022, seeking approval for the frequencies, but was not granted permission. 'I don't want funding from the taxpayer; I want the use of frequencies even to lease them. These frequencies have been dormant for over 30 years. This is an opportunity to bring these stations back to life and serve the communities that rely on them,' said George. Now, George is reaching out to Minister Potaka and Minister Goldsmith to discuss the possibility of utilizing these frequencies, funded by advertisers rather than the taxpayer. 'If Pākehā can run radio stations well, then Māori can too. It's about providing quality content for all of Aotearoa.' Radio Aotearoa continues to grow as a significant voice in New Zealand's media landscape. With an expanded network, seasoned broadcasters, and a deep commitment to Māori and NZ music and community-driven content, the network is poised for an exciting new chapter.
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Tony Amos Joins Radio Aotearoa Network With 'Big Tony's Big Breakfast' Show
Press Release – Radio Aotearoa Radio Aotearoa is thrilled to announce the addition of veteran broadcaster Tony Amos to our network lineup. Amos will host 'Big Tony's Big Breakfast' from 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM, Monday to Friday. With over 50 years of radio experience, Tony brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the morning airwaves. Amos began his radio career in 1972, and throughout the decades has had the privilege of broadcasting on various radio stations across New Zealand. His extensive career includes working with some of the country's most respected broadcasters, ensuring he has a deep understanding of New Zealand's diverse radio landscape. Tony's journey is a testament to the enduring power of radio to connect, inform, and entertain audiences. Now broadcasting live from Radio Aotearoa's Tauranga studios, Tony's 'Big Breakfast' show will reach listeners across the country, including Paihia, Auckland, Pukekohe, Waiuku, Tauranga, Hawke's Bay, and Dunedin – the oldest radio station in New Zealand. In addition to Amos, Radio Aotearoa is excited to welcome other highly regarded broadcasters to the network. Sean Plunket and Michael Laws, known for their work on The Platform, will be joining Tony with their own shows. Sean will broadcast from Wellington, while Michael will provide his commentary from Otago. Barbara Hamilton, a long-time Dunedin broadcaster, will take the helm of the midday to 4:00 PM slot, providing the community with compelling content. George Ngatai, Radio Aotearoa's owner-operator, who previously hosted the breakfast show, now takes over the 'Drive' time slot from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday to Friday. George shared, 'While we are a National Māori Radio Network, we are excited to bring in these incredibly experienced broadcasters. Their wealth of experience will elevate the programming we offer to our listeners.' George also highlighted the ongoing work to expand the network's reach. 'We are working on the re-launching of Radio Northland from Paihia, Radio Pacific in Auckland, Radio Geyserland in Rotorua, and Radio Avon in Christchurch. It's been a two-year journey, and we are proud to see our network covering over 50% of Aotearoa.' While exploring the possibility of using dormant national Maori frequencies for these stations, George approached former Radio Minister Willie Jackson in 2022, seeking approval for the frequencies, but was not granted permission. 'I don't want funding from the taxpayer; I want the use of frequencies even to lease them. These frequencies have been dormant for over 30 years. This is an opportunity to bring these stations back to life and serve the communities that rely on them,' said George. Now, George is reaching out to Minister Potaka and Minister Goldsmith to discuss the possibility of utilizing these frequencies, funded by advertisers rather than the taxpayer. 'If Pākehā can run radio stations well, then Māori can too. It's about providing quality content for all of Aotearoa.' Radio Aotearoa continues to grow as a significant voice in New Zealand's media landscape. With an expanded network, seasoned broadcasters, and a deep commitment to Māori and NZ music and community-driven content, the network is poised for an exciting new chapter.
