Latest news with #Elstree
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
I trained with Daniel Dubois wearing Brooks' new Ghost 17 trainers - here's why we think they're the ultimate running shoe
When you think of Daniel Dubois, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Power. Pure power. Dubois is the most explosive heavyweight boxer in the sport. Each punch that he lands on the pads as Mail Sport watches him in training creates a thunderous sound that echoes around the gym. After all, these are the hands that sat down Anthony Joshua four times under the Wembley arch, which can be seen in all its glory from the Farm Gym – situated in the tranquil rural bowels of Elstree - and made him the IBF world heavyweight champion. But there is more to Dubois than just power. As he trains for the biggest fight of his life – a rematch with the great Oleksandr Usyk on July 19 to unify the heavyweight belts – the 27-year-old is putting in an unfathomable amount of hours both in and outside the ring to ensure he is in peak condition under the arch once again. One of the key aspects of his training is running, lots of running, and that's why Mail Sport has been invited down to the champion's inner sanctum. We were given the opportunity by Brooks Running, who are the footwear partner of Dubois, to slide on the newly-released Brooks Ghost 17 and smash some tarmac with Dynamite DDD. It's clear to see why the heavyweight champ has turned to Brooks, and this shoe, in particular. They are the most reliable trainer on the market and are the perfect fit for his style of conditioning training. 'As a fighter, you need to do that endurance work,' Dubois tells Mail Sport from within the heart of the Farm Gym. 'I do clear your head runs, 30 to 40 minutes. 'I love running – it's easy. Once you get into it – the initial part is tough – but when you get into it, like the flow of everything, it becomes easy.' Endurance work is exactly what the Ghost 17 is made for. This shoe is a fan-favourite, and the reasons become evident within the first few strides I take alongside Dubois and other members of the press. I know heaps of runners who swear by Brooks, with many clocking up the majority of miles in previous iterations of the Ghost shoe. This was the first time I have ever laced up a pair myself, and I enjoy every step in them. Comfort and support The support they provide is unparalleled. They wrap around your foot like a malleable phone case. There is the right amount of stiffness to lock your feet in place while providing the comfort necessary when notching up a significant amount of miles. In running, the saying goes: 'Not one shoe fits all'. I don't think that's the case with the Ghost 17, bar the literal size of the shoe. It's a trainer that works for all runners, regardless of their level. 'Brooks shoes have quickly become a key part of my training gear keeping me and my team comfortable and supported while I'm in training camp,' says Dubois. Performance For elite runners, whether that be a marathoner or a 5k specialist, this is not a model I would take into combat against the best racers on the road. However, it's perfect for long and easy runs within a high-mileage training camp. The same applies to beginners, recreational runners, experienced stompers, or just anyone who wants to clear their head. This is a shoe that is made for miles upon miles of light jogging – they are incredibly durable. Material and specs There is a wedge of a sole – that follows the trend of all trainers these days – which provides more than enough cushioning below a light, airy, and breathable upper. The nitrogen-infused foam is both sturdy and energetic, allowing you to drive off the tarmac with little stress of rolling your ankle. They are a bit more heavy-duty than many trainers on the market, but that's not a bad thing. The reason it's like that is to ensure you can get as many miles out of the sole as possible. These trainers can last you years, which can't be said for many other running shoes on the market. The weight does impact your ability to peg it at pace, but as I said, that's not what these are for. Don't get me wrong, you can shift in them, but not to the pace you would want when doing tempo runs or intervals. That being said, it's still a versatile trainer. Dubois doesn't seem to be having any issues notching up the pace as it comes to the final stretch of our run - I can't get near him. The worst thing for my ego is the fact he is laughing as he stretches away. I reckon I would have had him if I had another 25 miles. Brooks Ghost 17 £135.00 Shop The Ghost 17 is fairly pricey at £135, however, don't let that dissuade you from purchasing them. The longevity and durability of the trainer make the cost worth it, you will get plenty of bang for your buck. As Dubois says himself, Brooks 'are the best in class in their sector', and I know plenty of runners feel the same way. After testing them out with the big man himself, it's certainly a shoe that I will add to my rotation. Bring on the long runs in these durable demons.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Jamie Borthwick's EastEnders job ‘at risk' over disabled slur scandal
DISGRACED EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick's job on the soap could be at risk after his disabled slur scandal. The actor - who has played Jay Brown for 19 years on the BBC soap - was suspended by bosses after he was filmed using a sickening slur while backstage at Strictly Come Dancing. 2 2 He issued a grovelling apology to The Sun on Sunday but now sources say it may not be enough to bring the matter to a close. While Jamie's suspension isn't believed to have had a drastic effect on filming schedules or re-writes, it has put a question mark in the industry over his job at the soap. A source said: 'Jamie is well thought of but Jay hasn't played a central role in the show for a while. 'The character hasn't had a major storyline recently - he's been very much a supporting character of late. 'Meanwhile Jamie has been kept busy outside of EastEnders by being given the Strictly Christmas special in 2023 and then the full series last year. 'But consquently on EastEnders he's barely been seen with about 30 appearances on screen since last summer. 'And with a new boss in Ben Wadey who only recently took the helm and with the scandal taking place so soon into his tenure feeling is that Jamie's place on the show could be at serious risk.' Jamie sent shockwaves behind the scenes at the BBC soap's Elstree-based set last weekend when The Sun On Sunday revealed a video had emerged of him on the set of the dance show last year. In it, he was seen using the term 'm********s' to describe the people of Blackpool, the seaside town where the show was being filmed for its annual special. Jamie made the shameful remark while the Strictly cast were at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November. Strictly's Jamie Borthwick cheated on me during the show and then used co-star to try and smooth it over, ex tells pals The footage - which was sent to a pal - shows him backstage during rehearsals alongside co-star Wynne Evans, who was recently sacked by the BBC. The pair were excited to learn they had been selected for the Strictly tour, which toured the country earlier this year. Jamie is then seen laughing, before saying: 'Blackpool by the way. Absolute m********s.' The BBC suspended him from the soap while they investigate the matter. They said in a statement: 'This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.' Jamie apologised saying: 'I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly. 'I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused. 'It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. That is on me completely. 'Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong. 'When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment. Again, that is no excuse. But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am. 'I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself. The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members. Strictly Curse - The Lowdown STRICTLY Come Dancing's latest series has already been hit by rumours of a BBC show 'curse' - yet what is it? A host of Strictly Come Dancing stars have been struck by the Strictly Curse during the past two decades. This is where celebrities who may or may not be attached in the outside world become more than friends with their professional partners. A total of 20 relationships are said to have been impacted so far over the show's 20 years. It has seen relationships crumble with dance floor romances and punishing rehearsal schedules to blame. This includes the partnerships of Louise and Jamie Redknapp as well as Kevin Clifton and Karen Hauer. Controversially, Judge Craig Revel Horwood once said of the curse: 'I think of it as a blessing, to be honest. One person is married, the other one had a girlfriend but my point in this entire thing is: if you come on Strictly, sometimes you are in a relationship that is not working anyway. 'There has to be something wrong in your relationship before it all goes awry.' Series one winner Brendan Cole left his fiancé, fellow Strictly professional Camilla Dallerup, during filming for the very first series in spring 2004. Brendan was said to have fallen for his celebrity partner and inaugural winner Natasha Kaplinsky, although the duo didn't confirm they were romantically involved. 'I know they will be again for this year's show and those in years to come. I am truly sorry.'
BBC News
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Stanley Kubrick house inspires its own teen resident into film
A teenager who lives in Stanley Kubrick's former home says she has been inspired to become a film 17, said that living in Abbots Mead in Barnet Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire, had "definitely sparked a bigger interest in the film industry".The house, which is up for sale, is where the American director managed productions for films such as The Shining, Barry Lyndon, A Clockwork Orange and 2001: A Space said she "did not know how famous he was until I went to film school". "I don't think I appreciated the history of this house enough until I started looking into things like media and I heard a lot about Stanley Kubrick," she said visitors to the home either "love or hate the property".She used to choreograph plays at school and in 10 years' time she said she would love to be an artistic director and follow in the footsteps of the film teacher at college said she would "love to come round and see it" when she revealed whose former home she lived in. Molly's mother Victoria said she had lived in the house for more than 40 years and when they first moved into the property "it was very creepy".She said there was a storm and the "wind whistled through the house" and floorboards creeped, and it felt like being in The time though, she said it became "a lovely family home".She said fans of Kubrick, "mainly Americans", have come to the house every few months and "it amazes me - the fans he still has".These visitors are allowed to walk around the outside and see the former garage where Kubrick edited films, Victoria said. Local Savills director Steven Spencer said a lot of Kubrick's "great work was done here and that is what makes this a piece of cinematic history".He said "we believe people have come from around the world just to see the shelves [in the workshop]" which featured in A Clockwork sitting room was used as "his cinema room where he watched his films probably for many hours until he was happy" he added. The nine-bedroom property, which has a blue plaque dedicated to Kubrick outside, is listed for sale with Savills for a guide price of £6,950, lived at the house between 1965 and 1979, before moving to Childwickbury Estate, near St Albans, where he stayed until his death in 1999. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Stanley Kubrick's Hertfordshire home up for sale
The house where Stanley Kubrick lived while working on iconic films is up for Mead in Barnet Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire, was bought by the American director in 1965 and is where he managed productions for films such as The Shining, Barry Lyndon, A Clockwork Orange and 2001: A Space nine-bedroom property, which has a blue plaque dedicated to Kubrick outside, is listed for sale with Savills for a guide price of £6,950, lived at the house for 14 years before moving to Childwickbury Estate, near St Albans, where he stayed until his death in 1999. Simon Cowell's father, Eric, sold the house to Spencer from Savills Rickmansworth described it as "a wonderful opportunity to own a true piece of filmmaking history".He continued: "The close proximity to Elstree Studios made it the perfect base for Kubrick and his family."He also worked a lot from home – carefully managing all aspects of four films from his extraordinary body of work from within its four walls." The house has period features such as ornate staircases, large fireplaces and high garden contains a heated swimming pool, sauna, two greenhouses and an addition to the main property, there was also a two-bedroom apartment above one of the garages, and a detached four-bedroom house with its own private garden called Abbots Mead Lodge. In 2015, his daughter Katharina Kubrick visited the house for a segment for The One Show on BBC the time, she recalled how her father edited films such as Clockwork Orange in the said: "I remember so clearly one Sunday, some girls came to the door and daddy opened it."They said, 'Is Stanley Kubrick here?' and he said, 'I'm sorry he's not home'."I was laughing at the top of the stairs." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders films explosive summer wedding as filming leaks online months in advance
A MAJOR EastEnders spoiler has leaked months ahead of airing - with a huge wedding set to take place in Walford this summer. The BBC soap recently filmed a top secret wedding on the Elstree set and unfortunately for them, parts were captured by drone footage. 2 2 The footage was then leaked online by fans - months before airing. It shows a party in the Queen Vic and a stretched limo arriving in the Square with some of Walford's finest in their Sunday best getting into the party atmosphere. A source said: 'It's a bit of a nightmare. 'Drones are always hovering about but this is the first time a major storyline has leaked from them.' In the video - that has now been removed from the internet - a cast member can be seen beckoning the drone in further while filming in the famous Square. The wedding is set to air this summer and has been kept a closely-guarded secret - though there are a number of couples that could be tying the knot. Lauren Branning and Peter Beale were the most recent to get engaged after a family secret confirmed that Lauren hadn't tried to kill Cindy Beale during a drug-induced blackout. The recently returned Vicki Fowler and new love Ross could also be a potential summer wedding. And next week's spoilers have revealed that Harvey Monroe and Jean Slater are also getting engaged. However with Harvey's affair with Kathy Beale set to be exposed - could it be Harvey and Kathy walking down the aisle?
