Celebrities

Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite has opened up on why he re-joined an adult content platform after leaving Strictly Come Dancing17:45, 09 Sep 2025John Whaite has seen brands refuse to work with him(Image: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images)Great British Bake Off champion John Whaite has admitted that he now boasts a substantial bank balance thanks to his racy new career, but it has come at a significant price. The baker triumphed in the popular Channel 4 contest and then made history on strictly-come-dancing >Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 when he became part of the first all-male couple with Johannes Radebe.Despite his tremendous success on television, John lost his role on Steph’s Packed Lunch when the show was cancelled. He was a regular feature on the Channel 4 programme before its termination.However, John confessed that he was planning to step away from television anyway to concentrate on a vastly different career. “Honestly, I am completely fine. This is the truth, I was going to leave TV this year anyway,” he stated in an online post.John Whaite is earning more selling saucy snaps online(Image: john_whaite /Instagram)”That’s why I’ve been off Packed Lunch for a couple of weeks just to get my head in the gear, and I just came to the conclusion that I think my career in television is now done. I’ve had a great run and loved it.”John chose to dive into the world of adult content and re-joined OF. Explaining his decision, he said: “I’ve had a lot of DMs about why I’ve re-joined OF, when I regretted it last time,” reports the Mirror.”Firstly, I think it’s important to remember that who we are, or at least little parts of us, can change. I for one don’t want to live my life stuck in a steadfast template that restricts my next move.”Secondly, I enjoy performance. I enjoy being a show-off. I enjoy building my body and celebrating the results. That’s not for everyone, and that’s ok – if you don’t like meat, just walk on by the butcher’s shop.”John Whaite previously won Great British Bake Off(Image: Love productions/BBC/Toby Merritt)John also admitted he’s raking in more dough than he did during his stint on Strictly. The BBC dance contest is known to have a wage cap for its stars, ensuring equal pay across the board.The standard fee is reportedly £25,000 upon signing up, which increases to £40k if they last until the end of October. The prize pot grows to £60k at the quarter finals, £75k at the semi-finals, and the champion walks away with a cool £100,000.When quizzed about his earnings by a fan, John disclosed: “A lot. I earned more last month than I got paid for Strictly.”However, John’s financial success has come with some drawbacks.He’s lost out on brand partnerships, including an alleged deal with Peugeot. John cheekily announced their split, saying: “Are you looking for a man that will last longer than this car?John Whaite has revealed just how much he makes on OnlyFans(Image: Getty Images)”Well, that won’t be hard to find. Forgive me Peugeot, for I have sinned.”In his post, he added: “Pettiness is in for 2025. When @peugeotuk found out about my OF, they asked me to no longer post about their brand and to give the car back. So I agreed.”Disclaimer – this is just a laugh and it’s actually a decent car, but so much for being an inclusive brand.”Article continues belowThis year, he also alleged that partnerships with Waitrose had been “expunged” due to his work on the adult site.Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More

Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas has her sights set on playing the leading lady in the smoky, seductive world of Cabaret after portraying villain Cruella Di Vil in the musical version of 101 Dalmations.Sam Mayers17:29, 09 Sep 2025Sydnie Christmas performing on Britain’s Got TalentAfter wowing as Cruella De Vil in the West End, Sydnie Christmas has her eyes set on another leading theatrical role. The Britain’s Got Talent winner is aiming to swap the fur coat for fishnets as Sally Bowles in Cabaret the musical.Sydnie told Daily Star: “A lot of my dream roles probably won’t come back on the West End which is a shame as they’re quite old fashioned and had their time. But something that I would really love to do is Cabaret, I would just love to try my hand at a Sally Bowles.“I am always trying to feed the universe what I want – It’s the power of positive thinking.”Sydnie Christmas wowed as Cruella De Vil in the West End(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)Sydnie loves the challenge of adopting a challenging character part: “It’s an actor’s dream to play something which is the opposite of what you actually are.“And so Creulla was really fun to sink my teeth into.”On Tuesday the Kent-born star headlined London’s Adelphi Theatre performing signature covers including Frank Sinatra’s My Way.Next she’s working on an album of original songs and her own sound may surprise her fans.“I’ve been writing songs since I was 14,” she revealed. “So it’s nice to approach songwriting as an adult and see what I have to say, and funny enough I have a lot to say apparently, so it’s going good.Sydnie said playing Cruella was ‘really fun'(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)“It’s different to what people have heard from me, people have heard me sing classics so naturally it’s definitely going to be different.”Before she can wear the Sally Bowles hat, Sydnie will be treading the boards again in legendary lyricist Don Black’s upcoming show, From The Heart.Article continues belowShe told her followers: “I can’t wait to sink my teeth into Don’s incredible catalogue of work and those of his most celebrated collaborators for his new revue show, From The Heart, coming to the West End’s Fortune Theatre next month on 26th October with a return engagement on 2nd November.”It’s going to be all systems go for this.”Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More

The BBC boss was grilled by MPs over the corporation’s Glastonbury coverage, its Gaza documentary, and the recent investigation into MasterChef host Gregg Wallace17:13, 09 Sep 2025BBC bosses have been questioned on a number of issues, including MasterChef(Image: BBC/Shine TV)BBC boss Tim Davie has warned there could be “more things coming out” following a string of scandals for the network. The director-general admitted to MPs there may be more turmoil due to more BBC staff “calling out” bad behaviour in the wake of the Gregg Wallace and Huw Edwards furores – something he sees as a “positive change”.He made the comments after being asked for assurance by a panel there will not be another “scandal of BBC talent abusing their position”.Davie and BBC chair Samir Shah faced questions from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on a range of issues, including its Glastonbury coverage, its Gaza documentary and the MasterChef crisis.John Torode and Gregg Wallace were both axed from MasterChef in recent months(Image: PA)He said: “I think things have changed since we last talked to the committee, we are seeing people call it out, and that is a positive change, but it’s ongoing work.“I don’t think you can change culture in six months and suddenly say nothing’s going to occur.“We may see more things coming out, because in some ways I’m asking for it, and being utterly transparent and running towards the problem, that’s what we need to do.”The BBC has faced a series of controversies, including the sacking of MasterChef presenter Wallace after claims of inappropriate behaviour.Presenter John Torode was later axed from the show after an allegation that he used an “extremely offensive racist term”.Davie added he was “not letting anything lie” when it came to rooting out abuses of power within the corporation.Discussing the changes that have been made to how abuses of power are dealt with, Tim told MPs: “We are not mucking around now.“You have to be clear and you have to be fair, but if you’re not living the values, it is clear you leave the BBC or there are consequences.BBC Director-General Tim Davie addressed a number of concerns(Image: PA)“No-one’s irreplaceable, we’re all dispensable. That’s an absolute, unequivocal position being given to the whole BBC.”BBC chair Samir Shah also told MPs that he was determined to “stamp out” bad behaviour.He added: “It doesn’t matter how grand you are, how famous you are, how important you are.“If you behave badly and abuse your power, we don’t want you working for the BBC.”Beeb boss Tim also said they will stream some live music events on a delay in future following the Glastonbury Bob Vylan controversy.The channel faced criticism for continuing to livestream the performance of the band as they led chants of “death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)” at the festival in June.Davie said the punk duo’s set was “anti-Semitic” and “deeply disturbing” and said the BBC made “a very significant mistake in broadcasting that”.He also said measures have since been put in place would “categorically prevent what happened”.Davie added: “If something is a high-risk act, we’d now put it on delay.”Yesterday the band hit back at Davie’s comments and called the BBC boss “spineless”.The BBC aired controversial comments from Bob Vylan in their Glastonbury coverage(Image: PA)The band wrote on X: “Tim Davie is a spineless puppet.“There was nothing antisemitic or criminal about anything I said at Glastonbury. Why do you think Metropoltian Police and Avon and Somerset Police are taking so long?”The band have been subject to an ongoing criminal investigation by Avon and Somerset Police.Tim also said the corporation had “executed the recommendations” when asked about the BBC’s Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone documentary.The documentary was pulled from iPlayer after it was found the narrator was the son of a Hamas official.The film, made by independent production company HOYO Films, was later found by a review to have breached editorial guidelines on accuracy.Article continues belowSamir Shah told MPs: “It was a real mistake, what [the report] found was that we were not open and transparent about the relationship of the narrator to a Hamas official, really does go straight to heart of the BBC’s reputational risk in terms of being impartial and trustworthy.“It was a sin of omission, which is just as serious as a sin of commission.”Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More

Tom Skinner has been a controversial signing for this year’s series of the BBC series Strictly Come Dancing and the star has now sensationally stormed out of an interview15:49, 09 Sep 2025Updated 15:50, 09 Sep 2025He allegedly stormed out of the interview(Image: Jam Press/@iamtomskinner)In a shocking move, Tom Skinner stormed out of a round-table interview ahead of the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, just hours after posting a cryptic message on social media claiming he “can’t be bought” and “won’t say things just to keep people happy”.The Apprentice star, 34, who has been a contentious addition to this year’s lineup, walked out of the third interview of the day, leaving fellow contestant Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to continue alone.Skinner, known for his outspoken views on social media, has faced criticism for his tweets, including one stating it’s “not far-right” to be “flying your flag and loving your country”, and another complaining that London is “hostile” and “tense”.However, it appears Skinner is less comfortable discussing his views in person. According to an insider, he became agitated when a reporter began recording their conversation, a standard practice during press events.Thomas Skinner will be taking part in the news season of Strictly(Image: Getty Images)”He walked to the table with his head down, sat down, grabbed one of the reporters’ phones, who told him to stop,” the insider revealed. “It was a shock. His reaction came out of nowhere.”, reports the Mirror.A separate insider revealed: “It was completely unexpected. He was in high spirits and thrilled to be there during the initial interview, much like a competition winner.”Earlier that morning, Skinner shared a cryptic message with his Twitter (X) followers before the press day began. In a lengthy tweet, he stated: “I cannot be bought. I won’t say things just to keep people happy like others do. I am not a weathercock who changes opinions to gain clout like others you see online or social media. I’ll say what I believe in, even when it’s not easy. Because that’s what we need more of in today’s world.”Skinner’s actions come just hours after BBC director-general Tim Davie justified the decision to cast the former Apprentice contestant in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.He shot to fame on The Apprentice(Image: BBC)Addressing MPs from the Culture, Media and Sport committee, Davie explained: “That was not my decision, that was the production team looking for those people … who want to do Strictly, and those people they thought would be interesting to the audience.”The 58 year old added: “Clearly, we wouldn’t take anyone whose views are just beyond the pale, or we would see as completely unacceptable or not suitable, racist views, all those things, we wouldn’t accept them. But that’s not the case here, from what I know, I’m not an expert on the individual, per se.”BBC Director-General Tim Davie has addressed criticism surrounding the casting of social media personality Nigel Skinner on Strictly Come Dancing. The decision was questioned by TV presenter Narinder Kaur, who claimed she was rejected from the show for being “too controversial”.When asked about Kaur’s allegations, Davie stated that he had “never heard that” and explained that he is not directly involved in the casting process. He said: “I’m not involved directly, that’s not disowning it, it’s just day to day. It’s for BBC Studios to propose to the commissioner of entertainment who they think they can get, one is who will take part, because it’s quite a commitment, three months in full training.”Strictly fans have been torn with his signing(Image: Jam Press/@iamtomskinner)Davie defended the casting decision, saying that the show’s producers aim to create a balanced lineup. He added: “And the second is, who are people that they think would make a good balance in terms of the cost, and my goodness, they’ve done a good job in terms of creating a phenomenal show.”Skinner has come under scrutiny for his social media activity, including a recent meeting with US vice president JD Vance, which he described as a “once in a lifetime” experience.When asked to define what makes someone “too controversial” for the show, Davie stated: “There may be views you don’t agree with, but that’s not to me, a criteria. If someone had broadcast things that were totally unacceptable, had racist views, we don’t want them anywhere near our shows, that’s obvious.”Article continues belowSkinner added: “That’s what our team have to judge, I don’t know how many series we’re in, but we’ve had a pretty good run of the contestants, there’s been things to deal with, but actually, in terms of the casting and the overall show around the world, I think they do a good job.”This year’s Strictly lineup includes Skinner alongside other notable names such as Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and CBBC actress Ellie Goldstein, who will make history as the first contestant with Down’s syndrome to participate in the full series.Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More

The Monty Python icon moaned he’s only now able to choose what he wants to do rather than going for the best paid gigs after a “terrible” battle paying off ex-wives14:05, 09 Sep 2025Updated 15:03, 09 Sep 2025John Cleese has said he ‘doesn’t have much money’ after paying off his exes(Image: BANG Showbiz)Comedy legend John Cleese admits he still needs to work aged 85 because he “doesn’t have much money”.The Monty Python icon moaned he’s only now able to choose what he wants to do rather than going for the best paid gigs after a “terrible” battle paying off ex-wives.On his split from American ex Alyce Faye Eichelberger, 80, he told the Radio Times: “You know how much I had to pay? Just under £20m.“Have you ever given anyone £20m? I had five properties; three had to be sold and she got the other two. It’s been a terrible struggle to get back.“It’s only now, this year, when I can start to do things because I’m interested in them, rather than because I need the money.”Cleese starred in Fawlty Towers(Image: Press Association)John, who played Basil Fawlty in hit show Fawlty Towers, insisted he isn’t poor, adding: “But I gave my wife my London flat, I don’t have a car.“I don’t have much money… but I don’t want it anyway. Wanting it is an illness.”The actor also launched a fresh swipe at the BBC, claiming it is letting the public down with its dire modern comedy shows.Article continues below“They’re not nurturing talent,” he said.“Young writers go and see this clown and assume, as he is the one who commissions the programmes, he knows what he’s doing.“The people in charge now have no idea at all. The writers deserve better than this. The British people deserve better than this.” More

Sopranos star Drea de Matteo has shocked fans after she stripped fully nude, using body paint and bold snaps to push her message about a controversial conspiracy theory14:02, 09 Sep 2025Drea loves posing for her fansSopranos legend Drea de Matteo has stripped completely naked for her latest shoot – but the bold move has nothing to do with chasing fame or shock value.The 53-year-old actress, who fans know as Adriana La Cerva in the iconic mob drama, shared her first fully nude snaps on the adult subscription platform in a bid to draw attention to what she claims is a “serious issue”– the hotly-debated ‘geoengineering’ conspiracy theory.Drea, who once won an Emmy for her role on the HBO classic, posed completely naked with her body painted in the American flag, with the words “Stop geoengineering” scrawled down her leg and a bald eagle across her chest.Explaining the decision, she told Page Six: “We can choose what we eat. We can choose what goes in our arms. But we don’t get a say when powerful interests spray the sky, tamper with our water, or poison our soil. If ‘climate solutions’ mean breathing mystery air and drinking science experiments, the people deserve a vote.”Drea only had almost run out of money before the career moveShe added: “This isn’t about denying climate change, it’s about rejecting unchecked geoengineering by those who treat our skies as a playground.”Her raunchy protest aims to merge patriotism with activism, something Drea believes Only Fans has given her the perfect platform to achieve.This is not the first time Drea has turned heads with her content sharing career as she famously joined the platform in 2023 after being blacklisted from Hollywood and facing severe financial struggles.Article continues belowDrea De Matteo earning a living on the platformIn a candid chat on TMZ Presents Famous & Naked, she admitted: “Why did I join Only Fans? When we launched we had – I would say – a couple hundred bucks left in the bank. I’m not kidding. My house was going into foreclosure. Did I do it out of desperation? F** yes I did. Did I think it would empower me just to be on Only Fans? No, that wasn’t the f****** point you know it empowered me to take care of my f****** family.”*Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More

EXCLUSIVE: JJ Slater opens up on the struggles of fame, admitting he’ll “never win” when it comes to one thing but remains focused on building a life with reality star Katie Price13:25, 09 Sep 2025Updated 13:25, 09 Sep 2025JJ opened up about his relationship(Image: Alamy/PA)Katie Price’s boyfriend JJ Slater has opened up about the struggles of being in the spotlight, admitting that sometimes it feels like he’s “never gonna win”.In an exclusive chat with Daily Star in collaboration with casino.org, Married At Frist Sight star JJ revealed the toll fame can take on anyone, particularly when misinformation spreads online about his relationship in the spotlight.He shared: “There are definitely times when you feel low, especially when there are so many negative headlines flying around – ones that just aren’t true.“You don’t know where they’ve come from or who’s saying them, and it can be frustrating because people just read the headline and instantly believe that’s what’s happening.”The pair are focusing on building their relationshipHe explained that the constant scrutiny has been a challenge, even as he tries to remain grounded.The TV star added: “For me, I’ve found that really difficult at times – and honestly, I still do. I don’t want people to think something is true when I know it isn’t. But at the same time, I don’t feel like I should have to constantly justify myself, because you’re never going to win that battle.”JJ added that he focuses on the people who truly matter in his life, keeping negativity at bay.He shared: “Over time, I’ve learned that what really matters is that the people closest to me – my family, my friends, the people who actually know me – they all understand the truth. As long as they know what’s real, that’s what’s important.”He revealed the downside of fame(Image: Instagram/ @johnjoeslater)However, he admitted that there are still moments when the things can sting. “There are still days when you get a message or read something, and yeah… It can get to you a bit. But I just try my best to focus on being happy and surrounding myself with the right people,” JJ explained.The reality star, who appeared on Married at First Sight in 2023, says that finding Katie has been the highlight of all his fame.Article continues below“For me, the show was back in 2023, and a lot has happened since then. The biggest thing, obviously, is that I’ve found someone – meeting Katie has been the best thing to come out of all of this.”The couple confirmed their relationship on February 25, 2024, after weeks of rumours. According to reports, their romance began when Katie reached out to JJ on Instagram after he gained fame on MAFS.Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More

Shakira Khan has gone viral after posting a controversial video with her partner Harry Cooksley.Kimberly Nhundu12:07, 09 Sep 2025Love Island favourite Shakira Khan has pleaded with supporters to ‘be nice’ after teasing a significant milestone in her romance with Harry Cooksley.The pair found themselves embroiled in a brutal love triangle during their ITV2 appearance, ultimately leaving the programme as runners-up.Following their villa exit, fans have been tracking the couple’s journey via TikTok, with their most recent upload causing quite the stir, reports OK!.On Monday (September 8), the 22-year-old shared footage of herself miming along to pop sensation Raye’s trending track ‘Where Is My Husband!’Harry can be seen sitting behind the reality personality as she mouths: “I would like a ring, I would like a ring. I would like a diamond ring on my wedding finger. I would like a big and shiny diamond that I can wave around and talk, and talk about it.”Content cannot be displayed without consentThe ITV2 contestant accompanied the post with the cheeky caption: “Cool song x @Harry Cooksley.”Harry shared a playful response, commenting: “Don’t tempt meeee,” prompting Shakira to write: “Marquise cut pls xx.”The brief seven-second clip has racked up nearly 3 million views within a single day, but fans are unimpressed.Despite the couple appearing happy together, ITV2 audiences found Harry’s behaviour in the villa distasteful. The 30-year-old reality personality had initially coupled up with Shakira before choosing to chase Helena Ford.But, after going exclusive with Helena, he made a U-turn back to Shakira, leaving his former flame devastated. And it appears fans are yet to forgive Harry.One commented: “He’s just a chapter. Don’t get lost in that man.” Another added: “Not from him, I hope.”Someone else expressed their disapproval with: “SHAKIRA. PLZ NO.”The couple is still going strong (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)A fourth cheekily asked: “From him?” Shakira then stepped in to address the negative comments.She responded: “Guyssss let’s be nice.” The Burnley beauty further clarified to her followers that the video is ‘just a trend’.Several fans also came forward to support the reality star against harsh remarks.One pointed out: “Seems tiring to have to listen to everyone tell you what you want. Especially when you’ve said yourself what you’re looking for,” to which Shakira agreed, replying: “Fr (for real).”Article continues belowAnother supporter vented: “This comment section is p****g me off like people THEY ARE HAPPY LET THEM BE PLSS! !” Shakira responded: “I’m just livin my lifeeeee.”Love Island series 12 is streaming now on ITVX More