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      My dad’s a former Premier League footballer and my brother plays for Chelsea – I’m making my own way on EastEnders

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      EASTENDERS’ newest star Kitty Castledine is the daughter of an ex-Premier League star and the sister of a current Chelsea midfielder.Actress Kitty, 21, who was paralysed at the age of seven, made her debut on the soap on New Year’s Day as Penny Branning – daughter of Jack Branning and cousin of Lauren Branning.
      Kitty Castledine made her debut as Penny Branning on EastEnders on New Year’s DayCredit: BBC
      Former Wimbledon and Wycombe player Stewart Castledine is Kitty’s fatherCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But what many EastEnders fans may not be aware of is her famous family.
      Not only is her mum Lucy Alexander a former host of Homes Under The Hammer, but her dad and brother have made names for themselves in football.
      Kitty’s father, Stewart Castledine, 50, spent nine years playing for Wimbledon.
      That included six seasons in the Premier League where he made 26 appearances, scoring four goals.
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      He also featured in the second tier for Wycombe.
      And Kitty’s brother is Chelsea youngster Leo Castledine, 19.

      The teenager has played six times for the Blues’ U21 side since joining from Wimbledon in 2020.
      He has also earned three caps for England’s U19s.
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      Kitty, right, with her presenter mum Lucy AlexanderCredit: Instagram / @lucyalexandertv
      Kitty is set to become a regular on EastEndersCredit: Instagram / @kittycastledine
      Leo Castledine could make his first-team debut for Chelsea on SaturdayCredit: Alamy
      Leo has appeared as an unused substitute in four of Mauricio Pochettino’s squads so far this season.
      And he could be given his first-team debut when they host Championship side Preston in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.
      Before committing to football, Leo was also a part of the academy at Harlequins rugby.
      (L-R) Stewart, Kitty, Lucy and Leo have all made names for themselvesCredit: Instagram / @kittycastledine
      Lucy previously hosted Homes Under The HammerCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      England football legend tipped to join Dragon’s Den as judge gushes ‘he’s prepared to invest’

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      EX-footballer Gary Neville is tipped to become a full-time TV Dragon.He impressed as a guest investor on the new series of BBC One’s Dragons’ Den, to be shown next year.
      Gary Neville is tipped to become a full-time TV DragonCredit: PA
      The Sky Sports pundit and former Man Utd defender has millions invested in property and Beeb bosses want him to join the entrepreneur series on a more permanent basis.
      Show regular Deborah Meaden said: “You’d think he had been a Dragon his entire life. He instinctively asked the right questions.
      “He’s got a really good business brain on him. He was fantastic, I’m not kidding you, and he’s prepared to invest.”
      Meanwhile, Deborah will appear on Taskmaster’s New Year Treat on Tuesday but isn’t worried the madcap Channel 4 show may affect her reputation.
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      She said: “I didn’t get these laughter lines through sitting in a chair and being grumpy.”
      Em’s a UK TV buff
      NAKED ATTRACTION has made its way to Hollywood – well, to actress Emma Stone’s living room in the States at least.
      The La La Land film star, who joins Graham Norton on the telly sofa for his New Year’s Eve chat show special on BBC One, admits she enjoys tuning in to British programmes when relaxing between jobs.
      Emma Stone will join Graham Norton on the telly sofa for the New Year’s Eve special of his chat showCredit: PA
      Graham will also be joined by Mark Ruffalo, Claudia Winkleman, Rob Brydon and the Ezra CollectiveCredit: PA
      But it is far from high-brow viewing for Emma, who stars with Mark Ruffalo in new film Poor Things. In fact, she prefers a light-hearted reality and dating fix.
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      American Emma says: “My foray into it began with The Only Way Is Essex, and then I learned about Naked Attraction and Gogglebox. I became completely crazy about it and, in America, the two shows are a double feature. They are back-to-back.
      “So it’s cosy family viewing followed by nakedness. I love that.”
      As well as his movie A-lister guests, Graham will be joined by Claudia Winkleman and actor Rob Brydon, plus jazz band Ezra Collective.
      Gavin & Stacey’s Rob will reveal that Emma is not the only actress from across the Pond who is a big fan of British telly.
      He adds of being cast as Sugar Daddy Ken in Barbie: “It was bizarre, but I ended up in it apparently because MARGOT ROBBIE is a fan of Gavin & Stacey. I think that’s how it came about.”

      RUPAUL’S Drag Race UK Versus The World is to return on BBC Three for a second series early in 2024.
      The queens from this year’s British series are competing with Drag Racers from across the globe to be crowned the ultimate winner, and for the first time will receive a cash prize.

      David: My childish question
      JUST because Sir David Attenborough has been studying natural history for more than eight decades doesn’t mean he’s stopped asking schoolboy questions.
      On BBC One’s Attenborough And The Giant Sea Monster, to be shown on Monday night, the broadcaster learns all about the long-extinct ocean predator pliosaur, after a fossil is found in Dorset.
      Sir David Attenborough hasn’t stopped asking schoolboy questionsCredit: PA
      But when he sat down with an expert, Sir David asked how the sea creature would fare in a fight with T-rex.
      He said: “I asked the expert perhaps a rather childish question, because pliosaur was very big – it’s bigger than Tyrannosaurus Rex by a long way.
      “My schoolboy question was, ‘Supposing a Tyrannosaurus rex met this pliosaur, who would win?’.”

      EASTENDERS have confirmed tough-guy actor Alan Ford will head to Walford and take on the role of Billy Mitchell’s dad Stevie.
      As I exclusively revealed earlier this year, the Snatch star will turn up unannounced at the funeral of Aunt Sal.
      His scenes for the BBC One soap air in the New Year.

      ANT and Dec have become more like exam invigilators for the new series of their quiz show Limitless Win.
      The duo, who return to ITV1 on Saturday with a third outing, admit they have had to check contestants entering the studio to make sure they are not sneaking answers in.
      Read more on The Sun
      Ant said: “Contestants are coming with proper research, spreadsheets and things written down on bits of paper. We’ve had to check their arms.”
      Dec added: “People have really been doing their research and coming prepared.” More

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      Fans say ‘she didn’t even acknowledge it, poor bloke’ as Marc Webber’s hilarious festive Final Score update blanked

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      FANS commiserated with broadcaster Marc Webber after his festive witty ditty on BBC’s Final Score was blanked by the studio presenter.Webber couldn’t resist when a player called List didn’t miss – as he turned an update on Stevenage’s Boxing Day clash with Northampton into a version of Christmas classic Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.
      Stevenage scorers Jamie Reid and Elliott List celebrate against Northampton and got the ultimate tribute of being re-written into a famous Xmas songCredit: Rex
      The presenter made no response but perhaps she was too stunned by what she heard as Marc Webber conjured a musical update to Stevenage’s winCredit: BBC
      The former Sun man went viral after SINGING an impromptu version of the XMAS class.
      As the Beeb’s show went to Stevenage following their final goal in a 3-0 win, Webber warbled his lyrical response.
      Bravely and brilliantly, he crooned: “He’s Elliott List, His goal made it thrice, Reid in two minutes, Then a Roberts delight, Stevenage lead Northampton 3-0.”
      Unfortunately there was no reference to Webber’s efforts in the studio – as the presenter carried on as normal.
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      Or as one viewer put it: “She didn’t even acknowledge it, poor bloke.”
      Another fan posted: “This is unreal. Did the presenter just completely miss it.”
      A third was just as incredulous as he too gave her a Christmas red card: “How did she just have zero reaction to that.”
      But one listener pondered of the song: “How can something be so bad that it’s amazing.”
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      The broadcaster himself responded to that on X: “Funny, cause that’s what Mrs Webber says to me as well.”
      And he told SunSport: “Always glad to put a smile on people’s faces.
      “I used to present the Northampton Town show on BBC Radio Northampton until a couple of years ago. Some Cobblers fans have been messaging me saying, ‘Not happy our defeat has been highlighted – but it was funny!'”
      And in fact Webber’s musical Boxing Day banter has given him a festive fan club.
      One admirer wrote: “Ahaha honestly it’s very creative. Keep up the good work mate!”
      Santa Claus is comin’ to Town – original lyrics…Here’s the Christmas song famously covered by a live version from Bruce Springsteen in 1981 and now “re-interpreted
      You better watch outYou better not cryYou better not poutI’m telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to townHe’s making a listHe’s checking it twiceHe’s going to find outWho’s naughty and nice, Santa Claus is coming to town
      [Pre-Chorus]He sees you when you’re sleepingHe knows when you’re awakeHe knows when you’ve been bad or goodSo be good for goodness sake More

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      Alex Scott dances backstage at SPOTY after going braless in elegant red gown for awards ceremony

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      ALEX SCOTT has given fans a backstage pass into the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year awards.The Football Focus presenter wore a red dress as she presented Mary Earps with the award.
      Alex Scott shared a video of her dancing backstageCredit: Instagram
      She danced to Beyonce’s HeatedCredit: Instagram
      She would later hand Mary Earps her award
      After the gong was given out, Scott shared a video of her getting into party mode on her Instagram story.
      The former footballer danced to Beyonce’s “Heated” from her latest album and posed with the microphone.
      Scott was one of the co-hosts alongside Gary Lineker, Gabby Logan and Clare Balding.
      This year was the award’s 70th edition and the second successive year a Lioness has won the top prize after Beth Mead picked up the gong last year.
      READ MORE ON ALEX SCOTT
      Earps was rewarded for winning the Finalissima with England as well as the Golden Glove at the women’s World Cup.
      She helped England to the final where she saved a penalty, but the Three Lions ultimately came up short to Spain.
      Scott was seen mouthing words of encouragement to Earps as she hoisted the award aloft in a landmark moment for women’s football.
      Scott stunned on the red carpetCredit: Getty
      She presented Mary Earps with her awardCredit: PA
      Scott’s girlfriend Jess Glynne joined her at the gala to support her from the VIP seats.
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      The singer shared a backstage snapof the two in the Media City dressing room.
      Elsewhere, Fatima Whitbread picked up the Helen Rollason Award, Pep Guardiola picked up coach of the year and hisManchester City side won team of the year.
      Snowboarder Mia Brookes won Young Sports Personality, Sir Kenny Dalglish won a lifetime achievement award, volunteer Des Smith won Unsung Hero and Erling Haaland won World Sport Star.
      Check out Alex Scott’s most dazzling and daring outfits…
      Alex wore a see-through dress at the GQ AwardsCredit: Alamy
      Scott, who works primarily as a pundit for the BBC, dazzled in a red leather outfit when presenting SoccerAidCredit: Rex
      Alex made 148 appearances for Arsenal Women – but since quitting playing has appeared in magazines including AttitudeCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale now
      She is a presenter on Football Focus and The One Show
      Scott began dating singer Jess Glynne in 2023Credit: Rex
      The former right-back won 140 England Women’s capsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale now
      The 39-year-old was spotted sharing a kiss with Jess as the couple went public with their romanceCredit: PA
      Scott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PA
      She attended Wimbledon with partner JessCredit: Getty More

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      Mary Earps laughs off BBC SPOTY row with fun TikTok as fans share support for Lioness goalkeeper

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      MARY Earps has laughed off the BBC SPOTY row with a fun TikTok as fans share their support.The Lioness goalkeeper and World Cup finalist, 30, scooped the Sports Personality of the Year award on Tuesday after topping the public vote.
      Earps bagged the win as the second female footballerCredit: PA
      She shared fun TikToks today laughing off the mixed opinions of her winCredit: TikTok/@1maryearps
      Earps saved a penalty against Spain in the final
      Joey Barton questioned why Earps won
      After dazzling on the red carpet in a stunning black gown, she collected the iconic trophy from Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.
      She is just the second female footballer to be crowned – a year after her Lionesses team-mate Beth Mead became the first.
      And with Emma Raducanu the 2021 champ, the award has been won by three women in a row, a feat not seen since the 1960s.
      While the country backed her, Joey Barton and Piers Morgan were just a few people who lead complaints following her win.
      read more on earps
      Barton, who claimed women are not qualified to talk about the men’s game, questioned why Earps won it ahead of a host of champions in other fields.
      And Morgan, 58, insisted that the Lionesses’ star should not have claimed the prize because she hadn’t “actually won something”.
      Still in high spirits today, the female footballing legend decided to laugh off the mixed opinions.
      Posting to her one million followers on TikTok, Earps shared a fun video sat next to a couple on a plane.
      Most read in Football
      The pair were completely unaware they were sat next to the goalie as they read a newspaper article about her win on Tuesday.
      Earps jokingly shied away and hid under her cap.
      And in a post last night, she danced with her huge trophy.
      Flooded with support from hundreds of fans, one person said: “There is only one Mary Earps in the world and that is more than good enough.”
      Another wrote: “Well done. Well deserved you’re an amazing goalkeeper.”
      A third commented: “As an English man and a United fan you make me very proud.
      “You are a true inspiration not just for every young girl and lady but for anyone that can dream of reaching their targets in life.”
      Earps, who nearly quit football two years ago, accepted her award smiling from ear to ear.
      She said: “I feel a bit sick, actually.
      “I would like to say how humbled I am to be on a stage with such athletes. Sport is a fantastic thing that brings people together.
      “Thanks for voting for me, I probably should have started with that!
      “This is the ultimate all-round sporting accolade, the Lionesses and United have had an incredible couple of years. It’s not been the easiest journey and I wouldn’t be where I am without some incredible people in my corner.
      “They have been with me through the really really not-so-great times.
      “The last couple of years have been unbelievable. Thank you to my team-mates and my coaches.
      Read more on The Sun
      “I don’t know what else to say so I’m going to stop before I get the boot from Gary Lineker.”
      Piers Morgan joined in on leading complaints
      Earps danced with her trophy last nightCredit: TikTok More

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      Piers Morgan leads complaints after Mary Earps is named BBC SPOTY despite ‘winning nothing’ – but fans hit back

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      PIERS Morgan led complaints on social media after Mary Earps won the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.The 30-year-old goalkeeper was a key part of the Lionesses side which reached the Women’s World Cup final in the summer.
      Piers Morgan led complaints on social media after Mary Earps won BBC SPOTYCredit: Rex Features
      Earps followed previous winners Emma Raducanu and teammate Beth MeadCredit: PA
      Credit: Twitter/@piersmorgan
      Morgan disagreed that the Lionesses star should have claimed the prizeCredit: Twitter/@piersmorgan
      The Manchester United shot stopper also won FIFA’s Golden Glove award for the best goalkeeper at the tournament.
      She followed previous female SPOTY winners tennis superstar Emma Raducanu and England team-mate Beth Mead.
      But Morgan, 58, insisted that the Lionesses’ star should not have claimed the prize.
      On X, formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: “Trying to get my head around two of England’s women footballers winning BBC SPOTY in successive years… while male sporting superstars with great personalities like Rory McIlroy, Frankie Dettori & Ronnie O’Sullivan have never won it.”
      Read more Sports News
      Piers added: “No offence to Ms Earps, but shouldn’t it have been given to someone who actually won something in 2023?”
      Another user said: “Mary Earps wins SPOTY for helping England win nothing. Oh but she did save a penalty so guess that’s enough, such a political winner this year second and third weren’t much better either.”
      But others were supportive of Earps receiving the accolade.
      The Prince and Princess of Wales tweeted: “Hugely well deserved, Mary. Congratulations! W”.
      Most read in Football
      Cairon Lee said: “She thoroughly deserved to win it she played a critical role in helping England to the final and giving them a shot to win it she has done a massive amount for goalkeeping as well as woman’s sport so well deserved in my opinion.”
      Guillermo Ravelo wrote simply: “She deserves it.”
      Earps saved a penalty from Spain’s Jenni Hermoso in the final, but the Lionesses were unable to add to their 2022 European crown as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat in Sydney.
      At club level she kept 14 clean sheets as United finished second in the Women’s Super League.
      She hailed the part her teammates had played in her achieving this individual accolade.
      “I would not be here without my team-mates with the Lionesses and at Manchester United because we’ve achieved some incredible things over the last couple of years,” she said.

      “While individual accolades are great, they only come after team success. This is their trophy just as much as mine.”
      Former England cricketer Stuart Broad, who retired at the end of the fifth Ashes Test in the summer, was second in the BBC public vote and world heptathlon champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson was third. More

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      Ian Wright reveals the moment he decided to leave Match of the Day in emotional statement

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      IAN WRIGHT has revealed the moment that “fast-tracked” his decision to step down from Match of the Day.The Arsenal legend, 60, announced this morning that he will be quitting the BBC show at the end of the season.
      Ian Wright has announced that he is stepping down from Match of the DayCredit: BBC
      Wright is part of the BBC’s top team with Gary Lineker and Alan ShearerCredit: BBC
      He first appeared on Match of the Day in 1997Credit: X/@BBCMOTD
      Wright first appeared on the show while still a player at Highbury in 1997, later returning for further stints between 2002-2008 and 2015 to the present.
      After announcing his decision on social media Wright, who turned 60 last month, wrote: “I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.
      “This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my birthday earlier this year fast tracked it a little, but ultimately it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.”
      He then went on to add: “I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.
      READ MORE ON IAN WRIGHT
      “Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      “On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, “This is my Graceland”. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
      In recent years he has become part of Match of the Day’s top team alongside Alan Shearer, with host Gary Lineker.
      Last season he made history by appearing on the show with Shaun Wright-Phillips, with the duo becoming the first father-son combination in the show’s entire run.
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      Head of BBC Sport content Philip Bernie said: “Ian has been a wonderful star player on MOTD since his first appearance over 20 years ago.
      “His insight, wit and warmth have richly entertained and informed all those watching him.
      “We will miss his unique style and presence when he goes at the end of this season, but we will be sure to give him the send-off he deserves.”
      An emotional Lineker tweeted: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian. One of my favourite people on the planet. Farewell my friend.”
      And Shearer added: “See you in 3 hours. I’ll give you a big hug!!!”
      Piers Morgan wrote: “Congrats on a magnificent run, Legend.. and on quitting at the very top of your punditry game. We’ll miss your smart analysis, passion and mischievous laugh.”
      Wright appeared on Match of the Day alongside son Shaun Wright-PhillipsCredit: BBC
      Wright was also on MOTD between 2002 and 2008Credit: BBC More

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      Ian Wright shares brilliant clip of his Match of the Day debut after Arsenal icon announces he is quitting BBC show

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      IAN WRIGHT has shared a brilliant clip of his Match of the Day debut in 1997.The Arsenal legend this morning announced that he will be stepping down from his role on the iconic BBC show at the end of the season.
      Ian Wright shared a clip from his first Match of the Day appearanceCredit: X/@BBCMOTD
      He debuted while still a player in 1997Credit: X/@BBCMOTD
      Wright, 60, has announced that he will leave MOTD at the end of the seasonCredit: X/@BBCMOTD
      Wright, 60, then fondly shared a clip from his first appearance, in which he described the programme as his “Graceland”.
      Appearing alongside former host Des Lynam and fellow pundit Trevor Brooking, the striker grinned as he was introduced.
      Referencing the clip while announcing his exit, Wright wrote on social media: “Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      “On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, “This is my Graceland”. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      He then added: “I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.
      “This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my birthday earlier this year fast tracked it a little, but ultimately it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.”
      After hanging up his boots in 2000, Wright first became a Match of the Day regular in 2002, his initial run lasting until 2008.
      He later returned in 2015, cementing his role as one of Britain’s favourite pundits.
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      Wright made further history earlier this year when he appeared alongside Shaun Wright-Phillips, making them the first father/son duo in the show’s entire run.
      His decision to quit has led to an out-pouring of emotions from fans.
      One wrote on social media: “Thank you Wrighty.”
      While a second admitted: “It won’t be the same, but good luck in your new venture.”
      A third gushed: “TV Legend. Legend full stop.”
      And a fourth simply commented: “What a man.”
      Another added: “Good luck Wrighty! You’ll be sorely missed on MOTD.”
      Philip Bernie, head of BBC Sport content, said: “Ian has been a wonderful star player on MOTD since his first appearance over 20 years ago.
      Read more on The Sun
      “His insight, wit and warmth have richly entertained and informed all those watching him.
      “We will miss his unique style and presence when he goes at the end of this season, but we will be sure to give him the send-off he deserves.”
      Wright had a previous spell as a Match of the Day regular between 2002 and 2008Credit: BBC
      Wright, 60, has cemented his place as a fans’ favouriteCredit: BBC
      Alan Shearer and Wrighty have become the BBC’s top team alongside host Gary LinekerCredit: BBC
      Wright appeared on Match of the Day alongside his son Shaun earlier this yearCredit: BBC More