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    Luke Littler could become second-youngest winner of BBC SPOTY as shortlist revealed including Bellingham & Hodgkinson

    LUKE LITTLER will vie with Jude Bellingham and Keely Hodgkinson for the affection of the British public after being shortlisted for the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.The teen sensation is the youngest of the six contenders” for the prestigious TV award, which has been running annually since 1954.Luke Littler has won 10 titles in his incredible 12 months in dartsCredit: GettyKeely Hodgkinson took 800m gold at the Paris Olympics in AugustCredit: GettyJude Bellingham landed Champions League glory in his first Real seasonCredit: GettyLionesses’ keeper Mary Earps took the 2023 SPOTY awardCredit: PAThe Nuke will be up against Real Madrid’s Champions League winner Bellingham, Olympic 800 metres gold medallist Hodgkinson, record-breaking cricketer Joe Root, Paralympic cycling champion Dame Sarah Storey and triathlete Alex Yee.Littler, 17, has been deservedly recognised for his exceptional exploits in his first year as a darts professional.The Warrington ace made it to the PDC World Championship final on January 3 – he was defeated 7-4 by Luke Humphries at Ally Pally – and then became Premier League champion in May following a superb nine-dart leg.Littler – who has banked more than £1million in prize money throughout 2024 – has won 10 titles in total and thrilled crowds across the country with his outstanding displays despite leaving school only last year.READ MORE TOP SPORTIf Littler receives the most votes on the night of Tuesday December 17 – and Hodgkinson is the bookies’ favourite – he would be the second-youngest winner in the event’s history.The youngest recipient was 17-year-old Scottish swimmer Ian Black, who was victorious in 1958 ahead of footballers Bobby Charlton and Nat Lofthouse.Littler turns 18 next month and is the fave for this year’s World Championship, which starts on Sunday. He could even have double success on the night as he is also shortlisted for the Young Sports Personality of the Year category.Most read in DartsJoe Root become England’s leading Test scorer and also hit a 262Credit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPhil Taylor was second behind jockey Tony McCoy at SPOTY 2010 but has told Littler he should consider skipping the night and staying at home so can fully focus on trying to win the Sid Waddell Trophy in the New Year.Football has provided seven winners of the main award, including Paul Gascoigne, Michael Owen, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.Jude Bellingham’s glorious England moment brought back in styleBBC SPOTY 2024 CONTENDERSHere are the runners and riders in with a shot of ultimate glory…Luke Littler – DartsJude Bellingham – FootballKeely Hodgkinson – AthleticsJoe Root – CricketDame Sarah Storey – Paralympic cyclingAlex Yee – TriathlonBellingham helped Madrid win the LaLiga title and the Champions League at Wembley, contributing a remarkable 23 goals across all competitions in his debut season at the Bernabeu.Though England lost the European Championship final to Spain in Berlin, the 21-year-old scored twice in the competition, including an incredible bicycle kick in the 2-1 Last 16 win over Slovakia.Hodgkinson, 22, became the tenth British woman to claim an Olympic title in athletics as she stormed to glory over two laps at the Stade de France.Root, 33, made history in style as he surpassed Alastair Cook’s mark of 12,472 runs to become England’s leading scorer in Test cricket with a career best 262 against Pakistan in October.Mum-of-two Storey, 47, is Britain’s greatest Paralympian and added two more gold medals to her impressive collection as she won cycling’s C4-C5 road race and C5 road time trial in Paris.And Yee, 26, enjoyed a stunning 2024 in which he was crowned both Olympic and world champion.What is most surprising is that the shortlist has been confined to six people for the seventh year running – rather than be expanded because it is an Olympic and Paralympic year.It does not include the likes of cycling hero Mark Cavendish, who retired after winning a record 35th Tour de France stage.Road cyclist Tom Pidcock and trampolinist Bryony Page – who are both Olympic champions – have also been snubbed as organisers kept it to a small list.And swimmer Poppy Maskill, 19, would consider herself unlucky not to be nominated after winning five medals at the Paralympics, including three golds.Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott will present the show live on BBC One but Gary Lineker has stepped down as host after 23 years in the role.The judging panel consisted of 12 people – former sportspeople, broadcasters, journalists and BBC executives – and included retired cyclist Laura Kenny and ex-Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha.READ MORE SUN STORIESOther awards presented on the night are World Sport Star of the Year, the Helen Rollason Award, Young Sports Personality of the Year, Unsung Hero, Coach of the Year, Team of the Year and Lifetime Achievement award .Lioness goalkeeper Mary Earps took home the coveted title of BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023.Team GB’s greatest Paralympian Sarah Storey won two more goldsCredit: RexTriathlete Alex Yee won both Olympic and world titlesCredit: Rex More

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    Fans blast ‘FA Cup is dead’ after discovering third round games being played on THURSDAY as full schedule confirmed

    FOOTBALL fans are outraged following the announcement that the FA Cup third-round fixtures will begin on a THURSDAY.Tradition has it that FA Cup rounds typically start on a Saturday – during the years when the competition was the pinnacle of domestic footie.Fans are outraged by the FA Cup’s bizarre scheduling for the third-round properFulham v Watford has been moved to a Thursday and will only be shown overseasBut only 10 of the 32 third-round games will actually be played at 3pm on Saturday January 11 due to TV demands.The move reduces what is usually one of the busiest and most interesting afternoons of the season into a handful of games.An incredible 22 games have been moved to Thursday, Friday, Sunday or Monday.And some will be played on Saturday earlier or later than 3pm.READ MORE FOOTBALLIn fact, the round kicks off with Cardiff City’s trip to Sheffield United on Thursday 9 January. While Everton’s clash against Peterborough United and Fulham’s hosting of Watford will be played on the same night.And NONE of them will be televised live in England on Thursday, instead fans can catch Everton on BBC iPlayer and Fulham overseas.Peterborough have since criticised the decision to host their game midweek.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Posh’s statement read: We were very confident of taking a full allocation of tickets for our ever first visit to Goodison Park and what is the final ever third round tie there. “On learning that the tie will take place on Thursday 9 January we are incredibly disappointed that the needs of our supporters have not been taken into consideration in this decision.”Gary Neville tells Salford captain ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ after comment live on BBC during FA Cup drawThe full schedule for the Emirates FA Cup third round properThursday 9 January 2025 – 7pm GMTSheffield United v Cardiff City (Live on BBC Wales)Thursday 9 January 2025 – 7.45pm GMTEverton v Peterborough United (Live on BBC iPlayer)Fulham v WatfordFriday 10 January 2025 – 7.45pm GMTWycombe Wanderers v PortsmouthFriday 10 January 2025 – 8pm GMTAston Villa v West Ham United (Live on ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday 11 January 2025 – 12pm GMTBristol City v Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City v Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough v Blackburn RoversSaturday 11 January 2025 – 12.15pm GMTLiverpool v Accrington Stanley (Live on ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday 11 January 2025 – 3pm GMTExeter City v Oxford UnitedPreston North End v Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth v West Bromwich AlbionReading v BurnleySunderland v Stoke CityNottingham Forest v Luton TownBrentford v Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City v Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea v Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)Leicester City v Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)Saturday 11 January 2025 – 5.45pm GMTMan City v Salford City (Live on BBC One and iPlayer)Leeds United v Harrogate Town (Live on BBC iPlayer)Saturday 11 January 2025 – 6pm GMTLeyton Orient v Derby CountyCoventry City v Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town v Wigan AthleticSunday 12 January 2025 – 12pm GMTHull City v Doncaster RoversSunday 12 January 2025 – 12.30 GMTTamworth v Tottenham Hotspur (Live on ITV1, ITVX and STV)Sunday 12 January 2025 – 3pm GMTArsenal v Man Utd (Live on BBC One and iPlayer)Newcastle United v Bromley (Live on BBC iPlayer)Ipswich Town v Bristol RoversCrystal Palace v Stockport CountySunday 12 January 2025 – 4.30pm GMTSouthampton v Swansea City (Live on BBC Wales)Monday 13 January 2025 – 7.30pm GMTMillwall v Dagenham & Redbridge (Live on ITV4 and ITVX)”We feel a better solution could have been found to ensure all our supporters who wish to travel to the game would have been able to do so.”They also pointed out the lack of public transport available from Liverpool to Peterborough on the evening of the match, meaning fans must travel by car or coach. They added: “We have never played a competitive game at Goodison Park and interest in the game is very high.” Peterborough United Chief Executive Dawn Gore said: “To learn that the game has been arranged for a Thursday night is bitterly disappointing. Whilst we understand there are logistical challenges, we do not feel the supporters have been considered in this approach.”Everton cannot share the same game day with Liverpool, who are scheduled to play at Anfield on Saturday.Other fans were quick to vent their anger at perhaps the most bizarre rescheduling to date.One wrote: “FA Cup 3 Rd on a Thursday evening. A sad demise of a once great cup competition.”A second said: “The FA are really saying ‘let’s make it a Thursday night for overseas coverage so kids can’t come’.”A third wrote: “Sickening. The only games that should be playing on a Thursday night are European ties.”While another added: “This is genuinely the worst possible time for the Everton game. I don’t get it, the weekend was free.”Just can’t f***ing help themselves can they.”On the overseas broadcast option, one fan to commented: “Who the f** is going to watch Fulham v Watford in another country?”The FA website had originally announced that the third-round would take place between January 10 – 13, with another fan writing: “@EmiratesFACup is just dead isn’t it.”Only six games will be shown on live TV – five of which include a Premier League team.Fans were particularly fuming with the decision to televise all Prem clash Aston Villa v West Ham on Friday.Many believed that the magic of the cup should’ve allowed League Two side Bromley to pick up the TV money that comes along with a trip to Newcastle.While Harrogate’s clash with Leeds at Elland Road has also missed out on selection.READ MORE SUN STORIESInstead, Bromley will be shown on BBC iPlayer at 3pm on Sunday, as Manchester United’s trip to Arsenal will be live on BBC One.The other ties being shown are Liverpool vs Accrington Stanley, Manchester City vs Salford, Tamworth vs Tottenham and Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge. 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    Sir Mo Farah ‘hounded for money’ by man whose name he took when he came to UK as Olympian forced to take action

    SIR Mo Farah has allegedly been hounded for money by the man whose name he took.The Olympic hero, 41, offered to help the other Mo, after a 2022 TV show but it ended in emotional blackmail, it is claimed.Sir Mo, seeking the man whose name he took, in the BBC show The Real Mo Farah – who has now allegedly been hounding the star for moneyCredit: BBCThe four-time Olympic gold medallist took the name of Mo Farah, above, when he was illegally trafficked to the UK aged nineCredit: https://www.facebook.com/hamo11111111111/photosSir Mo winning 5,000m and 10,000m at Rio 2016Credit: PAA source said: “It’s so sad.”Sir Mo claims he has had to change his phone number after “incessant demands” for cash from his namesake.The four-time Olympic gold medallist took the name of a child called Mo Farah when he was illegally trafficked to the UK aged nine.Sir Mo promised to stay in touch, and it is understood he has sent up to £5,000 to his namesake.READ MORE ON SIR MO FARAHBut the other Mo, 40, and around ten others are alleged to have hassled him for money after getting hold of the long-distance star’s mobile number.Sources say Sir Mo sees it as emotional blackmail, and has not spoken to his namesake for months.A source said: “Sir Mo felt he was being harassed and hounded.“He has taken a step back. He didn’t want to make a big fuss but thought it better to not engage.Most read in Athletics“He has had to change his phone number. It’s unfair Sir Mo is having to deal with this.“He feels he’s the victim. He is just tired, and thinks it’s so sad.”I’ve been living a lie… my real name is not Mo Farah and I came here illegally after my dad was killed in Somali warThe pair were brought together in BBC’s The Real Mo Farah in which Sir Mo revealed he was trafficked to the UK after his dad died in Somalia’s civil war and his mum sent him and twin Hassan to live with family.The athlete revealed his name is actually Hussein Abdi Kahin and that he took “Mo Farah” from a child’s passport used to fly him to Heathrow in 1993.He has had to change his phone number. It’s unfair Sir Mo is having to deal with this. He feels he’s the victimSource close to Sir MoLater in the show, Sir Mo tracked his namesake to Istanbul, Turkey, where he was studying.But the real Mo now says they have not spoken since December 2023 and claims Sir Mo reneged on a promise to get him a visa.Speaking from his home in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, the other Mo said: “Mo got what he wanted and now he doesn’t care whether I live or die. He made a lot of promises and said he would stop using my name and give me my name back.“He told me he wanted to stop living a lie, but he is still living a lie.“He said he would help me get a tourist visa so I could visit my mum in England, but I’ve spent two years waiting and nothing has happened.” Sir Mo became the world’s greatest long-distance runner winning double golds in London 2012 and Rio 2016, and shares four children with wife Tania. But his namesake’s life has been beset with tragedy.The other Mo said: “My mother left, I was left with her older sister Amina in Nairobi, and when she died from kidney failure in 2005, my world fell apart.“I wanted to become a cricketer. I went for trials for Kenya under-19s and would have had much more opportunity if I’d taken the visa and moved to England.”The other Mo only discovered his link with Sir Mo after the 2012 Olympics.He said: “Some uncles were visiting from the UK, they said, ‘Do you know the athlete, Mo Farah? Do you know he is using your name?’ I couldn’t believe it.Sir Mo Farah, pictured with wife Tania, has allegedly been hounded for money by the man whose name he tookCredit: Getty – Contributor“I’d watched him on TV and clapped for him when he was heading to the finish saying, ‘Go, Mo’.“I was a big fan. But even then I didn’t try to get in touch with him.“The first time we spoke was when Sir Mo’s adopted aunt Kinsi contacted me on Facebook and said, ‘‘Mo is looking for you. He is going to give you everything. He’s going to give you back your name and take you abroad’.It is not Mo’s responsibility to be looking after the son of people who mistreated him and trafficked him to the UKSource close to Sir Mo“We kept in touch by phone after that and, after the documentary came out the TV crew kept me hidden in a hotel for six weeks to make sure no one could find me.“One BBC producer even discussed making a second documentary in which I would get to meet Sir Mo in London, but that didn’t happen.”Last night sources close to Sir Mo painted a different picture of why the relationship has broken down. An insider said: “Sir Mo has ­sympathy. This man was also a casualty of events out of his control as a child. But it is not Mo’s responsibility. The people who were adults and responsible for them clearly didn’t do their jobs properly.“But it certainly wouldn’t be appropriate for Mo to use his ­influence on any UK immigration policy or ­process. Quite the opposite.“This isn’t Mo’s job to sort out. That said, on a personal level, Mo has been in contact with Somali Mo for a number of years.“Communication ceased in the summer when Mo had to distance himself. Anytime there’s something on Mo’s socials, when it might look like he has had some kind of financial gain, a deal with Nike or whatever, they are demanding why has he not sent money.”Last night the other Mo insisted: “I’m not a bad person. There is no way I would tell anyone to hound him. I didn’t give anyone his number so I don’t know who has been doing this. It’s not anyone in my family.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The last time I messaged him I said, ‘If you don’t want to answer my call, it’s OK. You do what is best for you, I’ll do what’s best for me’.” Sir Mo was approached for comment.The legend’s victory pose after he secured a 3,000m win in London, 2015Credit: PAThe other Mo only discovered his link with Sir Mo after the 2012 OlympicsCredit: BBCCONFESSION SHOCKED UKBy Joe Morgan NATIONAL treasure Sir Mo Farah shocked the country when he admitted lying about his identity all his life, saying: “The truth is I’m not who you think I am.”He revealed on TV two years ago that his real name was Hussein Abdi Kahin and he was trafficked into the UK as a child after his dad was killed in Somalia’s civil war. The running great and father of three told BBC1 documentary The Real Mo Farah: “I want to feel normal and not feel like you’re holding on to something.”The Sun, right, reported Sir Mo feared being stripped of his citizenship for lying on his application but politicians joined celebrities in rallying round. More

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    Major blow to Wayne Rooney as big money TV project on brink of being cancelled due to failing managerial career

    WHILE his wife is Down Under on I’m A Celebrity, Wayne Rooney is in Plymouth fighting to save his career.But I can reveal there’s something almost as lucrative at stake for the footballing family — a big-money documentary which is supposed to be charting Wayne’s ascent in the world of managing.Coleen is set to leave the I’m A Celeb jungle this SundayCredit: RexUnfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be going too well, with fears that he could end up leaving Plymouth Argyle after a poor run of results.With the I’m A Celeb final taking place this Sunday, in a bit of bad timing, Wayne’s departure from the club might come shortly after Coleen exits the jungle.A TV insider said: “The whole point of the documentary was to celebrate his move from player to becoming a manager.“But obviously if that ends up being more of a horror show then the creators, or the Rooneys themselves, may pull the plug on the project.”read more on tvThe documentary is being made by Lorton Entertainment which also produced The Real Wagatha Story, the documentary about Coleen’s court battle with fellow Wag Rebekah Vardy, for Disney+, now available on ITVX.It was expected that the finished Plymouth Argyle show would end up with one of the big streamers too, though that also seems uncertain now.The first documentary Lorton made on Wayne, a feature-length 2022 programme simply called Rooney, dropped on Prime Video.The production company also made Prime Video mini-series We Are New­castle United and backed Boom! Boom!: The World Vs Boris Becker, a two-parter out on Apple TV+ last year.Most read in FootballFortunately for the family, matriarch Coleen is said to have telly execs lining up a few lucrative jobs for her on the back of having made an impression in the jungle.I also exclusively revealed in February there was talk of doing an At Home With The Rooneys show.Inside Wayne Rooney’s incredible trophy room as wife Coleen gives rare glimpse inside Man Utd legend’s house Here’s hoping they materialise at speed.Wayne Rooney’s upcoming documentary could be in jeopardyCredit: RexA PEAKY BLUNDER BY BEEB?TELLY tough guy Vinnie Jones says there is still one show he wishes he had been in – BBC drama Peaky Blinders.Vinnie is gearing up to play notorious gangster Danny Driscoll in the Only Fools And Horses musical at Hammersmith Eventim Apollo this Christmas.Vinnie Jones wishes he’d been in Peaky BlindersCredit: GettyHe told Chris Moyles on Radio X: “I mean, Fools And Horses, it’s one of them where you look at it same as that Peaky Blinders.“Obviously, I wish I would have done that, because I thought I was made for that as well. “Some things you think you’re made for, you know?”Vinnie, who featured in this year’s Netflix smash The Gentleman, added: “I grew up with Only Fools And Horses, and when I was playing foot­ball, it was every footballer’s favourite TV show.“And here we are, a few decades on, and I get asked to do it, and it’s an honour.”GAMBLE’S SAFE BET IS BACKTHERE are few sister shows I enjoy as much as The Traitors spin-off, Uncloaked, so I’m thrilled it is returning.Presenter Ed Gamble will be back with the visualised podcast on New Year’s Day, when season three of Claudia Winkleman’s BBC One show begins.The Beeb promises: “The podcast will take fans deeper with dissection of the episodes and exclusive access to the banished and murdered players.”The juicy section where bumped-off contestants find out which of their pals are the traitors will also return.Uncloaked will be available on BBC Two and iPlayer after every Traitors episode. An extended version will be on BBC Sounds, which will also have weekly playlists of all the music from the show.FORMER Top Gear and The Grand Tour host James May has launched a horseradish gin called Asian Parsnip Turbo. James said: “This is a limited edition, unless you really like it, in which case we may unlimit it.” See jamesgin.com.DUO TAKE PLUNGE?A “WILL they, won’t they” romantic drama has been commissioned by the BBC based on a multi award-winning novel.Open Water tells how keen photographer Marcus and dance student Effie feel an immediate connection when they meet.But Effie is dating Marcus’ friend Samuel.A shared project draws them together but can they resist the lure of love?The story is being adapted into an eight-part series from Caleb Azumah Nelson’s 2021 novel of the same name.Lindsay Salt of the BBC said: “Open Water is a tender, bold and dazzling story about the dance of early love and being seen for who you really are.”STARS from top TV shows have signed up for gritty new thriller Inheritance. The Sky drama will feature Wolf Hall’s Richard Dillane and Happy Valley’s Jack Bandeira.Set in Bristol, the UK and Jamaica, the story follows a mixed-race lawyer investigating an inheritance claim. SPLIT’S BRAVA BRAVOIT’S only a two-part special, but the ­latest helping of legal drama The Split packs in more drama than most ten-episode series.It sees central character Hannah (Nicola Walker) travel to Barcelona for her daughter Liv’s wedding to Spaniard Gael.The two-part special of The Split packs in more drama than most ten part seriesCredit: SISTERThe special sees Hannah Stern (Nicola Walker) travel to BarcelonaTagging along are ­Hannah’s sisters, Nina (Annabel Scholey) and Rose, (Fiona Button), plus her ex-husband Nathan (Stephen Mangan).Things get complicated when we’re introduced to lawyer Hannah’s new love interest, hunky Archie, played by Toby Stephens, son of the late Dame Maggie Smith. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut she isn’t the only family member caught up in complicated affairs of the heart – all of which is played out over one weekend.The Split: Barcelona airs on December 29 and 30 on BBC One. Both episodes are available on BBC iPlayer on December 29.Hannah’s new love interest Archie is played by Toby StephensHannah is joined in Barcelona by sisters Nina and Rose More

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    Dan Walker breaks silence on Match Of The Day talks after becoming new favourite to replace Gary Lineker

    THE race for Gary Lineker’s job presenting Match Of The Day is gathering pace.But his hotly tipped replacement, Dan Walker, who has returned to football programming for Prime Video, insists there’s only one of Gary’s jobs he fancies – being the face of Walkers crisps.Dan Walker has broken his silence on Match Of The Day talks after becoming a new favourite to replace Gary LinekerCredit: SplashGary, 63, revealed in November he will leave the programme at the end of the seasonCredit: X @BBCMOTDAsked about the rumours he’s in line for the BBC One’s flagship show at the TRIC Christmas lunch, former Football Focus host Dan said: “Match Of The Day is a brilliant programme and I love it and I’m going to cover football now.“But If there’s something Gary’s got that I would like, it’d be his crisp contract.“Because, you know, my surname, it couldn’t be any better, could it?”Gary, 63, revealed in November he will leave the programme at the end of the season after 25 years as host.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKERA number of names have been linked with the vacancy including Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Kelly Somers.Regular Match of the Day pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards are also in the frame.Recent data showed Shearer to be the viewers’ preference to succeed Lineker.But it appears ex-Manchester City right-back Richards, 36, has been dismissed by Lineker.Most read in FootballSpeaking on The Rest Is Football, Richards attempted to rule himself out of the running.He said: “You know what, can I just get this out there, right.Dan Walker reveals snow disaster as he’s forced to abandon car”When people are saying Micah Richards is potentially going to take over a presenter, I think it’s a massive disrespect to all the presenters out there. There’s so many talented people.”Just because I’m a pundit, I can give insight to a player, I feel I know the game, I watch tactics.””But to take over presenting one of the most iconic shows, not just in sport, but that BBC’s ever had?”He then went on to add: “There’s so many others they can pick over me, I just can’t believe they would even put my name in the hat.”Lineker then playfully put Richards in his place by insisting there was no chance of him being chosen anyway.He said: “Micah, you can totally relax. I can assure you they won’t be asking you.”Chapman remains the favourite to replace Lineker.JILLY: I’M HOT FOR RIVALS 2IF THE raunchy action in Rutshire left you gagging for more Rivals, then Disney+ has an early Christmas present for you.Confirming my TV Biz exclusive, the streamer has said that a second series is on the way after the cliffhanger ending of the first.While it isn’t yet certain that David Tennant, Victoria Smurfit and Aidan Turner will return to their roles, writer Jilly Cooper, whose novel the series is based on, is thrilled at the news.Yesterday, she said: “Nearly 40 years after my novel Rivals was published, I’ve adored seeing the world fall in love with my beloved characters – Rutshire’s finest.“I’m orgasmic with excitement and cannot wait for the return of my superhero Rupert Campbell-Black and the rest of the characters in season two.”Well, that’s all just jolly super, isn’t it.IT’S WHO DARES WINGSThe nightclubs of London’s Soho in 1918 are brought alive to eye-popping effect in shots from upcoming BBC One drama Dope GirlsCredit: Sanne GaultThe series lifts the lid on a moment of sexual liberation, decadence and often intoxicating glamour as women took matters into their own handsCredit: © 2023 Sony Pictures TelevisionWHO would have thought you’d see such daring outfits just after World War One?The nightclubs of London’s Soho in 1918 are brought alive to eye-popping effect in these shots from upcoming BBC One drama Dope Girls.The series lifts the lid on a moment of sexual liberation, decadence and often intoxicating glamour as women took matters into their own hands to earn themselves a living.Single mother Kate Galloway, played by Julianne Nicholson, is at the centre of the capital’s exploding club scene as she sets up a nightspot to provide for her daughter Evie, and enters into a life of criminal activities under the nose of the police.Eliza Scanlen plays Violet Davies, one of the country’s first wave of female police officers, who is assigned to go undercover at the club and investigate the illicit goings-on.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe women she runs into include ballsy Billie Cassidy (Umi Myers), a dazzlingly bohemian dancer.Take your seats, ladies and gents, and tune in next year.MURDER IN ROYAL CIRCLESTHE makers of The Crown have landed their next royal project, The Lady.The four-part drama for ITV will tell the story of Jane Andrews, the Duchess of York’s former aide who was convicted of murder.With filming to begin next year in Grimsby and London, it will chart the rise and fall of Jane, who landed the plum role as the royal’s dresser after answering an advert in magazine The Lady.Her fall from grace began when she lost her job and fell in love with businessman Thomas Cressman, who she was later convicted of killing.Sian McWilliams, of production company Left Bank Pictures, said: “The Lady deftly explore the tragic series of events and poses the question – who is the real Jane Andrews?” More

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    Major broadcasting change as Formula E returns to free-to-air TV with new-look presenting team

    FORMULA E has announced a major change to its broadcast rights that will see it return to free-to-air TV.The motorsport had previously been shown on BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 before it was effectively placed behind a paywall on TNT Sports for the first time in its 10-year history.Formula E have announced a major partnership with ITVCredit: GettyIt has now been announced it will return to ITV for the 2024/25 season, with live broadcasts and highlights being available on the ITVX app and ITV4.That includes the Season 11 opener in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on December 7.Formula E chief media officer, Aarti Dabas, said: “We’re delighted to offer UK and Ireland fans even greater access to our incredible championship via our two fantastic media partners – TNT Sport and now ITV – giving them more ways to watch and taking them even closer to the sport.”With our new post-race weekend highlights show on ITV, fans will be able to get bespoke content directly from the paddock helping educate, excite and entertain new and loyal fans alike. READ MORE IN MOTORSPORT”We can’t wait to bring our fans more track-side action and continue to grow the sport.”The channel switch will also see a new-look presenting line-up, with sacked BBC star Jermaine Jenas also dropped from his role on the all-electric racing series.Pioneering presenter Nicki Shields will return to lead the line-up and will become the first-ever female lead presenter in the series’ history.She has been a prominent figure both on and off the track since making her debut in 2014, and was the first female lead commentator for F1 Academy in its 2024 debut season.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOn her new role, Shields said: “I vividly remember my first Formula E race in Beijing 2014, and 10 years later, my passion for the sport remains just as strong.”I’m thrilled to return to Formula E as lead presenter for Season 11. It’s an honour to share the excitement and drama of this incredible sport with fans around the world. Watch moment Brad Pitt ‘faints’ after heavy crash at Las Vegas Grand Prix – but all is not as it seems”With our talented presenting team, we’re committed to bringing viewers closer to the action than ever before. Bring on São Paulo!”She will be joined by racing drivers Billy Monger and Catie Munnings on the team, as well as sports commentator Tom Brooks.Pundits who will appear throughout the season will include David Coulthard, Karun Chandhok, Andre Lotterer, James Rossiter and Alan McNish.Saunders Carmichael-Brown and Alexa Rendell are also returning as pitlane reporters.Formula E’s CEO Jeff Dodds admitted before the London season finale that the move to place the racing series behind a paywall had led to “numbers that have been lower than we wanted”.Pascal Wehrlein was crowned as champion last season, narrowly beating Mitch Evans by six points. More

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    Paul Dickenson dead at 74: BBC commentator who covered Jessica Ennis-Hill’s iconic gold at London 2012 dies

    FORMER BBC Sport commentator Paul Dickenson has passed away aged 74.Dickenson, who specialised in athletics and winter sports for over two decades, died at home on Tuesday.Paul Dickenson has passed awayCredit: ALAN TOWSE/FAMOUSDickenson worked in commentary for over two decadesCredit: Action ImagesHis death was announced by the BBC on Wednesday evening.Fans took to social media to pay tribute to the man with an iconic voice.One person wrote: “Really sad to read that Paul Dickenson has died. One of my favourite commentators of all time, his voice is very much missed.”While another commented: “Just seen the very sad news that Paul Dickenson has passed away.READ MORE IN SPORT”Having grown up listening to him, it took me a while to pluck up the courage to talk to him when I was first starting out but, once I did, he was always very supportive and just great company.”Dickenson commentated on every Summer and Winter Olympic Games between 1992 and 2014.He is one of only five BBC commentators to call Team GB gold medals in both the Summer and Winter Olympics.In 2012 he commentated on Jessica Ennis-Hill’s iconic gold medal in the Olympic heptathlon.Most read in AthleticsDickenson commentated on Jessica Ennis-Hill’s heptathlon gold at London 2012Credit: ReutersHis final commentary for the BBC was Lizzy Yarnold’s gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics in SochiCredit: PA:Press AssociationHis last BBC commentary took place when Lizzy Yarnold won her skeleton gold at Sochi 2014.Before taking up a role in commentary, Dickenson was an Olympic hammerthrower.He represented Great Britain at two successive Olympic games starting in 1976.His best Olympic result was finishing in 14th place that year, where he threw 68.52 metres.Dickenson also commentated on World’s Strongest Man and Superstars, a TV sports competition. More

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    BBC pundit names England’s long-term successor to Harry Kane after Premier League star’s ‘bullying’ performance

    DANNY MURPHY reckons England already have the next Harry Kane waiting in the wings in Liam Delap.England Under-21 international Delap has been the shining light in what has been a difficult season for Ipswich Town.Liam Delap has been Ipswich Town’s main man this seasonCredit: GettyThe 21-year-old has bagged six goals in 12 appearances so far this seasonCredit: REUTERSDanny Murphy reckons Delap is the heir apparent to England legend Harry KaneCredit: REXThe 21-year-old has bagged six goals in 12 matches for the Tractor Boys, who are fighting for their lives in the relegation zone.Delap, who turned in a “bully” esque performance against Manchester United last weekend, has reportedly caught the eye of several teams with his stellar displays.And he’s well and truly impressed Murphy, who believes he’s the heir apparent to Kane’s throne.The BBC pundit said of Delap on Match of the Day 2: “I think he’s got a lot of qualities.READ MORE ON IPSWICH”I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.”I think he’s the best young English striker out there.”I know he’s got a bit to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league.”But he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDanny Murphy is a massive fan of Liam DelapCredit: BBCDespite being a million miles away from his prime, Murphy believes former Manchester City academy star Delap is already a complete player.The former Liverpool midfielder said: “I just don’t see a weakness for him.Liam Delap won the golden boot for England at the Under-16s Mercedes Benz Aegean Tournament”I mean, he scored enough goals in a struggling side, really.”But if he gets a lot of chances, he’ll score more. He’s just got that lovely balance between physical and technical [ability].”And rarely, you get both.”Delap and his Ipswich team-mates will be back in action on Saturday, travelling to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forset. More