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      Maidstone owner takes swipe at BBC and ITV as huge FA Cup giant-killing snubbed for TV coverage – and names dream tie

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      MAIDSTONE’S co-owner took a swipe at the BBC and ITV for snubbing their FA Cup giant-killing.And then he revealed who he wants to face next.
      George Elokobi and Sam Corne helped fire Maidstone into the FA Cup fourth roundCredit: Getty
      There were wonderful celebrations with Stones fans after the full-time whistleCredit: PA
      The National League South side were the lowest-ranked side in the third round of the famous competition.
      But TV bosses opted against selecting their clash against League One Stevenage to be broadcast live.
      That is despite showing eight of the 32 matches over the weekend – six on TV and a further two on BBC iPlayer and Red Button – with Wigan the only team not in the top two divisions to feature as they host Manchester United on Monday.
      As well as fans around the country being able to watch those matches live, the 12 teams picked also received £85,000 on top of their FA Cup prize money.
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      However, sixth-tier Maidstone were inexplicably overlooked.
      And it proved to be a blunder by the BBC and ITV as George Elokobi’s side produced a shock result at the Gallagher Stadium – with just three main cameras around the 792-seater ground.
      Sam Corne converted a penalty just before half-time – and that proved to be the only goal of the game.
      There was a jubilant pitch invasion when Maidstone secured the victory.
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      But the Stones’ co-owner Oliver Ash hit out at the broadcasters for overlooking the story of the weekend, which was the opening tie on Match of the Day.
      He told the Express: “Most people are amazed the cameras are not here.
      “I get that more people support Everton and Crystal Palace so the TV companies think they will get more viewers than Maidstone.
      “But it is a shame because the competition is all about games like ours – the lowest-ranked club in the competition against a side that could well be in the Championship next year.
      “It would have been wonderful TV. It is all about the magic of the FA Cup – it is so wonderful for the spirit of the club, the community and the town.
      “Definitely this is the biggest result in the club’s history. We are not going to win it, but more and more the FA Cup is something magic for clubs like ours.
      Credit: X
      “It may have lost its magic for the top clubs but it has gained its magic for us.”
      Maidstone’s social media team echoed their chief’s views with a brilliant tweet.
      They reshared the FA Cup’s tweet announcing the TV picks and replied: “Aged well,” with a sarcastic thumbs-up emoji.
      The Stones will be one of the standout numbers when the fourth-round draw takes place and will surely be on TV when that fixture takes place on the last weekend of January.
      And Ash knows exactly who he wants to face next.
      He added: “I want a home tie.
      Read more on The Sun
      “Having seen what it means to people to come and watch a big game here, it would be magic – even compared to a trip to one of the big clubs.
      “So let’s get Manchester City down to the Gallagher!”
      Corne scored a penalty just before half-timeCredit: PA
      Co-owner Oliver Ash wants Manchester City at home in round fourCredit: Reuters More

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      BBC face two huge decisions over Gary Lineker replacement on Match of the Day and brand new football show

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      GARY LINEKER’S uncertain future is at the centre of two huge decisions facing the BBC over their football coverage.The Beeb will soon get a new director of sport – with an in-tray including who presents Match of the Day and a new Champions League show.
      Gary Lineker has suggested he won’t stay at MOTD much longerCredit: Handout
      Jermaine Jenas is rated as a prime contender to replace Lineker as well as for a role on the Beeb’s upcoming new Champions League programmeCredit: PA
      Ex-England striker Lineker, 63, has suggested his “time is nearly up” after 25 years fronting MOTD.
      And apart from the Saturday-night fans’ favourite show, the BBC must also assess their team for a fresh midweek programme after winning some Champions League rights from next season.
      Long-serving Barbara Slater is stepping down as the Beeb’s director of sport this spring.
      And The Times say whoever replaces her is expected to quickly address the MOTD situation.
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      There’s talk of former Tottenham and England midfielder Jermaine Jenas switching from being a pundit to a more Lineker-like lead role.
      The One Show host will start presenting TNT Sports’ Formula E coverage later this year.
      But Jenas, 40, has admitted he’d be interested in succeeding Lineker.
      He told The Mirror last month: “If the opportunity was to arise it’s obviously something I’d have to think about.
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      “My commitment is fully with the jobs that I have. That’s hosting Formula E, the bits that I do on The One Show.
      “Any punditry work that I’m doing with TNT Sports and the BBC are huge commitments of mine and something that I love.”
      Spurs and Barcelona legend Lineker, who is the Beeb’s top earner on £1.35million a year, has yet to reveal his plans or exactly how long he plans to stay on MOTD.
      But Jenas has praised him as almost a mentor.
      He said: “The big thing with this is Gary’s brilliant.
      “Love Gary. I’ve learned so much from him over the course of my career and there’s still loads more to learn from him.”  More

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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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      BBC Sport forced to take down bizarre Wayne Rooney Birmingham sacking tweet after Gary Lineker demanded ‘delete this’

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      GARY LINEKER forced BBC Sport into an embarrassing U-turn as they deleted a bizarre Wayne Rooney post.The former England captain was sacked as Birmingham City boss this morning after a dire run of form since he replaced John Eustace in October.
      Wayne Rooney was dismissed by Birmingham after winning just two of his 15 games in chargeCredit: Getty
      Gary Lineker was not happy with the post from his employersCredit: Splash
      Rooney oversaw just two wins in 15 games as the Blues plummeted from sixth to 20th in the Championship.
      And after news of his dismissal broke this morning, BBC Sport posted a strange tweet.
      The official account tweeted: “By order of the Peaky Blinders, Wayne Rooney has been sacked by Birmingham City.”
      The post was accompanied by a mocked-up photo of Rooney in a flat cap and suit – in full Tommy Shelby style.
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      But the Match of the Day host was not happy with the way his employers announced the news.
      Lineker replied: “Delete this.”

      And his bosses promptly listened as the tweet was soon axed as it disappeared from their timeline.
      But before covering their tracks, plenty of fans spotted the Beeb’s tweet.
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      One said: “If you missed that now deleted BBC Sport Peaky Blinders/Wayne Rooney tweet then you’re having a better New Year’s than us.”
      Another quipped: “Quick lads, how can we link Peaky blinders to the Rooney sacking? How about…”
      And a third commented: “Let’s say it was even possible that the order was given by the Peaky Blinders to sack Wayne Rooney, why have you then depicted Mr Rooney as a Peaky Blinder lol.”
      News of Rooney’s sacking was confirmed at 11am when Birmingham released a statement.
      However, moments later the ex-Manchester United striker shared his own response.
      And in it, he appeared to take a dig at Tom Brady and the St Andrew’s owners by implying he deserved more time in the job to turn things around.
      BBC Sport announced Wayne Rooney’s sacking with a strange Peaky Blinders post

      Rooney said: “I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club.
      “Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be.
      “However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed.
      “Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback. I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager, since I was 16.
      “Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager.”
      Steve Cooper is the early favourite to replace Rooney in the Birmingham dugout following his Nottingham Forest axe.
      The Welshman is 6-4 with Sky Bet with Tony Mowbray (3-1), Gary Rowett (4-1), Jesse Marsch and Eustace (both 6-1) both in the running.
      Read more on The Sun
      For Rooney, meanwhile, he is set to take a break away from football before resuming his management career.
      The ex-DC United and Derby boss, though, could have various options when he makes his return – with the EFL, Inter Miami and Saudi Arabia among the possible next steps. 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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      Tyson Fury tipped for surprising role in hit TV drama as he eyes acting career following Netflix success

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      HE’S the Gypsy King of the ring and this year also conquered reality TV, now Tyson Fury fancies adding a serious drama to his screen credits.Peaky Blinders star Packy Lee has revealed the heavyweight boxing champ is angling for a role in a new era of the historical Brummie gangster saga.
      Here’s what Tyson Fury might look like in a Peaky Blinders spin-offCredit: Supplied
      Packy is developing a spin-off based on his loveable rogue character Johnny Dogs, the Traveller cousin of show star Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby.
      And he says Tyson is desperate to be involved.
      Packy explained: “There’s talk of a movie, there’s talk of a spin-off … I’ve had a lot of calls about it.
      “At the end of the day, there’s options out there in that Peaky Blinders world.

      “Tyson Fury has been on to me saying, ‘Are you serious?’ I told him, ‘You know I am.’ He told me, ‘This would be amazing.’
      “Given his background he’d be the perfect cameo.”
      Packy says the show’s treatment would be like when US dark comedy Breaking Bad delivered a second smash hit with its spin-off Better Call Saul.
      It comes after Tyson and his wife Paris let cameras film their home life for Netflix in At Home With The Furys.
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      The series was so successful it helped the streamer achieve a rare entry in the UK’s top 50 most-watched shows after its release in August.
      The BBC would be mad to knock out the chance of filming with the Fury. 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