More stories

  • in

    He’s putting on a Scottish accent, fans cry as ex-Prem referee Mark Clattenburg stars in Gladiators reboot

    FANS have accused former Prem League referee Mark Clattenburg of putting on a Scottish accent as he took to the Gladiators ring. The popular BBC show returned to TV screens for the first time in more than two decades with a brand new squad.
    Fans were left stunned to see the new line-up of refereesCredit: BBC
    Former referee Mark Clattenburg took on the stage for the first episodeCredit: BBC
    The classic show was back on BBC One on January 13 with a stellar line-up of athletes and sports stars.
    Bradley Walsh and his son Barney are the new hosts.
    The series originally aired on ITV from 1992 to 2000, and was presented by Ulrika Johnsson.
    But this new reboot left fans stunned after former referee Mark Clattenburg took on the stage for the first episode.

    The former Premier League, 48, refereed the Champion’s League cup final and Euro 2016 final.
    But on tonight’s episode Clattenburg shocked the nation after stepping in to take over from the famous Scottish voice of John Anderson.
    During the one-hour episode, Clattenburg said the show’s famous line: “Contestants, ready? Gladiators, ready?”
    After the show, fans rushed to social media to comment on the former football referee seen blowing the iconic whistle.
    Most read in Football
    One user said: “Mark Clattenburg is definitely putting on a Scottish accent.”
    Some questioned if the former professional referee – who comes from the North East – was in fact Scottish.
    Another added: “I see former football ref Mark Clattenburg is attempting a Scottish accent to sound like John Anderson.”
    Others were so shocked to see the former referee they slammed he was after “some cash”.
    One wrote: “Mark Clattenburg must be desperate for some cash to go on Gladiators.”
    Another said: “Mark Clattenburg refereeing on Gladiators I don’t know why I’m shocked he always loved the camera.”
    A third said: “I hope there is no VAR too! I never imagined I’d be seeing Mark Clattenburg refereeing.”
    However, some fans were less impressed, with one writing: “Mark Clattenburg is the ‘Gladiator’s ready’ referee on the new series of Gladiators. Another reason not to watch it.”
    Before the long-waited episode, Clattenburg said that landing the Gladiators gig was “one of the most amazing things I will do in my life”.
    He also praised the show’s original referee John Anderson as “legendary” and said taking over the whistle “is such an honour”.
    It comes as a Gladiators contestant was rushed to medics after suffering an horror knee injury as he’s left fighting back tears.
    Contestant Finley took on his next challenge called the Gauntlet.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    It required the contenders to get to the end of the Gauntlet in just 30 seconds – while there were four zones each protected by a Gladiator.
    But things took a nasty turn when Finley injured his knee during the intense game.
    Gladiators has returned after decades off airCredit: BBC
    Mark Clattenburg refereed the Champion’s League cup final and Euro 2016 finalCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Alex Scott stuns in low-cut top live on Football Focus after BBC presenter’s romantic holiday with Jess Glynne

    ALEX SCOTT was dressed to impress as she stunned on Football Focus.The 39-year-old was presenting BBC’s preview show ahead of the weekend’s action.
    Alex Scott wowed in a stylish outfitCredit: BBC
    The host stunned in her low-cut top while on Football FocusCredit: BBC
    She was joined by Stephen Warnock and Ellen WhiteCredit: BBC
    Alex was joined in the studio by fellow ex-Lioness Ellen White and former Premier League defender Stephen Warnock.
    The host dazzled in a gorgeous low-cut black top and gold necklace.
    She accompanied her outfit with stylish high-heels.
    Fans loved seeing her on screens, one said: “Such a naturally gifted presenter. Great show.”
    READ MORE ON ALEX SCOTT
    Alex was back hosting for the second time after recently jetting off to Mexico for a romantic getaway with pop star partner Jess Glynne.
    The loved-up duo explored the Tulum region – going scuba diving and then ziplining across the jungle.
    They even went to the local pyramids and drove around on a moped.
    Alex also found time to relax while away, soaking up the sun while on the beach.
    Most read in Football
    The beauty stripped down to a white bikini as she showed off her toned body.
    A body language expert told SunSport their relationship is getting increasingly serious.
    Alex Scott and Jess Glynne holidayed together in MexicoCredit: Alex Scott/instagram
    Alex wowed as she soaked up the sun abroadCredit: instagram
    The beauty showed off her toned lookCredit: instagram
    Alex was back presenting Football Focus for the second time since her breakCredit: @alexscott2
    Alex and Jess posted plenty of snaps of her trip on social mediaCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    Real FA Cup magic got TV snub.. bosses at the BBC and ITV should hang their heads in shame

    TV bosses at the BBC and ITV should hang their heads in shame after snubbing the magic of our much-loved FA Cup.It is either through ignorance, arrogance or sheer incompetence — or all three — that they have scheduled some of the most dull and uninspiring collection of games ever seen in the third round.
    Maidstone boss George Elokobi and goal hero Sam Corne celebrates making FA Cup history by reaching the fourth round — but BBC and ITV snubbed televising them
    For me, this week every year is one of the most exciting in the football calendar.
    It is when the FA Cup really comes to life as the plumbers and builders or lower-league pros dine on the same table as the superstars.
    It is what makes this competition unique — not just here in the UK but across the globe.
    As a proud man of Kent, I simply could not miss going to watch little Maidstone United of the National League South host League One high-fliers Stevenage.
    Read More Football
    And the lowest-ranked team left in the competition caused the biggest shock and story of the round by producing a brilliant performance to stun Steve Evans’ men at their neat but small Gallagher Stadium.
    More than 1,000 joyous fans swamped the pitch at the end to celebrate one of the biggest achievement’s in the town’s 127-year football history. Yet the game was not picked by the dullards in the ivory towers of the Beeb and ITV.
    No, they believed the magic of the Cup lay on a Thursday night at Selhurst Park where Premier League strugglers Crystal Palace and Everton slogged out a goalless bore.
    And they felt the all-Premier League tie between Tottenham and Burnley would win the hearts of the nation on Friday night.
    Most read in FA Cup
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Around 1,000 Maidstone fans swamp the pitch in joy after historic win
    Fans celebrated with the Maidstone team on the pitch after they beat Stevenage
    Aside from Pedro Porro’s stunning winner at the end for Spurs, the game was a snooze-fest.
    Sunderland v Newcastle on Saturday lunchtime was a fair enough selection with it being a North-East derby — but even that proved to be an underwhelming and boring mismatch as the Toon cruised to a 3-0 win.
    Middlesbrough hosting Aston Villa was a pretty tepid affair on Saturday evening, too.
    Arsenal taking on Liverpool yesterday was an all-Premier League heavyweight clash so, to be fair to the BBC execs, that one deserved to be on the box.
    And tonight ITV are screening Wigan v Manchester United, which is a decent tie.
    But let’s not pretend they made that decision because they love the idea of League One club Wigan creating more Cup magic to add to their stunning 2013 triumph when they won it.
    No, tonight’s game is only on screens because it’s Manchester United. Every single round they are still in the competition, we have to endure having Erik ten Hag’s team forced down our throats.
    I’ve nothing against anyone at United — but personally cannot wait for them to be knocked out each year because it’s so excruciating listening to all the hype that surrounds them.
    Not one match at the weekend featured a team below the Championship — and even the two games that did involve second-tier clubs, Sunderland and Middlesbrough, were up against top-flight sides.
    AGGREGATE CROWDS 2023-24THE number of people who have passed through the turnstiles in the top six tiers of English football so far this season.
    PREMIER LEAGUE: 7,483,909
    CHAMPIONSHIP: 6,928,003
    LEAGUE ONE: 2,854,803
    LEAGUE TWO: 1,790,684
    NATIONAL LEAGUE: 822,432
    NATIONAL SOUTH: 417,508
    NATIONAL NORTH: 371,385

    Our football culture is not based only in the golden bubble of the sanitised Premier League.
    In fact, most people who go to football matches week in, week out go to games OUTSIDE the top flight.
    I’ve done some number crunching. So far this season, according to my A-level maths knowledge at least, an aggregate of 7,483,909 have passed through the turnstiles to watch Premier League football this season.
    Yet a staggering 13,184,815 punters have passed through the gates to watch either the EFL or the top two divisions of non-league football — nearly SIX MILLION more than the top division.
    People who defend the TV execs say that even if they did select a non-league side against a pro team, like Maidstone v Stevenage, they cannot guarantee an upset.
    One person on social media argued to me that a few years ago non-league Marine took on Tottenham and who was still watching as the Premier League side went 5-0 up? Well, how many people — my Geordie friends aside — were still watching when Newcastle went 8-0 up at Sheffield United in the Premier League in September?
    And if you went by that logic Ronnie Radford’s stunner for Hereford that helped knock Newcastle out of the FA Cup in 1972 would never have been televised — and maybe the then 26-year-old commentator John Motson would not have gone on to have the great career he had.
    Of course, you cannot guarantee upsets in football — that is the whole beauty of it.
    TV execs decided that Crystal Palace v Everton was a ‘must-watch’ FA Cup tie that bored anyone unfortunate enough to watch it on Thursday
    When it does happen, like it did in Kent on Saturday, it makes it extra special.
    Thankfully, here at your favourite newspaper, we were at the Gallagher Stadium to capture it all — and will continue to champion ALL levels of our wonderful pyramid.
    As Wolves cult hero and Maidstone manager George Elokobi said on Saturday: “The magic of the FA Cup lives on.”
    Even if it doesn’t for those spoilsport TV execs who, quite frankly, have no clue about the heartbeat of our national game.
    By George, what a great bloke
    WHAT a guy George Elokobi is.
    After Maidstone’s stunning win on Saturday, the Wolves cult hero did not want to miss out a single person that has helped behind the scenes to make the club tick and set up one of the greatest days in their history.
    The emotional Stones boss said: “It’s not just one of the greatest days for me, my players, assistant Craig Fagan, goalkeeper coach Zach Foster-Crouch, backroom staff, the owners and director of football Bill Williams  — but everyone who works behind the scenes.
    “I’m talking about Ben and the media guys, John Gooch behind the scenes, Ian Tucker in the office, Helen, Bob, Helen Cooper who takes the photos, credit to all of them …. and I’m not forgetting Louise and Andy in the office. I’m trying not to forget anyone. We want to enjoy all these moments together.”
    Read more on The Sun
    Elokobi gets non-league football. He started and ended his playing career there. And as a manager he can go a long way — because he knows how to treat people. Everyone wants to work and play for him. It’s a huge asset to have.
    Oh, and he knows a thing or two about football. More

  • in

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

    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.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    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.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    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

  • in

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

    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.
    READ MORE TOP STORIES
    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.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    “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

  • in

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

    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.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    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.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    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

  • in

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

    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.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    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.
    Most read in Championship
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    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

  • in

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

    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.
    Read More on Football
    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.
    Most read in Football
    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