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    BBC pundit and ex-England cricketer’s retirement party backfires after prank leaves her with huge bruises on her face

    ALEX HARTLEY was out legs before wicket at her retirement party – when a prank involving an octopus backfired bruisingly.The BBC pundit and ex-England cricketer, 29, blames herself for “two massive bruises on my forehead” as she celebrated on a night out.
    Popular presenter Alex Hartley thought nothing could go wrong from a cuddly jape with an octopus as she celebrated retiring from playingCredit: Twitter @@bbctms
    Alex reveals her unexpected injuries following her partyCredit: Twitter @@bbctms
    The ex-spinner played ODI and T20 cricket for England from 2016-2019Credit: Getty
    Alex was suckered by her own stunt as she was pictured grinning with her eyes shut in the back of a bus – while a fluffy octopus sat round her neck.
    The former spinner – a hero of England’s 2017 women’s World Cup glory – explained how she made a right tentacle out of herself.
    The one-day star told BBC Sport: “I stuck two octopuses to my head. Pretending it was my hair, I was flicking it around.
    “They were on there for about 20 minutes..
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    And as another photo showed two purple bumps on her head, Alex added: “Then I looked like that. I’ve got two massive bruises on my forehead.”
    But although Alex’s octopus antics cost her a double dent on her head, they left her squids in with fans.
    One posted: “Bet she’s a right laugh on a night out.”
    Another urged: “Please don’t change. You have such a great vibe.”
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    “Love this,” said a third, and “You made me smile so it was worth it,” claimed a fourth.
    Her jape also proved to be a potential hit for sea-life sales as one observer revealed: “I want to buy an octopus now.”
    But another fan warned: “Always be mindful of a sticky wicket, when the octopus is in play.”
    Hartley had earlier announced she was quitting playing on the BBC’s No Balls Podcast, which she hosts with England fast bowler Kate Cross.
    Having already decided to focus on her mental health, she said of her retirement “I can’t believe it – I feel so good.
    “I’m going to really miss it, I’m going to be really sad but it’s so right.
    “I’ve loved it, I’ve hated it, but I am really proud of what I’ve achieved. It’s everything that I’ve ever wanted to do.”
    The pundit says she ‘covered it well’ as she hid her bruising following her unorthodox octopus encounterCredit: Twitter @@bbctms
    The spinner was a star of England’s 2017 World Cup final win vs IndiaCredit: PA
    Hartley quit playing cricket this month after featuring for Welsh Fire in The Hundred, including here at Headingley vs Northern SuperchargersCredit: Getty More

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    Jessica Ennis-Hill lights up BBC studio in stunning outfit as fans hail her as ‘lovely’ at World Athletics Championships

    OLYMPIC hero Jessica Ennis-Hill lit up the BBC studio in a stunning yellow dress for the World Athletics Championships.The 37-year-old heptathlon legend is in Budapest, Hungary as a pundit.
    Jessica Ennis-Hill lit up the BBC studio when she appeared on the channel’s coverage at the World Athletics ChampionshipsCredit: BBC
    Wearing a stunning yellow dress, Ennis-Hill stole the limelight from her fellow punditsCredit: BBC
    And on Sunday, she appeared alongside former American sprinter Michael Johnson and fellow gold medallist Denise Lewis, with Gabby Logan on presenting duties.
    But, despite the star quality sat next to her, it was Jessica who stole the show with her fashionable outfit.
    She wore a stunning round neck frock, complete with short sleeves, for her appearance.
    Needless to say, fans on X, formerly known as Twitter, were singing her praises for her fashionable choice and expert opinion.
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    One wrote: “Jessica Ennis-Hill is lovely.”
    A second shared: “What a lovely woman Jess Ennis-Hill is. Have really enjoyed watching the BBC coverage of athletics.”
    A third posted: “The humility and laughter of Jessica Ennis-Hill on the studio was a great TV moment. Here at home enjoying the panel and commentary team so much for the World Athletics in Budapest.”
    While a fourth added: “There isn’t a better commentary in world sport than the #BBCAthletics team. Amazing experience and knowledge with@MJGold, Denise Lewis. Jess Ennis-Hill and Steve Backley and the youth and enthusiasm of people like Jazz Sawyers. It’s the perfect combination.”
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    Jessica Ennis-Hill is certainly making an impact on TV this summerCredit: BBC
    The athletics legend has been praised by fans for her expert knowledge and commentsCredit: Getty
    Just a day earlier she left fans gushing over her choice of a bold green outfit while again on pundit duties.
    Ennis-Hill claimed her first heptathlon world title in 2009, before she also went on to win the event two years later.
    Then, after initially claiming silver in 2015, she was promoted to gold the following year after Tatyana Chernova was stripped of the title for a doping violation – one month after Ennis-Hill announced her retirement.
    But British sports fans know her best for her stunning Olympic triumph at the London 2012 Games.
    Four years later, she won silver in Rio – hanging up her spikes towards the end of 2016.
    Jess is a firm fans’ favourite after a stunning careerCredit: The Times More

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    BBC F1 presenter Jennie Gow, 46, reveals she has ‘acquired dyslexia’ eight months on from terrifying stroke

    BBC Formula One presenter Jennie Gow has developed dyslexia eight months on from a terrifying stroke.The 46-year-old suffered the stroke brought on by a cough from an infection in December last year.
    Jennie Gow returns to work after suffering a stroke just eight months agoCredit: Getty
    Gow will be helped by husband Jamie today at the Dutch GP
    She is now ready to get back to work for the first time, returning to the paddock and Radio 5 Live today at the Dutch Grand Prix.
    In an interview with The Times, the broadcaster has opened up on the effects of the life-changing incident.
    Gow has developed dyslexia and struggled with communication.
    Speech has been tough and she initially spoke using a whiteboard after regaining movement in her left side.
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    The host was expecting her communication recovery to take months, yet after advice not to shout or get angry from nurses she soon began speaking normally again.
    Her speech was “most affected” by the stroke but fears her career could be over will be put to bed today in Zandvoort.
    Gow will be joined by her husband Jamie, who is assisting her with work this week as Max Verstappen starts on pole.
    Opening up on her return to the radio, she admitted: “I don’t know if it’s hard for Jamie to see me back at work, but I think he knows I need to at least try and do it. See what I can do.
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    “F1 is a very friendly place and one that I have lived in for the last 12 years. It’s a supportive place, even though everyone is competitive and finding their own way.
    “There are still moments that my voice doesn’t seem right to me, and obviously I have some gaps in my speech that I didn’t have before. I’m constantly struggling in my head to find the next word.
    “But we’ve spent eight months working on this, for hours every day.”
    The stroke has also caused a change in taste, Gow was previously a fan of Marmite and white wine but now hates both.
    Additionally, she suffered nerve damage in her right hand and is now unperceptive to heat and at risk of burn and her face has a slight droop.
    Jamie recalled when he saw that his wife had collapsed and described it as “the worst moment of my life”.
    Their six-year-old daughter Isabelle rushed to the phone to help her father call the ambulance.
    Jamie called Gow’s name but there was no response.
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    But just eight months on from the horror incident she is back as a shadow presenter to Rosanna Tennant.
    Gow has worked on BBC Radio 5 Live covering F1 since 2012.
    Jennie Gow has opened up on her struggles since suffering a strokeCredit: BBC
    The broadcaster has been involved with F1 since 2012Credit: Getty More

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    BBC commentator gasps live on air as long jumper ‘goes into orbit’ after epic fail at World Athletics Championships

    AN UNFORTUNATE long jump star caused a BBC commentator to gasp after slipping at the World Athletics Championships.Carey Mcleod, 25, slipped on the board as he looked to propel himself, sending him flying through the air head first.
    McLeod slipped as he took off on the jumpCredit: Rex
    He then flew through the air head firstCredit: Rex
    Before landing awkwardlyCredit: Rex
    The unusual incident saw the BBC commentator gasp as soon as the long jumper left the ground and was heard wincing throughout the replays.
    On a slow motion replay of Mcleod in the sand pit, the commentator said: “You can see something has really seriously hurt him there.”
    Luckily McLeod, who represents Jamaica, did not suffer any major injuries and fans were able to see the funny side when the incident was clipped up and put on social media.
    One fan said: “Man just invented a new sport. Far better than the long jump. May need a longer sandpit tho.”
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    Another said: “That man FLEW.”
    A third compared him with Manchester United goalkeeper Andre’s Onana, who nearly gave away a penalty in the club’s opening fixture against Wolves earlier this month and said: “Fantastic imitation of Onana v Wolves.”
    Another joked: “Great new sport. I could watch this all day long.”
    Another fan said: “All jumps should be done this way – superb effort.”
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    Thankfully McLeod wasn’t injuredCredit: Rex
    But the BBC commentators were concerned after the awkward landingCredit: Rex
    The commentators pointed out that these sorts of slips have become a more common occurrence recently after decision-makers decided to get rid of Plasticine on the jump board.
    The Plasticine was placed on the foul line as it would indent if a jumper fouled.
    But that was replaced in 2022 with high-tech cameras used instead to judge fouling.
    The downside of this is the fact that Plasticine also helped jumpers with grip on a failed jump, leading to less incidents like yesterday’s.
    McLeod will be disappointed with his effort, given he was one of the favourites to finish with a medal in the competition.
    His head first jump saw him lose a tie break for a bronze medal with compatriot Tajay Gayle after they both recorded a distance of 8.27m.
    Their fellow countryman Wayne Pinnock looked to be on course for gold.
    But he had to settle for silver after Greek Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou edged him by two centimetres with his final jump. More

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    Fans love BBC pundit Jessica Ennis-Hill’s bold outfit as Olympic legend puts on leggy display in ‘sensational’ dress

    FANS are loving Jessica Ennis-Hill’s outfit as she presents the BBC’s coverage of the World Athletics Championships.The Olympic gold medallist is out in Budapest covering the championships at which she won three gold medals over the years.
    Jessica Ennis-Hill is out in Budapest hosting the World Athletics Championships with the BBCCredit: Instagram @jessicaennishill
    Jessica Ennis-Hill poses with fellow heptathletes Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Denise LewisCredit: Instagram @jessicaennishill
    She is presenting alongside fellow athletics legend Denise LewisCredit: Rex
    And fans are loving her fashion as she shared some pictures of her outfit choice on her Instagram.
    She shared the snaps with her 406,000 followers alongside a heartfelt caption.
    It read: “Day 3 I dedicate to the multi-eventers past, present and future.
    We’re a unique bunch who can’t settle for one event, are fiercely competitive but who respect each other immensely.”
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    She could be seen posing in front of the stadium in Budapest wearing a white suite dress and a pair of green heels.
    Fans were quick to jump to the comments section to praise the Team GB legend.
    One fan wrote: “Love this Jess! Love your outfit and the shoes.”
    Whilst another added: “That shirt dress looks sensational!”
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    A third commented: “Jessica you always look amazing.”
    Jessica won Gold at the World Athletics Championships in 2009, 2011 and 2015 for the Heptathlon.
    But she is perhaps most famous for her incredible Olympic gold during the London 2012 Olympic games.
    She also picked up silver in Rio de Janeiro just four years later at the next Olympics.
    Fans have already complimented her other outfits during the championshipsCredit: BBC
    Jessica won three gold medals at the World Athletics Championships over the yearsCredit: Getty
    She is best remembered for her gold medal in the heptathlon during the London 2012 OlympicsCredit: The Times More

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    Watch BBC pundit Denise Lewis jump up and down and smack back of sofa live on TV during emotionally charged race

    DENISE LEWIS jumped up and down and smacked the back of the sofa as she watched Josh Kerr pick up World Championship gold in the 1500 metres.Kerr raced to win unlikely gold for Britain in a race that no one really gave him a chance in.
    Lewis switched between watching the race and live and on a monitor as she roared on Josh KerrCredit: BBC Sport
    Michael Johnson also supported the Brit in his bid for goldCredit: BBC SPORT
    Going into the 1500 metres, the overwhelming favourite for the race was Norwegian Jakob Ingebrigtsen.
    But Kerr kept pace with Ingebrigtsen throughout, and kicked on in the last 200m to finish strongly and take gold.
    An emotional Kerr said after the race: “It’s been a long time coming. It’s quite an overwhelming experience. But I’m so proud of myself, my team and my family.
    “I didn’t feel like I ran my best race either. I just threw my whole 16 years of this sport into that last 200m and didn’t let up to the end.
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    “It was fast early but I stayed calm. I knew I was capable of a world championship gold medal for GB so I’m very glad to add to that medal count.”
    Supporting Kerr’s victory on from the punditry box was Denise Lewis alongside Michael Johnson.
    Lewis was seen switching between her view from the punditry box and her view of a monitor showing the race as she jumped up and down to support Kerr.
    As he crossed the line, she was seen slapping the back of the sofa with excitement.
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    Fans on Twitter were quick to praise the passion shown by Lewis in supporting Kerr in the race, with one fan saying: “Love Denise! There were similar scenes in our house. Well done Josh Kerr!! Great race.”
    While another wrote: “Love the passion , need more Denise Lewis in this world!”
    A third wrote: “Denise Lewis is the best of us”
    Fans also praised Michael Johnson’s reaction who was cheering Kerr onto victory despite his American allegiances.
    One fan wrote: “MJ is basically an honorary Brit now.”
    And another added: “When you have an American In the Race I though Micheal Johnson’s reactions were brilliant.”
    Reflecting on his win in an interview with the BBC, Kerr said: “You can see from my face that I’m throwing everything I had at this guy. We were both fighting.
    “I wanted this for my whole life. I made sure I pumped all the way home. I’m so happy.
    “With 50m to go I kind of broke him. It was just about holding form at that point. I’ve had bronze but gold is a lot sweeter.”
    Kerr, who needed to use his elbows to barge rivals out of the way in the early laps, wears Oakley sunglasses as part of a lucrative contract.
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    The US-based athlete will now head to the Paris 2024 Olympics as the reigning world champion – and what a final that promises to be in the French capital. More

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    World Athletics Championships commentators: Who is on the panel for the competition?

    THE 2023 World Athletics Championships are underway, with much excitement surrounding the huge sporting event.The 2023 games, held in Budapest, mark the nineteenth edition of the championships, but the first time they have been held in Hungary.
    The World Athletics Championships 2023 are taking place in Budapest, HungaryCredit: Sam Mellish/Getty Images
    Who are the commentators for the World Athletics Championships?
    Luckily for athletics fans, the BBC are providing extensive coverage of the World Athletics Championships.
    The broadcaster has gathered a star-studded panel of former athletes and specialists to share their expertise across the competition.
    The World Athletics Championships 2023 conclude on August 27, 2023.
    Much of the action is being streamed live online on the BBC Sport website and app.
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    Steve Cram
    Steve Cram is one of the commentators at the 2023 World Athletics Championships
    Steve Cram, CBE is a retired track and field athlete.
    In 1985, he set world records in the 1,500 m, 2,000 m, and the mile.
    Cram won gold in the 1,500m at the 1983 World games, before going on to take home the silver medal at the 1984 Olympic Games.
    After retiring from athletics in 1994 Cram moved in to a career in television, acting as an athletics commentator for BBC Sport.
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    In his role as commentator, Cram has covered events like the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
    Paula Radcliffe
    Marathon star Paula Radcliffe is one of the BBC commentators at the athletics competition
    Paula Radcliffe is a former long-distance runner who is a three-time winner of the London Marathon.
    She has also won the New York Marathon three times and the Chicago Marathon once.
    Radcliffe represented Team GB at four consecutive Olympic games (1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008) but didn’t bring home a medal.
    She did, however, win gold in the marathon at the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki.
    Since ending her competitive running career after the 2015 London Marathon, Radcliffe has occasionally worked as a commentator for the BBC, covering events such as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
    Steve Backley
    Commentator Steve Backley is a former Olympic medal winner
    Steve Backley, OBE is a retired British track and field athlete who competed in the javelin throw.
    He won many accolades throughout his career, including two silvers and a bronze at the Olympic Games, and two silvers at the World Championships.
    Backley set a javelin throwing world record of 89.58m in Stockholm, Sweden in July 1990.
    He last competed in 2004 at the Olympics in Athens, Greece.
    Since retiring from athletics, Backley has appeared on the 2008 edition of ITV’s Dancing on Ice.
    He has also worked as a commentator for the BBC.
    Andrew Cotter
    Andrew Cotter has been a sports broadcaster for over two decades
    Andrew Cotter is a Scottish sports broadcaster who has worked with the BBC for various sporting events.
    He started his career with Edinburgh-based radio station Scot FM, before relocating to London to work with BBC Radio 5 Live and Sky News.
    Throughout his career he commentated both rugby and golf events, covering major competitions like The Six Nations, the Rugby World Cup, the Masters Tournament, and The Open Championship.
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    During the pandemic, Cotter went viral for posting adorable videos of his dogs, Olive and Mabel, online.
    He has since written two books about his pets; Olive, Mabel & Me: Life and Adventures with Two Very Good Dogs, and Dog Days: A Year with Olive & Mabel. More

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    BBC presenter Emma Louise Jones stuns in leather trousers live on TV as she gives behind-scenes-look at show

    BBC presenter Emma Louise Jones stunned in a pair of leather trousers while working at the rugby league on Monday night.The 33-year-old hosted Viaplay’s coverage of the Betfred Championship alongside former player Kevin Brown and active star Ryan Brierley.
    Emma Louise Jones wore leather trousers while presenting the Betfred ChampionshipCredit: Instagram @ eljonesuk
    Emma gave a behind-the-scenes look at ViaPlay’s rugby league coverageCredit: Instagram @ eljonesuk
    She was anchoring the show – which aired the game between Whitehaven and Barrow Raiders.
    And Emma, who also works on the BBC’s MOTDx alongside Jermaine Jenas, shared Brierley’s Instagram story which showed her donning a pair of leather trousers.
    Jones also gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in the background while she is presenting.
    She posted a video of the production team hard at work, adding the caption: “Doing the job I love with wonderful people. In pinch myself, I really do.”
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    The presenter then shared another clip of the producers talking to her as she closed the show.
    And she said: “In case you’ve ever wondered what a presenter hears at the end of a show when they’re taking it off air.
    “This is the producer who is giving me a countdown in my ear and I have to get us off air in the final second, otherwise I’m in trouble.”
    Emma has worked for the BBC since 2021, having previously presented on Leeds TV.
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    Emma also presents for the BBC on MOTDxCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
    She made her name as a broadcaster for Leeds TVCredit: Twitter / @eljonesuk
    Emma has built up a substantial following on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
    She has excelled working as a host on MOTDx – but her high-profile roles have unfortunately led to her having to deal with vile online trolls.
    Last month, she spoke about how she was “repeatedly stopped by the same man trying to take pictures of her”.
    In one instance, she brilliantly shut down a troll by posting a screenshot of their tweet alongside the caption: “Alexa, what does a virgin look like?”
    She has 400,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
    Emma has been forced to deal with vile trolls onlineCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk More