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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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    Man Utd fan ‘KICKED OUT’ of FA Cup draw after making protest against ticket prices live on BBC

    A MANCHESTER UNITED fan claims he was “kicked out” of the FA Cup draw at Old Trafford after protesting the club’s rising ticket prices live on the BBC.The third-round draw took place at the home of the holders Man Utd on Monday evening.The fan protested Manchester United’s ticket prices by holding up a message on a phoneMan Utd fans protested the rise in ticket prices at Old Trafford before Sunday’s gameCredit: RexRuben Amorim’s side were drawn against record 14-time winners Arsenal in a blockbuster tie at the Emirates.But one Red Devils supporter used the location of the draw to make a point to the club’s owners.Man Utd have hiked Old Trafford tickets to an astonishing £66 per game.They have also abolished concessions for children and pensioners, a move which saw protests before their 4-0 win over Everton on Sunday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBBC host Kelly Somers was surrounded by Man Utd fans as she presented coverage of the FA Cup draw – with the trophy situated next to her.But as she was talking to the camera, one person held up their phone which read: “£66 thieves”.The individual understood to be responsible for the act later took to X to say: “I got kicked out for this btw.”SunSport has contacted Man Utd for comment.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHere is the complete FA Cup third-round drawMan Utd’s Supporters’ Trust have also criticised the decision to increase ticket prices.Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has cut costs in many different areas since taking charge of football operations at Man Utd.Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decisionHe let 250 employees go, stopped paying Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2million-a-year ambassadorial salary, cancelled the Christmas party, and axed company credit cards and private chauffeurs.He has also gotten rid of staff lunches, accommodation, extra tickets and post-match parties.As well as Arsenal vs Man Utd, a number of other third-round ties caught the eye including Manchester City vs Salford, Tamworth vs Tottenham and Everton vs Peterborough – which could see Ashley Young face son Tyler.All matches will take place over the weekend of January 11, 2025.The 32 winners of the third round will land £115,000, with losers taking home £25,000.All matches will be completed on the day, with replays scrapped in favour of extra-time and penalties in the case of a stalemate. More

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    Awkward moment new BBC MOTD favourite upsets David Moyes with comment live on TV as he gives deadpan response

    MARK CHAPMAN put his foot in his mouth in an awkward exchange with David Moyes on Match of the Day 2.Chapman, 51, hilariously made an accidental jibe at David Moyes’ European success with West Ham.Mark Chapman talked himself into an awkward situation on Match of the Day 2 when discussing the Uefa Conference LeagueCredit: BBCDavid Moyes questioned Chapman for suggesting the Conference League isn’t up to scratchCredit: BBCChapman and Alan Shearer burst out laughing at the deadpan responseCredit: BBCChapman apologised to Moyes for the inadvertent jibeCredit: BBCMoyes joined Chapman and Alan Shearer on the BBC highlights show as a pundit to talk through the weekend’s action.And when discussing Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa, Chapman delved into the Blues’ ability to rotate their squad due to their participation in the Uefa Conference League instead of the Champions League or Europa League.Seemingly hinting that the Conference League’s subpar opposition allows Chelsea to rotate heavily in Europe, Chapman said: “If you look at the changes that he [Enzo Maresca] can make in Europe.”And look they’re in the Conference League so they can…”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBefore the experienced broadcaster could even finish his sentence he was hilariously interrupted by Moyes who asked: “What’s up with the Conference League?”The quick-witted interjection had both Chapman and Shearer in fits of laughter with Moyes hinting at his spectacular success in the Conference League with West Ham.Chapman jokingly said: “That was a bit awkward!”.Moyes led West Ham to Conference League success in 2023, beating Fiorentina in the final in Prague and becoming the first English team to lift the relatively new trophy.Most read in FootballDavid Moyes led West Ham to Conference League glory in 2023Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt was the first major trophy won by West Ham in 43 years and the crowing jewel of Moyes’ long and illustrious career as a manager.Fans enjoyed Moyes’ tongue-in-cheek reaction to Chapman’s awkward moment.Watch Alan Shearer’s cheeky pitch to be new Match of the Day host in first show since Gary Lineker exit confirmedOn social media, one fan wrote: “Great moment!”While another added: “The laugh from Moyes and deadpan expression. Brilliant.”Chapman is currently favourite to replace Gary Lineker as host of Match of the Day at the end of the season.Lineker is set to step down from his role as the highlight show’s host after over 25 years in the hotseat.And Chapman, who has hosted MOTD2 since 2013, is strong favourite to be handed the role by the BBC.However, The Sun exclusively revealed last month that the Beeb are hoping to share the role between two presenters – an idea that Chapman isn’t keen on.In fact, Chapman has flatly refused a Match of the Day job share.Mark Chapman is favourite to be named as the new host of Match of the DayCredit: GettyUltimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

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    Who is BBC snooker and ITV sports presenter Seema Jaswal?

    Seema Jaswal has an outstanding CV in sports broadcasting with appearances across ITV and BBC sports coverage. The 39-year-old from Richmond became the first female presenter to present a Men’s World Cup Quarter final for a UK broadcaster – Morocco vs Portugal for ITV at Qatar 2022.Jaswal also spent three years working for Channel 5’s The Wright StuffNow, Jaswal works with Premier League productions on their global Matchday Live coverage and makes appearances across a wide array of sporting events.ITV employed Jaswal for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, working as a reporter.Since, Jaswal has covered the Premier League, Cricket World Cup, Euro 2020, FA Cup, and 2022 FIFA World Cup.. Jaswal is expected to get involved in more snooker coverageThe presenter has the CV of dreams when it comes to sports broadcasting. Having presented the World Snooker Championship with the BBC, Jaswal is ecurrently on snooker fans’ screens at the UK Championships 2024.She also appeared on Channel 4’s coverage of the BDO Darts and the BBC for Snooker’s Triple Crown events.How old is Seema Jaswal?Jaswal has now been in TV and radio for over a decade, starting her career as a runner for Sky Sports.That is after she got her big break on CBBC presenting Newsround as Sportsround’s ‘roving reporter’ in 2008.Most read in Euro 2024Born in 1985, she is currently 39 years old. Is Seema Jaswal married?Seema’s maiden name is Pathan but she likes to keep her private life out of the public eye.Former England boss Fabio Capello says ‘fear’ will end Euro 2024 dream as he identifies player as the weakest linkShe is married but prefers to keep her husband out the limelight. 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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    BBC presenter claims he was chased around Old Trafford by masked ultras after wearing the wrong club shirt on run

    BBC Radio Manchester reporter Gaz Drinkwater has claimed he was chased around Old Trafford by masked ultras.Drinkwater took to social media to explain how his wardrobe mishap led to him running away from a group of Feyenoord fans.BBC presenter Gaz Drinkwater has claimed he was chased around Old Trafford by Feyenoord fans after wearing an Ajax shirt on a runCredit: TwitterDrinkwater showed his route had taken him around Old TraffordCredit: TwitterAjax and Feyenoord have a historically feisty rivalryCredit: EPAThe BBC presenter and commentator went out for a jog yesterday in Manchester wearing an Ajax shirt.Unfortunately for him, Ajax’s biggest rivals Feyenoord were in town to face Man City in the Champions League.That meant that his leisurely jog soon turned into him being chased around by some disgruntled Feyenoord fans who were less than impressed by his attire.On social media Drinkwater wrote: “Not sure I quite picked the right attire for today’s 10K run…READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Nothing will push you to your PB like a bunch of masked Feyenoord ultras chasing you around Old Trafford”.His followers and fellow football fans reacted to the unfortunate mistake.One wrote: “That’s one way to improve your personal best I suppose”.While another added: “Dutch fans are crazy!”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third joked: “Wait… you might’ve invented a genius way to give, or scare, yourself into a lot more motivation”.And a fourth commented: “Umm this sounds NUTS hahah”.Five Man City disasters that led to Pep Guardiola scratching his OWN face before ‘self-harm’ apologyFeyenoord had a successful trip to Manchester, pulling off a sensational comeback to take a point from their clash with Man City.The Dutch side were trailing 3-0 before they scored three times in the final 16 minutes of the match to draw level.Manchester United return to Europe tonight to face Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League, it’ll be new boss Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge at Old Trafford.Feyenoord pulled off a stunning comeback to earn a draw against Man City this weekCredit: Getty 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