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      I played for Worcester City Ladies and was bodybuilding superstar… now I’m appearing in hit BBC show reboot

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      FORMER Worcester City Ladies player Livi Sheldon once swapped football for bodybuilding.And she is now set to feature in the comeback of hit show Gladiators.
      Livi Sheldon is set to star in he reboot of GladiatorsCredit: Instagram @livisheldon
      Sheldon used to play for Worcester City LadiesCredit: Instagram @livisheldon
      She has been a finalist in a bodybuilding competitionCredit: Instagram @livisheldon
      Sheldon has 12,100 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @livisheldon
      Sheldon had a passion for sport from the age of six when she begun playing in a boys football team.
      Standing at 6ft tall, she beat the bullies that picked on her due to her height and she was eventually signed by Worcester City Ladies.
      Sheldon was soon made captain of the team that now play in the fifth tier of women’s football.
      The 29-year-old balanced the beautiful game with hitting the gym as she launched a career in bodybuilding.
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      Her hard work led to her being a finalist in the ‘England Toned Figure’ competition.
      And the influencer, with 12,100 followers on Instagram, has now been confirmed as one of the Gladiators ahead of the popular programme’s reboot.
      The BBC series hosted by Bradley Walsh is set to hit screens this autumn.
      Filming has taken place over the summer and it is a remake of the show which first aired in the 1990s and early 2000s.
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      Livi Sheldon will be nicknamed Diamond in the BBC seriesCredit: Instagram @livisheldon
      She has described the Gladiators chance as a dream opportunityCredit: Instagram @livisheldon
      Sheldon will star as a Gladiator nicknamed “Diamond” due to her “unbreakable strength and spirit.”
      On the struggles she has faced and the chance to show off her super strength on tele, she said: “When I was growing up I used to get picked on for being taller than everyone else.
      “Now I get to show everyone that being unique is your superpower.
      “I can’t wait to get into the arena and take on the contenders as Diamond.
      “If there was an opportunity I could wish for this would be it.
      “This truly is the biggest thing that has ever happened to me.”
      The blonde bombshell also posts workout videos onlineCredit: Instagram @livisheldon More

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      My dad was one of the greatest footballers ever – my career was completely different but now I’m a football chairman

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      REALITY TV icon Calum Best has announced he is now the chairman of Dorking Wanderers FC’s women’s team.The son of football superstar George Best has taken some time away from his reality TV career to get involved with his father’s old passion.
      Calum Best has confirmed he is now chairman of Dorking Wanderers women’s teamCredit: Getty
      The 42-year-old was approached by his friend Marc White – the owner of Dorking Wanderers Football Club – to see if he’d like to take the volunteer position of chairman for his team.
      Calum could not have turned down the opportunity of working in women’s football after being an active campaigner for the Her Game Too movement.
      It aims to tackle sexism and champion women’s football.
      Calum told the BBC: “I’d never even thought of being involved in football like this before.
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      “But, I thought there was the opportunity to do something positive for women’s football. And, of course, I quite liked the title.”
      There has been huge growth in interest in women’s football – not least since the Lionesses’ success at the Euros last summer.
      Dorking only formed in 2020 but have quickly established themselves and they now play in the London and South East Premier Women’s League – tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid.
      Calum also confirmed the team have been filming a BBC series titled “Squad Goals: Dorking ‘Til I Die”.
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      But he admitted he took the role before receiving the TV deal.
      He continued: “I took the role before any television was involved.
      “I’ve done a lot of reality TV, but I took the role as chairman for a different reason.
      “I just wanted to do something exciting and to learn as much as possible as I go.
      “It is all new, but this is a professional role. I think people who have watched me on TV before will see a very different side to me.”
      The Celebrity Love Island star grew up loving the game – his father George Best has been regarded as one the greatest players of all time in the sport.
      George spent the best part of his career at Manchester United, making 470 appearances and scoring a whopping 179 goals.
      He passed away in 2005 aged 59 as a result of alcohol addiction – meaning Calum had been raised by his mother Angie Best
      Calum said the decision to champion women’s football was linked to his childhood.
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      He added: “I was raised by my mother, so I’ve been surrounded by women my whole life.
      “Working for a ladies’ team has opened my eyes up to parts of the game I’ve never really known before.”
      Calum Best with his mother Angie Best and father GeorgeCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Leicester legend Jamie Vardy roasts Tottenham live on stage at BBC Radio 2 in the Park festival

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      LEICESTER legend Jamie Vardy roasted Tottenham live on stage at the BBC Radio 2 in the Park Festival.The 36-year-old was on stage at the two-day event in Leicester to introduce a DJ set by broadcaster Vernon Kay.
      Jamie Vardy took to the stage in LeicesterCredit: Twitter @SimmsLCFC89
      Jamie Vardy roasted Tottenham on stage at BBC Radio 2 in the Park FestivalCredit: Getty
      Warming up the crowd before Kay’s set, Vardy said: “Where are all the Tottenham fans?”
      The question was met with many boos and then Vardy replied: “Still got no bottle!”
      Former England forward Vardy was part of the Leicester squad that won the Premier League against the 5,000/1 odds in the 2015/16 season.
      Spurs were their nearest rivals for the title for most of the season, although Arsenal forced Tottenham into third on the final day.
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      Many opposition fans later suggested Leicester won the league as Spurs ‘bottled’ their best chance to win the Premier League.
      However, new Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has made a smashing start to this year’s campaign.
      Spurs are yet to be beaten and are second in the league table.
      They’ve won four and drawn one of their five league matches, their only defeat was getting knocked out of the Carabao Cup last month by Fulham.
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      Tottenham fans took to social media to respond to Vardy’s roast, hitting back by saying there is no rivalry with the Foxes and also pointing out they were relegated from the Premier League last term.
      One fan said: “Are we supposed to have a rivalry with these guys?💀😭”
      Another added: “Why are you guys so obsessed with Spurs? We literally couldn’t care less about your tiny club😂.”
      A third put: “From a bloke who got his team relegated and playing the championship.”
      Leicester have made a good start to life in the Championship, finding themselves second with five wins from six.
      Vardy has scored 172 goals during his 11-year spell at the Foxes including a goal and one assist this term. More

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      West Ham legend fights back tears as historic football memorabilia from heyday restored – and even host wells up

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      FORMER West Ham goalkeeper Peter Grotier fought back tears at the sight of his most treasured piece of football memorabilia after it was restored on The Repair Shop. The football legend got emotional over a 50-year-old memento from his heyday during his appearance on last week’s episode of the BBC show. 
      Former West Ham goalkeeper Peter Grotier fought back tears at the sight of his most treasured piece of football memorabilia after it has been restored on The Repair ShopCredit: BBC
      Peter held onto a programme from West Ham’s 1970 match against SantosCredit: BBC
      Peter, 72, played for West Ham United from 1969 to 1974. During that time, he played in what he calls one of the greatest matches of his career. 
      In 1970, right after Brazil won the World Cup, Peter and his West Ham teammates flew out to New York for an exhibition match against Brazilian football club Santos FC and he was surrounded by football legends. 
      He played alongside his hero Sir Bobby Moore and they faced off against his other footballing hero, Pelé. 
      Peter recalled the time fondly. He revealed: “I’m 19 years of age and I’m flying out in a jumbo jet out to New York, and I’m going to play against the greatest goal-scorer that’s ever been.”
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      During the match, Peter defended the net for the entire first half and the first minute of the second half and was thrilled to get to see his hero in action. He didn’t even mind when Pelé got two goals past him. 
      The match ended with a 2-2 draw and a special meeting between Peter and his hero. And, he ended up with a special memento to remember the say – a programme from that match which Pelé had signed for him. 
      But, unfortunately, over the years, the memento had faded and become increasingly fragile and unstable so he decided to take it to The Repair Shop. 
      On the show, Peter admitted: “The reason why it got in such a bad condition was because my family, we moved around to eight different houses, so it was packed away and folded, something I should never have done.”
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      Thankfully, The Repair Shop’s paper conservator, Angelina Bakalarou, was able to restore the programme to its former glory. 
      The transformation made Peter quite emotional.
      “Oh, wow! Oh, wow!” he reacted upon seeing the restored programme.
      “Yeah, that’s unbelievable. I actually feel I can open it now without – fantastic,” he said, getting a better look at the programme. 
      After examining it closely, he said: “The signature hasn’t been damaged at all. That looks really good, really good.
      “Of all the things I’ve kept, this is the one that means the most to me,” Peter added. 
      The former footballer started to well up and fought back tears as he recalled the “good memories” that the programme evokes. 
      “Just picking that up, I could see myself standing on the touchline before we went out to play.”
      “It was a big thing in my life to play in that game and it all comes flooding back now. So, thank you very much.”
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      Angelina appeared equally emotional at Peter’s words and was touched when the former West Ham star shared his plans to leave his cherished memento to his 17-year-old grandson Joseph, who has promised to never sell it.
      Joseph has followed in his grandfather’s footsteps by captaining the Essex side Wivenhoe Town FC Under-18s.
      Peter welled up at the sight of the newly restored programmeCredit: BBC
      He was thrilled that Pelé’s signature was in perfect conditionCredit: BBC More

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      Gary Lineker can’t resist cheeky sex joke to Alan Shearer on Match of the Day after awkward moment at live Wolves game

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      GARY LINEKER left Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy in stitches on Match of the Day with a cheeky sex joke. The host could not resist the quip with the show set to feature highlights of Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Wolves.
      Gary Lineker made a cheeky sex joke as he introduced Match of the DayCredit: Getty
      Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy found it hilariousCredit: BBC
      Lineker, Shearer and Murphy were previously the victims of a prank when the two sides met in January.
      Wolves were facing Liverpool in a FA Cup tie live on the BBC when sex noises began to blast around the studio.
      The trio continued broadcasting as panic, awkwardness and confusion set in as to where the sound was coming from.
      It eventually emerged prankster Jarvo69 had planted a phone to play the noises.
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      Lineker began yesterday’s show by hilariously referencing the incident, saying: “I’m joined by Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy, and I’m a bit nervous, to be honest.
      “We’ve got Liverpool and Wolves to come up a little later, and the last time you two were on with that game things got a little steamy.
      “Please tell me you’ve turned your phones off.”
      Lineker joked about the situation before in his first broadcast after it occurred, saying on Match of the Day: “Six games on the way, let’s hope we’re not rudely interrupted.
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      “Jermaine Jenas and Danny Murphy here. Danny, have you turned your phone off?”
      Jarvo revealed after the prank he sneaked into the studio by posing as part of the TV crew in the days leading up to the match to plant the device.
      He told SunSport: “These things are all about confidence. We got in because we made it look like we were meant to be there, so no one bats an eyelid.
      “There were about four staff working in the studio. We tried not to speak to them much, just saying ‘How are you?’
      “Our plan was to strap it under a chair or the table, but they might’ve got suspicious if we started moving stuff around.
      “So we strapped it to the top of the wall and because of the colour no one could see it.
      “We had a cheers with the beers afterwards then it was a waiting game, hoping no one had found the phone.”
      Lineker and Shearer awkwardly spoke over the loud sex noisesCredit: BBC
      A phone was planted in the studio by a pranksterCredit: @GaryLineker More

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      Luton contact ‘disrespectful’ Garth Crooks as boss Rob Edwards lashes out at BBC Sport pundit for controversial comments

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      LUTON have contacted Garth Crooks after his “disrespectful” comments about the club’s survival hopes.And manager Rob Edwards also lashed out at the BBC Sport pundit for his controversial assessment of the Hatters.
      Luton boss Rob Edwards has lashed out at Garth Crooks for his commentsCredit: Reuters
      Crooks tipped Luton to be relegated from the Premier League before ChristmasCredit: Dan Charity
      Crooks tipped the newly-promoted side to be relegated before Christmas after losing their first three Premier League matches.
      Luton were beaten at Brighton and Chelsea before a 2-1 loss to West Ham in their first home match.
      The results have left them 19th in the table, having scored just twice and conceded nine goals.
      Following the loss to West Ham, Crooks wrote in his BBC team of the week column: “It’s good to see the tangerine colours of Luton back in the big league once more, but I can’t take them seriously, and see them down by Christmas.”
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      Edwards has now revealed that Luton have contacted the former Tottenham forward.
      “I think after three games it is disrespectful,” the Luton boss told the BBC.
      “It does hurt when you hear comments like that. When people tell you that, it’s hard to shy away from it.
      “At this level in the Premier League you’re going to be shot at, people are going to have their opinions and I suppose that’s what he’s paid to do but I think it was a disrespectful comment.”
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      The club have also invited Crooks to visit their training ground to see their vision.
      Edwards added: “We have reached out to Mr Crooks so he can come in and we can show him what we do with our plan and that we’re not a team to be laughed at.
      “Our job is to get good results and performances and to change people’s minds.”
      Luton are back in action away to Fulham on Saturday before a home clash with Wolves next weekend. More

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      BBC presenter Emma Louise Jones mocks creep who sent her X-rated message in hilarious ‘DM Helpline’ clip

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      EMMA LOUISE JONES has mocked a fan who sent her a creepy X-rated message on social media.The Leeds United TV and BBC Sport star shared a witty video of herself posing to be a hotline assistant, speaking to the creep who is referred to as “Simon”.
      Emma Louise Jones brilliantly hit back at a creep onlineCredit: Instagram @eljonesuk
      She posted a video of her mocking their gross DMsCredit: instagram
      She is known for her work presenting on BBC and for Leeds United TVCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/?hl=en
      Emma, 33, has a massive following online with over 400,000 followers on Instagram.
      She is a fan favourite for her work as a sports presenter, however she does attract some unwanted attention.
      And she regularly exposes some who send creepy X-rated messages into her DMs.
      However, now she has come up with a brilliant way of mocking them, in the hope of deterring future offenders.
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      In a video posted to her Instagram account, Emma can be seen wearing a headset to appear as though she is working in a call centre for the “DM Helpline”.
      She then speaks to “Simon” who sent her messages saying “Hey Emma, show us your t**s please” and “Keep up the good work”.
      Emma responds: “Do you think that is an appropriate conversation starter Simon?”
      After mimicking a response, she added: “I know you said please, but you did still ask a woman that you have never met to show you her t**s.
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      She has had to deal with creeps on more than one occasionCredit: Instagram / @eljonesuk
      Emma receives a lot of attention on social mediaCredit: Twitter / @eljonesuk
      “I know you told her to keep up the good work, but you still asked a woman that you have never met to show you her t**s.
      “My advice to you would be to stop asking women to show you their t**s.”
      It is not the first Emma has opened “the DM Helpline”, as she did the same to “Sniffy Dave” back in May.
      And her fans loved the skit as they took to the comment section.
      She has over 400,000 followers on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/eljonesuk/?hl=en
      Emma has worked for Leeds TV and BBCCredit: Instagram @eljones90
      One fan commented: “These skits are funny but it’s a serious message.”
      A second wrote: “I really do enjoy these. I know there shouldn’t need to be a reason to post them in the first place hopefully it raises awareness.”
      A third said: “Was waiting for the next DM Helpline episode. It didn’t disappoint. Pure comedy.”
      While another added: “Comedy genius but with a serious message.” More

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      Jermain Defoe reveals Arsenal legend who used to PINCH him during matches as ex-Spurs ace says ‘I loved it

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      JERMAIN DEFOE claims Arsenal legend Martin Keown “pinched” and “headbutted” him – but the ex-Tottenham striker “loved it”.Defoe has revealed his shock at the “mad” baptism he revealed as a teen breaking into the Premier League against no-nonsense defenders.
      Jermain Defoe punched above his weight as a West Ham kid but fears other players could have been ruined by the same treatmentCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Martin Keown was named by Defoe as one of the harsh defendersCredit: Getty
      The former England star, 40, only quit playing last year after a second spell with Sunderland.
      But he vividly remembers the unexpected suffering he endured during his early days with first club West Ham.
      Defoe says he was “buzzing” with excitement but soon “stinging” with pain.
      Buzzing – from playing against greats like Thierry Henry amid the Gunners’ peak years under Arsene Wenger.
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      And stinging – from the treatment he got from ex-Three Lions centre-back Keown.
      He told BBC podcast Defoe & Deeney Football Firsts: “He’d be standing behind me.
      “He’d pinch your back or he’d headbutt the back of your head – mad stuff like that.
      “Remember, you’re not getting this in the youth team.
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      “So when he started doing it I was like, ‘what is going on here?'”
      Defoe thinks Keown’s behaviour actually inspired him – but wonders if other personalities would have buckled.
      He said: “It fuelled me. But if you are a different sort of character you are done.
      “In a funny sort of way I loved it because I’m buzzing anyway.
      “I’m playing at Highbury – Thierry and that all that lot playing there. I was buzzing, so when he (Keown) did it I loved it but it was mad.
      “The pinches would hurt, you know. It felt like someone had punched me – the sting and the little headbutts.”
      More than just grin and bear it, Defoe reckons Keown’s actions fired him upCredit: Getty More