In recent weeks, several UK celebrities have been making headlines for various reasons, from significant legal victories to exciting new television projects. Here's a roundup of the latest developments.
**Prince Harry's Legal Triumph Over News Group Newspapers**
Prince Harry has achieved a significant legal victory over Rupert Murdoch's UK newspaper group, News Group Newspapers . The publisher admitted for the first time to unlawful actions at its tabloid, The Sun, and agreed to a substantial damages payment. Harry had accused NGN of illegally obtaining private information about him from 1996 to 2011 and intruding into the private life of his late mother, Princess Diana. The settlement is reported to be over £10 million, mainly covering legal fees. NGN issued an apology for the serious intrusion into Harry's private life. This settlement may mark the end of similar lawsuits against NGN, which has faced significant financial repercussions from prior lawsuits involving phone hacking and other illegal information-gathering activities.
**Thomas Skinner's Political Influence Grows**
Former "Apprentice" star Thomas Skinner is transitioning from reality TV fame to significant political influence in the UK. At 34, the Essex native—known for his cheerful social media persona and catchphrase "bosh"—has surprised many by becoming a key political figure, despite rarely expressing explicitly political views. Skinner, who is also set to appear in the upcoming season of "Strictly Come Dancing," recently attended a high-profile barbecue hosted by US Vice President J.D. Vance, symbolizing his growing clout. Skinner's appeal lies in his unapologetically patriotic, working-class image and populist messaging that resonates with a culturally conservative demographic. Though vague on formal political ambitions, his alignment with right-wing figures and apparent support for populist causes is drawing attention from across the political spectrum, including Dominic Cummings and Reform UK. Critics argue that Skinner's influence is more cultural than ideological, based on "vibes" and nostalgic nationalism rather than coherent political thought. While some praise his relatable demeanor, others warn of misinformation and divisive rhetoric. As his fanbase—the "Bosh army"—grows, so does debate over whether he is a refreshing political outsider or a dangerously polarizing force.
**Vicky Pattison's Upcoming Appearance on Strictly Come Dancing**
Television personality Vicky Pattison has been announced as a contestant on the upcoming twenty-third series of "Strictly Come Dancing." Known for her appearances on "Geordie Shore" and "I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!," Pattison has become a familiar face on British television. Her participation in "Strictly" has generated excitement among fans, eager to see her dance performances and interactions with the show's professional dancers.
**Celebrity Traitors UK Set to Premiere**
"Celebrity Traitors UK" is set to premiere on BBC One later in 2025, following the success of "The Traitors UK" season 3. Hosted once again by Claudia Winkleman, this celebrity edition will see well-known faces competing in the popular murder-mystery format. Confirmed participants include Tom Daley, Bob Mortimer, Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross, and Clare Balding, among others. The show, filmed at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, will follow the usual format: celebrities will start as Faithfuls, with a few secretly selected as Traitors aiming to deceive the rest. Through missions, players build a prize fund of up to £120,000, with celebrities aiming to win up to £100,000 for charity. Regular banishments and "murders" spice up the gameplay, culminating in either the Faithfuls or a remaining Traitor claiming the prize. Rumored additional participants include Judy Murray, Lisa Riley, Richard Osman, and Daisy May Cooper. Production began in spring 2025, and fans can anticipate plenty of deception, strategy, and entertainment in this new twist on the hit series.
**Strictly Come Dancing Series 23 Line-Up Announced**
The line-up for the twenty-third series of "Strictly Come Dancing" has been announced, featuring a diverse group of celebrities from various fields. The confirmed contestants include Alex Kingston, Balvinder Sopal, Chris Robshaw, Dani Dyer, Ellie Goldstein, George Clarke, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Karen Carney, Kristian Nairn, La Voix, Ross King, Stefan Dennis, Thomas Skinner, and Vicky Pattison. The series is set to begin in late 2025, with fans eagerly awaiting the performances and dynamics of this year's contestants.
These developments highlight the dynamic nature of the UK's entertainment industry, with celebrities continually evolving and engaging in new ventures that capture public attention.
