It’s time for the third Britain’s Got Talent semi final on Wednesday 29 May, and one of the acts taking to the stage in the hopes of going through to the final on Sunday 2 June is Leightonjay Halliday from Douglas in Scotland.The 23 year old impressed judges Bruno Tonioli, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Simon Cowell with his water-soaked, emotional dance to Kodi Lee’s Changes with his original performance in the final round of auditions. In an interview with OK! a few hours before he was due back on stage for the live semi-final, Leightonjay revealed that when he was growing up he kept his dancing talents a secret from everyone to avoid being teased “I loved Grease when I was young because the dancing in that is respected and cool, whereas growing up in Scotland it was the complete opposite – as a dancer I wasn’t really respected or cool at all,” he explains.
Jewish community told to 'continue as normal' and 'remain alert' as terror suspects accused of gun attack plot in court
14.05.2024 - 20:01 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The Jewish community has been told to 'continue as normal' and 'remain alert' after two terror suspects appeared in court accused of plotting an Islamic State-inspired gun attack in the North West. Both men have been charged with the preparation of terrorist acts.
Greater Manchester Police does not believe there is a wider risk to the public. But the Community Security Trust (CST), which works to protect Britain's Jews and monitor anti-Jewish incidents, has said the case shows why the Jewish community needs extensive security.
It comes after Walid Saadaoui, 36, of Crankwood Road, Abram, Wigan, and Amar Hussein, 50, of no fixed abode, appeared in court on Tuesday (May 14) accused of plotting a terror attack designed to cause 'multiple fatalities using automatic weapons' in the North West of England. Westminster Magistrates' Court heard allegations that the men planned a terrorist attack against the Jewish community.
READ MORE: 'People don't necessarily recognise it as a crime - but we feel it'
Earlier this year, the CST reported a record number of anti-Semitic incidents across the country, with 555 cases taking place in Greater Manchester in 2023 alone - a 163 per cent increase compared to the year before. Commenting on the allegations of a planned terrorist attack against the community, the charity has urged people to report any anti-Semitism and suspicious activity at Jewish locations.
Northern regional director Amanda Bomsztyk said: "These are very serious allegations of a plan to commit a terrorist attack against British Jews at a time of record anti-Semitic hate crime levels. This is one of a number of recent and ongoing cases that demonstrate why the Jewish community needs such extensive security measures and why
Britain's Got Talent's Ant and Dec tease Simon after toilet break fiasco - 'Thanks for pointing that out!'
While Britain’s Got Talent features a host of comedy acts on stage each year, some of the funniest moments of the show actually take place when presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly tease the judges between performances. During the second semi final on Tuesday 28 May, the spotlight was turned on Simon Cowell as Ant and Dec made fun of Simon’s late return to the judges’ desk during the live show the night before.
West Dunbartonshire candidates welcome General Election announcement
West Dunbartonshire’s MP has welcomed the calling of a general election, saying that it gives voters the opportunity to “kick out this woeful Westminster government.”
BGT fans all saying same thing about latest contestant and former winner George Sampson
The final round of Britain’s Got Talent auditions aired on Sunday 16 May before it switches to the live semi-finals. Some viewers, however, didn't quite feel satisfied by the latest episode.
Gogglebox stars Sophie and Pete Sandiford's real lives – surprising jobs, secret relationships and acting past
Sophie and Pete Sandiford have cemented themselves as Gogglebox legends, thanks to their hilarious reactions and witty one-liners.The Blackpool-based siblings have been part of the cast since 2017, joining for the tenth series. Sophie, 27, and Pete, 29, proved to be an instant hit with TV viewers and have remained a part of the Gogglebox cast ever since.The pair's humour has helped them standout among their fellow Goggleboxers, as well as their iconic collection of tacky mugs and brightly coloured living room. So, what do we know about Pete and Sophie away from Gogglebox? Let's take a look into their lives away from the cameras...
Beatrice and Eugenie's 'chance of working royal role dashed thanks to Harry and Meghan'
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie's unwavering support for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could hinder their chances of assuming larger roles within the Royal Family, according to an expert.
Gia Coppola’s Pamela Anderson Picture ‘The Last Showgirl’ Posts Raft Of Deals For Goodfellas & Utopia – Cannes Market
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Marlène Masure Is TikTok’s New EMEA Content Chief; Former Paris Olympics And Disney France Executive Has Replaced Rich Waterworth
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'Danger to life' warning issued by Met Office amid 'severe' yellow rain and flooding alert
A 'danger to life' alert is in place across Greater Manchester amid a 'severe' yellow weather warning from the Met Office. Forecasters have issued the alert across the region and much of the north of England over the coming days.
Gogglebox stars’ salaries revealed - and one family will have raked in over £100,000
Gogglebox has become a firm favourite with TV viewers over the years, with the format of the Channel 4 show proving to be a genius idea.The hit show sees families across the UK watch the latest television shows and react to them - a simple but incredibly effective idea. Gogglebox launched in 2013 and is now in its 23rd series.There's been several spin-off editions too, including a well received celebrity version and a kids' show, dubbed Gogglesprogs.
Susan Boyle makes rare red carpet appearance at Pride of Scotland Awards with Love Island stars
Susan Boyle looked completely unrecognisable as she walked the red carpet at The Pride of Scotland Awards at The Hilton Hotel in Glasgow last night (May 21).The singer smiled for photographs and wore a stunning pale pink jumpsuit that was embellished with feather sleeves and paired it with silver accessories. Susan wore her hair in a sleek bob and opted for glowy make-up.
Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly break silence after arrival of baby Wilder
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly broke their social media silence this morning for the first time since Ant's first child - son Wilder - was born earlier this week.The pair, who share the same social media account, did their first post since the seismic news that the Geordie presenter and his wife Anne-Marie had welcomed a baby boy.The ITV duo appeared on video taking a trip to a primary school, where they have been giving a talk to young children as "Mr Ant and Dec" and shared it to Instagram. However, the pair failed to make reference to the fact Ant, 48, is going to be a regular at primary school soon enough himself after his son Wilder Patrick was born.
Jeremy Clarkson named UK and Ireland’s ‘Sexiest Man’ ahead of Tom Holland and Cillian Murphy
Jeremy Clarkson has been named the UK and Ireland’s sexiest man for the second year running, beating the likes of Cillian Murphy, Tom Holland and Idris Elba.The Clarkson’s Farm star scored an impressive nine out of 10 points in the annual poll conducted by Illicit Encounters, which proclaims to be “the best online dating site for married people”.Entering the UK’s top 10 for the first time was Spider-Man star Tom Holland, who came second with a score of eight out 10. Completing the top three is the Prince of Wales, who has shot right up after coming near the bottom of the list last year.The annual Sexiest Man poll from Illicitencounters.com takes votes from 2,000 of its female members.
Police patrols stepped up across Greater Manchester after terror suspects accused of ISIS-style Jewish community gun attack plot appear in court
Police patrols have been stepped up in Greater Manchester after two terror suspects appeared in court accused of plotting an Islamic State-inspired gun attack against members of the Jewish community in the North West.
Two men appear in court over alleged plot to carry out Islamic State-inspired attack designed to cause 'multiple fatalities using automatic weapons' against Jewish community in North West
Two men who allegedly plotted to carry out an Islamic State-inspired gun attack against the Jewish community have appeared in court.
Inside Eurovision drama from banned act to 'emotional' Olly Alexander and angry booing
This year's Eurovision Song Contest has got off to a frenzied start and the final hasn't even begun.
Check out the Eurovision 2024 running order and who’s competing
Eurovision is set to take place tonight (May 11) – check out the full running order and list of contestants below.Altogether, 37 countries entered the contest and were split in half to compete for a place in the finals across two semi finals on Tuesday (May 7) and Thursday (May 9). Tonight, 26 of them will perform in the final, with Big Five nations France, Spain, Germany, Italy, the UK and the host nation Sweden all going straight through.Representing the UK this year is Olly Alexander, who will be performing his song ‘Dizzy’ which has been compared to the likes of the Pet Shop Boys’ ‘It’s A Sin’.According to Eurovision World, the favourites to win the competition is Croatia, whose entry Baby Lasagna currently has a 42 per cent chance at snagging the crown this year with their song ‘Rim Tim Tagi Dim’.The full running order for Eurovision 2024 is:1. Sweden | Marcus & Martinus – ‘Unforgettable’2. Ukraine | alyona alyona & Jerry Heil – ‘Teresa & Maria’3. Germany | ISAAK – ‘Always On The Run’4. Luxembourg | TALI – ‘Fighter’5. Netherlands | Joost Klein – ‘Europapa’6. Israel | Eden Golan – ‘Hurricane’7. Lithuania | Silvester Belt – ‘Luktelk’8. Spain | Nebulossa – ‘ZORRA’9. Estonia | 5MIINUST x Puuluup – ‘(nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi’10. Ireland | Bambie Thug – ‘Doomsday Blue’11. Latvia | Dons – ‘Hollow’12. Greece | Marina Satti – ‘ZARI’13. United Kingdom | Olly Alexander – ‘Dizzy’14. Norway | Gåte – ‘Ulveham’15. Italy | Angelina Mango – ‘La Noia’16. Serbia | TEYA DORA – ‘RAMONDA’17. Finland | Windows95man – ‘No Rules!’18. Portugal | iolanda – ‘Grito’19. Armenia | LADANIVA – ‘Jako’20. Cyprus | Silia Kapsis – ‘Liar’21. Switzerland | Nemo – ‘The Code’22. Slovenia | Raiven – ‘Veronika’23. Croatia | Baby
Moment terrorism suspect is dragged to floor and handcuffed as police raid busy gym
Video footage captured the moment a suspected terrorist was arrested and dragged out of a busy gym by police.
ITV Good Morning Britain viewers rage after shock claim about King Charles and Prince Harry
Good Morning Britain viewers expressed their anger when regular ITV contributor Andrew Pierce made a shocking claim regarding King Charles' feelings towards Prince Harry.
Foo Fighters release extra tickets for Glasgow Hampden show and here's how to get them
Rock legends Foo Fighters are heading to Glasgow this summer and there's just been some good news for any fans who haven't been able to grab tickets yet. The Everlong hitmakers, fronted by Dave Grohl, have released a final set of tickets for the 2024 sold out stadium tour.