BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Montell Douglas declares 'we're getting married' in surprise announcement

Strictly Come Dancing's Montell Douglas had the studio chuckling when she quipped that she's set to wed her professional partner, as the team geared up for their debut performance on the dance floor.

This year's Strictly has officially started for 2024 following a scintillating launch show. The first week is all about introductions, where the celebrity contestants and their pro partners take to the stage for their opening bid to score points and impress on the leaderboard with their dances.

Although the judges will be dishing out their critiques and the stars will receive scores, there won't be any heartbreaking goodbyes just yet no eliminations are scheduled for week one. However, come week two, the pressure mounts, as one celeb will find themselves waltzing off the stage permanently.

Montell and Johannes dressed for their first performance on Strictly (Image: BBC)

Montell, also known as the formidable Gladiator Fire, is teamed with Johannes Radebe. For their first dance routine, they performed a graceful Foxtrot to 'Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby' by Dinah Washington, kicking off their quest to lift the glitterball trophy.

But before they dazzled with their dancing, host Claudia Winkleman couldn't help but note how glamorous the "Mojo" pair looked.

As Montell, from Lewisham, stunned in an exquisite lace and sheer dress and Johannes was the epitome of style in his white shirt, cream waistcoat, paired with pin-stripped trousers, it was a perfect moment for Montell to jest, "Well, we are getting married," prompting laughter from the Strictly family, with Claudia adding, "You're all invited."

Montell looked like she was dressed for a wedding in her first Strictly costume (Image: BBC)

Fans will get their chance to vote starting week two on Saturday, with the season's inaugural elimination round broadcast the following night, reports the Mirror.

The excitement tonight will commence at 7pm on BBC One, but there won't be a results show this weekend.

Currently leading the betting odds are X Factor victor Shayne Ward and JLS celebrity JB Gill though former professional dancer Erin Boag has cautioned that Miranda star Sarah Hadland is also a contender to keep an eye on.

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Suspicious East Croydon package pictured as forensics comb scene after 'bomb scare'

A hammer and wooden block wrapped in a wire were laid out on the steps of Croydon's 50p Building, right outside East Croydon station

Photos show what appear to be the contents of a suspicious package in East Croydon which was detonated in a small controlled explosion this evening. A hammer and wooden block with wires wrapped around it have been seen laid out on the steps of One Croydon, colloquially known as The 50p Building outside East Croydon station.

UK News In Pictures photographer David Nathan snapped Met Police forensic officers taking photos of and inspecting the items which are laid out on a plastic sheet. They are then wrapped in the plastic sheet to be taken away for further examination.

Bomb disposal specialists and the police were called to Addiscombe Road, nearby East Croydon station just after 4pm. They evacuated the road, the nearby station and surrounding areas as a safety measure at about 5pm while experts assessed the suspicious package.

READ MORE: East Croydon 'bomb scare' sees controlled explosion carried out near station

They then blew up what's thought to have been a bag in a controlled explosion 'as a precaution' which marked the end of the incident as officers were told to stand down around 6pm. A Met Police spokesperson said: "At about 16:07hrs on Friday, 20 September, police were made aware of a suspicious package in Addiscombe Road, Croydon. Members of the public were evacuated and safety cordons were put in place while specialist officers assessed the item.

"As a precaution, specialist teams have conducted a controlled explosion at the location. This incident has now been stood down and enquiries remain ongoing."

The Met Police has been asked for more information on the items pictured outside One Croydon.

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EastEnders fans convinced Bobby Beale will make a return to Walford after spotting 'clue'

EastEnders viewers witnessed a tearful departure for Bobby Beale (portrayed by Clay Milner-Russell) on Thursday (September 19) evening, but eagle-eyed fans reckon he'll be back after noticing a compelling hint.

Earlier this week, the pie and mash shop employee was left devastated when he caught his girlfriend Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) in a clinch with his best mate Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier).

Adding to Bobby's heartache, he discovered that Anna had ended her pregnancy without letting him know. Despite Anna's attempts to reconcile, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) deceived Bobby, claiming she had confessed her feelings for Freddie.

Struggling to deal with the situation, Bobby contemplated moving to the Cotswolds to live with his mum Jane Beale (Laurie Brett), reports the Daily Star.

However, during the latest visit to Walford, Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) made desperate attempts to persuade Bobby to remain in the Square, deeply upset by his son's intentions.

Bobby Beale has left Albert Square but fans think he will be back (Image: BBC)

Anna's deceit also infuriated Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), who reminded Cindy of how she had put Ian in a similar predicament three decades ago.

A distraught Anna wanted to mend things with Bobby, but Cindy lied again, stating he didn't want to see her and suggesting Anna give him a week's space.

At The Vic, Ian lashed out at Freddie before confronting Anna about her lies. He was desperate to keep Bobby from leaving, not wanting to lose another child like he lost Steven and Lucy.

Anna told Bobby the truth about her pregnancy (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

In an emotional twist, Cindy and Ian stumbled upon Bobby conversing with his late sister Lucy at her grave, a decade after he was responsible for her death. An enraged Cindy lashed out at Bobby with flowers, pushing him to confront his horrendous act against her child.

The scenes struck a chord as Bobby chose to break free from his self-imposed "prison sentence" and leave his troubled history behind. Amidst tears, both Ian and Cindy acknowledged that setting Bobby free would have been Lucy's wish.

After years of absence, Jane made a touching return to the Square, appearing for the first time since 2017, to whisk Bobby away to the Cotswolds, offering warm parting words to Ian in the process.

Jane Beale returned to Walford to pick up Bobby (Image: BBC)

Bobby bid a heartfelt goodbye to his family and hopped into Jane's car, as the two made their final departure from Albert Square.

Yet, devoted EastEnders fans are speculating that Bobby's exit from Walford is not set in stone, after observing the BBC One drama's decision not to accompany his departure with Julia's Theme, which often heralds a character's permanent farewell.

On social media platform X, speculation among viewers stirred, with one commenting: "Poor form for Bobby to not get a Julia's theme. Unless he's coming back... #EastEnders."

Bobby Beale has left Walford (Image: BBC)

Queries and opinions poured in as another viewer questioned: "Bobby Beale didn't get Julia's Theme as he left? #eastenders", and yet another added their view: "Bobby should have got Julia's theme in my opinion."

Taking a stand on character departures, a fan asserted: "If Karen bloody Taylor gets a Julia's Theme exit - only to pop back twice within the following six months - then Bobby Beale absolutely deserves it #EastEnders".

One fan tweeted: "Bobby's gone. If/when he returns it'll probably be another actor. I've lost count of the total number of Bobby Beales we've had (the same for Ben Mitchell too). #EastEnders".

EastEnders airs Monday - Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer

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West London NHS hospital building to be sold off for ‘potential’ new houses after being declared 'surplus' by NHS

A old West London hospital building is being sold off after being declared ‘surplus’ by the NHS. The site may be used for ‘potential’ new houses by its next buyer.

The Wembley Hospital ‘Old Building’, which is for sale, has been declared as ‘surplus to requirements’ by the NHS. The hospital building has ‘potential for residential use’, according to Savills, who is selling the property for the NHS.

This building forms part of the wider Wembley Centre for Health and Care - a 2.26-hectare site comprising the Wembley Hospital ‘Old Building’, the Wembley Centre for Health ‘New Building’ and Barham House.

READ MORE: TfL names the Tube station overrun with tourists desperate for 'significant improvements'

The hospital building has ‘potential for residential use’, according to Savills (Image: Google Maps)

Savills said: “The site has development potential for residential use, but may suit other uses, subject to securing the necessary consents.”

Wembley Hospital was opened in 1928, undergoing numerous extensions throughout the 20th century. The new Wembley Centre for Health and Care was opened in 2000 on the site, with the hospital becoming part of the North West London Hospitals NHS Trust.

A spokesperson for NHS Property Services said: “A vacant section of the Wembley site known as the ‘old building’ was recently declared surplus to us by our NHS colleagues at the ICB.

“As part of our strategy to unlock value and reduce vacant space nationally across the NHS estate, we are now looking to complete the disposal of this part of the building. There will be no impact on services or patients and proceeds will be reinvested directly into the NHS.”

The Whittington Health Trust, who own the Wembley Centre for Health and Care, said the sale will have no effect on the dental service provided on the site and that patients should attend appointments as planned.

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EastEnders' killer Reiss Colwell 'exposed' as Teddy Mitchell makes huge demand

EastEnders' newbie Teddy Mitchell is on the brink of discovering the truth about Debbie Colwell's murder in a shocking plot twist.

Sonia Fowler (played by Natalie Cassidy) was recently sent to prison on remand after being falsely accused of murdering her partner Reiss' comatose wife Debbie (Jenny Meier), who was in a care home following a stroke.

However, the real murderer is Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) who suffocated his wife with a pillow to alleviate the financial strain of her care needs.

As his financial woes escalated, Reiss, who has been scamming Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), and Eve Unwin (Heather Peace), has reluctantly agreed to work for Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian).

Reiss has been forced to work for Teddy as he struggles financially (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

But in Tuesday's episode of the BBC soap (September 17), Teddy asked accountant Reiss to manipulate his accounts to make it appear as if he is broke, reports the Daily Star.

Yet, Reiss has been preoccupied with creating posters and a petition to highlight pregnant Sonia's innocence and secure her release from prison.

Now, Teddy has requested Reiss to conceal his wealth, even if it involves illegal activities, leaving him with no other option but to comply.

Meanwhile, Albert Square's rumour mill continues to churn out stories about Reiss and Debbie's murder, with some residents like Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) even refusing to sign his petition in case Sonia is indeed guilty.

Teddy Mitchell could uncover the truth about Debbie's murder (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

However, Teddy wasn't swayed by Reiss' campaign and instead put the pressure on him to manage his accounts, informing Reiss that he urgently needed the books back as his solicitor was requesting them.

In an attempt to expedite the process, he proposes to assist Reiss in proving Sonia's innocence, but only if he can meet the deadline.

Teddy then assured Reiss that he could secure Sonia's release from prison by employing his private investigator who would reveal who was behind Debbie's death.

Reiss appeared uneasy at the prospect of Teddy's offer. Could Teddy be the one to uncover Reiss' deceit?

EastEnders airs Monday - Thursday on BBC One at 7:30pm, and on iPlayer

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More London bus contracts could be given to small operators despite 8 routes being left in limbo

Smaller companies could end up in charge of more London buses despite what Sadiq Khan has described as their 'downsides'. It comes after Sullivan Buses suddenly withdrew from operating its eight routes in August, leaving their futures uncertain.

The firm said in a statement that, following a meeting with TfL, it had 'reluctantly decided to withdraw' from its contracts. These were for the 217, 298, 299, 327, 389, 399, 549 and W9. Officials scrambled to get other operators to take them over.

READ MORE: DLR trains slowed down after engineers notice they travelled 'too fast'

Sullivan added: "Pressures on TfL's funding have clearly had a direct impact on our decision. Unfortunately, the remuneration for providing TfL's services has not kept pace with the increasing costs of service delivery. In addition, financial penalties as a result of an increase in traffic congestion post-Covid have further impacted the viability of our TfL contracts."

Now, the Mayor of London has suggested that he may look to make things easier for smaller operators in London. Labour London Assembly Member Elly Baker told Mr Khan last week that she understands there are 'specific circumstances' as regards Sullivan pulling out, and she does not want to make 'too many assumptions'.

Smaller bus firms 'face more risk'

Sadiq Khan syas there's often a lot of 'bureaucracy' involved when bidding for a bus contract in London (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC)

But, she added: "It does seem to be that the risks to smaller, including not-for-profit or mutual, bus operators are more in the market in London buses than perhaps we'd like. Just by the fact that very few of them operate.

"Our bus network is dominated by very large transportation companies. I'm wondering whether you think that's ideal, whether you'd like to see some different, and whether there's anything that TfL could do to help smaller operators run certain services."

Mr Khan said: "What's happened is the bigger companies are better placed to get the franchises, which means the smaller companies haven't got a chance. Particularly because the expertise required to bid for a contract, then run it and so forth."

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He added that TfL is trying to be 'innovative'. But, the mayor noted that there were 'downsides' to awarding operation contracts to smaller firms, however, AM Baker had 'made him think' about the 'responsibility' TfL has to 'think about small companies'.

Mr Khan added: "If it's not happening, I think we should be being proactive about this."

He also said he would consider if extra help should be given to smaller firms due to the 'bureaucracy' involved in the bidding process for contracts.

During the mayoral election campaign in the spring, the Mayor said that he wanted to bring London's buses under public operation. This would involve TfL taking over contracts when those with private firms expire.

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Antiques Roadshow guest blown away as painting he bought for £20 is valued at £18k in Ealing episode

Antiques Roadshow has come to Ealing, West London, tonight for the latest episode in its 47th series. It returns to the beautiful Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery for the third and final episode BBC filmed there earlier this year in May, airing at 8pm on BBC One.

Over 3,000 guests attended the filming of the episodes hosted by Fiona Bruce. They saw amazing antique items like a set of watercolour paints that belonged to Queen Victoria, ‘dummy boards’ and not forgetting the rare wartime medal awarded to the carrier pigeon Mary.

Today the first guest on the show turned up with a portrait of a young boy with a golden background. He said he paid just £20 or £30 for it in a charity shop in the 1980s but now it is apparently worth between £12,000 to £18,000 - up to 600 times more than he paid for it.

READ MORE: Marvel fan who rode London buses to shops and Post Offices in search of rare comics could make £20k

The painting is signed FD Oeder which Antique expert Frances Christie revealed was for Frans David Oeder, a Dutch painter born in Holland who ended up painting a lot in South Africa and made a name for himself there. Ms Christie estimated that it was likely painted late 19th or early 20th Century but said: "It feels exceptionally fresh. It could have been painted yesterday and I think that shows how good Oeder was."

"He's managed to capture the very subtle facial features and thoughtfulness of this boy beautifully," Frances Christie said (Image: BBC)

The guest told the story of how he got it: after being brought up in South Africa in Cape Town he moved to the UK in the mid-80s. He kept returning to Cape Town to visit family however and, he said: "I saw it in a bric-a-brac shop and as soon as I saw him I thought 'I have to have that' so I bought him and brought him back to the UK so he's been here ever since."

Ms Chrisite praised Oeder's work: "He was very classically trained at art school in Rotterdam and in about 1890 he came to South Africa and was one of the very few artists at the time who had professional training and I think you can see that in this portrait. He's managed to capture the very subtle facial features and thoughtfulness of this boy beautifully."

"He's made this portrait look effortless," she added, despite the difficulty of using oil paints. She said that this is not a typical Oeder painting who is usually known for still life paintings. The guest also admired the work saying: "It was really capturing the essence of a person which is so important and the colours are also lovely and it's just such a simple painting in a way."

Christie believe this would not have been a commission but an impromptu painting because it is not Oeder's usual style. The impressed expert finally said: "If this would come to auction today then I can't see and estimate any less between 12 to 18 thousand pounds."

The shocked guest exclaimed: "Really? That's amazing, I had no idea. Thank you so much, that's so fascinating."

The Pitzhanger Manor in Ealing is filled with just as much history as the items on the show, belonging to legendary architect Sir John Soane who designed the Bank of England. The manor was where Sir Soane's entertained his celebrity friends like renowned artist JMW Turner. It served as a hub of creativity and intellect, hosting top figures from art, finance and politics.

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