Thursday, June 11, 2026

Alex James bet his farm on new tour being a success

Blur star Alex James “bet his farm” on the Britpop Classical tour being a success. The 57-year-old bassist debuted...

Latest Posts

Paul McCartney has ‘fun’ breaking the rules of songwriting

Sir Paul McCartney says he’s still writing songs with the same rule‑dodging, wide‑eyed mischief he had as a teenager.

Paul Stanley says KISS are ‘timeless superheroes’ as he reflects on band’s defining breakthrough

Paul Stanley says KISS' secret weapon has always been their larger‑than‑life personas. The rock icon says the face paint-wearing...

Noel Gallagher scoffs at Chris Martin’s World Cup halftime show

Noel Gallagher doesn't approve of Chris Martin's World Cup halftime show. For the first time in the history of...

Olivia Rodrigo had a ‘near anxiety attack’ before taking to Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage

Olivia Rodrigo had a "near anxiety attack" before stepping onto Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage. The 23‑year‑old singer topped the bill...

Clara Amfo replaces Reggie Yates on Top of the Pops

Clara Amfo will replace Reggie Yates on the ‘Top of the Pops’ Christmas specials.
The 33-year-old Radio 1 presenter will co-host two one-hour specials of the festive music show alongside Fearne Cotton after Reggie quit for making "some ill-considered remarks".
Clara said: "I’m so happy and honoured to be presenting ‘Top of the Pops’ alongside Fearne. It’s an iconic show that I’ve grown up with and continue to enjoy watching, especially during the festive season.
"2017 has been a rich year in pop and I can’t wait to celebrate it with the artists, Fearne and everyone at home."
Reggie, 34, confirmed this week he will not be co-hosting the specials after he referred to music managers as the "fat Jewish guy", which he apologised for shortly afterwards, during an interview with DJ Chuckie Lothian in an episode of a podcast titled, ‘#Halfcast Podcast: Take Back The Power’.
In a statement released via his Twitter account yesterday (05.12.17), he said: "On a recent podcast, during a discussion about grime artists, I made some ill-considered remarks which have hurt many people.
"I can see clearly that the words I used reinforced offensive stereotypes, and that there is no context which would justify such remarks.
"My comments are no reflection on how I truly feel, and I would like to apologise unreservedly to the Jewish community, people in the music industry and anyone else I have offended.
"This has been, and continues to be a huge learning experience for me, and on reflection I have taken the decision to step down from hosting Top of the Pops this year. (sic)"
On the podcast, he said: "The thing that makes it great about this new generation of [music] artists is that they ain’t signing to majors.
"They’re independent, they’re not managed by some random fat Jewish guy from north west London, they’re managed by their brethren."
Clara hosts the Radio 1’s mid-morning show – which is home to the Live Lounge and sees some of the biggest acts from around the world to perform some of their hits or covers.
Mark Cooper, head of music television, BBC Studios said: "Clara is a great champion of all kinds of pop music and she lights up the screen with her radiance.
"She’s a joy on Radio 1, she did a great job presenting on BBC TV at Glastonbury this year and now she’s co-hosting Top of the Pops! Clara and Fearne will be a formidable duo."
The ‘Top of the Pops’ Christmas Day (25.12.17) special is set to feature a line-up including Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, James Arthur, Clean Bandit, Rita Ora and The Script.

Latest Posts

Paul McCartney has ‘fun’ breaking the rules of songwriting

Sir Paul McCartney says he’s still writing songs with the same rule‑dodging, wide‑eyed mischief he had as a teenager.

Paul Stanley says KISS are ‘timeless superheroes’ as he reflects on band’s defining breakthrough

Paul Stanley says KISS' secret weapon has always been their larger‑than‑life personas. The rock icon says the face paint-wearing...

Noel Gallagher scoffs at Chris Martin’s World Cup halftime show

Noel Gallagher doesn't approve of Chris Martin's World Cup halftime show. For the first time in the history of...

Olivia Rodrigo had a ‘near anxiety attack’ before taking to Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage

Olivia Rodrigo had a "near anxiety attack" before stepping onto Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage. The 23‑year‑old singer topped the bill...

Don't Miss

‘I love his voice’: Lindsey Buckingham reveals his thoughts on Sam Fender

Lindsey Buckingham has shared his thoughts on Sam Fender’s music after his son suggested one of the North Shields star’s songs sounded...

Rick Ross ‘satisfying cravings of success’ with new ventures

Rick Ross is determined to satisfy his “cravings of success” in every venture he takes on. The 50-year-old...

Ellie Goulding loves songs of love and heartbreak

Ellie Goulding's "favourite things" to write about are "love and heartbreak". The Black Prada Dress hitmaker has teased her...

Shania Twain biopic in the works as country superstar returns to her roots

Shania Twain’s life story is heading to the big screen. The film Shania is in development at Sony Pictures,...

Charli xcx brands musicians‑turned‑actors ‘inherently cringe’ as she opens up about her leap into film

Charli xcx admits a musician turning to acting is "inherently cringe". The Boom Clap hitmaker has done just that...

Stay in touch

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.