23.4.14

INTERVIEW - Ryan Malaty (Are You The One)


We just can't get enough of Are You The One and the fantastic cast of the first series. We spoke to the incredibly handsome and rather lovely Ryan Malaty who was one of the stars of the show about everything and more!

Hi Ryan, what made you want to take part in the show?

Hi! Well, I love to travel to new places, meet new people and experience new things. So when I was asked to stay in a mansion on a tropical paradise with 10 beautiful women for the chance to win money…how could I say no?

Were you skeptical about the idea they could find your 'perfect match'?

After going through such an extensive casting process, I was actually optimistic. I knew the girls were going to be attractive, smart and outgoing. Or else they wouldn't have made it on the show. As far as a "perfect match", well, at that point I wasn't sure what was perfect for me anymore, so I didn't know what to expect. But I was ready and willing to fall in love, and sometimes, that's all it takes.

You and Kayla were quite close, what attracted you to her?

Aside from physical attraction, we had amazing chemistry. It started with our shared passion for writing and grew over time. We laughed and flirted and had unforgettable moments that bonded me closer to her than to other girls in the house.

What made you think she was your perfect match?

I wasn't sure if what I wanted was all that different from what I needed. At first I thought she had it all, and then I started to realize that I was falling into old habits. I didn't need a truth booth to tell me we weren't a match.

How did you feel when she began spending more time with Wes?

Wes is a good guy and he respected what Kayla and I had going on - for the most part. The whole point of the game was to get to know everyone, so I gave her space. But when she acted touchy-feely with the other guys, I gave her even more space. Ain't nobody got time for that!

What was it like in the house during and after your argument with Kayla? 

It was heaping portion of awkward with a side of painful tension.

Jess was actually your perfect match (we thought that was obvious) did it ever cross your mind she was and not Kayla?

Of course it crossed my mind that Kayla wasn't my match, many times. And it might have been obvious to the viewers at home that Jess was my match, but it was a lot harder to figure out than what was seen on tv. A lot of the girls were sweethearts. It was a matter of strategy of the mind AND heart that brought us together.

What's happening with you & Jess now, friends? Potentially more?

Jess and I are great friends! We talk and snapchat all the time. Her weirdness fuels my inner-dork. She has a boyfriend-ish thing going on, and I'm happy for her. And honestly, I spent so much emotional energy on the girls in Hawaii, that I'm going to enjoy being single for awhile.

We heard you loved the game aspect of the show, did you have a strategy? 

I love math problems, puzzles, riddles, you name it. After being explained the rules of the game, I knew exactly how to win it. But the game wasn't just about winning money, for most, it was about relationships. And you can't treat relationships like a game or everyone will end up losing.

What was it like filming the reunion show? Did you expect Adam to reveal you'd had a few 'visitors'?

The reunion show was painful. I was expecting everyone to be nicer to each other, but hey, drama drama drama is what this group is good at. Adam definitely broke guy code that day! But I never hooked up with anyone before Kayla came out to visit. Even if I did though, I'm single, so it shouldn't really matter.

Watching it back did anything you saw shock you? Did anything happen you weren't aware of?

Watching the show was always a surprise. I never knew what the dates looked like that I didn't go on. Likewise, there's plenty of conversations that happened in the house I wasn't there for. JJ kissing Jacy in the Truth Booth was a shocker…etc. I was always on the edge of my seat when Are You The One came on.

In hindsight would you do a anything differently? 

I would definitely be more assertive. I tend to be so nice that people take advantage of me, and take me for granted. But honestly, life's too short for regret.

Has the experience changed you at all? 

Almost every experience changes me in one way or another. This show was an incredible experience that gave me better insight into what type of person I need to be with. And there are few experiences on Earth than can do that. I am truly grateful for the friends and memories that were made.

What's the reaction been like from people who've seen the show towards you?

Most people are happy for me, and I'm very fortunate that the show was received so well. Being the first season, there was really no way to know if people would like it. And I'm thrilled that they do!

What's next for you? More TV? Something different? Potential visit to us here in the UK?

Adam and I have been bouncing around the country doing a variety of appearances. Our eyes are set on California but there are other options, too. If I had the opportunity to work more in television, I would most definitely consider it. Television is a blast! I'm also working on a few book ideas. And if the UK will have me, I'd be honoured. 

MTV Ex On The Beach - Episode One.



MTV’s Ex On The Beach is an instant hit. The new series launched last night and smashed the channels rating records. It achieved the highest ever audience amongst 16-34’s, which is over a 3rd higher than Geordie Shores first ever episode and almost 75% more than that of The Valleys (no real surprise there).

The show sounds like a dream for those taking part, sun, sea, sand, booze, beautiful people and guaranteed dates; then comes the twist. Whilst the young pretty folks are sunning themselves and getting dirty and flirty their Ex’s will slow-mo walk out of the ocean and back into their lives. Dream holiday? Possible nightmare!

The brilliant first episode introduced the core cast and saw the first ex arrive. There was drama, insults, drink throwing, gagging, flirting and some classic Vicky Pattison one-liners. It’s no shock it was an instant hit and Twitter loved it. We’re hooked!

Vicky 


Unless you live under a rock, don’t own a telly or perhaps find people getting drunk and having sex on TV a little off putting you’ll know exactly who Vicky is. It was only moments before Vicky and her genius one-lines were flowing and the lads came flocking. Chosen for the very first date, and the second (if Liam had his way) and the third Vicky is proving pretty popular. She’s already had a lady and the tramp moment with Chloes’ ex Ross and we can’t see her popularity wavering. We love Vicky, possibly inappropriate amounts, her quick wit and venomous humour will no doubt be some of our favourite moments during the series.

Liam


No he hasn’t been on Big Brother; handsome, cheeky, northern guys aren’t all the same person you know! Once we realised Liam wasn’t that guy who won Big Brother many years ago and bounded into the group full of confidence. Liam didn’t make the best first impression on the girls proclaiming his choice of date Emily was second best then getting so incredibly drunk he chucked a drink over Ash and slept in his own vomit. What a catch! Oddly none of that put us off, we love him, we love him like we love a naughty puppy that pisses up our leg. He’s cheeky, hilarious and will provide us with some brilliant drunk moments.

Chloe


A few of the lads took and instant shine to Chloe; even though she’s not a blonde in Marcos’ case. Flirting ensued and a mini-almost-but-not-love-triangle was formed between Chloe, Marco and Ash. It was all going swimmingly until her ex Ross turned up, although according to Chloe nothing ever happened between them and she’s totally not jealous seeing him with other girls – yeah right! We took an instant dislike to Chloe, not sure why, perhaps it’s the ‘I don’t get on with girls’ vibe she proudly flaunts. Despite that, it’s clear to see she’s going to the source of plenty of drama, and for that, we’ll pretend to like her.

Marco


Self-proclaimed vainest man in (insert where he’s from here – we were distracted by the beautiful hair). He only dates blondes, not average blondes though, just the beautiful ones. With only one blonde on offer it was settle for Emily or broaden his horizons and try out a brunette. Flirting soon ensued with Chloe and we doubt that’ll stop now her ex is in the house. We like Marco, yes he’s a little vain, yes his mirror is probably his best friend and yes his hair is very distracting but we still like him.

Jack


Jack strolled onto the show, unassuming yet confident, genuine but intriguing. He offers a little something different to the others lads on the show, for a start he’s got a different hairstyle and he doesn’t seem to want to marry himself either. Jack went on the very first date of the series with Vicky, it all seemed very friendly but lacked a bit of chemistry so no early action for him. He’s our early favourite, and it’s not because he lives round the corner form us; honest.

Emily


The only blonde on the show – so far. Emily was the first of the ladies to arrive and quickly bonded with Vicky, confessing to her none of the lads take her fancy. Picked (reluctantly) by Liam for one of the first dates sparks of the romantic kind definitely didn’t ignite. We’ve yet to form a proper opinion on Emily just yet, but it’s early days and we have a feeling we’re going to like her once things get going.

Ash


No you weren’t seeing double Ash and Marco are different people, we promise; just hair twins. Ash definitely isn’t shy; he strolled up the beach in some golden shorts that were close to rivaling Kylies’ infamous hot pants, complete with numerous gold chains and rucksack. He likes gold. He had a love-hate type flirty exchange with Chloe early on but seems to be keeping his options well and truly open. We’re big fans of Ash and his morning Jeward hair, it’s a thing of towering beauty, plus we’re intrigued to find out what he’s hiding in his Mary Poppins rucksack.

Farah


We’d forgive you for forgetting Farah, we very nearly did! Like the rest of the cast we judged her very early on; wrongly so. Branded boring by a few and not realign getting involved we’re not quite sure why Farah is on the show. Perhaps she’s a slow burner, there’s nothing wrong with taking your time and measuring up your options. We’re open to liking her, so long as she doesn’t keep crying.

The Ex’s

Ross


The first ex to Baywatch stride out of the ocean. Ross is supposed to be Chloes’ ex but she’s denying anything ever happening between the two; her face when he strolled off with Vicky on a date said otherwise though. He’s got a terrible nickname but he’s a fast working, charming Vicky within moments of meeting her and getting him a kiss in the process. Looks like Ross is going to be a huge hit with ladies, might be best for him if he’s not though; Vicky has a jealous streak.

We cannot wait for episode 2!

If you missed the launch show last night, never fear, it’s repeated tonight on MTV at 10pm. Enjoy!

Ed Sheeran - 'X' Gets Release Date.



Ed Sheerans’ hugely anticipated second album, X; pronounced multiply has a release date.

We’re ridiculously excited!

Although don’t get too excited, there’s a little wait yet. The album is due for UK release on the 23rd June, that’s only 61 days… the countdown begins.

Eds’ first album was a huge success going 6 times platinum in the UK alone; that’s quite a lot of ears being made happy. So if that’s anything to go by we predict a few sales records might just be broken.

X was recorded in locations all around the globe and boasts a wealth of experienced and critically acclaimed individuals being involved.; Rick Rubin, Benny Blanco and Jeff Bhasker all had a hand in producing the album. Let’s not forget Pharrell though, whatever he touches at the minute is an instant hit. Pharrell has produced Eds’ lead single ‘Sing’ that is due for release in the UK on the 1st of June; it’s already an Internet hit after the audio was posted on YouTube. It’s quite frankly bloody brilliant.

The album includes a personal song to Ed ‘Afire Love’ which he wrote about his grandfather who sadly passed away last Christmas. With his way with beautiful lyrics and that sentiment, it’s going to be a heartfelt favourite. Another track, ‘Photograph’ is a timeless ballad that was actually written back in 2012 in a hotel room in Kansas whilst he was touring with Snow Patrol. The track ‘Don’t’ was born from a riff on his phone but is set to be one of the albums biggest songs.

Our ears have been crying out for some new Ed Sheeran material for a while now and we can finally get excited for just that!

Full Track Listing:
1. One

2. I'm A Mess

3.  Sing

4. Don't

5. Nina

6. Photograph

7. Bloodstream

8. Tenerife Sea

9. Runaway

10. The Man

11. Thinking Out Loud

12. Afire Love
 


Track Listing: Deluxe Version
13. Take It Back

14. Shirtsleeves

15. Even My Dad Does Sometimes

16. I See Fire

18.4.14

ALBUM REVIEW - The Kaiser Chiefs 'Education, Education, Education & War'



Wow, this album is boot-strappingly British. ‘Education, Education, Education & War,’ is the newest album by a band close to my heart, ‘The Kaiser Chiefs.’ Fourteen years and five dynamite albums, churned out to the masses they are still making moody, rowdy songs so popular that they are rocking stadiums up and down the country. I was also a fan during my teens, and listening to this one, I can see myself putting it on repeat; and I think you should to! But enough of me, onto the review!

The lads from Leeds have created an album that sings of confidence and power; and even though missing their founding member, drummer Nick Hodgson, they do not seem to have lost their ‘indie/rock’ power. The boys are back with their politically empowered album that mixes coarse singing with keyboard-infused killer chords seen in the stunning opening song, ‘The Factory Gates.’ The song starts with riffs that scream of the old Kaiser Chiefs and it has the underlying tone of rebellion right from the start. It opens with a burst of riffs from the keyboard, and Wilson’s gritty voice singing over the top. Lyrics include the damning, ‘you are contractually tied to death’s door.’ A song that really links back to the roots of the band, but also bringing it right up to date! ‘Coming Home,’ is a sing-along standout, it has a softer quality and allows the lead singers voice to sing over the classic guitar chords and the riffs of the rhythm guitar. The uplifting chords help to bring an inspirational feel to the song. I can see teenagers and adult’s alike singing along to this at festivals with their lighters in the air. What an absolute beauty! 

Misery Company is the next song on the album, and it has a much more powerful feel to it. This is mirrored in the stop chords of the guitar. Wilson’s voice is contained but drives the song forward making it feel almost like a march. The song also features an addition of Wilson’s manic laughing that adds a darker tone to the song that I wasn’t expecting. The song has so much pace that it really sweeps the listener along. However it sings of a darker side of the album, which overall has a rather angry tone as Ricky Wilson sings of contemporary Britain, but with a side of sarcasm and satire. Punctuated with ‘jokey’ lyrics it adds an unbalance to the album that makes you question what the real message is behind the songs. This leads the songs however at times to be extremely frank with the listener; take the unequivocally quirky Coming Home, the lyrics sings, ‘May I remind you that you’ve got nowhere to go?’ The lyrics are speaking of the current binge-drinking epidemic, in which we as teens appear to drown our sorrows of unemployment and disappointment in the bottom of a vodka bottle!

Elsewhere Wilson sweeps his weary eyes over the wannabe squaddies playing with replica guns and pretending to be in battle in ‘Ruffians on Parade,’ and it sings of a lack of knowledge of the dangers of corruption. It is a powerful song that warns of the descent of Britain and how this has come about through the mistakes of others. The album finishes with the song ‘Roses,’ which was my favourite song on the album and although it still has a beat it is lulling and allows Wilson’s voice to really sing. It shows that the Kaiser Chiefs have the ability to grow and to sing in a Britpop style, rather than foot-tapping indie/rock style and I hope that they will take this forward into their next album, as it would definitely help to show a different edge that the band ultimately has! This is an album full of foot-tapping riffs, with power chords a gritty but beautiful lead voice and secret meanings about the decay of modern Britain. What more could you want from one of Britain’s longest running contemporary indie/rock bands. Some have argued in reviews that the songs are shallow, however I think that this means the listener has to think more. I always think that an album should never be taken on its face value and here it is important to immerse yourself completely to understand exactly what the lads are saying. This album is definitely worth a listen, and if you want to be transported back to house parties, pretending to play the air-guitar this is definitely for you!


17.4.14

INTERVIEW - Ashleigh Morghan (Are You The One)


We were huge fans of MTV hit show, Are You The One, but thanks to editing we didn't get to see everyone and everything! So we spoke to Ashleigh about her journey and the things we might have missed...

What made you take part in the show? Was it love, or money?

Love! We actually didn’t know about the money until after we got there, so we all went on the show thinking we were going to find love, we didn’t even know the whole concept of the show, I just knew it was a dating show and then we found out about the money when we got there.

Were you skeptical about the whole idea of the ‘perfect match’?

Oh I was totally skeptical. How are they going to determine who my perfect match is? I can’t even figure that out in real life, so how am I going to come on a show and find a perfect match. I thought the tests were trying to make it seem like they could do something but then after at the end I realised, wow this is kind of real.

You and Dre became close, what drew you to him?

It was funny because when I first came into the house I was attracted to Scali and we talked a little bit. I was kind of avoiding Dre because I thought he had a bad boy persona, and I was like, been there done that. Then I sat down and thought, well the whole point of me coming on this show was to get outside of my box, try something new and meet someone new so that’s why I gave Dre a chance. I realised we had a lot in common, we liked the same things, we have a lot of the same interests. That’s when it became apparent to me I was getting attracted to Dre and started to like him.

How did you feel when it was revealed he wasn’t your perfect match? Were you shocked?

I was shocked. I was 80/20, 80% saying sure he was my match, but a little bit of me was saying it could be someone else. I didn’t know who that person was. I wasn’t 100% sure he was my match but I really really wanted him to be, I’d invested so much time into Dre so I was devastated. It sucked that we weren’t a match.

You’ve mentioned on Twitter we didn’t see a lot of what really went on in the house, what did we miss?

I wish they’d have shown a lot more of our personalities. It seemed like they focused on a couple of people in the house, but there were funny people throughout the house. One night we did a free-style battle and Paige was free-styling, and everyone looks at her like, Paige is rapping?! It would have been nice for people to see us interact on a funny level. We made up a fake TV show, me and Chris T, called ‘The Saddle’, it was a western show and we’d pretend to be characters. Then there’s things like we’d have a drink and we’d be in the hot tub having a good time, none of that was shown. Dre and I bonded a lot, I wrote him a letter confessing my feelings for him, then he took me outside, he’d paid one of the producers to go out and get me a bear and some roses and he wrote me a note, it was raining a little bit, that was really cute.

We heard A LOT went off at the White Party…

What happened with the White Party is, first we had a photoshoot in the morning, then we filmed the sand challenge and that night it was the party. So we ate before the challenge, they told us were going to get food later so none of us had really big meals, then we were drinking whilst we were getting ready and all the guys we so drunk, they were like you girls need to catch up. We get to the White Party and it’s finger food! All of us got annihilated. All the girls were trying to do the hula, I made-out with Jacy, that caused a big problem, Dre got really upset with me about that. I’m really weird about kissing, I don’t know why, but when I drunk I’m like (insert enthusiastic kissing noise here & much laughter). I don’t remember a lot because I was throwing-up but I just remember looking around and everyone was in the sand cuddled up or throwing-up or making-out. It was pretty intense.

What was it like living in a house with all those people day to day?

At first it was like, I have no privacy, I have no alone time, I can’t be myself. Then when I came home I was in shock because I was so used to being with those people every day and I missed them so much. I’m in my apartment with my roommate, sad, I’m used to having 19 other people, someone walking past, someone laying down, there was always someone doing something.

JJ was actually your perfect match; did he ever cross your mind during the show?

It’s so weird because looking back in hindsight I don’t know what the hell was wrong with me! The first night we were in the house I met JJ and we free-styled against each other, like hardcore. People don’t really know this but I’m super nerdy, I like comics and superheroes and Dragon Ball Z and transformers. He and I would talk about all that stuff but even then it never occurred to me he was my match. I remember Jacy saying she could see JJ being my match because she spent the most time with him on an emotional level, but I’d be like, erm I don’t know. We both have big hearts, we’re both giving people then we have our nerdy comic side, so looking back I don’t know how I didn’t notice it.

Have you seen him since the show ended? Do you keep in touch?

I check-in from time to time because he’s my perfect match, it’s one of our obligations, so I’m like, hey match! I’m interested in acting and films and he does comedy so we’re both in the entertainment aspect, so I’ve been checking on him seeing how his comedy is going and stuff.

What was it like filming the reunion show?

I was so excited because I hadn’t seen anyone since we stopped filming in November so it had been three of four months and I was ecstatic, I couldn’t wait to see everyone again. We met up the night before and everyone was all, I’ve missed you, and we all watched the last few episodes together, then the actual reunion that was filmed tore us up. We were all supposed to go out that night and everybody went their own seprate ways, some didn’t even go out. It was bad. You guys saw an hour of it; we were there for I think nearly ten hours filming. It made me think, I’m so glad not to be around all this drama anymore, there was so much drama, people throwing other people under the bus, it was too much for me, I just wanted to go home.

How did you feel when it all came out about Dre and Simone? Were you expecting it?

Two weeks before the reunion I got a phone call ‘hey how are you, blah blah blah, did you know Simone and Dre had sex?’ and I was like what?! No no no no no, I’m thinking Dre would have told me that. He ended up calling me that day, we were talking about ‘The Bethany Show’ and I just asked him if he’d hooked up with Simone and he was like, who told you that? That was my first red flag, who told you that, is, yes I did how do you know. So I said just be honest with me and he was like, yeah she was my perfect match blah blah blah, which kind of rubbed me the wrong way and I kind of went off on him, he understood and said ‘we were a perfect match, we hooked up, I didn’t think it was a big deal’. I was like, I just wish you’d have told me, not because it’s my business but in our given situation it kind of is. In regular real life, no, but I lived with her, I lived with him and I looked stupid. On the reunion I knew it was going to get brought up but I didn’t expect Simone to snap the way she did, me and Dre had kind of left it in the past so we were reliving it at the reunion.

Besides JJ and Dre, who would you liked to have been your perfect match?

At one point I thought Ryan was maybe my match (we mention we liked Ryan – a lot), we’re both hopeless romantics, he has a nerdy side too, it’s odd because he’s kind of like JJ but JJ is funnier, Ryan tries to be funny, sometimes he is and sometimes he’s not. I love Ryan. It’s weird that I thought Ryan was my match but I never thought JJ.

Watching it back do you regret anything? Would you do it all again?

I don’t regret anything, I feel like in the moment that’s what I wanted to do so I can’t regret something that at one point in time I wanted. I wish I would have been shown more so people could see who I was and the kind of person I am, I feel like I would have been better understood, some people were like, who is that girl I didn’t even know she was on the show, it was centered round a couple of people and I always refer to myself as a background actor. I know my journey and maybe my journey wasn’t meant to be shown, so to me that’s all the matters. I know what I took from that experience and that’s all I need. Would I do it again? Reality TV shows are harsh, so harsh, I don’t know, probably.

Were you surprised by anything watching the show back that you didn’t know had happened?

It’s funny because I figured I’ll watch the show back but I already know what’s going to happen, I never thought I’d be seeing other peoples perspective and other peoples journeys so I was shocked. Scali talked all that shit about Simone and I was like, damn I didn’t know he felt like that. Kayla and Ryan, their argument where everyone was looking over at them and then ran away, Joey and I were out on our date so I didn’t see any of that. I don’t remember a whole lot specifically, Paige and Scali, some of that stuff I didn’t really know, but most of the main stuff we were all together. It was interesting to see some of the smaller stuff and see how things were unfolding.

What’s next for you? More TV?

Acting has been my passion for as long as I can remember, I have a theatre minor so I’d love to work on films and stuff like that, I’m taking acting classes and making myself more marketable in the acting world. Some people think because they know I’m an actress that I was acting on the show, I’m honoured you think I’m such a good crier, I can’t fake cry to save my life. I can only speak for myself but there was no acting, it was all real. My next step is to hopefully keep acting and look for an opportunity on TV or in films.

16.4.14

MOTW Review - Liverpool V Man City



Liverpool 3 - 2 Man City
Liverpool took a huge step towards winning their first title for 24 years as they beat Manchester City at Anfield. Prior to the game, fans and players alike marked the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster with an impeccably observed minute’s silence with the Kop end holding up cards to produce a huge mosaic in memory of those who lost their lives during the tragic event.
Vincent Kompany was a doubt for City prior to kick-off after limping out of training on Saturday. He was passed fit to play after a solo warm-up; hindsight now suggests he maybe shouldn’t have been rushed.
Fast starts have become a trademark for Liverpool this season; the best of which is surely leading Arsenal 4-0 by half time. And they were at it again as teenager Raheem Sterling gave them the lead after six minutes. Luis Suarez, who had already been booked for a late challenge on Martin Demichelis, played a perfect pass behind the City backline into Sterling, who showed remarkable coolness to turn Kompany inside out and wrong-foot Joe Hart before slotting into a virtually open goal.
Things got worse for Manuel Pellegrini’s men as Yaya Toure pulled up sharply with a what he signalled to be a groin problem after attempting a shot from 30 yards. After struggling for a few minutes he was replaced by Javi Garcia.
Liverpool were overwhelming the visitors with their pace, constant pressing and movement. After good work on the right hand side, Sterling set up Daniel Sturridge with a wonderful cross across the face of goal, only for the former Chelsea man to glide a finish wide from eight yards.
But only ten minutes later, the reds were 2-0 up. After Steven Gerrard was left unmarked, his header was brilliantly saved by Joe Hart, who was celebrating his 250th game for Man City. From the resulting corner, Martin Skrtel escaped his marker and rose brilliantly to glance his header past the England ‘keeper into the far corner.
After what was arguably their worst first half of the season, City mounted a brilliant recovery and were on level terms within 20 minutes of the restart. David Silva pulled one back just before the hour mark, finishing off a wonderful flowing move. The Spanish magician, who has been in fine form of late, produced more good work as he exchanged passes with Samir Nasri before his cross was deflected in off Glen Johnson to draw them level.
After end-to-end football from both sides, producing a gripping spectacle which was perfectly in-keeping with the emotion of the day, the defining moment came 12 minutes from time. City captain Vincent Kompany sliced a clearance from a throw-in straight to Philippe Coutinho, who shot low and hard on the turn past Joe Hart to put Liverpool’s fate regarding the title race very much in their own hands.
Jordan Henderson was shown a straight red card during added time for a late challenge on Samir Nasri, meaning he will miss the next three games. City can consider themselves further hard done by as referee Mark Clattenburg missed Skrtel's clear handball in the closing seconds, in addition to missing what looked like a horrific dive from Luis Suarez which would have also seen him dismissed.
After the final whistle, a wall of noise surrounded Anfield and Reds players gathered in a huddle where captain Steven Gerrard was in tears. The victory was a huge one for Liverpool and was their 10th in a row. While fellow title chasers Chelsea still have to go to Anfield, Liverpool will feel that they now have one hand on the premier League trophy.

11.4.14

Next Of Kin - The Caudwell Children Butterfly Ball



Remember Next Of Kin on the X Factor last year? Of course you do! They’re three brothers that stormed the audition room and wowed everyone, then for some mad reason they didn’t make it to the live shows… madness!

Thankfully they didn’t really need the X Factor, their army of loyal fans from years gone by, as well as new ones who were mesmerised during the show have ensured they’re very much still together (considering they’re siblings that was probably always going to happen), and they’re constantly performing from one venue to the next.

They’ve got one particularly exciting gig coming up where they’ll be following THE Kylie Minogue onto the stage! The popular chaps have been confirmed as the closing act at this years Caudwell Children Butterfly Ball.


The Caudwell Children Butterfly Ball is an annual event that often raises more than £1.7million to help and support disabled children. This year it’s taking place on the 15th May at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

So if you fancy seeing the handsome, talented trio in action (let’s face it, who wouldn’t) head over to www.caudwellchildren.com for all the info you’ll need.

MOTW Preview - Liverpool V Man City


Match of the Weekend – Liverpool v Manchester City

This is the big one. Two days before the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, Liverpool and Man City will join the rest of the football family in paying their respects to the 96 fans that lost their lives on that fateful day. Arguably the two most attractive teams in terms of the football they play squaring off against each other for a psychological edge in one of the closest league races for years is the perfect way of honouring the affected families.

Both teams come into this game with their title-winning destiny in their own hands. Only a Liverpool win will keep it that way for Brendan Rogers’ men, while City could draw and as a result of their games in hand, still be in control. This is arguably the biggest game in both of the sides’ seasons as a win either way could potentially have a major say in the location of the Premier League trophy come the end of the season.

Brendan Rodgers must decide whether to keep Mamadou Sakho at centre-back or recall Daniel Agger to the side following a knee problem. Jose Enrique remains a long-term injury, but Joe Allen could return to the team if Rogers plays an extra man in the middle of the park.
The Reds are currently on a run of nine league wins in a row and 14 unbeaten - scoring 46 goals during the course. Their total tally of 90 goals, eclipsing City’s 84, makes them the highest scorers in the league but also lends the game to the thinking that it could be a goal-fest.

Man City’s victory over Southampton last time out was the 16th time they have scored four goals or more in a game this campaign. The controversial Samir Nasri goal in that game led to suggestions that they are skating on luck at the minute. But one defeat in their last 20 league games can hardly be down to such a phenomenon - and what team has won a title without luck anyway?

Manchester City play arguably the most stylish brand of football in the league and will need every bit of that if they are to come out on top on Sunday. Much of their recent successes have been in some way linked to the upturn in form of David Silva. The little magician has been magnificent for City with his passing and ability to find space between defence and midfield lines being key to the creation of goals. If he repeats his performances of the last month or so, his authority could well be the most telling.

City’s top scorer Sergio Aguero is set to feature after missing the last five games with a hamstring injury and Yaya Toure has overcome a minor niggle. However, Matija Nastasic is still out with a knee problem.

Prediction: Sparks will fly. One of the biggest spectacles of the season, resulting in a score draw.

Tom Daley Goes Global



We’ve seen Tom Daley splashing around in his pants far too often (that’s a lie) so it’s about time we saw him wearing actual clothes – we assume he had to go and buy some – and doing some stuff on dry land. Tom Daley is going global!

The show sees Tom and his best friend Sophie packing their bags and heading off on the ultimate backpackers trip around the globe. They’ll be visiting wild and wonderful places in countries such as Thailand, Japan, Australia, Morocco and New Zealand. Not bad hey!


They won’t be hopping from 5 star hotels to luxury yachts though; they’ll be backpacking from hostel to night train. Along they way Tom and Sophie will look to complete an adventurers bucket-list including flying a jet-plane and bungee jumping as well as meeting up with some other well known friends like Mollie King.

Tom said: “I can’t wait to get away on my trip. Diving and training are my first love, but I am looking forward to a break from the norm and discovering more about places I’ve never had the chance to explore before. And to do it all with my best friend will be amazing.

We never thought we’d say it but we can’t wait to see Tom Daley in some not so wet action!

Episode 1 | ITV2 | 10th April | 9pm