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Orlando Pirates Transfer News: Monnapule Saleng
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Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett hits out The Chase bosses as he slams team selections after ‘boring’ episode
THE Chase star Mark Labbett has called out show producers after fans slammed the ITV series as “boring” and abysmal.”
Fans took to social media site X after Friday’s episode saw Chaser Shaun Wallace, 64, take out the team of contestants with eight seconds remaining.
Dylan from Llan Ffestiniog, Jade from Exmouth, Rachel from London and Tom from Morpeth all started out Friday’s The Chase episode with a chance of bagging the cash prize.
Yet after they were beaten thoroughly by Shaun, he bluntly told the competitors on their loss: “It is about the chase and you have been caught.”
One fan was swift to remark on the drubbing: “It is getting dull now.”
Brainbox Mark, dubbed The Beast on Bradley Walsh‘s hit show, was tuning in from home.
As the hour-long programme, which aired at 5pm on Friday, wrapped with the loss, Mark took to social media to agree and write: “With hindsight maybe the producers should have a put a stronger player in the team.”
One fan replied: “Maybe the producers need to get their heads together and sort all this out. It’s been a long time now that people have complained on here about bad shows.
“They’re going to stop watching if they’re not careful. Today’s show is abysmal. Have a word Mark will you? X”
He then tagged the quiz fan and directly replied: “A written complaint to the producers would be far more effective imo.”
One other viewer quizzed: “How do the producers know if they’re stronger players or not?”
Another suggested: “Or not give the Chasers the easier question.”
Mark then clarified how the show works – and the competitor line up.
He said: “There are three teams of four ready I believe, maybe an emergency sub as well.
“If you are summoned to studio you are playing.”
Mark has appeared on The Chase since its 2009 debut.
The Chase's best moments
The Chase has been entertaining ITV viewers for years, here are some of the show's most memorable moments...
Bradley Walsh can’t stop laughing
- Every time host Bradley Walsh erupts into fits of laughter on The Chase it makes for pretty entertaining TV. One particularly memorable occasion was when he was asking the question ‘The title of which Elvis Presley song was engraved of the inside of Freddie Star’s coffin?” As usual the contestant was given four multiple choices but Bradley could get through reading them out before bursting into hysterics. Seeming the idea of the song being option ‘B: Way Down’ was too much for the presenter to handle.
The Double Trouble special
- To celebrate 15 years of The Chase on screens, ITV launched a special ‘double trouble’ episode where contestants faced off against not one but two of the show’s beloved Chasers. And despite the odds, the contestants managed to go home with some cash!
The contestants with famous names
- Eagle-eyed ITV fans are always quick to spot interesting and sometimes hidden details on the quiz show – but there have been a few times where the names of some contestants have been overtly obvious. For example, one 2017 episode of the quiz show saw Bradley welcome four contestants who were named after Friends characters Ross, Rachel, Phoebe and Joey. Another group of contestants with named from The Simpsons were also grouped together in another episode, much to viewers’ amusement.
The Beast’s anger gets the best of him
- During an episode from the 2024 season, Mark Labbett let out his inner beast as he exploded in a fit of anger. Close to losing the competition in the Final Chase, Mark then made a silly mistake and incorrectly answered the question, “Rabbit was a 1980 hit for which Cockney duo?” “Oh, you idiot!” he yelled at himself while slamming the table in front of him. With seconds left on the clock, the Chaser then admitted defeat, moaning “I don’t deserve to win.”
STRICTLY REVEAL
Mark’s comments came after he admitted he was barred from signing up for Strictly.
He revealed why during a recent episode of the beloved ITV quiz show.
He faced Annaka, from Newton Abbott, who brought in £2,000 from her cash builder.
Mark told the contestant: “Good afternoon, Annaka. Well, you quiz like I dance: it’s not pretty and it’s the reason I’m barred from Strictly.”
Speaking exclusively to The Sun last year, Mark revealed whether he would be up for joining the BBC show.
He told us: “We actually film The Chase at the same place, at the George Lucas in Elstree.
“I could do one show in the morning and then go straight on up and do the other in the evening.
“I would be very happy if my agent said, ‘Strictly would love to chat to you.”
Seven beautiful castles you can stay in for under £90 to feel like you’re on The Traitors filming location
THE Traitors is back on TV with contestants competing in a game show of deception and scheming – all in the stunning backdrop of Ardross Castle in Scotland.
Sadly, Ardross Castle is under lock and key and is not open to the public.
But there are over 4,000 castles all over the UK some that you can visit and and some, you can stay in.
Ardross is a 19th century Baronial-style castle that sits in 100 acres of parkland and gardens on the banks of the River Alness.
There is a way to get closer to it with a stay at the five-star Ness Walk Hotel in Inverness.
However, Ardross can’t be explored up close unless for weddings or filming for TV.
So we’ve found seven others around the UK that you can spend the night, and all for under £90.
Leasowe Castle
Leasowe Castle is nestled along the Wirral seaside and is a 15 minute drive from Liverpool city centre.
The castle has basic twin, double and master bedrooms with four-poster beds.
It also has suites in the castle including one in the tower and one in the turret.
Historically, Leasowe dates back to the 16th century, and has a unique octagonal tower.
We found a night in a double room for £45 on their website. Adding a breakfast option will set you back another £20.
Tulloch Castle Hotel
Tulloch Castle is a 12th-century-castle set against the landscape of the Highlands of Scotland, and is a five-minute drive away from Dingwall.
The hotel is dog friendly, and nature fans can explore the North Coast 500 route too.
The castle retains many of its period features, including the 250-year old panelled entrance hall, and restored original fireplaces and ceilings
They also have seasonal offers on their website, so keep a lookout for upcoming deals although we found prices from £69 a night via Booking.com.
Castle Bromwich Hall
Castle Bromwich Hall really gives off Traitors vibes thanks to its gothic appearance.
The mansion on the outskirts of Birmingham is a Grade I listed building and has retained many original features from the 1700s, including the huge entrance hall and grand staircase.
The bedrooms are kitted out with traditional looking furniture, from four poster beds to chandeliers and claw foot bath tubs.
You can even stay in their ‘Bridal Suite’ which was used in by Queen Elizabeth I.
Through Booking.com, we found a double room for two people at £72 per night.
Cave Castle Hotel
Cave Castle Hotel has over 350 years of history with original turrets and stone features.
The huge castle in Hull has 71 rooms, some with four-poster beds and modern features in the newer wings.
Cave Castle also has offers like Galentines, which for a girls night away includes Prosecco on arrival and treatments at the spa.
The hotel has got ratings of 4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor with guests “impressed” by the “spectacular” building and “picturesque” grounds.
A one night stay at the Cave Castle Hotel can be as low as £72.
Walworth Castle
Walworth Castle, in the Tees Valley countryside, dates back to 1189, and is set in 18 acres of lawns and woodlands.
It’s a good choice for anyone who has an interest in the paranormal as the castle its said to be haunted, with murder mystery evenings too.
They offer four poster tower suites with double Jacuzzi baths as well as an also an award winning restaurant and farmers bar.
We found a stay in Walworth Castle which will set you back as little as £79 per night.
Lumley Castle Hotel
Surrounded by parklands and overlooking the River Wear is the Lumley Castle Hotel in County Durham.
Lumley Castle Hotel was built in 1388 and converted into a hotel in 1976.
The most impressive room is the King James Suite which has a 20ft high four-poster bed, its own reception room and Jacuzzi bath.
A sweet ‘courtyard’ room in the eaves can be booked from £81.
Ruthin Castle Hotel and Spa
The four star castle hotel is found within the Clwydian Range in North Wales and has been dubbed “romantic” by guests.
Ruthin Castle has rooms from standard to deluxe suites as well as on-site spa with mud room, woodland hot tubs and massages, body scrubs and facials.
Guests on Tripadvisor were particularly impressed with the gardens and the “peacocks on the grounds”. They also have garden games like croquet and giant chess.
Rooms here start at £88 per night.
Here’s what it’s like to visit the UK’s ‘best’ castle.
EastEnders’ Nasty Nick star reveals bosses sweet gesture to him after he was killed off – & June Brown’s surprise advice
EASTENDERS Nick Cotton star John Altman has revealed the sweet gesture from soap bosses when he was killed off the show.
The actor left the programme in February 2015 as part of the show’s 30th anniversary celebrations in which his character was killed off.
Nick died of a heroin overdose which left his mum Dot Cotton, played by the late June Brown, devestated.
Now, the actor has revealed the sweet gesture from then show boss, Dominic Treadwell Collins, to honour Nick’s iconic legacy on the BBC show.
John revealed all to Hayley Palmer at the filming of her show Saturday Night with Hayley Palmer at The Hippodrome in London.
He told Hayley: “Our producer Dominic – he appeared out of nowhere when June and I shot my last scene.
“He’d brought me some flowers with some silver cuff links and Nick Cotton 1985-2015 engraved onto the cufflinks.
The star went on to say of his final filming day on the BBC show: “It was all very emotional.
“I got emotional actually doing the scene and just on-set too.
“One of the Assistant Directors told me she’d vowed to ‘never get upset or emotional when I’m doing this programme’ and she actually said that me and June made her cry.
“When I watched it on the TV, the first time I watched it technically and looked at my performance.
“The second time I watched it, I remembered all the good times June and I had.
“I get really emotional thinking about it – I certainly had tears in my eyes [watching it].”
Elsewhere, he confessed how famed chain-smoker June once encouraged him to carry on smoking even after he had managed to kick the bad habit.
He revealed how June insisted smoking cigarettes helped him to “de-stress” and that he should pick the habit back up in order to feel calm.
John appeared on the show from the very beginning before bosses took the decision to kill off his character ten years ago.
The Sun also recently revealed how he had failed to keep in contact with any of his co-stars following the show.
During the taping for Hayley’s show, John revealed: “I don’t really keep in contact with any of the cast members.
“I just tend to see them at funerals or at charity nights – there’s been too many funerals.”
As well as chatting to John on her special show filmed at The Hippodrome in London, Hayley spoke to BGT icon Francine Lewis, politician Esther McVey and X Factor popstar, Chico.
Saturday Night With Hayley Palmer airs Saturdays on ChannelBox on Freeview channel 271.
I was left pooing out of my vagina after my baby got stuck during childbirth – but midwives kept telling me I was fine
WHEN Gill Castle gave birth to her son Sam six weeks early, she was expecting labour to hurt – but nothing could prepare her for what happened next.
After her baby became stuck in a birthing canal and his heart rate plummeted, medics used forceps to save his life.
The stitches Gill was given to repair tears she was left with caused trauma and life-changing injuries, yet her initial pleas for help fell on deaf ears.
As Sam was taken to a special premature baby care unit that October 2011, she lay in agony in her maternity ward.
Gill, 45, tells Sun Health: “I had this excruciating, burning pain.
“I had to drag my leg to walk. I couldn’t sit down and I was getting hotter and hotter.
“At first I thought, ‘Well this is how it’s meant to be. I’ve just had a baby and women go through this all the time.’
“But it just got worse and worse. Going to the toilet was the stuff of nightmares.
“I would ring the emergency buzzer because I was panic stricken.
“I was thinking, ‘Oh my God, are my insides falling out?’. The midwives kept saying, ‘You’re fine’.
“When I had a shower, poo was going down my legs. I was in massive distress again and pulled the buzzer.
“I actually bent over and said to the nurse, ‘Where is my anus? I don’t understand. I can’t feel anything.’ Again, I was told: ‘You’re fine’.
“Nobody was listening and I didn’t understand what was happening to my body. I was thinking, ‘People think I’m crazy’.”
Gill’s husband of 18 years, Chris, 47, an offshore commercial diver, supported her, trying to make sense of the situation.
“He’s a former Royal Marine so he is always very calm but he could see I was in a bad way and both of us felt helpless,” she says.
Five days later Gill, 45, collapsed in the hospital corridor and was found by a male midwife.
She recalls: “I looked at him and said, ‘I just can’t do this anymore’. He replied, ‘Maybe it’s your perception of the pain.’
“I thought, ‘This is it – I’m actually going to die here.’
“Luckily, the midwife must have said something because I was taken to be examined under gas and air on the sixth day.”
It was like seeing a sea anemone coming out of my stomach. It was totally alien
Gill Castle
Gill was told that she had a fourth-degree tear and she now had a hole between her rectum and vagina.
“I was pooing out of my vagina,” Gill says.
“I also had a massive abscess – presumably because of the poo building up – which later burst and became septic and left me with a permanently damaged sphincter.”
She was given a year’s worth of antibiotics.
She was also fitted with an emergency colostomy, or stoma – an opening made through the abdominal wall that connects the bowel to the surface of the tummy to divert the flow of faeces or urine.
Looking at herself in the mirror for the first time after the op, Gill felt “repulsed”.
She says: “It was like seeing a sea anemone coming out of my stomach because I was seeing my bowel on my stomach and it’s moving around. It was totally alien.
“I was thinking, ‘Oh my god, this is what I would imagine someone who’s been to war and been shot in the stomach to look like’.
“At the same time I was able to deal with it because I thought it was only for 12 weeks.”
But before the 12 weeks was up, Gill was told that – despite undergoing gruelling corrective surgeries – the damage caused to her was so severe her stoma would need to be permanent.
She says: “You can’t fight what you can’t change so I was quite quick to accept it, but acceptance is completely different to gratitude.
“I didn’t embrace it or make the most out of it for a long time.”
The reality of her situation hit even harder when she returned to visit pals she’d once worked alongside as a police officer in Bradford city centre, West Yorkshire.
She says: “It’s what new mum’s do isn’t it – visit work with your new baby – but afterwards I cried solidly for three days. I was absolutely devastated.
“I used to watch the TV series Juliet Bravo. She was my heroine.
“It took me two years to get into the Force but when I did, I was living the dream.
“After that visit I suddenly thought, ‘You can’t do this job the way that you are’.
“The fact that it was out of reach to me was horrendous.”
‘Survival mode’
In November 2011, the hospital – which she does not wish to name – wrote to say it was investigating her case.
Later that year, Gill and Chris left their home in Leeds and returned to Gill’s birth place in Alnwick, Northumberland.
There, with the support of nearby family and old friends, she began to turn a corner in her recovery.
She says: “Until the move back to Alnwick, I hadn’t bonded with my baby for seven months because I was just in survival mode.
“I remember all the women on my ward saying, ‘You poor thing, you’ve been separated from your baby’, but I felt nothing.
“Returning home meant my feelings dropped down a notch and I could finally let that love in.”
Sam, now 13, once asked if she’d regretted having him, given the birth trauma she endured.
“I said, ‘Well, has it ever stopped me from doing anything?’ And he said, ‘No, nothing’ and then he went back to his Playstation and that was one of my favourite chats,” Gill recalls.
“I want him to see that life is full of twists and turns but you get on and you adapt.
“It’s been my mission, all these years, to have the most normal life possible, even if my life’s not normal.”
In 2013, after being diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder as a result of her ordeal, Gill was medically retired from the Police.
She had only served four years and hadn’t ever returned since giving birth.
She says: “People just assumed my PTSD was related to the birth, but my main source of grief was the loss of my job and career.
“If I saw a police car, I had to drive somewhere else because I couldn’t look at it. I’d feel sweaty, panicky and anxious.
“One of my biggest fears was being stopped by the police, and then having to try to speak to a police officer.
“I couldn’t even think about the police because it would just flash back to everything that I used to love about the job and my colleagues.
“Then the pain and grief would be overwhelming.”
What's normal and what's not after giving birth
YOUR BODY goes through a lot when giving birth and it's normal to notice some lingering symptoms from it - from soreness, to tiredness and emotional changes. But some things require medical attention.
Stitches
If you’ve had stitches after tearing or an episiotomy (cut), bathe them every day to help prevent infection. Have a bath or shower with plain warm water then carefully pat yourself dry.
If your stitches are sore or uncomfortable, tell your midwife.
Stitches usually dissolve by the time the cut or tear has healed, but sometimes they have to be taken out.
Going to the loo
You probably won’t have a poo for a few days after the birth, but it’s important not to let yourself get constipated.
Eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, salad, wholegrain cereals and wholemeal bread, and drink plenty of water.
Talk to your midwife or GP if you have constipation that won’t go away. A gentle laxative may help.
Also tell your midwife or GP if poo is leaking or you’re pooing when you don’t mean to.
Also tell your midwife if:
- you’re finding it really difficult to pee
- you feel very sore
- you notice an unpleasant smell
Bleeding
You’ll bleed from your vagina after the birth, which will be quite heavy at first, and you’ll need super-absorbent sanitary towels.
Change them regularly, washing your hands before and afterwards.
You may notice the bleeding is redder and heavier when you breastfeed. This happens because breastfeeding makes your womb contract. You may also feel cramps similar to period pains.
The bleeding will carry on for a few weeks. It will gradually turn a brownish colour and decrease until it finally stops.
If you’re losing blood in large clots, tell your midwife.
Source: NHS
In 2014, she was awarded a six-figure out-of-court compensation payout for all her injuries leading to the permanent stoma, and for the loss of her job.
She said: “Before they wrote to me I just thought I’d been very unlucky, but their report stated that the consultant had made a mistake when she repaired me after birth.
“She first thought I’d had a second degree tear, then a third degree.
“Each time she realised her mistake she had to undo the stitches and re-stitch and she did that too many times.”
Gill was one of more than 1,300 women last year to give evidence at The Birth Trauma Inquiry – the first of its kind to look into traumatic childbirths and call for an overhaul of the UK’s maternity and postnatal care as a result of the harrowing experiences it shone a light on.
But sending a stark ultimatum to Wes Streeting for not yet having acted on any of the inquiry’s recommendations, she says: “He once said that the lack of maternity care in this country keeps him up all night, yet he hasn’t taken any notice of the report, a year on, and that makes me so angry.
“He has a responsibility to the women who have dredged up trauma from years ago to help fix this broken system.”
Gill has made it her life’s mission to raise awareness of birth trauma injuries and to show that having a stoma can be positive and does not need to limit you.
In 2023, she became the first person with a stoma to swim solo across the English Channel, raising £50,000 for a charity she set up in 2022, called Chameleon Buddies.
She also raised £20,000 for the Birth Trauma Association through other challenges including triathlons and marathons.
Later this year she will lead an expedition up Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro, with 19 other women, to raise money for a Kenyan hospital ward.
She says: “I see what’s happened now as the best thing in my life.
“I would never have had the experiences I’ve had otherwise – of swimming with record breakers, of becoming friends with other amazing people with stomas, like the artist Tracey Emin.
“Living with a stoma really doesn’t need to be different. We are far more adaptable than we think.
“I always say, you need to make your stoma fit around your life, not your life fit around your stoma.”
