TV star Rylan Clark-Neal has hit out at a homophobe who abused him on a busy London street.
Out TV presenter, Rylan has revealed that he was homophobically abused today in central London when someone shouted an anti-gay slur at him on a street, a block away from the world famous head quarters of the BBC. Rylan says he abused on Great Porland street, when an unnamed assailant shouted a homophobic slur at the star.
Taking to Twitter the former X Factor / Celebrity Big Brother star wrote that someone shouted at him to “fuck off” and called him the anti-gay slur “faggot”. However, Rylan alleges that as soon as he shouted back at his abuser, the abuser “ran away”. Rylan joked that the abuser ran like Phoebe from the hit 90’s sitcom, Friends.
To the prick on Great Portland Street that just shouted “Fuck Off You Faggot” at me. When I shouted you what at you and you run away…. you run like phoebe in friends… pic.twitter.com/kw9nJPFJNN
Hundreds of fans reached out to Rylan to wish him well after his ordeal – while the British LGBT Awards noted that “The Phoebe run is probably his only redeeming feature”.
Homophobic crime is on the rise the UK’s capital. In 2017 there were, on average around 6 anti-LGBT offences being recorded every day on London’s streets, a 9.63% increase year on year. In total, 2037 crimes were reported for the year 2016/17 compared to 1861 crimes in 2015 /16 and 1559 in 2014/15.
However, the Metropolitan Police service was keen to point out that the crime rates were lower than five years ago and these current statistics are set against the gruelling austerity measures and “significant reductions in resources” set out by this current government.
Route 66 has been named as the most Instagram-worthy road trip in the world, according to Brits.
The world famous Route 66 has been voted as the UK’s favourite destination for Instagram worthy pictures. marioschmidtphoto / Pixabay
The study, which polled 2,000 adults, found the top three routes are all located in the US – specifically through the Grand Canyon National Park and along the Pacific Highway Coast.
The drive through the Grand Canyon parks, typically following the South Rim to the North Rim and famed for its exquisite views of the stunning natural wonder was second.
‘PCH’, also known as Route 101, came third.
The route takes you on a coastal, cliff-hugging drive from San Francisco to San Diego, passing by San Jose, Big Sur and Monterey.
Fifty-six per cent of those took part named the USA as the road trip capital of the world.
Commissioned by Hertz, the research also identified key ingredients for a successful road trip – including wide-open roads, driving past famous attractions and spotting wildlife along the way.
Discovering views and taking in the scenery were highlighted as the main reasons for adults going on a road trip.
Temerity Vinson, senior director of international marketing, Hertz said: “The survey results clearly show how much adventurers love the USA for a road trip.
“The influence of social media has had a huge impact on destinations of choice, bringing increased awareness of less well-known areas, as well as ensuring that gems such as the Route 66 are still as popular as ever.
“Hertz is always dedicated to finding new ways to help our customers plan their dream trip.
While views and scenery were important for older travellers, millennials are more focused on having a ‘new experience’.
More than two-thirds of millennials admitted the places they see on Instagram affect their choice of location, compared to just 13 percent of adults over 38s.
In fact, 30 per cent said they are unlikely to visit somewhere if they’ve never seen photos of it on Instagram.
Hashtags and location tags have become a new way to research the next travel destination and four in 10 millennials use the platform to discover new points of interest and places to visit.
The survey, conducted via OnePoll in December 2018, also found an average of 12 photos a day are taken on a holiday or a trip.
Fifty-seven percent of respondents said they were most likely to take a photo of a landscape or cityscape while on a trip.
Double the number of millennials compared to the over 38s are likely to take a photo of their food.
Iceland’s ring road made it on to the list. The road takes in the entire country. Free-Photos / Pixabay
It seems that photographs make memories, with 36 per cent of millennials saying that they would struggle to remember their trip if they didn’t post a photo of it, compared to 19 per cent of over 38s.
Furthermore, one in 10 admitted to visiting somewhere purely because they want to share it on Instagram.
When it comes to planning, Brits take an average of six months to arrange an adventure of a lifetime.
Twenty per cent of respondents would like to combine creating their own route with a structured drive.
The Great Ocean road down under takes in some of the world’s most amazing views, but you’ll have to travel hours to pass them. Jonny_Joka / Pixabay
Following the research, Hertz has launched three new routes to its USA Road Trip Planner: Canyons of Arizona and Nevada, California Surfing and Totally Texas, providing inspiration for routes to experience iconic and off-the-beaten track scenic drives and pit-stops.
Vinson added: ”Our USA Road Trip Planner can help our customers experience a different culture, discover new cuisines or visit famous landmarks.”
A free online resource, the Hertz Road Trip Planner also features the legendary Route 66, along with 30 other bespoke routes across the USA.
For road trip inspiration, travellers are welcome to check out the Hertz Road Trip Planner and the new @HertzRoadTrip Instagram channel. Hertz is also inviting road trippers to share their road trip experiences by tagging @HertzUK (Facebook & Twitter).
He’s the gorgeous presenter from ITV’s Tipping Point, but what more do we know about Ben Shephard?
(C) ITV
Forty-four-year-old Ben Shephard is the current presenter of Tipping Point on ITV Daytime. His career in television started in 1998 when he began hosting the Channel 4 spin-off show, The Bigger Breakfast along with Melanie Sykes and Dermot O’Leary.
But he’s also been a radio presenter. He used to host a breakfast show on Saturday mornings on Magic FM in 2005. He also had an evening slot on Mondays on Heat Radio in 2008.
Is Ben Shephard gay, bisexual or straight?
It doesn’t appear that Epping-born Ben is gay or bisexual. It seems that Ben identifies as heterosexual. He is currently married to a woman called Annie Perks and together they have two sons Jack and Sam. They were married in 2005. They all live in London. Of course, in 2019 things shouldn’t really matter.
He often shares pictures of his family time on Instagram and remembers to pencil in a date night with “Mrs S” from time to time.
Set to the music of Tchaikovsky, and recounting the fairy tale of The Sleeping Beauty; Moscow City Ballet return with one of their better presented, yet staunchly traditional ballets; as Princess Aurora is cursed by the evil fairy, Carabosse, and sleeps for 100 years until she is awoken by the kiss of a prince.
Of the various ballets in Moscow City Ballet’s repertoire, this is perhaps one of the better presented pieces. With its feet planted very much in the traditional tights and tutu’s style ballet, this production lacks the dramatic flair of Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures; and doesn’t have the detailed narrative of Northern Ballet; but does offer a timeless take on a classic ballet which is used to showcase the dancer’s skills and talents, rather than deliver an exhilarating narrative or flashy visuals.
With some impressive costumes and utilising a static set of backdrops to create a workable dance space, there were times when the ballet sparkled and really came alive, especially during the ensemble pieces and, in particular, in the opening scenes of Act 2, which were quite charming. But despite the technical ability of the dancers, the choreography felt rather lacklustre at times, especially towards the end of the third act where it all became rather repetitive. Compounding that, there appeared to be little connection between the characters on stage, with the dancers performing with fixed grins whilst staring out into the middle distance, and not really looking as if they were enjoying themselves at all.
Sleeping Beauty is a mixed production. When it is at its height, it has genuine charm; but does have a few lulls in the pacing of the production, especially as it tails off towards its conclusion. But that said, it has some technically excellent performances from the company and is about as traditional as they come.
If you are looking for an accessible, straight forward evening of ballet which showcases the skill and suppleness of these talented individuals, then this may well be the production for you.
Moscow City Ballet are at Sheffield Theatres until 12th January 2019 before continuing on their national tour showcasing four ballets, Swan lake, The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty and Romeo & Juliet. Details can be found on their website.
