THEGAYUK

Author: News Desk

  • The Return Of Judge Rinder Announced On ITV

    ITV Daytime has commissioned two series of the hit courtroom show Judge Rinder, with seasoned British openly gay barrister, Robert Rinder.

    Robert Rinder, an expert in criminal defence, was called to The Bar in 2001 and works on large-scale fraud, murder and money laundering cases and gives lectures across the UK on financial crime. He married his husband in Ibiza in 2013. He and his husband were married by Benedict Cumberbatch.

    The two 50 x ‘60 episode series will air in 2015 following a successful first series which regularly saw the daily 2pm programme reach over one million viewers.

    The series – commissioned by ITV’s Director of Daytime – Helen Warner, is set in a studio courtroom with Rinder hearing real small-claim cases, assisted by an usher who directs the participants through the court process.

    Each show features up to three different disputes with both sides presenting their version of the facts. After interviewing claimants and defendants, Rinder rules on each case with participants agreeing that the judge’s decision is final!

    Helen Warner said:

    “I’m delighted to be bringing Judge Rinder back to ITV Daytime for a further two series. Rob has a unique appeal to viewers of all ages and the show is brilliantly produced by Tom McLennan and his team.’

    Rob Rinder said:

    “I’m thrilled that the show is returning for yet another two series and I can’t wait to bring justice to more people and work on even more challenging and entertaining cases.”

    Judge Rinder is an ITV Studios Entertainment Production for ITV Daytime. The Executive Producer is Tom Mclennan and the Series Producer is Kate Broadhurst.

  • INTERVIEW | Tim Healy On Playing Lesley In Benidorm

    INTERVIEW | Tim Healy On Playing Lesley In Benidorm

    Les/Lesley first came across the Solana Resort and its holidaymakers when he/she went on a blind date with The Oracle. Soon afterwards a job beckoned working behind the Solana hotel pool bar and Les/Lesley was soon joined by his son Liam (played by Adam Gillen).

    (more…)

  • THEGAYUK’s top 10 stories of 2014

    2014 has been an interesting year for news, culture and celebrity for the gay community in the UK. Here are the top 10 stories people read on THEGAYUK.

    1) Lee Ryan Bisexual Talk and Webcam Sex Scandal
    Celebrity Big Brother contestant Lee Ryan has been reportedly caught having some quality time on Skype, in explicit webcam video. He also talked about having a sex experience with another man

    2) Nude Pictures of Alex Minsky Leaked
    Marine turned model Alex Minksy is a bit hot. There we said it – and judging by these pictures, he’s not afraid to show a bit of skin. Alex Minsky turned out to be one of the most searched for celebrities on THEGAYUK.

    3) Interview with Andrea Faustini
    He won the hearts of viewers all over the UK, most were trying to find out whether the Italian crooner was gay. Went had a little interview with the nation’s Diva.

    4) Duncan James talks about being gay for the first time.
    Duncan James delivered a speech, in which he publicly referred to himself as gay for the first time and received a standing ovation from those in attendance. He discussed the personal difficulties he had coming out to his mother and how he flew her to L.A to tell her about his sexuality.

    5) BNP Youth member threaten to disown his dog over penis licking
    A BNP Youth Organiser has seemingly threatened to disown his dog because it licks the penises of other dogs.

    6) Jimmy Bullen and Jake Quickenden fall out over ‘Banter’
    When former Wigan footballer, Jimmy Bullard wants to be nasty he certainly knows what buttons to press – as he clearly left former X FACTOR singer Jake Quickenden upset by his remarks.

    7) Facebook users demand action to remove homophobia
    A picture of Adolf Hitler cooking a Jew in an oven is the latest picture on Facebook to be deemed ‘not offensive’ by the social network as a group of users continue to demand a public meeting with Facebook representatives claiming the site is actively permitting content that incites racial and homophobic hatred to go unchecked.

    8) Vile reactions to Johnny Carter’s gay kiss on Eastenders.
    After the gay kiss between Sam Stike and Gary Lucy, many viewers of EastEnders weren’t happy and took to Twitter to vent their fews.

    9) Interview with Doctor Christian Jessen – Cure Me I’m Gay
    Doctor Jessen, undertook a number of ‘gay cure’ treatments this year to prove that none of them actually work. Here is our interview with him.

    10) James Franco in bed selfie with Keegan Allen
    Honourary gay James Franco sent the internet on fire after he uploads this selfie with him snuggling with model Keegan Allen.

  • CBEEBIES Chris Jarvis To Host Relaxed Panto In Newcastle

    Newcastle Theatre Royal has announced Chris Jarvis as the host for its Relaxed Performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on 13 January. (more…)

  • Ugandan President Sent Book On Gay Animals

    The German online dating company Gleichklang.de has sent a book on homosexuality in animals to the president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni.

    (more…)

  • All Aboard: Gay Commitment Ceremonies At Sea

    Cunard’s exquisite ships have always offered the perfect setting to celebrate a special occasion from a birthday, anniversary, or wedding. However, from December 2014 Cunard be giving their guests even more reason to celebrate as they introduce Commitment Ceremonies on board their magnificent fleet.

    For the first time in Cunard’s history, guests who are looking to confirm and declare their love in a stylish and memorable Commitment Ceremony will be able to on board Cunard’s Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2.

    Dr Field from Maine, New England in the United States, who first sailed on Queen Mary 2 in 2007 from New York to Southampton, has booked the very first Commitment Ceremony on board Cunard’s flagship liner, choosing to renew his vows with his husband Joe in style:

    “Queen Mary 2 is a work of art and all of the staff was highly professional and personable,” explained Dr Field.

    “When I saw that Cunard would have a Christmas and New Year’s cruise I very much wanted to share my love of the ship and crew with Joe, my husband. Soon after booking our travel I came across the Commitment Ceremony and thought what a beautiful way to renew our vows.”

    Seizing the opportunity, Dr Field and his partner had no hesitation when it came to booking their special day with Cunard; Dr Field continued:

    “We were recently married in Maine with the thought that we could strengthen and deepen our love with the ceremony. We wanted to exchange our vows in the Commitment Ceremony because it was described as both simple and elegant. Joe had indicated what he wanted in the ceremony and we both look forward to having his dreams come true. What’s more, Cunard has been fantastic in helping us to shape that special day.”

    Guests can relax and enjoy their special day as they let Cunard organise everything from the invitations to guests, complimentary champagne, floral arrangements, traditional music and much more.

    Angus Struthers, Cunard’s Marketing Director, said:

    “Cunard is renowned for playing to host to some of the most important occasions in people’s lives, and we are extremely pleased to add Commitment Ceremonies to our ever-growing agenda. With the timeless elegance of Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth our ships will provide the perfect setting for our guests very special day.”

    Prices start from £2,000 on board Queen Victoria (Q410-V601) and Queen Elizabeth (Q411-Q601) and $2,500 on board Queen Mary 2.

  • Domestic Abuse Helplines For LGBTs Open Over Christmas

    Christmas is a really difficult time for many lesbian gay bi and trans people who suffer at the hands of their partner and family.

    Broken Rainbow have put together this message in a view of keeping them safe.

    Christmas is a difficult time for lesbian, gay bi and trans* (LGBT) people who are experiencing domestic violence or abuse. At this time of year, many of us spend more time with partners and our families, that can be exhausting, put a strain on finances and often involves a fair bit of alcohol- all of which can trigger incidents.

    Also at this time of year, it is easy to believe you need to ‘try harder’ for the sake of family celebrations and not wanting to spoil the holiday. For some returning to the closet is also the only option for the sake of keeping the peace. Some are victims of coercive control with the threat of being ‘outed’ to family, colleagues and friends
    All of this can be increasing stressful and isolating.

    Broken Rainbow will be running business as usual throughout the festive season.

    The helpline will be available
    Monday 22nd December 10am -8pm
    Tuesday 23rd December 10am -5pm
    Christmas Eve – 10am -5pm
    Christmas Day – 10am to 8pm
    Boxing Day – 1pm – 5pm

    With the same hours repeated the following week for New Year.

    Broken Rainbow have also compiled 7 key points to remember This Holiday Season in order to look after you and stay safe.
    1. If you are immediate danger call 999
    2. Call the Broken Rainbow domestic violence and abuse helpline 0300 999 5428 / 0800 999 5428 to talk confidentiality to another LGBT person who will listen and help you understand your options
    3. Email Broken Rainbow if you don’t feel able to talk over the phone our email is help@brokenrainbow.org.uk
    4. Talk to a friend or someone you trust. It helps to share your problems.
    5. Remember the violence or abuse is not your fault no matter what excuses you are given
    6. Plan for your safety – think about worse case scenario; if you had to leave in a hurry, what would you take with you (money, id, and other important documents). Pack a bag with a change of clothes. Where would you go to be safe and get help? Remember you can always go to the police for help.
    7. Keep your mobile fully charged and handy.

    Remember you are not alone: Broken Rainbow receives thousands of calls each year from people experiencing domestic violence and abuse.

  • UK HIV Prevention Funding Saved For Another Year

    The National AIDS Trust (NAT) has today welcomed commitment from the Minister for Public Health, Jane Ellison MP, to maintain current levels of funding for national HIV prevention for a further year.

    In a letter to fellow Conservative MPs, which was reported in Pink News on Friday, the Minister said: “I want to take this opportunity to make absolutely clear that this Government will protect funding for HIV prevention.”

    This will come as a huge relief to supporters of the investment – over 1400 of whom wrote to the Minister to voice their concerns in a campaign to stop the proposed cut to the fund. NAT initiated the campaign following Earl Howe’s answer to a parliamentary question on World AIDS Day, where he stated that the funding would likely be ‘pared back’, and a public comment from THT CEO, Rosemary Gillespie, confirming that the proposed cut was in the region of 50%.

    Deborah Gold, CEO of NAT, said: “It is great news that the funding will be maintained for next year despite earlier plans for a substantial cut. We now need to use the next year for a proper discussion with all stakeholders and communities about the scope, shape and funding of a new multi-year programme from 2016/17.

    “The Government has heard loud and clear from the public that standing back and doing less on HIV prevention is simply not an option. I want to thank MPs, peers and activists who expressed their concern at any possible cut to the Government. You have made a real difference.”

  • EXCLUSIVE | Michael Fish MBE give THEGAYUK his Christmas Weather Report

    Following numerous requests for information on the BIGGEST Christmas question, we speak exclusively with National Treasure Michael Fish MBE for a (ahem) ‘guaranteed’ prediction on if it’ll snow this December 25th?

    It’s an age-old question that us forecasters have battled with for many a year. Will it or won’t it snow on Christmas Day? Of course if I knew the answer to this then I’d be a very rich man by now. If we’re to believe the newspapers each year, then yes ‘Snowmaggeddon’ is coming and we should all bulk buy our port and Stilton now and get ready for hibernation. Sadly it’s very hard to even try to predict until about five days before the event…

    However, never being shy of a challenge, I’ve monitored the instruments in the garden and had the Met Office charts sent over to study and I think I can quite categorically say…

    Don’t worry. A Christmas snowstorm is NOT on the way… [wink].

    To find out more about Michael Fish do visit: www.Michael-Fish.com

  • Today Dubbed Booze Friday As Millions Set To Drink To Excess

    Today (19 December 2014) is dubbed ‘the black Friday of booze’, as the Christmas party season reaches its peak with an influx of revellers in pubs, bars and restaurants creating high demand across the emergency services. However, a spike in sign-ups to Dry January is also predicted, as people start to think about giving their bodies a break in the New Year.

    This comes as new figures show that:

    * last year, Friday 20 December 2013 saw sales of alcohol in pubs, bars and restaurants rise by 114% compared to an average Friday

    * £3.7 billion was spent on alcohol last December, with total sales of alcohol rising by more than a quarter (28%) from November to December

    * sales of sparkling wine and liqueurs jumped by 88% and 54% respectively

    Jackie Ballard, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern, said:

    “In the run up to Christmas many people start drinking more than usual as they celebrate the festive season with parties and get-togethers.

    “This is the perfect time to sign up to a holiday from alcohol. Dry January is not about never drinking again. It’s just an opportunity for people to reflect on their drinking patterns and to give their body a break from alcohol after the festive period. We know from previous years that people who do Dry January will feel better, lose weight and save money.

    This data is supported by a number of people who have been keeping a record of their drinking for the past month, with many noting that their alcohol consumption in December had increased considerably from the previous month.

    Charlotte Gowing, aged 38 from London, said:

    “I don’t really see myself as a big drinker but I was quite shocked to see just how much more I drink in the run up to Christmas. Drinks on nights out with work and friends, as well as a few when I’m at home, all start to add up.

    “I am definitely going to give my body a bit of TLC after New Year’s Eve and Dry January will be a good place to start.

    Professor Kevin Fenton, Director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health England, says:

    “Over 17,000 people took part in Dry January in 2014 and many reported that taking a month-long break from alcohol acted as a reset button concerning their alcohol use for months afterwards, not only helping people to drink less per drinking day but also to drink less frequently.

    “As with any commitment to a healthier lifestyle change, people need some time to prepare themselves in advance so that they are in the best position possible to successfully achieve their goal. People who sign up to Dry January will receive the tips, ideas and encouragement to stay motivated and make the most of their month off alcohol”

    To sign up for Alcohol Concern’s Dry January and register for tips and tools to make the most of the month, please visit the Dry January website.

  • “At Risk” Encouraged To Get Flu Jab As The Dreaded Virus Spreads

    Latest figures from Public Health England (PHE) indicate that flu is now circulating in the community. Increases have been seen in both children and adults across a range of indicators, including GP consultations.

    Following PHE advice, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) has this week issued guidance to all GPs on the use of antiviral drugs for the management of people presenting with flu-like illness in England, who are at higher risk of developing complications. Although flu is starting to circulate, flu levels currently remain relatively low.

    Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said: “The NHS is well prepared for the flu season, and although flu levels remain relatively low, we are starting to see increases.

    “Prevention is better than cure, and the increase in flu activity means it is even more important to get your flu jab if you are in an at-risk group. If you have not already had it, call your GP as soon as possible. I am very grateful to GPs for the work they are already doing to vaccinate people, and I know they will continue to strive for higher uptake.”

    Dr Richard Pebody, head of seasonal flu surveillance at PHE, said: “We are starting to see increases in flu activity in both children and adults, indicating the start of this year’s flu season.

    “People in ‘at risk’ groups can get the vaccine for free as they are at much greater risk of becoming seriously unwell if they catch flu, and sadly many end up in hospital. This includes people with health conditions, even those that are well managed, such as asthma, diabetes, heart, lung, liver or renal diseases, those with weakened immune systems, as well as older people and pregnant women.”

    The latest vaccine uptake figures show some positive signs with 70.6% of people aged 65 and over vaccinated. However, only 47.1% in those aged under 65 with a health condition have been vaccinated and 41.6% of pregnant women. In addition, 34.8% of all 2-year-olds, 37.3% of all 3-year-olds and 29.3 % of all 4-year-olds have been vaccinated with the nasal spray vaccine as part of the childhood flu immunisation programme. PHE also encourages healthcare workers and carers who could pass the infection to vulnerable people to also get vaccinated.

    Dr Pebody, added: “Although unpleasant, for most healthy people, flu is a self-limiting illness. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, cough as well as sore throat, aching muscles and joints. The best advice for treating flu in healthy people is to stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and take pain relievers such as paracetamol. Children under 16 should not take any medicines containing aspirin. People in at-risk groups who develop symptoms consistent with flu, or if anyone’s symptoms persist or become more severe, they should seek medical advice.

    “Maintaining good cough and hand hygiene, such as covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, disposing of the tissue as soon as possible and cleaning your hands as soon you can are important actions that can help prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of transmission.

    “Every season we remain vigilant and assess the flu situation as more information becomes available from our various surveillance systems, and from the different virus samples we receive from across the UK.”