From rock royalty to actual royalty the North East has schooled some of the best brains in Britain, and beyond. Home to Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria and Sunderland the region has a strong history of higher education. And with that history comes prestige - which is backed up by producing some of the biggest names in their field. As students graduate and head into the world of work we take a look at some of the famous faces who started life up here in the North East. Newcastle University Kate Adie CBE - During her journalistic career, Kate Adie was chief news correspondent for BBC News between 1989 and 2003. She reported from war zones across the globe. Born in Whitley Bay, Kate studied Scandinavian Studies at Newcastle University in 1967 and spent her third year teaching English in Sweden. And in 1990, she graduated with an Honorary MA from Newcastle University. Rowan Atkinson - Actor, comedian and screenwriter, Rowan Atkinson was born in Consett, County Durham and studied at … [Read more...] about Famous faces who went to University in the North East
Who went out of strictly come dancing
Glum Katya Jones sends very pointed message after Strictly Come Dancing axe
Strictly Come Dancing pro Katya Jones stepped out looking devastated after reports she's been axed following her snog with Seann Walsh. The Russian dancer, 29, made no secret of how she felt as she headed out to walk her dog on Saturday morning, sporting a Melania Trump-style coat that featured a not-so-subtle message. The grey jacket was inscribed with the words: "You only know my name not my story." It was notably similar to the jacket worn by the President Trump's wife Melania once, which read: "I really don't care, do u?(sic)" Katya looked visibly emotional as she walked around stone-faced, after allegedly being given the blow by a member of the BBC team. Besides her statement coat, Katya kept it very casual in a pair of grey tracksuit bottoms, a t-shirt and a some Adidas sliders. The dancer, who is married to Neil Jones, went makeup free, exposing her puffy eyes. While some reports suggest Katya won't be dancing with anyone famous this year, she is said to still be working on the … [Read more...] about Glum Katya Jones sends very pointed message after Strictly Come Dancing axe
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole describes ‘scary’ meeting with Pope Francis in Pilgrimage: The Road To Rome
FORMER Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole has described meeting the Pope as “scary”. The New Zealand-born professional dancer, 42, met the pontiff in upcoming BBC2 series Pilgrimage: The Road To Rome. Joined by Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph, Les Dennis and comics Stephen K Amos the series sees the celebrities challenge Pope Francis about religion. Brendan said: “I was s******g myself, I went into panic mode and my heart starting beating out of my chest, and the legs started going. "The last thing any of us wanted to do was be aggressive or disrespectful to the situation, to the programme or the BBC. "We weren’t there to make noise, but at the same time we couldn’t lose the opportunity to have a moment. But he’s got a warmth that you don’t really expect.” HOL OF A WIND-UP Holly Willoughby bursts into tears after This Morning's April Fool's joke baby biebs? Justin Bieber sends fans into a frenzy by joking wife Hailey is … [Read more...] about Former Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole describes ‘scary’ meeting with Pope Francis in Pilgrimage: The Road To Rome
Harry Redknapp: ‘I kept it quiet’ I’m a Celebrity star drops Strictly Come Dancing news
Harry Redknapp, 72, was a hit on the ITV series I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! but the former professional footballer has since revealed why he chose the jungle over taking part in the BBC series of Strictly Come Dancing. The football manager has admitted his son Jamie Redknapp, 45, was the reason behind his decision to skip the dance floor. In an interview with MailOnline, Harry said: “I told Jamie I was thinking of doing [Strictly] and I don't think he was pleased about it. “And so I was offered the jungle at the same time and chose to do that.” The former West Ham manager also divulged he did not tell Jamie about his plans to head Down Under to the Australian jungle and “kept quiet.” He said: “But I didn't tell him about that one, I just went for it because I didn't think he'd be best pleased with that either. I kept it quiet. “I thought he might get the hump otherwise.” After winning the show, Harry revealed the … [Read more...] about Harry Redknapp: ‘I kept it quiet’ I’m a Celebrity star drops Strictly Come Dancing news
Tamara Ecclestone reveals she’s ‘seriously considering’ Strictly but admits fears she’ll crash out of show early as daughter Fifi, 5, is a better dancer
TAMARA Ecclestone has fuelled rumours she WILL be taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing – but warns fans she could crash out of the competition early. The heiress tells The Sun Online that now daughter Fifi, 5, is in school, it could be “the right time” for her to finally sign up to the show after years of offers from bosses. “Would I ever do Strictly Come Dancing? I’m a big fan of the show but I’ll be honest; they've approached me a few times before but I’ve been so focused on being a mum to commit,” she says. “Motherhood has been so challenging but it's really changed me for the better as a person. “However, Fifi is much older now and she loves performing so it could be the right time to seriously consider it. “I think she’d enjoy it too but, she’s a better dancer than I’ll ever be, so I’m not sure how far I’d get!” 'it DESTROYED me' Tina Malone sobs 'she can't take … [Read more...] about Tamara Ecclestone reveals she’s ‘seriously considering’ Strictly but admits fears she’ll crash out of show early as daughter Fifi, 5, is a better dancer