Jill Scott won I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2022 on Sunday night and the scenes back in her hometown of Sunderland were absolutely brilliant.
The former Lioness was crowned Queen of the Jungle in the first series since the ITV hit returned to Australia and while the celebrations from her castmates and in the studio were joyous, they were nothing compared to the ones back home.
Making it to the final two alongside Hollyoaks actor Owen Warner, the recently retired footballer charmed the nation by being nothing other than funny and wholesome self and, as you can see, it meant a lot to those watching on Wearside
Genuinely could have mistaken these scenes for the Euro 2020 final.
The 35-year-old became the eighth woman to win the beloved British reality show in 22 series, the first airing all the way back in 2022 and the previous two moved to a castle in Wales due to Covid.
With that in mind, the homecoming series was always going to be a blockbuster but nothing could have prepared the millions of viewers for the arrival of former health secretary and still-serving MP (for now), Matt Hancock.
Making it to the final three, it’s fair to say there were genuine nerves across large parts of the UK as people nervously watched on in fear as the man long-considered public enemy number one crept closer towards the crown. Fortunately, that nightmare was avoided. Here’s how she reacted to the win:
Speaking to Good Morning Britain just hours after her coronation, the England international – who was tipped to win this season before it even started – Scott insisted everyone was just “equal” in camp and recognised that Hancock still played his part by winning stars for camp.
Discussing what might come in the near future, she went on to say: “I don’t know what I’m going to do next but if you give everything every single day, keep trying to be a good person then we’ll see what happens”. What a legend.
David Hockney, one of Britain's most influential and recognisable artists, has sadly died.
Born in Bradford in 1937, David Hockney built a career spanning more than six decades and became one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
He was best known for his vibrant paintings, from the iconic swimming pools of Los Angeles to the sweeping landscapes of Yorkshire and Normandy.
And of course you can't forget the adorable paintings of his sausage dogs Stanley and Boodgie.
This morning on Friday 12 June, it was sadly announced that David Hockney had passed away - just one month prior of his 89th birthday.
Admired by critics and the public alike, Hockney's work was exhibited around the world and attracted record-breaking prices, cementing his place as one of the defining artists of the modern era.
Most recently, his incredibly immersive exhibition 'Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)' was a hit across the country, proving his work still resonated with the people of today.
His work at Salts Mill has remained in exhibit for years, including his special digital drawings that he did on his iPad.
His death marks the end of a truly extraordinary career, but his influence on British culture and contemporary art will endure for years to come.
A true West Yorkshire icon that will be missed by many from across the globe. RIP David.
Featured image - Publicity photo via Justin Sutcliffe (supplied)
Art & Culture
A breathtaking giant sculpture of the sun has arrived in Yorkshire for the summer
Clementine Hall
A giant model of the sun is now illuminated in Wakefield.
The sun has arrived in Wakefield… and we’re not just referring to that one that’s popped up in the sky at long last (sort of).
We’re taking about Helios, the amazing art installation that’s about to stop off at Wakefield Exchange as it tours around the UK.
Created by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, the beautiful art piece measures a whopping seven-metres in diameter and has been created using images captured by NASA.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Helios builds on the success of Luke Jerram’s previous installations in Wakefield, including the hugely popular Museum of the Moon.
With its striking scale and rich scientific detail,the artwork provides a safe and captivating way to encounter the Sun up close, highlighting everything from solar flares to the phenomena that created the unforgettable Northern Lights visible across the UK in 2024.
Stepping beneath the breathtaking glowing sculpture, audiences can experience an atmospheric fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially commissioned surround‑sound composition that brings the science and mystery of our nearest star vividly to life.
Alongside the striking sun instillation, Wakefield Exchange will present a full programme of free, family‑friendly, space‑themed activities throughout the summer.
Visitors can enjoy hands‑on workshops, creative crafts, dressing‑up sessions and playful drop‑in experiences.
Helios will be hosted by Wakefield Exchange from Friday 12 June until Sunday 6 September 2026, and you can find out more here on their website.
Danny Jones -
28th November 2022 
