The star-studded lineup for the new Stand Up To Cancer celebrity edition of the Great British Bake Off has been announced.
And it’s a wild ride.
Bolton-born comedic actor and presenter Paddy McGuinness, radio and TV presenter AJ Odudu, Radio 1’s Adele Roberts, and actor David Morrissey are some of the North West names joining famous faces like Olympic diver Tom Daley, reality star Gemma Collins, former Little Mix member Jesy Nelson, Loose Women star Colleen Nolan, and Dragon’s Den’s Deborah Meaden on the upcoming The Great Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off.
But while comics, reality stars, TV presenters, and British actors of varying fame levels are all who you’d expect to see a lineup like this, one famous face has really thrown people off – David Schwimmer.
Yes, that’s right. Whether you can believe it or not, the star of the most famous sitcom of all time, and everyone’s favourite wrongly-accused Blackpool corner shop cans thief, David Schwimmer, has laced up his apron and headed into the Bake Off tent.
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What’s even more surprising is that the US actor, who is of course best-known for playing Ross Geller in Friends, was already supposed to have appeared in celebrity special of the hit Channel 4 baking reality TV show a few years back, but he had to pull out right of filming right at the last minute.
It comes after Schwimmer said in an interview that he’s a huge Bake Off fan.
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He told Radio Times back in 2020: “It’s competitive, but everyone’s so lovely with each other. It’s so not American!”
Finding out the now 56-year-old actor was a fan was what lead judge Paul Hollywood to naming Schwimmer as the celebrity he’d most like to see take part in the show after he had to back out of competing at the 11th hour.
After the lineup was unveiled yesterday, fans have been taking to social media to share their shock at Schwimmer’s unexpected inclusion.
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“You managed to get actual David Schwimmer? Ridiculous!!!” one fan wrote on Twitter.
Other people were more literal in their shocked reactions, with another fan simply tweeting: “DAVID SCHWIMMER!!!!!” and a third person commenting: “… and David Schwimmer!! Wait! What???”
Plenty of Friends jokes and references were also made, of course.
“I’m sorry?? Gemma Collins and David Schwimmer. Together. On Telly. Making baked goods. For charity? Take my money,” another fan wrote on Twitter.
Another tweet read: “David Schwimmer and Jesy Nelson is a duo I never thought I’d see.”
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“I cannot wait to see Gemma Collins interacting with David Schwimmer on my TV,” another entertained fan said in reaction.
The Great Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off sees celebrity bakers enter Britain’s most famous tent and put their baking skills to the test as they tackle signature, technical, and showstopper challenges in a bid to be named Star Baker, while raising awareness and funds for cancer research and inspiring viewers to do the same.
The new series is set to air on Channel 4 later this year.
Featured Image – Channel 4
TV & Showbiz
Michelle Keegan announces she’s pregnant with first child with Mark Wright
Daisy Jackson
Michelle Keegan has announced she’s pregnant with her first child in a sweet post online.
The Stockport-born actress married TV personality Mark Wright back in 2015.
And now the 37-year-old star has announced that the pair are expecting their first baby.
Michelle Keegan shared her happy news with a photo taken on a beach, where the pregnant star is cradling a baby bump.
The Fool Me Once and Brassic actor wrote: “2025 is going to be a special one for us…”
The post, which has gained almost half a million likes in just an hour at the time of writing, has seen Michelle and Mark flooded with well-wishes.
TV presenter Joel Dommett said: “Yessss. So happy for you guys.”
Mark’s former TOWIE co-star James Argent said: “I love you and I’m so happy for you both, Your going to be amazing parents. I can’t wait to be a Uncle.”
Marvin Humes commented: “Amazing news guys… So happy for you both.”
And someone else shared: “Buzzing for absolute strangers, shocked as if it were a bestie announcing. congratulations!”
Shayne Ward surprises Altrincham locals with a festive sing-song during Christmas karaoke
Danny Jones
Altrincham residents were treated to an unexpected guest this year as former X-Factor winner Shayne Ward popped into a local pub to join in with some Christmas karaoke.
The singer who won the 2005 edition of the reality show and originally hails from Tameside found himself over Trafford way this holiday season and gave those enjoying a sing-song after a few pints a real surprise last week.
If you’ve spent a decent amount of time in the area, you’ll know The Station Hotel is the place for karaoke and, as it turns out, it’s also the place to see Shayne Ward singing a beloved British ballad.
Who knew when he sang ‘That’s My Goal’ he was talking about delighting crowds in a quaint market town during the festive period?
As you can see, the 40-year-old solo artist turned actor has still got it, delivering a soulful rendition of the Elton John classic ‘Sacrifice’ to a small crowd inside the cosy Alty boozer.
Obviously, the Coronation Street and Good Ship Murder star didn’t need to look at the lyrics for even one second and this is probably one of the best performances the pub has ever or will ever see.
He even manages to take a quick break during the instrumental to grab a nonchalant swig of his drink. Very casual indeed.
Let’s be honest, though: the real star of the show is that woman singing along to every word and pulling out all the stops to remind everyone that no matter who is up on the mic, this is karaoke and you’re obliged to have absolutely zero inhibitions.
Queen.
He may not be releasing tonnes of music or claiming any Christmas number ones these days, but the Greater Manchester native is no stranger to performing.
As well as various jobs on telly and even a few movie roles here and there over the years, Ward also appeared on this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing, ultimately being voted out back in November in one of the most controversial and unpopular decisions of the 2024 season.
That being said, whatever questions may loom over his dance moves, there’s no question he’s still got a great voice and we hope to see him hopping on karaoke somewhere in town again soon.