Adele's 25 album missed cutoff, but she'll sing at Grammy Awards

Organisers of the music industry's biggest night announced Wednesday that Adele would perform a track off her album 25 at the February 15 award ceremony in Los Angeles.

As is customary, the Grammys will also feature performances by leading nominees.

This year's appearances will include rapper Kendrick Lamar, who received a near-record 11 Grammy nominations amid acclaim for his latest album To Pimp a Butterfly, and Canadian R&B singer The Weeknd, a contender for awards in seven categories.

The Grammys will also feature a tribute to veteran pop and R&B chart-topper Lionel Richie, who is being honored for his career's work.

Adele, who has won 10 Grammys and last performed at the ceremony in 2012, in November released her long-awaited third album 25 which broke the record for first-week sales both in the United States and her native Britain.

The album came out too late to be eligible for the Grammys but will be an early favorite for next year's edition.

Rapper LL Cool J, known for his calm poise at the microphone, will host the Grammys for the fifth straight year.

In a first, the Grammys will air live throughout the United States; West Coast viewers will no longer have to wait to see the broadcast only during East Coast primetime hours.

The delay had become increasingly antiquated in the age of social media, with viewers in the very city where the Grammys are taking place hearing about the winners online before they could watch on television.

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Soweto derby ends in deadlock

It was another Soweto derby draw, but one in which Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs could genuinely claim that the honours had ended evenly.

Willard Katsande scored a rare goal to give Chiefs a 28th-minute lead. Thamsanqa Gabuza headed Pirates back into the game in the 69th minute.

People complain endlessly that Soweto derbies can be dull. Perhaps it's better when the two teams come into the game in below-best not-so-efficient form.
It seems to have a twofold effect. One, both sides are on the rebound and desperate for a win.Two, both are perhaps just not quite so proficient at cancelling each other out.

Defeats for Pirates and Chiefs in their previous matches seemed to bring the best out of both in this game.
Both sides' coaches could have done with the comfort and confidence that a derby win can bring. Pirates' Eric Tinkler and Chiefs' Steve Komphela would also have not been displeased in settling for a draw.

During the week both clubs' chairmen backed their men on the bench. For the especially under-pressure Tinkler, a draw might well have staved off the guillotine with Bucs having come into the game in 11th place.
Komphela would have hoped for a win to get fourth-placed Amakhosi's chances of defending their league title back on track.

Chiefs edged the first half. Pirates bossed the second, though Amakhosi did rally again after conceding an equaliser. Unlike in some previous derby draws though, this match was less ground out stalemate and far more a keen end-to-end contest.
There was certainly barely a moment that caused the near-capacity crowd to go into a lull.
Pirates won 3-1 in the corresponding first round league encounter. Chiefs bounced back with a penalties victory, after a goalless 120 minutes, in the following week's Telkom Knockout semifinal.

Tinkler made one change from Bucs' 1-0 defeat against Jomo Cosmos in Potchefstroom last weekend, Edwin Gyimah replacing Tshepo Gumede at centre-back. With star striker Kermit Erasmus transferring on Thursday to French Ligue 1 club Rennes, Lehlohonolo Majoro started again up front.
For Chiefs, Komphela brought Itumeleng Khune into his goal ahead of Reyaad Pieterse. 

Katsande was back ahead of Lucky Baloyi from a cautionary rest in Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Platinum Stars in Cape Town.
Just before the 20-minute mark Reneilwe Letsholonyane had the ball in the net but was narrowly offside.

After a cautious start a period of to-and-fro football ensued that the fans who make the pilgrimage to SA football's cathedral like to see.
Chiefs played Siphiwe Tshabalala down the left, and Amakhosi's winger put in a perfect cross for Camaldine Abraw to head wide.

The ball was worked straight downfield by Pirates and Thamsanqa Gabuza's chip was cleared by Siboniso Gaxa in front of Majoro's attempted bicycle kick.

Then Bucs had a goal disallowed, referee Phillip Tinyani booking Thabo Qalinge for taking a free kick before the official was ready.
Bucs appeared unfortunate - Tinyani had taken a few steps backwards, seeming to indicate his preparedness.

Chiefs took the lead when. Tshabalala's corner from the right was finely curled, and Mulomowandau Mathoho's header fell at the feet of Willard Katsanda at the far post.
With marker Thabo Rakhale standing off, Katsande could control onto his right foot and finish between Brighton Mhlongo's legs. The midfielder ran to Komphela to celebrate.

Gabuza's glanced header wide from Rooi Mahamutsa's long throw had the latter goose-stepping across the pitch in frustration.
Majoro tested Khune with a low, hard shot from the edge of the area just after the break.
Pirates were pushing hard to equalise early in the half. Thandani Ntshumayelo's stinging shot from range was well pushed over the bar by Khune.
From Qalinge's corner Issa Sarr's header was cleared by a defender.
From the rebound Mathoho's deflection of Ayanda Gcaba's header forced another stop from the Chiefs keeper.

But Pirates' pressure and persistence did see Khune beaten, then stretchered off, though the immediate feedback was it was from a lower calf cramp, not an injury.
From Ayanda Gcaba's long throw form the left, this time Gabuza's near-post glance was on target, and would have gone in at the far upright even if Khune had not been wrong-footed, then fallen to the ground clutching a leg muscle.

Pieterse came on in place of the Bafana Bafana No1.
Chiefs rallied after allowing Bucs back in, but on balance of play a draw would have been considered a fair result in both camps.

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Blitzboks fall at final hurdle in epic New Zealand encounter

The Blitzboks started brightly forcing New Zealand into errors with some tenacious defending and then scoring a converted try through captain Phillip Snyman after excellent work by Cheslin Kolbe and Juan de Jongh. 

Rosco Speckman extended the lead with brilliant stepping in close when South Africa were awarded a 5 metre scrum after yet more excellent defence had forced New Zealand into an error. 

New Zealand were finally on the scoreboard with a minute to go in the half, scoring a converted try out wide through Akira Ioane who brushed off a desperate tackle from Chris Dry with ease. 

Ioane then showed his prowess in defence, saving what looked like a certain try by just managing to force Speckman into touch on the stroke of half-time. 

The Blitzboks led 14-7 at the break. 

Seabelo Senatla extended the Blitzbok lead early in the second half after a mistake by Sonny Bill Williams allowed Hougaard to poach the ball and find the speedster on his left.

The turning point in the match however came when Speckman received a yellow card for a professional foul.

New Zealand made the extra man count with Rieko Ioane getting over in the corner for an unconverted try but the Blitzboks still led 21-12 with two minutes to play.

Another score by Rieko Ioane bought New Zealand to within two points with under a minute to play but crucially, Speckman had returned to the field. 

New Zealand were not to be denied and with time up on the clock they rallied for one final effort, scoring through Joe Webber in the left hand corner to send their supporters at the Westpac Stadium into ecstasy.

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Tokyo Sexwale may lose Africa's support in FIFA bid: report

Two local Sunday papers made the speculation ahead of the Friday meeting of the leadership of the 53-member Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Kigali due to decide which candidate to support.

Sexwale and his office were not immediately available for comment.

But an unnamed executive committee member of the South African Football Association (SAFA) told the local Sunday Times weekly that "we have been told that he is not taking the African continent seriously."

"And just about everybody on the continent says he must withdraw from the presidential race," said the official.

The City Press, another South African Sunday paper also cited an unnamed SAFA official saying the business tycoon may be dropped if he did not get CAF's backing on February 5.

There has been huge criticism regarding the campaign of Sexwale, the only African candidate bidding for the job.

The bosses of the football associations of Namibia and Zimbabwe also voiced concern at Sexwale's campaign tactics.

"We are in the dark and we do not know as neighbours what his strategies are. Maybe they do not need our vote," Namibia's Football Association president Frans Mbidi told the Sunday Times.

Zimbabwe Football Association's president Phillip Chiyangwa was also quoted by the Sunday Times saying: "South Africa and their candidate are not doing good enough to enlist our support".

Last week Sexwale said the next FIFA leader must come from Africa or Asia and that he was ready to form an alliance to stop a European candidate.

"I am focused on making sure that the president of FIFA comes from either Africa or Asia, not Europe," Sexwale told South Africa's Metro radio on Thursday.

Sexwale, an anti-apartheid prisoner with Nelson Mandela who became a businessman and politician, also raised the possibility of some candidates joining forces.

"The time for alliances is... coming, and it's healthy, it's democratic and it's good," he said. "Now we are talking... we are brothers, we are colleagues."

He did not name his allies, but the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) this month signed a cooperation accord with the CAF.

Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al Khalifa, head of the AFC and a member of the Bahrain royal family, is considered one of the frontrunners in the race to replace the suspended Sepp Blatter.

He is up against Jerome Champagne, a French former FIFA official, UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino, South Africa's Sexwale and Prince Ali bin al Hussein of Jordan.

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Menopausal women should increase exercise to reduce hot flashes, says new research

A team of researchers analysed data from 6,079 women, aged between 40 to 59 and of Hispanic descent, who had all taken part in the Collaborative Group for Research of the Climacteric in Latin America. 

As part of the research program they had all attended one of 20 urban health centers in 11 Latin American countries, completing surveys and providing health records, which were then used in the current study.

The surveys included questions on the women's menopause status, as well as a Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) questionnaire on menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, joint pains, depressed mood, anxiety, sexual problems, vaginal dryness, and bladder problems.

The women were also questioned on their level of activity.

If women scored 16 or more on the MRS questionnaire their menopausal symptoms were considered to be severe, and if they reported participating in less than three 30-minute sessions of physical activity a week their lifestyle was considered to be sedentary.

Using this criteria, 64% of the women were considered to have a sedentary lifestyle, with 16% of these sedentary women scoring highly enough on the MRS questionnaire for their symptoms to be considered severe, compared to only 11% of active women.

Sedentary women also had higher scores on the depression, anxiety, and insomnia scales; reported more menopausal symptoms in general; and were also more likely to be obese.

Commenting on the results, JoAnn V. Pinkerton, NAMS Executive Director, said, "Regular physical activity reduces the risk of breast and colon cancer, dementia, heart attacks, stroke, depression; loss of lean muscle mass, and bone loss and improves immune system function. One study showed that just one hour of walking daily cut the risk of obesity by 24%. Fewer hot flashes, fewer health risks, increased well-being -- who doesn't want these benefits?"

The study was published online on Wednesday on the website of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS), and will be published in the May 2016 print edition of Menopause.

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New study advises seniors to stay behind the wheel for good health

A team of researchers from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health looked at 16 previous studies which had reviewed the health of drivers aged 55 and over, and compared it to data from current drivers.

The findings showed that after seniors stopped driving the risk of developing depressive symptoms nearly doubled, and those who had given up driving were nearly five times as likely as to be admitted to a form of care home, such as a nursing home, assisted living community, or retirement home.

And although many seniors gave up driving due to a decrease in cognitive function and physical function, the studies showed that these abilities only worsened further after they quit.

Giving up driving also resulted in a 51% reduction in the size of senior's social circles, with women showing a greater decline in social health than men. This in turn could also contribute to the decline in health seen in other areas, "As older ex-drivers begin substituting outside activities with indoor activities around the home, these activities may not be as beneficial to physical functioning as working or volunteering on the outside," said co-author Thelma Mielenz, "When time comes to stop driving, it is important to make personalized plans to maintain mobility and social functions."

However the team pointed out that alternative transport arrangements are not necessarily enough to maintain good health, "What we need most of all are effective programs that can ensure and prolong an older adult's mobility, physical, and social functioning," advised senior author Guohua Li. 

The findings were published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), seniors make up some of the safest drivers on the road, greatly reducing their risk of injury when behind the wheel thanks to wearing their seatbelt, obeying the speed limit, and not drinking and driving. And by 2030 of the 70 million+ people age 65 and older, around 85-90% of them will hold a driver's license. 

However increasing frailty does mean that they are more likely to suffer from injuries or even death when in a crash. Taking into account these risks the AAA launched its Lifelong Safe Mobility initiative in 2003 to help seniors to take control of the wheel for as long as possible and as safely possible, and continue to stay mobile even when they have ceased to drive

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David Bowie tops charts

The late David Bowie has scooped his first US number one album.

The Lazarus singer's 27th studio LP, Blackstar, sold 181,000 copies in its first week of release, knocking Adele's 25 off the top of the Billboard 200 chart.

The chart takes into account traditional sales, streaming equivalent albums and track equivalent albums (TEA) and the record - which was released two days before Bowie died of cancer aged 69 on January 10 - sold 174,000 pure sales, the musical icon's biggest week of sales since electronic tracking of point-of-sale music purchases began in 1991.

In addition, nine of Bowie's previous albums also appeared on this week's Billboard 200 chart, including the Best of Bowie greatest hits collection - which originally peaked at number 70 in 2002 - at number four and The Rise and Fall of  Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars at 21.

Over in the UK, Blackstar debuted at number one with sales of 150,000.

Over 500,000 Bowie records have been purchased in the last week in Britain, with 19 of his previous albums making the top 100, and 10 LPs taking slots in the top 40.

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Shatta Wale and Samini Finally Make Peace

The unexpected has happened. Shatta Wale surprisingly spoke with Samini in the studio’s of Accra-based Pluzz FM and it looks like they finally decided to smoke the peace pipe.

These artistes have been on each others neck for a while now. They insult each other in their songs and so nobody thought both artistes could have a peaceful phone call conversation. It was as if nothing happen between them.

There has been this raging feud between Shatta Wale and Samini. The duo have been at each other’s throat for some time now but music lovers at least for now, can have something to celebrate about the showbiz icons.

The two dancehall artistes have finally patched up with their differences.

Speaking on Pluzz FM, Friday, Samini revealed that he has forgiven and forgotten all the wrongs  his brother (Shatta Wale)  did to him in 2015.

“I forgave Shatta Wale in 2015 because there is no need in keeping past hurts.”

Samini disclosed that the first time he met Shatta Wale was through Obour, current president of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA).

“He was Obour’s kid. I heard him in the studio when I was going to feature on Obour’s song and I told Obour that guy was good and Obour said he was his kid. So, when I was doing my tour I called Obour to bring his kid on board.

“People need to know that whatever has gone on between me and Samini is nothing personal – it is all business and so people should watch out for us this year,” he said.

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Jo Beth Taylor 44 90s TV Star Charity: World Vision

Jo Beth Taylor made her big splash on Australian television during the 1990s when, at 22, she became the youngest woman to host a show in prime time, the top-rating Australia’s Funniest Home Videos. Jo Beth co-hosted popular variety show Hey Hey It’s Saturday with Daryl Somers before travelling to Ethiopia and Uganda to film a World Vision documentary and meet her sponsor child.

She says “My son doesn’t think I’m going to do very well at all. He thinks I’m a wimp. 

Mums are not cool when you are 14. I think he is really worried about me to be honest but I’m going to do him proud. I’ve been a single parent now for a long time and the monotony of that, getting up making lunches and doing the same thing over and over, not only single parenting but parenting in general, is really hard. I’ve given so much to my son and I just kind of thought it would be nice to challenge myself in whatever way.”

Lives: Queensland

After a few years out of the public eye, Jo Beth appeared as a contestant on Dancing With The Stars in 2010 where she partnered with professional dancer Dannial Gosper. In the same year, Jo Beth appeared on the brief reprisal of Hey Hey It’s Saturday.

Before her start in television, Jo Beth had a burgeoning singing career, releasing her debut album, 99 Reasons, in 1991 with the single of the same name reaching #31 on the ARIA singles chart. Jo Beth co-wrote the album with her friend, American pop star, Debbie Gibson.

Originally from Perth, Jo Beth now lives in Queensland with her son, Christian. For the past six years she has dedicated her life to Iyengar Yoga and has been studying as a Yoga teacher trainee.

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Akmal Saleh 51 Comedian Charity: Amnesty International

He says “Stand-up comedy is the only time in life where I feel completely comfortable and in complete control. I have lived a charmed life and never allowed myself of being hungry or deprived myself of anything and I don’t think that is a good way to live your life. This is a challenge but it is a positive thing for me. I see this as a spiritual journey with commercial breaks so I am going to take out of it what I want to take out of it.”

Lives: NSW

From movies, sketch and stand-up to stints as a radio DJ, talk show host, and published author, Akmal Saleh is one of Australia’s busiest, most successful and accomplished comics. Starting his stand-up career in 1990, Akmal’s popularity with Australian audiences has flourished thanks to regular appearances on major television shows over the past 15 years.

Outside of television, Akmal has enjoyed national sold-out stand-up tours and has travelled the globe appearing at the world’s best comedy festivals including the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Melbourne Comedy Festival.

He has been nominated for numerous awards including two Australian Comedy Awards, two Helpmann Awards and an ARIA award for his DVD Live and Uncensored.

His book, The Life Of Akmal, charts his journey immigrating from Egypt to Australia as an 11-year-old and through to today living as a successful Arab stand-up comedian. He now lives in Sydney with his wife, Cate.

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Bonnie Lythgoe 66 Theatrical lady Charity: Olivia Newton-John Cancer And Wellness Centre

She says “I hate looking awful. I can’t bungee jump. I’m not going to ruin my back or anything else for them. I’ve been a dancer for a long, long time and never injured myself so I’m not prepared to do it now. I have a phobia of everything. I don’t want to see rats, mice, snakes, frogs, anything. I don’t want to be in the dark, I want to be in the light. The worst thing is the bathroom, the toilets I hate that. I can’t even imagine how I am going to cope with the toilets because I am just fussy. I don’t even go into a unisex toilet. I have to go to a female toilet. And normally if I am in a restaurant, I will send somebody in there to check it first before I even go in there. That is how pathetic I am. I just don’t know how in the heck I am going to cope with having to share a toilet, being near somebody I don’t know and showering in some shower that is practically showing me naked.

Age: Ahem, a Lady never reveals her age!

Lives: Los Angeles/London/Gold Coast/Portugal...

Charity: Olivia Newton John Cancer and Wellness Centre

Dancer, choreographer, director, television presenter and producer, Bonnie Lythgoe has an accomplished career that over 30 years has seen her work with some of the industry’s best including Gene Kelly, Sidney Poitier, Cliff Richards, Michael Jackson, Victoria Beckham and the Bee Gees.

Australian audiences would best remember Bonnie from her time as a judge on Network Ten’s So You Think You Can Dance. Bonnie also served as producer and judge on the US version of the show in its first two seasons, as well as working as producer for three seasons on the massive entertainment hit, American Idol.

Bonnie’s career began while she was studying at the Corona School for Performing Arts in London, when she won a role in the feature film To Sir With Love starring Sidney Poitier.

After graduating, Bonnie worked as a dancer with the BBC where she met fellow dancer Nigel Lythgoe, whom she went on to marry. Once her dance career ended, Bonnie moved into the worlds of choreography and production, producing and directing musicals and pantomimes in the West End.

In 2011, Bonnie created Lythgoe Family Productions in Los Angeles with her son Kristopher. The company has brought two successful pantomime productions to Australia, Snow White featuring Magda Szubanski and Kyle Sandilands and Aladdin and His Wonderous Lamp featuring former I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! contestant Lauren Brandt and Studio 10’s Jessica Rowe and Jono Coleman. This year Bonnie will bring the magic of Cinderella and a star studded cast to the State Theatre in July.

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Havana Brown 30 International DJ Charity: Lighthouse Foundation

She says “I am a massive diva; I’m also pretty strong and resilient. I like my fine things in life but if I’ve got to struggle it out a bit, I’ll be fine. I don’t like confrontation but I guess if someone confronts me, I will stand my ground. I am very opinionated. I would rather jump out of a plane than eat something bad. I could open my mouth too much and offend everyone in the country. I am just really sarcastic and that can come off wrong.”

Lives: Victoria

Originally hailing from Melbourne, Angelique Meunier, better known as DJ Havana Brown, has gone on to global domination topping both Australian and US dance music charts with her debut single We Run The Night in 2011. The single also earned Havana two ARIA nominations and a remix featuring American rapper Pitbull was included on her first EP, When the Lights Go Out, which was released in July 2012.

Making television guest appearances on America’s Got Talent and The X Factor Australia, Havana originally made a name for herself through her popular dance remixes and her outstanding tour support spots for the likes of Rihanna, Pitbull, Brittney Spears, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, The Pussycat Dolls and Enrique Iglesias.

In 2012, Havana represented Australia at the first ABU Television Song Festival 2012, which took place at the KBS Concert Hall in Seoul, South Korea.

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Dean Geyer 29 Hollywood Heartthrob Charity: Campaign Against Canned Hunting

Charity: CACH (Campaign Against Canned Hunting)

He says “You can lock me in a glass case with snakes and roaches and rats and I’d be fine but drinking stinky stuff, no  that’s not for me. The thing I might struggle with is the eating because I eat too much. I’m hoping this experience is going to help me get a little ripped, I haven’t seen these abs in a good three years. For the most part I don’t think the conflict is going to have anything to do with me, unless I lose a challenge and somebody is really pissed off with me. I am the guy to agree to disagree and walk away but if someone gets physical you have no other option but to defend yourself.”

Lives: Los Angeles

After immigrating to Australia from South Africa to Australia as a teenager, Dean Geyer came to the nation’s attention as one of the strongest performers on Australian Idol in 2006. Coming third behind Jessica Mauboy and Damien Leith, Dean went on to sign a record deal and release his debut album, Rush, which peaked at #7 on the ARIA charts.

In 2008, Dean scored a role on Network Ten’s Neighbours, playing aspiring musician, Ty Harper. After eight months on the show, Dean moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career.

Dean’s biggest roles to date include television appearances on Glee and Terra Nova and a role in the film Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown. Most recently, Dean secured a recurring role in the police procedural, Shades of Blue, starring Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta, as well as a recurring role in the Jason Reitman comedy, Casual.

He also appeared in the 2015 films Rehearsal, Don’t Wake Mommy and The Sand.

Dean currently lives in Los Angeles.

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Paul ‘The Chief’ Harragon 47 Rugby League Great Charity: Mark Hughes Foundation

He says “I am pretty straight up and down, a little bit vanilla I reckon so I don’t think there’s going to be too many shocks. I’m doing it because I do love a challenge and a bit of adventure and I do miss it a little bit from playing football. For me this is going to be a stretch and that is the main reason I’m doing it, to be out of my element.”

Lives: NSW

Charity: Mark Hughes Foundation
Born and bred in the Hunter region of NSW, Paul Harragon is a legend of rugby league with a record that includes an inaugural premiership for the Newcastle Knights as captain in 1997. Paul also represented NSW 20 times in State of Origin and played for Australia in 17 tests.

Leaving football in 1999, Paul has enjoyed a successful media career, appearing on The Footy Show (Rugby League) for 14 years. He also had an unexpected ARIA hit in 2007, when his Spandau Ballet parody single That's Gold debuted at #8 on the ARIA Singles chart.

He has been the face and brand ambassador of numerous companies over the years including health fund NIB, which he has been associated with for an incredible 24 years.

Paul has been a director and chairman of the Newcastle Knights and is a proud life member. He lives in Newcastle with his wife and three children.

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Brendan Fevola 35 AFL player Charity: The Shane Warne Foundation

He says “Everyone pretty much knows everything about me. Hopefully people will realise that I’m not a bad dude. I’m not going to sit here and say I’m perfect because everyone knows that I’m not. I am just a happy dude that loves life and might take the wrong turn occasionally but I don’t mean anyone any harm, I never have. I am a very giving and loving person and hopefully that is what people see. It’s a Survivor/Big Brother/Biggest Loser so if you go in there trying to portray someone that you’re not, you are going to get found out pretty quick because it will be hard being someone that you’re not.

Lives: VIC

Brendan Fevola is regarded as both one of the most effective full-forwards to have played AFL in the 2000s and one of sport’s most controversial off-field figures. Between 1999 and 2010, Brendan played 204 AFL games for the Carlton and Brisbane Lions football clubs. During this time he won two Coleman Medals for the highest goal scorer for the season and was named in the All Australian Team three times.

Outside of football, Brendan’s personal life and off-field antics have made front-page headlines. He has made regular appearances on The Footy Show (AFL) and owned Fellini, a restaurant in South Yarra, Melbourne.

Since his retirement from AFL, Brendan played and coached in the Victorian Football Leagues. Brendan has three daughters and lives in Melbourne.

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Anthony Callea 33 Singer Charity: Lifeline Australia

He says “This show can either work for me or against me. I might walk out and everyone hates me so I would have made the worst decision ever. I’ll be shitting into a long drop and eating beans and rice, who knows how far I am going to get. I hope that I can go at least to the last week, that would be great but I’ll be very hairy and I’ll have a monobrow. In this scenario, I have to be me, you can’t not. Some people will like me, some people might not. But when you put yourself out there you have to take the good with the bad, that is part of it.”

Lives: VIC

Charity: Lifeline Australia

ARIA-award-winning singer-songwriter Anthony Callea rose to fame as runner-up in the 2004 season of Network Ten’s Australian Idol and signed a record deal immediately.

His debut single The Prayer became the fastest-selling single by an Australian artist and held the #1 spot on the ARIA singles chart for five weeks. He followed his debut single with a string of multi-platinum and gold singles and albums including Rain, Hurt So Bad, Addicted To You and A New Chapter.

In 2014 Anthony released the #1 ARIA DVD, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Songs of George Michael, which he toured nationally and then later turned into a television special. Anthony has accumulated a string of awards for his music and has toured with musical heavyweights that include Celine Dion, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Tina Arena and Westlife.

Anthony has also starred in several stage musicals including Grease, Rent and Wicked. In 2014, he married his long-term partner Tim Campbell in New Zealand.

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Val Lehman 72 Actor Charity: Positive Women

Charity: Positive Women
Val Lehman is best known to audiences as inmate Bea Smith from the long-running Australian television series Prisoner. The series was a smash hit in 20 countries leading Val to become a familiar face the world over. During her four years on the show, Val won three TV Week Logie awards including a Silver Logie for most popular actress in 1982.

She says “I’ll be the oldest by miles I should imagine. That doesn’t bother me either. I might pull rank and get the bed nearest the loo because I’ve got the oldest bladder. I’m into anything, from pigeon tosses to manslaughter. How many people are offered the opportunity to do something like this? Why would you turn it down? And plus, they are going to pay me for it. I’m not doing anything else at the moment so why not. If they do their job well, they will be fair. If they just want to create an atmosphere, well good luck to them. It is completely out of my control but then editing always is, I’ve had my very best scenes cut before.

Lives: Queensland

More recently, Australian audiences have seen Val on stage as the haughty Miss Lynch in the big-budget musical, Grease.

Val now lives on Macleay Island and is a proud mother and grandmother.

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Laurina Fleure 31 Former Bachelor Contestant Charity: Living Positive Victoria

Laurina had the whole country talking when she appeared as a feisty and beautiful Bachelorette on season two of The Bachelor Australia. While she didn’t win the hand of Bachelor Blake Garvey, Laurina became one of the biggest pop culture icons in Australia when a bad date with the Bachelor led to the hashtag #dirtystreetpie becoming an online sensation.

She says “I can be a bit high maintenance when I am dollied up but when I’m in my trackies; I am as easy going as anybody else. I’m excited about overcoming that stereotype. This is a good opportunity to not be pigeon holed as one dimensional. If you don’t have some pain in the arse in you then you’re just a push over and ain’t nobody got time for that.

Charity: Living Positive Victoria

Outside of her appearance on television, Laurina has worked as a model for over 10 years and has lived in some of the world’s most exotic locations including Hong Kong, Istanbul and Athens. 

Since returning to her home town of Melbourne, Laurina has used her experience in fashion to establish a successful online women’s clothing website, Pialia Boutique.

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Courtney Hancock 27 Ironwoman Athlete Charity: MND and Me Foundation

Courtney Hancock is a young woman who has a natural ability, charismatic personality and zest for life that makes her very special.

Born in Perth, but raised alongside her 3 sisters in Sawtell on the North Coast of NSW, Courtney was drawn to the waves right from her early days as a “Nipper”. However, this affinity and love of the water quickly developed into an ambition to one day become an elite Ironwoman, and when she finished High School she moved to the Gold Coast to follow this dream.

Whilst she competed successfully in the junior and cadet ranks, Courtney’s record of achievement in open competition is outstanding.

At the Australian Championships she has won a total of 20 individual and team events, including 2 Ironwoman and 3 Surf Swim titles. Courtney has also won 3 Kelloggs NutriGrain Professional Ironwoman Series titles and the Coolangatta Gold. In 2011 she became the first person in the history of Australian Surf Sports to win the triple crown of elite events (Australian and Professional Series titles plus the Coolangatta Gold), within the same calendar year.

Courtney has also been a member of the Australian High Performance team which has seen her compete for Australia with distinction in Germany, Japan, South Africa and New Zealand.

At just 26 years of age Courtney has what it takes – dedication, enthusiasm and a contagious smile and personality that belies a strength of character and fierce will to win that makes her very special. Already regarded as one of the top Ironwoman in the country, Courtney is driven by a desire to be the very best athlete she can be.

Courtney takes great pride in all aspects of the way she approaches her life, and draws great satisfaction from the very positive interaction and feedback she receives. She strives to be a good role model and wants to inspire young athletes to dream and do their very best to achieve their goals, just as she had a dream, worked hard and made a lot of sacrifices to get to where she is today.

Courtney is a true shining light in her sport.

She says “When I first finished school I actually went off to beauty school to get my diploma as a beauty therapist and makeup artist. That was pre-athlete. I’ve done my eyelashes, my nails and for the first time ever I’ve waxed my legs so that they are set for the whole time. Beauty is pain. I feel pretty confident with the physical stuff because I’m going in at my peak fitness. I am absolutely petrified of snakes and the dark and heights and I hate little spaces.”

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who is who in the jungle?

Eclectic bunch of celebrities from all walks of life ventured into the South African jungle tonight.

And yes, cricketing megastar Shane Warne was among them, arriving via light plane at the 11th hour as an ‘intruder’.

We just got a glimpse of Warnie, but in the coming nights we’ll be sure to see more of him as he mixes with the other contestants.

“We have all walks of celebrity life this year and all the ingredients you need for a spectacular series,” Ten head of factual and entertainment Stephen Tate told News Corp. “You can expect more conflict, more laughs and ultimately more heart.”

From a professional athlete to an iconic actor and an international music stars, here we take a look at who is in the jungle for what could be the next six weeks competing in physical challenges and tucker trials to survive with the aim of winning $100,000 for their chosen charity.

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