Pete Wicks has finally spoken out after his departure from Strictly Come Dancing , marking the end of his journey on the hit BBC One show. The TOWIE favourite was competing with pro dancer Jowita Przystal but fell short of reaching the grand finale. The duo were eliminated in the semi-final round, narrowly missing a spot in the much-anticipated final next weekend. Their exit came during Sunday night's results show (December 8), where they faced the dance-off against Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec. Reflecting on his Strictly experience with host Tess Daly, Pete remarked: "It's been wild. I've been quite honest about the fact that I didn't necessarily want to do this [Strictly] in the first place, but everyone else wanted me to do it, and I am so, so glad that I did it!" He continued, emphasizing the joy of participation over perfection: "You don't always have to be the best, but if you enjoy something then why shouldn't you have a go at it? I've tried my best from day one, I said I was in for a penny, in for a pound and I've done it, it's been beautiful." In the tense dance-off, judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke chose to save Tasha and Aljaz, with head judge Shirley Ballas also conceding she would have made the same decision, reports the Manchester Evening News . In the wake of the recent results show, Pete dashed to Instagram to share snapshots of his semi-final exploits with Jowita, sharing: "The past 3-4 months have been nothing short of incredible. I spent 12 weeks saying my time in the show was gonna be over and each week I was wrong...until now." Expressing utmost satisfaction with his journey concluding, he stated: "I couldn't be happier with the way it ended, there is no one I would have rather been in a dance off with than Tasha. She is the most beautiful dancer, the most beautiful person inside and out and I'm so proud of her for making the final because she deserves it so much." Attributing his success on the show to public support, he expressed gratitude, saying: "The only reason I stayed in the show for so long is because of you, the people. You supported me throughout and that is something I'll never be able to forget and something I never expected. We went on this journey together, the ups and downs and with the right attitude, it's about learning and it's about entertaining." Pete reflected on his determination and acknowledgment of the fans' role, concluding with: "I tried my best from day 1 and I took the show seriously, I did what I could and I appreciate every single one of you that gave me the opportunity to keep doing that week on week. You don't always have to be the best or have the most talent, but you should never stop trying! Thank you." The 36-year-old podcast host elaborated: "The show isn't just what you see on a Saturday night, it's not all jazz hands...there are an unbelievable amount of wonderful people that make it all happen. From top to bottom, the people that make the show are f**king magical. Every department is full of people who care, who create and work so hard to make Strictly what it is. Thank you all for putting up with me for so long!" Pete went on to say: "Lastly but most importantly, this experience wouldn't have been anything without Jowita. She believed in me since the first day and never stopped. She supported me, listened to me, made me laugh and cry but most of all she made me believe in myself when I didn't think I could do it. We did everything our way, and for me that was the right way. I'm so sorry that I couldn't get you to a final, I tried my best and you deserve to be there." He warmly concluded: "The show may have ended for us but one thing won't, you will always have a friend in me. You have become such a special person in my life and just because that won't continue on a ballroom floor doesn't mean it won't continue. Unfortunately for you, you've gained a friend for life. You will always be my dancing gnome. Px." (sic) Overwhelmed by his sentiments, Jowita quickly replied: "I'm so proud of you and you don't need to be sorry for anything. For me we won and I gain way more then being in the final ... I gain a beautiful friendship." (sic) Strictly Come Dancing returns next weekend for the live final on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.winph 777 。

Transfer rumors, news: Man United, Madrid chasing €50m-rated Hernández

Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox recently shared her thoughts on the province’s Throne Speech, emphasizing the speech’s broad focus on issues that impact both the city and rural communities. Knox, who attended the speech at the Manitoba Legislative Building on November 19th, described it as inclusive, covering a wide array of topics important to local governments and citizens. “The Throne Speech provides a great opportunity to understand the province’s priorities,” Knox said. “It covers everything from healthcare to environmental concerns, and it’s always an honour to be invited to listen.” A key highlight for Knox was the mention of healthcare priorities. As she noted, healthcare is a crucial issue for all Manitobans, and she appreciated hearing about the province’s continued focus on improving services. “For municipalities, we heard about a focus on autonomy and collaboration, both of which are important to us,” Knox added. The speech also brought attention to environmental initiatives, including a significant mention of Portage la Prairie. Knox was pleased to see the region’s potential involvement in the development of a sustainable aviation fuel facility. “Portage la Prairie got a shout-out regarding environmental and climate initiatives,” Knox said. “The province is investing in this project, and we’re hopeful that a decision will be made soon.” Knox also highlighted the discussion around journalism and the importance of ensuring information reaches smaller and rural communities. “It was interesting to hear about the push for better information access in rural areas,” she said. “I think it’s something we’ll need to follow up on.” Beyond the speech itself, Knox noted the value of building relationships with provincial ministers. She had the chance to meet with the new Municipal and Northern Relations Minister, Glen Simard, as well as Minister of Health, Minister Uzoma Asagwara. “It’s always valuable to connect with ministers in person,” Knox remarked. “I spoke with Minister Asagwara about our new hospital, and we discussed staffing needs. They mentioned that they learned a lot during their visit.” The topic of healthcare technology also came up, specifically the province’s plans for a mobile MRI unit. While the province has already outlined plans for this mobile service in northern Manitoba, Knox expressed hope that such initiatives would benefit rural areas as well. “Mobile MRI units are a great example of how technology can make a real difference,” Knox said. “We’ve seen how mobile mammograms have saved lives across the province, and we’re hopeful that mobile MRIs can have the same impact.” Knox also emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue with the province to ensure that Portage la Prairie and other rural communities receive the attention and resources they need. “We’re excited about the future and looking forward to continued discussions on issues that matter to us,” she said.

So ends one of the wildest weeks in recent memory for the Nebraska football program. The one-week overlap of high school recruiting, transfer portal entries, coaching changes and bowl game decisions meant there were highs and lows for Nebraska fans to go through — but the program’s leader wasn’t bothered by the departures and changes that hit the Huskers. “If we have good players and we have good coaches, then people are gonna come try to get them,” Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said on Wednesday. “If no one’s trying to take our players, it means we’re in trouble.” With news to break down in each of those areas, let’s drop into coverage: Nebraska’s defensive coaching staff will look much different in 2025 compared to 2024, but Rhule is hopeful that the defense itself won’t change much. Defensive coordinator Tony White is off to Florida State and has taken defensive line coach Terrance Knighton with him, a major blow to a Nebraska defense that ranked inside the top 20 nationally each of the last two seasons. Knighton was one of Rhule’s best hires for his initial Nebraska coaching staff. The defensive line, presumed to be a question mark in 2023, instead became a strength of the team. Players like Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher reached new heights under Knighton’s coaching, while several young Huskers also made an impact up front. There’s plenty of returning talent in the defensive line room even after some roster turnover, but NU’s next defensive line coach will have big expectations to continue Knighton’s good work at the position. As for White, he implemented his 3-3-5 scheme to great success a year ago, but Nebraska lined up slightly differently this fall with a four-man rush utilized far more often than in 2023. He’ll be a good fit at Florida State, while Nebraska has turned to John Butler in the interim to lead its defense. There’s no doubting Butler’s pedigree as a former NFL defensive mind, and his influence showed up in the way the Nebraska defense operated this season. Whether it’s Butler or an external hire who leads the Nebraska defense next season, continuity on that side of the ball is the expectation. “The defense isn’t going to change, but the offense is going to be better,” Rhule said. That optimism is underscored by the return of Dana Holgorsen as Nebraska’s offensive coordinator. Having brought in his own wide receivers coach, Daikiel Shorts Jr., Holgorsen will begin transforming the Nebraska offense this spring after the team’s bowl game. Nebraska signed a 20-player recruiting class on Wednesday that is loaded with talent across the board. While recruits can still sign with teams in February, expect Nebraska to be finished along the recruiting trail — and that means it’s time to take stock of the players in its 2025 recruiting class. Here are five of those signees who should impact the long-term future of the Husker football team. First up is linebacker Dawson Merritt. The highest-ranked signee in NU’s 2025 class was an Alabama commit for a reason, and it’s because the pass-rushing potential he shows. Set to be an off-ball linebacker and hybrid edge rusher at Nebraska, Merritt is the type of player who can make an impact early in his collegiate career. If he reaches his long-term potential, Merritt should be an NFL prospect when he leaves Nebraska. Nebraska also landed a top playmaking prospect in wide receiver Cortez Mills. Another wide receiver recruit, Isaiah Mozee, will provide an impact — but Mills is the all-around prospect who could dominate targets in a year or two’s time. The fast, athletic pass-catcher knows how to run himself open against coverage and excels at winning in one-on-one situations. Quarterback Dylan Raiola will like playing with Mills. In the secondary, cornerback Bryson Webber should be a starter down the road. His status as a former wide receiver gives him the ball skills Nebraska is after the spot, and Webber’s long, athletic frame will help him against opposing wide receivers. He may not be a day-one starter at cornerback, but Webber will make the position his own in the years which follow. Another explosive playmaker on offense is running back Jamarion Parker. Having signed alongside Bishop Neumann’s Conor Booth, Parker could be the lightning to Booth’s thunder as a one-two running back punch in the years which follow. A big-play threat and tough runner, Parker is an all-around talent who Nebraska and Holgorsen will find a way to utilize. The final pick is linebacker Christian Jones. Hard-nosed, athletic inside linebackers are hard to come by, but Jones is one of the rare few who could have a future at the position. He’s a top athlete who could push for playing time early in his career. For those interested, here are the five players I identified from NU’s 2024 class one year ago: Dylan Raiola, Carter Nelson, Willis McGahee IV, Mario Buford and Grant Brix. While Jacory Barney Jr. is a notable miss from that list, all but Brix played in at least 10 games and had an impact as freshmen. Nebraska’s transfer portal entrants have begun trickling out, and there will be many more which follow as a result of the 105-player roster limit teams must abide with next season. Many of the toughest departures to stomach have come on defense, where a veteran-heavy group will look much different in terms of its personnel next season. Defensive lineman Jimari Butler, a two-year starter at the position, has decided to move on. So have linebackers Mikai Gbayor and Stefon Thompson — who might’ve been starters next season — and rising young defenders Princewill Umanmielen, James Williams and Kai Wallin. Williams, Wallin and Umanmielen were all impactful defenders for Nebraska this fall, but their status as pass-rushing specialists still left room for improvement as all-around defenders. Butler and Gbayor, however, would’ve been pegged as no-doubt veteran starters, so their choice to move on will impact NU’s defensive strength. No entry was more surprising than that of running back Emmett Johnson, a player who emerged as NU’s top rusher late in the 2024 season. The up-and-down nature of Johnson’s Nebraska career — he showed flashes down the stretch in 2023 and was hardly utilized this fall prior to Holgorsen taking over — may have impacted his decision to seek out a new opportunity. Nebraska’s transfer portal targets will become clearer in the coming days, but one player has already stated his interest in the Huskers. Fresno State linebacker Phoenix Jackson, a multi-year starter at the position, announced on social media that Auburn, Indiana, Nebraska and SMU are the four teams he’s considering transferring to. Prior to learning its bowl opponent, Nebraska had a light week of practice before things get intense later this month. The Huskers practiced on Tuesday and Thursday last week with its veterans sitting out as younger players got reps in front of their coaches instead. Rhule said he expects Nebraska to practice from Tuesday to Thursday this week, with another day on Saturday during which the Huskers could bring transfer portal visitors to campus. “Being in bowl practice right now is exactly what this team needs, exactly what we need moving forward,” Rhule said. “I saw guys practice (Tuesday) and look like I haven’t seen them look all year.” After his firing at Nebraska, former head coach Scott Frost didn’t need to rush into his next coaching job, instead waiting for a situation and school that made sense for him. While it didn’t work out in Lincoln, there’s no denying the success Frost had at UCF. The in-state talent around the school and Frost’s offense made for a great fit, even if he only had two seasons to show it. The Knights are no longer in the AAC, though, instead having moved to a new-look Big 12 which has the makings of a difficult conference. It’s a good fit for Frost, but there’ll still be an element of pressure for him to deliver results and show that he can rebuild the program once again. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Former US President Jimmy Carter dies at 100Jimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’Man City not 'stable', says Guardiola after Feyenoord collapse