Zoe Birkett: Last News

The first night of Strictly Come Dancing kicks off on Saturday 23 September, but not all of the pro-dancers are feeling the heat of the competition, after they weren’t chosen to have celebrity partners. Stars Nadiya Bychkova and Neil Jones weren’t picked to dance with the celebs this year.

Naman Ramachandran London’s National Theatre has unveiled the complete ensemble cast for Roald Dahl’s “The Witches,” a co-production with the Roald Dahl Story Company. The stage musical is directed by Lyndsey Turner (“The Crucible”), features book and lyrics by Olivier Award-winner Lucy Kirkwood (“Mosquitoes”) along with music and lyrics by Tony Award nominee Dave Malloy (“Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”). Based on the 1983 novel by Dahl, the musical follows an English boy and his Norwegian grandmother in a world where child-hating societies of witches secretly exist in every country.

Pop Idol star Zoe Birkett has told of her shock learning about the death of her close friend Darius Campbell Danesh while she was a part of the theatre show Moulin Rouge.The 37-year-old said the cast of the talent competition had plans to reunite for an ITV show just three weeks before he passed.Reflecting on learning the news, Zoe told Express.co.uk: "My agent told me and I just burst into tears."I don't how I did it but I did the show that night and the next day I took it off, I just thought I need a minute. I just felt like I had been hit by a bus the next day."There were two shows the next day and I was like I'm not really in the space to kind of be happy clappy."Following his death, Zoe reached out to her fellow Pop Idol stars including Gareth Gates and Will Young."It was a shock for us all," she continued.

Ricky Gervais aims dig at James Corden 'Worst dinner party ever'With this, Zoe was left with no choice but to replace her hip with a cemented titanium stem and hip socket."That was hard to take in at the time," the singer admitted fearing her career could be over.The mother-of-one also knew she needed to act fast when her back gave way during a short walk with her daughter in lockdown.Thankfully for the former Pop Idol star all went well and she was able to start rehearsals for Moulin Rouge the Musical just weeks after. With a new hip, Zoe was able to perform at her best which included can-canning on stage with no pain.She added: "Having the replacement is actually the best thing I've ever done and if I have to have it done again, I will straight away.18 months on, Zoe is still living pain free and, with the approval of doctors, is still exercising as much as she can. "The moment I slow my body down my hip will start to slow down," she continued. Chloe Madeley's mum Judy Finnigan lovingly cuddles new granddaughter [PICTURED]Ricky Gervais takes another savage swipe at James Corden in 'fat' jibe [REACTION]Meghan Markle left Whoopi Goldberg baffled after 'bimbo' remark [OPINION]Zoe has documented her health journey on her Instagram page in the hope of helping other young sufferers. Osteoarthritis is commonly detected in those aged 45 and over.

social media to share her condolences. Read more: Lorraine Kelly and Rylan lead Darius Danesh tributes as Pop Idol star dies just 41Taking to Twitter, the Consett-born singer and actress, wrote: "Still processing the new of Darius’s death, a big brother to all of us in popidol. I’ll always remember his wonderful warm tall hugs and his words of wisdom.

Gareth Gates has shared a rare snap of his beautiful 12 year old daughter Missy.The singer, 37, who is dad to Missy with his ex-wife Suzanne Mole, previously vowed to keep his daughter off social media. But Gareth couldn’t resist sharing an adorable photograph alongside his offspring.The star is seen planting a kiss on top of Missy’s head as she beams in a black outfit.