ITV has announced the full celebrity lineup for Gary Lineker's new game show, 'The Box,' marking the former 'Match of the Day' host's first major television role since his departure from the BBC. The show, which is based on a format that launched earlier this year in Norway, will feature ten celebrities who will be transported to unknown locations inside yellow boxes and face unexpected challenges. Lineker, who recently ended Ant and Dec's 23-year winning streak at the National Television Awards, expressed excitement about the diverse cast, stating that the mix of strengths and abilities among the contestants mirrors the composition of successful teams.

The contestants include reality TV star Joey Essex, known for 'The Only Way Is Essex,' and former Commons Speaker John Bercow, who previously appeared on the US version of 'The Traitors.' They are joined by 'The Chase' star Jenny Ryan, JLS singer JB Gill, YouTube personality Danny Aarons, and 'Lorraine' presenter Ranvir Singh. Completing the lineup are 'Dragons' Den' star Sara Davies, former footballer Graeme Souness, comedian Ellie Taylor, and 'Love Island' contestant Shakira Khan. The show has been compared to 'I'm A Celebrity' and 'SAS: Who Dares Wins,' promising a blend of physical, mental, and logical challenges.

In each episode, the celebrities will be released from their boxes with minimal or no instruction, forced to decipher and tackle whatever game awaits them. The challenges are designed to be unpredictable, ranging from funny to daunting, with the show teasing 'shocking reveals,' 'mind-bending puzzles,' and 'twists.' At the end of each installment, the two worst-performing contestants will face 'The Duel,' a high-stakes head-to-head game where the loser is eliminated from the competition. This format ensures a gradual reduction of the cast until a winner emerges.

Katie Rawcliffe, ITV's Director of Entertainment, Reality & Daytime Commissioning, highlighted the entertainment value of observing how each celebrity reacts to the varying challenges. Production company Twofour's Chief Content Officer, Dan Adamson, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about how the cast will rise to the occasion. While a specific release date has not been confirmed, 'The Box' is expected to air on ITV in 2026, following filming in the UK later this year. The show represents a significant step in Lineker's career transition, leveraging his experience and public profile to anchor a new entertainment format for the channel.

British actor Callum Turner and pop superstar Dua Lipa have captured public attention with their whirlwind romance that began in January 2024 and culminated in an engagement confirmed in June. The couple's relationship timeline includes key public milestones, from being spotted together after the 'Masters of the Air' premiere in London to making their red carpet debut at the 2025 Met Gala. Their journey from initial meeting to engagement has unfolded over approximately 18 months, with both stars navigating demanding careers while building their personal connection.

The couple's first encounter reads like something from a romantic screenplay. Turner, 35, revealed to The Times that they finally met at a mutual friend's birthday party in Los Angeles after experiencing several 'near-misses' where their paths almost crossed but didn't. The most remarkable aspect of their initial meeting occurred when they sat next to each other and discovered they were both reading the same book, Hernán Díaz's 'Trust,' and had both just finished the first chapter. Turner described the moment as cinematic, noting that they realized they were 'on the same page' both literally and figuratively.

Maintaining a relationship between two high-profile careers requires strategic effort, and Turner has shared insights into how they manage the challenges of long-distance dating. The actor emphasized the importance of making time for each other regardless of busy schedules, stating their motto is 'it's never not worth it.' He recounted a recent instance where he flew to Boston for just two days to see Lipa between her tour commitments and his filming schedule, despite feeling exhausted. The couple relies heavily on FaceTime to stay connected and prioritizes creating meaningful memories during their limited time together.

Before their fateful meeting, Turner and Lipa experienced what he describes as multiple 'sliding doors' moments that nearly prevented their connection. The actor detailed one specific instance where Lipa left a party at 1:45 AM and he arrived at 2:00 AM, missing each other by mere minutes. These near-misses spanned several occasions involving mutual friends and shared social circles. Turner expressed gratitude that when they finally did meet under the right circumstances, he immediately recognized Lipa as 'the most beautiful woman in the world,' setting the stage for a relationship that would quickly progress from dating to engagement.