Hocks Reality Check - Week 1 - Monday 31st August

Hey Everyone welcome to the First Hocks Reality Check

This week we are going to focus on +XFactorUK as this years series started this weekend.

Saturday saw the first show where we met the new judges Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw who have joined regular judges Cheryl Fernandez Versini and Simon Cowell

So far this line up of judges has had mixed reviews and The Hocks have to say so far they haven't really impressed us. in our opinion the judges just don't seem to click together like previous panels, especially the year of Louis, Sharon, Simon and Danni Minogue. 

As Rita Ora was so good on rival competition +The Voice it seems a little disappointing that her performance so far is not the same on X Factor (In fact in our opinion we think she is being a little irritating!)

As for Nick Grimshaw we feel that he has just been a bit boring and hasn't really done anything that can either annoy or impress us. He just seems a bit out of place

Here is Hoping they gel better as a panel as the series goes on.

Also New Were Presenting Team Olly Murs and Caroline Flack who replaced legendary and popular X Factor presenter Dermot O'Leary. everyone expected his shoes to be hard to fill as he had presented the show for so long and was fantastic and again the new duo so far has not impressed us Hocks! Their Performance presenting just seemed over staged and a little bit awkward. However the Hocks do believe that they will get better as the series goes on as they were so good presenting the Xtra Factor last year and it was just New Job Nerves!  

Now to the Contestants, and there is no denying that this year is so far excellent for talent, however we are not keen on the new concept of allowing backing dancers on the stage as it takes the focus off the persons voice. We also would have liked to see the Rooms Auditions remain as this gives the judges a true opportunity to really hear the contestants voice with out all the audience and other unnecessary noise in the background.

First Contestants we are talking about were Filipino Girl band 4th Power. At first they seemed very shy and gigly however this all changed when they started to perform and were excellent and very polished. However since the show has been aired it is a bit annoying that it has come out that they are famous in their home country and make several TV appearances. We believe if you are already a successful artist you should not be allowed on the show as the idea of the show is to find new talent and give people who haven't already had the opportunity a chance.

  

Next to talk about is Jennifer Phillips who completely surprised us with her rendition of Mary Mary's Shackles. We really were not expecting her to be as good as she was and is one of our tips already to make the Live Shows

Next up in our review is Seann Miley Moore who use to live in the UK then went over to Australia and has now returned to the UK. He is your typical case of never judge a book by its cover as when he walked on every bodies faces dropped as he was dressed very unusually. When he started to sing however he had everyone in his arms as he was absolutely fantastic and as some Hocks have said look at the likes of Freddie Mercury and Lady Gaga, Weird but Wonderful!

The Last contestant hitting up our Reviews this week was Josh Daniel who sang Jealous by Labyrinth. He managed to stir up some feelings from the Judges and had them all in tears as he told them that the reason he had chosen the song was because his best mate had died 2 years earlier and the song reminded him of him. During Filming a few days before Josh Auditioned Simon Cowell's mother had sadly passed away meaning Josh's audition particularly upset Simon Cowell. We think it is very good that Simon didnt have this softer side of him edited out of the show and we genuinely send our best Wishes to Simon and his family

  

That brings us to the end of this weeks Hocks Reality Check post and we hope you will join us next week in our review of the start of this years +Strictly Come Dancing 

Don't forget that Hocks A to Z has now been moved to Wednesday and this week we are up to the Letter M! Find out what that stands for on Wednesday

The Hocks On.... Celebrity Big Brother 2015

The Hocks on... Celebrity Big Brother 2015!

Hey Everyone and welcome to Week 2 of our The Hocks On Series. Before we get started we want to tell you about some important changes to our posts from next week.

Mondays will now see a brand new series called - Hocks Reality Check. In this we will review and give our opinions on +Celebrity Big Brother UK, +XFactorUK And +Strictly Come Dancing 

Our Usual Monday post - Hocks A to Z will now move to a Wednesday to replace our summer series looking at days out 

And Fridays will continue with our Hocks On series where we will post our opinions about anything that comes up in that week 

So that is our new weekly schedule, so now lets talk about Last nights Launch of Celebrity Big Brother

So first things first, The House and we have to say since +Channel 5 UK took over the Big Brother Brand they really have done some great designs of houses, but this one in our opinion tops them all. Its Colourful and Bright and Modern and really pleasing to the eye. Here are some pictures of the house for anyone who missed last nights launch

                                 

                                  

 The UK vs US theme really does work for the decoration im sure you will agree. 

So now to the Housemates, First into the Transatlantic Transformed house was Sherrie Hewson. The 64 year old actress and TV presenter from Manchester is probably best known for her role in Benidorm and as a panelist on Loose Women. The Hocks think she will be a really good housemate and could be there in the Final! A great Team member for Team UK #CBBSHERRIE

She was then joined by the first USA Housemate Fatman Scoop. The 46 year old from Harlem in New York is an American Hype man, Hip Hop Producer and Radio personality. The Hocks don't really know him but found his entrance extremely irritating. #CBBSCOOP 

Third into the new House was +Atomic Kitten's Natasha Hamilton. The 33 year old from Liverpool is a singer / Songwriter, dancer and occasional stage actress. The Hocks like Natasha and think she will be a great housemate who will just say it how it is. Another one who could make the final! #CBBNATASHA 

Next in was another Team USA member and it was Austin Armacost. Yes Exactly what The Hocks Said.... Who? Austin is a 27 year old Outspoken American TV Reality Star from Indiana who appeared in the show The A List: New York. His claim to fame last night however just seemed to be that he dated Marc Jacobs for a short period of time. The Hocks Verdict was Who? and Irritating! #CBBAUSTIN

Team UK was then added to in the shape of Gail Porter. The 44 year old from Edinburgh was formerly a model and actress but is now a TV presenter. She says that people with Hair irritate her and The Hocks again think Team UK has a great Housemate but could blend into the background of the other bigger characters. #CBBGAIL

Next in was another Team UK member in the form of Chris Ellison. The 68 year old actor from Brighton is most famous for his role in ITV's police Drama The Bill where he played DCI Frank Burnside. The Hocks could not really decide on whether they liked or disliked him and think he wont be first out but definitely wont be a finalist. #CBBCHRIS

Housemate Number 7 was Jenna Jameson to represent Team USA. The 41 year old from Las Vegas is an American Entrepeneur but is known as the most famous Adult Entertainer Perfomer (Porn Star) The Hocks Say No to Jenna and think it wont be long before she is shown the door! #CBBJENNA

Housemate, or Housemates Number 8 were representing Team UK and were Former X factor contestants Stevie Richie and Chloe Jasmine. They are now a couple after meeting on the X Factor and have gone in as 1 housemate. The Hocks are sure these two will be great Housemates and will have us all crying with laughter. Possible finalists and could be winners! #CBBSTEVIECHLOE

Next in to represent Team USA was Farrah Abraham. The 24 year old from Iowa came famous after appearing on American Hit Show, 16 and Pregnant and then Teen Mom. The Hocks verdict - Rude and Arrogant and will definitely not be in there long! #CBBFARRAH

Housemate Number 10 on this marathon launch night saw James Hill representing Team UK. The 28 year old from Chesterfield is only known (Slight dig there sorry) for appearing in the last series of BBC 1's The Apprentice where Lord Alan Sugar looks for a business partner. The Hocks all agree that he loves himself but he will get votes from the teenage girls so will remain in for a period of time but definitely not winning material. #CBBJAMES

The Penultimate Housemate to enter was Team USA's Tila Tequila. The 33 year old from Houston in Texas is a former model and has had her own reality show on American TV. She is also a singer. Again the Hocks reaction was WHO?? #CBBTILA

The final Housemate to enter was again representing Team USA and was 54 year old Daniel Baldwin from Malibu, California. He is an American Actor, Director and Producer and is the second eldest of the Baldwin Brothers - all of whom are actors. The Hocks couldn't really decide on him but are convinced he wont be a finalist #CBBDANIEL  

So that was the Housemates and then Big Brother surprised them with their first task that was to canon balls towards cardboard cutouts of the opposing team and the team who knocked the most down wun. Team UK wun 3 1 and raised the Union Jack above the Big brother House. They were also rewarded with a party and could only invite 3 of their fellow American housemates while the other 3 were sent to the tower in the garden. 

We think Team UK is a very good team but are disappointed with Team USA but who knows we may be surprised! 

So that is what we think about this years Celebrity Big Brother, let us know if you agree or disagree with us by commenting below! 

Remember The Hocks are on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Hocks Summer Outings- Water Parks!

Hello Everyone, Welcome to this weeks Hocks Summer Outings Post! We thought this week, as the summer holidays are nearly over (how fast have they gone??!), what could be more fun than to treat the family to a lovely day out to a Water Park?!

Water Parks are an ideal choice for all the family as the adventurous ones from your group can go off and enjoy themselves on the thrill rides whilst the more relaxed ones can stick to the quieter pools, or even just relax on the side with a book if they don't fancy the water at all!

We have had a look into some Water Parks around the country (there are a lot more than we realised!) and here is just a handful of what we found..

WaterWorld, Stoke On Trent

Waterworld, based in Stoke On Trent is an indoor tropical aqua park that gets over 400,000 visitors per year, making it a leading visitor attraction in North Staffordshire and also the UKs number 1 Indoor Tropical Aqua Park.

WaterWorld has something for everyone and is built around a large wave pool with lots of slides, rides, flumes and attractions to enjoy. Just a handful of these include..

Space Bowl Ride

             

Multi Lane Racing Slide

      

Interactive Jungle House With Slides For Adults and Children

   

Outdoor Pool With Lazy River

There are lots more attractions to enjoy in Waterworld including a rapid ride, Jacuzzi and bubble pool, soft play area, indoor water rollercoaster plus lots more!

Waterworld has its own restaurant right on the pool side meaning you can get food and drink whenever you like without having to get changed! The restaurant offers a reasonably priced and varied menu, including the Family Meal Deal which includes..

2 x Adult’s meals

2 x Children’s meals

2 x sides

4 x drinks

4 x ice creams

All for only £22.95

Waterworld Peak/Weekend Opening Times and Prices Are..

Monday – From 10am

Tuesday -10am-6pm

Wednesday – 10am-6pm

Thursday – 10am-6pm

Friday – 10am-9pm (Unless otherwise stated)

Saturday – 10am-5pm

Sunday -10am-5pm

Over 1.1 metres tall: Normal price of £10.49

Under 1.1 metres tall:   £7.49

Parent & Toddler:   £14.50

Spectator: Normal price £10.49 (£6 refund upon exit)

Family of 4:   £37.50

Family of 5:   £47.50

Family of 6:   £56.50

Waterworld Off Peak Opening Times And Prices Are..

Monday:  Closed

Tuesday:  Closed

Wednesday:  Closed (10am-3pm from 6th May 2015-21st October 2015)

Thursday:  10am-3pm

Friday:  12pm-9pm

Saturday:  10am-5pm (peak prices)

Sunday:  10am-5pm (peak prices)

Over 1.1 metres tall:  £9.49

Under 1.1 metres tall:  Free

Spectator:  £9.49 (£6 refunded upon exit)

Family of 4:  £34.50

Family of 5:  £42.50

Family of 6:  £51.50

You can find out more about Waterworld and book your tickets online by visiting www.waterworld.co.uk

Sandcastle Water Park, Blackpool

Sandcastle Water Park is an indoor waterpark set in an 84 degree tropical climate located at South Beach in Blackpool, Lancashire.

Sandcastle is a very popular park and had lots of slides and attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Some of these include..

Aztec Falls Ride

Caribbean Storm Treehouse

Master Blaster Ride

Shimmerin' Shallows Pool

Ushi Cushi River Creek

Plus lots lots more!!

Sandcastle Water Park has a number of different places to eat, drink and shop, including..

Bongo Bongo Burger Shack

Waterfalls Café

Treetops Trading Post

Opening Times of Sandcastle Water Park vary depending on the day, you can find out the opening times of each day the next couple of months here.

Prices

Single (12 yrs and over) £15.25

Junior (3-11 yrs) £12.25

Infant (under 3 yrs) Free

Guests with disabilities/carers £9.75

Senior (60 yrs +) £9.75

Family of 3 £37.50

Family of 4 £48.50

Family of 5 £59.50

Family of 6 £70.50

You can also purchase a "Hyperzone Wristband" which allows you to ride the 4 more Thrill Seeking rides for an additional £6.25pp. This gives you unlimited rides.

You can find out more about Sandcastle Water Park by visiting www.sandcastle-waterpark.co.uk

Blue Lagoon Water Park, Pembrokeshire

Blue Lagoon is an indoor water park located in the Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Being inside and heated to tropical temperatures all year round, you can still have fun whatever the weather! Some of the fun things Blue Lagoon has to offer include..

Slides and Flumes

Wild Waves

Lazy River

Indoor and Outdoor Hot Tubs and Outdoor Bubble Pool

Nippers Cove

Blue Lagoon also provides high quality fast food, drinks and refreshments in their wet and dry areas of their café, "The Fish Shack".

After you've finished your water fun, you can also do a spot of shopping in their gift shop, "The Wave Shop".

High Season Opening Times and Prices are..

Monday to Sunday-11am-9pm

4 years + £12.50

Under 4 years £2.00

Family ticket for 4 people £46.00

Poolside Spectator £3.00

Low Season Opening Times and Prices are..

Monday to Sunday- 11am-6pm

4 years + £6.50

Under 4 years £2.00

Family ticket for 4 people £22.00

Poolside Spectator £3.00

Evening Swim (4pm-6pm) £4.50

You can save up to 15% by booking your tickets online.

You can find out more about Blue Lagoon Water Park and book online by visiting www.bluelagoonwales.com

and finally..

Wet N Wild, North Shields

Wet n Wild is an indoor water park that was opened in North Shields, Tyne and Wear in 1993.

Wet n Wild used to be the UK's biggest indoor water park until Sandcastle in Blackpool took over its title and it includes many exciting rides and attractions including..

Abyss

Wet n Wild say "A two person inflatable ride where you fall into the Abyss. You'll accelerate and pick up high speed as you drop down a number of steep drops in the pitch black with only the person behind you for company!  

As you see light at the end of the tunnel you appear to be at the end of the ride, but as you speed straight through the run out area bouncing across the water, into another pitch black hole where you'll make a short climb before you plunge backwards, back into the run out area."

Black Hole

Wet n Wild say "From the top floor of the flume tower you and a buddy (this is a two person ride) will embark upon a journey into a pitch black spiral of darkness upon a double inflatable.

As you race at high speed around tight twists and turn, down sudden drops whilst in darkness you wont know what's around the corner as you make your way down the Black Hole."

 

Calamity Canyon

Wet n wild say "A single inflatable ride where you make your way down a number of small slides into Canyon whirlpools.

The Calamity Canyon consists of 6 small slides, and 5 canyon whirlpools.Each Canyon has a different layout with slides entering and exiting at different points meaning each whirlpool offers a different experience. 

This flume was recently voted our guests favourite in our recent Facebook survey!"

Wet n Wild also have lots more to offer including lots of rides and flumes and a special play island just for the children!

Wet n Wild also has its own café serving very reasonably prices meals, drinks and snacks, including Costa Coffee and Costa Ice.

Peak/Weekend Opening Times and Prices are..

Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm

Sunday 10am-7pm

Adult £9.95 (20+)

Teen £7.95 (13-19)

Junior £4.95 (Under 13yrs)

Under 3's FREE

Spectator £2.95

Locker Key £2.00 (refundable - the locker keys are only refunded once the keys are returned, it is your responsibility to look after the keys - failure to return your keys will result in no deposit being returned)

Off Peak Opening Times and Prices are..

Monday, preschool swimming 10am-12pm

Tuesday Closed

Wednesday Closed

Thursday, preschool swimming 10am-12pm and casual swimming 4pm-8pm

Friday, casual swimming 4pm-6pm and wave rave disco 6pm-8pm

Saturday 10am-8pm

Sunday 10am-8pm

Off Peak Adult £7.95

Off Peak Teen £4.95 (13-19)

Off Peak Junior £2.95 (Under 13yrs)

Off Peak Spectator £1.95

Preschool Swimming, Parent and Toddler £4.95 including free Costa Coffee and Juice

You can find out more about Wet n Wild by visiting www.wetnwild.co.uk

So there we have it, that is our small handful of UK Waterparks! If we didn't mention one near you, we are sure you will find one if you search on Google, there's loads!

We hope to see you on Friday for this weeks The Hocks On post!