Author: bang1

ITV star Frankie Bridge shared her most recent outfit she wore for Loose Women yesterday (October 10) – and it’s the perfect office-to-party look

Frankie Bridge has been giving us plenty of autumn fashion inspiration on social media lately, and one of her latest looks has sent shoppers wild. After appearing on Loose Women yesterday (October 10), Frankie, 35, shared the outfit she wore for her ITV appearance on Instagram.

The star sported a knitted funnel neck top, £75, and some £119 faux-leather trousers in a chocolate hue, both from high-street favourite Karen Millen. Frankie said in the caption: “This red is giving Christmas… and I’m here for it.”

With the festive period getting closer, we can certainly see this party ready look selling out soon. Fans can currently still snap up the star’s £75 Slinky Drape Knit Power Shoulder Funnel Neck Top in sizes from extra-small to large. It comes in a gorgeous emerald-green version as well.

Due to their popularity, Frankie’s chocolate-hued faux leather trousers are nearly out of stock, with only size 12 still available. However, there’s also a black pair you can buy in sizes from six to 16.

The mum-of-two wore her Karen Millen outfit with Mango’s white stiletto sling back court heels, £45.99. She finished the look with Marks & Spencer’s silver oval earrings, £12.50, and a matching cuff bracelet that looks similar to this £14 River Island option.

The Loose Women panellist looked ready for the party season ( 
Image:
Instagram/@frankiebridge)
Frankie had her short hair styled in sleek waves, which highlighted her features wonderfully. Her makeup included lots of brown eyeshadow, blush and a matte nude lip.

The former Saturdays singer has received numerous glowing comments about her outfit on Instagram, with her post racking up more than 6,000 likes. One wrote: “Ooh that looks fabulous! Where are the trousers from please?”

Another added: “Couldn’t agree more Frankie. Beautiful top. And you look amazing as always.” A third commented: “Wow you look absolutely gorgeous,” while someone else said: “It really suits you.”

If you’re keen to bag the red knitted top worn by Frankie, snap it up here for £75 – while stocks last. It has a slightly fitted silhouette with a cosy funnel neck, making it great for layering as the weather gets colder. Alternatively, Anthropologie is selling this Long-Sleeve Turtleneck Top, £58, which pairs perfectly with jeans. Roman’s Red Button Detail Ribbed Jumper looks so festive and costs £35.

Eamonn Holmes, who has since gone on to join rival GB News, took aim at former This Morning colleague Phillip Schofield, claiming that he is ‘renowned for snubbing people’

Eamonn Holmes has let rip at his former ITV bosses over his axing on This Morning, branding them “sly” and “hypocritical”.

The 62-year-old, who has since gone on to join rival GB News, also took aim at ex-colleague Phillip Schofield, claiming that he is “renowned for snubbing people”.

Eamonn had presented on Fridays and during half-terms alongside wife Ruth Langsford for 15 years to cover for main hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.

However, it was revealed in November 2020 that the couple would be dropped from their usual slot and replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary.

The couple were rumoured to have been “hurt” by the change at the time and now Eamonn has suggested that ITV bosses wanted to make it look like he had walked away from the role.

Eamonn Holmes has let rip at his former ITV bosses
Speaking to the Daily Mail’s Weekend magazine, he said that “no one explained anything” to him, adding: “They’re sly. They didn’t want to announce that I’d been dropped because it would adversely affect audience figures, so they made it look as if I’d walked away from them rather than the other way round.”

He went on to claim that bosses had had a chat with his agent and announced that he was going to GB News – despite the channel at the time only asking if he was interested in enjoying.

Eamonn also hit out at ITV’s diversity drive, branding his former bosses “hypocrites”.

Eamonn has taken aim at his former colleague Phil ( 
Image:
S Meddle/ITV/REX)
The presenter questioned: “When are they going to start being diverse with their management? The diversity is only on screen. It’s hypocritical.”

He went on to address Ruth’s famous behind the scenes feud with Phil after he cut her short in the middle of. segment for Loose Women in 2019.

Eamonn said: “Phillip is renowned for snubbing people.

Eamonn has called ITV ‘sly and hypocritical’ ( 
Image:
James Veysey/REX/Shutterstock)“He’s very passive-aggressive. It’s up to Ruth to say how she felt, but I was feeling hurt for her. No one would have snubbed me like that.”

The Mirror has reached out to ITV for comment.

A spokesperson told the Daily Mail: “This isn’t a version of events we recognise and as we have said before we wish Eamonn all the very best.

“We are committed to improving representation both on and off screen and we publicly report on our progress against our commitments and targets.”

The former Apprentice and Celebrity Big Brother contestant has blasted ITV’s offering of daily TV as cheap, boring, awful and ‘soul destroying’ and says fans shouldn’t expect her to appear on any of the shows

Reality star Luisa Zissman has savagely hit out at ITV to slam Good Morning Britain for being cheap, Loose Women for being boring as sin, and describes This Morning as ‘soul destroying’.

The feisty 34-year-old shot to fame in 2013 as the runner up on season nine of The Apprentice before going on to win even more fans the following year thanks to a stint on Celebrity Big Brother.

While she is no stranger to TV, Luisa has hinted she is retiring from life on-screen because she finds it all a little bit too tedious – with ITV shows in particular testing her patience.

She has explained that guests on Good Morning Britain get paid £500 to appear on the show – but she says that is not enough money to warrant the early wake up time she’d need to undertake to make it to the studios.

Luisa Zissman has slammed a string of popular ITV shows ( 
Image:
Matt Frost 2011)

While Loose Women has been dismissed by the star for being dull as dishwater.

Opening up to The Sun on Sunday, Luisa said: “I don’t really do TV any more — I can’t be bothered.

“It’s s*** money and I think that the whole industry is disingenuous. It’s just bulls***. I’m not going to get out of bed at 5am for £500 and go on Good Morning Britain. It’s not worth getting out of bed for.”

She’s branded Loose Women ‘boring’, Good Morning Britain cheap and This Morning ‘soul destroying’ ( 
Image:
ITV)
Taking aim at Loose Women, Luisa continued: “I’m too controversial for Loose Women. It should be called Boring Women, it’s so dull.

“I can’t imagine being sat at home watching daytime TV, it must be so dull.”

ITV’s flagship daytime show, This Morning, was also targeted by Luisa who confessed she doesn’t watch it and that she finds it dire.

She explained: “I don’t watch This Morning either. I’m sure they’re nice people, but I’d rather sit in silence. It’s soul destroying and awful.”

It’s not just Luissa who has been lashing out at ITV in recent days – as former This Morning part-time host Eamonn Holmes has also hit out at the broadcaster.

The 62-year-old, who used to host Friday mornings on This Morning, hinted he felt betrayed by ITV after he was axed from the This Morning presenting line-up.

He told the Daily Mail: “They’re sly. They didn’t want to announce that I’d been dropped because it would adversely affect audience figures, so they made it look as if I’d walked away from them rather than the other way round.”

He also took aim at This Morning main host Phillip Schofield – who is rumoured to have a rift with Eamonn’s wife, Ruth Langsford.

Eamonn Holmes has also hit out at ITV ( 
Image:
REX)

Eamonn said: “Phillip is renowned for snubbing people. He’s very passive-aggressive. It’s up to Ruth to say how she felt, but I was feeling hurt for her. No one would have snubbed me like that.”

He also claimed ITV is failing in terms of diversity despite instances like Alison Hammond being promoted to a main This Morning host.

He said: “When are they going to start being diverse with their management? The diversity is only on screen. It’s hypocritical.”

Jamal Edwards MBE – who founded the online urban music platform SB.TV – has reportedly died at the age of 31

Music pioneer Jamal Edwards MBE – credited with launching the careers of a number of music artists and inspiring a generation – has died, aged 31.

The entrepreneur was the founder of the online urban music platform SB.TV and the son of Loose Women star Brenda Edwards.

His pioneering work in the music industry led him to become friends with several celebs – including Ed Sheeran, Will.i.am, Professor Green and Rio Ferdinand.

Tributes have been pouring in on social media for the author who was awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours list in 2014 for his work in music and his business – including from his mum’s TV co-star Denise Welch.

The telly star typed: “My heart aches for my friend Brenda. I can’t bear it. Jamal Edwards was a wonderful son and brother.”

Loose Women star Brenda Edwards’ son Jamal Edwards has died ( 
Image:
jamaledwards/Instagram)

He founded SB.TV ( 
Image:
@jamaledwards/Instagram)
A fan added: “A pioneer in taking Black British music and culture digital via SBTV. Thank you for being the helm of visual content and a home for artists that didn’t feel seen in the mainstream. The impact is felt and will be for generations to come. An eternal talent. RIP Jamal Edwards.”

A second penned: “A true pioneer. Such sad news. Rest in peace, Jamal Edwards.”

“This is devastating news. RIP to the cultural behemoth that was Jamal Edwards. I seriously cannot believe we’ve lost such an important and universally loved figure in Black British culture,” another devastated fan joined in.

His cause of death has not be revealed.

Just three days ago, Jamal took to Instagram to upload a throwback snap of himself and hitmaker Ed Sheeran.

“Happy Birthday to the OG, Ed. Blessed to have you in my life brother. You know you’ve been mates a long time when you lose count on the years! Keep smashing it & inspiring us all G!” he penned in the birthday tribute.

He helped launch Ed Sheeran’s career ( 
Image:
jamaledwards/Instagram)

He was friends with lots of famous faces – including Professor Green ( 
Image:
Getty Images)Earlier this month he attended the BRIT awards and posed on the red carpet dressed in an eye-catching mustard yellow coloured suit.

He shared posts on social media following the biggest night in music business calendar.

Jamal – who grew up on an estate in Acton, West London – was destined for success after his mum gave him a £200 video camera for Christmas when he was 15.

Will.i.am was also a pal of the mogul ( 
Image:
Getty Images Europe)
YouTube had just been launched and Jamal decided to upload some footage of foxes in his back garden and soon was astounded to see the clip got 1,000 views.

Understanding that the platform could be his way to success he went on to film his friend on the estate he lived on performing grime music.

“Back then, there was no place to showcase our sort of spitting and rapping, so I thought, OK, I want to create that platform,” he told MailOnline in 2013.

It took a while for Jamal’s idea to take off and in the meantime his mum made him get a job at Topman.

In his free time away from the shop floor he started hanging out at the BBC, sneaking into raves and messaging record labels to beg for interview time with their artists.

Three years later when he secured his first non-grime interview with Kelly Rowland – which kickstarted his career as he went on to interview big names including Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj, Trey Songz.

Jamal accomplished a lot in his life including being featured in the ES Power 1000 – London’s most influential people 2013 – as well as being chosen to be the ambassador for the youth charity, The Prince’s Trust in 2013.

The following year he was listed as number 2 in The Guardian’s The top 30 young people in digital media and TIME Magazine named Edwards as one of their ‘Next Generation Leaders.

In 2015, he was awarded the Best New StartUp from Virgin Media and Virgin StartUp as well as being named in Debrett’s list of the 500 most influential people in Britain in the New Media section.

2016 saw the British Interactive Media Association (BIMA) inducted Edwards into its Hall of Fame and he was crowned as one of GQ Magazine’s 100 Most Connected Men of All Time.

Jamal was given an MBE in 2014 ( 
Image:
Getty Images)In 2021, Jamal was appointed Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Sussex in September 2021 and the same year the University of West London gave him an honorary degree.

Jamal also fronted a documentary about mental health in the music industry.

Sharing on battling with anxiety, the businessman said: “Anxiety comes over me at the most random times. I wanted to create awareness. As much as music is my entry point, I feel a responsibility to talk about these other issues. I wanted to get people talking to each other and they have been, I’m happy.”

Denise Welch posted a heartfelt message on Twitter following the news of the death of SB.TV founder and music pioneer Jamal Edwards, the son of Loose Women co-star Brenda Edwards

Denise Welch has posted an emotional tribute to Jamal Edwards following news of the entrepreneur’s death on Sunday at the age of 31.

The SB.TV founder was the son of Denise’s pal and Loose Women co-star and the Geordie presenter, 63, took to Twitter to post her heartbreaking message.

She wrote: “My heart aches for my friend Brenda. I can’t bear it. Jamal Edwards was a wonderful son and brother.”

As her followers commented about the shocking and sad news, Denise went on to call it a “nightmare”.

Actress Kate Robbins took to Denise’s post to say: “Oh dear Lord. This is terrible.”

Denise said her ‘heart breaks’ after news of her Loose Women co-star’s son’s death ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
And a fellow follower replied: “Jamal has been a hero especially in the black community and within media and many owe him huge respect.

“Brenda – You are what we call in Jamaica, a mother in Zion. May you’re heavenly reward be great and the crown you wear shine brighter than any diamond.”

Another fan added: “Absolutely devastating. Can’t imagine what Brenda is going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brenda and her family at this sad time R.I.P love and light.”

Denise went on to share a message from Twitter’s popular account All On The Board, which shared a quote by Jamal on their board which read: “Be the change you want to see in the world”.

Their message continued: “RIP Jamal Edwards. As an entrepreneur with limitless creative bravery you will forever inspire those with nothing but their imagination, to be courageous in forging the art and the world of the future.

Jamal was awarded an MBE in 2015 ( 
Image:
PA)
“Sending love, thoughts and prayers to you, your family, your friends and your fans.”

Jamal’s cause of death has not be revealed as of yet.

Just three days ago Jamal had posted a throwback snap of himself and pop sensation Ed Sheeran to his Instagram account.

He wrote a special birthday message to the Shivers hitmaker, saying: “Happy Birthday to the OG, Ed. Blessed to have you in my life brother.

“You know you’ve been mates a long time when you lose count on the years! Keep smashing it & inspiring us all G!”

Denise Welch posted an emotional message on Twitter on Sunday evening ( 
Image:
WireImage)
Jamal is credited with helping launch the career of Ed, as well as other huge stars such as Jessie J and Dave thanks to his online urban music platform.

His YouTube channel launched after he realised it could be a way to success in the early days of the platform after he filmed a pal on his estate in Acton, West London, performing grime music.

In 2013, he told MailOnline: “Back then, there was no place to showcase our sort of spitting and rapping, so I thought, OK, I want to create that platform.”

Jamal Edwards with Ed Sheeran ( 
Image:
Instagram)Although it took a while for the idea to take off, Jamal stuck at it at after three years of launching he was able to secure his first non-grime interview with Kelly Rowland.

This helped to kickstart his career and led to him interviewing other big names in the industry, including Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj, Trey Songz.

Hugh Grant will reprise his role as Daniel Cleaver in the Bridget Jones 4 – but he has revealed it almost didn’t happen

Hugh Grant is reprising his role as love rat Daniel Cleaver in the new Bridget Jones movie – but revealed it almost didn’t happen.

The 64-year-old Notting Hill and Four Weddings And A Funeral star appeared in the first two movies starring opposite Renee Zellweger’s Bridget as he fought Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth, for her affections.

He was missing from the third film after Daniel’s character appeared to have died in a plane crash, but in final scenes viewers discovered he had miraculously been found alive. At the same time, Bridget seemed to have got her happily ever after getting married and having a baby with Mark.

But Hugh warned audiences not to expect too many laugh out loud moments from the new film, which will be released on Valentine’s Day 2025. Appearing on The Graham Norton Show, he said: “It’s actually a very good and moving script, and I say that as someone who is horrid about scripts.

 

“Because Helen Fielding [Bridget Jones author] had a sad story. She got married to an American screenwriter and they had children, then he died, and she raised the children by herself. Then she started writing a novel about a woman raising children by herself with a dead father and husband. She realised the character was a bit like Bridget, so made it into a Bridget Jones book. As well as being extremely funny, it’s very, very sad.”

Will Bridget and Daniel rekindle their romance in Bridget Jones 4? ( 
Image:
Universal Pictures)
When it came to writing Daniel Cleaver back into the movie, that was a bit harder. Hugh shared: “There was absolutely no role for Daniel Cleaver, as far as I could see, but they wanted to cram me in. So we sat down together.

“I’m quite difficult these days and I felt what they proposed was fine, but not great. I felt he needed a third dimension. He’s in his 60s now, he can’t just be making his way down the King’s Road eyeing up young girls. So they invented – well, I invented – a rather good interim story.”

Though he stopped short of revealing further details of what becomes of Daniel, fans already know some of the upcoming storyline for Bridget. Sadly Mark – like writer Helen’s husband in real life – dies in the film, so it’s a new chapter for Bridget as she navigates life as a widow.

But we know it will focus on Bridget as a single mum trying to get the knack of dating apps. And she bags herself a toy boy in the latest film – or at least dates one. Pictures from filming around London, show Bridget with her younger lover called Rockstar, played by 28-year-old One Day and White Lotus star Leo Woodall.

She is also set to have a fling with PE teacher Mr Walker, played by 12 Years A Slave actor Chiwetel Ejiofor. And fans could be rooting for her to revive her on-off romance with Daniel Cleaver, but will have to wait and see what happens when the movie comes out on February 14.

Loose Women panellist Charlene White was upset that her friend Brenda Edwards wasn’t given the chance to announce son Jamal’s death after he passed away at the age of 31

Loose Women’s Charlene White feels upset that Brenda Edwards wasn’t given the chance to announce son Jamal Edwards’ death.

The panellists – Charlene White, Judi Love, Linda Robson, Carol McGiffin and Frankie Bridge – appeared on the ITV daytime show today to pay tribute to Jamal, who had appeared on the show just a few months ago with his proud mum Brenda.

The news of Jamal’s sad death after a sudden illness was broke on social media last night and whilst Charlene understands that a lot of his success comes from social media and online, Charlene admits she was disappointed Brenda didn’t get the chance to announce the news herself, before she read out a statement that Brenda made earlier today.

Charlene led tributes to Jamal ( 
Image:
ITV)
Speaking on the ITV lunchtime show today, Charlene said: “The opportunity to share Brenda’s loss and the family’s loss, that was taken away from Brenda because of various people on social media who decided to tell Brenda’s story and to tell Jamal’s story without consulting Brenda, which was not fair in any shape of form.”

“We understand that a lot of Jamal’s incredible work was done through social media and done online and all those things. He was a powerhouse, he changed the UK music scene,” she added.

Charlene went on to pay tribute to Jamal’s incredible work in music – for which he received an MBE in 2015.

Jamal appeared on Loose Women with Brenda in November ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
She explained: “One man changed the UK music scene in a way we’ve not seen in decades.

“But what people have to understand that there is work life and there’s family life and there’s home life and it should have been Brenda who was able to choose when the world got to know about his death.”

Some viewers took to Twitter to criticise those on social media for breaking the news first.

“No family should have their hand forced into confirming the passing of a loved one just because insensitive creatures want to do “hear it here first”. Honestly praying Brenda & her family get all the privacy they deserve moving forward #LooseWomen,” one wrote.

Jamal died after a sudden illness ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)A second added: “I didn’t realise that the news wasn’t shared on Brenda’s and her families terms, disgusting. Condolences to Brenda, the family and who all knew Jamal, rest in peace #LooseWomen.”

Other viewers praised Charlene and co for a heartfelt and emotional show, insisting they did Brenda – and her late son – proud.

One penned: “Thank you #loosewomen for showing the humanity in grief and for honouring Brenda in the sad loss of her beloved Jamal,” as a second added: “Beautiful tribute on #loosewomen today. My heart goes out to Brenda, his sister and their Family.”

Brenda shared a heartfelt statement earlier today to confirm the tragic news.

“It is with the deepest heartache that I confirm that my beautiful son Jamal Edwards passed away yesterday morning after a sudden illness. Myself, his sister Tanish and the rest of his family and friends are completely devastated,” she said.

Judi and Charlene went to support Brenda after Jamal’s tragic death ( 
Image:
ITV)

“He was the centre of our world. As we come to terms with his passing, we ask for privacy to grieve this unimaginable loss. I would like to thank everyone for their messages of love and support. Jamal was an inspiration to myself and so many. Our love for him lives on, his legacy lives on. Long live Jamal Edwards MBE, MBA, PHD.”

Elsewhere on the show, Linda Robson paid tribute to Jamal for taking her son under his wing.

“Jamal kept in touch with Louis over the years and took him under his wing. Took him to the BRITs, took him out socially with him as well. Brenda did such a good job with her son because he was a proper gentleman, he really was. He was the loveliest boy,” she said.

Holly Willoughby, 41, jumped to defend best pal Phillip Schofield after Eamonn Holmes said he is ‘renowned for snubbing people’

Holly Willoughby has rushed to defend Phillip Schofield after Eamonn Holmes’ “below the belt” dig.

Eamonn, 62, claimed that Philip was “renowned for snubbing people” after he allegedly cut off Eamonn’s wife Ruth Langsford on Loose Women.

A source told OK! that Holly, 41, who has worked beside Phil for over 10 years, felt the need to “rally” around him.

“Phil’s This Morning family are rallying around him after the comments, none more so than Holly,” the insider said.

“It’s no secret there is no love lost between Phil and Eamonn but Holly felt she had to defend her ‘work husband’ after all the support he’s shown her over the years, particularly on the week he celebrated 40 years in showbiz.

Phillip Schofield supported Holly Willoughby at the launch of her Wylde Moon perfume ( 
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images for Wyl)

The pair have presented This Morning together for years ( 
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images)
“She thought the comments were very below the belt”, she added.

Eamonn’s comments were made when he was asked about a clip of Phil cutting off Ruth during a live link to Loose Women.

He replied: “Phillip is renowned for snubbing people.

“He’s very passive-aggressive. It’s up to Ruth to say how she felt, but I was feeling hurt for her. No one would have snubbed me like that.”

Eamonn said that Phillip ‘snubs’ people
He joked: “I have a good Belfast street fighter in me… I would be direct. I don’t go for presenters who think they have a special privilege or aura or influence.”

The comments came after Eamonn reignited his feud with Phil, two years after Ruth launched an official complaint about him to bosses.

Holly credited Phillip for her own success within television after he celebrated 40 years in the industry this week.

Phil celebrated 40 years in the industry ( 
Image:
Instagram)She said: “Without a doubt, it if wasn’t for you, there is no way that I’d be doing This Morning today and I came onto the show and I was green and new.

“I knew how to do a bit of telly because I’d done Saturday morning but This Morning is a huge, grown-up, important, big telly show and I just sat there like a sponge and absorbed everything and learn everything.

Eamonn jumped to defend his wife Ruth Langsford
“[Phillip is] so generous, so kind, so patient, willing to guide me through.

“He still does it now, I’ll still look at him and go, ‘You do this bit,’ and he never looks at me like, ‘Really? Come on.’”

The pair were seen hugging at Holly’s Wylde Moon’s perfume launch.

Philip presented the show alone after his co-presenter Fern Britton left the show in 2009 after an alleged feud between the pair.

There were claims that she found out she was being paid £250,000 a year less than Phil – despite them working together.

In a clip, Phil appears to cut Ruth off – which Eamonn wasn’t impressed by ( 
Image:
ITV)
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However, Fern shared a pre-recorded message to her former presenting husband where she congratulated him for his time on the show.

“Forty years is an incredible milestone and it’s time for you to stop and look back and see all that you have achieved and be proud of it.

“So I’m wishing you a very happy future. Congratulations and keep going,” she added.

After Fern left, Phil suggested Holly stepped in as her replacement.

AJ Odudu has opened up about her mental health struggles after being axed from one TV job and how she has since bounced back after ‘so much rejection’

Big Brother’s host, AJ Odudu, has shared that her predecessor, Davina McCall, has given her the “blessing” as the iconic reality TV show prepares for it’s comeback.

The 35-year-old Lancashire-born star also candidly spoke about “falling into a deep depression” after being dropped from a television gig and how she managed to bounce back following “so much rejection”. In the revealing interview, she reflected on her career progression despite frequently facing online trolling due to her Blackburn accent.

Last year, it was announced that AJ and Will Best would be hosting the 2023 series of Big Brother and its sister show, set to return on ITVX and ITV2 later this year. AJ had previously presented Big Brother’s Bit on the Side alongside Rylan Clark and Emma Willis on Channel 5, followed by Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Psych starting from August 2013.

AJ will present the 2024 series alongside Will Best ( 
Image:
ITV)
However, AJ’s exit from the Big Brother family was confirmed in November 2013, just a few months later, with Celebrity Big Brother 12 contestant and former Loose Women panelist, Carol McGiffin, stepping in to replace the Strictly Come Dancing star on the Channel 5 shows.

During her chat with Grazia magazine, AJ touched upon the low points in her career, expressing pride in herself for persevering in her career despite being in “a really dark place” and “not wanting to get out of bed”. She told the magazine: “I’ve clawed my way back without being horrible, just by working hard and being myself. Back then I didn’t even want to get out of my bed.”

AJ further revealed: “I fell into a deep depression because TV just wasn’t going my way. Five year’s ago I was living on my dad’s bedroom floor in a council flat. I was like ‘I don’t live where you guys think I live and I’m not doing what you guys think.’ I felt like a fraud.”

The gifted presenter also touched upon the highlights of her career, such as securing a presenting role on the ITV reboot of Big Brother – a move that even the show’s most renowned host, Davina McCall, endorses. “The Queen herself has given me her blessing. She sent me an amazing video when I got the gig saying ‘you are going to smash it,’ AJ disclosed.”

Davina was the face of Big Brother on Channel 4 from its debut in 2000 until the channel discontinued it after the 11th series and one final special edition, Ultimate Big Brother, which concluded in 2010. Channel 5 swiftly acquired the rights to the format and relaunched Big Brother in 2011, with Emma Willis replacing former contestant Brian Dowling as host until its cancellation in 2018.

Last year, when ITV announced they were reviving Big Brother with AJ at the helm, AJ informed her Instagram followers: “This is not a drill! I’m beyond excited to finally be able to say that, I am hosting Big Brother! I couldn’t be more ecstatic to front such an iconic show and to do it alongside my amazing friend @iamwillbest is the icing on the cake. Get ready to be obsessed! Big Brother House, I’m coming to get you! “.

The presenter later confirmed the news in a statement, expressing: “I’m so excited to finally be able to say that, yes: I’m hosting Big Brother! I couldn’t be happier. Following in the footsteps of some of my favourite broadcasting legends to front such an iconic show is an absolute honour – and to do it alongside my amazing friend Will is the icing on the cake.”

Big Brother is set to return on Monday night and has already teased a star-studded line-up with Joey Essex linked to the show – but many fear the worst and have begged for ‘no more’

Big Brother is making a grand comeback tonight with a fresh series and a lineup of new faces, sparking rumours that TOWIE’s Joey Essex might be joining the fray.

The Essex heartthrob sent fans into overdrive as he popped up in the Big Brother promo, getting a VIP tour from Selling Sunset’s Chelsea Lazkani with a cheeky aim to ‘sell’ him on staying.

In the promotional clip, Chelsea swans into the luxe abode bragging about nabbing the ‘hottest property in town’, followed by Joey who gushes that it’s “beautiful, it’s really, really demure”. Although the reality TV favourites have had an early peek at the notorious house, they won’t actually feature on the show.

Social media was quickly buzzing with reactions from fans who claimed to have been relieved to hear that Joey won’t feature in this year’s regular folk edition, with comments pouring in. One fan posted: “This better not be true”, while another remarked: “I hope this is fake. He can’t go on Selling Sunset and claim to buy a $5 million house and then go on Love Island AND BB”.

Chelsea and Joey on the bed in the Big Brother house ( 
Image:
ITV)

On the brink of exasperation, another declared: “Enough! Can I watch a programme without him popping up! ! ? “. A different user begged: “Pls no. He ruined love island this summer”.

Someone else chipped in: “Didn’t he literally just do the exact same thing a few weeks ago on Love Island? ! ? Not to hate on the lad but I think apart from this show and MAFSUK, he has done every other reality show going”, reports OK!.

In his latest TV stint, Joey swapped Essex for the glitz of Hollywood, enlisting Chelsea’s assistance in purchasing a Los Angeles property. The reality star left real estate agent Chelsea and Emma Hernan stunned when he spontaneously dived into the pool to win their admiration.

Joey Essex in the Big Brother shower ( 
Image:
ITV)
Prior to this, Joey was a familiar face on Love Island, where he embarked on a whirlwind romance. He exited the show hand-in-hand with Jessy Potts during the summer, only to end their relationship after a fleeting seven weeks, despite being the villa’s sole celebrity.

On Friday, September 28,, Joey was seen making a covert visit to the Big Brother set in Harlesden, London, to film segments for the series, now hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best. In 2023, when the civilian series made its ITV comeback, Jordan Sangha was crowned the winner – it was on this show that he met his current boyfriend, Henry Southan.