A book claims that Prince Harry was ‘disappointed’ his family failed to see a trait he thought Meghan Markle shared with his late mother, Princess Diana

Earl Spencer was allegedly drafted to speak with his nephew (Image: Getty)

Ever since her relationship with Prince Harry came into public view, Meghan Markle has repeatedly been compared to the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

Earlier this year, when investigative journalist Tom Bower released his explosive book ‘Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors’, a number of sensational revelations about the couple surfaced. Amongst the claims, one that particularly stood out was Prince Harry’s hope that Diana’s sisters and best friend would recognise the similarities between Meghan and his mother, which he believed existed.

When they did not, the prince was reportedly “disappointed”.

According to Bower, Earl Spencer, Diana’s brother, was urged to talk to his nephew about his growing closeness with Meghan. In the book, it is claimed that Earl Spencer, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Baroness Jane Fellowes, along with Diana’s close friend Julia Samuel, failed to observe any resemblance between Meghan and Harry’s late mother.

Harry was said to have hoped his mother’s two sisters would see the similarities he felt were there (Image: Getty)

Furthermore, it was their view that Meghan might have difficulty blending in with the Royal Family, reports the Mirror.

Bower elaborated: “Since the Vanity Fair article had increased the Cambridges’ suspicion of Meghan, the actress discovered that her neighbour in Kensington Palace had even less time for her.”

“By then, Harry had introduced Meghan to Diana’s two sisters, Jane and Sarah, and her best friend Julia Samuel. Harry assumed that Diana’s family and friends would see a similarity between Diana and his fiancee.”

“Both, he said, shared the same problems. He was disappointed. No one agreed that his vulnerable mother had anything in common with his girlfriend. More discomforting for him, they thought Meghan would not fit in with the Royal Family.”

Harry is married to former Suits star Meghan Markle (Image: Getty)

The author continued: “Their unease was voiced by Charles Spencer, Diana’s brother. At William’s request, Spencer weighed in. Three times married, Spencer cautioned his nephew to reconsider his haste towards marriage. His advice provoked a bitter reaction. ‘This was going to be really hard,’ Harry would later reflect on establishing Meghan’s place in the family.”

Bower went on: “One of his recurring concerns was insufficient money if they married. Although Harry annually received about £1.5 million from Charles, Meghan had been advised to continue acting to supplement their income.”

“By that point, Meghan knew from her agent Nick Collins that her acting prospects were limited. Omid Scobie, her official biographer, would accurately summarise her exit from Hollywood. “‘She wanted a more meaningful career,’ he wrote. ‘She could be doing so much more with her platform.

“Her frustration remained. She was tantalisingly close to sealing her future, but nothing was official.”

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, is being honored with an ESPYS award for his work helping to found the Invictus Games. 

The 39-year-old son of Britain’s King Charles III will receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the annual ceremony, ESPN announced Thursday.

The honor — named after Arizona Cardinals safety-turned-U.S. soldier Tillman, who was killed by friendly fire while serving in Iraq in 2004 — is given to “a person with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player.”

Harry, who served a decade in the British Armed Forces, co-created the Invictus Games, an international sports competition for wounded veterans and active-duty military personnel, in 2014.

The Invictus Games, ESPN said in a statement, have “evolved into a globally celebrated and acclaimed organization that celebrates resilience, community, and healing through the power of sport.”

“This one is for our entire service community,” Harry said of receiving the ESPYS award, according to ABC News.

This year’s ESPYS, hosted by Serena Williams, is scheduled to air on ABC on July 11.

Prince Harry will be honoured with the Pat Tillman Award for Service

The Duke of Sussex will be honoured with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYS

Prince Harry is set to receive an award at a glitzy LA bash hosted by Meghan Markle’s best pal Serena Williams.

The Duke of Sussex will be honoured with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYS, taking place next month.

 

The award is “given to a person with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and US Army Ranger, Pat Tillman,” according to ESPN.

The Duke of Sussex is receiving the award “in honour of his tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport”.

Harry to receive award at glitzy LA bash hosted by Meghan’s best pal

Getty

Former NFL safety Steve Gleason, battling ALS since 2011, will receive the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, while legendary basketball coach Dawn Staley will receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.

Prince Harry served in the British armed forces for a decade before founding the Invictus Games Foundation, which has “created an international platform to support wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women”.

Now in its 10th year, the Invictus Games sees wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans, compete across different sports.

According to ESPN, The Invictus Games has “transcended borders and impacted lives across every continent, bringing together competitors from 23 nations, with continued support and programming 365 days of the year”.

Serena Williams will host the awards bash

Prince Harry and Meghan at the Closing ceremony of Invictus Games in Dusseldorf last yearPAAccording to a biographer of Williams, her friendship with the duchess evolved through frequent phone calls and texts, with Meghan leaning on the tennis star for advice on handling the paparazzi and life as a mother.

Manchester United and England star Marcus Rashford was given the Pat Tillman Award in 2021, after raising millions of dollars during the Covid-19 pandemic to help feed children.

After announcing the “special honourees” of this year’s ESPYS, which take place on July 11, ESPN’s Kate Jackson said: “It’s our privilege to recognise three incredible individuals – Steve Gleason, Dawn Staley and Prince Harry.

“These honourees have used their platforms to change the world and make it more inclusive for marginalised and suffering communities, demonstrating incredible resilience, positivity and perseverance, and we’re thrilled to celebrate them at The 2024 ESPYS.”

 

Prince Harry comforted the founder of a Lynn-based charity as she shared the moment she told her son his dad had been killed in Afghanistan.

The Duke of Sussex, sat with Nikki Scott, founder of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, as part of a video released by the organisation in the run-up to Armed Forces Day.

As the global ambassador of the charity, Prince Harry took part in a Scotty’s event, where he surprised children and young people who are supported by it.

Nikki recalled the day back in July 2009 when she was told of her husband’s death

“It was the worst, how do you tell a five-year-old this?” she said.

“I took him up and sat him on the bed and I said, ‘Kai, do you remember where Daddy was?’ and he said, ‘yeah, Afghan’, and I said, ‘something really bad has happened and the baddies (because he used to play army) have hurt dad and he’s died.’”

The personal tragedy inspired Nikki to create Scotty’s Little Soldiers after seeing the positive impact a family holiday had on Kai.

She wanted other bereaved military children to have the opportunity to smile again, and she founded the charity in 2010.

Prince Harry, whose mother Princess Diana died in 1997 when he was 12 years old, said: “You convince yourself that the person you’ve lost wants you, or you need to be sad for as long as possible to prove to them that they are missed.”
The charity supports more than 680 members. Picture: Scotty’s Little Soldiers
Scotty’s Little Soldiers currently supports more than 680 members and estimates that each year 2,100 children are newly bereaved of parents who served in the British Armed Forces.

The charity supports these children until their 25th birthday with one-to-one bereavement support, respite breaks with their families, meetings with others in a similar situation and access to extracurricular activities.

“What you’ve done is incredible,” Harry added.

“It is truly inspirational. I’m really honoured and privileged to be part of Scotty’s now and I really look forward to us doing everything we can to bring in more people, more interest, raise more funds and be able to get the message out there to get more kids the support they so desperately need.”

An artist who was the youngest to paint a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II has now turned his attention to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, portraying them as historic royals

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been treated to a new piece of artwork, by the same artist who painted the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Artist Dan Llywelyn Hall, who holds the distinction of being the youngest to paint a portrait of the late monarch, has revealed a series of new works. These include depictions of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as historic royals.

In the edgy etchings, Meghan is portrayed as Dame Elizabeth Grey, Queen of England by marriage, while Harry is depicted as Charles Edward Stuart, better known as Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The artwork featuring Meghan is titled Returning White Queen and depicts her as Elizabeth Woodville, later known as Dame Elizabeth Grey, who was Queen of England by marriage to King Edward in 1464.

Harry is portrayed in a piece named Spectre Of The Bonny Prince, as Charles Edward Stuart, who was known as the Young Pretender and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The painting is of the Duke of Sussex representing Charles Edward Stuart (known as Bonnie Prince Charlie) ( 
Image:
PA)

The painting is of the Duchess of Sussex imagined as the White Queen (Elizabeth Woodville), entitled Returning White Queen ( 
Image:
PA)
Llywelyn Hall stated: “In Harry’s case, I have entered the story before he met Meghan the young party-goer with his future very much in the balance, a bit like the Bonnie Prince I have likened him to. I thought putting Meghan in the role of the White Queen, who was a Queen Consort and possibly the most influential ‘outsider’ in Royal history, might have a fine irony to it and not necessarily beyond the realms of reality.”

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At just 32, Hall was commissioned by the Welsh Rugby Union in 2012 to create a portrait of the Queen, for which she sat at Windsor Castle. Since then, his Royal portfolio has expanded to include a portrait celebrating Prince William’s journey into fatherhood, a live painting of the state funeral of the late Queen, and the coronation procession of Prince Charles.

Hall has now created 10 new portraits inspired by royalty throughout history for the Society of Antiquaries. Fellow artist Adam Dant has also contributed 10 pieces to the collection. The exhibition, named ‘The Reign’, commemorates 150 years of the society at Burlington House in London’s Piccadilly. The artworks will be auctioned off to fund the cataloguing and digitisation of approximately 25,000 prints and drawings from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Speaking about his work, Hall said: “The royal family is possibly the most enthralling longest-running drama in history, the inspiration of theatre, books and every art form. It seemed that these figures caught on the knife edge of public opinion were ideal for drawing comparisons from distant monarchs like the exiled princes and princesses of the past, that lurk in the background but are still irrevocably tied to the job. We can’t help ourselves and wonder whatever next?”

Reacting to the new portraits on social media, one Mirror reader today wrote on Facebook: “The portrait is well painted, but is slightly reminiscent of the old paintings of Spanish ladies. Does she have Spanish heritage as well?” Another added: “Don’t look nothing like her.” A third declared: “Not flattering at all!”

The Loose Women star has said that Alison took to her new presenting role like ‘a duck to water’ after she replaced Matt Lucas on the Channel 4 show

Judi Love has sung the praises of Alison Hammond following her debut co-presenting The Great British Bake Off. Alison took to screens alongside Noel Fielding as a new bunch of budding bakers took on a set of challenges.

The second episode of the new series is set to hit Channel 4 tomorrow (Tuesday, October 3) as the contestants battle it out over biscuits. They will each attempt to win the converted role of Star Baker – and maybe even a handshake from Paul Hollywood himself.

And one person who will be tuning in is Bake Off fan and Loose Women star, Judi Love. The 42-year-old is friends with Alison, and has praised her performance so far on the show.

She said that the This Morning presenter has taken to it “like a duck to water.” In her OK! column, Judi wrote: “It was a joy to see Alison Hammond taking to her new presenting position like a duck to water – she looked as though she was having the time of her life!”

Judi Love has praised Alison Hammond over her GBBO debut

Alison previously said that she got the ‘VIP treatment’ from Paul Hollywood when she stepped into the famous Bake Off tent for the first time. She made the claims during an appearance on BBC’s The One Show on Friday, September 29.

She explained to presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp: “So on the first day he asked ‘Do you want a lift to the hotel?’ so I said ‘Yeah, great’ and he’s got a really nice car – a little bit of a Lamborghini – and I’ve never been in one of them before.”

Noel said: “It was like Batman’s car wasn’t it?” Laughing, Alison continued: “It was like Batman’s car. I mean it was a struggle for me to get in first of all. I had to get myself into the car first, it’s like it’s on the floor. So unlady-like, my legs were wide open.

“I finally got in and I said ‘Where shall I put my bag? I’ve got my bag with me’ and he just got someone else to take it. So I got into the car, let’s just say I’m never going to do it again, it was the most frightening ride I’ve ever had in my entire life. It was so scary.”

Alison took over the presenting role from Little Britain star Matt Lucas after he quit over work conflicts. He previously shared on X, formerly Twitter: “Farewell Bake Off! It’s been a delicious experience and I can’t imagine a more fun way of spending my summers. But it’s become clear to me that I can’t present both Fantasy Football League and Bake Off alongside all my other projects. So, after three series and 51 episodes, I am cheerfully passing the baguette on to someone else.

“I would like to give my warmest thanks and gratitude to everyone at Love Productions and Channel 4 and to Noelipops, Paul, Dame Prue, the crew and, of course, the wonderful bakers for welcoming me into the tent. I wish whoever takes over the very best and I can’t wait to tune into the next series without already knowing who won!”

Lousie Redknapp opened up on finding love again after divorcing ex-husband Jamie Redknapp as she discussed her new relationship with beau Drew Michael on Wednesday’s Loose Women

Louise Redknapp gushed over her new beau Drew Michael as she admitted she had been on her “own for a long time” during an appearance Loose Women.

She said: “I’m very happy, he’s great and lovely. It’s really nice, it’s been a really long time for me. I’ve been on my own for a long time and it’s lovely to have met someone who makes me so happy.”

Louise debuted her new romance after a night out in London last week. The Naked hitmaker looked coy as she left The Groucho Club with her boyfriend, as the duo had just been celebrating comedian Jimmy Carr’s 51st birthday. The pair kept their distance but it was later confirmed they are in a relationship, and it is the first time the singer has gone public with a romance since divorcing Jamie Redknapp in 2017.

Speaking exclusively with the Mirror a few hours after being spotted publicly with Drew for the first time, Louise smiled as she addressed the new romance in her love life. “It’s so difficult with your personal life… it’s all good,” the mum-of-two said, before adding: “Yeah, I’ve got nothing else to say on it, everything about it has already been written.”

Louise recently confirmed her romance with Drew ( 
Image:
Bob Grey / BACKGRID)

Louise Redknapp opens up about her new romance ( 
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images for Space NK)

Drew, whose full name is Andrew Michael, is a businessman and the Chief Executive Officer at Overwatch Group, also known as Overwatch Aerospace Ltd. According to MailOnline, he worked as a Platoon Commander and a Fire Support Group Commander for the Armed Forces, and in 2010, he was given a Mention in Despatches for his work with the Rifles – an infantry regiment of the British Army – as part of the Operational Honours and Awards List.

Louise previously admitted she wasn’t actively looking for love following her divorce from former footballer Jamie, with whom she shares two sons, Charley and Beau. Earlier this year, the Eternal singer admitted she was “open to what may happen”, but finding love wasn’t her “number one goal in life”. “But, if it goes that way and I met somebody who swept me off my feet and was amazing and kind and great, then I’d be so open to exploring that, but no, I’m not downloading apps, well, not at the minute,” she added.

Meanwhile, it was reported Louise was warned against her new boyfriend after the “painful” end of Drew’s last relationship. A source told Closer magzine: “Drew didn’t behave in the best way in a former relationship – he left one girl in particular feeling hurt. It’s good news that he’s happy dating Louise, but there is a worry she could end up heartbroken.”

Loose Women is a place for debate and lively conversation, but sometimes things can get a little heated on the hit ITV show. Here are some of the panels biggest rows

Loose Women is a hot bed of different opinions and characters, and this very formula is why it has been been so successful and has stayed on our screens for so long.

The daytime show has been entertaining viewers since 1999, and in that time there have been a fair few arguments on the panel. There are rumours some of these disagreements have spilled out into real lives. From lively debates to bullying complaints and from messy resignations to wedding invite snubs, let’s take a look at some of the biggest feuds to come out of the ITV show.

Andrea McLean and Carol McGiffin

Back in 2017 Loose Women panellist Andrea McLean got married to her partner, life coach Nick Feeney. Although many of the panel were invited to celebrate her wedding with her, Carol McGiffin was noticeably absent from the proceedings. Carol took to her Best Magazine column to highlight this, writing, “I’m ecstatic for them both, even though I wasn’t invited to the wedding. Andrea’s managed to squeeze in two weddings in less time than I’ve been engaged to Mark, which is a bit embarrassing, to say the least.”
Despite this, the pair showed there was no animosity between them when they discussed the situation before Andrea left the show in 2020.

Many of the Loose Women cast at Andrea’s wedding without Carol ( 
Image:
Instagram/iamsairakhan)

Saira Khan and production

Saira Khan was a regular on the hit show from 2015 until her exit in 2021, when she didn’t hold back. The star claimed that the show was toxic, and explained to The Mirror that the last straw was when she was asked to join adult site Only Fans. She said: “The straw that broke the camel’s back was when one of the young producers was sent running after me to ask whether I would be prepared to open an OnlyFans account.”

Saira also claimed she was asked to have a mould made of her vagina for a segment. The 53-year-old said, “The system is toxic. They do not have people who have the expertise to introduce wellbeing and mental health care. I love TV presenting, but I knew that for the sake of my mental health and my family, I just could not carry on in such toxic working conditions.”

Saira Khan spectacularly quit the show in 2021

Myleene Klass, Denise Welch and Janet Street Porter

Former Hear’Say Myleene Klass appeared on the Loose Women panel in 2014 and during this time Janet Street Porter lost her temper with the star, saying,”I’m happiest when I’m not sat next to you Myleene!” Following this the singer took to social media to vent: “I love Loose Women. It’s nice to be able to articulate and get things out there. But I feel it was getting a bit misogynistic, a bit post-menopausal or pre-menopausal and ranty. That’s not how women should be represented so it’s nice they’ve refreshed the panel and we can talk about politics, fashion designers and what else is going on in the week.” Denise Welch then chimed in to defend her show with a soon-deleted tweet which read, “Sadly ratings suggest most viewers don’t agree with you.”

Myleene Klass on Loose Women, the show she went on to criticise ( 
Image:
Rex)

Carol McGiffin and production

Carol McGiffin was a regular on Loose Women, until she took a five-year break in 2013. However, the presenter then returned in 2018, before quitting earlier this year. Carol, 63, was known for her strong-minded and controversial views, which included accusing the World Health Organisation (WHO) of a “plot” during the coronavirus pandemic. Following her exit she told GB News presenter Dan Wootton that her opinions were the reason for her exit.

“I can say that over the last three years especially I’ve been…I wouldn’t say censored, but I have been restricted in what I could say. You know what my views are on these controversial matters, so to speak because I’ve been talking to you about them for the last three years on another station, which I got kicked off of by the way for having those views,” she said. “So everybody knows what my views are, and I think there’s absolutely no doubt there were people at ITV who didn’t like me having those views.”

 

Carol quit the show earlier this year due to her opinions not aligning with ITV’s

 

Coleen Nolan was accused of bullying on the hit show and as a result Ofcom received 7,000 complaints. This was due to the fact she had appeared on the 19th series of Celebrity Big Brother with outspoken How Clean is Your House? star Kim Woodburn, and the pair had a huge row. Kim then appeared on Loose Women in 2018 with the aim of the duo ironing out their differences which caused another bust up, resulting in Kim storming off, saying: “I wouldn’t want to sit and talk with lying trash. She’s a horrible person. You are trash, you’re a piece of filth!”

Kim Woodburn walked off Loose Women after being reunited with CBB housemate Coleen Nolan and having a huge row ( 
Image:
TV Grab)
Media regulator Ofcom went on to dismiss the bullying claims and clear Loose Women of any breach, saying: “While there was some support for Ms Nolan, the majority of complainants said that the panel humiliated Ms Woodburn and caused her unnecessary distress.”
For Coleen the situation was also hard to manage, as she revealed on This Morning shortly after, “”It was genuinely shocking for all of us. None of us wanted that. I never want to see anyone in that much distress as she was in the end. It’s been the worst week of my life actually.”

Kaye Adams and Denise Welch

Kaye disagreed with Denise about covid restrictions ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

While the two chad differing opinions it wasn’t personal ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Kaye Adams and Denise Welch had many arguments during the pandemic, with both taking different views on the imposed restrictions. One row that typified their clash of opinions happed in 2021 when Denise said, “I will no longer abide by rules that make absolutely no sense.” When Kaye offered a riposte, Denise then claimed “”Maybe there has to be a bit of anarchy.”
To this the Scottish presenter replied, “To be brutal, if I have got to listen to you or Professor Chris Whitty, I’m going to go with Professor Chris Whitty,” Kaye then snapped back. “Go with Chris Whitty and be in lockdown forever – it’s up to you!”

Loose Women panellist Brenda Edwards opened up on a brand new career opportunity she’s working on that is worlds away from her position on the ITV daytime programme

Brenda Edwards was thrilled to announce her debut directing role for Hairspray: The Musical on Tuesday’s edition of Loose Women.

“I am excited because I’ve been offered by the producers of Hairspray my debut director role to direct Hairspray: The musical next year,” Brenda said before admitting to suffering from “imposter syndrome”.

“I’ve played the role of Motormouth for like five years in this particular production and it was very overwhelming to be asked,” she continued. “At the time, when they asked me I thought about it and, at the end of the day, I am a product of an open audition so I suggested to them that I wanted to conduct open auditions to give opportunities and chances to people who might not necessarily have them.”

Brenda, who has previously played “Motormouth” Maybelle in three tours of Hairspray, will join the creative team alongside Paul Kerryson to direct a new production of Hairspray which will embark on a major national UK and Ireland tour in 2024.

Brenda has played ‘Motormouth’ Maybelle in three tours of Hairspray ( 
Image:
ITV)

Speaking about her new role, Brenda said:“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be invited by the producers to make my directorial debut on the show as a co-director with Paul Kerryson. Hairspray, and this production in particular, has been such a huge part of my life. The show’s story and themes are as relevant as ever and I cannot wait to hold the open auditions to discover a new cast and work together to present a vibrant new production of this timeless musical for everyone to enjoy.”

Composer and Co-Lyricist Marc Shaiman said: “Brenda Edwards has been a part of the Hairspray family since she took on the role of “Motormouth” Maybelle in 2015 and hearing that she is co-directing the latest tour is music to my ears. The strength and soul that Brenda brings to both her performances and her life have already made me a fan and I hope a friend for life, and I can’t wait to see how she brings her personal perspective to our show. Brava Brenda!”

Strictly Come Dancing’s Gorka Marquez took to social media to share with fans the lavish birthday celebrations for contestant Angela Rippon as she turns 79 years old

As she waltzed her way along the dance floor a few weeks ago, you could be forgiven for thinking that Angela Rippon was still in her youth.

And although she remains in the running to win Strictly Come Dancing this year, the reality of her age was brought to light after Strictly pro Gorka Marquez posted a video on his social media to celebrate her 79th birthday. Angela’s high kick during one of her earlier performances left both viewers and the judging panel in awe, and on Loose Women earlier this week, lead judge Shirley Ballas claimed that she couldn’t even attempt the move.

Strictly’s Angela Rippon celebrated her 79th birthday ( 
Image:
gorka_marquez/Instagram)

Angela and her partner Kai ( 
Image:
BBC/Ray Burmiston)

In the video, Angela is seen being presented with what looked like a vanilla cake as the crowd in the marquee tent sang Happy Birthday. Angela turned 79 on Thursday this week and her Strictly pro dancer Kai Widdrington was one of the first to pay tribute to the legendary former newsreader.

Taking to social media he wrote: “Happy birthday to my wonderful dance partner in crime @theangelarippon you are one of the most amazing women I’ve ever had the pleasure to know and it’s my honour to get to dance with you every day.” And Tyler West also said: “Happy birthday ange!!!! @theangelarippon ” Nadiya Bychkova said: “Happy birthday @theangelarippon,” while Gorka Marquez replied: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY @theangelarippon ”

Another Strictly pro Dianne Buswell, who is partnered with Bobby Brazier said: “happy birthday.” Although Angela has made a good impression with her skills on the dancefloor, former Strictly pro Brendan Cole recently expressed his fears over her stamina in the competition.

Brendan said: “I think (Angela Rippon) can go all the way to the final but I don’t think she can go all the way and win it. The thing with Angela is, I think they were very clever – the music choice – ‘You make me feel so young’, (Kai Widdrington) looked really dapper. He looks after her, he’s a lovely boy. She knows how television works to say all the right things.”

He added: “She did a really nice Foxtrot, it was a pretty dance. She wasn’t hitting a particularly wonderful ballroom position but she’s 78 years old. What are we expecting? I think time will play against her in the show because it is very demanding and trying to make two numbers look good is very different to trying to make one number good. Half the time on a number can make a number go from being really nice, to really awful. I’ve no doubt that she’ll probably get to week eight or nine and that’d be great, but then once you step into two numbers, and you’ve got show dances and whatever, that becomes a tricky thing.”