Author: bang1

It is understood that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have invited friends forced to flee their homes due to terrifying LA wildfires to stay with them at their home in Montecito – but they too are also on standby should they need to evacuate

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have opened up their £23million mansion to help those forced to flee terrifying LA wildfires.

It is understood the Sussexes have invited friends and loved ones who have been forced to evacuate due to the nearby fires to stay with them at their Montecito home. The couple is also believed to have donated supplies to people affected by the blazes, including clothing, children’s items, and other essential supplies.

A series of major fires in California have killed 10 people, ravaged communities and sent thousands of people fleeing their properties, including in areas popular with celebrity homes.

Harry and Meghan’s home in Montecito ( 
Image:
Google Earth)
It comes as sources close to the Sussexes also said they are ready to go into “crisis mode” if they need to evacuate should the fires start to threaten their home. However, it is believed they are still some way from their mansion.

Their security team has been coordinating an evacuation plan while packing essentials for their children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three. A neighbour said: “It’s not chaos here yet but the fire is moving fast and we are not taking any chances.” The couple and their neighbours have been given public safety survival kits containing a solar charger, flashlight, protective equipment, ice, water, snacks and safety pamphlets.

Yesterday, Harry and Meghan spoke publicly about the fires for the first time with a statement on their website. They also recommended a list of fire service charities, animal groups and other initiatives to support. It said: “In the last few days, wildfires in southern California have raged through neighbourhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centres, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life.”

Homes have been destroyed by the fires in the LA neighbourhood of Pacific Palisades ( 
Image:
AP)
The Sussexes added: “If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate, and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do. Be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbours to see if they need help evacuating.

“Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys and other essentials. The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.”

Airbnb and 211LA, a non-profit organisation offering housing advice, have partnered to provide free temporary housing to people displaced, Harry and Meghan said. They added that long-time Archewell Foundation partner World Central Kitchen is serving meals to emergency service crews and victims. The list also included Cal Fire and LA Fire Department Foundation which are supporting firefighters, as well as the Animal Wellness Foundation which is housing evacuated animals.Baby2baby is offering nappies, clothing and emergency kits to families, Compton Cowboys is providing emergency transport for horses and bookshop All Power Books is keeping its doors open to distribute aid and offer supplies and water for pick-up, the Sussexes said.

TV personality Paris Hilton, US actor Billy Crystal, The Princess Bride star Cary Elwes, talk show host Ricki Lake and Oscar-winning songwriter Diane Warren are among those who have confirmed that their residences have been destroyed in the fires.

On Thursday, in a social media post, film star Jamie Lee Curtis, 66, said she would be taking money from a foundation set up by her family to aid the areas most impacted. Thousands of firefighters were attempting to contain the original Palisades fire, with at least 70,000 people forced to evacuate their homes as the metropolitan area became blanketed in a thick cloud of smoke and ash.

The Traitors viewers expressed excitement amid a feud that may be brewing on the new series between two of the players after scenes that aired on the BBC show on Thursday

The Traitors viewers were thrilled by a player airing their suspicions about Linda on the latest episode.

Thursday night’s episode of the BBC show saw Fozia, 50 – who has only just returned after temporarily leaving in the first episode – question the allegiance of Linda, 70, who is a Traitor. Linda ended up “really angry” over the situation, with a potential feud between the pair now brewing.

The tension between them came following the latest mission, which saw the group split into pairs. They were tasked with going through a funhouse carrying a golden balloon – which would bank them £1,000 if not popped.

Each round of the mission would see the pairs choose between four doors, but only would allow them to progress to the next set of doors. The other three would mean the balloon gets popped. Host Claudia Winkleman also revealed that first pair to make it through the funhouse with their balloon would also win shields -granting immunity from the next ‘murder’.

Teams would be able to share descriptions of the doors they were choosing whilst in the funhouse, potentially helping those yet to play. Lisa, 62, suggested that she and Linda go first, and her partner agreed. It meant they had no information about which doors to choose, unlike the pairs who went after them, and their offer fuelled suspicion that one of them may be a Traitor, as they would not need the immunity anyway.

Fozia confronted Linda over the decision once the group had returned to the castle. They had a tense conversation in which Linda said her and Lisa felt they should “take one for the team” amid a lack of volunteers. Fozia responded: “We were about to [discuss it] but then you two were quick to [volunteer].” Linda then suggested that the rest of the group were then “probably very grateful” to her and Lisa.

Fozia, pictured, is already suspicious of Linda on the new series of the Traitors ( 
Image:
BBC / Studio Lambert)

Linda, pictured, is a Traitor, and wasn’t impressed to be the subject of questioning by her co-star ( 
Image:
BBC / Studio Lambert)
Sharing her thoughts in a confessional, Fozia said: “Linda was sweating a little bit at the table when we talked about the mission and I was like ‘hmm’. I think any given opportunity, I will be looking at her.” Speaking about Linda and Lisa, she said: “Them two look like they’re best buddies. One of them is definitely a Traitor and the other one’s just under he wing.”

Linda however wasn’t impressed with Fozia being suspicious of her. She later told Lisa: “I am really angry.” She added: “Fozia just came up to me. She said ‘I thought it was quite interesting you and Lisa put your hands up to do [the mission] first’. And I said ‘yeah, well we thought we’d take one for the team’. And she went ‘yeah but we were just about to discuss it all and you took over and said you’d do it’.”

Linda added: “She’s already getting on my bloody nerves.” Then reflecting in a confessional, Linda said: “Fozia is a big threat and I think she’s very astute. As sad as it is that she’s only been here a couple of days, but I think she has to go.”

The brewing tension between Linda and Fozia, as well as the latter’s growing suspicions of the Traitor, prompted excitement on X. One viewer wrote: “Fozia’s just got there and she’s already onto Linda.” Another said: “Fozia immediately onto Linda, she’s clearly a star.” A third wrote: “Fozia has it all sussed. Clocked Linda straight away. I’m obsessed.” Someone else teased: “Fozia returning and immediately on a mission to get linda out I SUPPORT YOU.” Sharing their thoughts, one fan said: “Living for this fozia linda drama.”

There wasn’t much chance for Fozia to bring up her suspicions at the subsequent round table, with a host of names brought into the mix by the group. She ended up voting to banish Lisa, who was a topic of discussion at the round table. However, at the end of the episode, Fozia was brought up by Linda and fellow Traitor Minah as a potential victim of the next ‘murder’. She was named alongside Anna and Livi, with fans having to wait until Friday’s episode to see who they chose.

Many celebrities have taken to social media to announced their homes were burned downed in the fires, that started earlier this week, across Los Angeles – including in Hollywood

Devastating wildfires have ripped through a large number of celebrities homes in Los Angeles, including the likes of Mark Owen, Paris Hilton and more.

Mass evacuations have seen thousands of people forced to leave their homes behind in recent days, and over a 1000 buildings and structures have been totally destroyed – with a number of people reported to have tragically lost their lives already, in fires Paris Hilton said looked like “hell” on earth.

Celebrities have taken to social media to announce their homes were burned down as over 130,000 people have been evacuated. The flames are being spread by high winds of up to 100mph, which initially stopped the firefighters from tackling them from the air.

And the blazes have thrown Hollywood’s carefully orchestrated awards season into disarray. Awards ceremonies planned for this weekend have been postponed due to the fires. The AFI Awards, which were set to honour “Wicked,” “Anora” and other awards season contenders, had been scheduled for Friday.

Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton watched her home ‘burn to the ground on live TV’ ( 
Image:
ITV)

Socialite Paris Hilton told fans about the fires in a statement shared to her Instagram. She said she was totally heartbroken to see the destruction of her waterfront home on TV. “Heartbroken to find out what happened to my house by seeing that it was burned to the ground on live TV,” she wrote in a story, which accompanied a clip of the devastation.

In a lengthier post, Paris explained how the “unimaginable” destruction by the fires had left her overwhelmed, but that she was “holding onto gratitude that my family and pets are safe. Heartbroken beyond words,” Paris wrote. “Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience.”

Paris sobs after watching her home has burned down in catastrophic wildfires ravaging LA ( 
Image:
Instagram)
She continued: “This home was where we built so many precious memories. It’s where Phoenix took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a lifetime of memories with London. While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family and pets are safe. My heart and prayers are going out to every family affected by these fires.

John Goodman

John Goodman’s house was reduced to ashes ( 
Image:
BACKGRID)
Roseanne actor John Goodman’s property has been completely destroyed as just ash remains where it once stood. The lavish home has been scorched as just burnt trees and the swimming pool remain on the site. The wildfires could be seen approaching John Goodman’s home as the actor evacuated before it reached his property.

John Goodman’s home has been affected ( 
Image:
Corbis via Getty Images)

Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins’ home was among the properties destroyed ( 
Image:
BACKGRID)
Hannibal actor Anthony Hopkins’ home has been completely destroyed by the fire as just an outer shell of his property remains. He had purchased the property in 2019 but, now, sadly just rumble remains. The foundations of the house can be seen in an aerial snap, with the majority of belongings turning to ash. The legendary actor purchased his Pacific Palisades home in 2019. It featured white paneling on the outside along with a brick chimney.

Anthony Hopkins’ home is now a shell ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

Billy Crystal

Actor Billy Crystal’s home turned to ash ( 
Image:
BACKGRID)
Actor Billy Crystal and his wife Janice are grappling with the loss of their home of the past 46 years. In a heartfelt statement shared with PA news agency, they said: “Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing. Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”

Billy Crystal’s home of almost 50 years has been destroyed ( 
Image:
Getty Images for SiriusxM)
A photo shows the charred remains of their home laying next to the tennis court, which managed to avoid any damage from the roaring blaze. The actor and comedian’s stunning home of almost five decades overlooked a canyon in Pacific Palisades. He purchased the four bedroom, six bathroom 6,793 square foot property for $435,000 in 1979. A shell now remains where the property once stood.

Eugene Levy

Eugene Levy’s home was also destroyed ( 
Image:
BAFTA via Getty Images)
Schitt’s Creek icon Eugene Levy was also forced to leave his Pacific Palisades home this week as wildfires tore through the area. Speaking to the LA Times, he revealed: “The smoke looked pretty black and intense of Temescal Canyon.” Eugene added: “I couldn’t see any flames, but the smoke was very dark.”

Mark and Emma Owen

Take That’s Mark Owen has evacuated his home ( 
Image:
WireImage)
Take That musician Mark Owen was forced to flee his home. His wife took to Instagram, to say: “Thank you for all your messages and checking in. I can’t quite comprehend what happened here, but we are safe. The hurricane-force winds and lack of water have meant the fire has spread catastrophically fast and taken much of our beloved area with it. Schools, homes, shops, and stables are all gone.

“We woke up to helicopters, thick black smoke, winds howling, and the uncertainty that our house would survive. I wish I had packed better. Even if I had just grabbed each of their baby shoes, it would have been something. So many have lost everything, pets included. And it’s nowhere near over. Three active fires are blazing around us, and there is not enough water to manage the situation. Planes are grounded due to the winds.

Homes across LA have been destroyed ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
“I’m not sure what our next step is. Right now, I’m just heavy and tired. We are beyond grateful to the heroes at @losangelesfiredepartment for all they do during these times. They work tirelessly to save homes and lives under catastrophic conditions. We see you. Climate change is real, and it’s apocalyptic when it strikes.”

Before getting evacuated, Emma Owen, Mark’s wife told her followers that there was “no water left” and that aircrafts which had been spreading water across the fires had been grounded due to the rising winds. “We need your prayers,” she added.

Leighton Meester and Adam Brody

Leighton Meester and Adam Brody ( 
Image:
Penske Media via Getty Images)
In shocking new photos recently shared online, Leighton Meester and Adam Brody’s home was destroyed, with the roof burnt away as the flames engulfed the property. Many windows were broken and black smoke ripped through the house. They purchased the sprawling home for $6.5million in 2019 and lived there with their two children.

It featured five bedrooms, six bathroom, and three floors. The A-list couple were only recently at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday evening. According to TMZ, Anna Farris’ home and Spencer and Heidi Pratt’s home were also ruined by the fires.

The fires are threatening to sweep through Hollywood landmarks ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

Jen Atkin

Jen Atkin, who was Kim Kardashian’s former hairstylist, took to her social media page to announce the news of the destruction of her home. Sharing a post with her 5.3million followers, she described her ‘sweet neighbourhood just last week’.

The OUAI co-owner showed a view across the water and added a heartbroken emoji. She also posted a snap of the coastline hit by the fire. “This is weird to post but our house is gone,’ Jen wrote, as she was seen crying with her dog on her lap while her husband, fashion photographer Mike Rosenthal, drove them to evacuate the area.

Jen Atkins’ home was also destoryed ( 
Image:
jenatkinhair/instagram)

She showed a view across the water and added a heartbroken emoji. ( 
Image:
jenatkinhair/instagram)
“We just got confirmation,” Jen said in the post. “Our whole area demolished. So many are displaced and feeling scared right now it’s almost too much to comprehend. Our neighbours are all taking care of one another and checking in and that’s the theme for 2025. We’re going to be ok.”

Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag

Heidi Montag breaks down in tears after losing family home in Los Angeles wildfires

She shared the damage the fire has done ( 
Image:
spencerpratt/Instagram)
The Hills’ Heidi Montag broke down has she shared the devastating impact of the Los Angeles wildifre. The reality TV star revealed her home was completely destroyed after a massive 1,200-acre brush fire broke out in the Palisades neighbourhood on Tuesday morning. She was able to evacuate with husband Spencer Pratt and their two sons earlier in the day, yet the family have lost “everything”.

In a new update, Heidi admitted she became “overwhelmed” with the situation as she attempted to grab basic essentials for her family. Heidi tried to hold back her tears as she admitted it was a “blessing” she was able to take anything from her home. She is struggling to come to terms with the loss of their property, yet insisted she is thankful her family is safe.

Tina Knowles

Beyoncé’s mum Tina shared her home has been destroyed ( 
Image:
FilmMagic)

Her Malibu home was affected by the wildfires ( 
Image:
Kyle Russell / SWNS)
Beyoncé’s mum Tina Knowles has shared the loss of her Malibu home as she offered a message of support. She posted a photo of a sunset from the stunning property and said: “This is what I was looking at on my birthday this past weekend from my tiny little bungalow on the water in Malibu! It was my favorite place, my sanctuary, my sacred Happy Place. Now it is gone!!

“God Bless all the brave men and women in our fire department who risked their lives in dangerous conditions. We thank you for your dedication and bravery and for saving so many lives. This could have been so much worse without the dedication of the disaster workers and first responders.”

Jessica Simpson

Jessica had to leave her home

The singer said they stayed ‘as long as they could’ ( 
Image:
Getty Images for W Magazine)
Jessica Simpson fled her $22 million home, formerly owned by Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, amid the wildfires. The singer shared a photo of thick smoke clouds approaching and admitted: “We stayed as long as we could.” She shared the home with her husband, former football pro Eric Johnson and three children – Maxwell “Maxi” Drew, 12, Ace Knute, 11, and Birdie Mae, 5.

Britney Spears

Britney was forced to evacuate her home ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Pop star Britney Spears has been forced to leave her home amid the blaze. She revealed she had been without power for days as fans became concerned over her social media silence. “I hope you are all doing OK!!!,” Britney said. “I had to evacuate my home and I’m driving 4 hours to a hotel!!!” She added: “I pray you’re all doing well and I send my love [red rose emoji]!!!”

Yolanda Hadid

Bella Hadid watched her childhood bedroom burn

The devastation was clear the next day
Bella and Gigi Hadid’s mum Yolanda has seen the blaze rip through her property. The model’s childhood home went up in flames as Bella documented the heartbreaking moment her bedroom was destroyed. The property was regularly featured on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Bella simply said: “Childhood bedroom,” with a sad face emoji. She also posted a photo of the decimated home in the daytime, revealing the extent of the damage.

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend

Chrissy packed up the family home ( 
Image:
Instagram)

They are now staying in a hotel ( 
Image:
Instagram)
Model Chrissy Teigen emotionally shared she was packing to evacuate her home she shares with husband John Legend. She posted a photo of herself filling up a large black bag as she admitted: “This is surreal.” Chrissy said she was “very scared” after previously calling the wildfires a “hellscape”.

John C. Reilly

Thousands of homes have been destroyed ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
Step Brothers actor John C. Reilly’s home has turned to ash following a wildfire at his property. Images have shown his large home flattened by the blaze. John is yet to make any comment on the devastating news.

Ricki Lake

Ricki watched the wildfires approach ( 
Image:
Instagram)

She sadly lost her home ( 
Image:
Instagram)
TV host and actress Ricki Lake shared the heartbreaking news she lost her home. Alongside photos of the stunning property, Ricki emotionally said: “It’s all gone. I can’t believe I am typing these words. After a valiant and brave effort by our friend and hero @kirbykotler_ Ross and I lost our dream home.

“This description ‘dream home’ doesn’t suffice. It was our heaven on earth. The place where we planned to grow old together. We never took our heavenly spot on the bluff overlooking our beloved malibu for granted, not even for one second. I shared our sunset views almost daily with all of you. This loss is immeasurable. It’s the spot where we got married 3 years ago.

“I grieve along with all of those suffering during this apocalyptic event. Praying for all of my neighbors, my friends, my community, the animals, the firefighters and first responders. More to share soon of how we escaped with Dolly and not much else. For now I grieve.”

Jennifer Grey

Jennifer’s daughter revealed she is safe ( 
Image:
Instagram)

The actress has lost her home ( 
Image:
Penske Media via Getty Images)
Dirty Dancing actress Jennifer Grey’s daughter revealed her famous mum’s home had “burnt to the ground”. Stella Gregg assured her followers that Jennifer and her dog Winnie were safe. She added: “Give your loved ones an extra squeeze today.”

James Woods

Actor James Woods revealed he had to leave his home and sent out a message of gratitude. He said: “To all the wonderful people who’ve reached out to us, thank you for being so concerned. Just letting you know that we were able to evacuate successfully. I do not know at this moment if our home is still standing, but sadly houses on our little street are not.”

Unfortunately, James later shared that his home had been lost to the fire. He said: “One day you’re swimming in the pool, the next day it’s all gone.”

Bryan Greenberg and Jamie Chung

Jamie shared photos from their neighbourhood ( 
Image:
Instagram)

Bryan and Jamie have lost their home ( 
Image:
Instagram)
One Tree Hill star Bryan Greenberg and actress Jamie Chung detailed the devastation caused to their home. In a dramatic photo, just ash was seen where their property once stood. Bryan said: “It was all a dream. Thankfully the family is safe. Thank you to all of the firefighters risking their lives. Stay safe out there.”

Kate Beckinsale

Kate mourned the loss of Pacific Palisades ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Actress Kate Beckinsale mourned the neighbourhood that had played a huge part in her life. Sharing images of the wildfire, Kate said: “My daughter and I lived there for most of her childhood and most of her childhood is gone. Her primary school, every shop or restaurant we used to go to with my parents and Michael’s parents -and devastatingly, most of her friends homes. My heart is broken.

“The Pacific Palisades is a community very unusual to find in Los Angeles, heavy on families with young children and pets. I’m weeping for all of the people and pets involved, so many of them I know. My heart is breaking for the families who have lost everything, and the people and their animals, not to mention the horses and all the wild animals, people’s businesses and livelihoods. This is just like hell. If anyone from village needs shelter and doesn’t still have a number for me ,please contact me on Instagram,”

Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore evacuated her family ( 
Image:
Instagram)

She was able to return back to her home to see the devastation ( 
Image:
Instagram)
Singer and actress Mandy Moore was forced to evacuate and was left “absolutely numb” to see the devastation in her hometown. She said: “Grateful for the kindness of friends that we had a place to land last night. Trying to shield the kids from the immense sadness and worry I feel. Praying for everyone in our beautiful city. So gutted for the destruction and loss. Don’t know if our place made it.”

Mandy added: “I’m in shock and feeling numb for all so many have lost, including my family. My children’s school is gone. Our favorite restaurants, leveled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too. Our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together. Sending love to all affected and on the front lines trying to get this under control.”

Mark Hamill

Mark Hamill issued an update ( 
Image:
Instagram)
Star Wars icon Mark Hamill gave a “personal fire update” as he revealed he was evacuated with wife Marilou and their dog Trixie. He revealed he had arrived safely at his daughter Chelsea’s house in Hollywood and urged everyone to “stay safe.” He said they were the “most horrific fires since ’93,” and that his family had been “fleeing for our lives.”

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie mourned her neighbourhood ( 
Image:
Instagram)

Her home was safe ( 
Image:
Instagram)
Jamie Lee Curtis said her entire neighbourhood “is gone”. While her home wasn’t affected, Jamie put out a message: “Our beloved neighborhood is gone. Our home is safe. So many others have lost everything. Help where you can. Thank you to the first responders and firefighters. @americanredcross.”

Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt said: “I have no words. Only prayers and holding as much hope as I can for our home and our kids while we watch everything burn. Thank you to every first responder fighting so hard for all of us. Thank you to every friend who reached out and new person I have hugged in tears in the last 24 hours.”

Travis Barker’s children

Alabama showed houses burning ( 
Image:
Instagram)

Landon said he was ‘praying’ for everyone ( 
Image:
Instagram)
Travis Barker’s kids Alabama and Landon, who he shares with ex Shanna Moakler, had to evacuate. Landon said he was “praying” for everyone affected while sister Alabama urged her followers to “be safe”.

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A reporter left fans of The View shocked this week as he revealed he was broadcasting live from the outside of his aunt’s burned-down home during the LA wildfires.

An ABC News presenter left The View panel stunned during his LA wildfires reporting.

Wildfires are currently tearing through parts of Los Angeles, California and areas such as Malibu. Thousands of homes have been destroyed with around 70,000 people evacuated as they seek refuge away from the devastating impact. But during the live coverage of the devastating events, ABC’s Chief National Correspondent, Matt Gutman bravely presented outside the burnt out home of a relative.

Despite his heartache, Matt put on a brave face as he refrained from being impartial. While appearing live on The View via video-link, he said: “We can’t see it, but I can feel the heat emanating from this house, which actually happens to be my aunt’s house, who lost everything here, like so many people actually in this part of LA”. He later went on to share an update on his relatives, admitting it had been “hard” for his family.

The View panellists such as Whoopi Goldberg were shocked with the reporter’s revelations
Following his revelation, hosts Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg and Sara Haines were all left in shock, with Sara questioning how Matt’s aunt was doing amid the crisis. He replied: “Yeah, my aunt is struggling, Sara. You know, it’s been really hard for the family, but I think a lot of people, which is really interesting, have the same response – which is, ‘I’m Okay’.”

He continued: “She was actually away when it happened. We’re happy that nobody was Killed, that nobody was trapped In these homes There Is a real fear across Los Angeles in a way that I’ve never experienced in ten years.”

Pacific Palisades has been one of the hardest hit areas, and is an affluent Los Angeles neighbourhood that is the home to many high profile A-listers, including Mandy Moore, Paris Hilton, Anthony Hopkins and Jamie Lee Curtis, all of whom have lost their homes in the unfolding carnage. Declared as a state of emergency, the fires have turned the once-glamorous streets into a battleground for the firefighters, with reports of water shortages and intense winds making it virtually impossible to even begin to contain the spreading fires.

A reporter broadcast live from the outside of his aunt’s burned-down home during the LA wildfires this week
So far, numerous fires have been reported across the region, with fires in Hurst, Eaton, Woodley, Palisades and Runyon Canyon – with the fires now so substantial they span more than 25,000 acres with the smoke even visible from space, as per the Nasa Space Observatory.

Having now declared a state of emergency, all resources are being deployed to try and bring the fires under control, with President Joe Biden having responded directly to the crisis by approving the allocation of more aid.

Taking to social media on Wednesday evening he said: I have directed the @DeptofDefense to rapidly provide additional firefighting personnel and capabilities to the region being impacted by the Southern California wildfires.We also continue to work closely with the National Guard. My thanks to the California National Guard and the Nevada National Guard for readying Airborne Firefighting Systems. Ten Navy helicopters with water delivery buckets are on their way.”

The Masked Singer returns on Saturday for its next episode and it’s been reported that there was ‘chaos’ whilst filming it as a celebrity ‘stormed off’ stage after being voted out

The Masked Singer was “thrown into chaos” when a celebrity “stormed off” the stage after being voted out of the competition.

The ITV show returned for its new series last weekend, with a host of masked celebrities performing in the launch episodes. The next unmasking however is said to have come after the contestant walked off stage in disappointment over leaving.

The “dramatic scenes” will air on Saturday night’s episode when Pufferfish, Bear, Toad in the Hole, Wolf and Bush are set to perform again. The outlet described the celebrity contestant, whose identity has yet to be revealed, as a “world-renowned star”.

A source said that it was “absolutely bonkers,” noting that the celebrity with the lower number of votes each week usually takes off their mask shortly after the result. The unmasked contestant then speaks to the panel and performs again, but this time without their mask on.

Saturday’s episode of the Masked Singer will feature Suranne Jones (centre) as a guest panelist alongside regular panelists Mo Gilligan (left), Davina McCall (centre left), Maya Jama (centre right) and Jonathan Ross (right) ( 
Image:
ITV)

The source added to the Sun: “But instead this character turned around and shuffled off stage, which was hilarious in their costume obviously – but we were all stunned. We knew something was going on because we saw lots of to-ing and fro-ing with crew before the person eventually came back on stage.” The source said that it added “even more” intrigue to the audience finding out who was behind the undisclosed mask.

The outlet adds that one source that said bosses behind-the-scenes worked on encouraging the celebrity to finish the show, whilst host Joel Dommett entertained the audience. The source said that the contestant was “basically gutted” to be leaving the contest “so soon” into the new series.

The sixth series of the Masked Singer launched on Saturday last week, with six contestants taking to the stage. The remaining six performed in the following night’s episode and two celebrities from the group were unmasked that evening.

Spag Bol was unmasked as Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway following her rendition of Geri Halliwell’s Look at Me. Later in the episode, Pegasus was unmasked as Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith, who had performed Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’ from the musical Oklahoma!.

Alongside a new group of celebrity contestants, there’s also an addition to the panel this year. Love Island host Maya Jama who has replaced singer-songwriter Rita Ora, who had been on the panel since the show’s debut in 2020.

Maya has joined returning panelists Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross for the new series. Former Olympic athlete Mo Farah and actor Vicky McClure featured as guest panelists on the first and second episodes respectively. Actor Suranne Jones is set to be a guest panelist on Saturday’s episode.

As he turns 80, the unstoppable Rod Stewart – who confesses that for him the ‘fountain of youth’ is in the form of his eight children – is showing no signs of slowing down

With his headline Glastonbury slot certain to be one of the must-see events of the summer, it’s hard to believe that rock legend Sir Rod Stewart celebrates his 80th birthday this week, as OK! reports. The spiky-haired singer reaches the milestone on 10 January, but shows no sign of giving up the 60-year career that has seen him sell a whopping 120 million records globally. “I have no desire to retire,” Rod declared on Instagram in November.

“I’m fit, have a full head of hair and can run 100 metres in 18 seconds at the age of 79.” Rod’s birthday celebrations are being overseen by his wife Penny Lancaster, who previously said she was planning a series of special events that would last “several weeks”. The Essex-based pair are believed to have spent Christmas at their home in Palm Beach, Florida, before sailing to the Caribbean in time for the big day.

The spiky-haired star is performing at Glastonbury this summer ( 
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WireImage)

It’s fair to assume they will be joined for the festivities by several of Rod’s eight children, including his and 53-year-old Penny’s sons Alastair, 19, and Aiden, 13, as well as his four daughters and two sons from former relationships: Sarah, 61, Kimberly, 45, Ruby, 37, Renee, 32, Sean, 44, and Liam, 30. Rod’s three grandchildren, Delilah, 13, and Otis and Louie, who are both 19 months, are also likely to be part of the fun. Known affectionately as the “Rodfather” by his extended clan, Rod once told how the age gaps between his children means being “several different fathers” all at once.

But having a large, blended family keeps him young at heart too, and he has said, “If there’s a fountain of youth, it’s children.” Even today, lifelong Celtic fan Rod is known to enjoy playing football with his brood, saying recently, “I’ve always played soccer, and I still do. I play with my kids as well. I keep myself really fit. I work out a bit. I’m mad about nutrition, watching my weight and everything. So I do work at it, and I think that helps a lot.”

Despite being 27 years younger than her husband, former model and Loose Women presenter Penny has revealed that Rod keeps her on her toes, too. “He’s a workaholic and constantly on the move,” she has said. “I struggle to keep up with his training schedule. He works out three or four times a week — even on tour.” The couple first met in 1999 when Penny was a photographer and Rod agreed to let her take photos of him on tour.

At the time, he was separated from model and actress Rachel Hunter, his second wife and mother of his children Renee and Liam. Before that, Rod was married to actress Alana Stewart, mother to Kimberly and Sean. Devoted Rod has called third wife Penny “the most gorgeous woman I have ever had in my life” and proposed to her at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris in March 2005. “I opened the box and he had bought me the most amazing princess-cut diamond engagement,” she later recalled. “It was classic and striking. I was stunned, threw my arms around him, and burst into tears.”

Penny is 27 years younger than Rod but ‘struggles’ top keep up with his routine ( 
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Getty Images for Wolfie’s Whisky/The Barbershop Las Vegas)

The pair married in Portofino in 2007 ( 
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They married in Portofino in Italy in 2007, before an intimate gathering of close family and friends. Last June, when they celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary and more than two decades as a couple, Rod wrote on social media, “25 years together and no red flags.” With their relationship remaining as strong as ever, Penny has said, “Rod and I can have dinner in a crowded room or just the two of us — we always have eyes for each other.”

Meanwhile, when she took part in Strictly in 2007, she revealed how Rod would get jealous while watching her spinning around the dance floor with partner Ian Waite. “I’ve lost my wife, she’s in the arms of another man,” he’d say. “She’s spending five to six hours a day with another man.” Away from the cameras, Penny — who joined the City of London police in 2021 as a special constable — has told how Rod helped her cope with the “inferno” of menopause, which affected her so badly she would even throw plates of food across the kitchen.

She was initially misdiagnosed with depression, but Rod’s support ensured she sought the proper medical treatment. He also encouraged her to call out TV presenter Gregg Wallace, who recently stepped down from MasterChef after a series of allegations about inappropriate behaviour. On social media, Rod branded the host a “tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully” over his dealings with Penny on the celebrity version of the BBC series in 2021, adding, “Good riddance Wallace… You humiliated my wife when she was on the show, but you had that bit cut out, didn’t you?”

Addressing the situation on Loose Women, Penny told how Rod gave her the confidence to speak out. “Once you have the backing and support of other people, you feel like you’re going to be listened to,” she said. Over the years, Rod has become increasingly outspoken and has taken on all kinds of issues, including the poor condition of roads near his home. In March 2022, he was filmed filling potholes with a shovel, while wearing a tracksuit and high-vis vest. “

This is the state of the road near where I live in Harlow and it’s been like this for ages,” he wrote on Instagram. In February 2023, the kind-hearted star paid for a day’s worth of MRI scans for patients at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Essex, saying he was “heartbroken” by the struggles of the NHS and that people were “dying because they cannot get scans”.

Rod was given his first guitar at 15, and went on to join The Faces ( 
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Redferns)

Rod has a big brood when they all get together
Born in Highgate, London, in 1945 to Scottish father Robert and English mother Elsie, Rod was the youngest of five children, and once described his childhood as “fantastically happy”. After being given his first guitar at the age of 15, he would regularly go busking to earn cash. He played in several successful bands including the Dimensions and the Faces, but it was as a solo singer that his career really took off, with Maggie May bringing his first No.1 in 1971. Rod has had 10 No.1 albums and 31 Top 10 singles, and in 2019, he became the oldest male to hit the top of the album chart with You’re In My Heart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

But his life has not always been easy, and he has fought cancer twice. In 2000, he had surgery for thyroid cancer which left him needing to relearn to sing. Then in 2016, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, before being given the all-clear in 2019. His experiences mean he is a passionate campaigner for the City of Hope Foundation, which aims to find a cure for cancer. In 2020, Rod also revealed that he had undergone a knee replacement and ankle fusion surgery after a football injury.

But with an upcoming residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, he’s unlikely to give up his snake-hipped moves on stage. “I don’t see any possibility of slowing down anytime soon,” says Rod, whose latest album Swing Fever with Jools Holland was released last February. “As I get older, I only really want to do things that give me great pleasure.”

When his Glastonbury appearance was announced in November, Rod told how he was “absolutely thrilled” on Instagram, adding, “After all these years, I’m proud and ready and more than able to take the stage again to pleasure and titillate my friends at Glastonbury in June. I’ll see you there!”

However, the flamboyant rocker does recognise that he has had to slow down in recent years, saying in an interview last summer, “I’m not like I was in the 70s and 80s and I can’t stay up all night, get drunk and go mad and still have a voice just like that.”

But he seems to have no worries about the prospect of death, admitting last year, “I’m aware my days are numbered but I’ve got no fear. We have all got to pass on at some point, so we are all in the same basket.” Rod’s relaxed attitude could mean we will see him celebrating his 90th birthday a decade from now. “I am going to enjoy myself for these last few years as much as I can,” he insists. “I say few − probably another 15. I can do that easy mate, easy.” We’re glad to hear it!

Former Mafia underboss Sammy ‘The Bull’ Gravano is telling his family’s story of their drugs bust in Arizona for the first time in an explosive documentary titled Sons of Ecstasy

The name Sammy ‘The Bull’ Gravano was once of the most feared names on the planet.

After rising to the position of underboss in the Mafia’s Gambino crime family, he found himself facing a lengthy jail sentence after a police crackdown. Despite confessing to 19 killings, Sammy, whose real name is Salvatore Gravano, took a plea deal in which he testified against Mafia boss John Gotti and received a smaller five-year sentence.

Following his release from prison in 1994, he and his family – his now ex-wife, Debra, and their two kids, Karen and Gerard – relocated to start a new life under witness protection. However, the Brooklyn-born gangster, now 79, soon ditched his new alias and returned to his former name.

Sammy ‘The Bull’ Gravano has opened up in a new documentary ( 
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Despite starting a fresh life, Sammy and his family soon found themselves embroiled in a new saga at the epicentre of the ecstasy drug trade in Arizona. It left Sammy facing a brand new rival, English stockbroker Shaun Attwood. The face-offs that followed landed Sammy with another sentence of 20 years behind bars.

Now, as his family tell their side of the story for the first time in an explosive new Warner Bros. and Max documentary, Sammy has further opened up to the Mirror about the dramatic events.

Speaking ahead of the release of Sons of Ecstasy, Sammy told us: “People will understand it [the story] a lot better after watching. [The documentary] explains how Gerard got into it [the drugs business]. It was a trial of errors. One after another. We were doing other things, and more or less, we were duped into it, and I really had no interest in it. [Viewers] will see the entire story and how the original story that came out with the press and the people involved was exaggerated tremendously.”

The former Mafia underboss went on to explain how Arizona was “completely different than New York, Brooklyn”. “That’s the hub of the Mafia [New York],” he said. “It was right in the hub, right in the middle of it. Arizona, the people were more legitimate, and my kids found what was going on Arizona really wasn’t happening in New York, there’s ecstasy and parties and this and that.

“But it was like a whole different world to me. I didn’t even know what ecstasy was. I mean, I never took drugs. I smoked pot a couple times as a kid, but I wasn’t into drugs. I never took ecstasy. I never cared about it. I never even wondered what it was. It really was a bulls*** drug.”

In the trailer for the show, Gerard is seen discussing how he wanted to run the ecstasy scene in Arizona before a rival – Shaun Attwood – began undercutting them. Speaking of how the drug rivalry quickly escalated, Gerard added in the clip: “They’re going to kill me to send a message to my father.” He claimed: “It was me and my family against the world”.

Sammy confessed that he later discovered people had been using his name to brag about distribution. “I was in the pool business. I was in construction business, and my head was nowhere near these kids. I didn’t even know them. They were a lot younger than me. I never went out with them, drinking or partying or doing anything.

“I only met one of them, and he was a college student. He was going to medical school. I liked him. I didn’t mind him. He was my son’s friend. I didn’t know he was into ecstasy or anything. I thought, you know, he’s a college kid going to medical school, good kid. That’s what I thought, but I didn’t know the real side of him. Of course, I never really got close to that.”

Sammy ‘The Bull’ Gravano in 1998 ( 
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ABC – DIANE SAWYER INTV.)
Sammy hesitated to divulge more on their links prior to the show’s release. However, speaking of his son mixing with the wrong crowd, he said Gerard “knew it was a mistake”.

“It was a big change for them [moving to Arizona]. He met some of them kids that were going out. He was like a fish out of water. He made friends with them, and he went down the wrong path with them, following them. It was a mistake. He knew it was a mistake. He realises it now. He realised as it was happening.

“Like I said, it was a quick thing. They were under investigation for a year. He met them and in 5, 6, 7, weeks, he was gone. He was brought into it for his name. I think they said things about him that were exaggerated. He did befriend them. He did do things – in the show he admits to it and doesn’t hide from what he did.”

In 2000, Sammy – along with his wife, daughter and son – were arrested in connection with an ecstasy trafficking ring that authorities said made them about $500,000 per week. He was accused of buying 40,000 ecstasy pills from a drug gang in New York. He pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in Arizona and New York in 2001 and was sentenced to 20 years in prison, being released in 2017. Gerard was sentenced to nine years.

The UK release of Sons of Ecstasy is still to be confirmed, with US viewers able to watch it on Max from January 9.

The former Saturdays star was forced to ‘fix’ her outfit just moments before she was due to go live on-air as co-star Charlene White lunged into action to make sure her outfit was adjusted

Frankie Bridge was left rather red-faced during Thursday’s episode of Loose Women as she experienced a wardrobe mishap just moments before the show went live.

As cameras rolled, it became apparent that there had been some behind-the-scenes drama with host Charlene White announcing: “Sorry I just had to help Frank there, a bit of a wardrobe malfunction” leaving The Saturdays singer to admit her near on-air slip up

With a blush and a quick adjustment of her top, Frankie confirmed: “Had a wardrobe malfunction,” while supportive pal Charlene reassured her: “But you’re all ok now.”

Frankie then confidently nodded at Charlene, signaling all was well: “I’m alright, I’m ok now.”

Charlene White stepped in to support Frankie

The discussion on the show took a turn towards parenting as Frankie shared stories about bedtime routines with her husband Wayne Bridge and their boys.

The topic of the day was a sleep expert’s suggestion that “children should be able to choose their own sleep time.” However, the Loose Women panel all agreed that “boundaries” were essential for the wellbeing of children, contributing to their sense of safety and security.

Frankie didn’t go into detail about the wardrobe mishap
Frankie opened up about her home life, particularly when it comes to bedtime with her kids. She revealed that her children often end up in bed with her and her football husband at night, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The singer-turned-TV personality shared: “I have a big bed and emperor size bed bed and I got someone to design me a bed with drawers with mattresses in so that the boys can get in bed with us and not disturb our sleep.”

Charlene was on-had to support FrankieHer fellow mums on the panel were fascinated by her custom bed solution, all agreeing: “What a great idea,” but Frankie was quick to point out that it’s not as perfect as it sounds.

She humorously added, “It’s funny it doesn’t really work if I’m honest, last night I was squished in between my eldest and my youngest… and Wayne had a really tiny spot and I had a toe up my nose,” causing laughter among her ITV colleagues.

Broadcaster Piers Morgan has made a major career move as he exits Rupert Murdoch’s News UK in favour of YouTube as he focuses on his Uncensored brand in the US

Broadcaster Piers Morgan is leaving Rupert Murdoch’s News UK in a huge career move.

The former Good Morning Britain host will now focus on his Uncensored YouTube channel in the US as he moves to the online platform. News UK – publisher of The Sun and The Times and owner of Times radio – has agreed a deal with Piers that will see him take ownership of the Uncensored media brand.

It currently has a 3.6million following on YouTube and Piers is understood to have struck a four-year revenue-sharing deal with News UK. The Murdoch-owned company will receive part of the advertising revenue generated by Piers Morgan Uncensored until 2029, according to Sky News.

Piers returned to News UK in January 2022 on a three-year deal. It included writing for The Sun and the New York Post as well as presenting shows on the since folded Talk TV channel. Piers’ book deal with Murdoch’s publisher Harper Collins is still expected to go ahead.

According to an insider, Piers will also continue to write occasionally for News Corporation’s newspapers. In February last year, Piers announced last night he would be leaving TalkTV to focus on his Uncensored YouTube channel. He said he decided he no longer wanted to “to create my show for linear television” and admitted he has grown frustrated with creating a show in a TV-format when the majority of his viewers watch via different methods.

Piers is leaving Rupert Murdoch’s News UK ( 
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COPYRIGHT UNKNOWN)
Piers told his followers “Some personal news” as he shared a link to a journalist reporting the news. The headline from Ben Smith reads: “News: Piers Morgan is ending his live broadcast show on UK’s TalkTV, and going full YouTube. He talked to me about it.” He told Smith his recent debates regarding Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on his TV shows felt rushed on his hour-long TV show.

“I find myself thinking, ‘I wish we weren’t just doing a TV show here, because if we weren’t I would do this for two hours. That’s what the YouTube crowd love’,” he admitted. The move to YouTube meant Piers is no longer regulated by Ofcom, but the divisive broadcaster has insisted that wasn’t what swayed his decision to go fully digital.

“Despite being allegedly so controversial, I’ve never had an Ofcom ruling against me,” he claimed when speaking with Smith. The TV star joined TalkTV in 2022 after his explosive Good Morning Britain exit. Back in 2021, it was announced the former newspaper editor was quitting the ITV breakfast show – with immediate effect – following an on-screen row with colleague Alex Beresford, which led him to storm off set.

The pair fell out after Alex condemned Piers for relentlessly targeting the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, after the wife of Prince Harry took part in a sit down with American talk show host Oprah Winfrey. In unexpected scenes, Piers stormed off the set of the ITV news programme after Alex called his comments about Meghan “diabolical”.

It was later reported that Ofcom launched an investigation into ITV’s Good Morning Britain after it received more than 41,000 complaints about comments made by Piers about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s interview with Oprah. The channel said at the time: “Following discussions with ITV, Piers Morgan has decided now is the time to leave Good Morning Britain. ITV has accepted this decision and has nothing further to add.”