Author: bang1

Made in Chelsea star Emily Blackwell has given birth to her first child 10 weeks early as she admitted she’s had the ‘hardest time of her life’ as her baby went into intensive care

Emily Blackwell has revealed she has welcomed her first child 10 weeks early and admitted it has been the “hardest time of her life”.

The Made in Chelsea star, 28, gave birth almost two months ago and opened up to fans about spending 53 gruelling days in intensive care. She welcomed her daughter Eva June Oldershaw on November 3, who had to spend weeks in an incubator. Emily and fiancé Jordan Oldershaw admitted they felt “totally out of control”.

The reality TV star shared a montage of moments from Eva’s time in hospital from being supported by medical equipment to being well enough to go home. She emotionally shared: “Hello world Eva June Oldershaw born 03.11.2024. After 53 days in the NICU our little miracle is finally home. Eva was born over 10 weeks early.

“To say the last few months have been the hardest times of our lives, would be an understatement. Not being able to take our baby home for 2 months, feeling totally out of control, sitting for hours staring at monitors, listening to the bleeping and alarms going off, not knowing what each day will bring.”

Emily and Jordan have opened up on the ‘hardest time of their lives’ ( 
Image:
TikTok / @emily__blackwell)

The TV star welcomed her baby 10 weeks early ( 
Image:
TikTok / @emily__blackwell)

She continued: “Staring at Eva through an incubator with wires everywhere and feeling totally helpless, asking the nurses to help us hold our baby. This is not how I imagined it…However, Eva is one tough cookie and I’m so incredibly grateful she’s now here with us at home and healthy.

“I can’t thank the NHS enough and in particular, the Chelsea Westminster Hospital. The midwives, doctors and nurses are ABSOLUTE angels, who we will forever be indebted to. Even though this was not what I had planned, I’m still so grateful for the journey we been on. We have had 10 extra weeks with our baby girl and watched her conquer so much. She is one strong little lady.

“Now it’s time to adjust and enjoy life as a family of 3 and soak up every single moment in our newborn bubble. Jordan, you have been mine and Eva’s rock through all of this. There’s no way could we have done this without you. Juggling all this whilst running a business is no joke and everyday I’m so proud of you. (A bit soppy, I know) butttt watching the way you have been with our daughter has made me love you even more.”

Emily’s followers rushed to share their support as Made In Chelsea star Lucy Watson said: “Oh my gosh. She is a little fighter. So pleased you get to bring your girl home. congratulations to you both xxx.” Jazz Saunders added: “Eva is a tough cookie like her mama sending you so much love.”

The TV star announced her pregnancy just weeks after Jordan had popped the question after two years together while on holiday in Florence. In a snap posted on social media, Emily was seen smiling from ear to ear as Jordan was stood behind her, as he gently placed his hands either side of her baby bump. She captioned the post: “It’s giving Mum and Dad all we’ve ever dreamed of and more.”

Danny Jones posed with Sam Thompson outside of the This Morning studios on Monday.

The McFly singer, 38, won the latest series of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! and Made In Chelsea star Sam, 32, was crowned King of the Jungle himself  in 2023.

The meeting appeared to be a one of surprise as the pair left the building in White City, and the pair wasted no time in throwing their arms around each other.

Since his jungle success, Sam has become a regular on ITV‘s flagship magazine show, and features as a showbiz correspondent and competition presenter.

Sam helped judge the show’s most viral moment of 2024, and it was decreed that Sarah Jossel brushing her hair with tin foil had been pulled in over 30 million views.

Meanwhile, Danny was on the famous sofa to give his first interview as victor and opened up about how the whole experience took him by surprise.

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Danny Jones posed with Sam Thompson outside of the This Morning studios on Monday after his victory in the jungle

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The McFly singer, 38, won the latest series of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! and Made In Chelsea star Sam, 32, was crowned King of the Jungle himself in 2023

He told hosts Craig Doyle and Sian Welby: ‘It was amazing, everyone was so lovely. they had good hearts and were good people.

‘When you were down, they comforted you, and everyone was up for a laugh as well.

‘I had that guitar in there, because I play guitar every day, and that was the highlight for me just seeing people’s reactions.

‘For people to vote for me, probably hungry and tired, I am so thankful because you’ve got no perspective of how you’re doing in there. It’s really real in there, we talk about deep stuff.

‘You have the lowest of lows and the highest of highs, and I never thought that it would be like that. I was vulnerable.

‘As men, we say we’re going for a pint and we go ‘Good man, yeah!’ talk about the football or the rugby or whatever but we don’t get that quality time to go down to a deeper level.

‘And that’s what we did in the jungle because we had no distraction of phones or anything. It was just a beautiful stream, an amazing jungle, campmates to talk to.

‘And you get deep.’

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Since his jungle success, Sam has become a regular on ITV’s flagship magazine show, and features as a showbiz correspondent and competition presenter

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Danny was on the famous sofa to give his first interview as victor and opened up about how the whole experience took him by surprise

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He told hosts Craig Doyle and Sian Welby: ‘It was amazing, everyone was so lovely. they had good hearts and were good people…’

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Danny is best known as part of McFly alongside Tom Fletcher , Harry Judd , and Dougie Poynter and the group have achieved huge success since their debut in 2004

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But during his appearance on This Morning, he admitted during his This Morning appearance that he is ‘so humbled’ that viewers accepted him for himself away from the band

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The All About You singer was overcome with emotion as he discussed his mental health with his campmates, and ad one point admitted he has had therapy since he was 19 years old

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Sam  was crowned King of the Jungle in 2023, exactly a decade after he first found fame as part of Made in Chelsea

Danny is best known as part of McFly alongside Tom Fletcher, Harry Judd, and Dougie Poynter – who was crowned King of the Jungle himself in 2011 – and admitted that he is ‘so humbled’ that viewers accepted him for himself away from the band.

He said: ‘I didn’t have the band to hide behind, I didn’t have the voice to hide behind. They were voting for just me, and that’s a different thing.

‘Just me being me. And I am so thankful for that, because I’m normally hiding behind the guitar and all of that.

‘Even 21 years later, to have that, I feel so humbled.’

Caroline Flack’s friends are ‘devastated’ after the late star’s mother had some harrowing questions about the night the TV presenter died

Caroline Flack’s friends are ‘devastated’ after the late star’s mother had some harrowing questions about the night the TV presenter died.

With the fifth anniversary of the death of the beloved TV presenter on the horizon, a new documentary will be aired on Disney+ in which Caroline’s mother, Christine Flack, has questioned the events of the her daughter’s last 24 hours and the fateful night, and has asked whether has death could have been prevented.

Christine is questioning why Louise Teasdale and Mollie Grosberg, Caroline’s closest friends, left her alone in her flat on the night she took her own life, just a day after they raised concerns about the TV star’s welfare following a suicide attempt previously.

Caroline Flack with close friend Lou Teasdale
The questions raised by Christine in the documentary has prompted anger, reports MailOnline, and friends of Caroline have asked why it was “down to them” to look after Caroline. According to the report, a close friend of Louise said: “Why was it down to Caroline’s friends to look after her? Where was her family? Louise had to get back to her young daughter, she couldn’t stay any longer.”

The friend continued: “They had been with Caroline for hours and hours and they tried to get her to go to hospital but she wouldn’t. They remained at her flat to make sure she was OK but they couldn’t stay there indefinitely, so they went. It is devastating that they now have Caroline’s mother blaming them. Christine was once so close to Lou but not any more.”

Mollie Grosberg and Caroline Flack ( 
Image:
Instagram)
Caroline’s friend Mollie, has openly said that was would never get over the events of that night. The source told MailOnline: “She was a good friend to Caroline. She would have done anything for her.”

The Mirror has contacted Mollie, Louise and Christine’s representatives for comment.

Christine’s tireless campaigning to get to the truth took a step closer after the Independent Office of Police Conduct urged the Met to reopen its investigation into the case against the tragic TV star. The watchdog has recommended the force’s Directorate of Professional Standards interview an officer who was at Caroline’s 2019 arrest, shortly before she killed herself.

Caroline Flack and her mum Christine ( 
Image:
Internet Unknown)

He was said to have been involved in the move to ­overrule the CPS decision to only issue the Love Island host with a caution for attacking Lewis Burton. But the unnamed officer was not compelled to give evidence for initial reviews into police conduct as he had left the force. He has since returned to duty.

Christine was told last month the officer about the development. She said last night: “We won’t stop until we get the truth.” The Met last year apologised to Caroline’s family after admitting officers did not record why they appealed against the CPS caution.

Christine added: “Something very unusual happened to Carrie at the police station that night, but no one kept a proper record explaining why. I have now made a complaint to compel the officer to give the ­statement we think he should have given four years ago. As a family, we have been left with important ­unanswered questions.”

*If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch.

John Torode’s wife Lisa Faulkner announced the couple’s plans after MasterChef host Gregg Wallace has stepped back from the BBC show

In the wake of the Gregg Wallace scandal, Lisa Faulkner was the bookies’ favourite to replace him on MasterChef, however, it has since been announced the coveted role has gone to popular food critic Grace Dent.

Gregg stepped back from the BBC show in late November while allegations of historical misconduct against him were investigated – he has vehemently denied the allegations.

Now, Lisa has confirmed her plans with husband and MasterChef host John Torode, who is set to return to the BBC show in the new year.

The TV couple, who front their Sunday morning show John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen, will be back in 2025.

In a candid new interview, Lisa, 52, explained, “We have a new series of John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen coming out. It’s so much fun, and we have such a great team.

John Torode and his wife Lisa Faulkner host a cooking show (Image: GETTY)“I am also in a dram [Netflix’s Missing You] that’s out in January, so all exciting things.”

The on-screen star shared she also hoped to have some more exciting shows in the pipeline alongside her husband John, 59.

“John and I love working together,” Lisa told Bella magazine. “We don’t do it all the time – people think we do but we don’t!”

She went on: “It’s really nice when we get to do filming, so I’d love to carry on doing our cooking show, maybe another book…

Gregg Wallace has been replaced on BBC MasterChef (Image: Getty)

“We’d love to do another travel show too, we’re thinking about where we could go.”

Meanwhile, Grace is set to host the next series of Celebrity MasterChef, after Gregg stepped back from presenting the show after allegations against him.

The author and podcaster has appeared regularly as a guest on MasterChef, and last year was a contestant on MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics.

In a statement, Grace said hosting the show was “more than a dream to me” and said she felt “very lucky” to be taking the reins.

John, who will remain on the show and host alongside Grace, said he had “loved” working with her over the years, describing her as an “excellent guest and inspiring critic”.

Josie starred in the 2024 Christmas special

Josie Gibson has apologised to fans following her appearance on The Masked Singer Christmas special.

The This Morning presenter, 39, was unmasked on last night’s festive special (December 26). She performed as Cracker!

Sharing the surprise news on her Instagram following the show, Josie admitted feeling nervous over the stint.

Josie unveiled as Cracker on The Masked Singer festive special (Credit: ITV)

Josie Gibson on The Masked Singer Christmas special

The star wrote: “Sorry for making your ears bleed tonight… the voice of a werewolf I know…. she’s been unmasked.

“@maskedsingeruk thank you for having me… what an experience… I’ve never been so nervous in my life.”

Meanwhile, Josie then shared a video of her son Reggie’s shocked reaction to the unmasking.

Sorry for making your ears bleed tonight… the voice of a werewolf I know…. she’s been unmasked.

In the clip, Reggie looked fixated on the TV screen as the audience chanted the iconic “take it off”. He then exclaimed “Mum!” as he jumped up and down over Josie’s appearance.

Josie wrote: “Apparently, I’m not allowed to prank him again…. @maskedsingeruk on @itvxofficial Christmas special.

Viewers appeared stunned by Josie’s voice (Credit: ITV)
“I can’t believe who the star is… you absolute hero… and what a voice!!!!” referring to Davina McCall, who was behind the Star costume.

Viewers loved to see Josie behind the mask. One person said: “Omg! You were brilliant! What a voice! You are a very talented women go Josie, we love you.”

Another gushed: “YOU WERE STUNNING. Don’t be so hard on yourself! I actually was surprised that you had such a good voice!”

A third added: “I literally watch you all the time and never guessed it was you, you were and are fabulous.”

Davina swapped roles on the Christmas special (Credit: ITV)

The Masked Singer Christmas special winner

Although Josie performed amazingly, she didn’t win the Christmas special. Frankie Goes to Hollywood star Holly Johnson won the show as Nutcracker.

Meanwhile, Davina featured on The Masked Singer Christmas special as Star.

 

She usually judges on the show. But this year, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan returned to the panel alongside newbies Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.

Davina was unveiled as Star, and fans appeared in awe at her voice. One gushed: “Wow, who’d have thought Davina could sing.”

You can watch The Masked Singer Christmas special on ITVX. 

Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood opens up about the report that upheld six complaints against Giovanni Pernice in the aftermath of the Amanda Abbington bullying scandal

Judge Craig Revel Horwood has backed Giovanni Pernice in the Strictly sleaze row.

Gio was accused of bullying his partner Amanda Abbington. An internal BBC investigation upheld six of 17 complaints against him but not those of physical aggression.

The Italian professional, 34, later insisted he was a “strict teacher” but was never a bully to the Sherlock star, 50.

And Craig says: “It says a lot that only six minor complaints out of the 17 were upheld in the BBC’s investigation. So, I feel now we can move forward with a fresh approach.”

He also added to Saga: “The good thing to come out of a difficult situation was the introduction of chaperones to Strictly. It’s great that now professionals and celebrities have someone to go to for advice and to resolve issues and conflicts before they become a problem.Striving for gold is never easy but gold is what competitors want, don’t they? At the same time, Strictly’s not the Olympics. It’s a dance show and it’s entertainment. We shouldn’t forget that.”

Craig Revel Horwood speaks his mind on Giovanni Pernice ( 
Image:
DIGITAL/EROTEME.CO.UK)
Pernice has previously denied being a bully. He said after the findings of the report: ““Bully is a big word and there’s a difference between being a bully and caring about what you do.

“I’m glad 11 allegations have been thrown out. At the beginning there were very serious allegations, for instance threatening her or abusing her, and all of this has been taken out.

“I’m a strict teacher. I said it myself. I care about my job. I’m very competitive.

Craig also said it was going to be a double celebration when he celebrates his 60th birthday next year – as his mum has beaten cancer for the second time. He said: “My mum recently came through six months of chemo. She beat cancer the first time ten years ago, and she’s been given the all-clear again. She’s in very high spirits about that fact, as we all are.”

Gavin and Stacey actress Lauren Cornelius has revealed that until the moment of filming, she had no idea that she was a bridesmaid for Sonia – five years after the last bombshell

It was a twist that not even the cast saw coming when Sonia burst back into Gavin and Stacey on Christmas Day.

Smithy left fans on the edge of their seats when he told Gavin he planned to propose to uptight Sonia back in 2019 – but fans expected him and Nessa to tie the knot after she proposed. But five years on as wedding prep got underway, it emerged that Sonia was his bride to be.

But those taking part in the finale, which racked up an impressive 12.3 million viewers had no idea Laura Aikman’s character wasn’t returning. Bridesmaid Anna, played by Lauren Cornelius told the Mirror: “We never met Laura until filming, she was secret, she was in different hotels and not allowed to be part of anything. She didn’t exist, her name wasn’t on anything.”

Bosses of the fan-favourite sitcom went to extreme lengths to keep Sonia’s return a secret, often hiding her with umbrellas to ensure no details leaked. Lauren also had no idea what she was auditioning for when she was asked to film a self-tape, before being recalled to do a brief read-through with creators Ruth Jones and James Corden.

Lauren Cornelius had no idea which show she was auditioning for until she met Ruth Jones and James Corden

The actress ended up playing bridesmaid Anna ( 
Image:
BBC)

Lauren’s character was so secret, Corden and Jones gave her several names throughout the audition process. “It was Katie first, then it was Leticia, and then it was Anna,” she said. “It was totally wild, it was surreal in itself, it was absolutely incredible,” she commented, before adding that she had an agonising four day wait to find out if she had bagged the role. After being told by her agent, Lauren screamed with her mum, sister and their dog before “crying.”

But while she looks back with fond memories, Lauren admits she’s spent the past four months “completely stressed” thinking she would accidentally leak the bombshell. Fans first saw her during Sonia’s formal hen do, with her bridesmaids taking part in a “Mr & Mrs quiz,” grilling the bride to be.

Laura Aikman’s return as Sonia was so secretive, nobody met her until the day she filmed her scenes ( 
Image:
BBC)
“It was so nicely done, how both the hen and stag didn’t work out in the way everyone wanted it to go, it really added to the end of the episode, it wasn’t right for either of them but it’s really nice to be a part of.”

That wasn’t the only shock for Lauren – who at the read through, took on several parts, including Sheridan Smith’s return as Rudi. “I did know what was going on which was really nice, there was only a couple of us that were new cast members, everyone made us feel welcome. It was like listening to it on the TV – you could hear a pin drop in that room, it was surreal. Hearing the story for the first time because none of us were sent the script, we didn’t know anything, everything was revealed at the first read through.”

The read through room fell silent when it was revealed that Nessa and Smithy would finally marry – 17 years after the toilet brush incident ( 
Image:
BBC)

Ruth and James had one more bombshell that the cast had no idea about – Gwen and Dave Coaches’ romance saw the “biggest gasp,” according to Lauren. She said: “Gwen and Dave – we all gasped at the table, everyone went ‘oh my GOD’, that was a huge twist that I would have never thought about, it took everyone by surprise, what a brilliant twist.”

Lauren, who grew up watching the BBC sitcom went on to say: “I feel like they really did it justice. The reaction has been incredible, and it’s so well deserved, because they tied it up beautifully. They gave the people what we wanted. I think in this day and age, there’s so many endings of long running series that are just hopelessly disappointing.

“And you just think, ‘Why did they do that?’ But this one, I have no notes. It was just as a fan. As someone that’s grown up watching the show and grown with these characters, it ended perfectly. I was sobbing. It was just so good.”

Gavin and Stacey fans were left heartbroken when the series came to an end after 17 years on Christmas Day ( 
Image:
BBC)
Although Lauren’s first love is comedy, she also made a name for herself in Call The Midwife. Speaking of her role as a factory worker, she said: “I love a period drama. The 60s has been an era that I’ve always been really, really fascinated by and interested in, especially 60s East London.

“And so I was a big fan of Call The Midwife. I’d auditioned for it a few times before getting that part, and also I was playing someone a little bit mean in it. So that was really fun, too. I saw a really mean comment, but I think it was a nice comment, that it was mean, saying how horrible I was in it.

“I just thought, that’s fantastic, my job is done. I thought that was, that was great. So I really, really enjoyed it.I’d love to do some more period drama. Absolutely, I think Call The Midwife is a fantastic show, and I can’t wait to see the new series.”

Victoria and David Beckham jetted their kids to Miami earlier in the week, living it large on their yacht before heading back to London for a white tie event

The Beckham family has given a glimpse inside their lavish Christmas celebrations.

The famous family docked up plenty of air miles over the holidays, starting off by swinging between their £17 million yacht and their £60 million mansion in Miami, before jetting back to their London townhouse. The Beckhams shared plenty of photos and videos on Instagram, revealing a mix of sweet family moments and extravagant, flashy interiors and fashion.

Romeo Beckham, 22, showed off their Miami celebrations, posting several snaps of the whole family posing together. He was joined by brothers Cruz, 19, and Brooklyn, 25, alongside sister Harper, 13, Brooklyn’s wife Nicola Peltz, 29, and parents David, 49, and Victoria, 50.

After spending time on their Miami yacht, the Beckhams dressed up for a celebration in their mansion ( 
Image:
Instagram/ @victoriabeckham)

Victoria Beckham shared photos of the family posing in front of their huge Christmas tree ( 
Image:
Instagram/ @victoriabeckham)
The family posed in a huge, airy room, with floor-to-ceiling windows behind them. A massive Christmas tree took up the centre of the space, with piles of presents resting beneath it. The Beckhams all dressed to the nines in chic black outfits, smiling at the camera as Romeo and David clutched glasses of champagne.

In another post from back in London, Victoria shared a snap of herself and David posing on the staircase of their gorgeous city home. The couple was dressed in white tie, with David sporting a full tux and his OBE medal, while Spice Girls star Victoria stunned in a form-fitting black gown.

Next, Victoria posted videos of one of the family’s less formal traditions. A man dressed in a full Father Christmas costume came to visit the home, complete with bells attached to his shoes. Victoria filmed him as he greeted Harper at the door, telling her how much she’d grown. He then sat on the stairs with David, who’d ditched his tuxedo in favour of a white tee, joggers, and slippers. Santa and David put on a show, singing Jingle Bells together as the festive guest played a concertina.

Just before kicking off their full Christmas celebrations, the Beckhams eased into the festive period on their Miami yacht, Seven, which they bought earlier this year. 29-year-old Brazilian singer Jackie Apostel was invited onto the boat celebrations, despite not seeming to be at the main family events at the mansion.

The party then shifted over to London, where Victoria and David snapped a white tie pic in their townhouse ( 
Image:
Instagram)

Father Christmas came to visit during a more chilled night in, with David dressed in joggers as he sang with Santa ( 
Image:
Not known)Jackie is dating 19-year-old Cruz, which has reportedly sparked some tensions within the close-knit Beckham tribe. A source told the Mirror: “Although Victoria is pleased that Cruz seems happy in his relationship, she does have some concerns about the age gap and whether her youngest son is ready for that kind of commitment.

“She really likes Jackie, and Jackie seems to get on with all the family but Victoria would be lying if she said that her being 10 years older than Cruz isn’t a worry. Cruz is still a teenager whereas Jackie is a fully grown woman who is at a different stage in her life and may want things that Cruz is not quite ready for.”

The insider added: “Victoria knows her kids have had to grow up quicker than ‘normal’ kids but she wants them to have as much fun as possible before they settle down. She is conscious of being seen as the interfering ‘mother-in-law’ but she has to protect her children and she’s also joked that she doesn’t want it to be Cruz who is the first one to make her a grandma!”

Katie Price sparked fears she’d split from her boyfriend JJ Slater after the pair seemingly spent Christmas apart, despite the mum-of-five raving about him in recent weeks

Glamour model icon Katie Price is still loved up with her boyfriend JJ Slater despite fears the pair had gone their separate ways after spending Christmas apart.

Katie and JJ seemingly spent Christmas Day apart, with the Married at First Sight star nowhere to be seen as Katie and eldest son Harvey Price spent the big day with newly-single pal Kerry Katona and her brood of children.

Kerry melted hearts on Instagram with a ‘family Christmas pic’ showcasing their tight-knit support during tough times. Following her split from Ryan Mahoney, Kerry, hosted Katie and Harvey for the festive season at her home in Cheshire as they both appear in a pantomime together in the north west area.

The snap featured Kerry’s kids – Molly, Heidi, Max, Lilly-Sue, DJ – and Katie with her son Harvey, all smiling in matching red pyjamas. Kerry’s caption read: “Merry Xmas from the Katona and price household,” wishing for dreams to come true, tagging @katieprice #merrychristmas and her children, alongside festive emojis.

Katie Price spent Christmas with Kerry Katona this year ( 
Image:
katieprice/Instagram)

Her boyfriend JJ Slater was with his loved ones down south ( 
Image:
Instagram/ @johnjoeslater)

Fans were quick to comment, with one saying, “Two of my favourite celebs supporting each other, have the best Christmas all of you.” Another added, “Cracking pic Merry Christmas to you all have the best day xx”. However, some picked up on how JJ Slater, Katie’s boyfriend, didn’t appear to be spending Christmas with his girlfriend.

JJ took to his own Instagram page to share a similarly Christmassy picture of himself and his loved ones in matching PJs. But amid the fears Katie and JJ are no more, representatives for Katie have informed the Mirror that the mum-of-five is still very much in a relationship with the reality TV star.

Earlier this month, Katie revealed that she made the first move with her current boyfriend after learning about his type 1 diabetes diagnosis. The reality star reached out to JJ, whose real name is John Joe, on Instagram after he went public with his condition earlier this year.

This led to a casual coffee date, which eventually blossomed into a romance. Katie shared that JJ had actually tried to contact her two years prior, but his message went unnoticed. In an interview with Woman’s Own, Katie explained that she wasn’t looking for love when she met JJ, but was drawn to him after reading about his diabetes diagnosis. She messaged him to offer her support, and they started talking.

Katie said: “I’d read in the paper that he’d got diabetes. I thought, ‘Wow, that’s quite harsh,’ as diabetes is a life-changing thing to have. I messaged and said, ‘I hope you’re okay with your diabetes’. And he said, ‘Oh, I’m really embarrassed.’ I went ‘Why? ‘ Turns out he’d messaged me two years ago but I never saw it. It must have been deleted so it was obviously meant to be.”

At the time, Katie had just split from ex-boyfriend Carl Wood and was feeling “mentally exhausted” from relationships. Deciding to “take it slowly”, Katie and JJ have both agreed it’s the right approach, especially since JJ wasn’t on the lookout for romance after parting ways with MAFS star Ella Morgan. Katie can’t stop raving about JJ, calling him “so calming and easy” and giving her keys to “what a healthy relationship is”.

Although she’s not discounting him as “The One,” Katie admits there’s “no rush” to walk down the aisle again, even though getting hitched is something she’d “love”. Having been married thrice before, Katie reveals that while she’s up for another round, old-fashioned JJ “hasn’t even put a ring on my finger yet”.

Actress Denise Welch has poked fun at the 14-year age gap in her relationship with her husband Lincoln Townley as she wished him a happy birthday this morning

Actress Denise Welch jokingly poked fun at her age-gap romance as she wished her husband a happy birthday this morning.

The Waterloo Road star, 66, has been married to her PR manager Lincoln Townley, 52, since July 2013. The pair got together shortly after she announced her split from Tim Healy. Denise and Tim share two sons together, 1975 frontman Matty and actor Louis.

Making light of the 14-year age gap in her marriage, Denise shared a snap of herself and birthday boy Lincoln on her Instagram Stories and captioned it: “”Happy birthday to my best friend in the entire world @lincolntownley. At 52, a tad too old for me but I’m ok with that.”

Earlier this month, Denise reached a milestone in her career as she became the first actress to appear in all four main UK soaps. The Loose Women announced her role in Emmerdale ahead of her stint on the ITV soap involving Belle Dingle finally getting justice thanks to Tom King being jailed.

Loose Women: Denise Welch says her stalker is being freed early

Denise Welch tied the knot back in 2013 ( 
Image:
Instagram/ @denise_welch)

Denise recently achieved a major soap honour

Denise couldn’t contain her excitement as she revealed some juicy details to the Loose Women panel and the viewers at home: “I’m going to be in Emmerdale! ” She expressed her enthusiasm about the special one-hour episode, an Emmerdale first, saying: “It’s a one-off one hour special and it’s the first time Emmerdale have ever done it. And for those of you who are fans of Emmerdale, there is a very powerful year-long story of domestic abuse. Which of course, appealed to me when I knew I’d be part of it because of our Facing It Together campaign, and this is a culmination of that story.”

Denise went on to describe her character: “The episode takes place exclusively between the court and the jury and I am one of the head’s of the jury called Heidi. Obviously, I can’t say what the outcome is, but it’s a very, very powerful episode and some of the lines are taken from true cases. Refuge have seen it and they’re thrilled with how it’s been depicted so it was incredible to be a part of it, and that’s on I think December 19.”

Denise has hit a significant milestone in her acting journey by joining the cast of Emmerdale, an achievement she eagerly celebrated, exclaiming: “So I’ve now been in all four soaps.” This accolade led to applause from the audience. She expanded on this unique career landmark, saying: “‘I saw on social media that I’m now a CHEE and that’s because it’s quite something in America to be an EGOT, which is the winner of an Emmy, a Grammy, and Oscar and a Tony. So not quite that level, but Corrie, Hollyoaks, EastEnders, and Emmerdale.”

Actress Denise is believed to be the first star awarded the new status symbol of ‘CHEE’ for having roles in Coronation Street, EastEnders, Hollyoaks, and now Emmerdale. Starting as an actress at 12 and bursting onto the scene with ITV series Soldier, Soldier in 1993, it wasn’t until she stepped behind the bar as Rovers’ Natalie Barnes that Denise truly became a national treasure.

Her memorable stint on Corrie from 1997 to 2000 included a steamy affair with Kevin Webster amid his marriage to Sally and a whirlwind marriage to Des Barnes, ending with her ascent as the Rovers Return landlady. Her dramatic departure from the soap involved fleeing Weatherfield expecting Vinny Sorrel’s child, who turned out to be unfaithful with her sister Debs, leaving her to start anew elsewhere. By 2001, fans discovered Natalie had given birth to Laura and was making a new life in the Cotswolds with family.