Author: bang1

As Giovanni Pernice makes a brief return to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom, the Mirror takes a look at the Italian dancer’s life now, following the row that saw him walk away from the show

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice parted ways with the show he loved earlier this year after a bitter feud with dance partner Amanda Abbington.

The Italian dancer left Strictly while the BBC probed claims he’d bullied 2023 partner Amanda Abbington. Giovanni, 34, vehemently denied the allegations and was ultimately cleared of nearly all abuse allegations in September after a six-month-long internal BBC investigation.

However, Amanda’s complaints about verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, with the report concluding the dance champion’s language towards his partner could be “belittling”.

In the months since, Giovanni’s life has changed dramatically. He recently emerged victorious from Ballando con le Stelle – the Italian version of Strictly – with a romance blossoming between himself and Bianca Guaccero. Having won Bianca’s family’s approval, talk of proposals is already on the cards, with Gio making his feelings for her abundantly clear.

Meanwhile, after a brief return to the Strictly ballroom for the show’s 20th anniversary, Gio is gearing up for a 2025 tour, which will see him play some of the biggest venues in the UK. Here, the Mirror takes a look at what he’s got going on…

The couple’s ballroom chemistry continued behind the scenes ( 
Image:
Maurizio D’Avanzo/MDPhoto/ipa-agency.net/REX/Shutterstock)
Back in November, Giovanni confirmed his romance with Italian actress and singer Bianca Guaccero, with whom he was partnered on Ballando con le Stelle. The couple wowed on the dance floor, and it soon became evident that their ballroom chemistry continued behind the scenes.

On an episode that aired on Saturday, November 23, Giovanni shared: “Bianca is my priority. She has been my priority from the beginning. She is still my priority today and will be until the end of the show and beyond.” Appearing moved, Bianca replied: “Being someone’s priority is something new for me. I have always been the one taking care of others.”

She continued: ‘It’s an amazing feeling. It’s something I’m discovering at the age of forty-three. Having someone next to me who is proud of me and is happy for my happiness is something new to me. This has never happened to me in my life.”

It’s understood the loved-up couple has already met each other’s families, paying visits to their respective hometowns. In an interview with Italian TV presenter Monica Setta, which aired December 21, Bianca promised to overcome her fears and embrace her future with Giovanni. Addressing her dancer beau, Bianca pledged: “Dear Giovanni, I promise you to leave out all my fears, doubts and closures. The symbolic gift I put under the Christmas tree is to believe in our possibilities.”

She added: “I had a heavy stone on my heart, I had difficulty believing in true love. When I met Giovanni, I felt at home, and I was in London with him and then 24 hours with my parents. I wanted to introduce him to the country and the people I love.”

It would appear that Gio has charmed Bianca’s family during his visit to Puglia, with Bianca’s proud mother Rosa telling The Sun: “My daughter has always been very sensitive, she has faced many challenges with courage and I am proud of the woman she has become. I am very happy that she chose to take part in Ballando con le Stelle because this show has given her and is giving her so much, as a woman.

“Giovanni came down to meet me and my husband in Puglia, and I like him as a person. Bianca has never said it to me explicitly, but love doesn’t need to be announced; you see it, and you feel it, and that is enough.”

Meanwhile, as per the Mail Online, Gio has also made his strong feelings for Bianca known, stating: “After a long time, there is someone who takes care of me and cares about me. A woman like her has been missing from my life”

Marriage vow

Gio promised to ‘seriously consider’ marrying Bianca ( 
Image:
instagram.com/biancaguacceroreal)

The pair have already met each other’s families ( 
Image:
instagram.com/biancaguacceroreal)
Prior to their recent victory, Gio promised to “seriously consider” marrying Bianca, should they end up lifting the trophy together. When asked whether a certain question was on the cards prior to their stunning final performance, Gio cheekily declared: “If we win the show, I’ll seriously think about it.”

And although there’s been no confirmation of a proposal, despite fans’ social media sleuthing attempts, it’s clear the pair were equally overjoyed with their joint win.

Gratitude to fans

Gio recently thanked loyal fans for their support ( 
Image:
BBC)In an Instagram post shared to celebrate his recent win, Gio thanked his fans for their “unbelievable” support over what has proven to be a “difficult year” career-wise.

Gio wrote: “We did it!! WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!! After a difficult year, I’m back. Thank you to each and every one of you who took the time to support Bianca and me over the last few months – it hasn’t gone unnoticed. We have done some incredible dances, and obviously, I’m very proud of what we achieved together!

“To everyone in the UK and Ireland – thank you so much. The constant support I have felt from you all over the last few months has been unbelievable! I see you all, and I’m so grateful to each and every one of you for being there last night and voting when needed – I know it was a lot.”

Strictly plans

The dancer’s Strictly future looks uncertain following the Amanda Abbington row ( 
Image:
BBC)
In the same celebratory post, Gio left fans theorising that he could soon be returning to Strictly, with his telling concluding sign-off of “I can’t wait to see you all again very soon!” leaving followers guessing.

Sparking rumours that he may well “soon” return to the BBC ballroom, Gio continued: “It felt amazing to be in the final again doing what I love – and then to win as well was a dream and definitely something I will never forget! Thank you for being there and being part of that with me. I can’t wait to see you all again very soon!”

Following months of controversy, Giovanni returned to Strictly on December 21, in a special episode celebrating the show’s 20th anniversary. Although there has so far been no confirmation of a Strictly comeback for 2025, fans can catch him on tour, with the dancer kickstarting his Giovanni – The Last Dance tour in mid-January. The nationwide tour will begin in Hayes at the Beck Theatre, finishing up at the London Palladium.

Giovanni has previously confirmed that he’ll be taking a “little break” after this upcoming tour. In a social media statement, he shared: “After performing in front of over half a million people for seven years in a row, I plan to take a little break after next year’s tour.”

Return to British telly

On January 5, Gio will return to our screens in Celebrity Hunted ( 
Image:
ITV)
Giovanni is set to return to British television in early 2025 for Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted. This appearance will see Gio compete in the challenge show in aid of Stand Up To Cancer alongside stars such as Loose Women star Denise Welch and her husband Lincoln Townley, Blue singer Duncan James, and model Christine McGuinness.

The upcoming series, which involves an expert team of hunters tracking down celeb contestants, will air on Channel 4 at 9 pm on January 5. It will also feature former EastEnders star Danielle Harold, Coronation Street actress Kimberly Hart-Simpson, news reporters Simon McCoy and Lucrezia Millarini, podcaster David Whitely, and Celebrity Big Brother icon Zeze Millz.

Director of programmes for Shine TV, Matt Bennett, previously said: “There’s nothing more delicious than watching our much-loved celebrities turn fugitive and go on the run as they attempt to escape the hunters, all in aid of the excellent charity Stand Up To Cancer. This year, we have a stellar lineup who have truly kept the hunters on their toes.

“With dramatic escapes to daring captures, this season of Celebrity Hunted will keep the Channel 4 viewer on the edge of their sofas from one programme to the next. Jason Bourne would be proud of them all.”

Vito Coppola has publicly shown his support for Graziano Di Prima following his dismissal from Strictly Come Dancing. The two were seen together, with Coppola sharing a heartfelt message on social media.

Stirctly star Vito Coppola, has publicly expressed his unwavering support for his former colleague, Graziano Di Prima, following Di Prima’s dismissal from the show. Earlier this evening, the two were seen enjoying a coffee together, with Coppola sharing a heartfelt message on social media: “Amico mio ti voglio bene,” which translates to “My friend, I love you.”

The photo, posted on Di Prima’s Instagram originally, had a lengthy caption from Di Prima himself. About his co-star, Di Prima penned: “How wonderful it was to hug you again, my friend! Our friendship is stronger than anything, remember you’re a special person, with a big heart!! Love you and wish you all the best in everything you do.”

Di Prima was dismissed from Strictly Come Dancing earlier this year after he admitted that he to kicked his 2023 celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, during rehearsals. Di Prima expressed regret over the incident, attributing his actions to his intense passion and determination to win.

Stirctly star Vito Coppola, has publicly expressed his unwavering support for his former colleague, Graziano Di Prima, following Di Prima’s dismissal from the show ( 
Image:
grazianodiprima/Instagram)

This public display of support highlights the close relationship between the two dancers, who have known each other for years and share a common language and cultural background ( 
Image:
vitocoppola/Instagram)
Despite the controversy, Coppola has maintained a strong friendship with Di Prima, emphasizing that their bond remains unshaken. This public display of support highlights the close relationship between the two dancers, who have known each other for years and share a common language and cultural background.

Di Prima enjoyed a glittering career on the BBC’s long-running dance competition – featuring on the line-up from 2018. But earlier this year, the sparkle was washed off to uncover an abusive underside – as Graziano was forced to admit he had kicked his 2023 celebrity partner Zara McDermott while they were working together on Strictly in 2023 and he then dropped out of the show in shame.

Now over four months after his exit, Graziano has teased that time of his return to the spotlight is near – and he is raring to get back on the stage. Taking to social media on Tuesday, the star shared a moody video of himself walking around a brightly lit bridge at night time. Strutting along the wooden boards, he was joined by his wife, Giada Lini – who herself is a professional dancer and a star of the Italian version of Dancing With The Stars.

In a defiant message alongside the footage, Graziano wrote: “Dance has always been the center of my life, my greatest passion, the path I chose and dedicated years of study, sacrifice, and love to. After a period of reflection, I feel stronger than ever and eager to return to what I love most: dancing.”

During his tenure on Strictly, Di Prima partnered with celebrities including Vick Hope, Judi Love, Kym Marsh, and Zara . In 2019, he set a Guinness World Record by performing 90 Botafogo steps in 30 seconds on “Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.”

Burt, a 5.1 metre crocodile that appeared in the 1986 movie Crocodile Dundee, has died “peacefully” in captivity in Darwin, according to his caretakers

The legendary crocodile that starred in the hit film Crocodile Dundee has passed away.

Burt, the massive 5.1-metre croc who featured in the 1986 movie, died “peacefully” in captivity in Darwin, aged “over 90 years old”. Crocosaurus Cove, the crocodile park and aquarium where Burt had been living since 2008, shared the news of his passing.

Burt, who shot to fame as one of the world’s most recognised reptiles due to the international success of Crocodile Dundee – still the top-earning Australian film ever – has an inspiring backstory. The Crocosaurus Cove shared details about how Burt was caught in the early 1980s, prior to his blockbuster appearance with Hogan.

The team at the Cove delivered an emotional homage to Burt on Monday (December 23), saying: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt, the iconic Saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee. Burt passed away peacefully over the weekend, estimated to be over 90 years old, marking the end of an incredible era.”

The Crocodile Dundee star died over the weekend ( 
Image:
Crocosaurus Cove Darwin/ Facebook)

“Burt’s life story is one of strength, resilience, and a personality as bold as the Top End itself. Captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River, Burt became one of the most recognised crocodiles in the world, appearing in Crocodile Dundee and helping to shape Australia’s image as a land of rugged natural beauty and awe-inspiring wildlife.”

They added: “In 2008, Burt made his way to Crocosaurus Cove, where he became a fierce and fascinating ambassador for crocodile conservation. Known for his independent streak, Burt was a confirmed bachelor – a trait he demonstrated during his earlier years at a crocodile farm. His fiery temperament earned him the respect of his caretakers and visitors alike, as he embodied the raw and untamed spirit of the saltwater crocodile.”

The team continued: “Burt was truly one of a kind. He wasn’t just a crocodile; he was a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures. While his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and beloved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years. Visitors from around the globe marvelled at his impressive size and commanding presence, especially at feeding time.

“The team at Crocosaurus Cove would like to thank everyone who visited Burt and helped celebrate his remarkable life. As we mourn his loss, we are reminded of the vital role wildlife plays in our shared history and the importance of preserving it for future generations.”

Minister for Parks and Wildlife Marie-Clare Boothby also paid tribute to Burt, describing the late crocodile as “a true icon of the Territory”. She added: “It’s very sad to hear… I think that Territorians right across the Territory would be feeling quite sad about this.”

Burt was a star in his own right, featuring alongside Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in the original Crocodile Dundee film. He also served as the inspiration for the digital crocodile in the 2007 movie Rogue.

EastEnders fans can expect ‘a classic Christmas episode’ this Christmas Day, as one discovery rocks Walford, while there’s concern for one Albert Square legend

There’s big scenes on the way on EastEnders this Christmas Day, with more than one family facing drama.

The Christmas Day episode of the BBC soap is often chaotic and unmissable, and this year is no different. One big secret explodes, leaving two families in pieces.

Elsewhere, one character’s struggles become apparent, while there’s a love triangle teased – possibly two. A recent returnee causes trouble for one resident too, while the events of Christmas Day will span across two 30-minute episodes.

Kicking off at 7:30pm, the second part will air at the much later time of 10:35pm. So what can viewers expect? The answer is mayhem as Cindy Beale’s affair is exposed to Walford.

Cindy has been cheating on Ian Beale with Junior Knight, the son of her ex-husband George Knight. When the Beales and the Knights sit down for Christmas dinner on the 25th, all hell breaks loose as the truth is revealed in chaotic fashion.

The spoiler line reads: “Secrets and lies are set to throw a wrecking ball into the Beale family festivities this year as the shocking truth about Cindy is revealed in spectacular fashion.” As the families reel over events, they end up turning on each other.

There’s big scenes on the way on EastEnders this Christmas Day ( 
Image:
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Elsewhere, and there’s concern for Phil Mitchell as he continues to isolate himself from his loved ones. With a loneliness and depression storyline reported for the soap icon, we’ll see him struggling this festive period.

As his ex and close friend Sharon Watts heads to his home on Christmas Day, she realises he’s not himself. She wants to give him a present from their son Albie, and soon she is left worried for him.

When Phil joins his extended family for a meal for Christmas Day, he quickly leaves after spotting Sharon getting cosy with Teddy Mitchell. Also in Walford this Christmas, Stacey Slater is annoyed when Ruby Allen arrives at the house to join in with the Slaters’ Christmas meal.

Also this Christmas we will see a love triangle seemingly forming, with Denise Fox torn between two men. After splitting from her husband Jack Branning, she will realise she still has feelings for him this festive period.

But after a moment with former flame Ravi Gulati, Denise clearly has feelings for him too, and Ravi shares those feelings. So who will Denise choose, and which Walford man will be left heartbroken?

Cruz Beckham’s girlfriend Jackie Apostel proved she is well and truly in the fold as she prepared to spend the holidays with the family in Miami.

The Brazilian singer, 29, was seen sharing a hug with Victoria, 50, as she joined the group on their luxury £5million superyacht Seven for a pre-Christmas cruise.

Jackie, who was first linked to Cruz in April when they both attended Victoria’s Fashion Week show, kept things casual in a black camisole.

Sartorially in sync, Victoria donned black sportswear and a baseball cap for her time on the yacht.

Cruz, 19, was also seen on the yacht in an eye-catching green hoodie, while his brother Romeo, 22, donned black hoodie and navy shorts.

David, 49, completed the group in a grey T-shirt and tan trousers.

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Cruz Beckham’s girlfriend Jackie Apostel proved she is well and truly in the fold as she prepared to spend the holidays with the family in Miami

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The Brazilian singer, 29, was seen sharing a hug with Victoria, 50, as she joined the group on their luxury £5million superyacht Seven for a pre-Christmas cruise

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Victoria’s son Romeo was also seen on the yacht trip with her family

The Beckhams often head stateside in the school holidays to get some sun and be together as a family.

Their yacht is aptly named Seven, after the former England player’s shirt number. It’s also the middle name of 12-year-old daughter Harper, who is believed to be on the yacht trip but was not seen.

This year, the Beckhams are shunning their native UK and gathering their loved ones together in the US for a sun-soaked break in the Sunshine State.

Brooklyn, 25, told The Sunday Times newspaper: ‘The family will all be together in Miami this year, which will be lovely.’

The aspiring chef went on to reveal what presents he will be buying for his loved ones, saying: ‘Maybe a bottle of wine for my dad, while my brothers are really into clothes and trainers.

‘Last year we got [my sister] Harper a travel make-up kit that she still uses, so something along those lines again for her.’

Brooklyn also revealed he has a Christmas Day tradition which involves buying brand new silk pyjamas and wearing them all day.

He added: ‘It has become a little tradition for Nicola and me to buy each other really comfy matching silk pyjamas. We’ll normally wear them all day.’

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Jackie and Cruz were seen catching up with Victoria on the cruise

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The family stopped to enjoy a chat at one of the tables on the deck

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The group seemed in good spirits as they caught up with one another

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Cruz looked in good spirits on the outing as he larked around on the deck

It will be Jackie’s first Christmas with Cruz.

She was spotted numerous times with the Beckhams during Fashion Week and even wore one of Victoria’s chic dresses to her runway show.

Following the catwalk presentation, she took to Instagram to gush: ‘The most beautiful show and the most beautiful dress. Congratulations @victoriabeckham.’

In October, Cruz whisked Jackie on a trip to Florida to spend time with his famous family.

They were spotted with fashion designer Victoria on a boating trip in Miami.

The pair also put on a smitten display as they watched Inter Miami play the New England Revolution at the Chase Stadium, in support of his football club owner dad, alongside his sister Harper and Victoria.

Cruz recently revealed how smitten he is with Jackie, as he shared a tribute to the singer to celebrate her 29th birthday.

He posted a photo of the brunette beauty waiting to blow out her birthday candles to his Instagram Story.

‘Happy Birthday xx I love you,’ he captioned it.

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David, 49, completed the group in a grey T-shirt and tan trousers

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Victoria looked in good spirits as she chatted away with Cruz and Jackie

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Members of the yacht’s crew were seen assisting the family on the trip

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The Beckhams often head stateside in the school holidays to get some sun and be together as a family

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Their yacht is aptly named Seven, after the former England player’s shirt number. It’s also the middle name of 12-year-old daughter Harper

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Romeo and Victoria were seen catching up as they looked out at the view

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David and Victoria enjoyed a chat on the deck of the superyacht

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Cruz was seen chatting away with the yacht’s crew

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Victoria embraced Jackie as they soaked up the sunshine on the deck of the yacht

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Romeo and Victoria were seen chatting away with a member of the yacht crew

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The group all seemed in good spirits as they chatted away on the deck of the boat

The teen split last year from his ex Tana Holding after a year of dating.

Cruz was previously in a relationship with Bliss Chapman for 18 months, but they parted ways in March 2022.

While his older brother Brooklyn is a budding chef and photographer and Romeo has pursued a career in football, Cruz has chosen to get into singing.

He has been releasing music since 2016 and is now said to be launching a career.

He has reportedly collaborated with Ed Frewett, known for working with Little Mix and One Direction, and producer Fred Ball, who has collaborated with Beyoncé and Rihanna.

Cruz is no doubt keen to replicate the success of his parents’ relationship, with the pair celebrating 25 years of marriage earlier this year.

Brooklyn previously revealed the all important marital advice David gave him after his lavish $3.5 million wedding to Nicola Peltz in April 2022.

During an appearance on Today with Hoda & Jenna in October, Brooklyn, 25, was promoting his new hot sauce, Cloud23, when he opened up about married life and admitted it’s ‘continued to be the honeymoon stage’ for him and Nicola, 29.

‘Oh my God, it’s been the best,’ he said of being a husband, before revealing that his famous father had always advised him to find someone special since he was a young.

‘My dad’s always – when I was growing up – was like, “find that person because that’s one of the most important things that someone can do in their life is find that person that you’ll spend the rest of your life with.’”

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Jackie was also seen heading over to David for a hug as he soaked up the sunshine on the deck

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The pair seemed in good spirits as they chatted away together

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The duo were making the most of the good weather on the yacht trip

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Victoria was also seen chatting away with the group on the deck

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Cruz was seen chatting away with Jackie as they enjoyed a drink on the yacht

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The pair enjoyed time together as a couples on the family holiday

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Victoria and David often spend the holidays Stateside on their superyacht

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David seemed deep in thought as he looked out over the sea

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Victoria and David both opted for casual ensembles for their day on the yacht

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The family were spotted arriving at the yacht on a golf buggy

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David took the wheel as the family headed to their trusty superyacht

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The group kept a low profile by all wearing baseball caps on the outing

When asked if his parents had given him any advice, Brooklyn told Hoda Kotb and her guest co-host Laura Jarrett: ‘My mom and dad love [Nicola] and they get along, which I am so happy about.

‘And my dad was like, “take care of her and work hard and just always do romantic things,”‘ he added, before revealing why he decided to take Nicola’s family name.

‘I kind of wanted to honor both names and when I decided…

‘When we both decided that this was what we wanted to do, I was like, “it would be so cute to have little Peltz Beckhams running around at some point,”‘ referring to having children one day.

And when Hoda, 60, asked Brooklyn how he knows that Nicola is his person, he replied: ‘I feel like I’ve known her for six years and we were friends before and I feel like when you know, you just know, do you known what I mean?’

According to reports, Brooklyn and Nicola’s lavish wedding cost $3.5 million and saw the couple say ‘I do’ in Palm Beach, Florida.

The bride’s parents Nelson and Claudia footed the cost, with the $494 million fortune of Brooklyn’s parents David and Victoria being dwarfed by the estimated $1.6 billion wealth of Nicola’s.

The couple exchanged vows at her billionaire father Nelson’s $103 million compound in Palm Beach in front of a star-studded crowd that included Eva Longoria and Serena Williams.

Loose Women star Linda Robson shared that she changed her Christmas plans following the end of her marriage to husband Mark Dunford after 33 years together

Loose Women star Linda Robson revealed a change in her Christmas plans last year following the end of her marriage. She disclosed that she’d be spending the holiday at her eldest daughter’s house instead of her own. During a Loose Women chat with Kaye Adams, Jane Moore and Judi Love about phone usage on Christmas Day, Linda stated: “At my house there won’t be any phones, well its not actually my house this year it’s Lauren’s house, but normally in my house it’s no phones. ” The TV star also added: “So we take the phones off them until later that day and we have a nice peaceful family time.”

Linda went on to discuss her grandkids’ addiction to their phones, reports OK!, explaining: “My grandchildren are addicted to phones. So Lila’s 11, she’s just got a phone for the first time. And Betsy’s seven and Betsy is not allowed on her laptop until the weekend or any mobile phones and she’s like on Monday, ‘is it the weekend yet’ and [Linda says] no we’ve got another five days. ” “Honestly it just sort of takes over your life because I was addicted to the phone myself,” Linda concluded. In September 2023, the star confirmed her split from husband Mark Dunford in a heartfelt chat, sharing that she’s “feeling fine” and trying to “keep busy.”

Loose Women star Linda Robson opened about her Christmas plans ( 
Image:
Instagram)
Linda and Mark’s teenage sweetheart tale took decades to blossom into marriage in 1990, and together they have a family which includes daughter Roberta, 27, son Louis, 31, and Linda’s daughter Lauren from a prior relationship. In an interview with Woman magazine, she frankly stated, “He’s a really good dad and we had some good years, but enough is enough. I’m not interested [in dating] honestly. I can’t be a***d with all that.”

Linda tied the knot with her husband back in 1990 ( 
Image:
REX/Shutterstock)Although she had previously quashed breakup whispers, calling the speculation “rubbish” and insisting, “We’re still living together. We both love our kids more than anything else in the world, obviously you have a few hiccups in every marriage. We’ve been married 33 years so it’s not going to be all plain sailing, but we’re still together at the moment.” She once playfully hinted at marital friction on Loose Women last August, noting she prioritised her dog over her husband while discussing a weekend outing: “Notice the order! ” This cheeky confession sent her co-hosts into fits of laughter.

Call The Midwife star Laura Main has teased that a much-loved character is set to have a cliffhanger storyline in the forthcoming Christmas special, which will air on December 25.

There’s potential for sorrow among fans of Call the Midwife as a key character might face heartbreak. On Monday’s Loose Women, Laura Main, known for her role as Shelagh Turner on the BBC programme, hinted at upcoming drama.

During her chat with the show hosts, Laura teased a tense finale but kept details under wraps, commenting: “I would say the cliffhanger. Obviously, you’re going to have the stories of the episodes, so that will have to continue.”

She continued hinting at turmoil involving a cherished character: “There is, it’s involving a much-loved member of the community, the cliffhanger, that’s all I’m going to say! I don’t think it’s going to ruin your Christmas. I think you will want to keep watching!”

Laura reassured the Loose Women panel that despite the anticipation, the holiday special retains its festive sparkle, adding: “It’s still got the rousing finish, we’ve got the Salvation Army band, we’ve got fun fair, we’ve got all sorts of things.”

Call The Midwife star hints ‘much-loved’ character will face twist in Christmas special

For the first time, Call the Midwife enthusiasts will enjoy a two-part instalment of the treasured BBC series this year, reports the Express.

Set in 1969, the Nonnatus House midwives find themselves overwhelmed during the Christmas season, amidst looming threats.

The Poplar community is dealing with the usual seasonal flu and Hong Kong flu outbreaks, but fear escalates with the news of an escaped prisoner at large.

A brief description teases: “Fears grow that he may be in the local area after a spate of break-ins. The Turner children are caught up in the fever surrounding the Blue Peter Christmas appeal to collect dinky cars and scrap metal.

There’s set to be a twist in store for one beloved Poplar resident ( 
Image:
(Image: BBC))
“Trixie makes a fleeting visit to Nonnatus House and is delighted to see her brother Geoffrey, and Miss Higgins has her grandson Harry stay for Christmas. Violet hosts a mince pie competition but the Buckles’ preparations for Reggie’s homecoming are thrown into turmoil.”

The much-anticipated Christmas special will see Judy Parfitt return as Sister Monica Joan, Jenny Agutter as Sister Julienne, Helen George as Trixie Aylward, and Cliff Parisi as Fred Buckle.

Also gracing our screens this festive season will be Stephen McGann as Dr Turner, Linda Bassett as Nurse Crane, Megan Cusack as Nancy Corrigan, Annabelle Apsion as Violet Buckle, and Georgie Glen as Miss Higgins.

There’s a double Call the Midwife Christmas special this year ( 
Image:
(Image: BBC))

Heidi Thomas OBE, the show’s creator and writer, shared her enthusiasm about the holiday episodes: “Who doesn’t love finding an extra, unexpected present underneath the Christmas tree? When I was asked to write a two-part Christmas special for 2024, I couldn’t resist! “.

Dame Pippa Harris, executive producer, also expressed her excitement: “For the first time viewers can luxuriate in a two part festive treat this Christmas. Heidi has created a spellbinding special which I know will delight our loyal fans.”

The much-anticipated series of Call the Midwife is slated to hit our screens at the beginning of 2025. With another series already in the pipeline, fans can rest assured that their favourite show will continue until at least 2026.

Loose Women’s Ruth Langsford left This Morning host Alison Hammond stunned on Monday with a new look during the ITV chat show crossover

Loose Women’s Ruth Langsford debuted a new look on Monday’s show, leaving her ITV co-stars stunned.

During Monday’s episode of This Morning, hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary went over to the Loose Women studio to see what was coming up.

After sharing the day’s line-up, which included former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt, Alison, 49, was quick to mention: “I love your hair as well, I feel like you’ve taken a leaf out of my book today!” as she complimented Ruth’s seemingly longer and wavy locks, which was similar to her own hairdo.

To which a flattered Ruth, 64, replied: “Well, Alison, I did see you this morning and thought: ‘I need a bit of that, I need a bit of Alison in my life!’” It comes as Ruth recently revealed she was left struggling with her smart television last month.

Loose Women’s Ruth Langsford debuted a new look on Monday’s show, leaving her ITV co-stars stunned

As the panel reflected nostalgically on Ceefax’s would-be 50th anniversary, they turned to the topic of modern televisions and their own experiences with smart technology.

This discussion led Ruth to share her own frustrations as she revealed: “Mine actually went off, horror, went to turn on to watch Strictly and it said: ‘You are currently not connected to something box.’”

She recounted the hassle of having to call her son Jack, 22, for help, saying: “I ended up having to phone Jack, who was out and not best pleased as you can imagine – had to get him to talk me through to go up to the other box by our loft.

“Turn it on and off, wait five minutes, wait for green light, I was like: ‘Good Lord! Can’t I just have this!’” she added, holding up a traditional TV remote to her fellow co-stars and the live audience.

Ruth and Eamonn, who tied the knot in 2010, announced their split earlier this year ( 
Image:
Mike Marsland/WireImage)
It comes as Ruth has kept a graceful silence since the news broke that she and GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes, her partner since 1996, were going their separate ways.

Ruth and Eamonn, who tied the knot in 2010 and share son Jack, 22, were thought to have one of the safest marriages in showbiz, and the couple stunned fans when they confirmed they would be divorcing back in May.

While Ruth has chosen not to publicly discuss the breakdown of her marriage, Eamonn has been open about his feelings during their separation. At the TRIC Awards in June, he expressed his heartache to The Mirror, saying: “I’m not okay. This is not a good time at all,” and added, “It’s too early to say, but I hope we can still be friends.”

Loose Women’s Janet Street-Porter admitted she was ‘sick with jealousy’ on Wednesday’s show as co-star Denise Welch revealed an exciting career milestone

Janet Street-Porter admitted she was ‘sick with jealousy’ as Denise Welch made an exciting announcement on Wednesday’s Loose Women.

During the latest instalment, Denise, 66, revealed that she would be appearing in an upcoming episode of Emmerdale, which means she has now appeared in all four of the soaps.

Soap watchers will recall that Denise played Natalie Barnes in Corrie from 1997 to 2000, Alison Slater in EastEnders in 2016, Trish Minniver in Hollyoaks from 2021 to 2022 and now a character called Heidi in an upcoming Emmerdale episode.

Denise’s co-stars were left delighted over her milestone with host Ruth Langsford even handing her a mini trophy. However, one person who wasn’t impressed was Janet, 77, who admitted she was ‘sick with jealousy’.

Janet Street-Porter admitted she was ‘sick with jealousy’ as Denise Welch made an exciting announcement on Wednesday’s Loose Women

Ruth joked: “You should have seen Janet’s face, she was like this!” as she mimicked her co-star to which Janet responded with all the soaps she has been in, revealing she has had roles in Neighbours, Hollyoaks and Benidorm, as well as attempting to land a part in Casualty.

However, Denise quickly pointed out: “Benidorm is not a soap! A soap is a continuing drama not if it’s a different series” to which a fiery Janet replied: “Oh you nitpicker, you nitpicker!” Getting the final word in Denise quipped: “I’ve also been in Benidorm so there you go!”

Defusing the situation, Ruth joked: “This is like soaps Top Trumps!” to which Denise pointed out: “Janet’s not even an actress so why would she want to be in them?”

Elsewhere, Denise teased her upcoming Emmerdale role, saying: “I’m going to be in Emmerdale but, I say but, it’s not a but – but it’s a one-off hour-long special.

Denise, 66, revealed that she would be appearing in an upcoming episode of Emmerdale, which means she has now appeared in all four of the soaps ( 
Image:
ITV)
“It’s the first time Emmerdale have ever done it, for those of you who are fans of Emmerdale, there has been 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.

“This is the culmination of that story so the episode takes place exclusively between the court and the jury. I am one of the heads of the jury, called Heidi, obviously I can’t say what the outcome is but it’s a 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 being depicted! It was incredible to be a part of it”, adding that the episode will air later in December.