Author: bang1

Ruth Langsford, 64, was pictured leaving swanky restaurant ’34 Mayfair’ in London with her friend Lizzie Cundy before being flown to Australia for I’m a Celebrity

Ruth Langsford showed off her glowing look as she left a swanky restaurant with her close friend ahead of her surprise I’m a Celebrity stint.

The 64-year-old presenter is heading Down Under to be a surprise addition to the I’m A Celeb camp following her shock split from her husband, Eamonn Holmes. But she won’t be taking part in trials on the reality show, as Ruth will simply be there in a supporting role.

Before being flown to Australia, Ruth was all smiles as she left swanky restaurant “34 Mayfair” in London with her close friend, Lizzie Cundy. The Loose Women star wore an elegant all-black outfit with trousers, a top and a jacket.

Ruth wore an all-black outfit for the outing ( 
Image:
w8media)

She was seen leaving the restaurant with Lizzie Cundy ( 
Image:
w8media)
She paired it with a silver bag and silver heels. Her friend Lizzie was seen walking behind her, wearing a red short paired with red knee-high boots. While in Australia, Ruth will be cheering on her Loose Women co-star Jane Moore, 62, who is one of the 2024 contestants.

Ruth and Jane have both been starts on the ITV lunchtime talk show since 1999 – a fact Jane has hoped will give her an advantage in the jungle. After being confirmed as one of the contestants, she said in a pre-show interview: “I will fill the hours with good chat. I find people really interesting and I want to have organic conversations. I won’t be like, ‘Tell me about the time…’ but I will be asking questions just because I am interested. I hope they (my fellow campmates) don’t get offended!”

The presenter is tipped to appear on the new I’m A Celeb companion series, I’m A Celebrity…Unpacked which will be hosted by Joel Dommett, Kemi Rodgers and Sam Thompson. And she will be in the wings to support Jane during her time in the jungle – which she is said to be hoping will be a welcome distraction from her marriage meltdown.

A source told The Sun: “It’s been a tough year for Ruth and she’s been putting her best foot forward, she’s thrilled to have been asked to appear on this the spin off show and fly to Australia ahead of Christmas. She’s rooting for Jane and can’t wait to give her opinion on how she is getting on.” The source added: “The production team are particularly excited they have landed Ruth to join them as they think she’ll be amazing and give the new format a boost.”

Fans of Ruth were shocked earlier this year when it was announced her marriage to Eamonn, 64, had come to an abrupt end after 14 years – while their romance stretched back to 1996. They confirmed their split through a representative, who said back in May: “Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing.”

Before entering the jungle, Jane said her “mum” skills will also come into play after as well as her interviewing skills. She declared: “I have been on this planet a long time and I will be the person who will try to help them out. My two daughters are really up for me doing it and my youngest one keeps telling me: ‘Mum, it is going to be amazing’. If there is someone young in there struggling, I know it will appeal to my maternal side. But cooking you will not find me putting myself forward for. I am not a good cook, I am rubbish. I know the food is going to taste pretty insipid too.”

WAG Rebekah Vardy didn’t hold back her thoughts on Coleen Rooney entering the I’m A Celebrity camp as she shared a savage social media post as the show aired

Rebekah Vardy made her feelings towards Coleen Rooney’s I’m A Celebrity stint crystal clear.

The WAG took to her Instagram account during the first episode of the hit ITV series on Sunday night to express her thoughts. It comes after fellow WAG Coleen entered the Australian jungle, with hosts Ant and Dec already poking fun at her high profile Wagatha Christie court case with Rebekah.

Minutes into the programme, presenter Dec joked: “It will be nice for her to face trial that doesn’t involve Rebekah Vardy.” It is of course in reference to Coleen’s highly public clash with fellow WAG Rebekah that ended up with them both in court. Rebekah has also starred on the ITV programme back in 2017.

The Scouse star, 38, famously accused Rebekah of leaking stories to the Sun with an infamous social media post. Rebekah kicked off high-profile libel battle but in July 2022, a judge at the High Court found the post was “substantially true”. As Coleen entered camp, Rebekah posted a snap of herself bathing in a pink bikini with here eyes closed.

Appearing relaxed in the photo, Rebekah teased: “The feeling when you are living rent free in people’s heads.” She added a laugh-crying emoji and a winking emoji to her post. As the episode continued, Rebekah returned to her account to post a video of Donald Trump.

Rebekah shared a savage post on social media

Coleen has arrived in the I’m A Celebrity camp ( 
Image:
ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
In the clip, Trump said: “Let them hate, let them doubt you, let them criticise because the truth is the more they throw at you, the stronger you become. The path to success is never without resistance and hate.” Alongside the video, Rebekah simply added an emoji of an alarm clock.

When asked if she would tune into ITV to watch one of the original WAGs face the Bushtucker trials, Rebekah told the Sun: “Absolutely, we’ll be watching avidly. Everyone seems to think I have this massive problem with Coleen going into the jungle. But do you know what? If you want to fan the fire, the flames are going to get higher. I wasn’t going to carry on talking about this, I had no intention of talking about it, but she clearly can’t let it go.”

Rebekah Vardy made a dig at Coleen Rooney as I’m A Celebrity aired ( 
Image:
Future Publishing via Getty Images)Despite being landed with huge legal costs, money does not appear to be an object as she also claimed that she would happily drop everything and jump “on the plane now” to enter the camp alongside Coleen. She declared: “One hundred per cent, I’d say yes if they asked me. Get me on the plane now. Over to you, ITV.”

In what seemed like a swipe at Coleen just two days before the start of the ITV show, Rebekah posted online: “I take rumours as a compliment. The fact that you’re bringing my name onto tables I don’t sit at shows your obsession. Stay bothered.” The pair’s friendship came to an end after Coleen accused Rebekah of leaking stories about her to the press from her private social media account. After months of investigation, Coleen decided to filter out the person leaking stories by hiding all of her friends on her account – apart from Rebekah.

Coleen Rooney gives her final interview before show starts to tell all about her life and plans in the jungle as the mum-of-four reveals the real reason she final said yes to ITV bosses

Coleen Rooney wants to move on from her Wagatha Christie nickname as she heads into the I’m A Celebrity jungle saying: “I want to be known as Coleen from Liverpool.”

The wife of football star Wayne has been in the spotlight for over two decades but is even more famous after her legendary “It’s….Rebekah Vardy” tweet which exposed a rival WAG of giving stories about the Rooneys to the media. Her detective work to prove it Vardy and her team were responsible, led to her being dubbed Wagatha Christie.

But asked what she thinks of the name and also the prospect she could be known for something else in a few weeks, possibly even queen of the jungle, Coleen said: “I think I’d rather just be known as Coleen from Liverpool. Not from any other type of place. It’s just me, as I always have been, so hopefully people just think she’s that scouser that she’s always been.”

Coleen, 38, sat down to give her only interview ahead of going into the camp on Sunday and just hours later she had begun filming. She was allowed several quick phone calls earlier that day but being a devoted and practical mum there was not much time for lovey-dovey chat with Wayne.

Coleen Rooney in her I’m A Celebrity camp clothes ( 
Image:
ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Coleen Rooney at the Wagatha Christie court case in 2022 ( 
Image:
WireImage)

Coleen said: “My phone got taken off me when we landed. Like, when I came out of the airport. My last one was to Wayne, the kids were at school, so I’d already pre-spoken to them knowing that when I landed, they would have been at school. I just checked on everything.

And then before that I spoke to my mum because she’s looking after the kids as well as Wayne. So it was just good luck and I just wanted to see if the kids got off to school ok. You say last phone call but you are checking up on them before then to see if they’re all fine and things done your final plans of things that’s going on at home. Not having that contact, I’d say up until now, has been the biggest thing. You get used to having your phone and speaking to people all the time, you feel a bit secluded from the world.”

Fans this week saw in a video on her social media how Coleen had left a giant white board with instructions for her kids – and presumably Wayne and her mum Colette – setting out lessons and football practice and timings for the coming three weeks. Coleen is already looking forward to being reunited with her four children – Kai, 15, Klay, 11, Kit, 8, and Cass, six – although possibly taking after their father and his love of football, it turns out they won’t all be coming to Australia.

She says: “My two youngest ones are coming over. They all had the option but the two older ones decided that they would stay at home to continue with school and football. I think I said when you come you’ll have to bring your work with you, and they would be missing some football tournaments, so they quickly changed their minds! And also the fact that they don’t know when they get to see me. That was another big thing, is if I did last and stayed in close to the end, there’s not going to be any time spent with me so I explained that.

“Obviously, I would have liked them all to come out but it makes sense in a way and they both chose a wise decision not to miss out on anything back home and as soon as the show’s over, I’m back straight away. So, it’s one of those things, I put it in their hands, they decided and I agree with it really. I think it was missing the football that really did it for them, they didn’t want to miss any tournaments.”

Thinking of the moment she could see them again, she adds: “Yeah, it will be the most magical moment. Obviously, it will be the longest I would have been apart from them and I think this is why it’s taken me so many years to agree to do the show because I’ve not wanted to leave the children for so long. But I feel like they’re all at an age now where they understand and I’ve got a good group of people looking after them and out for them, so I feel like we’re at the point when I’m content everything will be ok.”

As for husband Wayne, the pair have had to get used to spending time apart as his jobs in football management now take him away from their Cheshire mansion. He is currently manager of Plymouth Argyle meaning he won’t be Down Under either, but pragmatic as ever, Coleen says they have found ways for this long distance marriage to work.

“Wayne comes back once a week, sometimes twice, depending on the fixtures,” she explains. “Usually, he has Sunday off so he might come home. What’s good about the championship[football league Plymouth play in] is that a lot of games are closer to me, closer to home, up in the North.

“So he’ll come home on a Saturday evening and spend Sunday with us, depending on what the boys have got on. So literally, on the Sunday before I flew off, we all went to Clay’s football tournament, we came home and had dinner together so it was a nice family day.

“Time together is limited, more so than ever now because of the travelling and stuff. But not long ago it was international break, so we went away and got two nights together which was lovely. The international breaks are probably when we spend the most time together. It’s an international break now but obviously I’m here otherwise we would have gone away and spent a night or two away together.”

Coleen will be used to spending time away from her husband thanks to their long-distance romance ( 
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Getty Images)
For Wayne at least, he will be able to spend the next three weeks watching his wife on TV each night after finishing training sessions, and one would hope, also picking up the phone to vote to help keep her in camp to enjoy the full experience. ITV bosses are understandably delighted to get Coleen on the show.

Oti Mabuse says it took six years to get her in camp this year and they have been trying to score Coleen’s presence for even longer it seems. “The show has obviously asked me for years and years,” she says. “But I just feel like, obviously what I just said about the children, but also it’s a challenge. It’s something that I will never ever do again in my lifetime.

“It’s a one-off adventure and it’s a test of now, we are so caught up in a busy life and with devices and I just feel like now’s the time I Could go and do something for myself because I feel like I’m always doing, like I’m a mum, a wife, I feel like I can do something for me. It’s the perfect show. You are taking yourself away from a world where you’re constantly doing things to a world where it’s back to basics and you’ve got to fend just for yourself and look after yourself. Obviously, you’ve got campmates who you will create friendships with and help each other out with the team stuff and the tasks, but it’s taking yourself away from your comfort zone which has been a hard decision to make but I feel like it’s time and I’m ready for it.

“This show is going to be the most I’ve ever been exposed and people will get to see me for me. Everyone has opinions of people in the public eye, and what they’re like based on events in their life. But it’s a show that is nice to see what personalities are out there, not just written about. I think it will be interesting.

“To be honest with you, I’m doing the show for me. I’m not doing it for anyone else. Not to win anyone over. What you see is what you get and if people like it, they like it, and if they don’t, they don’t. Everyone’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But it’s the most you will ever see me as me. I think it’s a show that exposes the person for what they are.”

Coleen makes her reality TV debut on Sunday nightColeen is unlikely to get through the whole show without being asked about that trial with Vardy, especially with journalist Jane Moore in camp. She is clearly keen that it doesn’t dominate proceedings but she is not completely ruling out discussing it. “That’s a place that I’ve been, I’ve dealt with it,” she says.

“I did the documentary to draw a line under it and it depends on what conversation it actually is at the time. In my life now, I’m just moving forward and not looking back. That’s something I’ve done my whole life, dealt with things and moved forward at the time and got on.

“There are more important things to think about with the family and kids. So it depends on the conversation at the time and what’s said. But talking to the press and stuff, I did the documentary to explain what happened, my view on it and just get on with my life really.”

Looking ahead, many people have said it seems she is going on the show to make a return to the spotlight and also to make more TV. But Coleen, who had her own Disney+ documentary last year mainly about the court case with Vardy, does not seem to be thinking that far ahead.

She says: “I see this as a project. Since I did the documentary I took on other things, and I’m working for Applied Nutrition(health business she is working with as an ambassador). I’ve been having talks about going back to work again and this is one of the projects. Whether I go into TV after this, I’m taking one step at a time. After I signed with the nutrition company, this is something else I’ve taken on board. But, no, at the minute this is my main focus then come out, enjoy Christmas which I’m really looking forward to and then we start again in the new year. Up to now, this is the only project that I’m working on at the moment.”

Carol Vorderman, who will be turning 64 at the end of the year, explains why the abuse about her political views is her ‘oxygen’ and shows her that she’s ‘doing something right’

You might think Carol Vorderman would be affected by the sheer amount of online abuse she’s subjected to, but no, instead, the 63-year-old says, “I quite enjoy it.” Over the past few years, the former Countdown star has become increasingly vocal about politics online, regularly criticising the previous Conservative government – making her a target for those who don’t agree with her strong opinions.

Her new book, Now What? On A Mission To Fix Broken Britain, opens with some of the startling things public figures have said about her – including a post on X (formerly Twitter), where ex-Tory MP Marco Longhi calls her, “A person who obviously has bitterness, arrogance and envy in her heart. There’s no amount of plastic surgery or Botox that will cure that.” But does the criticism bother her, even ahead of her birthday on 24 December? Not in the slightest.

‘I quite enjoy it – they don’t realise, bless them, the trolls, that they’re a bit of my oxygen’ ( 
Image:
Dan Kennedy/PA)

“I quite enjoy it – they don’t realise, bless them, the trolls, that they’re a bit of my oxygen,” she says. “It’s like when the Tories came after me, I knew I was doing something right – so I’ll carry on, because that’s the way I’m built. I won’t shy away from it. Most of the responses from trolls are misogynistic or abusive – there’s no argument, there’s no debate based on fact. It’s just abuse, bless them.”

After years in the public eye – presenting on Loose Women and BBC Radio Wales, and appearing on reality shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – Carol says she published her first political post on X in November 2022. It was about Baroness Michelle Mone, who faced controversy over the so-called “VIP lane” contracts granted to some PPE suppliers during the coronavirus pandemic. That’s all detailed in her new book, along with a diary of her increased political activism from the end of December 2022 up until the recent general election.

To understand why Bath-based Carol decided to dive head first into politics, she says it’s important to take into account her background growing up in North Wales. She was “brought up in poverty, a free school meals kid from the north west, everything going against you back in those times”. She adds, “But for whatever reason, people gave me opportunities, and I’m a grafter, a natural workaholic.”

Now What: On A Mission To Fix Broken Britain by Carol Vorderman ( 
Image:
Headline/PA)

As a result, Carol says she’s been able to do things that “99% of people aren’t”. This means she feels “a sense of responsibility” to speak out. “I have a great anger at how the working class get treated, how they’re sidelined.” Carol isn’t unappreciative of the career she has had so far, but she’s aware of the new platform that social media has provided her.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m very grateful, I’ve been very, very lucky. I’ve lived through the sexism, the ageism, every other ‘ism’ – fattism, thinism, whatever. I call myself an old bird with an iPhone – it’s literally just me screenshotting stuff. I don’t have a team of people or a newsroom to fall back on – I’m fascinated by that, because one of my big things is about communicating information. That’s what’s always driven me.”

The Loose Women favourite was left shaken after thieves tried to get cash from her by claiming to be her daughter

Linda Robson has issued a stark warning about the dangers of online scams – after she was tricked by thieves pretending to be her daughter.

The Loose Women star, 66, was left shaken after being taken in by a “Hi Mum” text begging her to send emergency cash. Linda admitted it was terrifying how convincing the message was, mimicking her daughter’s language and using her family nickname of Bobbi Girl. And she urged people of her generation to educate themselves about staying safe online – insisting they must not ignore the risks of technology.

Linda recalled: “I was on Loose Women when I got a Whatsapp message from my daughter, saying: ‘I’ve dropped my phone down the toilet, can you send me some money?’ I rang her and then she texted me saying: ‘I can’t pick up the phone because it’s gone down the toilet.’ It sounded like it was my daughter, she was saying things we would say to each other, and used her nickname for her – Bobbi Girl.”

Linda Robson is warning others to be vigilant of phone scammers after almost being caught out

Linda thought her daughter Bobbie was asking for money – but it was someone impersonating her ( 
Image:
WireImage)
Mum-of-three Linda said she was so convinced it was 28-year-old Bobbie that she was ready to transfer the cash. “I really thought it was true,” admitted Linda. “I would’ve sent the money the scammers wanted – £150 – because I was really worried she didn’t have any. Luckily one of the bosses on the show said to me: ‘I think you’re being scammed’. So I asked the person on the phone for the name of our dog. They said Gerald, and I said: ‘No, my dog’s called Dolly. So that’s when I knew I was being scammed.”

Linda says she was taken aback by how convincing the scam was. “I was quite shaken afterwards because it was scary how convincing it was,” she said. And it’s happening to more and more people now – friends of mine have been targeted and lost hundreds of pounds. I think everyone – but especially us older people – need to be aware of the risks. I’m 66 now, so I’m not as savvy as the younger people. We need to be really, really careful.”

Linda has now joined forces with BT Group to encourage people of her generation to learn digital skills together. She attended a free session hosted by BT Group’s charity partner AbilityNet in London helping to raise awareness around scams and staying safe online. The courses run in-person across the UK and online to teach over 65s how to spot scams and ways to avoid them.

Linda said: “It was so inspiring to see people in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s learning how to use their phones. There were about 25 of us, all asking questions and learning new things, from downloading apps to staying safe from online scams. It was a real eye-opener.” Offering her advice to ensure others aren’t caught out, she said: “If it doesn’t seem right, then it’s not right. I’ve spoken to the other Loose Women about this, and told lots of friends, because the scammers prey on the older generation. Younger people are more likely to see the red flags, so if I’m not sure about anything I run it past my kids, even my 12-year-old granddaughter. I’ve always been very trusting but it can be a scary world, and sometimes you need to be sceptical.”

Linda joined a BT Group workshop to learn more about keeping safe onlineVictoria Johnson, Social Impact Director at BT Group said: “Tackling the digital divide and driving social mobility is an integral part of BT Group’s purpose, Connect for Good, providing everyone with the skills and access they need to make the most of life at home and at work. By enabling the country to be more confident and independent online, we can create a diverse and inclusive digital society that works for all.”

It’s not the first time Linda has fronted an important campaign. The Birds of a Feather star fought to get smoking banned in cars, in memory of her dad who died of lung cancer. Working with the British Lung Foundation, she helped get the law passed and it was introduced in 2015.

Join Linda on a free webinar on 4th December to learn how to steer clear of seasonal scams with AbilityNet and BT Group at abilitynet.org.uk .

Stacey Solomon has been keeping fans updated on her current trip to the USA – as she flew away from the UK soon after it was reported she bitterly argued with her husband, Joe Swash, in public

Stacey Solomon has revealed she is “feeling free” while on a girls trip away from husband Joe Swash – who she was photographed furiously arguing with last week.

The mum-of-five is currently living it up in Las Vegas where she delighted in watching Adele performing at one of her Weekends With Adele residency concerts at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace – and on Sunday revealed she’d enjoyed a magical afternoon horse riding. While it is unclear if any of her five children are present on the trip, it is clear that Stacey’s 42-year-old husband Joe is not there.

Earlier in the week, 35-year-old Stacey and her husband were spotted engaging in a heated argument in public – with the Loose Women star left in tears while ex-EastEnders actor Joe stormed off furiously puffing on a vape. A camera crew had been in attendance and comforted Stacey as the couple departed the scene in different directions.

Now that she is more than 5,000 miles away in sun-soaked Las Vegas, Nevada, Stacey appeared to be having the time of her life after leaving her worries behind on the other side of the Atlantic. And on Sunday, she shared a collection of photographs of herself enjoying a trek on horseback with her friends.

The mum-of-five is having a time in Nevada, USA ( 
Image:
Instagram/staceysolomon)

The Loose Women star has left her worries behind in the UK ( 
Image:
Instagram/staceysolomon)

Sharing the images on Instagram, Stacey wrote in an accompanying caption: “Feeling Free … I can’t describe what I’ve felt spending time away with my girls. I didn’t know how much I needed this. I am such a home girl but time away isn’t as scary as I thought. In fact it’s fed my soul.”

She continued: “I stole someone’s cowboy had and rode through the canyon with the women I honestly couldn’t be who am I without. The thing about these women is they literally lift me up, have my back, keep me going, make me feel so supported & I just couldn’t do life without them. I love you girls to the moon and back. I’m so lucky to have you in my life … This is your sign to say f**k it and get out of your comfort zone whenever you get the chance. You won’t regret it.”

Her message resonated with followers who flocked to the comments to share supportive messages of their own. One wrote: “Oh @staceysolomon I love these! So glad you’ve had the best time.” And another typed: “So happy you’ve had the best time! So well deserved all of it.”

But others questioned Stacey’s outfit choices, suggesting that wearing shorts while on horseback could be a regrettable move. One follower warned: “I rode in shorts just once, the chafing on the inner thighs was off the scale. Well done you!” But others slammed the star for going horse-riding without a proper riding helmet. One concerned follower wrote: “I love this but where is your helmet. It takes seconds for a horse to spook and take off. You need to go home to your baby’s in one piece.”

Linda Robson has revealed her horror experience at the hands of sick scammers who pretended to be her daughter to steal from her.

The Loose Women panelist, 66, told The Mirror how she was left ‘shaken’ after receiving a normal-seeming text from someone she presumed was her daughter.

The star explained that the scammers were very convincing and even used her daughter’s nickname of Bobbi Girl to convince her the text was real.

Because of Linda’s terrifying ordeal, she is now encouraging the older generation to educate themselves about online safety.

Linda told the publication that she received a text from her daughter asking for help while she was filming Loose Women and was so convinced she was almost ready to send the scammers £150.

She said: ‘I was on Loose Women when I got a message from my daughter, saying ‘I’ve dropped my phone down the toilet, can you send me some money?’

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Linda Robson has revealed her horror experience at the hands of sick scammers who pretended to be her daughter to steal from her

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The star explained that the scammers were very convincing and even used her daughter’s nickname of Bobbi Girl to convince her the text was real (pictured with her daughter Bobbie, 27)

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Because of Linda’s terrifying ordeal, she is now encouraging the older generation to educate themselves about online safety

‘I rang her and then she texted me saying ‘I can’t pick up the phone because it’s gone down the toilet.’

‘It sounded like it was my daughter, she was saying things we would say to each other, and used her nickname for her – Bobbi Girl.’

Linda went on to say that she was only stopped from sending any cash after a Loose Women boss intervened and warned her she was probably being scammed.

And to check, Linda asked the scammers a personal family question.

‘I asked the person on the phone for the name of our dog. They said Gerald, and I said: ‘No, my dog’s called Dolly.’ So that’s when I knew I was being scammed.’ she said.

The TV presenter explained that she was surprised by how convincing the scammers were.

She added that its becoming even scarier as she hears of more instances of it happening to more people including her friends and family.

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She added that its becoming even scarier as she hears of more instances of it happening to more people including her friends and family

Linda talks about kids caring for her duing mental health struggles

In a bid to tackle the technology gap, Linda has joined forces with BT Group to encourage people to brush up on their digital skills.

Linda recently lifted the lid on her feud with her Birds Of A Feather co-stars Pauline Quirke and Lesley Joseph.

The actress, 66, revealed the whole gang would be keen to reunite for the much-loved comedy after last month marked 35 years since the day filming for the show began.

Speculation of rift between Linda and Pauline was reported back in 2021 after it was revealed the duo were no longer on speaking terms.

However, Linda put any rumours of the pair not getting on to bed as she confirmed she would definitely be keen for a reunion.

Speaking to Marina Berry at the Lifestyle Awards, the presenter asked if the show might make a comeback.

Linda replied: ‘Well I think because it was our anniversary on the 16th of October it was 35 years ago to the day that we started and it has just sort of gone viral and everyone has gone mad saying “Bring back Birds Of A Feather”.

‘You never know, fingers crossed. We are all up for it if they want us. I would definitely, 100% be up for it.’

Davina McCall has been rushed to hospital for brain surgery.

The Masked Singer judge has had an operation to remove a 14mm benign brain tumour, which she discovered during a health scan a few months ago while giving a talk for a menopause company.

In a video update shared on Friday, Davina asked her fans to keep her in their prayers as her boyfriend Michael Douglas takes over her social media during her recovery period.

Michael reassured fans that Davina is in “great shape” but will be “off grid” until she’s fully recovered. He wrote in the caption of the video: “Hey everyone. Michael here. @davinamccall will be “off grid” for a bit while she recovers from this brain operation. She is in great shape and in very good hands.”

The Masked Singer judge has had an operation to remove a 14mm benign brain tumour, which she discovered during a health scan a few months ago while giving a talk for a menopause company ( 
Image:
ITV)

“I’ll do the odd update from her account here for anyone interested. I’m sure she’ll read all the comments when she’s able to so feel free to send love [heart emoji] . The support of people is amazingly powerful. Have a great day everyone. Michael xxx”.

Alongside her husband’s caption, an emotional Davina addressed fans in a video, saying: “I was offered a health scan which I thought I was going to ace but it turned out I had benign brain tumour which is very rare, ‘three in a million’.”

Speaking in the pre recorded clip, she said: “I’m posting this. It will be Friday morning, and I’m doing it because a few months ago, I did a menopause talk for a company, and they offered me a health scan in return, which I thought I was going to ace, but it turned out I had a benign brain tumour called a colloid cyst, which is very rare, three in a million.

“And so I slightly put my head in the sand for a while, and then I saw quite a few neuro surgeons. I got lots of opinions, and I realised that I have to get it taken out.” Davina described it as a “big” tumour, 14 mm wide, adding: “It needs to come out, because if it grows, it would be bad.”

The star told how she will undergo a craniotomy, a surgical procedure to temporarily remove part of the skull. “Say a prayer for me. I’m in good spirits,” she added.

“I’m going to be in hospital for about nine days, and then I’m going to be going home, but I’m going to be off my phone for a while. But I don’t want you to worry about me. I’m doing that enough as it is. I am in a good space, and I have all the faith in the world in my surgeon and his team, and I am handing the reins over to him. He knows what he’s doing,” she signed off.

According to the NHS, non-cancerous brain tumours are more common in people over the age of 50, and symptoms include headaches, blackouts, behavioural changes and loss of consciousness.

The NHS describes a benign brain tumour as: “A benign (non-cancerous) brain tumour is a mass of cells that grows relatively slowly in the brain. Non-cancerous brain tumours tend to stay in one place and do not spread. It will not usually come back if all of the tumour can be safely removed during surgery. If the tumour cannot be completely removed, there’s a risk it could grow back. In this case it’ll be closely monitored using scans or treated with radiotherapy.”

The former Big Brother host, who currently presents ITV dating show My Mum, Your Dad, has long advocated on women’s health issues, and presented documentaries on contraception and the menopause.

Last year, she became an MBE in the King’s birthday honours for services to broadcasting last year, and in 2022 released the book Menopausing: The Positive Roadmap To Your Second Spring, with the aim of ending “the shame and horrific misinformation surrounding menopause”.

That same year, she fronted the Channel 4 documentary Davina McCall: Sex, Mind And The Menopause, and told the BBC that the perimenopausal symptoms caused her difficulties multi-tasking and she considered that she had a brain tumour or Alzheimer’s disease at the time.

McCall has also raised money for Cancer Research UK by running for Race For Life in honour of her late sister.

Her sister Caroline Baday died from lung cancer in 2012 at the age of 50.

Michael released a statement on behalf of Davina ( 
Image:
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Davina and Michael, 49, have been together for five years and live together in a mansion in Kent ( 
Image:
Mike Marsland/WireImage)
The sudden news comes after Davina opened up about her struggles with “empty nest syndrome” as her children grow up and leave home. The 57-year-old TV star was overwhelmed with emotion, confessing that she ‘couldn’t stop crying’ when her eldest daughter moved to Manchester after university. Davina, mother to Holly, 23, Tilly, 21, and Chester, 18, shared how she “cried all the way home” after dropping off Holly.

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With Tilly already in Sydney and only Chester at home, a source revealed that Davina is finding it hard to adjust to not being needed as much. They said: “With only Chester still at home, she just can’t believe how fast her kids are growing up. Davina, like any mum, also can’t help worry about her daughters, even though they’re in their twenties. She feels like part of her is missing now that they’re living their own lives and that she won’t be needed in the same way. She’s no longer being asked to make dinners, do their washing etc. It’s the little things that she’ll miss.”

The TV celebrity got real about her emotional trip back from Manchester after dropping her eldest off, despite the city being just “two hours away” by train. In an intimate reveal to The Times Magazine, she disclosed: “I wasn’t worried about empty nest syndrome until I drove my daughter to Manchester recently. We built IKEA furniture all day, settled her in, and then I cried all the way home.”

Back in September, Davina issued partner Michael an apology after locking lips with another man during that month’s National Television Awards.

The presenter was honoured on the night with the Special Recognition Award for contributions to the television industry. Following her winners announcement, the ceremony showed a clip of some of her best moments on the small screen. One hilarious video however showed the moment Davina kissed David Tennant during the Red Nose Day telethon in 2009.

As the footage beamed out, Michael’s hilarious reaction was caught on camera as he set next to Davina in the audience. His mock shock was lapped up by the audience as Davina was seen apologising to her man.

The video also had clips of her colleagues and co-stars, including Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary, sharing their favourite things about the presenter. Other projects from over the years included her time on Big Brother as well as current project My Mum, Your Dad.

When Davina took to the stage toreceive her gong, she paid a gushing tribute to Michael, thanking the hairdresser for making her a “better person”. During her tearful tribute, she said: “Thank you so much, this means so much. I can’t even begin to tell you, I don’t even know where to start.”

“I love my job, I feel so privileged to be able to share it with you. You might like some of it, not all of it. I’ve presented some turkeys, I know!

Focusing on Michael, she then said: “Thank you, I love being on this journey with you. You make me a better person and you make me so happy.”

Davina is happier than ever with Michael, after being friends with the stylist to the stars for more than 20 years ( 
Image:
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Davina and Michael, 49, have been together for five years and live together in a mansion in Kent. Despite her current happiness, Davina has opened up in the past about her turbulent love life before she met Michael. However, she now feels she has a “potential marriage going”. She made the claim while speaking to The One Show about her relationship with Michael, who she met while he worked on Big Brother as a hairstylist.

Doting mum Davina has navigated her way through devastating problems in her personal life, including her “traumatic” divorce from ex-husband Matthew Robertson. The couple, who wed in 2000, share three children – Holly, Chester and Tilly – and announced they had split in 2017, shortly after Davina’s 50th birthday. The former Big Brother host has had a turbulent love life over the years, and it began in her early 20s, when she started dating a huge rock star.

Then aged just 25, Davina struck up a strong connection to rock and blues legend Eric Claption, who was 23 years older than her. After experimenting with cocaine and heroin, she decided to beat her demons with the help of the Wonderful Tonight hitmaker, who supported her as she attended meetings at Narcotics Anonymous. “I was a mess. You name it, I took it. Cocaine, ecstasy and heroin,” she told The Mirror. Her time spent with the rock icon helped her to land a life-changing role at MTV in 1992, but the couple soon parted ways.

Davina moved on quickly, and began dating shop owner Andrew Leggett, and after a whirlwind six-month romance, they got married in 1997. However, her rarely spoken about first marriage was not a happy union, and they divorced after just three months. At the time, Davina and Andrew were pictured arguing outside her old flat in West London, and she briefly touched upon their union in an interview in 2006. “I fell madly in love, but it was wrong, so I got out quick,” she told The Mirror. “I won’t talk about it because he’s not a celebrity and it’s not fair on him.”

While working on MTV in her first big TV gig, Davina had a brief fling with footballer Stan Collymore, who had moved from Liverpool to Aston Villa in 1998. He wrote about their relationship in his autobiography Tackling My Demons, and said Davina was “the one that got away”, as he would have married her if it wasn’t for another woman “messing” with his head. They sparked rumours of a reconciliation when he was spotted at her villa in the south of France, but Davina shot down the reports, and insisted Stan was just a close friend.

The presenter then began dating Pet Rescue co-host Matthew Robertson, and the couple tied the knot in 2000 at Eastnor Castle in Hertfordshire. They welcomed three children – daughters Holly and Tilly, and son Chester – and even renewed their wedding vows on their 15th anniversary. Despite their determination to make their marriage work, they eventually parted ways, and Davina announced they had split shortly after her 50th birthday in 2017. “I am very sad to say Matthew and I have separated. Our amazing children are our number one priority,” she shared in a statement.

Discussing the divorce in 2020, Davina admitted it was “traumatic”, and said it took time – and years – for them to work things out following their split. “Going through a divorce is a traumatic experience and it is something that needs to be navigated as carefully as possible,” she told the Mail on Sunday’s You magazine, adding that their divorce “involved absolute emotional turmoil.”

Now, Davina is happier than ever with Michael, after being friends with the stylist to the stars for more than 20 years.

Holly Willoughby, Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary have led the celebrity tributes to Davina McCall after she revealed she’s undergoing brain surgery to remove a benign tumour.

The TV presenter, 57, shared the news in an Instagram post, saying she has a ‘very rare’ colloid cyst that affects only three in a million people.

She explained that she received the diagnosis by chance after booking in for a ‘health scan’.

In a video, she said: ‘I’m posting this. It will be Friday morning, and I’m doing it because a few months ago, I did a menopause talk for a company, and they offered me a health scan in return, which I thought I was going to ace, but it turned out I had a benign brain tumour called a colloid cyst, which is very rare, three in a million.

‘And so I slightly put my head in the sand for a while, and then I saw quite a few neuro surgeons. I got lots of opinions, and I realised that I have to get it taken out.’

Following her announcement, members of the This Morning family including Holly, Alison and Dermot sent their love to Davina.

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Holly Willoughby, Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary have led the celebrity tributes to Davina McCall after she revealed she’s undergoing brain surgery to remove a benign tumour

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The TV presenter, 57, shared the news in an Instagram post, saying she has a ‘very rare’ colloid cyst that affects only three in a million people

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On Friday’s episode of This Morning, Dermot and Alison, who both know Davina through Big Brother, sent their well wishes

Holly wrote: ‘I’m sending you all the love and then a whole lot more ‘.

On Friday’s episode of This Morning, Alison and Dermot, who both know Davina through Big Brother, sent their well wishes.

Alison said: ‘Just want to say, all our thoughts are with Davina. We’re thinking about you and you are so strong. Even in the Instagm post, she is just incredible.’

Dermot said: ‘The good thing is it’s benign. said the chance of having it was three in a million. Sending you all our love and prayers Davina and Michael.’

This Morning contributor Vanessa Feltz also added that Davina is an ‘incredible person’ and wonderful friend’ and they’re sending lots of love to her.

Other stars including Amanda Holden, Carol Vorderman, Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts and Olympic heptathlon gold medallist Dame Denise Lewis reached out to the presenter.

Amanda Holden said: ‘Sending so much love,’ while former Big Brother winner Kate Lawler wrote: ‘I’m in awe of your positivity Davina. Wishing you all the love and healing prayers post surgery. See you soon.’

Carol wrote: ‘Wishing you every success with the big op. And love in recovery on the other side . You help and continue to help so many people and for that so many of us are grateful. Please take your time. Everyone will be here when YOU are ready ‘.

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Davina told her followers: ‘I saw quite a few neuro surgeons. I got lots of opinions, and I realised that I have to get it taken out’

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Following her announcement, members of the This Morning family and a host of other stars sent their love to Davina

Dame Denise Lewis said: ‘Love you darling. You’ve got this. See you on the other side of the op.’

The former Big Brother presenter said she is having the tumour removed through a craniotomy, a surgical procedure on the brain, and she is in ‘good spirits’.

In reply, Ashley said: ‘All the love gorgeous one. Sending all the healing vibes. Love you.’

Fellow bandmate, Kimberly Wyatt said: ‘Oh babe, thinking about you – I can only imagine what you must be feeling.

‘Keeping you in my heart and on my mind, take it easy lovely one.’

Former Holby City star Lisa Faulkner added: ‘Sending all my love to you. Best wishes and all positive prayers for a speedy recovery.’

Comedian Alan Carr wrote: ‘Big love my darling!’ while BBC Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac described Davina as a ‘gorgeous woman’ and said she was sending ‘every ounce of love’.

In the Instagram post on her account by Davina’s partner, Michael Douglas, he said he would keep fans updated on her condition.

Another fellow presenter Rylan, who won the 11th series of Celebrity Big Brother and later presented spin-off Big Brother’s Bit On The Side, also replied, saying: ‘We’re all thinking of you beautiful.’

Actor and presenter Denise van Outen added: ‘Big love to you too Michael.’

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Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden said she was sending Davina ‘so much love’

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Carol Vorderman wrote: ‘You help and continue to help so many people and for that so many of us are grateful. Please take your time’

Davina has been dating celebrity hairdresser Michael, 49, for five years and though the pair are blissfully happy, they have no plans to walk down the aisle together.

With the pair having both been married before, Davina explained that they didn’t need to ‘rock the boat’ by tying the knot, insisting that for now, marriage is ‘off the table’.

Speaking to The Sun, she responded ‘no’ both times when asked if she was engaged to Michael or planned to marry down the line.

Giving her reasons for her refusal, she went on: ‘That’s not even on the table, it’s just not. He’s been [married before] so we both just feel like we are happy, let’s not rock the boat. Let’s just keep things on the down-low.

WHAT IS A COLLOID CYST?

A colloid cyst is a slow-growing tumour typically found near the center of the brain.

The benign growth contains gelatinous material.

Most patients present with headaches, although other symptoms including vertigo, memory problems and double vision can occur.

If large enough, a colloid cyst obstructs the movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain.

This results in a build up of CSF in the ventricles of the brain and raises pressure in the skull.

Surgery may be required promptly in order to reduce the relatively high risk of sudden death.

‘We’re not interested. I knew Michael for so many years [before we got together] that there were no questions to ask like that. I know him. It was easy.’

Shutting down any further questions about her love life, Davina concluded by saying: ‘I love Michael. And I always feel like it’s too precious to just talk about in public. I just want to keep it for me.’

Davina and Michael were old friends and first met when he styled her hair during her Big Brother presenting days.

Davina split from her ex-husband Matthew Robertson in 2017 after 17 years of marriage. She was also briefly wed to Andrew Leggett in 1997.

She shares three children with Matthew: Holly, 22, Tilly 20, and 17-year-old son Chester.

While Davina is famed for presenting shows such as Big Brother, My Mum Your Dad and  The Biggest Loser, in recent years she has been campaigning for more awareness and treatment for the menopause.

Speaking about her experience, Davina shared: ‘It’s so lonely [going through menopause], I thought I was disappearing and my world was getting smaller and smaller. I felt very lonely and isolated,’ she said.

‘It’s only when you come out of the grey, you think, I haven’t belly laughed for months… It can be a fantastic time in your life, of freedom. It’s just the next stage.’

Davina explored menopause in a documentary entitled Sex, Mind and the Menopause – the follow-up to her 2021 programme Sex, Myths and the Menopause.

The show further explored more of the burning issues raised in her first documentary – including menopause myths and the taboo around HRT.

It also took a deeper look at whether women are being sidelined, sacked or forced to go part-time when hit by menopause symptoms at work.

In January, Davina was awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting following a television career spanning more than two decades.

The TV presenter heaped praise on the Princess Royal after being made an MBE for services to broadcasting.

She said Princess Anne had always been one of her favourite royals and shared her ‘gung-ho’ attitude to life.

The presenter added that she was ‘terrified’ before the investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, but that it was an ‘honour’.

When asked by the Princess Royal how she got into broadcasting, the presenter replied that she had wanted to be a singer but ‘wasn’t good enough’.

Princess Anne then quipped that ‘The Masked Singer is perfect for you!’

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Davina’s partner Michael uploaded the video for her explaining: ‘Davina will be ‘off grid’ for a bit while she recovers from this brain operation’

Davina began her TV career presenting in 1994 on MTV Europe, before moving onto Hitlist UK the year after.

But her big break came in 2000, when she landed the role of then-contemporary Channel 4 reality show Big Brother.

She went on to present the popular British show until 2010 as well as several series of the weekly eviction spin-off and celebrity edition.

Shortly after Davina began hosting weight-loss show The Biggest Loser on ITV though the series was cancelled in 2012.

Her latest project, announced launched last year saw her star in the ‘midlife Love Island, My Mum, Your Dad, which was hugely successful in its first season.

As well as her programme presenting duties, Davina is also known for her social justice and charitable work, though she has occasionally combined the two.

Since 2005 she has often been part of the celebrity presenter line-up for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day and was only yesterday confirmed to be returning this year.

As well as that, in 2021 she featured in the Stand Up To Cancer telethon, during which she gave an emotional tribute to her friend – Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding.

Davina is also passionate about health and fitness and is in the shape of her life after devoting herself to ritualistic daily workouts.

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Davina’s   big break came in 2000, when she landed the role of then-contemporary Channel 4 reality show Big Brother (pictured with Jade Goody in 2002)

Speaking to The Mirror, the presenter revealed she sets her alarm for 6:15am each day and immediately pulls on her Lycra workout gear, because it motivates her to exercise, even when she doesn’t want to.

‘I just put on a workout outfit because it means that I’m always ready,’ she said. ‘If I start my day in civvies I am not going to work out, it’s never going to happen.’

After hopping out of bed at the crack of dawn Davina hits the shower, before applying a variety of gels and patches – prescribed by her doctor to treat issues such as ‘brain fog and libido.’

Then comes breakfast, but bacon, eggs and a piping hot cup of coffee are most definitely not on the menu for the health conscious star.

‘I have the powdered bovine collagen,’ she admitted. ‘I’d probably have granola and milk for breakfast, but sometimes, if I’m naughty, I’ll do a crumpet.’

Davina is also teetotal, having previously struggled with addiction.

She began taking drugs when she was a teenager and, by her 20s was an addict, previously describing heroin as her ‘drug of choice’.

The Million Pound Drop host, who chooses not to drink in case it leads to drug use, also had a turbulent relationship with her mother, Florence Kock, who as well struggled with addiction.

Having tried heroin for the first time aged 15, Davina reflected on the sense of false comfort the substance gave her, revealing that using was ‘like coming home.’

‘When you are on it nothing else matters so you don’t care about meeting someone on time or picking up your kids from school, luckily I didn’t have any,’ she said in a podcast.

After pushing her loved ones away and losing everything to prioritise her drug use, she said: ‘Heroin became my best friend. It’s like the biggest, warmest, softest cuddle.’

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Davina has been dating celebrity hairdresser Michael, 49, for five years and though the pair are blissfully happy, they have no plans to walk down the aisle together (pictured in 2023)

After 10 years of substance abuse, Davina got help following an intervention from a friend and began attending ongoing NA meetings and therapy sessions, later achieving sobriety.

Davina described her life as ‘a crazy adventure,’ adding, ‘I don’t think I’d be as grateful as I am if I hadn’t had a tough time.’

She previously explained that as a teetotal recovering addict, she doesn’t even like to take over-the-counter tablets for headaches, so she avoided going down the medical route.

Davina told how she took up exercise and took herbal remedies to help but these didn’t ‘cut it’, telling how she planned to ‘battle through’ before finally getting educated about the menopause, with a private gynaecologist eventually prescribing HRT for her.

Ruth Langsford is reportedly swapping the comfort of the Loose Women panel chair for the humidity of the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! jungle to support a close friend

Ruth Langsford is being flown to Australia to take park in the imminent new season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! following her shock split from Eamonn Holmes.

The 64-year-old presenter is heading Down Under to be a surprise addition to the I’m A Celeb camp. However, fans shouldn’t expect to see her taking part in trials and tasks as Ruth will be in Australia simply in a supporting category.

The TV host will be cheering on her Loose Women co-star Jane Moore, 62, who is one of the 2024 contestants. Ruth and Jane have both been starts on the ITV lunchtime talk show since 1999 – a fact Jane has hoped will give her an advantage in the jungle.

After being confirmed as one of the contestants, she said in a pre-show interview: “I will fill the hours with good chat. I find people really interesting and I want to have organic conversations. I won’t be like, ‘Tell me about the time…’ but I will be asking questions just because I am interested. I hope they (my fellow campmates) don’t get offended!”

The 2024 season of I’m A Celeb starts this weekend ( 
Image:
ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Ruth is tipped to appear on the new I’m A Celeb companion series, I’m A Celebrity…Unpacked which will be hosted by Joel Dommett, Kemi Rodgers and Sam Thompson. And she will be in the wings to support Jane during her time in the jungle – which she is said to be hoping will be a welcome distraction from her marriage meltdown.

A source told The Sun: “It’s been a tough year for Ruth and she’s been putting her best foot forward, she’s thrilled to have been asked to appear on this the spin off show and fly to Australia ahead of Christmas. She’s rooting for Jane and can’t wait to give her opinion on how she is getting on.” The source added: “The production team are particularly excited they have landed Ruth to join them as they think she’ll be amazing and give the new format a boost.”

Fans of Ruth were gobsmacked earlier this year when it was announced her marriage to Eamonn, 64, had come to an abrupt end after 14 years – while their romance stretched back to 1996. They confirmed their split through a representative, who said back in May: “Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing.”

Before entering the jungle, Jane said her “mum” skills will also come into play after as well as her interviewing skills. She declared: “I have been on this planet a long time and I will be the person who will try to help them out. My two daughters are really up for me doing it and my youngest one keeps telling me: ‘Mum, it is going to be amazing’. If there is someone young in there struggling, I know it will appeal to my maternal side. But cooking you will not find me putting myself forward for. I am not a good cook, I am rubbish. I know the food is going to taste pretty insipid too.”