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Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha broke down in tears on Friday’s episode over an emotional message from her family as she celebrated a huge milestone

Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha was emotional on Friday’s episode as she celebrated a huge milestone live on air.

During the latest instalment, the panellists revealed that Nadia, whose birthday is on 18 November, was turning 60 as they dedicated the episode to her with plenty of surprises.

And it was one surprise in particular that left her breaking down in tears as her husband, Mark Adderley, and eldest daughter Maddie, 21, shared heartfelt messages to her which were played on air.

In her daughter’s message, she said: “I love you so much and I just want you to know how grateful I am to have somebody like you in my life, let alone as my mother. I am so thankful for all the hugs, all the advice, all the times that you’ve been there for me and supported me. All the times you’ve told me the truth even when I’ve been not wanting to hear it.

Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha was emotional on Friday’s episode as she celebrated a huge milestone live on air ( 
Image:
ITV)

“I just really want you to feel how loved you are today. You are an amazing woman and I hope to be a quarter of the woman you are when I fully grow up. You inspire me every single day and I just hope you see how truly incredible you really are. I just love you so much and just have a beautiful birthday and yeah, I love you.”

Nadia was left wiping tears after the message to which co-star Kaye Adams joked: “We knew we’d get you to cry at the end!” Talking about the sweet videos, Nadia said: “That was really beautiful, thank you! There’s no better present is there in the world.

“Maddie, she was born on Christmas Day, so no Christmas present will ever be better than that! To hear that, with all the worries we have as parents, that is very beautiful.”

Nadia’s husband Mark Adderley, and eldest daughter Maddie, 21, shared heartfelt messages to her which were played on airElsewhere on the show, Nadia was surprised by her sister, Dina Sawalha, who had baked her a birthday cake and presented it live on air, as well as sharing some sweet words about her sibling.

Taking to Twitter, now X, viewers couldn’t believe Nadia was turning 60 due to her age-defying looks. One person said: “I refuse to believe Nadia Sawalha is 60. Nope. #LooseWomen” while a different account added: “To be fair to Nadia, she’s wearing very well for 60. I thought she was about 50. #LooseWomen.”

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.

Vanessa Feltz has been through a lot when it comes to relationships, but it looks like the former TalkTV star is ready to find love once again – but with a much younger man

Vanessa Feltz’s life has been quite the whirlwind recently. After ending her 16-year relationship with Ben Ofoedu following allegations of his infidelity, and even confessing to jumping out of a moving car during their confrontation, it seems the TV presenter is ready to love again – but this time, she’s setting her sights on a younger man.

A source told OK! that Vanessa, who is known for her youthful spirit and playful nature, is ideally looking for a younger partner. They shared: “Vanessa is ideally looking for a younger man, she’s young at heart and loves to joke around and be playful so she finds more of that with younger guys. She knows she’s getting older but still wants a fun relationship and to feel desired rather than just settling down, so she’d love to find the perfect man who is a bit younger.”

Vanessa and ex fiance Ben were together for 16 years ( 
Image:
Getty Images for Orion Books)

Vanessa is now reportedly looking for a ‘toy boy’ ( 
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images)The 62 year old star isn’t new to dating younger men – she reportedly dated 33 year old model Stefan-Pierre Tomlin earlier this year and was previously engaged to Phats and Small singer Ben, 52. Vanessa herself admitted that “older men are no longer intriguing” and candidly explained why she’s lost interest in them, bluntly stating that men “aren’t fanciable past 55”.

She told You Magazine: “In general, chaps fall off the fanciable precipice the minute they sail north of 55.Vanessa further opened up, saying: “Pre-55, males are still convincing pistol-packers. After that point, they shrivel physically, intellectually and spiritually.”

The star then discussed what older women seek in their sex lives, such as ‘trying new things’, and pointed out the common ground between her age group and younger men—’enthusiasm’. Despite heartbreaks, including spending 635 of the last 636 nights alone after her split from her ex, nicknamed ‘One Hit Wonder’, and a painful divorce from the father of her children and orthopaedic surgeon Michael Krurer, who insulted her before leaving, Vanessa hasn’t lost faith in love, though she’s done with “wannabes”.

Speaking to OK!, she conveyed her hope: “I hope one day Cupid will pierce me with his arrow and I will find true love again. However, I’m not prepared to settle. My last relationship has put me off dating a wannabe. I’ve had enough of being somebody’s access-all-areas lanyard.”

Moreover, a source has also shared that her quest for love has always been a passionate journey, but she’s committed to finding ‘the one’. They said: “Vanessa is always looking for love, but she knows this time it needs to be the right one because she has been burnt in the past and the whole situation with Ben did really hurt her. She’s still out all the time and is hoping Mr. Right is out there – even better if he’s a toy boy.”

Vanessa is supporting her friend Ruth Langsford ( 
Image:
ITV)Meanwhile, Vanessa’s longtime pal Ruth Langsford could benefit from this hard-earned insight, following her own recent split. Back in July, it was publicly declared: “Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing.”

This former TV couple first got together back in 1997 and had their son Jack in 2002. Fast forward to 2010 and the scene was set at Cheltenham Races where Eamonn popped the question, having previously asked Ruth’s mother for her blessing, leading to their wedding within the year. But times change, and 64 year old Eamonn is now getting cosy with his new partner Katie Alexander, spotted post-cruise in the Med earlier this year.

Our source explained that Ruth Langsford, who’s a familiar face on This Morning, isn’t quite ready to jump back into the dating scene despite what her close pal Vanessa might hope. The source says: “Ruth is still taking time for herself and Vanessa knows that, she’s not in a place to be dating again and things aren’t there so she hasn’t been persuading her.”

However, ‘glam-ma’ Vanessa, adored by grandchildren Zekey, Neroli, AJ and Cecily, has mentioned that she’s been a pillar of support for Ruth post-split. She said: “I completely respect her desire, quite rightly, to keep this as, you know, from her perspective, dignified, quiet, you know, and just deal with it, yeah, on her own, privately. So, of course, she’s my actual friend in real life. I’ve been in contact, but I certainly respect her, and admire her dignity, and her silence over this, and that’s really all I want to say about it.”

The class of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here 2024 has at last been confirmed

The ten contestants joining Ant and Dec this weekend have now been officially confirmed for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here 2024.

They will face trials and tribulations and up to three weeks sleeping under the stars in Australia before we find out who will be crowned this year’s King or Queen of the Jungle.

Missing from the line up is former Love Island star Maura Higgins and broadcaster Reverend Richard Coles who are expected to go onto the show as late entries, here the celeb campers reveal their hopes and fears for their Aussie adventure.

This year’s show will see the show kick off with a revamp, with the famous ‘Walk the Plank’ opening trial axed. ITV bosses will also film some of the opening scenes at a ten-bedroom Diamond Head estate worth £21 million to kick off the series in style.

Last year, former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson was crowned King of the Jungle and he is back down under to co-host an ITV2 spin off show.

The class of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here 2024 has at last been confirmed ( 
Image:
ITV)

Name: Oti Mabuse

Oti Mabuse is entering the jungle ( 
Image:
ITV)
Age: 34

Famous for: winning Strictly Come Dancing two years in a row

Phobias: I am terrified of snakes.

On entering the jungle: “Now I have had my baby daughter, I want to get back to the adventurous and fun Oti. I feel ready for a change and doing something completely different. I will have no make-up, concealer, lashes – it’s going to be nice to be laid back.”

She added: “Of course not seeing my daughter is going to be hard. She is going to be one of my biggest motivators.”

Best & worst attributes: “I think I have a good listening ear. My worst? I can be quite loud – but unintentionally. And if I get bored, I am even more energetic.”

Name: Alan Halsall

Alan Halsall is best known for Corrie ( 
Image:
ITV)
Age: 42

Famous for: Coronation Street star

Phobias: I’m not scared of anything at home but if you were to put ten snakes on my head, I don’t know how I would feel about that as clearly I’ve never been in that situation before!

On entering the jungle: “This is something I have always shied away from in the past. You are never going to get me on the ice, dancing isn’t my thing and this will be much harder than filming a scene in Corrie. There I am pretending to be someone else and delivering lines that are written for me. This is a very different thing. I will miss work too. It’s such a huge part of my life and I have been there for such a long time. I work with my best friends.”

Best & worst attributes: “My sense of humour and I hope to have a laugh in camp. Worst? Sleeping is going to be interesting. I have problems sleeping and it has to be pitch black and deadly quiet – now that is not going to happen!”

Name: Jane Moore

Jane Moore is a Loose Women regular ( 
Image:
ITV)Age: 62

Famous for: Loose Women star and journalist

Phobias: I’m not sure how I will feel when faced with Australian creepy crawlies, as they are so much bigger and I’m not fond of cold water either – so any of the water Trials I would not really want to do.

On entering the jungle: “I’m apprehensive about being away from home, being isolated and away from my phone and laptop – but actually, this is also the very thing I am looking forward to. I have never done a reality show before and I’ve always said when we talk about these things on Loose Women that this programme would be the one. I like an adventure and it appeals to me.”

Best & worst attributes: “I am very organised and so if anything needs organising, I’m your girl. I will also try to fill the long hours with lots of conversation. My worst? I get up at least twice in the night to go to the toilet, as I am a woman of a certain age. I will try to be quiet!”

Name: Tulisa Contostavlos

N-Dubz Singer and former X factor judge Tulisa promises to be a fan favourite ( 
Image:
ITV)
Age: 36

Famous for: N-Dubz Singer and former X factor judge

Phobias: I am not going to give too much away by telling people what to vote for, but I will be scared of a lot of stuff!

On entering the jungle: “I will probably struggle in the first few days as doing something like this is a big deal for me. I haven’t been thrust this much into the spotlight in a while and I have avoided it out of irrational fear.”

She added: “My friends who I have told are really excited. They feel it will be good for people to see the person I am – and not the perception. They are two very different people and they are excited. I just want to be in a place now where I live authentically.”

Best & worst attributes: “I am a good communicator and I’m aware of other people’s emotions. Worst? My eating habits. I am really OCD with my food so if something comes on a bone, I have to pick it all off first before I eat it. They will be waiting for me to finish so whoever wants to do the dishes, I will still be sitting there two hours later with the same little bowl!”

Name: Melvin Odoom

Melvin said he’s “a very positive guy in every situation” ( 
Image:
ITV)
Age: 44

Famous for: TV presenter and radio DJ

Phobias: I really hate insects and creepy crawlies.

On entering the jungle: “I can become a different person if I haven’t eaten enough – I am Moody Melvin! It’s very rare (this happens), but I will try my best to do all the Trials.”

Best & worst attributes: “I’m a very positive guy in every situation. My worst? I snore loudly and I’ve been trying to train myself not to do it before I go into the camp.”

Name: Coleen Rooney

It’s finally been confirmed that Coleen will be entering the jungle ( 
Image:
ITV)
Age: 38

Famous for: Wagatha Christie court case and wife of Wayne

Phobias: I don’t think I have got any phobias. Then again, I could say, ‘Oh I’m not scared of heights and then get up on a high building and the panic sets in!

On entering the jungle: “Of course it would be lovely to win. But if I don’t, then I will get to see the kids! Whatever I do in life, I like to put my all into it and so if I am going in there, it would be nice to stay until the end. Why would I go in there and then want to come out after week one? I want to go as far as I can but perhaps more importantly I have spoken with others who have taken part and they have all said that it was an experience that was a once in a lifetime opportunity and will probably never come again so wanted to get the most out of it, so I am excited to be a part of it”

She added: “I am really looking forward to I’m A Celebrity now and I hope I can make my family proud – no pressure!”

Best & worst attributes: “I am quite a focused person and so I hope I will be someone who says, ‘Come on, let’s battle through this’. My worst? I didn’t think I snored, but Wayne says I snore – not continuously though – just every now and again!”

Name: Barry McGuigan

Barry admitted he’s a little “irritable” ( 
Image:
ITV)
Age: 63

Famous for: Former boxing champion

Phobias: I don’t exactly enjoy hanging out with rats and snakes and spiders… but I don’t have a phobia of any of them.

On entering the jungle: “Once you’ve made the decision to get into I’m A Celebrity, you have to be willing to do everything. It might be disgusting and you might be tired, but being a fighter and being dedicated and committed to training and getting ready for fights… you have to go through hell, physically as well as psychologically. So, I know what I’m letting myself in for.”

Best & worst attributes: “I’m determined. But maybe as I’m getting older I’m getting more irritable. It’s just a natural thing, an age thing. I’m more irritable than I was 30 / 40 years ago, put it that way.”

Name: GK Barry

GK Barry is a podcaster ( 
Image:
ITV)
Age: 25

Famous for: Podcaster and content creator

Phobias: I am terrified of everything!

On entering the jungle: “I did once sleep in a tent in the garden, but I went in after a few hours as it wasn’t very fun.

“I am imagining this as a retreat. I can’t wait to not have to be on social media and I think the small food portions in camp will be fine too.”

Best & worst attributes: “Making light of a negative situation. I am a good person if you are upset. My worst? I snore and to be honest, I can be lazy at times. But yes, I do know I am going to have to do some chores!”

Name: Danny Jones

Danny was seen arriving in Down Under last week ( 
Image:
ITV)
Age: 38

Famous for: Musician with McFly and won The Masked Singer

Phobias: I’ve tried to forget all of my phobias. I’ve never been put in a situation like this before. I’m hoping that I don’t come home with new phobias…

On entering the jungle: “I’m looking forward to the evening when someone’s come back with all of the stars – or I’ve come back with all of the stars – and everyone’s championing you saying, ‘Yes, come on’. The sun has set, the fire’s on, you’ve eaten and you’ve got that little high from your food. I’m looking forward to those evenings.”

Best & worst attributes: “I can kind of cook. So I’ll bring a bit of that. Apart from that I’ll just be the silly billy in the corner having a good time.”

Name: Dean McCullough

Age: 38

Famous for: Radio 1 DJ

Phobias: I am terrified of everything – snakes, green flies, being suspended off a cliff – it’s all torturous. Don’t tell Ant & Dec but I don’t like being confined in tight spaces either!

On entering the jungle: “I am a Cancerian and I don’t shy away from emotion,” explains Dean. “I am happy to have some deep and meaningfuls and share parts of my life I haven’t shared before – how I got to Radio 1, my coming out experience and things people don’t know about me. If the time is right and it feels correct, I am more than happy to share.”

Best & worst attributes: “I’d like to think I will bring lots of good vibes. Worst? I am known to wake up in the middle of the night.”

Dean said he’ll bring “good vibes” ( 
Image:
ITV)
* I’m A Celebrity will launch on Sunday (November 17) at 9pm on ITV and ITVX.

Jamie Oliver’s second children’s book Billy and the Giant Adventure has been branded as ‘irresponsible and damaging’ by education bodies, who demanded it was pulled

Jamie Oliver has been forced to apologise and has withdrawn his new book after it was slammed as “irresponsible and damaging” by an education body for Indigenous Australians.

The TV chef has turned his hand to writing children’s books, saying he came up with the idea while telling his kids bedtime stories. But his sequel has caused offence, with The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation (Natsiec) urging Jamie and his publisher Penguin Random House to recall the title.

Published earlier this year, Billy and the Epic Escape comes after his debut Billy and the Giant Adventure, featuring drawings by Spanish illustrator Mónica Armiño. A subplot in the book sees a First Nations girl who is fostered by an Indigenous community, but its kidnapped by a villain.

In the story, the villain says that “First Nations children seem to be more connected with nature”. The Indigenous girl in the book also tells the English characters that she’s able to communicate with plants and animals, as well as read people’s minds.

Billy and the Epic Escape has been pulled from shelves ( 
Image:
Puffin Books/PA)

Jamie Oliver says he is ‘devastated’ ( 
Image:
Puffin Books/PA)

She describes it as the “Indigenous way”. There is also debate about the vocabulary used – the girl is believed to be from Alice Springs, but uses language from New South Wales and Queensland. Taking “decisive” action, Jamie, 49, and Penguin have pulled the book. In a statement, he said: “I am devastated to have caused offence and apologise wholeheartedly. It was never my intention to misinterpret this deeply painful issue. Together with my publishers we have decided to withdraw the book from sale.” A spokesperson for Penguin Random House said: “It is clear that our publishing standards fell short on this occasion, and we must learn from that and take decisive action.”

The Guardian reports that Penguin confirmed that no Indigenous organisations or individuals were consulted with during the writing process. Oliver said: “I am devastated to hear I have caused offence and wholly apologise for doing so. I am listening and reflecting and working closely with my publisher on next steps.”

In a different statement, the publisher said: “Penguin Random House UK publishes this work and takes responsibility for the consultation, or what we would call an authenticity read of the work. It was our editorial oversight that this did not happen. It should have and the author asked for one and we apologise unreservedly.”

One of the organisations to criticise the book was The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation (Natsiec). Chief executive Sharon Davis said Billy and the Epic Escape is “irresponsible and damaging, reflecting a profound lack of understanding and respect”.

The book was also accused of “erasure, trivialisation, and stereotyping of First Nations peoples and experiences”, adding it “ignores the violent oppression of First Nations people, raising serious concerns about the cultural safety of First Nations readers – especially young people”.

Davis said: “We urge Penguin Books and Jamie Oliver to recognise the impact of their content and take swift action to prevent further harm. Penguin Books should pull Billy and the Epic Escape from circulation, specifically removing all content involving First Nations characters and cultural references.”

I’m A Celebrity starts this Sunday, but some of the campmates have already shown signs of struggling Down Under – and they haven’t even got into the jungle yet!

The stars of this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get me Out of Here! have touched down in Australia.

But day one of filming didn’t exactly go to plan! For their first ‘task’, the celebs had to jump out of a plane with a parachute, landing on the beach at famous Aussie hotspot Byron Bay. But while some of the cast did it smoothly, others found it a bit of a struggle.

Journalist and Loose Women panellist Jane Moore battled strong winds during her descent, so much so that she was blown off course and landed amongst some tourists instead of her fellow campmates.

Loose Women star Jane Moore has blown off course as she parachuted to the beach ( 
Image:
Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)
But she eventually found her way to the other celebs – and looked extremely relieved to have made it as she embraced Coleen Rooney – this year’s most high profile signing.

The 38-year-old WAG, who is married to Wayne Rooney, is thought to be receiving a cool £1.5 million to appear on the ITV show – the highest sum paid to any contestant ever.

Social media star and podcast GK Barry donned a white jumpsuit, reminiscent of something Kylie might wear.

DJ and TV presenter Melvin Odoom was also waiting on the sand to greet Jane as she finally arrived.

Jane finally reaches her fellow campmates after landing amongst some tourists ( 
Image:
Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)
Elsewhere Tulisa looked on fine form as she donned a Tomb Raider style outfit for her grand entrance.

The N-Dubz star and former X Factor judge came over all Lara Croft as she donned a white crop top which she teamed with on-trend matching cargo pants.

She was pictured running to get into a waiting helicopter at a luxury waterfront mansion. The campmates – who were split into two groups – then had to then skydive down to the beach.

Tulisa looked on fine form as she donned a Tomb Raider style outfit ( 
Image:
Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)
Showing she might be a strong contender for the Bushtucker Trials, 36-year-old Tulisa seemed to take it all in her stride.

And she even managed to look cool as she touched down on the sand in her parachute.

One onlooker said: “Danny and Tulisa came down perfectly but then the wind got up and Jane was pushed off course. She didn’t seem to mind though and gave the thumbs up and held her arms aloft for the ITV cameras.”

Tulisa looks like an action star as she touches down on the sand ( 
Image:
Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)McFly’s Danny Jones didn’t look like he had a head for heights after his jump.

Looking a bit green around the gills, The Voice UK judge might struggle if fans vote for him to do anything high up when it comes to his trials.

And former Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse, who was pictured running to do her skydive, has already revealed she is “terrified of snakes”.

McFly’s Danny Jones didn’t look like he had a head for heights after his jump ( 
Image:
Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)

Former Strictly Star Oti Mabuse runs to do her sky dive ( 
Image:
Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)
Other celebs appearing on this year’s series include Coronation Street star Alan Halsall, famous for playing lovable Tyrone Dobbs.

It will be interesting to see how he fares in the trials as the 42-year-old says he is fearless. He bragged: “I’m not scared of anything at home but if you were to put ten snakes on my head, I don’t know how I would feel about that as clearly I’ve never been in that situation before!”

Ex-champion boxer Barry McGuigan, who was known in the 80s as The Clones Cyclone, is also heading into the jungle and thinks he’ll do pretty well too. He said: “I don’t exactly enjoy hanging out with rats and snakes and spiders… but I don’t have a phobia of any of them.”

Dean McCullough looks like he can’t believe he just skydived as he touched down ( 
Image:
Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)

Radio 1 DJ Dean McCullough completes the line up so far. Though it’s rumoured there could be one of two secret campmates who haven’t been formerly announced yet.

Filming is expected to continue tomorrow before the 10 celebrities all head into camp at the weekend.

On Wednesday night the Mirror told how a pair of celebs will be joint leaders in the camp after winning an opening competition – dubbed Snakes And Leaders – which is a race to the finish line once the famous faces choose teams.

The pairs challenge is a huge makeover as the show normally starts with a Walk The Plank style opening on top of a building in the Gold Coast.

Executive producer Olly Nash said: “This year we’re going out for an ultra competitive series, you’ve got a really positive cast, everybody’s really happy and up for it. All the celebrities will be pairing up into pairs, and those five pairs will go head to head in a number of challenges.

“The winners will become the first leaders of camp, exempt from all chores, and live in the leaders Lodge, and they’ll be running camp, setting up the way they want and the way they like for the first few days.”

The camp has also had a revamp with the new Leader’s Lodge. It features comfy beds sheltered from the rain, nice plush pillows and big duvets.

*I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! starts on ITV on Sunday, November 17 at 9pm

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Former This Morning co-stars Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes announced their separation in a shock statement in May after almost 15 years of marriage and now she is returning to Loose Women

When television’s golden couple Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes announced their separation in May, it sent shockwaves through the industry.

With a marriage deemed to be ‘rock solid’ and one of the strongest in showbiz, the news the couple were seeking a divorce after 14 years of marriage hit hard. The TV presenters, who are both 64, met in 1997 through their mutual friend, television presenter, Sally Meen and quickly fell in love.

The bombshell two months ago left everyone searching for answers, and it has since been alleged that Ruth found messages between her husband and another woman on a laptop. Friends close to the Loose Women presenter – who has returning today after taking time away from the ITV show to deal with the breakdown of her marriage – revealed that there is no going back for the couple.

She has been left “hurt” after finding out her husband is being consoled by another woman with whom he’s been on a string of outings. Katie Alexander struck up a friendship with Eamonn over the past couple of years and he is said to have taken her to a safari park, a Manchester United game and a Beyonce gig.

In May it emerged Eamonn and Ruth have split after 14 years of marriage and are to divorce ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

The relationship counsellor, 42, has accompanied the GB News presenter on several outings over the past year and has been photographed at his home. Ruth was largely unaware of their friendship – and Katie’s pasl are at pains to point out that their friendship has only grown close once the stars’ marriage was over.

A friend of Ruth said: “Ruth was hurt when she learned about Eamonn’s friendship with another woman but she is strong and she will be back soon with a smile on her face, putting her best foot forward, as she always does. She needs a bit of time to regroup after everything that’s gone on, which is understandable, but she plans to return to Loose Women, with renewed vigour, in July.”

A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Ruth was completely taken by surprise when she saw the messages. She had no idea what had been going on between them. She was devastated. Not only was she very upset but she was also angry.” This, coupled with reports of explosive rows, along with Ruth admitting Eamonn’s ill health was “testing” for their family, lead many to think the pair had secretly split weeks before their announcement.

He has been seen with Katie Alexander who is ‘helping Eamonn through the tough time’
Speaking in the wake of their separation, one insider said: “It’s a very sorry tale. They are both so loved by the British public, they won over so many people on This Morning which they hosted for more than a decade. They were as close to Richard Madeley and Judy Finnegan as you could get,” reports MailOnline.

It’s believed that both Eamonn and Ruth are keen to finalise their divorce soon, but there’s still a lot to sort out behind the scenes. Insiders claim Ruth is set to “barely mention” the breakup when she makes her comeback on Loose Women. At last month’s TRIC awards, a candid Eamonn shared: “I’m not OK. This is not a good time at all.” When quizzed about the future of his relationship with Ruth, Eamonn said: “It’s too early to say but I hope we can still be friends.”

Eamonn and Ruth’s romance began in 1997 after being introduced by friends, leading to over a decade of dating before Eamonn proposed. The couple tied the knot in 2010, but they hadn’t been seen together publicly for two years prior to their split and in May they stunned fans by confirming it is all over in a statement.

Loose Women’s Andrea McLean was on the reserve list for Strictly Come Dancing, but says she was ‘relieved’ when she wasn’t needed after hours of ‘scary’ practicing

Former Loose Women host, Andrea McLean, has admitted she was “relieved” when Strictly Come Dancing bosses told her she wouldn’t be on the show.

The seasoned presenter, 54, was on the reserves list for the BBC staple, which has just announced chaperones will be present in the training rooms for all future series after Graziano Di Prima is alleged to have mistreated last year’s contestant Zara McDermott.

Despite not making it onto the show, Andrea says she still had to practice, which she says she found “so scary”. Speaking about the experience in a interview before Graziano was axed from the show following the misconduct claims, she said: “I think I was the only celebrity who was relieved when they were told they weren’t needed.”

Loose Women’s Andrea McLean was on the reserve list for Strictly Come Dancing ( 
Image:
Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Im)

Graziano Di Prima has been sacked from the show following allegations about his behaviour ( 
Image:
Mike Marsland/WireImage)
She continued in Woman’s Own: “Even just practicing was so scary, so when I came home, I thought to myself: ‘Thank God, now I can just watch it.’”

The beloved BBC show has been hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons recently. Just weeks after it was revealed Giovanni Pernice 33, had been axed from the new series of Strictly after the broadcaster launched an investigation into his ‘bullying’ behaviour in the training room with Amanda Abbington – which the Sicilian denies – Graziano, has also been dropped after claims he behaved inappropriately towards Love Island star, Zara.

Following the bombshell news, Graziano took to his Instagram page to share a statement and said he “deeply regrets the events that led to my departure”. He also added: “When the time is right, I will share my story.” Giovanni, meanwhile, has always strenuously denied the allegations against him.

Zara broke her silence on Tuesday, saying she has been “wrestling with the fear of opening up” in a poignant post on Instagram. Stating the Strictly call was a “dream come true” having wanted to be on the show since she was a “little girl”, she shared: “Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents, which are incredibly distressing to watch.

Following her statement, the BBC made one of its own, confirming it would be making changes ahead of the new series, predominantly to rehearsals. They wrote: “The BBC is today announcing additional steps to strengthen welfare and support on Strictly Come Dancing. Concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals.

“The actions we announce today are designed to address that. We have taken the decision to introduce the following additional practical steps. Going forward, we will have a production team member present during training room rehearsals at all times; increase existing support with the addition of two new roles on the show dedicated to welfare support – a Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer; and deliver further training for the production team and crew.”

Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, added: “Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act. Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals. The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved.”

Antiques Roadshow guest was left in disbelief when a sculpture he had been using as a doorstop turned out to be a rare piece by celebrated Nigerian artist Ben Enwonwu

An Antiques Roadshow punter was gobsmacked during Sunday’s episode when a quirky car boot bargain sculpture he had been using as a doorstop turned out to be a rare treasure worth a small fortune.

Broadcast from the picturesque Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey, Fiona Bruce and her team dug up some gems, including what might be an original Winnie the Pooh edition, a dazzling ballerina brooch and a quirky wooden chair by the legendary ‘Mouseman’, Robert Thompson.

Stealing the show though, was one visitor’s peculiar piece, which he confessed puzzled him, remarking: “I’ve always been perplexed by it, wondering what it is.”

He amusingly added: “It’s been my doorstop for the last 12 months,” mentioning he snagged it for a mere £50 at a local car boot sale in Anglesey three years earlier. Clueless about its background, he mused: “Someone mentioned it could be African; I don’t know.”

Expert John Foster then delivered the shocker – revealing the sculpture as the creation of Ben Enwonwu, a giant in Nigerian art history.

The guest purchased the rare art piece at a car boot sale ( 
Image:
BBC)
Foster painted a picture of Enwonwu’s prestigious journey, a man who flawlessly fused Nigerian and Western art techniques, gaining recognition in the 1940s thanks to the Zwemmer Gallery, before spreading his influence through exhibits from New York to London and Milan. Foster continued, “The sculptor Ben Enwonwu [is] one of Nigeria’s most celebrated sculptors. He was born in Nigeria in 1917 and died in the sort of mid-90s.”, reports the Express.

Expounding on the artist’s reputation, notably with bronze and stone, Foster speculated that the carved stone work likely hailed from the 1970s.

The expert revealed: “He was the first pioneer in mixing Nigerian art with Western art. Known really as a sculptor in bronze and stone, and this being in carved stone style-wise I thought it sort of dates from the 1970s. He was picked up by a gallery in the 40s and it was a gallery called the Zwemmer Gallery. And that, literally from there, skyrocketed him to having shows in New York, London and Milan.”

John Foster valued the piece as worth £10,000 to £15,000 at auction ( 
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BBC)
He then valued the sculpture between £10,000 and £15,000. The guest was stunned, exclaiming: “You’re joking! I could cry. I had no inclination that it was going to be worth so much money. It’s shocked me.”

As the true value of his £50 find sank in, he added with a smile: “I thought it might be £100.”

As her new food travel show hits ITV this week, comedian Judi Love opens up about love, her mental health, juggling work and teens and her next goal

Judi Love’s lifelong mantra is that laughter is healing – so it’s perhaps no surprise that the comedian now plans to do a PhD on the subject.

The 44-year-old Loose Women presenter, who already has two university degrees under her belt, says her future goals are not limited to the world of entertainment. Although she would like to be the next Cilla Black. “I’d love to reboot Blind Date,” she laughs, with that unmistakable cackle. “Let’s manifest it, I’m going to put that on my vision board.”

With her brand new ITV foodie travel show on screens this week, Judi Love’s Culinary Cruise, a stand-up tour in the works, not to mention regular appearances on Loose Women and comedy panel shows, Judi is at the top of her game. But it hasn’t always been easy, coming from a working class background in London, raising two children as a single mum and facing discrimination as a black woman. She says: “There were many days I remember, being in my council property and fretting, being nervous, thinking, ‘How am I going to get through this week? What am I going to do?’ There’s something creative in me and I just want people to feel some kind of joy. That was my thing.

Sweet like honey: Judi Love gets to grips with bee keeping on her new TV show ( 
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ITV)
“I’ve done degrees, I’ve raised kids by myself, so even if it’s not entertainment, if people have that moment, thinking ‘How do I balance teenagers?’ or ‘How do I go back to uni?’ or ‘How do I be plus size but still try to keep myself fit?’ I don’t see myself as a role model, but if someone can see themselves in me, then that makes me feel purposeful.”

Judi Love tries some surprising new foods on Judi Love’s Culinary Cruise ( 
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ITV)

She adds: “People shouldn’t limit themselves to what people expect you to do. I want to get back on the road and do my comedy tour. I’d love to do more writing, producing and directing. I want to go back to university and do a PhD. I’d like to study how laughter affects your mental health. Otherwise I’d study something connected to women’s health.”

Judi admits that as a woman, especially as a black woman, there have definitely been difficulties. She says: “As a woman, it’s what we have to carry. And it’s challenging, because women, we get paid less. You can be on a comedy show and there are five acts, and back in the day, there would only be one female – and it might not be a female of colour. So then I’ve got those two things against me. TV was always very middle class. People went to uni or you knew someone who knew somebody. I never knew anybody that worked in TV when I was young. I knew people who had been on TV, but the ones who made the decisions? Never. But I think things have changed, from agents opening up their pool of talent, to people in certain positions. I created my own audience, which enabled me to get seen a lot more. They’re from all backgrounds and cultures, so it’s hard to deny it then really.”

Judi also believes that coming to show business a bit later in life, at the age of 36, has helped her to deal with the industry and her career in the public eye. She says: “My advice to anyone coming into the industry is to work on your craft, find your unique selling point, what makes you different, and don’t come into it too young. I got into it at a later stage and I’m really grateful for that. I’m glad that I knew myself, who I was as a person. I had children, I had bills. I’d worked in the normal world and that really grounded me a lot more. It’s a very demanding industry and so many people suffer with anxiety. You’re exposed. You’re meeting so many different people and your circle changes, you’re not seeing your friends and family as much. You need a really good support network.”

Judi tries out traditional costume on her travels on Judi Love’s Culinary Cruise ( 
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ITV)
When it comes to her mental health, Judi is careful to take time out when she needs it. I always take a break from social media if I need it,” she says. “I try to put in boundaries if I’m feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes I think I need to take time off from it if it’s been busy. I ignore trolls as much as I can, but no one can say that trolling doesn’t get you. Of course it does, I try to ignore it. I don’t really respond, but it’s never nice when you get abusive messages.”

She adds: “The hardest thing about entertainment is not having the structure. It’s never the same day twice. If you’re used to routine, this is where mental health issues can slip in, especially if you’re away from family. I try to take breaks and I’m very much about ‘What am I doing this for?’ I need to do things that make me fulfilled, not just because they are there for me to do.”

Looking after her health is important but Judi laughs that it gets tougher when you hit 40. She says: “I go to the gym, I exercise. I try to eat good food, I don’t limit myself. I’m definitely cutting down the alcohol. In the entertainment business, you find you’ve gone to a networking or an event and you suddenly realise you’ve had a drink four or five times in the week. Then you might have a drink at home because you think ‘I’m gonna wind down, I’m off today’. I’m being more mindful and I think that’s really important, especially being over 40, your body changes with what you can tolerate. I definitely can’t tolerate bread that much anymore. I don’t have to drink to have a good time.”

Judi says she brought joy and laughter to her travels on her new ITV show ( 
Image:
ITV)Life is certainly hectic and non-stop, with life, kids and career a constant juggle. While she’s talking, she’s on the way to take her 15-year-old son to an orthodontist appointment, while her 19-year-old daughter is at home, having been poorly with a tummy bug the day before. She says: “I’ve got filming to get to later as well. It’s a juggle, but it’s one that I’m really grateful and blessed to have.” It’s little wonder there might not be much time for dating. She says: “I’m not dating at the moment, I would say I am dating myself. Although I’m always open to it, I meet beautiful people all the time, so let’s see.”

Having won the 2021 Celebrity MasterChef Christmas special, Judi’s flair for food has been harnessed for her latest project, which sees her travel around Montenegro, Greece and the Greek islands on a culinary tour on a luxury yacht. Judi says: I’m got to commend other people who do travelogues, because it’s hard work, but it’s so rewarding. Never in my life did I imagine I could travel, explore, meet people, embrace someone’s culture, eat the most fabulous food and then get to cook and learn people’s traditions. I loved spreading my joy and laughter around food and travel. There were so many funny moments, like once I was engrossed in a conversation with the Captain of our yacht and then I said ‘Who’s driving the boat?’ In Montenegro, this lady became obsessed with me. She kept calling me, ‘Juicy woman, juicy, juicy beautiful woman’. It was a lot of fun.”

Judi has always embraced her Jamaican heritage and was blown away by the similarities in cooking and traditions on her travels. She says: “Seeing how much we have in common around the world is really beautiful. Even being British, food is at the centre, whether it’s a Sunday roast or that auntie who makes the best potatoes. Traditions were so deeply embedded in Greece and you could see generations being taught and recipes being passed on. It really makes you think about the legacy and how important it is to pass those things on. In my family, my mum was known as the cook. Everyone wanted her rice and peas or curried goat, or cakes. My daughter cooks now and she’s incredible, those skills have been brought down the generations and that’s really what legacy is about.” Judi adds: “Looking back at my career, I do have pinch-me moments. What a crazy, beautiful privilege to be in this kind of world.”