Author: bang5

The winning design for a national memorial in Central London to commemorate the late Queen – Britain’s longest serving monarch – has been announced

Queen Elizabeth will be honoured with a new memorial in St James’s Park – opposite Buckingham Palace – which will be dedicated to her 70-year reign as monarch(Image: Getty Images)

The winning design for a national memorial dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth has been unveiled. The memorial is set to transform St James’s Park – located opposite Buckingham Palace – to honour the life and service of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, while also featuring a touching tribute to her 73-year marriage.

Key features include a statue of the Queen in a new civic space called Queen Elizabeth II Place at Marlborough Gate, a new Prince Philip Gate on the other side of the park on Birdcage Walk with a statue of Philip, as well as a “family of gardens”, meandering paths and a new translucent, glass unity bridge.

The memorial bridge will be inspired by the tiara worn by the late Queen Elizabeth on her wedding day(Image: PA)The Mirror exclusively revealed last year that a national memorial will stand in St James’s Park in the heart of London, which Prime Minister Keir Starmer later said would provide “everyone with a place to honour the late Queen and connect with the shared history we cherish”.

The late Queen died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96. Elizabeth II, whose reign spanned 70 years, dedicated her life to her royal duty.

The memorial bridge is inspired by the tiara Queen Elizabeth wore on her wedding day to the late Prince Philip in 1947. The tiara, known as the Queen Mary Fringe diamond ti

The crown had to be rushed by police escort to Garrard jewellers to be fixed, and soon became an iconic symbol of her wedding day and long-lasting relationship.

A bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip will also be erected, paying homage to their 73 years of marriage (Image: PA)

The new crossing, located a stones throw away from the bronze statues on the Mall, will replace the park’s existing Blue Bridge and will serve as a fitting reminder of the late Queen’s achievements during her 70-year reign.

As well as the new bridge and statues being constructed, the park will see a “family of gardens” be built, as well as twisting paths and a contemporary wind structure erected to give visitors a place for quiet reflection.

The memorial in London will be one of many around the country dedicated to the late Queen, with statues of Queen Elizabeth already standing proud in York, Andover, Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Royal Albert Hall.

Speaking of being selected to create the tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, Lord Foster – who also designed The Gherkin in London – said the memorial would not disrupt the park, and would be handled with a “light touch” to capture both the formal and informal qualities of the late Queen.

The memorial has been designed by renowned architect Lord Foster, who also designed The Gherkin in London(Image: PA)

He said: “The Queen encompassed, historically, periods of significant change, socially and technologically, but it was all very much with a light touch, and that light touch, the feeling should be that if you visit St James’s Park and the site in question later, it will still feel very familiar.”

“At the heart of our masterplan is a translucent bridge symbolic of Her Majesty as a unifying force, bringing together nations, countries, the Commonwealth, charities and the armed forces.”

Lord Foster added that the atmosphere of the memorial would be “gentler, quieter, more contemplative, and an opportunity to rediscover, or perhaps for some to discover, the legacy of Her Majesty”.

A a “family of gardens” will be built in the park to give visitors a place for quiet reflection(Image: PA)

Earlier this year, five design options were unveiled in St James’s Park, with the public encouraged to view the potential memorials and give their opinion on which would be best to honour the late Queen. The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee decided on the final design, also taking into account the views of the public.

The exact proposal for the memorial will be subject to change, with the panel of committee members working with the team on the final design. It is expected to be unveiled in 2026 to coincide with what would have been the late Queen’s 100th birthday year.

During his visit to the NATO summit at The Hague, Donald Trump met with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands – and many spotted a peculiar gesture by Maxima

A senior royal has been accused of mocking Donald Trump as they made an appearance together on live TV. The US president had been attending a NATO summit in The Hague, and during his time in the Netherlands, he was invited to stay at the Huis ten Bosch Palace, one of the Dutch King Willem-Alexander’s official residences.

After his stayover at the palace, the US president joined the King and his wife Queen Maxima for a photocall, which was broadcast live on TV. Trump stood in between the royal couple for a photo and gave the thumbs up as he told the photographer: “That’s the picture we want!” The King then asked Trump: “You slept well.

Donald Trump with the Netherlands’ King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima(Image: AP)

To which the president replied: “It was great.” A photographer then shouts: “Thank you all very much” and Trump adds: “Thank you very much”. And in an incredible moment, Maxima looks at the president before turning to the camera and making a gesture with her lips, which some have taken as her mocking him.

Trump joined world leaders including Prime Minster Keir Starmer for the NATO summit yesterday, where it was agreed more money would be put towards military spending.

However, the Dutch King and Queen aren’t the only royal couple to have an encounter with the president. Yesterday, it was reported that Trump is to make a full state visit to the UK later this year as King Charles and the US president’s busy diaries mean they are unable to meet informally first over the summer.

The Times reported that Keir Starmer has gone against the wishes of the King by bringing Mr Trump’s “bells and whistles” state visit forward to September. The newspaper said the Palace had been hoping for a more leisurely approach building towards the state visit, amid concern over Mr Trump’s threat to make Canada the US’s 51st state.

Many accused Maxima of mocking Trump

Charles, who is King of Canada, suggested in a letter personally delivered to Mr Trump by Sir Keir in the Oval Office in February that they might meet at Balmoral or Dumfries House Scotland first before the much grander state visit.

But it is understood that, although all options were explored, there were logistical challenges surrounding an informal visit, with complexities in both the King and Mr Trump’s diaries meaning a private meeting was not possible over the course of the summer months.

The diary issues come despite the King heading to Scotland for his summer break each year, and Mr Trump being expected to visit his new, second golf course in Aberdeenshire when it opens this summer.

King Charles is set to welcome Trump to the UK in September (Image: PA)

It is said that the logistical reasons why the private meeting cannot precede the state visit are understood and appreciated by all parties. Formal planning for the official state visit has now begun.

Precedent for second-term US presidents who have already made a state visit is usually tea or lunch with the monarch at Windsor Castle, as was the case for George W Bush and Barack Obama. But Mr Trump is being treated with an unprecedented second state visit for a US president, this time at Windsor.

The Times suggested Sir Keir was hoping to prioritise his attempt to curry favour with Mr Trump and capitalise on the president’s fascination with the royal family.

Asked if No 10 had overruled the King over the visit, a Downing Street spokesman said: “That’s untrue. During his visit to the White House in February the Prime Minister was delighted to extend His Majesty the King’s invite for a historic second state visit to the president and first lady and the president was pleased to accept. Of course, the Prime Minister looks forward to welcoming President Trump.”

Prince Harry is said to have had difficulty procuring British passports for his two children – Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet – allegedly due to his desire for the documents to use their royal titles

Charles’ fallout with Harry is widely known(Image: Getty Images)

Prince Harry came into difficulty when trying to get British passports for his two children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, it has been claimed – but the saga is said to have left royal insiders bewildered.

The Duke of Sussex allegedly faced delays when it came to procuring the official documentation for his children, in part due to his desire to use their royal titles in the passports.

According to a report by The Guardian, Harry and his wife Meghan were told that the passports had been delayed for their kids due to technical issues, so they re-applied through the 24-hour service that is available – only for the required meeting to be cancelled.

The couple are said to have sent a legal letter that threatened to seek the data surrounding the issues – and the passports were finally issued just days later, six months after the process began. A standard passport application usually takes around three weeks in the UK.

During the long process, Harry was reportedly so frustrated he even considered applying for the passports under his mother, the late Princess Diana’s, family name of Spencer.

Archie already had a British passport under the name of Mountbatten-Windsor, but the new document would have used the name Sussex, along with his royal title of prince and the styling ‘HRH’.

This was a point of contention, a source close to the Sussex family claimed, as “the King hadn’t wanted Archie and Lili to carry the titles, most of all the HRH, and the British passports, once created, would be the first and perhaps the only legal proof of their names.”

Buckingham Palace strongly denied that the King or palace aides had anything to do with the delays in issuing their passports, The Telegraph reports.

It was also reported that Harry is keen for the children to have the ‘Royal Highness’ styling so when they are older they can decide if they would like to be working members of the Royal Family themselves – or stay out of the spotlight.

However, this claim is said to have left insiders confused, with “bemusement in royal circles” about the idea.

Harry and Meghan dropped the HRH styling in 2020 when they stepped back as working royals as it was decided the couple would make a full break from the monarchy.

In a report marking Prince William’s 43rd birthday, the Sunday Times claimed, “Under the next reign, roles for Archie and Lili as working royals are unlikely.”

And, is the person dead?

Nina and Summer panicked this evening (Wednesday, June 25) in Coronation Street that they’d left someone to die but it’s unclear who that is.

On the night of Aadi Alahan’s party, high Nina and Summer were distraught after witnessing something.

And now, after retracing their steps, they’re certain they left someone to die and now want answers as to who it was. Here are 3 top fan theories on who the person could’ve been.

Where is Gary? (Credit: ITV)

1. Gary

One possible victim is Gary Windass. Maria and Liam Connor both feared tonight that something had happened to Gary after he failed to return home or contact them.

Taking to X, one fan wondered if they saw something happen to Gary and that’s why he hasn’t returned home.

They wrote: “As Gary Windass mysteriously disappears and ends up in hospital, I think it may have something to do with that like they unintentionally attacked him or they have gotten involved or witnessed something that they really shouldn’t have.”

2. Hurt someone by mistake

Another suggestion is that they could’ve hallucinated a passerby or random person as someone else much like Lauren hallucinated Aadi as Joel.

Coronation Street characters Summer and Nina were high on LSD so it is possible that they hurt someone on accident.

One fan commented: “Remember they were both high and like Lauren, they’d been hallucinating etc so they could have easily and unintentionally hurt someone by mistake.”

Seb’s already made one appearance this year (Credit: ITV)

3. Imagining a person

Another suggestion is that the pair didn’t actually leave someone to die. Well, not a real person anyway.

It’s possible that they hallucinated someone who wasn’t ever actually there. Struggling to find any evidence of a crime scene when retracing their steps, was it all in their imagination?

One theory has suggested that they were hallucinating Seb… And this wouldn’t be the first time someone on the Street had visions of Seb Franklin this year, with Abi seeing him after Mason’s death.

The theory suggested: “Could it be a hallucination to do with Seb?”

Tina and Jon didn’t get to have on-camera reunions with their blood relatives

Long Lost Family: Born Without Trace viewers were left underwhelmed on Wednesday (June 25) night as the family backgrounds of two foundlings were investigated.

Last night’s episode of the ITV reunion series saw hosts Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell focus on two separate people who were given up as infants.

Tina was found on the steps outside a hospital in Stoke-on-Trent in 1970. And Jon was discovered by three young girls in the disabled toilet of a Milton Keynes Leisure Centre car park in 1984.

Davina McCall was back to scour through family histories for Long Last Family (Credit: ITV)

Long Lost Family branded ‘disappointing’

However, while both Tina and Jon found out more about where they had come from, several of those watching at home weren’t as thrilled.

That’s because neither Tina or Jon got to have an on camera meet up with their blood relatives – and some viewers complained this rendered the programme “pointless” and “disappointing”.

Hate episodes like these as meeting the family is essential to the programme’s dynamic.

Just one Long Lost Family viewer among many moaned on Facebook: “Disappointing episode. Although fantastic outcome. Neither participants siblings wanted to be on camera or either parents. Hate episodes like these as meeting the family is essential to the programme’s dynamic. Not to see this is a big let down.”

And a user on X put it: “Completely understand but bloody annoying when they don’t wanna be seen.”

How viewers reacted to Long Lost Family

Other fans of the show expressed similar reactions elsewhere on social media, too.

“It is a bit disappointing as you get heavily invested in the story then you don’t see the family,” another person concurred. They added: “However, it is more disappointing for Jon and Tina as their birth mothers and Jon’s father did not want to meet them. That’s very sad.”

And someone else fumed: “Pointless episode, should have just waited. We saw nothing!”

But other observers felt this approach put their viewing pleasure first, failing to consider what Tina or Jon may need.

“We saw they both found family, what’s pointless?” one person responded.

“Pointless for you because they decided not to be shown on TV to protect their mothers,” chipped in someone else. “They met their siblings so that was constructive in moving forward for all involved.”

But someone else reasoned: “It is a TV show though and a big part for the audience is seeing who these people are. Do they look the same? Do they sound alike? Just annoying that both featured today had no family shown.”

Nicky Campbell joins the search (Credit: ITV)

‘Rejected all over again’

Meanwhile, other onlookers prioritised the feelings of the show’s subjects, even if the programme’s format was shaken up.

One happy fan gushed: “What an episode, so pleased that Jon met his sisters. Got to give his mum time, fingers crossed that they meet one day.”

“Poor Tina. Rejected all over again. So unfair #LongLostFamily,” sympathised another.

And someone else added: “I was really hoping it would pop up message at the end to say since filming both Jon and Tina got to meet mums.”

However, amid the well wishes, some X users had very strong reactions at parents unwilling to meet up with the children they didn’t raise.

One seethed: “These birth mothers who ‘aren’t ready’ to meet the child they abandoned are SELFISH. A whole life of them not knowing who they are and you can’t even be [blank]ed to show up and explain yourself to them #LongLostFamily.”

She reckons women should rule the world

Afurious Nadia Sawalha blasted recent coverage of Donald Trump and bombings in the Middle East as “disgusting” on Loose Women today, with viewers reckoning the former EastEnders actress was “on one”.

Nadia, 60, waved her arms in exasperation as she seethed over the US President being referred to as ‘Daddy’ as he attended the NATO summit in Amsterdam this week.

“We are in the hands of maniacs,” Nadia declared as she addressed the crisis in Gaza, as well as the conflict between Israel and Iran. But while some Loose Women viewers pledged their support for her on social media, other users rolled their eyes at Nadia expressing her opinion.

Nadia Sawalha: ‘We are in the hands of maniacs’ (Credit: ITV)

Loose Women today

Thursday’s (June 26) episode began with host Kaye Adams asking panellists Oti Mabuse, Jane Moore and Nadia for their takes on Mark Rutte, Secretary General of NATO, praising Trump as “Daddy”. It was also noted how the White House have shared a ‘Daddy’s Home’ video since the remarks were made.

Nadia made her contempt clear as she raged about the violence that has been inflicted in recent days, as well as in Gaza.

Admitting her first reaction to the video was to laugh with incredulity, she listed off the issues concerning her in international politics before sarcastically adding: “You want to sit there and call him ‘Daddy’?”

Nadia continued: “We are in the hands of maniacs that don’t seem to care about human beings. Don’t joke when people are being killed day in, day out.”

Kaye Adams: ‘We’re in a very blokey world at the moment’ (Credit: ITV)

‘This is not funny, this is horrific’

With Jane clarifying Rutte’s comments in the context they were made, the panelists pondered whether the comments were examples of diplomacy or “sucking up”. However, Nadia remained unamused.

“This is not funny. This is horrific when talking about thousands of pounds of bombs,” she went on.

Moments later, Nadia shook her head at Kaye as the presenter likened the macho posturing to “pub behaviour”.

That’s why we’re in the mess we’re in, women should rule the world.

“That’s why we’re in the mess we’re in, women should rule the world,” Nadia insisted.

But Kaye disputed whether all global problems could be put down to male leaders, bringing up Margaret Thatcher’s name as an example. However, she maintained: “We’re in a very blokey world at the moment.”

‘Nadia isn’t happy,’ Loose Women viewers claimed (Credit: ITV)

How Loose Women viewers reacted to Nadia Sawalha today

Viewers picked up on Nadia’s unhappiness within moments of her opening her mouth to pass comment.

“Nadia’s livid #loosewomen,” one X user wrote.

“Nadia is on one! #LooseWomen,” posted another.

A third observer claimed: “Oh dear, Nadia isn’t happy #LooseWomen.”

While a fourth added: “Damn Nadia is on fire!!! #LooseWomen.”

Nadia Sawalha was widely backed for her comments (Credit: ITV)
Nadia’s argument seemed to win plenty of people over, with one X user saying: “With Nadia 100% #LooseWomen.”

And another agreed: “Well said Nadia #LooseWomen.”

But not everyone reckoned she knew what she was talking about, with one detractor dismissing her points: “Nadia the expert on world events ffs #LooseWomen.”

However, Nadia’s animated display proved compelling watching for one user, who chuckled: “Love it when #LooseWomen gets a bit heated.”

Sir David Beckham, who is currently embroiled in a lengthy and messy feud with his eldest son Brooklyn, took to Instagram to share a gushing tribute to his mum Sandra

David mentioned Brooklyn in his post

David Beckham has given his eldest son Brooklyn a nod in a gushing post to his mum Sandra, refusing to give into the recent slew of social media digs and snubs from his son. The football star took to his Instagram page where he shared a series of snaps of his mum as they celebrated her birthday.

The caption of the post also mentioned David’s son Brooklyn, despite the pair allegedly falling out. It has been rumoured for months that the Beckhams haven’t been seeing eye to eye with Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz.

David captioned the birthday post: “Happy birthday mum we love you so much I hope u have the best day Thank you for always being there for us all Love you x @sandra_beckham49 @lynnebeckhambriggs1972 @jo_jo_beckham_ @victoriabeckham @brooklynpeltzbeckham @romeobeckham @cruzbeckham #HarperSeven.”

David shared a gushing post to mum Sandra

Wife Victoria also left her own birthday wishes message in the comment section. She wrote: “Happy birthday Sandra xx we love u xxxxxx can’t wait to celebrate you!!! Xx”

Brooklyn’s mention comes as it has been reported that the father-son duo haven’t been getting along. Brooklyn, 26, and wife Nicola Peltz, 30, were no-shows at David’s lavish and star-studded 50th birthday party a few weeks ago and they also remained silent since the news that the former England player has finally been awarded his long-sought-after knighthood. However, in a recent telling move Brooklyn made his feelings clear in a recent post.

It is unknown where or how the feud originally began but some reports claim the tension began to arise around the 2022 wedding of Nicola and Brooklyn.

Brooklyn is married to Nicola Peltz

It has been reported that the feud has now got even worse as Brooklyn has decided that Los Angeles will be his forever home after buying a new house with his wife.

Despite it only becoming public knowledge that a feud is ongoing in recent months, it seems it has been going on for much longer than that.

Body language expert Judi James told the Mirror that the first signs of cracks amongst the family date back to September 2022 – just months after Brooklyn and Nicola tied the knot.

She said: “The Beckham family have always been glued together with ‘Mum-Gum’, a mix of fierce love and even fiercer loyalty that Victoria excels in with her displays of gritty-looking determination, adoration and willpower.

“Any new pack member would need to either integrate or, as Nicola seems to have done, prise their own chosen Beckham away from the pack by showing equal levels of strength and love.

“There were clues, rumours and hints of a rift from Brooklyn and Nicola’s wedding day or before, but the defining, turning point moment in terms of body language displays came at Victoria’s runway show during Paris Fashion Week 2022.”

Judi said that Brooklyn and Nicola arrived separately from the rest of the Beckham family as well as expressing their individuality with their outfit choices.

“David, Cruz, Romeo and Harper all arrived together in a regal flotilla but crown prince Brooklyn was seen making a very non-regal, low key arrival separately with Nicola, with mirrored poses, wearing matching denim casuals while the core Beckham clan oozed elegant sophistication in their formal wear,” Judi said.

Todd Grimshaw actor Gareth Pierce has teased ‘exciting’ moments ahead on Coronation Street amid a ‘busy’ time for his character on the ITV soap, with fans predicting a sad twist

Todd Grimshaw actor Gareth Pierce has teased ‘exciting’ moments ahead on Coronation Street(Image: ITV)

There could be some big moments ahead on Coronation Street, as one actor teased the months still to come.

Todd Grimshaw star Gareth Pierce spoke exclusively to The Mirror about twists and turns, and said “exciting” things were planned. It comes amid a busy time for the character, following the brief return of his brother Jason Grimshaw and the exit of his mother Eileen Grimshaw.

His aunt Julie carp recently died leaving Todd devastated, and he’s currently dealing with the recent drama surrounding his new flame Theo Silverton and Theo’s family. Trying to support Theo who only recently confirmed he was gay, he’s witnessed some worrying moments as Theo has lashed out verbally and physically amid his turmoil.

With Theo’s daughter Millie trying to tear the new couple apart, Todd is in a difficult situation amid Theo struggling to be himself after leaving his wife Danielle for Todd. It’s all sparked concern from viewers that Theo may hurt Todd in a sad twist, given his recent outbursts and the way he has spoken to Todd.

But there could be some “exciting” moments ahead amid the drama as the ITV soap heads towards its 65th year on air, while there’s also the Emmerdale crossover too.

There could be some big moments ahead on Coronation Street(Image: ITV)

While Todd actor Gareth did not address the drama with Theo or the theories from fans, he did look to the future on the show. While keeping quiet on the details, he promised “an exciting year” ahead and big scenes for Todd as learns to stand on his own two feet.

He shared: “I don’t know what they’ve got planned for the 65th but they have announced the crossover, so that’s quite impressive. Again they are keeping it tight to their chests with what they are telling us because they know loose lipped actors get them into trouble.

“It’s the best way cos we do slip up on what we say sometimes! But it’s super exciting and has never been done before. It’s unknown territory for us as well and we’re waiting to hear how involved as characters we will be in those episodes.”

Todd Grimshaw star Gareth Pierce spoke exclusively to The Mirror about twists and turns(Image: WireImage)

Gareth went on: “I’d imagine there is something cooking for the 65th as well. It’s such an exciting year for the show, it feels like a bit of evolution is going on.”

On what’s ahead for Todd, he told us: “For Todd there’s a sense of he’s needed to grow up or a while.

“He is still living at home with his mum. I think maybe he needs to see who he is without his mum there. They are so alike and both so stubborn.

“They love each other dearly and also bash into each other constantly, so it will be interesting to see how her absence and Todd being without her will play out on screen.”

Hit BBC show Call The Midwife is ending after 15 years as an emotional BBC cast film the final series of the show, slated to be released in early 2026 following a two-part Christmas special

Call The Midwife is filming its final series(Image: INSTAGRAM)

Call The Midwife is ending after 15 years on our screens. The hit BBC show began over a decade ago and follows the story of the members of Nonnatus House and 2026 will mark the last series on TV.

A new series will air early next year following a two-part Christmas special but it has now been revealed that this will be the last series of the BBC period drama as we know it.

“After years of drama and countless births, Call The Midwife is coming to an end. The team have decided it’s time to draw the show to a close and bow out. This is the last we’ll see of these much-loved characters. Storylines will tie up a lot of loose ends,” a source told the Daily Star as filming continues on the 15th and final series.

However, Call The Midwife fans will be thrilled to know there is a prequel series on its way, which will take the place of the original BBC series. A source added: “The prequel series will be very different to Call The Midwife, but it will still have the same magic.

Call The Midwife will end after its 15th series(Image: BBC/Neal Street Productions)

“The storylines will be inspired by true events and there will be some fantastic new characters for viewers to fall in love with. The writers are also open to the idea of reviving Call The Midwife for a special one day in the future. It’s a case of never say never.”

The prequel series was announced just weeks ago, with creator Heidi Thomas promising “familiar faces” would be making an appearance in the hit show – just much younger than they are now.

She said: “The opening of new doors at Nonnatus House feels profoundly emotional, and yet just right. I have never run out of stories for our midwives, and I never will. But having wept, laughed, and raged my way from 1957 to 1971, I found myself yearning to delve into the deeper past. The Blitz years in the East End were extraordinary – filled with loss, togetherness, courage and joy.

The bombs fell, the babies kept on coming, and the Sisters kept on going. There will be so much in the prequel for our wonderful, loyal fans, including the appearance of some familiar (if much younger!) faces.”

Call The Midwife will be getting a prequel and a film(Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Andrea southam)

A Call the Midwife film is also being worked on and this will be set overseas in 1972, featuring some of the biggest characters from the original series in an exciting update for fans.

Heidi had previously hinted she would be resting the show at some point – but vowed it would continue in some way.

“Those of us who are most invested with the show – who have been there since the beginning, it is our lives. I don’t believe Call the Midwife will ever end. But I do think we might take a break at some point,” she said.

“There is a sort of a rolling, ongoing conversation that we always have at this point every year, which is: is there an end point? What are we working towards? Increasingly, we do see opportunities to expand our storytelling world. So if we do take a break, it will be with a view to looking at other aspects of Call the Midwife.”

The reality TV star shared her pet peeve about this one thing her husband does – especially after one particular moment involving Emma Bunton

Stacey said she had to get used to Joe’s habit for kissing family on the lips(Image: Channel 4)

Stacey Solomon has opened up about having to curb one aspect of husband Joe Swash’s personality, particularly after an uncomfortable encounter with one of the Spice Girls.

Speaking on the NewlyWeds podcast, the 35-year-old revealed her husband has a penchant for “kissing his family on the lips”, before ordering him to “nip it in the bud”.

“I don’t snog them or anything. I’d kiss both of you on the lips,” Joe explained to hosts Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo, justifying his behaviour.

Stacey recounted a particular incident: “He kisses everyone on the lips, by the way. We did have to nip it in the bud really early on because we were at Loose Women and Emma Bunton was on as a guest, and he went up to her and planted one on her.”

In his defence, Joe, 43, insisted he knew the Spice Girl well enough to warrant a kiss, prompting Stacey to assert: “I can just about draw the line at your sisters, right, but Emma Bunton is a hard no! You can’t snog Emma Bunton!”

Stacey drew the line after Joe planted a kiss on Emma Bunton in Loose Women(Image: Jack Margerison/UKTV/PA Wire )

Joe laughed off the situation while adding: “It’s not a snog. It’s just a slightly uncomfortable peck.”

However, Stacey stood firm, responding: “It’s too much.”

The TV presenter has previously discussed Joe’s behaviour with her Loose Women colleagues, eventually concluding that his actions are friendly rather than flirtatious, reports the Manchester Evening News.

“After that I realised it wasn’t any flirting to be worried about, if that makes sense,” she shared on the show.

The couple’s romance blossomed following Stacey’s victorious 2010 run on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! At the time, her now-husband was co-hosting its side show, I’m A Celebrity: Extra Camp, along with the late Caroline Flack.

Stacey later conceded that Joe’s actions were more friendly than flirty(Image: BBC/Optomen Television)

Years have passed since and the couple are happily married with a brood of three: Rex, five, Rose, three, and Belle, two. In addition to their young family, Stacey brings her teenage boys Zachary and Leighton from previous relationships, and Joe also has a son in his teens, Harry.

It was the older kids who convinced them to embark on their BBC reality TV series Stacey & Joe.

The series offers viewers an intimate glimpse into the daily mayhem at their residence known as Pickle Cottage, which followers might recognise from Stacey’s Instagram posts.

Speaking about their latest venture, Joe commented: “Over the years, we’ve been asked a lot to do a show like this, but getting the opportunity to work with the BBC and [production company] Optomen felt properly exciting.

“There will be the normal madness of a family with lots of kids, plenty of animals and two busy parents. Here we go!”

Stacey & Joe premieres at 8pm tonight on BBC