Author: bang5

Former partner fell for a ‘beautiful’ neighbour

As Vera returns this weekend, albeit with a repeat episode (June 22), fans will have the chance to enjoy Brenda Blethyn‘s titular character back in action once more.

One person who probably won’t be tuning in, though, is her cheating ex-husband…

The cosy crime drama – which Brenda announced she was stepping back from last year – was once the jewel in ITV’s crown. But the road to stardom wasn’t exactly paved with gold for Brenda.

Brenda Blethyn was ‘devastated’ when her first marriage broke down (Credit: This Morning YouTube

‘I was devastated’

Brenda, 79, had her heart broken when her marriage with her first husband, Alan, broke down. They married in 1964. However, the pair divorced almost a decade later, in 1973.

The star revealed he had “befriended a beautiful neighbour” who “announced one night in the pub that she was in love with my husband”. The actress told the Daily Mail in 2013 she “didn’t immediately take her comment seriously”.

Brenda continued: “But I asked her over and said: ‘If I wasn’t around would you and Alan be together?’ She answered: ‘Yes.’ I was devastated.”

The beloved thesp explained she moved in with her brother and his wife. She added that despite the devastation, Alan gave her the proceeds of the house the couple shared so she could go to drama school.

Brenda was the star of the show at Guildford School of Acting. She went on to be nominated for awards aplenty including an Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe.

Vera actress Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope (Credit: ITV)

Lucky break

Looking back at her illustrious career, the actress recalled the time it all began. Her big break came when she was asked if she could play the maid in an am-dram production when she was working at British Rail.

“I often think back to that day at Euston. If I hadn’t done that good turn I might not be doing this today,” she mused.

Brenda Blethyn with her second husband (Credit: Splash News)

Who is Brenda Blethyn’s current husband?

Brenda met her partner National Theatre art director Michael Mayhew in 1975. The couple married in 2010.

The actress previously joked she didn’t know why they were together. She quipped they had “nothing in common” apart from their sense of humour.

The couple were engaged for 35 years before tying the knot in 2010, a year before Brenda landed the role of DCI Vera Stanhope.

Speaking about the pair’s decision to marry after so many years, the actress admitted that while it was spurred by “pragmatism” it did “feel nice to be married”.

Romeo Beckham’s ex Kim Turnbull, who he split from earlier this year amid rumours of a rift in his family, has opened up about dealing with being in the spotlight

Romeo Beckham’s ex Kim Turnbull has spoken about dealing with being in the spotlight(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for 180 Studios)

Kim Turnbull has opened up about being in the spotlight after making headlines over her relationship with Romeo Beckham. Her latest comments come after it was revealed that the former couple had split up just weeks ago.

It was announced earlier this month that Kim, 25, had separated from Romeo, 22, after seven months together. It was suggested that they were on good terms though, with a source telling the Mirror at the time: “They split a few weeks ago and it’s all amicable and they are still friends.”

The news of their break-up came amid ongoing rumours of tension in his family. Kim’s relationship with Romeo – who is the son of Victoria Beckham and David Beckham – was previously blamed for the alleged rift in recent months.

Amid the rumours earlier this year, it was suggested that Kim had once been romantically linked to Romeo’s brother Brooklyn Beckham, 26. It’s previously been reported that in a now-deleted post, youngest brother Cruz Beckham, 20, said the pair “never dated” and Kim is since understood to have herself dismissed the suggestion in a statement.

Kim Turnbull (right), pictured with her ex Romeo Beckham (left), has spoken about dealing with being in the spotlight following their split(Image: Instagram)

Kim has addressed dealing with the attention in an interview with the Sunday Times, published this week. The interview is said to have taken place just hours after the news of the DJ’s split from model Romeo broke just a few weeks ago.

Speaking about dealing with being in the spotlight, Kim suggested that it is expected. She continued: “There are situations that you find yourself in that present you with new aspects, but at the same time I think it has always been something that I’ve been around and seen, so I just take it day by day and try to focus on the positives.”

She added: “Sometimes it’s difficult to block things out because a lot of the time there are things said that are not necessarily true or necessarily positive, and your instinctive reaction is to want to be like, no, that’s not true!” Kim said she’s however learned to try to “take it with a pinch of salt”.

Kim said: “It’s definitely tough, whatever it is, when people are saying things about you that aren’t necessarily true and, most importantly in my opinion, don’t align with your character and your values.” She said that despite sometimes wanting to, “you just can’t” reply to every comment.

It comes after Kim appeared to dismiss rumours that she once dated Romeo’s brother Brooklyn Beckham (right), who is the eldest child of David Beckham (left) and Victoria Beckham (centre)(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Hugo Boss)

The new article comes after Kim appeared to dismiss the suggestion that she had ever dated Brooklyn following the rumours. As reported at the time, she addressed speculation in a post on Instagram earlier this month.

In the post, she wrote: “I’ve avoided speaking on this topic to prevent adding fuel to the fire, however it’s come to a point where I feel the need to address it so I can move on. I will not continue to receive harassment or be embarrassed on the basis of lies, to fit a certain narrative.”

She then seemingly addressed the speculation that she once dated Brooklyn, who is Romeo’s older brother. She said: “I have never been romantically involved in ANY capacity at ANY point with the person in question.”

Kim went on to tell fans: “Nothing between us has occurred further than a school friendship at age 16. I would like to remove myself from the ongoing conversation and set the record straight for the sake of everyone involved.”

TMZ had previously suggested that she once had a romantic connection to Brooklyn, but said it was “all water under the bridge”. Amid rumours of a family rift, the outlet reported that sources said the issue was over Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz, 30, questioning whether Kim had “the right intentions” for dating his younger brother Romeo.

When it was announced that Kim had split from Romeo, the Daily Mail reported that their relationship had “fizzled out”. The outlet suggested that the break-up was “nothing to do” with her being blamed for the alleged family rift, with a source instead saying that Kim and Romeo were simply both “busy” with work and each did “lots of travelling”.

EXCLUSIVE: Love Island legend Shaughna Phillips has revealed she’s expecting her second child and revealed to the Mirror that her daughter will be an amazing big sister

Former Love Island star Shaughna Phillips has announced she is expecting her second child, delighting fans with the heartwarming news.

The 30-year-old reality TV personality, who first rose to fame on the winter 2020 edition of Love Island, shared the announcement via her social media channels on Sunday morning. Shaughna exclusively told the Mirror: “We’re so happy to announce we are adding to our little family. Lucia is going to be the best big sister and is really excited to have a new baby brother or sister arrive later this year.”

Taking to her Instagram, the reality star shared an emotional Reel documenting her finding out she was pregnant. The clip saw two pregnancy tests flash ‘Pregnant’, confirming her happy news, as she struggled to hide her excitement.

Shaughna has revealed she’s pregnant with her second child ( 
Image:
Instagram)
Elsewhere, daughter Lucia was seen wearing a sweet T-shirt with ‘Big Sis’ written on the front, while the back was decorated with ‘In my big sister era.’

Shaughna later showcased her blossoming baby bump alongside the River Thames as she lovingly placed her hands on the bump while flashing a huge smile. Captioning her social media post, Shaughna wrote: “Adding a little more love to our family…” Fans instantly rushed to the comment section, with one writing: “So excited for you all. Very proud.”

A second added: “Congratulations. What a beautiful blessing.” “Ohhh amazing news aww congratulations to you all,” wrote a third. A fourth gushed: “So exciting! Congratulations.”

The reality star couldn’t contain her excitement ( 
Image:
Instagram)
The reality star didn’t confirm who the father of her second child was as she took to social media to share the happy news with fans.

Shaughna welcomed her first child, daughter Lucia, in April 2023 and has often spoken candidly about her journey through motherhood. While she has largely kept her relationships out of the public eye, she’s remained open about her experiences as a single parent, drawing praise for her honesty and resilience.

Shaughna cradled her blossoming baby bump ( 
Image:
Instagram)
Since her time in the villa, Shaughna has built a successful career as an influencer and advocate for body positivity and women’s health. She continues to use her platform to engage with fans and share insights into life beyond reality TV.

Shaughna’s former partner, Billy Webb, was previously sentenced to nine years in prison but served 12 months. Throughout this time, Shaughna ensured that Billy and their daughter maintained a close relationship and visited him.

Lucia is entering her Big Sis era ( 
Image:
Instagram)

Rather than distancing herself, Shaughna had maintained a steadfast determination to shield her daughter’s relationship with her father. On her podcast Oh Baby! she explained: “Before I was in this position… if you had asked me would I ever, ever take my child into a prison… Absolutely not. And then, lo and behold, I’m now in this position.”

She previously took Lucia to visit Billy in prison, including longer “family days” with decorated communal areas, ensuring he remains part of their lives. Behind the scenes, she has also pleaded for some leniency to ease his punishment, writing to the court on behalf of their child.

Kelsey Parker has announced the loss of her son Phoenix in a post this evening that included a poem written for her baby, with the podcast host paying tribute to him

Podcast host Kelsey Parker has announced the tragic loss of her son, whom she’s named Phoenix. She shared the news with fans on social media earlier this evening and included a poem that she had written for him in her post.

Kelsey, 34, who was expecting her third child, whom she’s said was stillborn, with her partner Will Lindsay. Her family includes her children Aurelia, five, and Bodhi, four, whose father is the late Tom Parker, who died, aged 33, in 2022.

Announcing the news, Kelsey wrote on Instagram this evening: “Phoenix Parker-Lindsay, you will forever be loved.” She included a poem For Phoenix in the post, which appeared to be titled Born Sleeping, Forever Loved.

The poem shared by Kelsey began: “The world grew quiet as you arrived. So loved, so longed for, yet not alive. Our precious boy, our angel light. Born with wings, took silent flight.”

It continued: “We named you Phoenix, brave and bright. A soul of love, of warmth and light. Though we never heard you cry, you’ll live in hearts that won’t ask why.”

Kelsey’s poem for her late son concluded: “No breath you drew, no eyes to see. Still, you mean everything to me. You’ll journey with us, softly near. In every sigh, in every tear.”

Kelsey Parker has announced the loss of her stillborn son Phoenix ( 
Image:
FILE)
Then, in a message on her Instagram Story, Kelsey told her followers that the family needs time to process the news. She began by writing: “Before I receive an influx of lovely messages and heartfelt wishes, I wanted to just say that I truly appreciate everything you are all going to say and share.

She continued: “But with the news being so raw, I would really like to ensure that we as a family are given space and time to process this devastating and earth-shattering news. I love you all and thank you for your understanding and space. Love always, Kelsey, Will, and the Parker Family.”

Kelsey has been met with condolences over the news this weekend. Giovanna Fletcher responded to the initial post in the comments section earlier: “A beautiful name for a beautiful soul. I’m so sorry for your loss Kelsey.”

Paul C. Brunson said: “Kelsey, I’m heartbroken for you. Over the last year, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know your strength, your grace, and the immense love you carry. This loss is beyond words. I’m holding you and your family in my heart. May you feel surrounded by love as you begin to heal.”

Kelsey (right) had announced that she was expecting her third child, her first with partner Will Lindsay (left), earlier this year ( 
Image:
Jam Press)
Amy Dowden reacted: “Sending you so much love.” Whilst Shaughna Phillips said: “Oh Kelsey I am so sorry, heartbroken for you all. There are no words.” Candice Brown wrote: “I can’t even begin to imagine right now. I am so sorry Kelsey.”

Kelsey and Will had announced that they were expecting a baby together in January. She shared at the time that she had been “shocked but so happy” to discover that she was pregnant and teased that her partner “cried his eyes out”.

If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity). You can call them on 0808 164 3332 or email [email protected].If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at childbereavementuk.org or you can call them on 0800 02 888 40.

BBC and ITV sports presenting icon Steve Ryder gave his last broadcast on Sunday as he presented the British Touring Car Championship at Oulton Park for ITV4

Steve Ryder has retired from TV sport presenting(Image: Aaron Lupton/Prosports/Shutterstock)

Sports presenter Steve Ryder has announced his retirement from broadcasting after an impressive 48-year career. The 75-year-old covered major sporting fixtures for both the BBC and ITV over the course of his time on the air.

On Sunday, the star was broadcasting from the British Touring Car Championship at Oulton Park in Cheshire when he revealed he would be hanging up his microphone. He was covering the event for ITV4 when he announced the news of his departure from the screen.

A montage of clips was then shared showing drivers including Lando Norris, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, Jenson Button and David Coulthard all bidding farewell to the broadcaster. Over the years, he has hosted Sportsnight and Sports Personality of the Year, as well as the BBC’s coverage of every Olympic Games between 1988 and 2004.

He departed the BBC in 2005 and joined ITV where he presented coverage of Formula One, as well as the football and rugby World Cups. His final appearance proved to be a muted exit, but he has previously explained why he decided the time had come to quit.

He told the Daily Mail: “The biggest emotion as you get into the last two minutes of something like that is, ‘For God’s sake, don’t c**k it up.’

He hosted his last show for ITV on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)

“Because you’d be thinking about that for the next 20 years. I’ve probably outstayed my welcome. I’ve been hugely lucky with the places that the career has taken me. But it’s close to 50 years now, so the cracks are showing.”

Steve famously used to present Match of the Day and was left miffed when he was replaced by Gary Lineker as the main host – admitting he had cut the former footballer out of his life.

The beef began when Gary said in 2015 that he though the R&A as ‘pompous’ and accused them of feeling like ‘superior beings’. This, in turn, provoked a furious reaction from Steve.

He told the Golf Paper: “I hold Gary Lineker in the highest regard as a football presenter, but his reflections on his experiences as a golf presenter need a huge reality check. For four years, the R&A and most other observers knew that Gary was the wrong man in the wrong job. Hazel Irvine has just delivered once again at the Open presentation skills of the highest quality. Not many people can do that and Gary certainly came up short.

“Roger Mosey, the head of sport, knew Gary was a golf fanatic and was further encouraged by Gary apparently volunteering for the Masters vacancy within a few minutes of my exit from Television Centre.

The star decided it was time to take a step out from the spotlight(Image: FILE)

“But if Mosey thought long and hard before offering Gary the golf job, it’s even more baffling. Match of the Day is scripted and rehearsed. Golf presentation, especially at Augusta, is seat of the pants, unpredictable and demanding.”

Away from sport, Steve also won praise for being open about a battle against prostate cancer after he was diagnosed with the disease in October 2023.

He underwent emergency surgery which stopped the cancer from spreading. He previously told BBC Breakfast: “They took one look and said, ‘We’re going to operate in two weeks’.

“No messing around. We did Brands Hatch for ITV on the Sunday and I had the operation on the Thursday. So it slotted into the schedule quite nicely!”

Since the news of Oscar Branning’s return to EastEnders broke – fans are certain his dad Max won’t be far behind as they think they’ve ‘worked out’ what will bring him back

EastEnders are convinced Max will be making a return to the soap after Oscar(Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)

EastEnders fans were overjoyed with the news of another classic return yesterday, as it was confirmed Oscar Branning would be making his return to Walford.

The news came following rumours that Oscar’s dad Max Branning (Jake Wood) would also be making a return to EastEnders. Now, with the confirmation of Oscar’s return, fans think they’ve worked out Max’s return storyline, should the rumours be true.

Oscar was last seen in the soap in 2017 when he made a brief visit to Max on Father’s Day. The official announcement reads: “However, just why he is returning and where he’s been is set to be revealed when Lauren receives a mysterious call. Newcomer Pierre Moullier will play Oscar, who is now 17, as he turns up and turns Lauren’s life upside down.”

Oscar Branning will return to the BBC soap later this year (Image: BBC)

Max left Walford in 2021, months before the birth of his and Linda Carter’s daughter Annie. As he left Walford before Linda discovered she was pregnant, she chose to keep Annie’s paternity a secret, pretending she was Mick’s. Max’s brother Jack found out the truth, but decided to keep it a secret from him, as did Lauren.

However, fans now think Oscar will be the one to deliver the truth to Max, predicting he’ll return to see his biological daughter.

Taking to Reddit after Oscar’s return announcement, one fan penned: “What if when Lauren tells Oscar about Annie then Oscar is the one who tells Max by calling him, causing Max to come back?” suggested one fan, as another agreed: “That’s exactly what I was thinking!”

Max Branning has been rumoured to make a return to the soap (Image: BBC / Jack Barnes)

Another fan wrote: “Will he find out about Annie?” as another responded: “Most probably.”

Speaking about Oscar’s return to the soap, new Executive Producer Ben Wadey said: “I’m very excited to bring Oscar Branning back to Walford and introduce viewers to him now that he’s all grown up.

“Oscar is very much a Branning which means there’s going to be plenty of drama in store this summer. We’re delighted to welcome Pierre as he takes on the role and can’t wait for viewers to see him bring Oscar to life.”

Adding, actor Pierre said: “It’s pretty surreal to join EastEnders – it keeps hitting me that I’m actually on Albert Square! When I found out I was joining the Brannings, it was so exciting as they are such an iconic family, and I love that there are so many skeletons in the closet.

“Oscar is so much fun to play, and the audience should be prepared for the unexpected as he’s a complex guy!”

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

EastEnders fans were left gutted when it was announced Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris) would be leaving the show – and next weeks spoilers have teased a possible exit storyline

EastEnders ‘teases’ Bernie’s exit storyline in this weeks spoilers (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Last month, it was revealed that Clair Norris would be leaving EastEnders after playing the role of Bernie Taylor for eight years. Now, in spoilers for next week, the soap appears to have teased the star’s upcoming exit storyline.

Bernie arrived in Walford in 2017 alongside mum Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) and late brother Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters).

However, she’s the last one of her family members left on the Square with her mum Karen leaving EastEnders in 2023, shortly followed by the murder of her brother Keanu on Christmas Day.

Lately, fans have noticed a lack of the character on their screens, but spoilers for next week reveal a huge storyline for the star – which could be teasing towards her exit.

Bernie will be leaving the soap after eight years (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

We’re revisiting The Six storyline once again at the start of the week. It starts when Bernie’s cousin Felix wants him to give Johnny her seal of approval, unaware that he helped cover up Keanu’s murder.

Denise then fears that if Johnny doesn’t win Bernie over, it could bring the past back to haunt them all.

However, that’s not Bernie’s only problem – as she’s tied up with the Panesars. Vicki notices some unusual invoices, although Bernie dismisses her concerns. However, Bernie isn’t getting away with things too quickly, as she’s later confronted by Ravi and Suki about the irregularities.

We know Bernie will be making her exit from the soap soon – but could next week’s dramatic storylines be leading to her departure?

EastEnders will see Bernie interacting with the Panesars over irregular invoices next week(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Following Bernie’s exit, an EastEnders spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Clair will be leaving EastEnders later this year and we wish her all the best for the future.” Clair remained silent on her departure for a couple of weeks, until she attended the British Soap Awards at the end of last month.

Taking to her Instagram to post a picture of herself all glammed up in a teal dress on the night, Clair penned: “My last @thebritishsoapawards with my EE family. We [broom emoji] up last night, 8 awards & I couldn’t be prouder to be apart of this team! What a way to end this amazing journey, head held high & beaming from ear to ear.”

Clair was supported by both fans as colleagues in her post, with James Farrar, who plays Zack Hudson writing: “Head held HIGH,” along with a number of red heart emojis.

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Loose Women star Coleen Nolan has opened up about her split from ex-husband Shane Richie, admitting she ‘cried her eyes out’ after he asked to take their sons on holiday with his new partner

Coleen Nolan admits she cried after ex-husband Shane Richie had a request with their sons(Image: No credit)

Coleen Nolan has confessed that she “cried her eyes out” when her ex-husband Shane Richie expressed his desire to take their young sons on a trip with his new partner.

The pop star and the EastEnders actor tied the knot in 1990 and had two sons together, Jake and Shane Jr. However, their marriage ended in 1997 after Coleen found out about Shane’s affair with another woman.

In her autobiography published in 2009, Coleen revealed that Shane was in Manchester performing as Danny Zuko in Grease at the time, while she and their children were living in the south. It was during this period that Coleen began to suspect something was amiss, reports Lancs Live.

Writing in her book, the Loose Women panelist said: “At the after-show party, I can distinctly remember examining this one girl. There were loads of people there but she just stood out. She had really long dark hair and was wearing a skin-tight white dress. Well, it must have been female intuition because that turned out to be the girl Shane had an affair with.”

While appearing on Loose Women: The Podcast, Coleen shared that it was only six months to a year later when Shane made a request that left her devastated. This came after a podcast listener wrote in to say that their ex-husband wanted to take their children away with his new girlfriend.

Loose Women star Coleen Nolan(Image: Getty Images)

Shane Richie and Coleen Nolan married in 1990(Image: Getty Images)

Coleen recalled: “It happened to me, I remember when me and Shane first split up and obviously, he was with the girl that we had split up because of, and it was about six months, about a year down the line and he wanted to go to Florida with her and the boys. They hadn’t even met her at this point.”

The TV personality opened up about a personal experience, saying: “So I arranged for the boys to meet her with me, and she came to the house, and we chatted. Obviously it hurts you, it hurt me, you’re thinking, ‘what if my kids end up falling in love…because she’s going to be the good guy and she’ll spoil them because she wants them to love her and all of this’.”

She continued her candid revelation: “But then I thought, ‘A, it doesn’t matter what she does, they’ll never love her as much as they love me, I’m their mum’ and secondly, I don’t want the boys to feel guilty and feel guilty going, that they’ve betrayed me. I saw them looking at me like, I knew they really wanted to go to Disney but they’re looking at me and I’m like, ‘No, you’re going to have the best time’.”

Coleen has three children, Jake, Ciara and Shane Jr (Image: Coleen Nolan/Instagram)

Reflecting on her emotions when they left, she confessed: “Don’t get me wrong, they went off, cried my eyes out, fine. What I did is I took myself away for two weeks with a friend, I went and had a lovely time kid free, and it was great.”

After her separation from Shane, Coleen Nolan found happiness once more with musician Ray Fensome, with whom she shares daughter Ciara. They tied the knot in 2007, however their marriage ended in divorce in 2018.

Coleen was more recently in a relationship with Michael Jones after the pair met on Tinder in 2021. However, they split in late 2024.

Shane meanwhile married wife Christie in 2007. The couple live in Surrey and share children Mackenzie Blue, Lolita Bell and Romani-Skye together.

It’s set to be a dramatic week for Kat Moon in next week’s EastEnders as she’s left worrying about how things are with Alfie, as well as being concerned for her ex, Phil

Kat and Phil tied the knot in 2023(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

It’s been a huge week for Kat and Alfie in EastEnders this week, with the return of Kat’s daughter Zoe Slater. However, Kat is completely unaware that Zoe returned to London – and that her husband, Alfie, has gone to Barcelona to follow her after she fled.

Next week, she’s left worrying about her lack of communication, while also being left concerned about her ex, Phil.

Alfie and Kat have just tied the knot – but their marriage is starting on a huge lie (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

However, he told a huge lie to his new wife Kat, telling her that he was off to Australia to visit his brother Spencer. Although she came round to the idea in the end, Kat told Alfie that their relationship would be over for good if she finds out he’s lying.

Spoilers for next week reveal even more turmoil for Kat and Alfie as she’s left is worrying about how things are with her husband Alfie Moon.

However, he told a huge lie to his new wife Kat, telling her that he was off to Australia to visit his brother Spencer. Although she came round to the idea in the end, Kat told Alfie that their relationship would be over for good if she finds out he’s lying.

Spoilers for next week reveal even more turmoil for Kat and Alfie as she’s left is worrying about how things are with her husband Alfie Moon.

She tries to confide in Jean Slater, Jean about her hurt over Alfie being incommunicado, but Jean refuses to forgive Kat for going into business with Kathy and Harvey.

Kat becomes concerned for Phil next week as he’s overwhelmed caring for Nigel(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

However, Alfie’s lack of communication isn’t the only thing concerning Kat, as she’s left worried about her ex-husband Phil. Phil’s worried about Nigel deteriorating amid his dementia diagnosis, and some of his actions next week leave Phil struggling.

During a heart to heart, Kat realises her ex-husband is exhausted and in over his head as she suggests he gets help to care for Nigel. Jean is later left questioning Kat why she’s spending so much time at Phil’s place, as she insists it’s nothing but platonic concern.

Last week, Phil was seen giving Alfie an unlikely pep talk after he and Kat called the wedding off. He told Alfie that he was the one Kat always wanted as the two made amends and tied the knot.

However, the couple’s third marriage to each other hasn’t got off on the best foot – starting off on a huge lie. Will Kat find out that Alfie’s lying about her whereabouts?

If so, how will she react? Will the pair really be over for good like she said?

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Former Deal or No Deal host Noel Edmonds has returned to screens with new show Kiwi Adventure, which delves into his life in New Zealand with wife Liz

Noel opened up about being suicidal(Image: ITV)

Noel Edmonds has opened up about the ‘dark times’ he’s faced in his past as he makes a return to television. The former host of Deal or No Deal is back with Kiwi Adventure, a series that follows his life in New Zealand alongside his wife Liz, where they operate a hospitality business in the rural town of Ngatimoti.

Noel, 76, and Liz, who tied the knot in 2009, decided to relocate in 2015 and made the move in 2019. Noel had previously spoken about the ‘incredible spiritual pull’ he experienced when visiting the country, which inspired him to settle there.

The couple now own an expansive 800-acre estate named River Haven, complete with a vineyard, restaurant, wellness centre, and a pub cheekily named The Bugger Inn.

Noel and his wife relocated to New Zealand(Image: ITV)

In the first episode of his new show, Noel, last seen on our screens during his stint on I’m A Celebrity in 2018, became emotional as he reflected on his challenging past and suicidal thoughts.

At one point, he visited a sculpture called Guardian, described by narrator Rob Brydon as ‘a permanent reminder of a difficult period in his life’. “In 2005, at the height of his fame, Noel’s production company unexpectedly went bankrupt, hugely affecting his mental health,” Rob explained to viewers.

Returning to Noel, the former House Party presenter gestured towards a plinth: “There’s a description of my story here, for guests to understand why I had Guardian created. My Unique group of companies was deliberately collapsed by some corrupt bankers.

“And I’m safe in saying that because my bank manager went to prison, along with four others, for 50. What they were doing was pushing businesses over the edge and then taking assets—that’s basically what it was about. When the companies went into administration in 2006, I thought I was a crap businessman. I thought it was my fault. 70 people lost their jobs.”

Noel then revealed: “And I said to Liz, who was a fantastic support, ‘When,’ not if, When I win my battle to get my losses back, I’m gonna get the great Weta Studios, Lord of the Rings, Avatar, the real creative powerhouses here in New Zealand, I’m gonna ask them to build me a statue.”

Later, Guardian was created, with Liz designing the shield the statue holds to symbolise his legal ‘fight’. Next to the statue of a man crouching with his head bowed is an inscription, which Noel says inspired him to construct it in the first place.

“It was that inscription that held me together and motivated me during some very dark times,” he confessed, with the plaque reading: “‘The devil saw me with my head down and thought he’d won until I said Amen. The relevance of that is the knight is not kneeling in defeat; he’s praying,” revealed Noel.

He then became emotional as he detailed just how severely the legal battle impacted his mental health: “He’s praying before he gets up and defeats the dark force, the enemy. I’ll tell you, when you go to that dark space… I used to, like many people, kind of look down my nose and think, why would anybody want to take their own life? Why would they want to do that? I’ll tell you, if If you’ve ever found yourself in that bleak place, you’ll never pass judgement, because it’s a realm devoid of reason,” Noel expressed.

He concluded by saying the Guardian statue stands as a beacon for those who feel ‘weak,’ ‘disenfranchised,’ ‘marginalised,’ and ‘let down’ by society. “He has not given up. You can feel it.” With tears in his eyes, he grasped the sword and said: “Thanks, mate. Thank you.” This isn’t the first time Noel has openly discussed his suicidal thoughts.

Noel Edmonds was the first star evicted from I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2018

Back in June 2017, he revealed that he had attempted to end his life in 2005 after a fraudulent scheme by a group of HBOS financiers ruined his businesses. At that point, he wanted to ‘end the overwhelming mental pain that had consumed [his] whole being’.

“Until these criminals took me to the brink of emotional annihilation, I had always felt those who opt out by taking their own lives were selfish and cowardly… But having been cast into that bottomless dark space devoid of logic and reason, I have a much deeper understanding of life without hope…,” he confessed.

Noel also made it clear then that he ‘sought no sympathy’ and ‘felt no shame’ in making this admission. In the end, Noel received an apology from Lloyds Banking Group, which settled a compensation deal with him following the fraud case. While the specifics of the settlement were kept under wraps, the Daily Mail reported that he received around £5million.