Author: bang5

In a storyline that has gripped the nation and sent shivers down the spines of Coronation Street fans, the formidable Debbie Webster has been battling a devastating secret: an early onset dementia diagnosis. For months, viewers have watched, helpless, as Debbie’s increasingly erratic behaviour and moments of confusion hinted at a deeper, more insidious struggle. But last night’s explosive episode, previewed exclusively on Loose Women, saw the truth finally rupture into the open, with Debbie starkly admitting: “I’ve got dementia.”

Actress Sue Devaney, who portrays the vibrant and often outrageous Debbie, joined the Loose Women panel today to discuss the immense impact of this powerful storyline. What she revealed has sent fresh shockwaves through the fandom: Debbie Webster’s journey with dementia is not a short-term arc, but a deeply researched, long-form narrative set to unfold on the cobbles well into 2027.

“What a storyline!” exclaimed a Loose Women panelist, acknowledging the typical Coronation Street “slow burn” approach. “We’ve watched her just, you know, strange behaviour, everyone round about her like, ‘what’s going on here?’” Devaney confirmed that this gradual reveal was intentional. “When I first met the producer, she said it’s going to be Debbie’s going to be doing certain things and you don’t actually know what it is.” However, with the press eventually getting wind of the dementia plot, the production team decided to expedite the diagnosis itself to focus on the complex reality of living with the illness.

“We wanted to do the diagnosis and get that sorted and then do the journey of living with dementia, rather than, you know, ‘oh, she’s suffering from dementia,’ because we don’t like to say that,” Devaney explained, highlighting the show’s commitment to sensitive and accurate portrayal. “So it’s like, how do you see Debbie just going about her life with this diagnosis?”

The revelation last night (tonight, as per the show’s broadcast schedule) marks a pivotal moment. Debbie’s fierce independence means she initially “wants to keep it to herself for as long as possible” due to the varying “perceptions” people hold about the illness. Devaney stressed the real-life resonance of this decision: “It’s reflecting real life and true life and this does happen to people and there is still, you know, a lot of misunderstanding around the illness, isn’t there?“

One panelist drew a poignant parallel to her own family’s experience with illness, recalling how her mother initially shielded the family from her father’s terminal cancer diagnosis, choosing to “protect her brood.” This desire to cope privately before sharing the devastating news is a sentiment Debbie echoes. “She’s going, ‘Okay, I’ve got this, I’ve been diagnosed with this, so how am I going to cope with it and I’ll find out how I cope with it and then I’ll tell my family.’”

The power of Coronation Street lies in its ability to spark vital conversations, and this storyline is no exception. “It will help other people to start that conversation apart from anything else,” the panelist noted. Early speculation that Debbie’s diagnosis would lead to her swift exit from the show has been firmly quashed by Devaney, much to the relief of fans and the panel alike. “She’s not going anywhere yet!” Devaney emphatically stated. “I know the story is going to go on well into 2027, so you know, Debbie’s not going anywhere.“

This commitment to a long-term narrative underscores the complexity of young-onset dementia, emphasizing that a diagnosis is not an immediate end but the beginning of a challenging, often fluctuating, journey. “It’s young-onset dementia and it’s how she she deals with that,” Devaney elaborated. “People are dealing with that all of the time, people are living with dementia, trying to get through and it has an effect on absolutely everyone.“

Devaney admitted that taking on the role has been an education for her personally. “I didn’t know a lot about it… it’s only now that it’s brought it to me what you know the young-onset dementia, what it’s what it’s about and stuff and and also all the different kinds of dementia you can have and and how many things there are out there to help people with dementia.”

The discussion then veered into the profound impact of music on individuals living with dementia, particularly how familiar songs can trigger moments of profound recognition and joy. “Music is an amazing thing isn’t it when people have dementia… you’ll put a song on from maybe when they were younger and they light up.” Stories of a ballerina in a wheelchair moving to “Swan Lake” and an opera singer’s voice coming alive with “Ave Maria” illustrated the enduring power of artistic expression to transcend the illness. “It shows that there’s still hope there,” a panelist reflected, emphasizing that Debbie’s storyline will similarly “show yes, she’s living with this terrible thing but actually you can still have a life, you can still have a quality of life.”

Devaney also shared a deeply personal connection to the storyline, revealing that her husband’s father has Alzheimer’s. This experience brought to light lesser-known, yet crucial, challenges faced by families, such as the struggle to access funds when a loved one with dementia forgets how to manage their finances. “You don’t think about stuff like that and that’s really important,” she stressed.

The return of Debbie Webster to the cobbles, after an initial stint 16 years ago, was celebrated by the panel. “I loved her, she was feisty and she was like she was she was really was a breath of fresh air,” a panelist reminisced. Devaney clearly relishes playing her. “She’s outrageous!” she agreed. The dementia diagnosis, ironically, might even amplify Debbie’s signature forthrightness. “Especially with the dementia now she’s just coming out, my goodness me, you’ve been diagnosed with something like this, you go, ‘Oh well, life’s short.’“

Debbie’s distinctive, flamboyant fashion sense, too, was a topic of delight. “She’s a bit of a fashion, she does her own thing, she paddles her own canoe,” a panelist observed. Devaney revealed the surprising inspiration for Debbie’s bold wardrobe: her 91-year-old friend, Morin. “I used to do Tap and Ballet with her and she was very glamorous, you know, she had a Ford Cortina turquoise and pink and then she had like a pink leather skirt, pink earrings and all that and everything matched!”

The segment concluded on a note of warmth and admiration for Devaney, who recently married her husband Jim after meeting on a plane five years ago. Photos of the couple’s special day, with Devaney looking radiant in a stunning red wedding dress made by a friend, highlighted the personal joys in her life, even as she prepares to embody such a challenging and important role on screen.

As Coronation Street continues tomorrow night, viewers can anticipate a powerful and authentic portrayal of young-onset dementia, a storyline that promises not only to entertain but to educate, raise awareness, and foster empathy for the many families navigating this challenging condition. Sue Devaney’s commitment to Debbie’s journey ensures that this will be a storyline that leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of British television.

In a culinary bombshell that has sent ripples through the domestic sphere and sparked a lively, no-holds-barred discussion on the set of Loose Women, Gwyneth Paltrow has once again captured headlines, not for a new wellness trend, but for her rather unconventional approach to weekend brunch. The Oscar-winning actress regularly whips up what she calls a “boyfriend breakfast” for her husband, a seemingly wholesome act made decidedly more risqué by her occasional penchant for cooking with “nothing on top.”

The image of Paltrow confidently flipping eggs in the nude immediately ignited a national conversation: Is cooking for your partner now a slightly old-fashioned notion? In an age striving for gender equality and the dismantling of traditional roles, does the act of preparing meals or packing lunchboxes for a significant other still hold a place, or does it reek of outdated domestic servitude?

The Loose Women panel, known for their candid and often hilarious insights into modern life, tackled this thorny issue head-on, delivering a masterclass in diverse perspectives on love, labour, and liberation in the kitchen.

Olivia Attwood, known for her bold pronouncements, was the first to weigh in, her response punctuated by laughter. When playfully accused of not being the “homemaker” type, she retorted, “Are you joking? A little Freddo frog in there, little juice box!” However, Attwood quickly clarified her stance on the Paltrow method: “One thing’s for sure is I won’t be standing next to an open flame with a silicone chest, that would definitely be a health and safety hazard, so there’s definitely no topless cooking!“

Beyond the immediate safety concerns, Attwood delved into the heart of the matter: the perceived link between domestic duties and modern feminism. “I’m not the cook in my family,” she admitted. “I don’t enjoy cooking. I could eat the same thing every day and it wouldn’t bother me. My husband can cook, he’s a brilliant cook.” Crucially, Attwood firmly rejected the idea that performing acts of service for a partner somehow undermines feminist principles. “I don’t think there’s any correlation between feminism and doing acts of service to your partner. Like, I will regularly do more of the laundry or I’ll offer him to make him a cup of tea… I don’t think there’s any any correlation, I think people have gone a bit mad with all this stuff.” For Attwood, it’s about mutual respect and willingness to contribute, not rigid adherence to gendered tasks. “It’s nice to do things for your partner if you want to, you shouldn’t be have to do them, but yeah, he cooks and I do other things.”

The conversation then shifted to a more personal and passionate defense of cooking as an act of love. Another panelist, whose identity wasn’t specified but whose conviction shone through, countered Attwood’s pragmatic view with a heartfelt declaration. “I think if you’re enslaved and you’ve got to do it, you’ve got some horrible person that is being horrible to you and not doing anything, that’s a very different thing. But I mean I think being a feminist is about doing the things that you want to do and I love to cook so it’s my way of showing love.“

This panelist embraced cooking not as a chore, but as a genuine expression of affection and care. “I come home and I say ‘What does everyone want?’ And then I cook what everyone wants separately.” She even joked, “I should have had a restaurant really, I shouldn’t be in the studio, that’s what I should have done!” Her recent Instagram post of perfectly poached eggs, affectionately dubbed her “poached eggs” by another panelist, was met with surprise when it was revealed she was eating them alone. “Did you eat all of that yourself?” joked her producer, highlighting the cultural expectation that elaborate meals are for sharing. But for this passionate cook, even solo meals are a moment of culinary joy. “I love eggs, I’ve got an egg poacher you see that’s got four little slots, I nearly had four eggs but I was like, ‘No that’s maybe pushing it a bit too far.’ But I love to cook and actually I think it’s very nice to cook for other people.“

The discussion then touched upon a relatable phenomenon: the stark contrast between cooking for loved ones and cooking for oneself. While the aforementioned panelist loves to cook for others, she admitted, “I never cook for myself.” She elaborated, “If Jeremy goes away for a couple of days, he’ll come back and I’m just like just this really feral person that’s just lived on hummus and like carrot sticks for days.” This revelation resonated with many, highlighting the emotional and social components that often make cooking a joyous act. “I just get joy like cooking for like people and and everyone else.“

This distinction led to a humorous and widely recognized modern trend: “Girl Dinner.” When asked to define it, the panel explained, “Girl dinner is basically girls, come on, you know girl dinner! It’s just stuff in the cupboard, whatever you call it, it’s normally cold. So it’ll be like cold cuts, a bit of salami on there, some gherkins, some crisps. I just pile it on a plate.” The accompanying male perspective was equally amusing: “Brad would be like ‘That’s not a meal.’ And I’m like ‘It is, it’s girl dinner, you wouldn’t get, you’re not a girl.’” It’s “picky bits,” a pragmatic and often solitary meal born from the desire to avoid “get the oven on and make a mess just for myself.”

The Loose Women debate perfectly encapsulated the nuanced and evolving landscape of modern relationships and domesticity. While Gwyneth Paltrow’s topless breakfast may grab headlines, the underlying question of who cooks for whom, and why, remains a deeply personal one. There’s no universal rule, no feminist handbook dictating kitchen duties. Instead, it boils down to individual preference, mutual understanding, and the varied ways in which partners choose to express care and contribute to their shared lives.

Whether it’s a gourmet “boyfriend breakfast” (clothed or unclothed), a meticulously packed lunchbox, or the delightful chaos of a “girl dinner,” the consensus from the Loose Women is clear: authenticity and choice are paramount. As Olivia Attwood wisely concluded, “It’s nice to do things for your partner if you want to, you shouldn’t be have to do them.” In a world increasingly valuing individuality, perhaps the sexiest meal of all is the one cooked with genuine intention and shared with love, regardless of who’s wearing the apron (or lack thereof).

Getting a few euro from the Tooth Fairy under your pillow every time you lose a tooth is a right of passage for children growing up, and Stacey Solomon has doubled down on just how important it is to little girls and boys.

When she accidentally lost her five-year-old son Rex’s tooth, the presenter narrowly avoided disaster by coming up with a very creative solution.
Pic: Stacey Solomon / Instagram
Famous for her clever arts and crafts projects, Stacey put her artistic side to the test when she discovered that Rex’s front baby tooth was missing.

As the doting mum couldn’t break the news to her little boy who was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the beloved Tooth Fairy, she decided to make a fake tooth out of clay.
Pic: Stacey Solomon / Instagram
‘Rex’s front tooth fell out this morning & we’ve misplaced it. So I’m currently trying to make one out of air dry clay’, the mum-of-five explained.

‘I’m debating wether to add something that looks like gums’, she quipped.
Pic: Stacey Solomon/Instagram
Delighted that her plan turned out to be a success, Stacey, who shares three children with her husband Joe Swash, Rex, Belle, and Rose and two sons, Zach and Leighton, from previous relationships announced later on: ‘We pulled it off – a very happy Rex’.

Alongside a very happy snap of her adorable son, the Sort Your Life host concluded: ‘Ready for the tooth fairy to take her clay tooth eve. Night everyone’.

Christine McGuinness has defended JoJo Siwa after the 18-year-old influencer was criticised for dating Chris Hughes, who she met on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year

Chris Hughes and JoJo Siwa’s romance defended by Christine McGuinness(Image: BANG Showbiz)

Reality TV star Christine McGuinness has come out in support of JoJo Siwa, stating that the young star shouldn’t have to “explain” her sexuality amidst her new relationship with Chris Hughes.

The 22-year-old internet sensation began a romance with the 32-year-old Love Island star after meeting on Celebrity Big Brother, despite previously identifying as lesbian. During her time on the ITV show, JoJo shared with housemates that she’d now prefer to identify as queer.

On her Situationships podcast, 37-year-old Christine commented: “Let them live. I’ve sort of gone through, not that situation, but similar.

Chris Hughes and JoJo Siwa are very much loved-up

“Being in the public eye and feeling the need to explain your sexuality which I don’t think anyone needs to at all. JoJo is so young, she’s growing and learning like we all are. Life changes.

“One of the best things about being an adult is that you can change your mind at any time. JoJo, I think she’s always been open about the fact she’s queer and that’s how she refers to herself. She loves whoever she loves and it’s not necessarily about gender. Although I don’t put a label on myself, it kind of is how I feel.”

However, Christine – who recently opened up about her own sexuality – acknowledged that some fans might feel “let down” by JoJo’s decision to date a man, given her status as an LGBTQIA+ advocate.

She expressed: “Because she’s been out there so much as an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, I think some of them feel let down that she’s now.”

Christine announced her split from husband Paddy in June 2022

Christine also expressed frustration over the scrutiny of JoJo’s personal life due to her fame. She elaborated: “I just think, it’s not anybody’s business. It’s called private life for a reason. People think you’re in the public eye and we’re entitled to know what you’re up to. I’ve had it the last couple of years and it’s not nice.

“Sexuality has been a big part of it and it shouldn’t be. Too people have met and they’re really happy and they’re exploring whether it’s a friendship or a relationship.”

JoJo recently emphasised her stance on privacy within her personal life, saying, “I don’t need to explain myself” when discussing her relationship with Chris.

Speaking to E! News, she expressed, “I don’t need to explain myself because I feel so in the right position. “I feel so content with my happiness, and I feel so relaxed and at ease with where I’m at. I feel so happy and peaceful that the love I feel is so real and so in front of me.”

Deacon Blue have confirmed the sad news that James Prime has died following a short battle with cancer, just days after they announced he was in hospital

James Prime of Deacon Blue has died aged 64, the band have confirmed following a short battle with cancer. In recent weeks, keyboard player James, who had been with the band since the Eighties, had become unwell and was taken to the hospital, where he was receiving care, now known to be for his cancer.

In a statement on Thursday confirming the sad news of his death, the band said: “We announce with great sadness that our brother, James Prime, passed away this morning after a short struggle with cancer.

“Thank you so much for the messages of support that you shared over the last two weeks, they meant so much to Jim, his family and us.” The heartbreaking news comes just days after James was receiving care in the hospital after falling seriously ill. The band shared last week: “Unfortunately, he is seriously ill and undergoing care in hospital. We would like you to join us in wishing him well and to share your love with him.”

The band – also comprising Ricky Ross, Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond, Gregor Philp, Lewis Gordon and Tom Gordon – insisted they were given their bandmate’s “full blessing” to go on tour without him.

Deacon Blue have confirmed that James Prime has sadly died aged 64

It continued: “We spoke to Jim yesterday about Deacon Blue’s plans for the rest of the year, and he encouraged us to continue with love in our hearts and with his full blessing that the shows go ahead, even if it means replacing the irreplaceable James Miller Prime for the time being.

“Together with Jim’s family, we want to thank all the nurses, doctors and ICU staff for their ongoing care, professionalism and compassion.”

Fans have since rushed to social media to offer their condolences, with one writing: “Absolutely heartbroken for you all. This is incredibly, incredibly sad. What a talent and an absolute gent of a man. Rest in eternal peace, Reverend Doctor James Miller Prime.”

The musician was receiving care in hospital
A second penned: “Sending love to all of you and the Prime family! So many memories, what a talented human being he was! The sounds he created will be remembered and enjoyed for an eternity.” Another typed: “This is such sad news and I’m so sorry to hear. Thank you James for your brilliance. Sending much love to all who loved him.”

Telly star Jenni Falconer said: “Oh no, this is so sad. Thinking of you all.” Meanwhile, musician Pete Wilkinson commented: “Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear this, my deepest condolences and love to his family, DB and all his friends. Heartbreaking. I learnt so much about what a piano and keyboards can do from his wonderful playing. Completely influenced my work. Thanks for the beautiful music James Prime and your everlasting smile and spirit. Your spirit lives on forever Sir RIP.”

James, who was born in Kilmarnock and also worked as a university lecturer, had been with Deacon Blue since its inception in the 1980s.

Fans have since paid tribute to James on social mediaThe band is known for their chart-topping hits such as Dignity, Chocolate Girl and Real Gone Kid. The band has undergone several line-up changes over the years, with past members including Graeme Kelling, Ewen Vernal, Mick Slaven, Scott Fraser, Taj Wyzgowski, Ged Grimes and Chris Henderson.

Deacon Blue’s 1987 debut album Raintown reached number 14 in the UK Albums Chart. Their 1989 follow-up When the World Knows Your Name hit number one, with its lead single Real Gone Kid nominated for British Single of the Year at the Brit Awards, ultimately losing to Perfect by Fairground Attraction.

After a hiatus in 1994, the band reunited in 1999 and have remained active ever since.

Kate Garraway suffered another financial setback this week after she was locked out of her bank accounts after she issued a desperate plea on social media

Kate Garraway suffered a financial setback this week(Image: ITV)

Kate Garraway suffered a financial setback this week after being locked out of her bank accounts. The Good Morning Britain presenter and radio host revealed she couldn’t access her current account and savings account.

The presenter has been open about her financial woes, having previously admitted she had fallen into debt after spending £16,000 a month on care for her husband Derek. He died in 2024 at the age of 56 after a lengthy battle with the long-term effects of Covid.

She admitted previously: “I’m doing something similar myself. I’ve just had to withdraw the bit you can tax-free for my pension to pay belated bills for my husband that passed away.

“I am ashamed of the fact that I am in debt because I have an incredible job that I love, that’s very well paid. I’m not a carer travelling miles, paying their own transport to go and help somebody for minimum wage. I’m somebody that is very well paid and so I just feel a shame that I couldn’t make it work.”

Kate’s husband Derek died last year

She had also been open in her documentary about how they were at a “crunch point” financially. She said: “Derek’s care costs more than my salary from ITV and that is before you pay for a mortgage, before you pay any household bills, before you pay for anything for the kids, so we are at a crunch point. I am in debt.

“I can’t earn enough money to cover my debt because I am managing Derek’s care and I can’t even use the money I do have to support Derek’s recovery because it’s going on the basics all the time.”

Now she has suffered another financial setback as she was locked out of her accounts. Taking to Twitter, she begged her bank for help, where she wrote: “@Barclays please please get in touch with me – I have not been able to access any of my Barclays accounts current or savings since Friday due to changing my phone handset and can’t get through to anyone on customer service.”#

It comes a month after Kate suffered another setback. New paperwork from HMRC showed loan debts of almost £140,000 remain from her late husband’s company as well as a £288,000 tax bill. The company has no more assets and HMRC say attempts to recoup the money are ongoing, although it is thought that Kate does not have the money to pay back currently.

A spokesman for Kate said: “‘Kate has met all that the liquidators of Derek’s company have asked for and more over the past 4 years. She doesn’t recognise these figures and is shocked that’s it’s being presented in this way by them.

“Caring for Derek and supporting her family when Derek could no longer run his own businesses has taken a huge financial toll on her but she’s determined to put things right. She is in constant contact with HMRC to make sure she honours what’s required from Derek’s now defunct company.”

BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani has reportedly agreed to an extended period of leave after concerns were raised about alleged bullying behaviour

BBC Breakfast’s Richard Frediani takes ‘extended leave amid bullying allegations’(Image: BBC)

BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani has agreed to an extended period of leave after recent reported bullying allegations emerged. It has been said industry insiders complained about Frediani’s conduct, with many allegedly claiming he shouts and swear at colleagues while ruling the breakfast show with an iron fist.

Recent reports claimed the BBC’s HR team are using a HR adviser from consultancy firm PwC to review the culture on the programme, with employees approached to talk about their experience working there. Amid the crisis, Frediani, who was already on holiday, has reportedly mutually agreed to an extended period of leave.

Frediani has reportedly agreed to an extended leave(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/James Stack)

“Fredi was already taking a break because obviously the allegations against him have been pretty damning, and he needed time to reflect,” a source recently claimed.

“He’s devastated by some of the claims and has also had a lot of behind the scenes support from colleagues, many of whom think he’s a brilliant boss.”

Speaking to The Sun, they added: ” BBC executives have ensured duty of care measures and he is still in touch with a few of the team.”

A BBC spokesperson said in a statement: “While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values.

Naga reportedly raised concerns(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/James Stack)

“We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.”

According to Deadline, Naga Munchetty was one of the staff members who raised concerns about his alleged misconduct.

The bullying allegations comes almost two months after the BBC Workplace Culture review was published, with the corporation vowing to take “immediate action” to change things.

The BBC had said it will take immediate action to improve workplace culture, after publishing a comprehensive independent report. The report from Change Associates, led by Executive Chairman and Founder Grahame Russell, found no evidence of a toxic culture, but in a series of detailed findings and recommendations it highlighted key areas for improvement.

The review heard from around 2,500 employees and freelancers; through one-to-one meetings, group discussions, a survey and written submissions. The review was commissioned by the BBC Board in August 2024, with work beginning in October.

“Even though they are small in number, their behaviour creates large ripples which negatively impact the BBC’s culture and external reputation,” the report concluded.

The BBC Board fully accepted the report and its findings, as did BBC management.

The Mirror have reached out to the BBC and Naga’s reps for comment. Representatives for Mr Frediani could not be immediately reached for comment.

ITV panelist Nadia Sawalha spoke of her heartbreak after learning that her friend and co-star was axed from the show

Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha has shared her heartbreak as she revealed she was “devastated” to learn that a co-star and friend had been axed from the show.

It comes as part of ITV Daytime’s cost-cutting moves after the budget was slashed by the channel, hitting Loose Women, Lorraine and Good Morning Britain particularly hard.

Nadia, 60, opened up on her latest YouTube channel about how the changes were affecting her and how one of her close friends no longer had a job.

Speaking with husband Mark Adderley, she said: “From next year there will be no Loose Women audience.

“I am totally devastated by this fact, I can’t get over it at all. Not only because the audience is so important for the show, but also my dear friend Lee who I work with every day.”

Nadia Sawalha shared her heartbreak over the cost-cutting measures ( 
Image:
YouTube)
Comedian Lee Peart had been the warm-up act for the last eight years on Loose Women.

The news comes after it was revealed last month that from January 2026, Good Morning Britain will be extended by 30 minutes to run from 6am to 9.30am daily. The change also sees Lorraine Kelly’s show cut in half.

It will now run from 9.30am until 10am, and only be on our screens for 30 weeks of the year – the same amount of weeks as Loose Women will now air.

It’s thought up to a third of the 26-strong pool of Loose Women presenters could now face losing their job. A source previously said: “Everyone is completely gutted and in shock.

“We can’t believe they would dismantle these brilliant shows. It’s the death of daytime TV.”

Warm-up act Lee Peart has been axed ( 
Image:
Samuel Black Photography)
Another added: “There’s no way all the Loose Women will be needed now there’ll be far fewer episodes to fill.”

Despite the on-screen show being cut, Loose Women: The Podcast will continue and provide more work for the cast.

The overhaul was announced by Kevin Lygo, managing director of ITV’s media and entertainment division. He said: “Daytime is a really important part of what we do, and these scheduling and production changes will enable us to continue to deliver a schedule providing viewers with the news, debate and discussion they love from the presenters they know and trust as well generating savings which will allow us to reinvest across the programme budget in other genres.

“These changes also allow us to consolidate our news operations and expand our national, international and regional news output and to build upon our proud history of trusted journalism at a time when our viewers need accurate, unbiased news coverage more than ever.”

He added: “I recognise that our plans will have an impact on staff off screen in our Daytime production teams.

“We will work with ITV Studios and ITN as they manage these changes to produce the shows differently from next year, and support them through this transition.”

In a revelation that has set tongues wagging across the nation and sparked a fiery debate on the set of Loose Women, a new list purporting to unveil the UK’s “sexiest women,” as voted for by men, has landed with a thud – and a few raised eyebrows. Featuring household names like Amanda Holden, Lily Allen, and Angela Rayner, the top 10 also celebrated one of the panel’s own, igniting a conversation that transcended mere physical attractiveness to delve into the very essence of what “sexy” means in the 21st century.

The star of the hour, our very own Katy, found herself basking in the unexpected glow of being voted number seven on this highly contentious list. “Absolute cloud nine!” she beamed, clearly relishing the moment of validation. “I’ve been desperate to get on this list for some time, I feel positively decorated what with the OBE and now number seven in the list!” Her jovial declaration immediately set a playful tone, especially when it was revealed that a fellow “Loose Woman,” Stacey Solomon, had landed even higher, at number three. “We will be at war!” Katy quipped, though the underlying current of affection was clear.

However, the initial euphoria quickly gave way to a deeper, more philosophical inquiry into the nature of sexiness itself. Katy, ever insightful, posited, “I do think it’s a really interesting topic because I think sexy is a feeling, it’s an aura, it’s a vibe that you put out there and obviously I I give that in abundance to everybody.” This sentiment was remarkably echoed by an anonymous source from the survey itself, who stated: “This year’s list proves that confidence and individuality are the new sexy and that there’s a growing appetite for personality over polish.“

This latter statement, intended perhaps as a progressive observation, inadvertently sparked a moment of playful outrage from another panelist, who, with characteristic bluntness, demanded, “Well why aren’t I on it then?!” This quip perfectly encapsulated the inherent absurdity and often arbitrary nature of such lists. “I hate these lists,” she confessed, recalling a time when, as a newspaper editor, she found herself on a list of the “20 most powerful women in the media.” Her pragmatic takeaway? “Once you’re at the top of a list, there’s only one way to go and that’s down.” Katy, at number seven, happily declared herself safe from such a precipitous fall.

The conversation then took a fascinating turn, moving beyond personal gratification to a broader societal reflection. The panel mused on the ubiquitous nature of lists in modern life, noting that “we live in a society where everything is on a list now, isn’t it?” But the real core of the debate emerged when the question was posed: “How would you define sexy, Janet?“

Janet Street-Porter, never one to shy away from uncomfortable truths, launched into a typically unfiltered assessment that veered sharply from the superficial to the sociological. Her take was less about aesthetic appeal and more about a perceived shift in societal attitudes towards sex itself. “To be honest, I I actually think the nation as a whole is having less sex. The birth rate has gone down, young people that say they’re less interested in sex than my generation.“

This audacious claim immediately prompted a ripple of surprise, particularly as Janet contrasted it with her own youthful experiences. “Back in the 1960s when I was a teenager, I could think about nothing else and I practiced what I preached, I was at it a lot, far more than young people today.” She then posed a rhetorical question that cut to the heart of the matter: “But whether having a lot of sex made me sexy, I don’t know, but I certainly thought I was hot to trot in my 20s.”

Janet’s provocative stance ignited a vital discussion: Is being “sexy” intrinsically linked to sexual activity or desire? The consensus among the other panelists leaned towards a nuanced distinction. “Being sexy is in a way different to actually having… I mean being sexy is like a concept that’s sort of almost outside the outside the [act of sex],” one panelist observed. “Being sexy seems like such an old-fashioned concept.”

The question then became: Has the definition of “sexy” truly evolved? While acknowledging the popular narrative that our idea of sexiness has “changed and it’s broadened and we’ve become much more accepting as a culture,” a note of skepticism crept into the discussion. “I’m just not sure that that’s true,” one panelist confessed. “I still think that what’s represented to us as sexy has changed very very little since I was, you know, a teenager or in my 20s. It’s still sort of Barbie, OnlyFans, pneumatic, you know, perfect skin.” This stark assessment suggests that despite the rhetoric of inclusivity, the dominant visual representations of sexiness remain stubbornly narrow and often unattainable.

Janet, however, held firm to her belief that a generational shift is indeed underway, particularly among younger demographics. “I think young people under 25 think completely differently. The people they find attractive, they think in a much more less restrictive way than we did.” This assertion hints at a future where attraction is less about idealized physical archetypes and more about a broader spectrum of qualities, perhaps aligning with the survey’s claim about “confidence and individuality” being the “new sexy.”

The conversation, in its rapid-fire, unfiltered style, highlighted the inherent complexities of defining something as fluid and subjective as “sexy.” It’s clear that for some, it’s a personal feeling, an inner “aura” projected outwards. For others, it’s inextricably linked to societal perceptions, often reinforced by media and cultural norms that can be slow to truly evolve. And for a select few, like Janet, it’s a concept that might be losing its grip entirely in a world where younger generations are reportedly less preoccupied with traditional notions of sex and attraction.

Ultimately, the “sexiest women” list, while a source of momentary amusement and validation for some, served as a springboard for a far more profound and necessary conversation. It challenged the panel, and by extension the viewers, to question deeply ingrained ideas about beauty, desire, and societal values. In a world increasingly driven by digital lists and curated images, perhaps true sexiness lies not in a number on a poll, but in the authentic, individual spirit that defies categorization and embraces a definition far richer and more diverse than any survey could ever capture. The debate continues, proving that when it comes to “sexy,” there’s far more beneath the surface than meets the eye.

In a world obsessed with resilience and the relentless pursuit of goals, the very notion of quitting has long been branded a dirty word, synonymous with failure, weakness, and capitulation. But what if everything we’ve been taught about giving up is fundamentally flawed? What if, far from being a defeat, the art of knowing when to walk away is, in fact, a crucial skill, a strategic maneuver employed by the most successful individuals? This revolutionary perspective, championed by none other than Dragon’s Den magnate Steven Bartlett, is sending shockwaves through the business and entertainment worlds, prompting a radical re-evaluation of how we define triumph and setback.

Bartlett, a self-made millionaire and outspoken advocate for unconventional wisdom, posits that “quitting is actually a skill, and those who are winning at life have mastered it.” This audacious declaration challenges the very bedrock of our societal conditioning, where “never give up” is the mantra drilled into us from childhood. Yet, as a recent, riveting discussion on Loose Women illuminated, Bartlett’s philosophy resonates deeply with those who have dared to defy convention and step away from what many would consider the absolute peak of their careers.

The Loose Women panel, renowned for their candid and often provocative conversations, delved headfirst into this contentious topic, sharing deeply personal anecdotes that underscored Bartlett’s provocative thesis. The discussion quickly pivoted to the experiences of two beloved British television personalities who have famously, and successfully, “quit” at pivotal moments: Denise Welch and Oti Mabuse. Their journeys, far from being tales of regret, stand as powerful testaments to the liberating and ultimately enriching power of strategic withdrawal.

Denise Welch, a titan of British television, recounted her audacious decision to leave Coronation Street 27 years ago, a move that left her bewildered family and fans reeling. For many, being the “landlady of the Rover’s Return” was the absolute pinnacle of acting success, a role synonymous with national treasure status. “My aunties,” Welch recalled with a wry smile, “just could not believe that someone voluntarily had left being the landlady of the Rover’s Return because to them it was the pinnacle.” Yet, for Welch, the decision was not a calculated career move, but a visceral, “gut reaction.” Despite the show’s desire for her to stay, even offering to incorporate her pregnancy into the storyline, Welch knew, deep down, it was time to go. “I knew when it was time for me to go against the odds,” she explained, emphasizing the intuitive nature of her choice. Looking back, Welch reflects on this decision with absolute certainty, stating, “I’ve never regretted the decision.” Her story is a powerful illustration of prioritizing inner conviction over external validation, a brave leap into the unknown that ultimately paved the way for a multifaceted career.

Equally compelling was the candid confession from Oti Mabuse, the sensational dancer who, to the shock and dismay of millions, exited Strictly Come Dancing after two consecutive wins. Mabuse’s departure from the seemingly unassailable heights of Strictly sent ripples of confusion across the nation. “I personally was surprised when you left Strictly,” one panelist admitted, echoing the sentiment of countless viewers. “You’ve just asked Strictly and you’ve been there so long, you’ve won it twice, two consecutive years, you’re like right up there!”

Mabuse’s reasoning, however, provided profound insight into the strategic nature of her “quitting.” While acknowledging Strictly as “the most wonderful show” and a “family” that “trampolined me or jumpstarted many other doors and career opportunities,” she emphasized a deep-seated desire for growth and diversification. “For me, it was time to move on,” Mabuse declared. “I did want to explore different things. I wanted to have a family.”

Her most poignant revelation, however, stemmed from a moment of profound introspection during the Loose Women tour. Surrounded by her colleagues sharing tales of diverse life experiences – travel, adventures in the jungle, varied careers – Mabuse realized a startling truth about her own trajectory. “I’d never done anything with my life but dance,” she admitted, revealing a childhood defined by a “very strict household” where “we went to school, we went to dance school, and that was it.” She continued, “So I’d never traveled, I’d never met different types of people, I didn’t have life experience.”

This realization became the pivotal turning point. Mabuse faced a stark choice: “I could do this show which is amazing and do the same thing again for 20 years and still be happy – I wasn’t unhappy – or I could just fail but fail knowing that I’m gaining life experience.” Her decision, a bold embrace of potential “failure” in pursuit of broader horizons, perfectly encapsulates Bartlett’s philosophy. It wasn’t about dissatisfaction with her current success, but a yearning for a richer, more diverse existence, a conscious decision to quit a comfortable, albeit creatively limiting, path for the unknown.

The discussion on Loose Women powerfully reframed the narrative around quitting. It’s not about abandoning commitments at the first sign of trouble, nor is it a sign of weakness. Instead, it’s about discernment, self-awareness, and a courageous commitment to personal evolution. Both Welch and Mabuse demonstrated an acute understanding of when a chapter had concluded, recognizing that staying, despite the external accolades and financial security, would

ultimately stifle their growth and limit their potential.

This idea challenges the deeply ingrained societal pressure to persevere at all costs, even when a path is no longer serving one’s highest good. The panelists acknowledged that for many, particularly those in less flexible careers like accountancy, the luxury of “moving around” and “doing different things” isn’t always an option. However, for those who do have a choice, Bartlett’s message offers a liberating alternative to the relentless treadmill of traditional success.

The ability to strategically disengage is not about laziness; it’s about optimizing one’s energy, time, and talent for pursuits that truly align with personal values and long-term fulfillment. It’s about recognizing diminishing returns, avoiding burnout, and making space for new opportunities and experiences. In a rapidly changing world, the agility to pivot and adapt, even if that means leaving behind a seemingly golden handcuff, is becoming an increasingly invaluable asset.

So, the next time the word “quitting” crosses your mind, perhaps it’s time to reframe it not as a confession of defeat, but as a strategic declaration of intent. As Steven Bartlett and the remarkable women of Loose Women so eloquently illustrate, knowing when to walk away might just be the most profound act of self-empowerment, a secret weapon for those truly committed to winning at the intricate game of life. Is it time for you to master the art of the intelligent exit? The answer might just surprise you.