Author: bang5

‘She deserves true love after all that she’s been through’

TV presenters Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones make a “great couple”, one of her “good friends” has revealed.

Last month, the pair sparked reports that their friendship had blossomed into something bigger behind the scenes.

Helen, 41, and Gethin, 47, have both presented Blue Peter and later starred on Strictly during different years. Currently, the pair front the BBC’s Morning Live and have clear chemistry on screen.

Now Helen’s pal has waded in, appearing to confirm the romance once and for all…

Helen and Gethin both present Morning Live together (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones’ friendship ‘deepens’

Since splitting from singer Katherine Jenkins in 2011, Gethin has kept his love life under wraps. However, he recently admitted he was back on the dating scene. In 2022, Helen split from husband Richie Myler, with whom she shares three children.

Just like Gethin, she has also kept her relationships hush-hush. However, according to Daily Mail last month, Helen and Gethin are more than just good friends.

“Helen and Gethin have an extremely close working relationship and there’s a feeling in recent months their friendship has blossomed into a deeper connection,” a TV insider told the newspaper.

“They’re both keen to keep a lid on it to avoid public scrutiny but there’s no denying their closeness both on and off screen.”

Earlier in the month, Helen and Gethin attended the TV BAFTA Awards together and left fans questioning if they were a couple.

An eyewitness at the glitzy award show has said it was “very clear that Helen and Gethin were together as a couple at the event”, adding: “They were with close friends of Helen’s and their connection was undeniable.”

‘I’m so happy for her’

Now Helen’s pal has declared that the star “deserves true love” following her divorce from Richie Myler.

Writing in her column for New! magazine, Kerry Katona said: “It looks like Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones are an item, doesn’t it? Helen’s a good friend of mine and I absolutely adore her.”

She deserves true love after all that she’s been through.

Kerry added: “She and I have been through quite similar difficult times publicly. I’m so happy for her – I think they look like a great couple and their relationship seems to have happened organically and naturally.

“She deserves true love after all that she’s been through.”

Gethin and Helen attended the TV BAFTAs together (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Gethin Jones previously hinted at new partner

During a discussion about snoring on Morning Live, Gethin may have accidentally spilled a little secret about his personal life.

While on the subject, co-host Gaby Roslin turned to Gethin and asked if the former Hits Radio presenter snored.

In response, Gethin said: “I always thought I didn’t, but apparently, I found out recently, [I might] get myself in trouble here, that I do.”

Following the admission, the camera turned to the rest of the presenters and panel, who were laughing with Gethin and Gaby. While embarrassed, Gethin began blushing and tried to distract everyone.

They’ve been together since last year

Peter Phillips appeared alongside his girlfriend, Harriet Sperling, as she made her Royal Ascot carriage procession debut today (Tuesday, June 17).

Peter, 47, who is the son of Princess Anne, began his relationship with Harriet last year.
The royal was at the first day of the Royal Ascot today (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Peter Phillips’ girlfriend Harriet Sperling appears at Royal Ascot

The royal, older brother of Zara Tindall, was previously married to Autumn Phillips, with whom he had two children. 

They tied the knot in 2008 and divorced in 2021.

Following his split from Autumn, Peter had a three-year relationship with Lindsay Wallace, a friend of Zara’s.

Last year, the royal went public with his new relationship. His girlfriend, Harriet, is an NHS paediatric nurse and freelance writer.

Harriet and Peter are said to have met at a sporting event attended by their children.

They made their Royal Ascot debut together last year. However, this year has seen them take a major step in their relationship, with Harriet making her carriage procession debut.
Harriet was in the carriage procession (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Harriet and Peter Phillips at the Royal Ascot

Peter and Harriet were amongst the royals who attended the first day of the Royal Ascot today.

The couple arrived in a carriage that also carried author Anthony Horowitz and his wife, film producer Jill Green.

King Charles and Queen Camilla also arrived via carriage. They were joined by Prince Faisal bin Salman Al Saud from Saudi Arabia, and one of the queen’s most trusted confidants, Lady Sarah Keswick.

Princess Anne was also present, arriving in a carriage sitting next to Princess Antonia, Duchess of Wellington.

They were joined by Princess Antonia’s husband, the Duke of Wellington, and Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot.

Another carriage carried Lady Joanna Morton Jack, her husband, Henry Morton Jack, and Lord and Lady Vestey.
Charles and Camilla were at the Ascot today (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Charles to attend all five days

Earlier this week, it was announced that Peter’s uncle, King Charles, would be attending all five days of the Royal Ascot.

The decision comes after the monarch reportedly developed a genuine interest in the races since becoming king.

“Camilla has been passionate about horse racing for many years but the king has surprised himself by how much he enjoys it,” a source told The Sun.

The source added that the festival provides the king with “an opportunity to catch up with guests and show support for the horse racing industry”.

The king is clearly following in his late mother Queen Elizabeth II’s footsteps. She, too, was a huge horse racing fan and only missed one Royal Ascot in 70 years on the throne.

She regularly had horses racing in the festival, and even won the Gold Cup back in 2013.

Read more: Trooping the Colour: Prince George’s ‘response to King Charles’ question’ on palace balcony

The Princess of Wales mastered the gesture many years ago

Aradiant looking Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, performed the perfect curtsy for her father-in-law, King Charles, during the Order of the Garter service yesterday, (Monday, June 17).

The royal joined other members of The Firm at Windsor Castle, days after her aquamarine outfit turned heads at Trooping the Colour over the weekend.

The Princess of Wales’ curtsy skills have been hailed before, and it’s no surprise Kate Middleton has gained attention for the gesture during her recent appearance.

Princess Kate Middleton praised after ‘elegant’ curtsy for King Charles

The service took place at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, the same location for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018.

As King Charles and Queen Camilla pulled away in a horse-drawn carriage for the ride back to the castle, Princess Kate Middleton performed the perfect curtsy.

To make it more impressive, she appeared to do it at the same time as Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

Within the royal family, women curtsy to the monarch and senior members of the royal family, while men bow their heads. But Charles and Camilla are often seen greeting their family members with hugs, or kisses on the cheek afterwards.

The Firm gathered to celebrate the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain. The Most Noble Order of the Garter is the world’s oldest national order of knighthood. It is around 700 years old after it was started by King Edward III, who was inspired by the stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. There are 24 companions in the Order, including the monarch, the Prince of Wales and other royals from the UK and abroad.

It’s the first time she made an appearance at the event since 2023, after scaling back her royal duties last year as she battled cancer.

It was also the same location she and Prince William made their public debut in 2008, three years before they tied the knot at Westminster Abbey.
She performed the curtsy in unison with Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh (Credit: Cover Images)

Kate’s Self Portrait dress stuns fans

At the Order of the Garter service, Kate Middleton’s self-portrait dress also gained attention. It’s not the first time she’s worn the gorgeous gown either.

The look included a belted white boucle blazer and a white skirt with a lace trim.

Kate opted for nude, closed-tow heels and paired it with a Sean Barrett hat.

She wore the look at. the VE Day concert in May, at the Horse Guards Parade.

The Princess of Wales wore her hair in loose waves, after it appeared she lightened the brunette shade earlier this year.

Read more: How Kate Middleton’s family ‘reacted’ to the news of her cancer diagnosis speaks volumes

Ignore the haters, Michelle!

Michelle Keegan had fans rallying round with support after she was trolled over her jaw-dropping swimsuit snaps, just three months after giving birth to her baby.

The actress, 38, became a mum for the first time in March after she gave birth to a baby girl, Palma. She shares the tot with husband Mark Wright, also 38.

Since then, the showbiz couple – who married in 2015 – have been updating fans on the new chapter in their lives. And this week, Michelle sent her fans into a frenzy after she donned a rather revealing swimsuit. But it seems haters are gonna hate…

The TV star looked sensational in her summer snaps (Credit: ITV)

Michelle Keegan stuns in swimsuit after birth of baby

Earlier this week (June 16), Michelle Keegan took to her Instagram to share several snaps of her modelling an item from her brand Orfila Bee.

The TV star posed up a storm in a brown cut-out swimsuit that showed off her fantastic figure. Michelle styled the swimsuit with a straw cowboy hat and a pair of sunglasses.

Smouldering to the camera, Michelle wore her famous chocolate locks in bouncy waves that cascaded down her shoulders.

And, as expected, plenty of Michelle’s fans were left swooning over the post and rushed to the comments section to share their thoughts.

However, others were not too impressed and claimed Michelle was making other mums feel bad due to how good she was looking.

Michelle got plenty of people talking (Credit: Instagram Story)

Michelle’s followers slam TV star

“Kudos Michelle for making every young mum feel and look like [bleep], bravo, didn’t you do well,” fumed one person.

Someone else added: “Nice you to make other mums grumpy after birth.”

A third wrote: “Just a message to any mum out there who’s just had a baby and your body didn’t snap back like this, remember you just grew a baby for nine months. Don’t matter what you look like, you made a baby, enjoy it.”

Michelle urged to ‘ignore haters and negativity’

Following the backlash, Michelle’s fans were quick to defend the new mum. “Really? Comment not needed,” said one person followed by an eye-roll emoji.

A second said: “You look amazing as always enjoy your time with your gorgeous baby girl and ignore all the haters and negativity.”

Someone else gushed: “Michelle looks amazing. So unfair on these comments. It takes time to feel okay mentally regardless of physical looks. So what if she has snapped back, she may not feel that way. She is not promoting ‘snap back after having a baby’ she is making a living.”

She looks amazing, as she always does.

Another follower wrote: “Wow some of the comments on here are horrible. Some women do go back to their body normal after childbirth, some women don’t.”

They added: “But that doesn’t mean that it is okay to shame someone for wearing a swimming costume because some are clearly very jealous and bitter. I really hope Michelle ignores the nasty comments and only the good ones. She looks amazing, as she always does.”

Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz have reportedly purchased a lavish mansion in Los Angeles, potentially making the Beckham feud worse

Brooklyn Beckham and wife’s feud with Beckhams deepen as couple buys £10.5m LA mansion(Image: WWD via Getty Images)

Brooklyn Beckham and his wife, Nicola Peltz, have reportedly splashed their cash on a £10.5million in Hollywood after previously renting their other home. The couple are currently embroiled in a reported feud with the rest of the Beckham clan and it’s said the recent purchase could worsen their relations.

The apparent feud seems to be ongoing as Brooklyn seemingly snubbed his dad David’s huge achievement of earning a knighthood on the King’s Birthday Honours List last weekend on his social media pages, as well as failing to publicly celebrate him on Father’s Day. He was also nowhere to be seen for David’s 50th birthday celebrations.

Brooklyn and Nicola have been hitting headlines over a reported feud(Image: Instagram)

Brooklyn remained silent while his dad’s dreams of a knighthood finally came true. Brooklyn’s behaviour has reportedly rubbed his mum Victoria up the wrong way and she has been left ‘furious’ by his actions – or lack thereof.

“The whole family is devastated by the current situation. The tension had been there for a while but no-one thought in a million years that it would turn this toxic,” it was said.

“Victoria can’t fathom why Brooklyn hasn’t been in touch to apologise. She’s furious with him, but also heartbroken,” an insider recently claimed to Heat Magazine.

It’s said the couple recently purchased a mansion in Hollywood(Image: Getty Images for Wendy’s)

And now, things could get worse between the couple and his family after they purchased a new home in Los Angeles.

Speaking about the five-bedroom, six-bathroom property, a source claimed to The Sun that Brooklyn feels like his life is now in America.

“As an influencer he can work from anywhere but Brooklyn believes he has more opportunities in LA. It will be a dagger to the heart for his parents,” the source said.

According to the insider, there were hopes his life in America wouldn’t be “permanent”, but “this house purchase quashes any last hopes.”

However, another source told the Mirror: “This house has nothing to do with family dynamics. Both Nicola and Brooklyn’s careers are based in Los Angeles, and Brooklyn spent part of his childhood there while his father played for LA Galaxy.

“During that time, he attended school in LA for several years and built a life and friendships in the city. LA has always felt like home to him.”

The Mirror have reached out to Brooklyn and Nicola’s reps for comment.

After David officially became a ‘Sir’, loving wife Victoria took to her social media page to pay tribute to her footballer husband with a sweet photo of her kissing him on the cheek.

She wrote in the caption: “You’ve always been my knight in shining armour, but now it’s official. Sir @davidbeckham!!! What an honour, I couldn’t be prouder of you.

“Your dedication to the things that matter most – your country, your work, your passion, and most of all, your family – has never wavered. The way you’ve touched so many lives over the years with kindness and humility speaks volumes about the man you are and continues to inspire us everyday. But above all else, I’m so, so proud to call you mine.I love you so much xxxx”.

Former TOWIE star Lauren Goodger has said she hates her body and thinks she’s ‘ruined her looks’ after undergoing a number of cosmetic surgery procedures

Lauren Goodger says she’s ‘ruined her looks’ and ‘hates’ her body after surgery(Image: Instagram/ @laurengoodger)

Reality TV legend Lauren Goodger has heartbreakingly admitted she regrets some of her cosmetic surgery and currently hates her appearance. The Only Way Is Essex icon has confessed that she believes her cosmetic procedures have ‘ruined her looks’ and plans to reverse them.

Lauren, 38, first appeared on our TV screens when TOWIE premiered in 2010 and has been in the public eye ever since – with her looks often securitised by cruel trolls.

Last month, the Essex native revealed she’s planning to remove her breast implants after 11 years, as she wants to feel like her ‘normal self’ again and go back to being ‘natural’.

Captioning a photo of herself in pink lingerie, Lauren told her Instagram followers: “11 years ago, I had a breast augmentation, one of the things I regret later in life. I had the perfect boobs… they have been great over the years but since being a mum and breastfeeding for one year they have now changed and I’ve always found they make me look bigger!

Lauren Goodger in 2011 before having surgery (Image: Getty Images Europe)

“Also they are heavy and I don’t like the idea of an implant being in me all these years and I miss my old boobs so much .. so after looking around I’ve found someone that I feel really keen with having my consultation with @marksolomos! This is a HUGE step for me I’ve wanted to have them removed for so long but suffering with serve anxiety surgery is the last thing I can do!”

In a new interview, Lauren, who was once engaged to childhood sweetheart Mark Wright, reflected further on her past surgeries and admitted they’ve left her feeling that her body appears ‘abnormal’.

She told The Sun that her ‘massive boobs and bum’ make her appear larger than she is, and shared her desire to return to her previous appearance.

Lauren confessed: “I’ve ruined my looks with surgery – I hate my fake boobs and bum now. I feel like my body looks abnormal – I don’t need these massive boobs and massive bum. When I look at myself naked in the mirror, all I see is lumps and bumps everywhere.”

The reality TV star wants to embrace a more natural look(Image: Instagram/ @laurengoodger)

The reality TV star, shares daughter Larose, three, with her ex Charles Drury and late daughter Lorena who died at birth in 2022, has previously also spoken about her ‘Brazilian butt lift’ (BBL) procedure done in Turkey in 2017.

The surgery, which transferred fat from various parts of her body to her buttocks, is now something she wishes she could undo. Speaking to Closer magazine last year, she said: “When I had everything done, I looked the b****ks. My boobs looked amazing, I loved how I looked in pictures and all the attention. But now I wish I’d never had anything. I want it all out.”

She lamented the physical discomfort and aesthetic issues caused by her enhanced features, stating: “My bum and boobs make me look bigger and cause me pain. I want to reverse it all and go back to natural.”

Speaking to OK! magazine, the Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing on Ice star revealed that she hasn’t had fillers for more than two years, although she opts for Botox thrice annually. Lauren also explained how she abstains from alcohol, cigarettes, vaping, and caffeine, aiming to lead a ‘healthier and happier’ lifestyle.

Zoe Slater has made a shock return to EastEnders in big scenes that aired yesterday evening – but it was actually an unlikely person who convinced her to come back to the BBC soap

Zoe Slater has made a shock return to EastEnders in big scenes that aired yesterday evening(Image: ITV)

Zoe Slater star Michelle Ryan has revealed the unlikely person who made her return to EastEnders. Zoe is back in the Square to mark new executive producer Ben Wadey’s first episode in charge.

Ben previously teased some big drama as he took over the lead role on the show. He said: “Next week marks the start of something big in Walford that we hope will get everyone talking, and it’s only just the beginning. We’ve got twists, shocks, and plenty of drama lined up for a summer you don’t want to miss.”

That was, we know now, referring to Zoe’s big return as Michelle Ryan reprises her role. During a chat with Richard Arnold on Good Morning Britain, Zoe star Michelle explained what convinced her to come back.

Zoe returned in last night’s episode

“I’ve got goosebumps, this is amazing to be back. This is a bizarre thing – it all came from Instagram. It was actually a comment from a fan that said, it’s not been recast, it’s gone on too long, you need to come back.”

In a separate interview, Michelle revealed the return came at the right time and she had been thinking about it for a while.

Speaking about her decision to come back, she said: “It all happened at the right time. I’d already been thinking about a return because I’d met up with Kacey Ainsworth and Kim Medcalf and we were reminiscing our fond memories of the show, and I’d also joined social media and saw that there was still a lot of love for the character.”

Ben added: “Before I even stepped into the role, Zoe Slater was on my wish-list of returnees as although we haven’t seen her on screen for twenty years, her character has transcended time due to her popular storylines.

“I was absolutely delighted when Michelle agreed to return, and I’m thrilled to welcome her back to Walford. Whilst I can’t say too much at this stage, Zoe’s return is just one of the many exciting storylines we have planned.”

Teasing what might happen next, Michelle admitted Zoe was a “mess”. She said: “I can’t say too much as there is a lot of drama to come, but Zoe is a mess. She’s not the girl that left Walford twenty years ago, and she’s been really struggling on her own. She has her defences up, but this week you will see that she needs help, but whether she is willing to accept it is another story.”

Meghan Markle has finally spoken out about the video she shared of herself and Prince Harry twerking to bring on labour with Princess Lilibet in a brand new interview

Meghan Markle has broken her silence on her controversial twerking video with a defiant response. The Duchess of Sussex raised eyebrows when she shared a clip of her and Prince Harry dancing around a hospital room in a bid to bring on labour while Meghan was in the later stages of pregnancy with Princess Lilibet.

The candid video, which runs for more than a minute, features the song ‘Baby Mamma’ and sees Harry beckoned in by Meghan as the pair dance together, with the duke appearing at the end with the hood of his grey hoodie up as he continues his dance moves.

Meghan in a brand new podcast, which drops in full tomorrow

Meghan, wearing a black maternity dress, cradles her large bump as she dances, as well as lifting her skirt above her knees, raising her hands in the air and wiggling low with her hands on her hips and legs.

The Duchess had not addressed the reaction to the now-viral clip – until now in a brand new interview on the Aspire with Emma Grede podcast. In a preview for the podcast, which drops in full tomorrow, Emma, a London-born entrepreneur behind the brand Good American, chats to Meghan about the clip.

In the teaser, Meghan tells Emma about being authentic to be successful, before asking the host: “Did you see my ‘Baby Momma’ dance?”

Emma, who is also a founding partner of Kim Kardashian’s successful brand Skims, revealed: “We maybe watched it like 20 times yesterday, and I was like, is that, is that her? Is that Prince Harry there with the fingers…I was like, okay…good on Harry, let’s go. But that’s you, right? Like that’s you in a way that we kind of haven’t been able to see you before.”

Meghan dances in her twerking video alongside Prince Harry (Image: Meghan/Instagram)

“And I did like a little secret cheer, cause I was like, well, that’s what I kind of want to see from you. Like I wanna see that happiness and that honesty and that ‘I don’t give a f***’ kind of thing.”

And breaking her silence on the clip, Meghan explained: “That was four years ago. So it’s also a really great reminder that with all the noise or whatever people do, there’s still a whole life — a real, authentic, fun life — that’s happening behind the scenes.”

“I’m just grateful that now, being back on social as well, I have a place where I can share it on my own terms.”

The new teaser clip comes after Meghan took to social media just yesterday to share a heartfelt Father’s Day tribute to her husband, featuring rare never-before-seen footage of the couple’s two children.

Meghan posted a video to Instagram showing Harry alongside Archie and Lilibet, set to the song Have It All by Jason Mraz. “The best,” she captioned her post. “Happy Father’s Day to our favorite guy.”

The compilation showed photos and videos of Harry laughing, dancing and spending quality time with his children through the years. The Duchess made her social media return in early 2025 and regularly shares personal milestones and professional updates through her Instagram account.

It comes as Victoria was among other family members reportedly left “disgusted” after Brooklyn snubbed his dad on Father’s Day and his knighthood achievement

Romeo and Cruz Beckham appear to have been making a number of barbed posts(Image: Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)

Brooklyn Beckham’s younger brothers couldn’t resist sharing a series of cryptic posts about “family” and being “vain” as the family drama continues to unravel.

It comes as Victoria was among other family members reportedly left “disgusted” after Brooklyn snubbed his dad on Father’s Day and his knighthood achievement.

Romeo, whose ex-girlfriend Kim Turnbull broke her silence yesterday on the Brooklyn feud, hasn’t shied away from hinting at how he really feels over the turmoil around him. The former footballer, 22, posted about “unecessary lies” mere hours after Kim’s post.

Taking to Instagram, he shared a post of himself with a pal, labelling it “family” with a crossed fingers emoji. He then went on to share a series throwback photos of his mum Victoria and dad David looking very youthful, in some showing fresh-faced Victoria with a pram or one of their sons in tow.

Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham snubbed David’s birthday bash(Image: Instagram)

Similarly, his younger brother Cruz shared a cryptic screengrab of Carly Simon hit You’re So Vain, before going on to share a poster with the words: “If I would stick my pen in my heart/ Spill it all over the stage/ Would it satisfy you?”

The series of posts from the brothers comes as David’s huge knighthood achievement continues to be overshadowed by their fallout with eldest son Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, 26, and his wife Nicola Peltz Beckham, 30.

David is set to be honoured at Buckingham Palace later this year, but the special day that he has dreamed of for so many years will be tinged with sadness as Brooklyn and his wife Nicola are not set to attend, according to reports. While David will be supported by his wife Victoria, 51, sons Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 20, and daughter Harper, 13, Brooklyn is likely to skip his dad’s biggest career milestone yet.

Nicola and Brooklyn have become embroiled in a feud with the Beckhams(Image: TIM STEWART NEWS LIMITED)

“Sadly there’s no question of Brooklyn being involved. The whole family is disgusted with him. It’s left a very dark cloud over everyone at the worst possible time. Barring some sort of miracle, there’s no way that Brooklyn is going to show up,” a source told Heat Magazine.

And while all the rest of his children honoured and celebrated his incredible achievement on social media, Brooklyn remained silent while his dad’s dreams of a knighthood finally came true. Brooklyn’s behaviour has reportedly rubbed his mum Victoria up the wrong way and she has been left ‘furious’ by his actions – or lack thereof.

Romeo shared a pointed post about ‘family’

“The whole family is devastated by the current situation. The tension had been there for a while but no-one thought in a million years that it would turn this toxic. Victoria can’t fathom why Brooklyn hasn’t been in touch to apologise. She’s furious with him, but also heartbroken,” the insider added.

While Brooklyn may have remained silent, the same can’t be said for Victoria who has sang her praises and celebrated her husband to no end after the incredible news of his knighthood.

Cruz posted a screengrab of hit ‘You’re So Vain’

Victoria posted a sweet snap of her kissing a smiling David on the cheek as she wrote in the caption: “You’ve always been my knight in shining armour, but now it’s official. Sir @davidbeckham!!! What an honour, I couldn’t be prouder of you.

“Your dedication to the things that matter most – your country, your work, your passion, and most of all, your family – has never wavered. The way you’ve touched so many lives over the years with kindness and humility speaks volumes about the man you are and continues to inspire us everyday. But above all else, I’m so, so proud to call you mine.I love you so much xxxx”.

Brooklyn and Nicola aren’t in contact with his family

In a statement to the Mirror, David himself said: “Growing up in East London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour. To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true.

“Off the pitch I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation.

“I’m so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I’m grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment. It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I’m immensely proud and it’s such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.”

Ruth will star in new BBC adaptation alongside Richard E.Grant as Jane Austen’s Mr and Mrs Bennet, following Alison Steadman into the big role

Ruth and Richard were pictured together last month at the Charleston Fesitival, before filming had started(Image: Supplied)

Ruth Jones is to follow in the footsteps of her Gavin & Stacey co-star Alison Steadman by taking on Jane Austen’s iconic character of Mrs Bennet in a major new BBC series.

The comedy favourite will play the Pride & Prejudice matriarch in The Other Bennet Sister alongside Richard E. Grant, 68, who has revealed that playing the role of Mr Bennet is a lifelong ambition.

One show insider said: “It’s long been known that this was on Richard’s bucket list and he leapt at the opportunity when the BBC approached him. Ruth was similarly enthusiastic over playing a character who is about as far from Nessa as it is possible to be. She’s overjoyed to be swapping her leather mini skirt and boots for a crinoline and bonnet.”

Ruth, seen here with Alison, will swap Nessa’s leather and boots for Mrs Bennet’s crinolines and bonnets(Image: PA)

The 10-part drama is an adaptation of Janice Hadlow’s novel, which explores and expands the world of Pride and Prejudice through the often-overlooked perspective of Mary Bennet, played by former Call the Midwife star Ella Broccoleri.

In the story Mary is given the epic love story nobody predicted for her. It takes her from her family home in Meryton to the soirees of Regency London and the peaks and vales of the Lake District – all in search of independence, romance and, most elusive of all, self-love and acceptance.

Britain’s best-loved comedy actress Ruth, 58, is fast becoming a BBC costume drama stalwart, having previously appeared in Little Dorrit and Tess of the d’Urbervilles.

Gavin & Stacey, which she co-wrote with James Corden, drew to a close with 21million viewers at Christmas. Steadman, who plays Nessa’s best friend Stacey’s mother-in-law Pam Shipman, was previously Mrs Bennet in the BBC’s award-winning 1995 Pride & Prejudice adaptation, starring Colin Firth as Mr Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet.

Gavin & Stacey’s Alison Steadman proved a hit as Mrs Bennet in the classic BBC adaptation of Pride & {Prejudice from 1995(Image: PA)

Writer Sarah Quintrell says: “I’m thrilled to be telling the story of Mary – the other Bennet sister – exploring what it is to come of age when you’re the odd one out.” Saying she herself had been an “awkward, anxious” teen, she added: “I grew up watching the BBC’s wonderful Austen adaptations. It’s the stuff every writer dreams of and I can’t wait to bring this beautiful story to screen – not least, for all the Marys out there.”

Producer Jane Tranter, of Bad Wolf, said that she’d landed the “ensemble cast of our dreams” for the new series, which is part of the BBC’s celebration of Austin’s 250th anniversary, adding: “We have been working behind the scenes on The Other Bennet Sister for many years now, and Janice’s brilliantly observed characters have lived and grown in our imaginations throughout that time as Sarah has been working on the scripts. So our actors had a lot to live up to – and I can honestly say that this is the ensemble cast of our dreams. Each one brings something new and exciting to the world of Austen. And all of us at Bad Wolf are delighted to be making a drama that brings such joy.”

BBC drama boss Lindsay Salt said it was a joy to see cameras rolling on the “vibrant, witty and clever” new take on Jane Austen’s world, which also stars Coupling’s Richard Coyle and Game of Thrones actress Indira Varma. She added: “With a pitch perfect cast led by Ella, Ruth and Richard, The Other Bennet Sister will be an irresistible treat for viewers when it launches on the BBC next year.”

Ruth is no stranger to period drama’s having enjoyed a role in Tess of the d’Urbervilles(Image: BBC)

Ruth got used to wearing big dresses while appearing in Little Dorrit(Image: BBC)

Varma and Coyle play Mr and Mrs Gardiner, Mary’s worldly aunt and uncle who take her on as a governess to their three children – introducing her to an exciting new social world that includes Ann Baxter, played by Doctor Who companion Varada Sethu.

Another famous character is the simpering Mr Collins, who will be played by Ryan Sampson, who wrote and starred alongside Danny Dyer in Sky comedy Mr Bigstuff. Filming has started in Wales on the BBC1 series, due to air on Sunday nights next year.