Author: bang5

  • ‘Prince Harry’s Father’s Day tribute from Meghan speaks volumes on compromised life’

    ‘Prince Harry’s Father’s Day tribute from Meghan speaks volumes on compromised life’

    Meghan Markle posted a Father’s Day tribute to Prince Harry with never-before-seen footage of him with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet – and one royal expert says the post is very telling

    Prince Harry’s Father’s Day tribute from Meghan Markle shows he “doesn’t have it all” despite the song it is set to, according to a royal expert. Meghan posted a video to Instagram showing Harry alongside Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, set to the song Have It All by Jason Mraz.

    The compilation showed photos and videos of Harry laughing, dancing and spending quality time with his children through the years. Meghan captioned the post: “The best. Happy Father’s Day to our favourite guy.” The post came hours after Harry’s estranged brother Prince William was also seen in a new picture with his children in a post on the official Prince and Princess of Wales social media accounts.

    Prince Harry in a Father's Day tribute from Meghan Markle
    Prince Harry in a Father’s Day tribute from Meghan Markle (Image: instagram.com/meghan)

    Kensington Palace said the photographs were taken by professional photographer Josh Shinner in Norfolk earlier this year. And according to royal expert and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop, there was a vast gulf between the two posts.

    She told the Mirror : “Hail Prince William, the model father. Or rather the model English father, with a before-and-after duo of professional photographs featuring a handsome, upstanding man, beautifully blended with his children; a foursome united in different shades of ‘Norfolk’ green.

    “The post dropped early on Father’s Day via Kensington Palace’s Instagram account, giving that other royal family plenty of time to tweak their own paternal efforts for a later LA release.

    Harry is hugged by his children
    Harry is hugged by his children (Image: instagram.com/meghan)

    “In Britain, it was bedtime before we caught a sneaky peak of the Sussexes’ alternative Californian vibe: Harry the hands-on dad – forget formal posing in tweedy greens, this was ‘au naturel’. Well, sort of.

    “A hotch-potch of sunbaked vibes, bubble machines and sea-side shots cast to the Jason Mraz track ‘Have it all.’ Except Harry doesn’t have it all.”

    It comes as body language expert Judi James revealed a striking contrast between Meghan’s Father’s Day post and Princess of Wales’ photo – and says there’s a hidden message for Archie and Lilibet. “The basic display tone of this video, that is a narrative of clips of Harry being a father, is very different to the one the UK royals tend to use for their Father’s Day poses,” Judi told the Mirror.

    “There is also a very strong message of freedom for the children and Harry here, too,” Judi notes. “There is a lot of running and walking away from the camera to continue to reject a more public profile but it’s the recurring theme of the bare feet too.”

    The tribute to Harry comes just weeks after he spoke out about his rift with his own father King Charles, and said he would love reconciliation with him.

    The Princess of Wales posted a lovely Father's Day tribute
    Prince William in a Father’s Day post with his children (Image: Twitter/@KensingtonRoyal)

    And Tessa added: “Despite his professed desire to resume relations with his own father the King, the Duke of Sussex remains something of an orphan, stranded on the other side of the Atlantic. A discordant backdrop that cast his otherwise happy little video in a poignant light.

    “Poor Harry. These days having it all even means sharing images of his children’s faces, albeit blurry ones taken when they were much younger.

    “Such are the compromises celebrities make when no longer protected by the royal coffers. Meghan’s Instagram account is a hungry beast.

    “It had been declared the holiday snap indicative of the brothers’ close bond, proof that when it comes to the Royal Family, what you see is only ever half the story.”

  • David Beckham’s mum ‘in tears’ as they have sweet reunion for first time ‘since the news’

    David Beckham’s mum ‘in tears’ as they have sweet reunion for first time ‘since the news’

    Football legend David Beckham had a touching moment with his mum Sandra as they headed back to his working class roots amid the ongoing family drama with son Brooklyn

    David Beckham (R) sits in the Royal Box with his mother Sandra Georgina West
    David Beckham had an emotional time with his mum Sandra(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

    Sir David Beckham’s mum cried when she reunited with her football icon son for the first time since his knighthood. The sports star, 50, finally received his long-awaited title from King Charles on Friday as part of The King’s Birthday Honours List.

    It comes after years of hard work from David through his football career and charity work off the pitch. The accolade now means he is a ‘Sir,’ and wife Victoria is a ‘Lady’.

    However, his exciting news came at a very tough time for the Beckham family as the fallout with eldest son Brooklyn, 26, rumbles on. The aspiring chef is said to have found out about David’s knighthood through the media and has reportedly stopped responding to messages from his famous family.

    In a series of blows, Brooklyn failed to attend any of David’s 50th birthday celebrations, acknowledge his knighthood and share anything for Father’s Day. Despite this, David has remained proud of his recent achievement as he has received the support from the rest of his family.

    To celebrate, David returned to his working class roots as he headed to a traditional pie shop in London with his mum Sandra and sister Joanne. He shared: “Lunch with Mum, haven’t seen her since the news mum cried when she arrived, cried during lunch and cried when I was leaving x special moment for us all love you mum x.”

    On Sunday, Brooklyn dealt another blow as he ignored Father’s Day. For the family who have long used social media to post gushing personal messages, it seems Brooklyn’s silence could be deafening.

    His younger brothers Romeo and Cruz led the way in paying tribute to David for the special day. Cruz shared a snap of him chilling in the sun with his sports star dad and captioned the post saying: “Happy Father’s Day, I love you x.”

    Meanwhile, Romeo posted two pictures of him and his father. One was of him as a child with David and he captioned it simply saying: “love you.”

    Harper Beckham, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz
    Eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola have been locked in a feud with David and Victoria (Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage)

    David shared his own public message to his children as he appeared to hint at the feud. He shared: “My most important & favourite job in life is being a dad… I’m so proud of all of you and like daddy ( sorry boys ) tells you every single day I will always be here for you no matter what…

    “Mummy thank you for doing the most important part and making me a father there is no greater gift in life than making me a dad… Happy Father’s Day… I love you kiddies more than you could imagine.”

    A similar pattern followed on Friday when David was officially made a Sir. Brooklyn was nowhere to be seen on social media, adding fuel to the already blazing fire that the family are in the midst of a turbulent time.

    Taking to Instagram, he instead shared three packets of pretzel pita chips. According to sources, David never told Brooklyn about his accolade and the former aspiring chef learned about the achievement through the media.

    A source for Brooklyn told Page Six he was thrilled his dad was finally receiving the honour, while a source quoted as someone close to his parents told the publication: “Brooklyn told his family he wants no contact and he’s not responding to those that try to connect.”

    Yet a separate Brooklyn source denied the claim, saying: “This seems to be another deliberate attempt to misrepresent the truth, and it only serves to distract from this honour being bestowed on Brooklyn’s father.”

  • Katie Price told ‘leave Peter alone’ after surprising Emily MacDonagh comments

    Katie Price told ‘leave Peter alone’ after surprising Emily MacDonagh comments

    As Katie Price speaks about her ex Peter Andre and his wife Emily MacDonagh, a source says the Mysterious Girl singer wants her to leave the ‘past in the past’

    Peter Andre and Emily MacDonagh
    A source says Peter has moved on and wants Katie to do the same(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

    Katie Price is facing a furious online backlash after talking about her ex-husband Peter Andre and his wife of 10 years, Emily MacDonagh – with a source telling the Mirror that her comments have also gone down badly with Peter himself. The former glamour model, 47, spilled the beans about what she thinks of her 52-year-old ex, and his “proper lady” wife Emily, 35, prompting a flurry of accusations that she is “jealous” and calls for her to “leave them alone”.

    While reminiscing about their marriage last week, Katie revealed that her and Peter’s kids – particularly Princess – can’t comprehend that they were once a couple because she and Emily are “just so different”.

    Peter Andre and Katie Price
    Peter and Katie married in 2005 and split fours years later(Image: Getty Images North America)

    I said to her, ‘I was with your dad for six years – trust me, we had a laugh, banter together. We did,” Katie told comedian Katherine Ryan on her podcast, adding, “She can’t believe that whenever he went everywhere or me, we were together with the kids – we’d go as a family. She’s like, ‘Emily doesn’t do all that,’ for Pete.”

    Her remarks about Emily led to a stream of comments on social media, saying that she is envious of Peter’s new life, with one listener noting, “Price is just jealous because Pete and Emily are happy and love their family. She has never let it go and moved on.” Someone else told her to “get a grip and leave them alone”.

    Others were more sympathetic, however, with one commenting, “The one who got away. Quite possibly the love of her life.”

    Peter Andre and family
    Fans accused Katie of being jealous of Peter’s life with Emily(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)

    Amid the backlash, a source told us that Pete isn’t happy about being dragged into what he considers to be “ancient history” and is desperate for it to stop. “Peter moved on a long time ago and is fed up of her talking about him because it was such a long time ago that they split,” said the source. “It has a knock-on effect on his family, especially Emily. He knew their marriage was over when they split up 16 years ago and he just wants her to leave it in the past too. He’s very happy with his life.”

    Katie and Peter’s firstborn, Junior, is legally an adult at 20 and Princess turns 18 on 29 June. Katie, who recently launched an AI version of her younger alter ego Jordan, said last month she’d been speaking to Princess ahead of her milestone birthday about following in her footsteps and joining OnlyFans or creating an AI avatar.

    “But when I ask her – she’s 18 next month – she’s all busy doing her skincare and stuff like that,” Katie said. “She’s in the industry and doing her own thing.”

    Katie Price Jordan
    Katie’s alter-ego Jordan is back – in AI form(Image: MUST CREDIT OhChat! )

    Another source told us the OnlyFans suggestion couldn’t be further from Princess’ plans career-wise. “Princess has her own career and identity and is doing really well doing her own thing,” said the source. “Brands are desperate to work with her and she’s even had to turn work down she’s so in demand. She’s definitely not going to do OnlyFans.

    “Peter is just happy for his children – who are both almost adults – to have the freedom to choose their own career path.”

    This isn’t the first time that Katie, who is currently dating Married At First Sight UK series eight star, JJ Slater, has discussed her marriage to Peter and their break-up publicly. Just last month, Katie, who is also mum to Harvey, 23, Jett, 11, and Bunny, 10, said the decision to divorce “wasn’t mutual at all” and that Peter’s suspicions about her having an affair became too much for the relationship to bear.

    Katie Price and Princess Andre
    Princess turns 18 later this month(Image: Getty Images)

    Psychologist Dr Lalitaa Suglani said it is understandable that, as someone who has lived most of her life in the public eye, Katie uses interviews to express her emotions, but says it’s potentially doing more harm than good. “Continually revisiting unresolved issues in public can sometimes reopen emotional wounds rather than help them heal,” she told the Mirror. “Each time it’s shared, the story is reignited, which can prevent emotional distance from forming.”

    Dr Lalitaa also said it’s natural for a person to want closure when a relationship ends, but the likelihood of Katie getting a “satisfying, tied-up ending with Peter” sounds remote. “So the focus has to shift from external resolution to internal acceptance,” Dr Lalitaa explained.

    “That means acknowledging what happened, processing the emotions that still linger and then deciding to move forward, regardless of whether the other person participates in that process. Closure is about you, not them. It’s about reclaiming power over your story and choosing not to let the past dictate your present.”

  • EastEnders fans in meltdown over Zoe Slater’s return after 20 years – ‘I can’t believe it!’

    EastEnders fans in meltdown over Zoe Slater’s return after 20 years – ‘I can’t believe it!’

    EastEnders viewers were left in shock as Zoe Slater, played by Michelle Ryan, made her return to the Square after 17 years in Tuesday night’s episode of the BBC soap

    EastEnders fans were left in disbelief this evening as Zoe Slater made her first on-screen appearance in two decades. After weeks of speculation, it’s finally been confirmed that Michelle Ryan has reprised her role as Kat Slater’s daughter for the first time since leaving Albert Square in 2005.

    In one of EastEnders’ most gripping plots, Zoe Slater’s world was turned upside down when she found out that her ‘sister’ Kat (played by Jessie Wallace) was in fact her biological mother, after Kat had been assaulted by her uncle Harry at just 13 years old.

    The plot thickened in 2015 with the bombshell that Kat had twins, revealing Zoe has a twin brother. Zoe was last seen in Walford in 2005 before jetting off to Ibiza.

    Zoe’s final dramatic moments on the Square involved her sleeping with Dirty Den to fake a pregnancy with his son Dennis Rickman’s child and conspiring with Chrissie Watts and Sam Mitchell for vengeance against Den for his wrongdoings, mistakenly believing she had killed him.

    Zoe with smudged eyeliner
    Zoe Slater is back – with a new look

    It later transpired that Zoe wasn’t Den’s killer; it was Chrissie who was guilty, resulting in her imprisonment while Zoe left for sunnier climes.

    Fast forward twenty years, and Zoe made a sensational return to EastEnders, leaving fans gobsmacked as she appeared dishevelled after stealing Kat’s credit card for a spending spree.

    In desperate straits, Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) called upon Alfie Moon (Shane Ritchie) for help, who, fresh from marrying Kat, embraced his role as stepdad once more. The episode closed with Alfie greeting a returning Zoe with a despondent: “Hello Zoe.”

    Soaps fans watching at home went wild, with one rushing to Twitter (X) to declare: “ZOE BLOODY SLATER #EastEnders.” “ZOE YOU CAN’T TELL ME WHAT TO DO YOU AIN’T MY MOTHER SLATER IS BACK! #eastenders,” another rejoiced as a third wrote: “An actual Zoe Slater return i can’t believe my eyes #EastEnders.”

    However, some were less surprised to see Zoe back on their screens. “Such a shame Zoe’s return was leaked- imagine the shock we would have got #EastEnders,” one Twitter user mused with another agreeing as they wrote: “Me acting shocked when Zoe Slater turns up even though her return got leaked weeks ago #EastEnders.”

     Picture Shows: JESSIE WALACE as Kat Moon and MICHELLE RYAN as Zoe Slater. TX: Thursday 23rd June 2005
    Michelle during her last stint as Zoe in 2005(Image: BBC)

    Discussing her return to Walford, actress Michelle said of her comeback this evening: “It all happened at the right time. I’d already been thinking about a return because I’d met up with Kacey Ainsworth (Little Mo) and Kim Medcalf (Sam Mitchell) 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.

    “It just so happened that at the same time, EastEnders had announced a new Exec who was keen to explore the potential of a return as he was such a massive fan of Zoe and the Slaters, so both of our worlds aligned at the right time, and I’m so excited to be back. When Ben pitched me the storylines, and when I read the scripts, I knew it was the right decision.”

    Producers say Zoe will return with 20 years of “deep-rooted resentment” towards her mother, fractured family relationships, and siblings she has never met, adding that the character “will be in for one hell of a ride” when she returns.

    Teasing Zoe’s future in Albert Square, Michelle coyly added: “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.”

  • This Morning announces new presenter to line-up and it’s a huge name

    This Morning announces new presenter to line-up and it’s a huge name

    In a big chake-up, Olivia Attwood has said yes to presenting on This Morning and confirmed the huge career move on the show as Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley said she’ll be ‘brilliant’

    A very ecstatic Olivia Attwood today announced she’s joining the This Morning line-up following her recent success on Loose Women. A guest on the programme today, Olivia said: “I have some news, it’s very exiting. I’ll be joining you guys on the hosting team.”

    The former Love Island star turned documentary said: “I’m very excited to be joining you guys, a huge honour. I’ve grown up watching this show and being part of the daytime team on Loose Women has been the best experience and this just feels like a very natural progression.”

    Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley said she’ll be ‘brilliant’ after announcing the new and she then got some practice in, but needed her soon-to-be colleagues help in finding the correct camera as she addressed the viewers.

    Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley have a new presenter to work with 

    Image:

    ITV Screengrab)

    Olivia will return to This Morning in the summer where she will be hosting episodes of the show while usual presenters Ben and Cat take their long summer break.

    The 34-year-old, who joined ITV’s Loose Women panel two years ago, appeared on This Morning on Monday to discuss her latest series of her documentary Olivia Attwood: The Price of Perfection. Do you think Olivia Attwood will be a good addition to the This Morning line-up? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

    The news drew mixed reaction on social media. One wasn’t happy with the decision and said on X: “That’s another step downhill for this show! I wonder who else will be hosting over the summer?”

    Another was pleased, writing: “Yes queen hope you get full time on this morning!” as a third person said about the reality TV star: “It’s great that olivia attwood will be a presenter on this morning, she’ll be fantastic #ThisMorning.”

    Olivia Attwood on Loose Women
    Olivia has been a hit with Loose Women viewers 
    Image:
    ITV)
    Olivia appeared on the third season of Love Island in 2017, where she placed third with boyfriend Chris Hughes. They dated until 2018, when they called it a day. Olivia went on to appear on series five of Celebs Go Dating, and also joined the cast of The Only Way Is Essex for 16 episodes. In 2022 it was announced she would be taking part in ITV reality show I’m A Celebrity, but she left the show after less than 24 hours due to medical reasons.

    Football hunk Bradley Dack has been married to former Islander Olivia since 2023. In a heartfelt message to Olivia on her birthday last month, he wrote: “From how it is now to where it started and everything in between. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my beautiful wife.

    “So proud of the person you have become and continue to be.. You’ve been there through it all and always had my back, so I’m always grateful to have you on my team cause I couldn’t ask for anyone better to do life with. I hope you have a special day and then we can really celebrate tomorrow.”

  • Coronation Street Lou’s real target confirmed in blackmail twist – and it’s not Maria

    Coronation Street Lou’s real target confirmed in blackmail twist – and it’s not Maria

    Coronation Street’s Lou Michaelis turned nasty on Monday after setting up Maria Connor just days ago, but it seems she has a new target after blackmailing someone

    It seems Maria Connor isn’t Lou Michaelis’ real target on Coronation Street.

    The character was injured during a showdown with Maria last week, only for her to set her up and claim she attacked her after a tussle. Maria had not meant to hurt Lou and was trying to confront her after catching her going to steal from Shona Platt.

    Lou was injured and got all the sympathy, even from Maria’s husband Gary Windass. Gary went to the hospital with Lou and comforted her before telling Maria to apologise.

    As other residents confronted Maria about what had happened she was soon arrested over the apparent attack. Lou was accused of making the call, while some fans thought it might have been Gary.

    On Monday we found out the real culprit as Maria wasted no time in confronting scheming Lou, who denied being the one who told the police. But she left Maria shocked with the identity of the person who really called the police, with it being her son Brody.

    It seems Maria Connor isn't Lou Michaelis' real target
    It seems Maria Connor isn’t Lou Michaelis’ real target (Image: ITV)

    After this Lou went to visit Gary claiming she wanted to make peace. She soon won him over with her claim that she’d given a statement that backed Maria’s claims it was an accident, with Gary thanking her.

    As he offered her a drink the pair got talking as Lou got emotional over recent goings on. At one point though things looked a little cosy as there was a moment between them, with Lou also grabbing his hand.

    But all became clear when Lou was seen watching as Gary entered his passcode into his phone. When he stepped away she quickly took his phone and sent a text message from the device to her own phone.

    Gary had no idea, while we were not shown what the message said. After that Lou praised Gary before leaning in to kiss him leaving him stunned.

    As he pulled back and called her out, he told Lou to leave. But it’s then that Lou’s plan was revealed as she began to blackmail him over the kiss.

    Coronation Street's Lou Michaelis turned nasty on Monday after setting up Maria Connor just days ago
    Coronation Street’s Lou Michaelis turned nasty on Monday after setting up Maria Connor just days ago(Image: ITV)

    He said Maria wouldn’t believe her over him, but Lou was certain she had Gary where she wanted him. She told Gary she’d keep quiet about the kiss as long as “he did what she said”.

    So what did Lou message herself from Gary’s phone, and will it incriminate him? Either way it seems Lou has been targeting Gary all along, not Maria, and now we know why.

    What exactly she is after and what her demands will be remain to be seen. But given Lou’s recent antics and the fact she’s married to villain Mick Michaelis, who had a violent fight with Gary just weeks ago, it’s not likely going to end well for him.

    But might we see a sad split if Maria doesn’t believe Gary, with her already having accused him of fancying her?

  • Gavin & Stacey’s Joanna Page details ‘career move’ she would ‘love to do’

    Gavin & Stacey’s Joanna Page details ‘career move’ she would ‘love to do’

    The actress appeared on Loose Women last week where she opened up about an unusual career path that she has always wanted to do

    Joanna Page arrives at the gala performance of Cirque De Soleil's "LUIZA" at The Royal Albert Hall on January 15, 2020 in London, England.
    Joanna shared an unexpected career aspiration on Loose Women last week(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

    Famed for playing Stacey in the hit show Gavin and Stacey, and appearing as ‘Just Judy’, the charming body double in Love Actually alongside Martin Freeman, Welsh actress Joanna Page shared an unexpected career aspiration on ITV’s Loose Women.

    Gracing the panel that included Christine Lampard, Janet Street-Porter, Jane Moore, and Grace Keeling (GK Barry), Joanna revealed her unusual dream job.

    During the interview, Grace probed Joanna about a rumoured new career path: “I’m really intrigued about what I’ve heard, and it’s the new career move. Something to do with a sex therapist?”

    Joanna replied: “I’ve always wanted to become a sex therapist.”

    She confided her interest in becoming a relationship counsellor to the panel, sharing her passion for engaging with people’s stories and offering counsel, saying: “I’ve always wanted to train as a relationship counsellor, because I’m interested in chatting to people and their relationships and, you know, listening to their problems and what’s happened and how I can talk to them about it”, reports Wales Online.

    Gavin & Stacey cast
    The actress found fame on Gavin & Stacey playing lovable Stacey(Image: PA)

    With a glimmer of humour, Joanna added: “I imagine, though, that you guys are probably going to ruin this next career move of mine. I want this to happen, it would be iconic. Yeah, I’d love to do that.”

    Joanna also recounted humorous anecdotes to the Loose Women panel, one of which involved her giving advice to a delivery driver — an encounter her husband James found less than amusing.

    The actress recounted: “I’ve been in the house and I’ve had, you know, like delivery drivers coming round and they’ve dropped off a delivery and then James is going, ‘oh my gosh, it’s 20 minutes later, where is she?’ and I’ve been in the back of the van talking to the driver.”

    During her appearance, Janet quipped: “Doing it for nothing?”

    Joanna added: “He’s just been like, ‘well I don’t know what to do with my relationship, with my girlfriend. What do you think?’ and James caught me in the back. He was like ‘are you alright?’ and I said ‘yeah I’ll be out in a minute. I’m just talking to him about his relationship with his girlfriend and what he should do.’”

    Janet playfully teased Joanna, saying: “Before you train as a counsellor, I can see you’d be very good if they can get a word in edgeways,” prompting a burst of laughter.

    Promoting her new book titled Lush!, which navigates through “From Swansea to Stacey and Everything in Between”, Joanna revealed it will hit shelves at the end of September.

    Joanna Page posing for the camera at a BBC launch event for Gavin and Stacey
    Joanna was promoting her new book titled ‘Lush!’ on the panel show(Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

    She shared: “I hand them over at 5pm to James and then I’ll get in the car and I’ll drive down to this local car park of this pub, which is changing hands, so there’s nobody there.

    “I park in the car park until 1am and I write and then I get scared so I drive to another car park which is slightly closer to home. I sit there until 3am and then I drive home, park outside the front of the house. I don’t go in because Boe will sense me and I sit there until 5am. I then go back into the house and sleep for two hours, get up at 7am and get them ready for school.”

    She lightheartedly admitted that a steady stream of coffee was all that kept her going before sharing that penning the book felt like a therapeutic look back at her life and acknowledging her desire for more roles in acting.

  • Dermot O’Leary on confronting Simon Cowell over lack of airtime on X Factor: ‘I don’t think I’m in the show enough’

    Dermot O’Leary on confronting Simon Cowell over lack of airtime on X Factor: ‘I don’t think I’m in the show enough’

    He hosted the iconic show for years…

    This Morning favourite Dermot O’Leary previously revealed why he was forced to confront Simon Cowell during their X Factor days.

    TV presenter Dermot hosted the iconic ITV singing competition for eight years. He ended up leaving in 2015 and was replaced by Olly Murs and the late Caroline Flack.

    A year later though, Dermot – who is hosting Soccer Aid today (June 15) – was brought back by Simon to host the show again. But according to Dermot, he was not too happy when he returned – and he soon called out Simon…

    Dermot O'Leary smiling
    Dermot hosted the show for years (Credit: SplashNews.com

    This Morning star Dermot O’Leary’s shock at lack of airtime

    In 2020, Dermot shared that he previously confronted show boss Simon over his lack of screen time on X Factor.

    “You’re watching the show one day and going: ‘I’m not in any of this,’” Dermot told The Sun.

    Recalling his confrontation with Simon, Dermot added: “He does that great Simon thing where you walk into his house and you’re like: ‘Stick to the plan, say what you want to say.’ And then you sit down, you’re going through it and he goes: ‘Do you want some chicken pie?’ And in your head, you’re like, actually, I really like chicken pie.”

    Presenter Dermot continued: “The most delicious chicken pie you’ve had in your life turns up and you have this thing and you go: ‘I don’t think I’m in the show enough.’ He goes: ‘Yeah, I totally agree. Yeah, ­absolutely.’ Then you go: ‘Great, now I can just have a great time,’ because he’s great company.”

    Simon Cowell on Britain's Got Talent
    He headed round to Simon’s house to confront him (Credit: Britain’s Got Talent/YouTube)

    Dermot on why he really quit The X Factor

    Dermot also previously revealed the real reason he initially left X Factor.

    Talking to Event magazine in 2019, Dermot recalled not knowing if his contract was going to be renewed, reportedly just weeks before the show started.

    “I made a call to ITV and was told I might be doing it but I might not,” he claimed.

    “I’d done eight years there very successfully, and I thought, I’m not playing these games any more. So I called ITV and told them to count me out. Saying ‘no’ was the only power I had.”

  • Giovanna Fletcher admits it’s ‘hard leaving’ as husband Tom shares relationship plea

    Giovanna Fletcher admits it’s ‘hard leaving’ as husband Tom shares relationship plea

    Even with 21 years under their belt, they face challenges

    London-born composer and musician Tom Fletcher and his wife Giovanna celebrated 21 years of “togetherness” last October.

    When working together, Giovanna – on The Chase this weekend (June 14) – and Tom have “creative differences”. And in the past, they’ve led to “snappy” arguments.

    The couple met as teens at school, and married back in 2012. But in the early days of their relationship, Tom “dumped” her.

    Years of grovelling followed, and eventually they got back together. Haven’t looked back. But that doesn’t mean the road is without its challenges.

    Tom Fletcher on The Chris and Rosie Ramsey Show
    Goodbyes are a part of life when both parts of a couple have tours to go on (Credit: BBC/YouTube)

    Tom Fletcher pleads with wife Giovanna not to ‘go off’ on tour

    Even – or especially – after 13 years of marriage, Tom and Giovanna Fletcher struggle with goodbyes.

    In a recent interview with Heat magazine, the couple gave a brief insight into how tours can interrupt the regular goings-on of a long-term relationship.

    But, while Giovanna struggles with saying goodbye to shows, it’s Tom who struggles the most with missing his spouse, it seems.

    “It’s always hard leaving a show. Especially one you love,” Giovanna said.

    She recently starred as Rachel Watson in the UK tour of The Girl on the Train. It’s a stage adaptation of Paula Hawkins’ novel of the same name. The tour started in January 2025.

    Meanwhile, Tom quipped that he’d “only just got her back home”, and jokingly pleaded: “Can you not send her back off on tour, please.”

    Giovanna addresses relationship difficulties when managing busy schedules

    During a recent episode of the Glad We Had This Chat podcast, Giovanna responded to a listener’s point about how demanding jobs can interfere with domestic and relationship harmony.

    “That’s really hard isn’t it. I can relate, I feel with Tom if we can manage to watch something together and our feet touch, that’s a win,” she said, per the Express.

    “I also think being aware that you’re so busy that you’re juggling, that you’re drifting, is really really important,” she added. “Because then you can do something about it. I think not being aware of it is the difficult place to be.”

    She and Tom married in 2012, but they met many years before that while both attending Sylvia Young Theatre School.

    They share three children: Buzz, Buddy and Max.

    In October last year, Giovanna posted on Instagram to celebrate their 21st anniversary. Well, sort of.

    “I feel nothing says ‘I love you’ more than realising you’ve both forgotten your anniversary,” she wrote – see above. “Happy 21 years of togetherness, Tom Fletcher.”

  • This Morning’s Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary emotional as guest is feared dead in heartbreaking Air India plane crash

    This Morning’s Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary emotional as guest is feared dead in heartbreaking Air India plane crash

    ‘Our thoughts and our prayers go to their loved ones’

    This Morning has paid tribute to a guest today who is believed to have died in the Air India crash.

    Fiongal Greenlaw, 39, and husband Jamie Meek, 45, are thought to have been passengers on the flight to London that crashed on Thursday (June 12) after departure.

    Fiongal appeared on This Morning back earlier this year, talking about his wellness brand, which he founded with his husband Jamie.

    Following the news of the tragic crash, the ITV show has paid tribute to Fiongal.

    Alison and Dermot on This Morning
    Tributes have poured in (Credit: ITV)

    This Morning today: ITV show pays tribute to former guest

    On Friday (June 13) This Morning returned to screens with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary back at the helm. At the start of the show, the hosts paid tribute to Fiongal.

    Dermot said: “Fiongal appeared on the show twice this year. We loved his energy that he brought to the studio.”

    “Fiongal was onboard the plane with his husband Jamie. The couple posted videos online about the flight just before boarding.

    “Our thoughts and our prayers go to their loved ones, and all those affected by this terrible tragedy.”

    Fiongal on This Morning
    He appeared on This Morning this year (Credit: ITV)

    Former This Morning editor also paid tribute

    Former This Morning editor Martin Frizell also issued a tribute to Fiongal.

    Taking to Instagram, he shared a photo of Fiongal in the studio with presenters Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley.

    “So so sad to hear that Fiongal Greenlaw Meek and his partner are reported to be among the passengers and crew killed today on board the Air India flight bound for Gatwick,” Martin said in the caption.

    What else did Martin say?

    Reflecting on Fiongal’s visit to the show, Martin continued: “I remember his visit to the studio in January, he was passionate about auras and although I’m a sceptical sort his vibrancy and sheer enthusiasm won folk over.”

    He added: “And I know for a fact that he hoped to use his appearance on This Morning to build his Wellness brand, he had a great future ahead of him.”

    Martin concluded his tribute: “Thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his partner Jamie.”

    Air India crash

    Only one of 242 people on board the London-bound flight died this week, when it crashed into a residential area in Ahmedabad  shortly after taking off.

    According to Air India, there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian among the victims on board the flight leaving the northwestern Indian state of Gujarat. The sole survivor, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh is recovering in hospital with his brother saying he “has no idea” how he made it.