Author: bang5

The news arrived just in time for Ryan’s birthday!

TV star Ryan Thomas has announced that he and his two brothers are launching a new podcast together.

Ryan, who is celebrating his 41st birthday today (June 10), is no stranger to working alongside his younger brothers. Earlier this year, he presented the new ITV game show 99 to Beat alongside Adam Thomas, 36.

Previously, Ryan and Adam hosted their own podcast with their other brother, Scott Thomas, 36, titled Mancs On The Mic. However, in their latest update, Ryan and his siblings have revealed they be treating fans to a whole new podcast.

Ryan and his brothers Adam and Scott have announced a new podcast (Credit: Splashnews.com)

What is the Thomas Brothers’ podcast called?

In an Instagram post shared last night (June 9), the Thomas brothers announced their At Home With The Thomas Bros podcast.

“As three brothers we’ve always wanted to bring this podcast to life from the comfort of our own home and give you an access all areas pass in to what it’s like to be part of this CRAZY family of ours! It’s unfiltered, it’s raw and it’s ruthless!” Ryan, Adam and Scott announced.

“But underlying it all is some serious brotherly love! We can’t wait to launch this on Wednesday and invite you into the Thomas Bro household! We’re not holding anything back so don’t miss it!!!”

The first episode will be released tomorrow (June 11).

‘Can’t wait boys’

Following the exciting news, fans rushed to the comments section to share their thoughts.

“I used to love your old podcast Mancs On The Mic! Buzzing for you to be recording again,” one user wrote.

“Awww this is so amazing! I can’t wait to watch I’m proud of you all. My fav family xxx,” another person shared.

“Yeah finally!!! I loved it when you had your other podcast can’t wait for this!!!” a third remarked.

“This is going to be unreal,” a fourth said.

“Can’t wait boys,” a fifth person commented, adding the flame emoji.

Corrie’s Sue Cleaver – who played Ryan’s on-screen mum Eileen Grimshaw – added: “Oh god all together? At the same time?!”

‘Truly one of a kind,’ the TV star shared

An emotional Gok Wan has shared his “utter heartbreak” as he announced the death of his dog Dolly on Instagram yesterday (June 9).

Telly fave Gok, 50, paid tribute to Dolly in a lengthy address, hailing his companion as: “My partner, my love, my baby and most of all my best friend.”

Fans may have recognised Dolly, who was 13 years old, from her appearances on screen alongside Gok over the years on shows such as Loose Women and Stand Up to Cancer.

Dolly the dog has sadly passed away (Credit: YouTube)

Gok Wan pays tribute to late dog Dolly

In the caption to a black-and-white shot of Gok and Dolly together, Gok wrote: “I love you with all my heart little Dishcloth.”

He went on: “You taught me to care and to love in a way I didn’t know was possible. I am utterly heartbroken and devastated that it’s your time to go to the park in the stars, but I know you’ll be happy chasing all the squizzles for as long as your little heart desires.

“You nestled your way into a space in my heart that will always be just for you. Thank you for 13 and a half years of the purest love, the deepest cuddles, the belly laughter and for being the best and most beautiful companion any person could ever wish for. I already miss you with every inch of my being.”

I already miss you with every inch of my being.

Gok summed his thoughts up: “You brought so much happiness to me and anyone who had the pleasure to love you. You truly were one of a kind my sweet Dolly. Time for bed darling. I love you baby girl. Na night.”

Gok Wan taking Dolly for a walk in 2013 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

How followers reacted

Sympathetic celeb pals and followers were quick to offer their thoughts and best wishes to Gok on his sad post.

“Oh no my darling. I am so so sorry. Sending you so much love and so many hugs,” Gaby Roslin told him.

“Love you Goky. Here for you. That grief is big. We all love you and are here to support you,” wrote Fearne Cotton.

Lisa Snowdon added: “Oh darling Gok. This is unbearably sad to hear. Wrapping you up in love and hugs.”

Meanwhile, Danny Beard offered: “Oh darling! Sending you so much loveeee!”

Dolly the dog made appearances on TV herself (Credit: YouTube)
And another fan, speaking on behalf of many other moved commenters who shared anecdotes about their pets who have passed away, contributed: “Oh Gok I’m so sorry to hear for your loss. I’m heartbroken reading this. She brought so much to joy to everyone’s day with her little face and her regal/duchess attitude. She will be missed by all of us. Sending my love to you.”

The games will next be held in Birmingham in 2027

Prince Harry had reason to celebrate this week following a report about the Invictus Games 2025.

The games, launched by Harry in 2014, took place in Canada earlier this year. And, judging by the report, they were a resounding success!

The news comes after Harry and his wife Meghan Markle faced backlash recently. It came from a video Meghan posted showing herself and Harry dancing and twerking in a hospital video four years ago, when their daughter Lilibet was born.
The Invictus Games 2025 appeared a success (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Prince Harry has cause to celebrate with the Invictus Games 2025 report

On Monday (June 9), a report about the Invictus Games in Canada was published.

The games became a financial success in Canada, according to the reports, bringing in $86.1 million (£63m) in economic activity in British Columbia. $81.3 million (£60m) of which was in the Vancouver area.

The report also claims that a total of 125,000 spectators attended the games. Over 900,000 Canadians watched the games on TV.

The report also announced that the games have received a $5.5 million (£3.7m) legacy fund for the ongoing rehabiliation of the injured, sick, and wounded members and Veterans before, during and after the Games managed by the True Patriot Love Foundation in Canada and the Invictus Games Foundation internationally.

Scott Moore, Vancouver Whistler 2025 CEO said: “Our Games not only changed lives, they saved them and their legacy is an enduring and meaningful contribution through programs and resources now and for years to come supporting the host communities and those injured through their military service.”
Harry issued thanks in a statement (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Prince Harry’s statement on the Invictus Games report

The report also featured a quote from Prince Harry, who took the opportunity to thank all those involved.

“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making these extraordinary Games possible, most of all the Four Host First Nations who welcomed us into their land,” he said.

“To the tens of thousands who packed the stands, I thank you for creating an unforgettable atmosphere for our competitors and their families. To everyone who gave it their all for their country and the Invictus Games, thank you and I salute you,” he continued.

“From start to finish, there was a special kind of hospitality and energy about these Games and Canada absolutely delivered once again.”
Harry launched the games 11 years ago (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Did Prince Harry really create the Invictus Games?

Yes, he did. The duke first got the idea for the games during a trip to the US in 2013. Whilst out there, he watched the Department of Defense’s Warrior Games.

“Sport was the magic that I witnessed,” he once said, recounting his visit. “Having just come back from Afghanistan myself, seeing the wounded, injured and sick and seeing the effect this was having on all the families, and just the weight—the load on defense and on the individuals and on the rehabilitation programs. There just wasn’t enough being done.”

Upon returning to the UK, Harry decided that he wanted to expand the Warrior Games model. He admitted it was “stolen from the Americans and made bigger and better”.

The first Invictus Games were first held in September 2014 in London. They’ve since been hosted in Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, The Hague, Dusseldorf, and Vancouver. The 2027 edition will be held in Birmingham in the UK.

Read more: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry slammed for ‘decision’ over their children Archie and Lilibet’s royal futures

She’s teamed up with Jamie Oliver for his new Channel 4 documentary

TV favourite Holly Willoughby lends her support to Jamie Oliver in his new documentary, Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution, tonight (June 9).

The former This Morning star has previously opened up about her struggles with dyslexia in school. She once admitted that she felt “constantly embarrassed” and “shameful” at school because of her struggles.

In 2022, she called for screenings for dyslexia to be introduced at a much younger age to improve children’s education and learning. Now she’s joining Jamie Oliver as he calls for educational reform to ensure dyslexic children aren’t left behind.

Holly Willoughby lends support to Jamie Oliver

In tonight’s film, 44-year-old Holly –a mum of three – is seen speaking on a film alongside other famous faces with dyslexia as it’s beamed onto the wall by a projector in a classroom.

I felt like I was working really, really hard with not getting much results. So I felt different.

“I definitely was terrible at spelling. And I knew that because in spelling tests I would always get poor results. I always knew that when I got my homework back, there would be red pen all over it where there would be ‘silly mistakes’,” she said.

Holly continued: “I felt like I was working really, really hard with not getting much results. So I felt different.”

Backing Jamie’s campaign, she added: “The school system is made for a certain type of learning and it’s so hard when you don’t learn like that. When you then write yourself off at school as being ‘non academic’, that does shape your future somewhat.”

‘I feel very emotional’

Holly has previously celebrated a school friend – who also has dyslexia – publishing her first book. “We met on our first day of school and eventually moved into our first flat in London together. We’ve been through a lot!” she said.

Holly then added: “Probably something that bonded us hugely was the fact we are both dyslexic. That’s why this post is even more special and actually writing this I feel very emotional. If I could go back and tell my school friend that on the 2nd of February 2021 to mark the begin of #childrensmentalhealthweek she would publish her first book, I’m not sure she’d believe it possible.

“You did it Hannah… so so proud of you. It’s a beautiful and important book.”

The star plays a part in the new Jamie Oliver documentary tonight (Credit: Cover Images)

‘It’s a quiet scandal’

Previously speaking about the condition, Holly called for mandatory screening for dyslexia at primary schools. Writing on her wellbeing site Wylde Moon, the presenter highlighted that too many dyslexic children leave school with it “unidentified”. In addition, she also called for the government to introduce screening at a younger age.

Holly said: “It is a quiet scandal that an estimated four out of five dyslexic children leave school with their dyslexia unidentified. Meaning their potential is unrealised, their confidence undermined and they don’t achieve the qualifications they deserve.”

Meanwhile, Holly added: “It does not have to be this way. Cheap and easy computer-based screening tools now exist to help to identify dyslexia.”

TV star Holly once said her dyslexia made her feel ‘shameful’ (Credit: Cover Images)

‘Constantly embarrassed’

Holly has spoken about her struggles with dyslexia in the past. Talking on This Morning, Holly admitted that she felt “constantly embarrassed” in school.

She said: “For a long time in school I hated reading out loud because I could not read very well. I would get mixed up and I was constantly embarrassed. For me, because I’m not very good at spelling, for years I felt shameful about that.”

‘Me and the crew are heading off on sunny holidays’

James Martin has waved “goodbye” to his popular Saturday Morning TV show for the summer and revealed he’s heading off on his travels.

The fan-favourite chef announced the news at the end of the last show of the current series on Saturday (June 7).

Fans of James Martin and his Saturday Morning show will have to make do with repeats for the time being (Credit: ITV)

James Martin announces Saturday Morning break

The TV chef revealed to viewers that they won’t be getting any new episodes of his weekend cooking show for a while as he bid farewell to fans and crew.

James Martin‘s Saturday Morning usually airs on the channel every Saturday between 9.30am and 12.30pm. And, over the weekend, the last episode of the current series ended.

James Martin’s Saturday Morning is on this coming weekend (June 14), but it’s a repeat. Instead, James and the show are having a bit of a rest.

Wrapping up Saturday’s show, James shared: “That’s all we have got time for today, a massive thank you to all of my guests.”

He then revealed that the team were heading off on their summer holidays.

James said: “That’s it also for the series. Me and the crew are heading off on sunny holidays, different climates.”

James is heading off on holiday (Credit: ITV)

‘Goodbye for now’

He shared that he would be spending the time in Yorkshire, where he’s from, before sharing good news for fans of the show. “But we will be back here with more top chefs, other brilliant guests, and more delicious recipes later on in the year,” he said.

“Until then, thanks for watching. Have a wonderful, fantastic summer. I’ll see you out there wherever you are. Thanks for watching, see you again soon, goodbye for now.”

Viewers have a wait on their hands for the new series (Credit: ITV)

Why did James Martin leave Saturday Morning?

James Martin usually takes a break from filming, with new episodes halted over the summer. The chef usually returns to the ITV1 show in the autumn.

Previously James announced he was taking time out of the spotlight after being diagnosed with facial cancer. It came after scandal hit the show behind the scenes, with the TV chef issuing an apology for his behaviour

Gyles’ best friend was Hi-De-Hi! actor Simon Cadell

This Morning regular Gyles Brandreth has opened up about the death of one of his “best friends”.

The TV star, 77, was back on the ITV show – hosted by Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley – on Monday (June 9).

During the show though, Gyles spoke about the “sad” death of one of his dear friends and revealed his heartbreak when they passed away.

Gyles opened up about his friend’s death (Credit: ITV)

This Morning star Gyles Brandreth on death of his best friend

Gyles appeared on This Morning alongside Camilla Tominey to chat about the latest news and headlines from around the world. The conversation soon turned onto the topic of best friends – and it was then that Gyles made a sad admission.

“Do you have any old friends from school?” Cat asked her guests.

Gyles replied: “I do, my best friend from school. Sadly I lost him when he was only in his forties. People will have heard of him, well an older generation will. He was an actor called Simon Cadell. He was in Hi-de-Hi!. Do you remember him, he asked Cat?”

“I do,” she said.

He reflected on their friendship (Credit: ITV)

Gyles on his friendship with Simon

Photos of Gyles and Simon then appeared on the screen as Gyles pointed out: “That’s him at our wedding!”

Reflecting on Simon, Gyles said: “He was lovely. We were at school together and he was a year younger than me.”

Gyles then recalled: “I put on a production when I was 13 or 14 of Sherlock Holmes. He played Holmes and he was brilliant!”

“He was,” Ben then agreed.

‘It was a great sadness’

Sharing more about his dear friend, Gyles tod Ben and Cat: “He went on to be a very successful actor, he played Hamlet. He was a lovely guy. It was a great sadness for me to lose him, because you do need your best friends.”

Sending her support, Cat sounded sad as she said: “Aww.” Ben was also supportive as Gyles spoke about his late friend.

What happened to Simon Cadell?

Simon played the role of Jeffrey Fairbrother in the first five series of BBC’s Hi-de-Hi!.

In January 1993, Simon – a heavy smoker – suffered a heart attack. As a result, he underwent a triple heart bypass surgery but was diagnosed with lymphoma later that year.

He died aged 45 in London on March 6, 1996.

Helen ‘really clicks’ with her co-star

TV star Helen Skelton has opened up about working alongside her co-star Gethin Jones and how they have a “natural chemistry”.

Over the years, Helen has been a fixture on BBC. Between 2008 and 2013, she hosted iconic show Blue Peter and later starred on Strictly Come Dancing.

Currently, she presents Countryfile and Morning Live, the latter where Helen has said she’s formed tight bonds.

Helen praised her co-stars in new interview (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Helen Skelton ‘very lucky’ with Morning Live co-star friendships

In a new interview with Hello, Helen, 41, said she and the Morning Live mainstay presenters, Gethin Jones and Michelle Ackerley, are close off camera.

“I’ve done this job for a long time and I feel very lucky that every now and again you land on a group of people and a crew that really clicks,” she explained.

“Michelle [Ackerley] and Gethin [Jones] and I have all been friends for years and years. Gethin and I crossed over a lot at Blue Peter, so we’ve got a lot of the same reference points,” Helen added.

The mum-of-three revealed that she and Michelle “used to flat share back in London”, stating they have “natural chemistry” because they have known each other since they began their television careers.

“If you have to go to work and you like what you do and you do it with people that are like an extension of your family, then you’re very lucky and I definitely feel like that at Morning Live,” she continued.

Headlines have suggested Gethin and Helen are more than friends (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Is Gethin Jones in a relationship with Helen Skelton?

Despite knowing each other for many years, Gethin and Helen have never confirmed if they are in a relationship.

However, according to inside sources, the pair could be 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 alleged to the MailOnline.

“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.”

While both Gethin and Helen have remained tight lipped about the headlines, there have been several signs that they might be a couple.

Fans were turned off!

Fans of Loose Women were completely turned off after the ITV daytime show discussed boil in the bag funerals.

For Tuesday (June 10) afternoon’s show, the talk show welcomed Ruth Langsford, Mariella Frostrup, Kelle Bryan and Janet Street Porter to the panel.

While the programme is known for talking about a variety of hot topics, viewers were not pleased when things took an unexpected turn…

Janet appeared on the show alongside Ruth, Kelle, and Mariella (Credit: ITV

Loose Women discuss ‘boil in the bag’ funerals

Over the past couple of days, news surrounding boil in the bag funerals has been making headlines after they are set to become available in the UK.

If this goes ahead, it means that people will be able to choose if they want to be boiled and flushed down the drain instead of cremated or buried when they die.

“Saying goodbye to your loved ones usually involves a burial or a cremation, but a new method – boil in the bag funerals – could soon be made available across the UK,” Ruth explained to viewers.

“It’s actually called water cremation. It involves decomposing the body in water and alkaline chemicals, and that leaves behind only liquid and bones. The liquid can go down the drain, and into the sewage system as wastewater, while the bones are left and ground to ash.”

She continued: “Some people say that it’s more eco-friendly, while others say it sounds horribly undignified.”

Mariella was against the idea, stating that the rivers and seas are already polluted enough. “I don’t really know if I want to add my body or anybody else’s to it,” she shared.

On the other hand, Janet was “100% in favour”.

‘Quickly changes channel’

Discussing the topic at lunchtime, viewers were grossed out and took to X, formerly Twitter, to immediately complain.

“@loosewomen Just saying, as you are a lunchtime programme, should you be discussing boil in the bag funerals? It certainly put me off my lunch! Being flushed down the loo don’t really appeal to me. #LooseWomen #boilinthebagfuneral,” one user wrote.

“Just turned the TV on during my lunch break at work …bloody hell …what a disgusting lunchtime topic!! **quickly changes channel** #loosewomen,” another shared.

“I couldn’t give a [bleep] what happens to me once I’m dead. I’m not going to know,” a third expressed.

Viewers fumed over the funeral segment (Credit: ITV)

‘There’s life in these old girls yet’

As the show continues to make front page news, Denise Welch cleared up rumours that the cast don’t get along on the Loose Women podcast last month.

“If we didn’t have discussions and debate, it would be a very boring show. Some people are closer than others. We all have geographic boundaries as well; we don’t all just live in London all of the time. I’m very proud to be a part of it!” she said.

She also praised ITV and Loose Women’s ability to represent women of all ages.

“What other show not only employs older women [but] reveres and celebrates the voices of older women? There’s life in these old girls yet,” Denise Welch added.

The TV presenter returned this morning after taking time out

Lorraine Kelly made her return to her self-titled ITV show today – but viewers are not too impressed.

The telly legend took time off from hosting the programme last week for half term, amid major cuts. Fellow ITV star Ranvir Singh stepped in and fronted the show instead.

And on Monday (June 9) Lorraine was back on her iconic chair, however, her return didn’t go down well with some people…

The TV star was back hosting her show after a week off (Credit: ITV)

Lorraine Kelly faces backlash as she returns to show

On Monday (June 9) Lorraine made her return to her TV show. The TV host chatted to the likes of Strictly star Ore Oduba and Matt Baker. But for some viewers, they were not impressed and soon rushed over to X to share their thoughts.

One person fumed: “The stupid giggling has started and trying to make an interview as safe and generic as possible. Ditch her bring in Christine please ITV,” referring to Christine Lampard.

Oh so Lorraine has decided to turn up for her own show for once? Wonders never cease!

Someone else said: “Aint missed Lorraine.”

A third person chimed in: “That giggling,” along with an eye-roll emoji.

Another viewer said: “Oh so Lorraine has decided to turn up for her own show for once? Wonders never cease!”

Lorraine’s show was hit with a huge axe (Credit: ITV)

ITV making major cuts

It comes after ITV announced “efficiencies” which will affect scheduling and production for several productions.

These include This Morning and Loose Women, as well as Good Morning Britain and Lorraine’s eponymously titled series.

The changes will see Lorraine’s runtime crunched from one hour to 30 minutes – and only airing across just 30 weeks of the year.

However, amid news of the changes, Lorraine herself is said to have declined the opportunity for her daytime show to be integrated into the broadcaster’s breakfast telly offering for the final half an hour of GMB.

Lorraine tipped to quit ITV self-titled show

Meanwhile, Bookies at Gambling Industry News exclusively told Entertainment Daily that the chances of Lorraine staying are slim. Currently, she has odds of 8/11 to remain on the show.

She’s at evens with the bookies when it comes to the chances of her continuing to host her show at ITV.

“Lorraine Kelly has been a fixture of ITV mornings for over two decades. But with the network reportedly eyeing a major overhaul of its daytime lineup, the odds have quickly turned against her staying,” spokesperson Jose Del Pozo said.

“She’s now 8/11 to leave her show – suggesting this could be the end of an era.”

A tense clear the air meeting between Meghan and Kate was revealed by Prince Harry in Spare – and experts have explained how it changed the course of the monarchy

A clear-the-air meeting between Waleses and the Sussexes “ripped the monarchy to pieces”, a royal expert has claimed. Back in June 2018, the Prince and Princess of Wales met with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as tension had brewed between the couples after Harry and Meghan’s wedding. It came after, as Harry recounted in his memoir Spare, his new wife seemingly being at loggerheads with his sister-in-law in the early days of their romance.

He says the two women had a row over bridesmaid dresses in the lead-up to his wedding that left Meghan in tears and that Kate “grimaced” when the duchess borrowed her lipgloss. Both couples decided to have a clear-the-air chat shortly after the Sussexes’ honeymoon.

The two women at Wimbledon

However, things got so tense that Kate’s fingers supposedly went white. Harry describes the moment in his memoir after he and Meghan were invited over to see William and Kate for tea at their Kensington Palace apartment. He recalls how both couples aired their grievances including Kate, who asked for an apology from Meghan as she gripped a leather sofa so tightly her “fingers were white”.

According to Spare, Kate wanted Meghan to say sorry for making a remark about her hormones and having “baby brain” while she was pregnant. The book then recounts how Meghan apologised and explained that is how she speaks to her friends.

But the encounter took a turn when Harry claims William “pointed a finger at Meg”, then allegedly blasted: “Well, it’s rude, Meghan. These things are not done here.” To which he says Meghan responded: “If you don’t mind, keep your finger out of my face.”

Now in a new Channel 5 documentary, ‘Meghan vs Kate: The Meeting That Changed the Monarchy’, royal experts believe this meeting was a turning point for the Sussexes as set the wheels in motion for Harry and Meghan to dramatically quit their royal roles.

Prince William and Prince Harry with their wives Meghan and Kate(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

According to the Daily Mail’s Richard Kay, this was the meeting that saw “the seed of Megxit sewn” while fellow expert Sarah Hewson said: “Had that meeting been a success, had they been able to put their differences aside, things would have been very different indeed.”

And chief royal correspondent from Newsweek, Jack Royston said: “If only they’d listened. If Meghan had listened what was being said to her, she could have changed way back in 2018. And even if they had still quit the monarchy, they could have saved themselves so much pain and so much conflict.

“What happened in that room back in June 2018 was the defining element of the relationship between the two couples that ripped the monarchy to pieces.”

While respected royal author Valentine Low added: “They had pathetic little differences that should have been sorted out in two minutes. But it helped fuel the flames.”

Harry’s observation in Spare comes after Meghan took aim at Kate during her and Harry’s Netflix docuseries. As she recalled their first meeting she said she was “surprised” by the behind-the-scenes formality of members of the royal family.

Speaking in episode two of the six-part Harry & Meghan docuseries, she said: “When Will and Kate came over, and I met her for the first time, they came over for dinner, I remember I was in ripped jeans and I was barefoot. I was a hugger. I’ve always been a hugger, I didn’t realise that that is really jarring for a lot of Brits.

“I guess I started to understand very quickly that the formality on the outside carried through on the inside. There is a forward-facing way of being, and then you close the door and go ‘You can relax now’, but that formality carries over on both sides. And that was surprising to me.”

Meghan vs Kate: The Meeting That Changed the Monarchy, airs on Channel 5 on Saturday at 9.20pm.