Author: bang5

Returning to TV for a new role in Murder Most Puzzling, Phyllis Logan recently revealed that filming for the six-part show required her to get involved in some intense stunts.

Murder Most Puzzling required Phyllis Logan to face some gruelling scenes

Phyllis Logan swaps manners for mischief in the deliciously offbeat new crime drama, Murder Most Puzzling – and one scene left her in a delicate position.

Living in a lavish home with her niece Sherry (Charlotte Hope), Cora finds herself an unlikely anchor for the younger woman after an abusive relationship. Their bond is complex, but loving.

“It’s sweet,” Phyllis Logan says. “Even though Sherry gets very frustrated with Cora, they adore each other. Cora didn’t have kids, but she and her niece are a real family unit.

Cora just wants Sherry to get over her divorce.” Together, they swap London for Bakerbury, a sleepy market town with dark secrets and bodies that come with cryptic clues.

So, when a corpse shows up alongside a crossword puzzle in the local graveyard, Cora’s reputation as the Puzzle Lady puts her on the police’s radar – but not always to their delight.

“She really interferes with the investigation,” Phyllis says. “I mean, who the hell does she think she is? But it’s so nice to have a woman of a certain age challenging the system.”

Cora doesn’t just challenge the establishment – she dives headfirst into danger. Teasing upcoming scenes for her character, Phyllis remembers, “I was on my knees with a plastic bag over my head,” she says, “I did that in the middle of the night in a graveyard with a smoke machine. It was very atmospheric.”

Although Phyllis was up for the action, she didn’t do her own stunts. “There were lots of stunts, like people falling into graves,” she says, “I had a fall so we had a stunt double for that. They were a great team.”

Best known for her refined roles as Downton Abbey ’s Mrs Hughes and Lovejoy ’s Lady Jane Felsham, the actress, 69, is throwing off the corset – and lighting a cigarette. In this six-parter, Phyllis plays Cora Felton, a sharp-witted crossword queen with a wild streak.

Phyllis Logan plays Cora Felton, a sassy crossword puzzle master whose reputation precedes her

“She’s a wonderful breath of fresh air,” Phyllis says. “I love the way she drinks Bloody Marys for breakfast and smokes like a demon. She’s nice enough, but she really doesn’t care. That’s what I aspire to be – but not necessarily smoking and drinking vodka.”

Cora’s been married – and divorced – several times, but Phyllis found the chaos invigorating. “She has this colourful backdrop to her life,” she says, “Her marriages have all ended in divorce but she’ll enter another one. She’s still a bit of a romantic. She hasn’t turned into an old cynic.”

Seemingly set in the Yorkshire Dales, but shot in Northern Ireland, the show makes full use of the moody scenery. “We used some countryside which could be anywhere,” Phyllis says, “But it was lovely filming there. It’s a great place, and we had a great time.”

And there was a personal element, too. “We filmed in a place outside Belfast called Ballymena,” she remembers, “It’s where my maternal grandparents were born. They left to go to Scotland.”

Co-star Adam Best, who plays lead detective DCI Hooper, offered to help her explore her roots. “He said he’d drive around the area to see if we could find out more about my grandparents,” Phyllis says, “But we never really got the chance to do it.”

Busy shooting 10-to 12-hour days, Phyllis didn’t get much down time. “I didn’t get a chance to do much socialising,” she says, “I was working most of the time.”

When a murder rattles the small town of Bakerbury, Cora ruffles feathers as she interferes with the investigation

But that didn’t stop her from forming warm bonds with castmates Charlotte – affectionately known as “Charlie” – and Alistair Brammer, who plays young journalist Anton Grant. “Charlotte would go home when she wasn’t working,” Phyllis says.

“But we had such a nice time on set. When were waiting for scenes to change around, we’d set up in the green room, which was in somebody’s house. She’d be on the bed and I would be at the end of the bed, using it as my office. We were a right trio with Alistair!” The group shared everything, from stories to sweets. “I’m the old granny of the team,” Phyllis jokes.

Though the production team initially offered her a flat, Phyllis chose the comfort of a hotel instead – a decision she doesn’t regret. “I’d open the curtains and the river would be just there. I found it so soothing and relaxing. I’d sit at the table, order a room service soup and a glass of wine.”

Off-camera, the puzzle theme continues. “I like doing the cryptic crossword puzzles,” Phyllis says, “It feels so good when it’s actually done” – making her an apt choice to play Britain’s most eccentric clue-solver.With its quirky tone and classic whodunnit twists, Murder Most Puzzling is part Miss Marple, part Ludwig and all Cora. She’s chaotic, outspoken and determined to solve crimes – whether you like it or not.

After leaving the UK, Noel Edmonds has delved into his passion for farming. But despite his experience on his own farm, he’s haunted by the foot and mouth disease outbreak in 2001.

Nine years after the end of Deal or No Deal, Noel Edmonds makes his return to the box(Image: ITV)

Noel Edmonds was personally affected by the deadly outbreak of foot and mouth disease back in 2001.

He’s been the face of Channel 4’s Deal Or No Deal, a fixture on Top Of The Pops and one of the most recognisable names in British television. Now, at the age of 76, Noel Edmonds is embarking on a new adventure – and he’s filmed it all for ITV.

The presenter first settled in Auckland, New Zealand’s busiest city, but it wasn’t quite the serene escape he had hoped for. Craving stillness, he and his wife Liz eventually bought land in Ngatimoti, at the top of South Island. “The Tasman region is stunning,” Noel says. “Nelson is our nearest city, though it feels more like a large town. We’re very happy here.”

Essex-born Noel’s love of the land stems from childhood and his memories of summers spent in Carlisle with his Aunt Muriel. His enthusiasm later developed into a passion for ethical farming.

“When my career took off and I could afford a nice house, I bought one with 10 acres. I later bought more land, and by the late 70s or early 80s, I’d started farming,” he says.

After the devastation of the 2001 foot and mouth disease outbreak in Devon, which paralysed the farming industry, Noel became an advocate for animal welfare. “It means treating livestock with respect,” Noel says.

“One of the core principles of ethical farming is respect for livestock. My passion and determination partly comes from my experience in Devon in 2001, during the foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. That year taught me a lot – especially relevant to recent years with flu outbreaks and government responses to major health issues.”

Noel Edmonds lifts the lid on his new life in New Zealand – where he and his wife Liz built their own lucrative business(Image: ITV)

In Noel Edmonds’ Kiwi Adventure, Noel lifts the lid on his life down under in New Zealand. Noel and his wife Liz made the move in 2019, and it was as instinctive as it was life-changing.

“Our first holiday was to New Zealand, and it was a fantastic trip,” he remembers. “We stayed in a couple of luxury lodges, but also in B&Bs and farm stays. We began to understand the Kiwi way of life. We returned to the UK thinking this could be our future.”

Things rapidly unfolded. The end of Deal Or No Deal – after an extraordinary 3,000 episodes – marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for Noel. Looking back, he says, “It was a punishing schedule but a fabulous period of my life. Without Deal, I wouldn’t have met Liz.”

Noel and Liz have also launched a hospitality business with a vineyard, pub, restaurant and a supermarket. But for his new show, the focus shifts towards something even more ambitious.

The couple want to create New Zealand’s first energy garden – a pioneering project that blends biodiversity, community and sustainability into one regenerative living space.

In the series, Noel will tackle hands-on challenges, meet inspirational locals and try to navigate day-to-day life in some seriously wild weather.

“The weather here has an attitude,” Noel says. “Oh, and earthquakes. We’ve had three.” But he’s made friends for life. “We’ve been lucky. We’ve met some incredible people and they’ve welcomed us. They’re glad we came. We’re grateful to be here.”

BBC’s Springwatch has been hit with even more complaints following more ‘harrowing scenes’ on the wildlife show

Springwatch fans have been left fuming with the BBC Two show once again, as the the wildlife show aired harrowing scenes, leaving viewers distressed.

Yesterday, hosts Chris Packham and Dancing on Ice star Michaela Strachan taking a look at footage of a tawny owl and song thrushes.

The chicks had been doing well, until things took a drastic turn as one song thrush decided to leave the nest.

Springwatch received complaints yet again(Image: BBC)

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Later on, viewers were shown distressing footage of a tawny owl bringing in one of the song thrushes – as things went from bad to worse. “What happened next at 11.06pm was the tawny owl returned and obviously it would come to this nest and grab those chicks,” Chris explained.

Viewers were then shown distressing scenes of the owl pecking at the chicks, as Chris continued: “Very rapidly it killed the chicks in the nest using its talons and then took hold of one of them and make its way out of the back of the nest.”

However, fans were left unimpressed as they took to X, formerly known as Twitter to complain. One penned: “Well done #springwatch Tens of thousands of children now crying and in distress!”

The show also received complaints for ‘gruesome’ owl scenes last week(Image: BBC)

Another devastated fan penned: “Sad part of nature…. That poor thrush nest with chicks an owl took them,” a third said: “Oh no not the thrushes :(“.

However, the complaints aren’t uncommon. It comes just days after viewers were left fuming that they weren’t given a warning after the show failed to warn them before airing gruesome scenes.

In an episode last week, fans saw hosts Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan update fans on a short-eared owl’s nest, but things took a turn for the worst when one chick was “pecked to death” by its sibling.

“It seems like they were all being fed, and just yesterday I was saying that one was doing well. But I’m afraid in that nest things took a turn for the worst,” Michaela said, before telling viewers how one chick ate its sibling in “shocking” scenes.

The gruesome scenes were then played out, however, viewers were left horrified as they were given no warning. “As you can see, that little one became week and defenceless, and that stronger sibling took complete advantage and started pecking at the younger one who was still alive,” the hosts said as the scenes played out.

Michaela did apologise for the “hard to watch scenes,” as she continued: “It pecked it to death. That was really surprising to us, because as Chris said they were fed four times.” However, fans were still furious at the lack of warning.

One Love Island couple has shocked viewers by getting down to business and locking lips on their first day as a pair on the ITV2 reality show after fears that a bombshell would split them up

Love Island fans got a big surprise tonight as Megan and Tommy locked lips during their first day on the island(Image: ITV/Love Island)

Love Island fans were left reeling just one day into the new series as one couple locked lips. Tensions reached a boiling point today as Shakira set her sights on finding a new connection after American bombshell Antonia stole her man.

With the fear of being dumped from the island hanging over her, Shakira made it her mission to speak to as many of the boys as possible – but her female co-stars were not impressed. Meg seemed to be the most rattled after spotting her partner Dejon deep in conversation with Shakira, and nervously told the other girls: “I don’t have my man, Dejon’s gone – that’s it!”

Although Meg got the encouragement she needed, her counterpart, Megan, soon felt the pains of being on the chopping block as Shakira pulled Tommy for a chat by the pool.

Megan went in for it after seeing Shakira flirting with her man(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)

As things started to get more flirty between Shakira and Tommy, Megan decided she needed to make a bold move. She told the other girls: “I think I need to lipse him.” Her friends were quick to egg her on, encouraging the Irish girl to lock her relationship down.

Megan interrupted Tommy and Shakira’s conversation, taking her man to the terrace where she admitted: “That made me a little bit jealous.”

One thing led to another, and Megan ended up claiming her man with a passionate kiss, much to the excitement of the Islanders down below, who cheered them on.

Viewers were shocked to see the stars getting physical so quickly, and took to X to share their thoughts on the scene, with one saying: “The kiss was way too soon.” Another agreed: “Getting jealous and literally doing a forced kiss over someone you’ve known less than 24 hours is beyond unhinged.”

Some fans even declared they were going to make an official complaint to media watchdogs about the incident, with one saying: “Naa I’m submitting an Ofcom complaint, that kiss was too cringe, made me feel mad uncomfortable.”

Before coming on the ITV2 show, Megan revealed that she isn’t fussy about a man’s looks, saying she doesn’t mind someone who is “scrawny” or has “a bit of a dad bod”.

Despite her easy-going nature when it comes to outward appearances, it seems that once another woman becomes a threat to her love life, she has what it takes to go in for the kill.

Meanwhile, Tommy came across as a down-to-earth lad, who admitted he has been knocked back a few times once girls heard what he did for a job. The landscape gardener said he wants a girlfriend who is caring and most importantly, doesn’t take herself too seriously.

He laughed: “I don’t know if that’s asking for too much, but I want a bit of everything. I haven’t got a specific type in terms of looks, though.”

Ryan Hawley has teased special Emmerdale episodes are on the way, after spoilers hinted it a reunion with Aaron Dingle next week as Robert Sugden returns to the village

Robert Sugden is hotly tipped to target his love rival and half-brother John(Image: ITV)

There’s “emotional” and special episodes set to air next week on Emmerdale, one star has revealed.

Robert Sugden actor Ryan Hawley has teased tear-jerking episodes after a recent “devastating” twist. Robert gets a visit from his ex Aaron Dingle next week in prison, and soon “a lot” is revealed.

It seems things we don’t yet know could come to light about Robert’s six years away from the village, and his true feelings for ex Aaron who has just married Robert’s brother John Sugden. We see John and Robert’s feud heat up too, as the men feature in tense scenes.

But a lot of the episode will focus on Aaron and Robert amid hopes from fans of a Robron reunion. Actor Ryan has revealed all on the moving scenes ahead, as he teased viewers would be told new details about what has gone on.

He explained: “It is emotional scenes. They’re big scenes, and it’s things they haven’t had a chance to say to each other for six years. A lot is to be revealed in these episodes.”

There’s “emotional” and special episodes set to air next week on Emmerdale(Image: ITV)

When Aaron initially declines to visit Robert who’s back in prison for breaking his probation rules, he’s left stunned when his ex-husband does eventually show up. Ryan spilled: “Aaron comes to visit Robert much to his surprise and delight.

“It is kind of special in that there’s only three or four cast members, it’s just Robert, Aaron and John, maybe Victoria as well. There’s really big scenes, lovely scenes. it’s a nice journey throughout. I was really pleased with the writing.”

Soon enough Robert makes his return to the village, for the first time since his exit in 2019. He adds: “Robert returns to the village and rejoices in telling John and Aaron that he’s back.”

Ryan shared how much he’s loved being back on the soap for so long, reuniting with his former cast members after the big twist tat aired recently. He shared: “It’s been lovely. I have had so much fun, I had forgotten how much fun it could be and how funny people are, and how much of a lift it can give you when you’ve got a full fay of scenes.”

Robert Sugden actor Ryan Hawley has teased tear-jerking episodes after a recent “devastating” twist(Image: ITV)

Ryan also discussed the “devastating” moment where Aaron refused to end things with John, rejecting Robert. He shared: “He’s devastated that he hasn’t been able to change the course of action.

“He turned up thinking everything would go his way and Aaron would jump at the chance to be with him again, and he was there to save the day. It’s not gone that way and he’s gutted.

“He’s come back to the village and has been so publicly humiliated in front of everyone.” On whether Robert will try again to win back Aaron, he said: “At this moment I am not sure. He resigned himself to the fact that Aaron’s chosen John. The events of that week bring him back to the village.”

They’ve raced 14,000km across Asia now the hit show’s loyal audience of 7million will finally find out which of the four teams has clinched victory

Race Across the World is about to end its fifth series on BBC1 and it’s the tighest contest ever

It’s the final of the BBC1 series Race Across the World, and the win could go to any of the four remaining teams who have trekked 8,700 miles from the Great Wall of China across Nepal, to the bottom of India. As they start the seventh and final leg, current leaders Tom and Caroline Bridge are seen as the biggest threat by the other competitors when it comes to taking the title – and the £20K prize money.

Brothers Brian and Melvyn Mole – both in their 60s – have always been wary of Caroline, who fears that she’s missed out on life by being a housewife. “She had a glint in her eye from about leg two and I thought ‘crumbs this girl is out to win this’,” Brian reckoned.

But he and Melvyn are determined to do everything they can to clinch the title themselves – along with the £20k prize – having surprised themselves by winning three legs during the competition. “If you enter something like this, you enter to win, and you do your best, and it keeps you self-believing that you’re capable of doing anything,” Brian said. The pair have proved popular with viewers and bookies alike – until they finished 17 hours behind the leaders in last week’s leg after opting to take the slower route to Panaji, which avoided Mumbai.

Caroline and Tom had a shaky start but have gone from strength to strength over their weeks of travelling across Asia(Image: BBC/Studio Lambert)

Now they know they have a serious amount of catching up to do if they are to triumph. Despite this, Melvyn said: “I’m proud of what we’ve done. I’m disappointed that we dropped on the last leg. I don’t necessarily think the race is about winning, though, it’s about the experiences.”

BBC viewers have loved watching the estranged brothers, who were treated differently by their strict, old-fashioned parents, rebuild their bond and enjoy spending time together. Driving instructor Melvyn, 65, reflected: “We have got closer together, there is no doubt about that. Brian didn’t surprise me, but I think how well we got on did.”

Financial advisor Brian, 62, said that they now plan to keep in regular contact. “We want to do things together a bit more, and if there’s an adventure to be had again, we’ll do it! I think friends and others that know me would have probably thought I would not survive the race but no surprise to me, I always knew we could do it. We are both winners in what we’ve achieved so far on the race.” Both men said they’d jump at the chance to replay the experience, with Brian explaining: “As uncomfortable, as irritating, as frustrating as the journeys sometimes were, I’d do it again.”

Elizabeth and Letitia have grown stronger as sisters as they proved competitive in the race from the very start(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Studio Lambert)

Sisters Elizabeth and Letitia said they also viewed the mother and son team of Tom and Caroline as their biggest rivals. “They’ve been steady climbers and have been very determined,” Letitia said. “But Fin and Sioned really want to win a leg! Anything could happen.” And Elizabeth hasn’t written off Brian and Melvyn, pointing out they had “become so competitive”. The pair would love the victory for themselves. “We’ve really pushed ourselves to work as hard as we can, keep on fighting and be resilient.”

Like the Mole brothers, they feel that the show has put their sibling relationship on a whole new footing. “I think coming out of the show we’re a lot more comfortable with each other, we’re talking more and expressing ourselves and communicating better,” introverted, younger, wiser Letitia, 26, said. Extroverted older sister Elizabeth, 33, said she’d been thrilled with how they’d both coped. “I don’t think I thought Letitia was as resilient as she was, and also her confidence, she’s always stood behind me or pushed me to take the lead, but there were so many times where she just went for it.”

Current leaders Caroline, 60, and 21-year-old Tom admit they are going all out to take the title. “We’re desperate to win, and we also don’t want it to end, we’re loving it so much – we’re having more fun than we thought we would,” Caroline declared. “The pressure is on both of us, we’re in the lead so we’re trying to feel confident but not cocky because we know anything can go wrong at any time.”

Sixty-something brothers Brian and Melvyn have had tons of fun on the trip and say they’d love to do it all over again(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Studio Lambert)

They feel the biggest challengers are the Welsh teenagers and the sisters. Tom said: “I think Fin and Sioned are people to look out for as they managed to make a massive comeback, and when it comes to the run route, they can run quicker and faster than we can, so that’s a worry. Caroline added: “Elizabeth and Letitia have always worried us, they’ve been so consistent, I don’t think they’ve ever been bottom.”

Caroline said that she’d learned many life lessons along the way, including “to try and be more spontaneous and have a more carefree attitude and try and stop worrying. Being in India showed me you have to grab life with two hands because it is so precious. I’ve had a glimpse at life through a younger person’s eyes, who hasn’t got the weight of the world on his shoulders, and its taught me to enjoy the simple things.”

They said their whole relationship had changed as a result of the show. “We are very happy in each other’s company, more so as adults rather than mother and son. Age doesn’t come into it any more.” Tom said he couldn’t believe how much better they’d got at travelling over the course of the series. “I think looking back to how we were doing in leg one, compared to how we’re doing now in leg seven, it’s a massive achievement.”

Fin and Sioned took a while to find their feet but they found confidence after catching up on the leaders by many hours (Image: BBC/Studio Lambert)

Teenage racer Fin Gough admitted that he never wants to go home. The 19-year-old, competing alongside 18-year-old girlfriend Sioned Cray, said he can’t bear the thought of it all ending. “I would pay everything I have to do it again,” he sighed in an interview given before setting off for the last time. “I don’t want to come back.”

Sioned says she and Fin have learned loads from their travels. “I think it was being together with no-one else to direct us in any way,” Sioned said. “It was having the responsibility of making all the decisions ourselves – that was a huge challenge for us at the start, but we did get used to it.”

They now think the title could go to any of the four teams. “At the start it was always Elizabeth and Letitia – no matter how well we thought we were doing, they always seemed to be in front of us – then it was Tom and Caroline and right now it’s everyone’s game.” They’d love to triumph themselves. Fin, who has type 1 diabetes, said: “I’m so proud of us for doing it, fresh out of school and so young. We’ve faced so many challenges along the way, to come out on top would prove to ourselves that we can do it.”

Sioned agreed: “I think doing the race is a huge accomplishment, but being able to say that we’re the winners and having that title would be amazing.”

– Race Across the World concludes Wednesday, 9pm, BBC1

The comedy star of Benidorm and Still Open All Hours shows a whole new side as he tackles major art challenge while getting to grips with an ADHD diagnosis

Before he was famous as a comedian, Johnny was a trained potter(Image: Love Productions/ BBC)

Johnny Vegas will be seen getting to grips with his recent ADHD diagnosis in a new Channel 4 two-parter in which he returns to his first love of art.

The comedian, actor and trained potter has signed up to produce a piece of public art for his hometown of St Helens in Merseyside, and the cameras have followed him as he takes on the biggest artistic challenge of his career.

A show source said: “What starts as a creative endeavour turns into a journey of self-discovery when Johnny receives a diagnosis of ADHD. Though the original artistic vision falters, the documentary uncovers a silver lining—an honest and heartfelt conversation about mental health and understanding yourself.”

The 54-year old TV star felt the time had come to give something back to the world of art he’d left behind(Image: johnnyvegasofficial/instagram)

Johnny, 54, told the Mirror: “I used to sit at a potter’s wheel on stage. People thought it was a gimmick, but I actually started out as a dedicated wannabe ceramicist. Art was my educational saviour.

“Over years of witnessing what felt like an ongoing decline in educational commitment to the very same arts, I felt it was time I threw my hat back into the ring. To kickstart a debate about culture in general, whilst giving something of a visual symbol of gratitude back to my honestly beloved town.”

He revealed that he’d been diagnosed with ADHD in 2023, saying at the time that it “answers a lot of questions about behavioural issues in the past”. He added: “In some respects, you can go back and look at it with regret, but I’ve had a bit of a charmed life, so it’s no regrets,” he said. “I know now, and it helps you make changes, I suppose, as you want to get more responsible later in life. I don’t see it as defining me.”

Johnny said his ADHD diagnosis made him understand more about himself but didn’t ‘define’ him

Programme-maker Adeel Amini, of Rumpus Media, said that fans would love seeing Johnny returning to his roots. “Johnny tackles art and creativity with his trademark wit and humour, as well as a great deal of honesty and emotion, showing us a brand new side to one of Britain’s best-loved figures.”

C4 specialist factual boss Shaminder Nahal says: “This series brings to life the power of art for everyone – how it can soothe, help, energise and inspire. Beautifully filmed over several years, the series showcases Johnny’s unique humour, heart and passion – uncovering the intricacies and demands of artistic process along the way. It’s an enlightening, eye-opening and emotional journey.”

It is thought that as many as one in 20 UK adults could have the condition, but many cases are unidentified. Other celebrities who have been diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood include presenters Ant McPartlin and Richard Bacon, comedian Rory Bremner and TV presenter Sue Perkins.

The Princess of Wales has visited the newly-opened V&A East Storehouse in East London, where she was given a behind-the-scenes tour and spent time viewing the incredible objects stored there

The Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance at a brand new cultural attraction, where she was treated to a behind the scenes tour. Kate visited the brand new V&A East Storehouse in East London, where she wore a chic navy suit that exactly matched her host Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A’s, own suit in the same colour, to celebrate the joy found in creative expression.

The future Queen joined members of the public today for a two hour tour of the building. The three-storey attraction on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, east London, has put more than half a million exhibits and archives from the V&A collections on show – which are usually hidden out of sight.

The Princess of Wales on a visit to the V&A East Storehouse in East London today (Image: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)

Kate, who scored a degree in arts history at University of St Andrews, mingled with some of the first tourists and visitors after the storehouse opened its doors on May 31, and even asked for five exhibits to be brought out so she could study in more detail.

Her tour began behind the scenes where thousands of exhibits are being cared for before going on display she marvelled at a William Morris designed screen she said “wow ” and “love the twist here”.

Speaking to Tim Reeve, deputy director at the V&A, she said: “What a fantastic idea. What an opportunity for everyone to see these historic pieces in first person.” And added: “It’s so eclectic. And all parts of the process of displaying and curating.”

The V&A East Storehouse has more than half a million artefacts including 350,000 library books, 250,000 objects and thousands of letters, posters and flyers – including the Glastonbury Festival archives.

Kate was given a behind-the-scenes tour of the items stored there by V&A director Tristram Hunt(Image: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)

It also contains some dresses which belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II, Keith Moon’s drum kit, shoes designed by Zahra Hadid and a petal from the London 2012 opening ceremony cauldron.

Visitors can also see a section of the 1960s Robin Hood Gardens housing project, in Poplar, East London, which has now been demolished. In September it will open the David Bowie Centre after securing his estate’s archives including letters, instruments and costumes.

During her tour behind the scene Kate pulled on protective gloves to caress a 19th century riding habit and she said: “It’s so delicate.” Then as she was shown a 1970s photogram dress she said: “It’s really interesting as fashion designers are also using screen prints and photographs.”

Fashion fan Kate also immediately identified a black and gold coat dress was by British fashion designer Alexander McQueen. She said: “You see a certain shape and you know the designer.”

Kate visits the photography studio during a visit to the V&A East Storehouse(Image: PA)

The princess, who is patron of the V&A, also joined staff collecting new photos for the archive and online search portal. The team needed to photograph a 1943 ballet shoe worn by Alice Markova at a performance of Giselle at the Old Vic. The inside sole of the shoe had been signed by the ballerina who had also penned a message.

Watching how it was photographed for the collection, Kate said: “Gosh it’s so small and I like the fact you can see her handwriting.” Venturing into the public area, which was thronged by visitors unaware of the princess’s unannounced visit, she marvelled at the largest Picasso artwork in the world.

Joined by Mr Hunt, she marvelled at the 10.4m by 11.7m fabric which was backdrop for the 1924 Ballets Russes production of Le Train Bleu, and signed by Picasso. Mingling with the public in the vast Weston Collections Hall she looked impressed at the previously locked up artefacts out on show for visitors.

Kate stands on the see-through flooring (Image: PA)

Wearing stiletto heels Kate held onto the glass railing as she walked the metal grid floor. The V&A website recommends visitors wearing practical clothing and flat shoes saying the metal grid flooring is not suitable for stilettos or kitten heels.

The storehouse also allows visitors to book online to view up to five objects in a study room. The princess had her own private viewing time with five items which the press were allowed in.

But speaking afterwards Tim Reeve said the princess requested to see a musical instrument, some William Morris fabric samples and items relating to nature. Cristina Juan, Head of Philipine Studies at SOAS, was working in one of the rooms after ordering five textiles for research.

She told Kate: “It’s amazing as I’ve been waiting for three years.” Speaking afterwards she said: “I didn’t know she was coming. Now they’ve opened this and I can order online they take out of storage whatever you like. Now it’s as easy as ordering from Uber.”

Inside the V&A East Storehouse, which only opened at the end of last month (Image: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)

The idea of opening up the storehouse to the public was dreamed up after the V&A learned in 2015 it had to move its archives from an old building. Speaking afterwards Tim Reeve hailed the “eclectic magic” of the collection.

He celebrated the V&A East Storehouse for “pulling back the curtain” on all of its collection. And speaking about their royal visitor he said: “There’s no doubt about it she is a great supporter of the arts.

“She has been really interested in this project and it’s clear she loves the idea of what we are trying to do here with back of house and to be a member of the public seeing behind the scenes. She really wanted to see it as the public saw it and didn’t want to impose.

Carol McGiffin was one of Loose Women’s original panellists, having first appeared on the series in 2000 before she quit in 2023 after she claimed she was ‘unhappy’ with her contract

Loose Women’s Carol McGiffin has lifted the lid on what she says was the worst part of working on the ITV talk show.(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Loose Women’s Carol McGiffin has lifted the lid on what she says was the worst part of working on the ITV talk show. The no-nonsense presenter, 65, was one of the show’s original panellists, having first appeared on the series in 2000 before she left in 2023 after she claimed she was ‘unhappy’ with her contract.

Carol, who was once married to TFI star, Chris Evans, was part of the Loose Women line-up for 20 years, on and off, and has now said that the show’s ‘strict dress’ code left her ‘exhausted’. Claiming show bosses had “ludicrous policies” for the ladies, she said: “I did Loose Women for almost 20 years and the mandated dress codes used to exhaust me.”

Carol McGiffin was one of Loose Women’s original panellists, having first appeared on the series in 2000(Image: ITV)

Speaking to Best magazine, she continued: “We went from wearing our own clothes to being bought stuff to adhere to ludicrous wardrobe policies like, ‘No arms on show,’ presumably because our ageing biceps were morphing into bingo wings, which the (male) boss at the time had decided were offensive.

“Another female (!) boss once ordered all the women to wear high heels as well. I always loathed being ‘dressed’ or ‘styled’ as they preferred to call it.”

Carol also blasted ITV for getting rid of outfits that had “mostly” only been worn once by the presenters.

She said: “You always had to be co-ordinated up to the eyeballs in nice slacks, wrap dresses or boiler suits.

“It used to make me shudder, nearly as much as the insane amount of waste on unimaginable amounts of clothes that had mostly only been worn once.”

Carol first joined Loose Women in 2000 and remained on the show until 2013, and returned in 2018. Five years later she left the panel, claiming she was left “upset” after being “forced” into the decision due to being unhappy with her contract, which she claimed was “totally unjust and unworkable”.

Prior to Carol’s departure, a disagreement is said to have broken out between the presenter and bosses at ITV over free speech and expression.

During an interview with TNT talk radio, Carol said: “I always look back at when I started working in television and radio as the good old days because they were much less policed, I suppose. Much less restricted and it was a freer place to be.

“When I look back at the old Loose Womens I used to do from 2000 all the way until I left in 2013, they’re completely different. There is so much offence. People take so much offence at so much and they never used to.”

Tensions reportedly began to grow between Carol and her employer over comments she made in suggestion that the news organisation had been ‘brainwashing’ the public over the risks of coronavirus.

The panellist also suggested that Matt Hancock attempted to import Covid patients to the UK from France to fill empty hospital beds as the pandemic was in full swing.

In 2023, Carol confirmed that she would be parting ways with the ITV show after a two-month absence and insisted she was “upset” to leave.

‘That boy is unbelievable’

Katie Price has shared that she’s had to send her son Harvey back to college earlier than planned after a “sad” incident at home.

The TV star, 47, shares 23-year-old Harvey with ex Dwight York. Harvey is blind and autistic and has septo-optic dysplasia.

When he’s not with mum Katie, Harvey – who was also born with Prader-Willi syndrome – lives at a residential college in Cheltenham.

But now, Katie has told fans she’s had to send Harvey back to the college a day earlier than planned, after he smashed up her £3,000 TV

The model has recalled a ‘sad’ incident at home (Credit: Good Morning Britain)

Katie Price reveals Harvey smashed up her TV

Katie recently took to her Snapchat and spoke about the incident, revealing she was woken up by Harvey smashing the TV at around 6am.

Filming Harvey’s face as she questioned him on his actions, Katie asked him: “What has Mummy just heard?”

He replied: “Smashing the TV.”

In the video, captioned “can’t believe he’s done this”, Katie then said: “You was going to college tomorrow to get some new meds [medication]. But now when are you going? You are going now.”

Harvey responded to the news and said: “Oh god!” Katie replied: “Because now Mummy’s got to get a new TV.”

Reflecting on the situation, Katie added: “Sad. You’ve been so good Harve.”

Harvey then apologised to his mum as he promised he “would not do it again”.

She said: “Hmm, well you’ve got to go to college now.”

He smashed up Katie’s TV (Credit: Snapchat)

Katie ‘so tired’ after incident

Katie then shared a follow-up video, captioned “send help”, showing her smashed TV.

“So it’s nearly half six in the morning I could hear banging, and Harvey decided to go for the TV,” she told her fans.

Looking at the TV, Katie added: “I can see the handprints there.”

Later on, Katie issued an update to her followers and said: “I’m knackered. I am so tired.”

She added: “JJ [Slater, her boyfriend] has taken Harvey back to college. I have come back to bed after clearing up all the mess in the kitchen. That boy is unbelievable and now I have to find another TV.”

Katie was forced to send Harvey back to college early (Credit: SplashNews.com)

What is Harvey Price diagnosed with?

Harvey has Prader-Willi syndrome, autism and septo-optic dysplasia.

He has battled with weight-related health issues his entire life. One symptom of his disability is that it causes Harvey to have an excessive appetite.

In April, Katie shared that he is dangerously close to suffering a heart attack after his weight soared to nearly 30 stone.

Speaking candidly on The Katie Price Show podcast with her sister Sophie, Katie was asked about her fears for the future.

Katie admitted: “Not knowing what will happen to Harvey next. He’s just under 30st and that’s huge,” she said.

“He’s on the verge of a heart attack. He won’t have a long life if he carries on putting more and more weight on. That’s obviously a massive worry for me. But we’re doing something about it with the doctors.”