Author: bang5

Michelle Collins has opened up about her upcoming break from playing Cindy Beale on EastEnders and even admitted that playing the character was ‘exhausting’

Michelle Collins has revealed that playing infamous Cindy Beale is “exhausting”. The actress left EastEnders fans gobsmacked when she returned from the dead in 2023, and since heading back to Walford, she’s left no stone unturned in her plan of destruction.

Since returning, Cindy has certainly made her mark – reuniting with her former husband, George Knight, and their children, Anna and Gina, after completely vanishing from their bar in Marbella, and even leaving her mother-in-law, Kathy Beale, speechless when she first appeared in her kitchen.

Cindy also found herself having an affair with George’s son, Junior, leaving the Knights’ and Beales’ in a state of disbelief when the bombshell was announced. Over Christmas, she was almost killed when Kathy hit her around the head with a shovel, leaving her for dead in the middle of the square.

Michelle Collins admits playing Cindy Beale is ‘exhausting’(Image: GMB)

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Now, she’s opened up about playing the controversial character and admits she finds Cindy “exhausting.” Speaking to Ed Balls and Kate Garraway on Good Morning Britain, Michelle said: “I am loving it, Cindy has taken over The Prince Albert which is really fantastic, so we’re kind of seeing another side to Cindy, a lighter side – which I think, Cindy can be exhausting for people to watch and exhausting for me to play.

“Which is why it’s nice to go off and do something nice. Years ago, they didn’t let people go off and do many things – maybe the odd panto or something but we have a very new lovely producer and I was very quiet.” Speaking about taking a break to pursue another project, Michelle said: “When I broached the idea, he said ‘Maybe we can make it work’ and he has made it work, which is really exciting.

The actress is taking a break from her role on EastEnders(Image: GMB)

“You go off and I am going back, you go back and feel re-engergised, you bring something else to the table.” Michelle added: “You’re doing a continuing drama, continuing throughout the year, it’s good for the soul. It’s good to go and do something else.”

But now, the actress, 63, is heading towards taking a break from the BBC One soap opera and will be turning her hand to a live stage production at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Michelle will be taking part in a one-woman show, which she says is “exciting.”

Michelle will be performing in Motorhome Marilyn, a dark comedy following Denise, an aspiring actress, who had an obsessive relationship with the late Hollywood pin-up.

The show has been inspired by Michelle’s real-life encounter with a woman known in Hollywood as Motorhome Marilyn, who is often spotted on Hollywood Boulevard cosplaying as the movie icon.

But Michelle admits she “wasn’t obsessed” with Marilyn. Speaking about her break, Michelle told the Mirror at the British Soap Awards: “Well I’m going off in the summer. I’m doing my one woman show at the Edinburgh festival, called Motorhome Marilyn.

“I don’t think she’s anything like Cindy. It’s a play about a woman impersonator lookalike who lives in a trailer and dresses as Marilyn Monroe. But she’s 60, it’s kind of strange. It’s about failure, lost dreams, and feeling like life has passed you by. She’s an interesting character. I’m really excited to play it. EastEnders have let me have a month off so I’m very excited.”

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX. EastEnders airs at 7.30pm each weekday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood – who played Rick Hackett and his Chelsea in The White Lotus – have broken their silence months after their reported feud

The White Lotus’ Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood(Image: waltongogginsbonafide/Instagram)

Their on-screen chemistry and complicated love story left White Lotus viewers enthralled – but that didn’t help stop rumours of a backstage feud between actors Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood after one particularly awkward social media interaction.

But the pair, who played mysterious Rick Hackett and his girlfriend Chelsea, have finally spoken out – revealing why they’ve only seen each other once since season three’s February premiere.

And Walton, unable to hold back his emotions, declared “I love this woman madly” about Aimee in a bid to set the record straight.

Two months since the show’s dramatic finale, the pair have reunited for Variety magazine as they got up close and personal once again. Speaking of the moment they met for the very first time, Aimee revealed he had texted her to come over for lunch. She said: “I didn’t know what to order. I was like, ‘Can you pick for me?’ I was so nervous.”

Walton added: “The minute she walked around the corner, I felt, ‘This is gonna work. Two minutes into the conversation, it felt like I’ve known this person for 100 years.”

Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood have spoken out about their rumoured feud(Image: Dan Doperalski for Variety)

Despite suggestions of a feud, Walton was also very keen to reiterate that Aimee is “so important” to him as he began to choke up.

He told the magazine: “There is no feud. I adore, I love this woman madly, and she is so important to me.” Turning to Aimee, he continued: “This is Goldie Hawn. This is Meg Ryan. She can do anything, and she will. You watch what the next 20 years of her experience will be. I’ll be on an island, I think Greece. But she’s special. There is no feud. She is love and I know that I am that to her. We care about each other very deeply.”

Aimee also responded to the feud rumours and Walton unfollowing her on Instagram, which she doesn’t appear fussed about at all.

The pair played mysterious Rick Hackett and his girlfriend Chelsea(Image: Fabio Lovino/HBO)

“I think it’s such a comment on where we’re at culturally. Why is everyone obsessing over Instagram? That is irrelevant. We don’t give a s***e about Instagram,” she said.

While she had initially wanted to respond to the feud claims over the following, Aimee said that she decided to just “sit back and watch these people making something out of absolutely nothing”.

Explaining further about the unfollowing, Walton – whose first wife tragically died by suicide in 2004 – suggested that he simply wasn’t good with goodbyes and unfollowed anyone who was part of the show after filming wrapped up.

In tears, he said: “I knew what we had gone through, and I knew how close that we had gotten, and I needed to begin to process saying goodbye to Rick and Chelsea.”

Walton broke down in tears in the emotional interview(Image: Dan Doperalski for Variety)

Walton went on to say that he had just needed to take a step back from everyone after filming ended and he hasn’t spoken to anyone as he “couldn’t handle it”. He added: “Judge me or don’t. I don’t give a f*** what you think. This is my process. Rick means everything to me, and Chelsea means everything to me.”

As the interview wrapped up, Walton declared that he would follow Aimee on Instagram again, declaring it all “ridiculous” and that he would be friends with her “for f***ing ever”.

Crying again as he hugged his former co-star, Walton added: “I’m emotional because we haven’t been in the same city to ever talk about this. So for me, this is just so wonderful.”

Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz have been at odds with the Beckham family in recent weeks, but cpucouldld the end of Romeo Beckham’s romance with Kim Turnbull bring about a reconciliation?

Romeo Beckham’s split from Kim Turnbull might pave the way for Brooklyn to mend ties with David Beckham(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for 180)

Could the bitter Peltz-Beckham war be coming to an end? The news that Romeo Beckham has split from his girlfriend Kim Turnbull may see relations between Brooklyn Beckham and his family finally improve after weeks of tension and snubs.

Aspiring chef Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz have kept their distance from the Beckham clan recently – even missing David Beckham’s 50th birthday celebrations in April – and Romeo’s choice of romantic partner was said to be the catalyst for the rift.

Earlier this year, it was suggested that Romeo’s brother Brooklyn had once been romantically linked to Kim, though it’s previously been reported that in a now-deleted post, Cruz Beckham claimed the pair “never dated”.

However, TMZ claimed two months ago that it was “all water under the bridge”. The outlet reported that sources said the issue was over Brooklyn and his wife Nicola questioning whether Kim had “the right intentions” for dating Romeo.

Amid the drama, Romeo, 22, and Kim, 26, have now decided to separate after a seven-month whirlwind romance, with an insider revealing that the pair “split a few weeks ago and it’s all amicable and they are still friends”.

Romeo Beckham and Kim Turnbull split shortly after David Beckham’s 50th birthday(Image: INSTAGRAM)

Their split could be a chance for Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz to reunite with the family (Image: WWD via Getty Images)

Many will be hopeful Romeo’s new relationship status will see the Beckham boys reunite and Brooklyn patch things up with his family, but they shouldn’t hold their breath. It’s claimed Kim’s involvement in the family drama isn’t the reason behind the breakup – and David and Victoria Beckham, 51, want to make that fact clear.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, an insider revealed that Posh and Becks “really adored” Kim and believed she made him “happy”. The source added that things have “remained friendly” since the split a “couple of weeks ago”.

They stated: “David and Victoria would hate for the view to be that they split because of Nicola and Brooklyn because that simply isn’t the case. The fact is that Kim has got a really busy career as a DJ and Romeo has a busy work life too, there is lots of travelling for both of them at having a relationship at this time isn’t all that conducive to their lives.”

Victoria’s approval of Kim is a stark contrast to how the singer-turned-designer reportedly views her eldest son’s wife. Brooklyn and billionaire heiress Nicola tied the knot in 2022, and it has since been claimed that Victoria left the bride in tears on her special day, thanks to allegedly hijacking a dance.

Victoria was a big fan of Kim

And if the tension between Victoria and Nicola is true, it’s pretty clear who Brooklyn will pick if forced to choose between his spouse and his mother. The former photographer is a self-confessed ‘wife guy’ and last month admitted Nicola is his one and only priority.

In a heartfelt post early on Instagram, Brooklyn uploaded a video featuring him and Nicola cruising on a red motorcycle, with Lana Del Rey’s ‘National Anthem’ providing the soundtrack.

He affectionately captioned the clip: “My whole world x I will love you forever x I always choose you baby x you’re the most amazing person I know xx me and you forever baby [heart emojis]”.

Newly single Romeo has also been wearing his heart on his sleeve when it comes to emotional social media posts. Earlier this week, young star shared a heart-rending video from Spanish football coach Luis Enrique, who poignantly recounted the loss of his nine-year-old daughter to cancer.

Luis Enrique’s daughter Xana tragically died of osteosarcoma in 2019, and his heartfelt coping strategies resonated with Romeo, prompting him to post a moving reflection. Reflecting on life’s bigger picture, he mused, “I watch stuff like this and look at myself and think why am I stressing bout something so small in the grand scheme of things,” above the clip.

He signed off with sage advice, “Love who you love without questions, take care of each other, respect each other and enjoy life,” complemented by a simple white heart and a camera emoji.”

The Peltz-Beckham clan in happier times (Image: Instagram)

Romeo’s post could possibly be a hint he’s ready to stop warring with his big brother and focus on the bigger picture, with it claimed the Beckham rift hasn’t yet caused lasting damage. “The relationship is definitely not beyond repair,” a source told American publication PEOPLE in early May. “They love and are always there for [Brooklyn]. They’re just hurt and disappointed that he’s now playing no part in family life.”

But while the Beckham side may seem willing to move forward, Brooklyn’s latest interview makes it clear that the hot sauce company owner is laser focused on his marriage.

Asked how he protects his relationship in “such a public spotlight”, Brooklyn told Glamour Germany: “Ignore the noise. Keep your head down, work hard, be kind. People are always going to talk. What matters is that we’re happy together.”

Nicola added: “It’s not always easy. On TikTok there are always random stories popping up about us. When I see fake news, my instinct is to shut it down. But it’s not worth it. I just scroll past and move on.”

The couple’s Glamour Germany photoshoot reveals that Brooklyn has given his “mama’s boy” tattoo, etched over his heart, a floral makeover, seemingly in tribute to his wife Nicola Peltz’s wedding bouquet.

The fresh images reveal Brooklyn’s new tattoo of flowers covering the “mama’s boy” inscription he got back in 2018 as an homage to his mum Victoria. The aspiring chef has around 100 tattoos, with nearly 70 are tributes to Nicola and her family. Brooklyn got his tribute to Posh Spice in 2018 when he labelled himself a mama’s boy.

But, much to Victoria’s disappointment, it looks like Brooklyn is all about being a ‘wife guy’ instead these days.

Sir Rod is currently in Vegas as part of an Encore residency

Sir Rod Stewart has revealed the ‘heartbreaking’ illness that’s forced him to cancel numerous gigs in Las Vegas this week.

Earlier this week, the singer sparked concerns about his health after being forced to pull out of a gig after falling ill, just hours before he was meant to be on stage.

The star, 80, who is married to Penny Lancaster, announced the worrying news on his Instagram on Monday (June 2). Late last night, he revealed that he was also told to cancel the show due to take place tonight ((June 5) “on doctor’s orders”.

Sir Rod shared a statement (Credit: Instagram)

Sir Rod Stewart pulls out of gig hours

Taking to Instagram and Twitter earlier this week, Sir Rod announced that he wouldn’t be able to perform in Las Vegas that night.

The legendary singer is currently performing in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Vegas as part of his The Encore Show residency.

In an Instagram story for his followers to see, Sir Rod wrote: “I am sorry to inform you that I’m not feeling well and my show tonight at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace is being rescheduled to June 10. Your tickets will be valid for the new date – Sir Rod,” he wrote.

Sir Rod has cancelled a gig (Credit: The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon / YouTube)

Fan concern for Sir Rod

Fans of the star took to the replies of his tweet to send their support.

“So sorry to hear. Please feel better and get well soon,” one tweeted. “God bless you… hope you’re feeling better!” another said.

“I’m here and disappointed but more concerned that you stay well,” a third wrote. “Take care over there! We love ya brother!” another then added.

My doctor ordered a bit more rest while I recover from flu.

“All the best. Hope you will feel better very soon! Not for the shows but for you!” a fifth then added.

Last night, he shared another update, revealing he’d been diagnosed with the flu and telling of his heartbreak at having to cancel another show.

The Maggie May singer shared: “I’m awfully sorry to have to cancel my show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. My doctor ordered a bit more rest while I recover from flu. Thanks for your love and understanding. Rod.” He finished the post with the broken heart emoji.

Sir Rod’s health issues

However, there were some fans who weren’t happy with Sir Rod pulling out of the gigs at the last minute.

“Think it’s time you retired. Disappointing for fans who travel to see you and then getting told on the day it’s cancelled. Happening too often. Don’t be greedy,” one follower tweeted.

“I think you really need to seriously think about retirement now Rodders. You don’t need the money and you don’t want your STAR to fade,” another said.

This isn’t the first time the star has cancelled a Vegas show on the day of the performance. The 80-year-old singer was forced to pull out of the final show of his Vegas residency last summer after struggling to shake off the effects of a recent Covid diagnosis. Just hours before the show, he announced that it wouldn’t be going ahead, saying he was “desperately sorry”.

“Most people can work with strep throat but obviously not me. I’m absolutely gutted. I’ve been looking forward to this concert for so long,” he said at the time.

The cancellation of his show today comes just weeks after he announced on Twitter that he would “never retire”. “I was put on this earth to be a singer and will keep doing so for as long as the good lord lets me,” he said.

Meghan and Piers have been feuding for years

Piers Morgan has had a longstanding feud with Meghan Markle, and now his wife Celia Walden has got involved.

Ever since Meghan posted a video yesterday (June 4) of her dancing right before she gave birth to daughter Lilibet in 2021, numerous people have blasted her for it, including Celia.

Piers and Meghan have had a long and complicated history. While they may have been friends in the beginning, it quickly turned bitter after Meghan “ghosted” him.
Meghan has been sharing more of her life recently (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Meghan Markle called out by Celia Walden

The Duchess of Sussex has received a lot of backlash for numerous different things over the years. But after sharing the throwback video of her and Prince Harry to celebrate Lilibet’s fourth birthday on June 4, she has faced an intense amount of hate.

Celia Walden, Piers‘ wife, appeared on the British ITV morning show Lorraine to discuss Meghan’s post. And she didn’t hold her thoughts back.

She said to host Ranvir Singh that Meghan was “desperate”.

Celia explained: “I think we’re going to see more and more stuff offered up for public consumption. As she gets a big more desperate to make people like her.”

Ranvir asked why Celia thinks she’s desperate, and doesn’t believe Meghan was just “oversharing” like “everybody does”.

 

Celia responded: “That is true. But I do feel with her, very, very little is not premeditated, I have to say. I’m not sure how much he has to do with the decision-making. I could be being very unfair, perhaps he is fully in charge in that relationship.”

Fellow guest reverend Richard Coles jumped in, explaining that the video helps the pair fund their new lifestyle, away from the royal family.

As she gets a big more desperate to make people like her.

He commented: “The opportunities for earning that kind of money you’d need to keep that show on the road are few. And the pressure then is on if you’re going to feed the beast. What’s the next tip that you throw?”

However, Celia disagreed, believing there was a different way for Meghan and Harry to fund their lives together. She believes they can’t have the wish for privacy, and publicly share things.

She stated: “There is no judgement. But you can’t have both.”

On the opposite end, Ranvir defended the couple, calling the video “funny and warm”.

Celia’s comments aren’t too surprising given her husband’s very public fallout with Meghan.
Celia made her feelings known (Credit: ITV)

Piers Morgan and Meghan Markle feud

After Meghan apparently “ghosted” Piers, he began to take digs and swipes at her and Harry’s relationship whenever he had the chance. Over the years, he developed the nickname “Princess Pinocchio” for her.

In the end, Meghan and Harry’s tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021 actually acted as the catalyst for Piers leaving his role on UK news show Good Morning Britain.

While discussing some of the comments made by Meghan and Harry, Piers clashed with some of his colleagues on the show, and dramatically walked off set.

The comments Piers made were in regard to not believing Meghan when she admitted her struggles about mental health. And his words sparked 58,000 Ofcom complaints – including one from Meghan herself.

That wasn’t the end of their feud though, as the TV presenter continues to make digs and comments about the duchess.

Cruz Beckham and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel have been dating for a year, amid the news that his brother Romeo Beckham has split from girlfriend Kim Turnbull

Cruz Beckham celebrates relationship milestone as brother Romeo is newly single(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Hal)

As one Beckham boy nursed a broken heart, another celebrates a huge relationship milestone. Cruz Beckham, 20, and Jackie Apostel, 29, have now been together for a whole year, and the pair marking the huge milestone on social media.

But Cruz and Jackie’s happiness comes as his brother Romeo Beckham adjusts to life as a single man once again after his split from girlfriend Kim Turnbull.

The news of Romeo Beckham’s break-up with his Kim might just be the catalyst for mending relations between Brooklyn Beckham and his family, following weeks of tension and cold shoulders.

But a family feud is the last thing on Jackie and Cruz’s mind today as the happy couple rejoice in lasting a whole year. Sharing a snap of herself and her 20-year-old boyfriend on her Instagram Stories, Jackie told her followers: “My favourite person in the whole world.”

(Image: Instagram/jackie.apostel)

She added another snap of David and Victoria Beckham’s youngest son and penned: “I love you even when you are morning grumpy.” Cruz also shared a selection of snaps on his Stories, telling his girlfriend: “1 year down, many more to go”.

Jackie and Cruz’s love-in comes as fans of the Beckham family hope Romeo’s recent split could see Brooklyn Beckham reunite with his parents and siblings after a tense few weeks.

Brooklyn, David and Victoria’s eldest, and his wife Nicola Peltz have been noticeably distant from the rest of the Beckham clan of late – they even missed David’s 50th birthday bash in April. It was rumoured that Romeo’s choice of girlfriend was the spark that ignited this family rift.

Earlier this year, whispers suggested that Brooklyn had once had a romantic connection with Kim, although Cruz Beckham reportedly stated in a now-deleted post that the pair “never dated”.

(Image: Instagram/jackie.apostel)

However, TMZ reported a couple of months ago that it was “all water under the bridge”. They cited sources claiming that the issue stemmed from Brooklyn and Nicola questioning whether Kim had “the right intentions” when it came to dating Romeo.

In the midst of all this drama, Romeo, 22, and Kim, 26, have decided to call time on their seven-month whirlwind romance. An insider has revealed that the pair “split a few weeks ago and it’s all amicable and they are still friends”.

Many will be hoping that Romeo’s change in relationship status will lead to a reunion between the Beckham brothers and a resolution of the family issues. However, they shouldn’t get their hopes up too high.

It’s been said that Kim’s involvement in the family drama isn’t the reason behind the split – and David and Victoria Beckham, both 51, are keen to make that clear.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, a source revealed that David and Victoria Beckham held Kim in high regard and believed she made their son Romeo “happy”. The insider stated that despite the recent breakup a “couple of weeks ago”, relations have “remained friendly”.

They divulged: “David and Victoria would hate for the view to be that they split because of Nicola and Brooklyn because that simply isn’t the case. The fact is that Kim has got a really busy career as a DJ and Romeo has a busy work life too, there is lots of travelling for both of them at having a relationship at this time isn’t all that conducive to their lives.”

You Bet she’s making a comeback!

After reports that Holly Willoughby’s TV show Celebrity Bear Hunt has been axed after just one series, ITV has shared good news for fans of the star.

The Netflix show premiered earlier this year and followed 12 celebrities as they attempted to survive in the Costa Rican wilderness while avoiding being caught by survival expert Bear Grylls.

But earlier this week it was claimed that the show had been axed by Netflix due to the amount of money it costs to make. It left Holly without a presenting role for the first time in decade. However, she has now been thrown a lifeline by ITV…

The show debuted earlier this year (Credit: Netflix

Celebrity Bear Hunt ‘axed’ after just one series

Celebrity Bear Hunt’s first series was met with praise by some viewers when it was released on the streaming service in February 2025. Celebrities including Shirley Ballas, Una Healy, Danny Cipriani and Mel B took part in the gruelling competition – which was eventually won by TV star and chef Big Zuu.

However, fans hoping for a second series will be disappointed, as it’s been reported that Celebrity Bear Hunt has been axed.

“Everyone was very proud of the show. But when it came to it, it was just so expensive to make,” a source alleged to MailOnline. They added: “You had to have a whole set in Costa Rica, loads of staff and loads of celebrities. The overheads were eye-watering.”

Apparently cheaper locations were looked at by makers of the show, however, nothing was deemed suitable. ED! has contacted Netflix for comment.

Fans ‘disappointed’ by Holly’s show ‘getting axed’

Reacting to Celebrity Bear Hunt being axed, fans shared their disappointment online.

On X, one person said: “I enjoyed that show as well, typical.” Someone else proclaimed: “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.” A third person also chimed in: “Disappointing, I loved it.”

Another fan penned: “Aww, this was quite fun. And presumably the least effort Holly Willoughby ever needed to put into a presenting job.”

Holly’s fans are not impressed (Credit: ITV)

Career blows

The reported axe of Celebrity Bear Hunt comes after it was announced that Holly’s other show, Dancing On Ice, had been axed.

The last series of the show – which saw Coronation Street’s Sam Aston crowned champion – faced dwindling viewing figures throughout its 2025 run.

Ahead of the axe, a source said: “It’s had a good run for nearly 20 years and has a very loyal set of viewers who really love it. But the sad truth is there’s just not enough of them. We need bums on seats but the ratings have dropped to a point where it’s difficult to justify the cost.”

Holly exits You Bet! as Stephen Mulhern ‘gutted’

Last year, Holly and Stephen Mulhern teamed up to host the relaunch of ITV’s You Bet!. However, it was recently revealed that Holly had decided to ditch the show, leaving Stephen to host it alone.

He recently revealed: “I’m gutted she’s not doing You Bet! with me, but I’ve had time to think about it and Bruce Forsyth was the first person to do You Bet! and he did it on his own.

“Maybe it happened for a reason. We’ve filmed one episode already without Holly, and it felt very comfortable. Maybe it is just a one-presenter show. She just said: ‘Look, sorry, I can’t do it.’ She told me face to face. She said: ‘Look, I’m gutted but it’s all over.’”

However, ITV has announced today that it isn’t actually over…

Holly returns to You Bet!

You Bet! is coming back as You Bet! On Tour. Stephen will host and, today (June 4), it’s been announced Holly will be one of the guest panelists.

The press release stated: “For this series, the iconic show is heading out of the studio as each episode sees a panel of celebrities including Holly Willoughby, Zoe Ball, Rob Beckett, Alex Brooker, Rylan Clark, Alesha Dixon, Alison Hammond, Babatunde Aléshé, Josie Gibson, Danny Jones, Eddie Kadi, Judi Love, Oti Mabuse, Nick Mohammed, AJ Odudu, Will Best, Greg Rutherford, Adam and Ryan Thomas, Johnny Vegas and Josh Widdicombe join Stephen at a different location across the UK.”

Stephen commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled that You Bet! is back – and this time we’re hitting the road! Each week I’ll be joined by a top celeb panel, as our challengers take on some brilliantly bonkers and amazing challenges. With the title of You Bet Champion on the line, it’s going to be unbelievable from the start.”

It’s been 18 years since she disappeared

Achild protection expert believes ‘German police are onto something’ in the latest update on the search for Madeleine McCann.

A fresh search for evidence in Madeleine’s disappearance will see more than 20 locations examined within a few miles away from where the young girl vanished in Portugal more than 18 years ago.

The area is close to the former home of convicted sex offender Christian Brueckner, named by German police as the prime suspect in the case.

Madeleine McCann went missing in May 2007 (Credit: YouTub

Where are they searching for Madeleine McCann?

GMB correspondent Richard Gaisford explained earlier today (Wednesday June 4) that new searches would take place in coastal scrubland near Praia da Luz in the Algarve.

He explained: “We watched them yesterday digging away in ruins with pick-axes and spades, looking to see if they could find anything. They were looking deep into wells, pumping wells dry where they could. It’s been 18 years since Madeleine McCann vanished. A lot of searches have been made since then and a lot of questions raised. Now experts certainly believe that German police are onto something.”

He then introduced show guest and child protection expert Jim Gamble. He offered his take on why German police may have strong reasons to look there.

Gamble suggested: “They’re very conservative in what they say and what they do. They work to a very tight legal framework. So they must know something that we don’t to drive them back in this way, at this time to these particular sites with the number of forensic scientists they’re bringing to bear.

They must know something that we don’t.

He added: “No criminal justice agency in the world is going to throw that amount of money at this time of search without hope that they’re actually going to find something.”

Closing the segment, Richard reflected on Madeleine’s parents not flying out to Portugal for the search. He said: “There’s been no word from Kate and Gerry McCann about this latest search but they recently did say that they wanted no stone to be left unturned. And that’s certainly what appears to be happening here right now.”

Police are expected to search the highlighted area on the map (Credit: ITV)

GMB viewers react

Meanwhile, some GMB viewers expressed on X how they feel the bill for the investigation has been ‘too high’.

One observer posted: “As much as I feel for #MadeleineMcCann’s family, I wonder how the families of the other thousands of children that go missing every year feel about the amount of money and resources being spent on this one particular case, albeit a unique one?”

A second added: “Many hope this is the last taxpayers’ money is spent on this. No other missing persons get this funding.”

And a third person claimed: “This has cost us millions and it’s still rolling on when other children are forgotten.”

Complaints were also made when the case was spoken about on Loose Women this week. Denise Welch faced criticism after she revealed a kind gesture she’d attempted to make for the family.

Jim Gamble gave his take on GMB today (Credit: ITV)

How long has Madeleine McCann been missing?

Madeleine McCann went missing in May 2007, while on holiday with her family in Portugal. She was three years old at the time, disappearing just over a week before her fourth birthday. She would have turned 22 last month.

The search for her has dominated the headlines ever since she vanished, and has given rise to numerous theories about what happened to her.

Parents Gerry McCann and Kate McCann have also been in the media spotlight due to the high-profile appeals for information.

In recent years, focus has turned to Christian Brueckner. He was imprisoned for the rape of an elderly woman in her home in Praia da Luz in 2005. Brueckner was cleared by a German court of rape and sexual abuse in an unrelated trial in October 2024

Channel 4 put together highlights from the past series

Fans of Gogglebox were left feeling gutted after Channel 4 aired a compilation episode to mark the end of the 23rd series.

The hit show for the past few months has aired a new episode every Friday at 9pm, where the cast has reacted to the latest shows on television. However, for last night’s (May 30) show, they put together various clips from the series and delivered a best of.

As a result, loyal fans of the show were not pleased to find out they wouldn’t be watching an episode with new content.

Following last night’s episode, fans were upset it was a ‘best of’ (Credit: Channel

Channel 4 Gogglebox fans were disappointed

“You wait all day for #Gogglebox and it’s a bloody compilation show,” one user wrote on X.

“Oh no. Old #Gogglebox clips means the bloody awful #celebritygogglebox next week!” another person shared.

“Why does it say new #gogglebox. It’s clearly not,” a third remarked.

“Oo repeated episode,” a fourth said, adding the angry face emoji.

“Why is this #Gogglebox an old one? Shambles” a fifth viewer questioned.

“#Gogglebox I can’t believe it….its a #repeat #WTAF Right…#TOTP on BBC Four …it’s nostalgia tv for me…” a sixth person shared.

“Can’t stand ‘best of’ episodes. Lazy broadcasting. Won’t be watching,” another viewer stated.

“I didn’t realise. I’ll switch over now then,” an upset viewer added.

Meanwhile, Celebrity Gogglebox is returning next week (Credit: Channel 4)

‘We will be back for the next series’

Last week, fan favourites Jane and Simon Minty announced to fans that the 23rd series had wrapped.

However, they also shared that they will be returning for the next.

“Hello everybody, it’s the end of the series tonight. Oh my goodness, that’s gone really quickly,” Simon shared.

Jane then added: “It’s flown by, but you can get the last one, Friday night, nine o’clock on Channel 4, and we will be back for the next series!”

The wholesome duo ended the video with an enthusiastic “whoop” and a wave to the camera. They also shared their well-wishes for a happy summer to their followers.

Meanwhile, next Friday (June 6), Celebrity Gogglebox will kick off its new series. This Morning star Alison Hammond will make her debut on the show alongside her son, Aidan.

Stacey Solomon has shared an update with fans on her dog Teddy following the news earlier this year that he needed an operation after it was discovered he had a health condition

Stacey Solomon has shared an update on her dog Teddy following his operation earlier this year(Image: Instagram/ @staceysolomon)

TV presenter Stacey Solomon has shared an update on her dog Teddy after it was discovered earlier this year that he had a health issue. He ended up having an operation and Stacey previously said that he “might not ever fully recover”.

Stacey, 35, announced in April that Teddy had an operation after it was found that he had a “predisposed condition”. She told her followers on Instagram at the time that he had become “suddenly unwell” prior to the procedure.

The family have since kept fans updated on their canine companion in the weeks since then, including a post shared by Stacey last month after Teddy returned home. As reported at the time, she said he had suffered a burst disc and “lost the use of his back legs”.

Stacey has now issued another update. Alongside a photo of Teddy, she wrote in a post uploaded this afternoon that it’s “likely” that he will “never get the feeling back” in his legs. She added that he will also need help emptying his bladder and walking.

Stacey Solomon has shared an update on her dog Teddy following his operation earlier this year(Image: Instagram/ @staceysolomon)

She wrote in her post: “Teddy update. So many of you asking. After his vet appointment it looks likely that Teddy will never get the feeling back in his legs & will need our help with urinating & assisted walks and physio forever.”

Stacey continued: “But the good news is … the vet was so pleased with how happy Teddy was & how well we are doing his physio & managing his bladder so me & Joe were really happy with that & felt extremely proud.”

She concluded: “I feel sad for Teddy but I’m also confident that me and Joe can give him the happiest life & all the love he deserves. So this new journey is forever. But we love Teddy so much we will just keep going & do our best to find new ways to keep him healthy & happy for as long as we can.”

Stacey has kept fans updated on Teddy following the discovery of a health issue(Image: Instagram/ @staceysolomon)

The latest update comes two months on from Stacey announcing that Teddy had needed surgery. She first shared the news on the platform back in April alongside photos of herself cradling him amid the experience.

She told fans at the time: “Our darling Teddy. Teddy became suddenly unwell on Thursday. It turns out he has a predisposed condition we had no idea about as he was a rescue.”

Stacey continued: “He has been operated on by incredible vets and the next 3-4 days are crucial for him to get through, even then, he might not ever fully recover. We are praying and hoping so hard that he pulls through & that we can care for him in the best way we possibly can to give him the best life he can have.”

She concluded the original post by sharing her family’s devastation over the situation. She wrote: “We are all truly devastated. He is the sweetest, most protective, loving dog. He’s our family. And far too young to be going through this.”

In a message to Teddy, she said: “We love you Ted. So so much. Pickle cottage is far too quiet without you. I miss my toilet buddy. Peanut is so sad without his best friend.”