Author: bang5

Curtis Pritchard and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu have ended their romance just months after meeting on Love Island: All Stars – with the majority of the couples who reached the final no longer together

Curtis Pritchard and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu split as Love Island: All Stars curse continues(Image: ITV)

The “real reason” Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Curtis Pritchard called time on their romance has been revealed. The Turkish actress announced her split from Curtis last week, just a short while after the duo sizzled on Love Island: All Stars.

The rumour mill went into overdrive as the pair hadn’t been seen together on social media, leading to Ekin-Su confirming the whispers that they were parting ways to focus on “focusing on navigating this transition”.

In a heartfelt statement, Ekin-Su expressed their mutual decision to “go [their] separate ways”, describing it as a “tough decision” without disclosing the reasons behind their separation. Curtis confirmed the break-up with his own post shortly after Ekin-Su’s announcement.

It’s now been revealed just why the former couple parted ways. “They weren’t arguing all the time – it just fizzled out. They re not on bad terms and they respect each other, but the spark had gone,” a source claims. “They know they can’t give each other what they need right now – it’s sad, but it’s also very grown-up of them.”

Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Curtis Pritchard met in the Love Island: All Stars villa earlier this year(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

However, the source adds to Heat! magazine that “Curtis would’ve tried to make it work” but Ekin-Su “checks out so easily”. They claim the 2022 Love Island winner “mentally moved on weeks before the end” as Curtis was “trying to plan things together”. The professional dancer apparently saw Ekin-Su distancing herself as “a red flag”. The Mirror has approached both stars for comment.

In a heartfelt statement announcing their split last week, Ekin-Su wrote: “I wanted to share that Curtis and I have decided to go our separate ways. It’s been a really tough decision, but one made with a lot of love and respect for one another.”

She continued, “He’s an incredible person and I’ll always cherish the memories we made both in and out of the villa. Thank you all so much for the love and support over the past few months. We’re both focusing on navigating this transition and would really appreciate privacy during this time. Love always, Ekin-Su xX.”

The former couple appear to have ended things on good terms (Image: ITV)

This revelation follows last week’s buzz when Curtis was spotted flying solo at the star-studded Market Place St. Paul’s VIP launch party, and Ekin-Su conspicuously omitted any mention of Curtis when probed about her romantic life in a recent interview.

Speaking previously about her views on romance, she shared: “Love, for me, is a deep bond, trust and being able to be completely yourself with someone… Love enables both individual development and growth together. I find peaceful, safe and unexpected love valuable. This is exactly the definition of love for me.”

The news of Ekin-Su’s break-up with Curtis follows hot on the heels of Love Island champions Casey O’Gorman and Gabby Allen calling time on their relationship. Releasing a joint statement, they announced: “After much thoughtful consideration, Gabby and Casey have decided to go their separate ways romantically. This decision was mutual, and they both remain on good terms as friends with a shared respect for each other.”

With the dust settling from the show, only two couples from the final, Grace Jackson and Luca Bish, along with Elma Pazar and Sammy Root, are still thought to be an item three months after the finale aired.

Meanwhile, Omar Nyame and Catherine Agbaje have parted ways shortly after leaving the sun-soaked locale of the South African villa, with insiders suggesting that they never made it to becoming an official couple and that their love story had naturally come to an end.

Actress Deborra-Lee Furness filed for divorce from estranged husband Hugh Jackman last month and now she has reportedly set her sights on an explosive tell-all

Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman were together almost three decades(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Deborra-Lee Furness is reportedly eyeing up a no-holds-barred book that would spill all about her split from actor Hugh Jackman. The actress, 69, announced her separation from Hugh, 56, in September 2023 after almost three decades together.

They had built a picture-perfect life, with homes worldwide. However, last month, Deborra officially filed the divorce proceedings in a New York courthouse.

Deborra appeared to hit out at Hugh as the divorce was submitted. She said that her “heart and compassion” lay with people who had endured a “traumatic journey of betrayal.” She said she believed that a higher power was working for her.

“This belief has helped me navigate the breakdown of an almost three-decade marriage,” she said. “It can hurt, but in the long run, returning to yourself and living within your own integrity, values, and boundaries is liberation and freedom.”

Deborra is reportedly planning to release a bombshell book(Image: Getty Images)

Now, it seems she is ready to reveal more about the painful split as Hugh has moved on with actress Sutton Foster. She has reportedly been writing down her emotional journey with plans to release a memoir once the divorce is finalised.

“Deb’s been desperate to have her side of the story out there,” a source told New Idea. “She’s been writing down all her thoughts, the good and the bad, and logging every detail of this ugly roller-coaster divorce. As soon as her lawyers allow it, she will be talking to publishers about a deal.”

Deborra told the Daily Mail that everybody is on their own “journey” and while she may have been left hurt by her estranged husbands actions, relationships are not “random.”

“We are drawn to people, we invite them in, in order to learn our lessons and to recognise and heal the broken parts of ourselves.. I remain grateful.”

Announcing their split in 2023, the couple said: “We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.

“Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives.”

A source has claimed there will be “no drama” between the pair once their marriage is officially dissolved. “A settlement was reached that Deborra is pleased with which includes a handsome spousal support payment,” a source said.

They went on to tell the Daily Mail : “There was some back and forth regarding this financial agreement but, in the end, she got what she believed she deserved.

“Both are coming out of this financially secure. There is not going to be any drama with this gives closure that she needed.”

The Mirror has contacted Deborra’s representative for comment.

Best pals and mums of five, Kerry Katona and Katie Price, are reportedly hoping to become pregnant together after sharing their desire to have a sixth child

Kerry Katona and Katie Price, have made a ‘pact’ to become pregnant together, according to reports(Image: PA)

Mums of five, Kerry Katona and Katie Price, have made a “pact” to become pregnant together, according to reports. The best pals have both expressed their desire for another child, with Kerry telling her followers: “I know I’m 44, but I think I want another baby”.

Katie, 46, who was pregnant with Kerry in 2007 with their respective daughters, Princess and Heidi, has also said she would like to become a mum again and now it’s been reported that the women are determined to welcome a sixth child into the world, which they allegedly believe “would make a great reality show”.

Kerry Katona and Katie Price, are reportedly hoping to become pregnant together(Image: Instagram)

Speaking about their family plans, a source told Closer magazine: “Both Katie and Kerry have said they want another child so they’ve made a pact to be pregnant together, saying it would make a great reality show. Both want to show they are not getting old and see babies as the ultimate age-defying statement.”

However, when contacted by the Mirror, Kerry’s rep said: “Kerry has no plans to have another baby. Kerry and Katie have not made a baby pact and haven’t even discussed the possibility of it. The story is completely false.”

Kerry, who has been single since November when she split with personal trainer, Ryan Mahony, took to Instagram recently, saying: “I know I’m 44, but I want another baby. Don’t have a fella – but done it all before. Why change now?”

In response to her post, many of the star’s fans told her she should now focus on herself and think carefully about making such a huge decision as one replied: “NO you don’t” while another added: “You’re blessed with the children you have. Plus they’re all growing up and you’re glowing up.”

Also uncertain whether the former face of Iceland has really thought about the practicalities of having a another baby, the source said: “Pals think Kerry is in love with the idea of having another baby, not the practicality of actually becoming a mum. They think she should wait for a grandchild.

“But Kerry says before anything else she’s a mother, it’s her greatest achievement by far and she could give a child so much more stability now.”

Katie, meanwhile, has been very vocal about having another baby and has explored both IVF and egg donation as a result.

Speaking to Paul C Brunson on his We Need To Talk podcast, the mum-of-five revealed that she bought donor eggs last year before meeting current boyfriend JJ Slater 32.

Opening up about her plans, Katie revealed she was optimistic about the future despite being unsuccessful with IVF, sharing: “I had IVF and it failed because basically my eggs are too old.

“I gave it a go even though the doctors said you’ve got a 1 percent chance of that working, but I just said I might be that 1%. I’m doing it! I went through all of it and it didn’t work.

“So I have got donor eggs, I got them last year. You don’t see the picture but they go on how I look, like the dark hair, the green eyes, Spanish… because I’ve got like Italian/Spanish in me.”

Saying she was happy to have a baby on her own before she met JJ, she also said she’d found a black sperm donor in the US, revealing: “And then because I’m not afraid to have a baby on my own, before I met JJ I was quite happy. I found a sperm donor from America, from black origin.”

The Mirror has contacted Katie’s reps for comment on this story.

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz have once again snubbed his famous family in yet another blow, just days after admitting he would ‘always choose’ his wife

Brooklyn said that while people will talk about them, the couple are ‘happy together’(Image: INSTAGRAM)

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz have once again snubbed his family. This comes after the couple gave an insight into their marriage, which is said to have caused tension amongst his relatives.

It’s believed that wannabe chef Brooklyn, 26, is currently embroiled in a feud with his family, including dad David and mum Victoria. The alleged feud is believed to have started when Brooklyn was marrying Nicola, 30, three years ago, when his fashion designer mum pulled out of designing the wedding dress.

Last month, he also failed to attend any of his dad’s 50th birthday celebrations, despite posting on social media that he was in London. However, it’s believed that Brooklyn had asked his parents for a private meeting to mark the occasion, but they did not agree to this.

Despite not posting on social media for David’s birthday, over the weekend, Brooklyn shared a sweet message for his brother-in-law, Will Peltz. Now, he’s opened up and appeared to reference an ongoing rift. He said: “There will always be people who talk. The important thing is that we’re happy together,” he said.

Brooklyn has opened up about his marriage to Nicola Peltz(Image: WWD via Getty Images)

Speaking to Germany’s Glamour Magazine, he added that his top tip for being in love was “always be honest.” While his own parents were not directly mentioned, Nicola gushed over her parents, Nelson Peltz and Claudia Heggner Peltz. She told the outlet: “My parents taught me: Always tell the truth, we’ll help you. I still carry this attitude of being open and honest deep in my heart today. You never regret it. On the contrary: True closeness only comes from genuine connection, that is, when you have the courage to be honest.”

Brooklyn also disclosed that he got a touching tattoo tribute for his mother-in-law, rosary beads on his hands. Since the interview was published, neither Brooklyn’s parents nor his brothers, Romeo and Cruz, have acknowledged the comments in what appears to be a deafening silence.

Brooklyn and Nicola are believed to be in a feud with his famous family(Image: Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/WireImage)

Meanwhile, Spice Girls icon Victoria is believed to be “struggling” with the ongoing rift as her firstborn is “always going to be her baby.” A source told us: “He’s her first-born and they’ve always had a wonderful relationship, she feels like Nicola has taken over and it’s really tough to deal with as a mother.

Meanwhile, David is believed to have told his wife that Brooklyn’s behaviour is “unacceptable.” The source went on to add: “She’s very family-oriented, so it’s a worry that Brooklyn and Nicola will start their own family and Victoria won’t have contact with her first grandchild – it’s a devastating thought.”

Friends of the family have claimed that Nicola is orchestrating her husband’s social media posts, which also included snubbing his grandfather’s birthday, but also posted a picture of him sipping on a pint just miles away from the Beckham family home in West London.

“She is creating conflict where there is none and divides are springing up left, right and centre,” a source told the Mirror about Nicola. However, a source close to the socialite and Brooklyn has furiously dismissed claims that she is “controlling” him and isolating him from his family.

They told us: “She is not isolating him at all. He is free to do what he wants and he loves his wife and they are happy together. They are each other’s family.” They added that Brooklyn’s post insisting he would “always choose” Nicola had been taken out of context. They added: “It’s a real shame that what Brooklyn did, which was a statement of love for his wife, is being portrayed as something that it’s not.

“He loves his wife and everyone should be proud: his parents, his family friends. He stands by his wife and tha’ss a normal thing to be a loving and supportive husband.”

A spokesperson for Nicola and Brooklyn Peltz-Beckham has been approached by the Mirror.

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz have once again snubbed his famous family in yet another blow, just days after admitting he would ‘always choose’ his wife

Brooklyn said that while people will talk about them, the couple are ‘happy together’(Image: INSTAGRAM)

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz have once again snubbed his family. This comes after the couple gave an insight into their marriage, which is said to have caused tension amongst his relatives.

It’s believed that wannabe chef Brooklyn, 26, is currently embroiled in a feud with his family, including dad David and mum Victoria. The alleged feud is believed to have started when Brooklyn was marrying Nicola, 30, three years ago, when his fashion designer mum pulled out of designing the wedding dress.

Last month, he also failed to attend any of his dad’s 50th birthday celebrations, despite posting on social media that he was in London. However, it’s believed that Brooklyn had asked his parents for a private meeting to mark the occasion, but they did not agree to this.

Despite not posting on social media for David’s birthday, over the weekend, Brooklyn shared a sweet message for his brother-in-law, Will Peltz. Now, he’s opened up and appeared to reference an ongoing rift. He said: “There will always be people who talk. The important thing is that we’re happy together,” he said.

Brooklyn has opened up about his marriage to Nicola Peltz(Image: WWD via Getty Images)

Speaking to Germany’s Glamour Magazine, he added that his top tip for being in love was “always be honest.” While his own parents were not directly mentioned, Nicola gushed over her parents, Nelson Peltz and Claudia Heggner Peltz. She told the outlet: “My parents taught me: Always tell the truth, we’ll help you. I still carry this attitude of being open and honest deep in my heart today. You never regret it. On the contrary: True closeness only comes from genuine connection, that is, when you have the courage to be honest.”

Brooklyn also disclosed that he got a touching tattoo tribute for his mother-in-law, rosary beads on his hands. Since the interview was published, neither Brooklyn’s parents nor his brothers, Romeo and Cruz, have acknowledged the comments in what appears to be a deafening silence.

Brooklyn and Nicola are believed to be in a feud with his famous family(Image: Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/WireImage)

Meanwhile, Spice Girls icon Victoria is believed to be “struggling” with the ongoing rift as her firstborn is “always going to be her baby.” A source told us: “He’s her first-born and they’ve always had a wonderful relationship, she feels like Nicola has taken over and it’s really tough to deal with as a mother.”

Meanwhile, David is believed to have told his wife that Brooklyn’s behaviour is “unacceptable.” The source went on to add: “She’s very family-oriented, so it’s a worry that Brooklyn and Nicola will start their own family and Victoria won’t have contact with her first grandchild – it’s a devastating thought.”

Friends of the family have claimed that Nicola is orchestrating her husband’s social media posts, which also included snubbing his grandfather’s birthday, but also posted a picture of him sipping on a pint just miles away from the Beckham family home in West London.

“She is creating conflict where there is none and divides are springing up left, right and centre,” a source told the Mirror about Nicola. However, a source close to the socialite and Brooklyn has furiously dismissed claims that she is “controlling” him and isolating him from his family.

They told us: “She is not isolating him at all. He is free to do what he wants and he loves his wife and they are happy together. They are each other’s family.” They added that Brooklyn’s post insisting he would “always choose” Nicola had been taken out of context. They added: “It’s a real shame that what Brooklyn did, which was a statement of love for his wife, is being portrayed as something that it’s not.

“He loves his wife and everyone should be proud: his parents, his family friends. He stands by his wife and tha’ss a normal thing to be a loving and supportive husband.”

A spokesperson for Nicola and Brooklyn Peltz-Beckham has been approached by the Mirror.

A former star of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here has reportedly signed up for the latest edition of the Bake Off in a Stand Up To Cancer special

Bake Off is gearing up for a Stand Up To Cancer special(Image: PA)

The latest famous face to be signed up for the Great British Bake Off is said to have been confirmed. Former I’m A Celebrity star Babatunde Aleshe has reportedly agreed to another reality TV show following his stint in the jungle.

The comedian, 38, starred on the ITV show Down Under in 2022, and is now said to be ready to test his culinary skills. It’s claimed Babatunde will take part in the Stand Up To Cancer special of the hit Channel 4 show.

“Babatunde is guaranteed to be hilarious and will no doubt have plenty of banter with Paul, Noel, Caroline and Alison,” a source said.

Babatunde in I’m A Celebrity in 2022(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Speaking to the Sun, the TV insider continued: “‘He’s not known for his prowess in the kitchen so there’s sure to be some panicky moments laced with the good humour he’s known for.

“His energy on the Gogglebox sofa has always been pure positivity and very infectious, and bosses are hoping he’ll bring that to the tent.”

Other names reportedly signed up for the unique edition include JoJo Siwa. and Molly Mae Hague. Hot on the heels of her Celebrity Big Brother appearance – where she met Chris Hughes – the Dance Moms star is claimed to be set for another UK reality TV show.

The 22-year-old American singer boosted her profile on the opposite side of the Atlantic in April when she was a contestant on ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother – she already had a huge stateside following.

Now it has been reported that JoJo will be popping up on Channel 4 and testing out her culinary skills. A source claimed: “This is a bit of a coup for the Bake Off because Jojo is currently one of the most talked about young stars on TV right now.

“She’s barely had time to catch her breath, leaving CBB last month amid huge media attention and heading straight into another huge show this month. It’s also a fantastic gig for her because although she already has a fanbase over here, the cookery contest also introduces her to a wider British audience,” the source added to The Sun.

JoJo Siwa is tipped to take part in the celebrity version of Bake Off(Image: Channel 4)

“Plus she got plenty of experience of cooking in front of the cameras while she was on Celebrity Big Brother, though this time she won’t have hunky Chris to distract her.”

JoJo and Chris’ budding friendship stole the show in the Big Brother house. Speculation was rife they were more than just friends, with JoJo revealed to have dumped fiance Kath Ebbs at the wrap party.

Snaps have since emerged of the singer kissing the 32-year-old former Love Island star while they were on holiday together in Mexico. They have continued to pair special mentions to each other on social media following their exit from the CBB house.

Coronation Street stars Cait Fitton and Sydney Martin have revealed all on their growing friendship on and off screen, while their characters weren’t initially meant to be paired

There’s more “drama” and “fun” in store for Coronation Street’s Lauren Bolton and Betsy Swain, as their blossoming friendship leads to plenty of chaos.

But the stars playing them have their own budding friendship away from the ITV soap, with actresses Cait Fitton and Sydney Martin praising each other, saying it feels like they were “separated at birth”. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror at the British Soap Awards, the fan favourites shared all on what it’s like filming together, and getting to play friends on the show, while being close in real life.

In fact the dynamic duo told us the twist with Lauren and Betsy becoming pals almost didn’t happen, and could have gone a different direction. Luckily for the girls soap boss Kate Brooks gave it a try and soon fell in love with the friendship formed in scenes.

Of course the characters have had the odd fight in some classic soap drama, and there’s more chaos ahead it seems. But Cait and Sydney told us viewers would get to see the bond onscreen grow, with Lauren and son Frankie going to very much be a part of the family dynamic with Betsy, mum Lisa Swain, stepmother Carla Connor and their loved ones.

Cait Fitton and Sydney Martin praising each other, saying it feels like they were ‘separated at birth’(Image: Steve Vas/Future Image/Cover Images)

Sydney told us of what’s ahead for the duo: “A little bit of drama,” with Cait agreeing: “We have, there’s always drama.” Sydney confessed she often overshared when it came to spoilers, but Cait told us: “I feel like we overshare on our own but when wer’e together we’re alright, so you’ve got us at a good time.”

Sydney added there was “drama and a bit of fun” on the cards, with Cait promising “lots of fun” for the duo onscreen. Sydney shared how they often go to the director with some ideas hoping for some “funny” scenes, while they both agreed tomato ketchup possibly wasn’t the best idea after Cait stained Sydney’s hair with the condiment during a scene with Roy Cropper.

But asides the hilarity, there’s also plenty more plots on the way for both characters and we will see them grow closer as pals. Cait shared: “I think to come you’ll see changes for both of them but also a genuine friendship.

“They are very different but also similar. As soon as I found out I was working with Sydney I was like yes! People are gonna like me now!” Cait had nothing but praise for her friend too, and the feeling was mutual.

There’s more “drama” and “fun” in store for Coronation Street’s Lauren Bolton and Betsy Swain(Image: ITV)

Cait said: “I love working with her it’s amazing. She has such an amazing aura about her and I learn a lot form her.” Sydney gushed back: “Likewise, she’s there for me all the time,” commenting on their “forever” friendship, with Cait adding they always say they were “separated at birth”

Cait also revealed that the stuff with Lauren and Betsy almost didn’t happen. Corrie boss Kate added it into an episode as a trial run not knowing what to expect, but soon it proved to be a hit and Kate “loved it”.

Now the girls are working on a joint name, with Cait coming up with Team Bauren which Sydney backed, as did we. The girls promised the drama and friendship for the pair would be ongoing, as Sydney commented on the “growing” family dynamic between Betsy and those closest to her.

ITV soap fans are in for a quiet evening tonight with Emmerdale missing from tonight’s TV schedules – despite last night’s episode leaving viewers on a huge cliffhanger

Tonight’s episode of Emmerdale has been pulled from the schedules – despite last night’s cliffhanger

Emmerdale fans are waiting on tenterhooks to find out what will happen to Ruby Milligan after her killer confession – and unfortunately, that wait won’t be ending tonight. The ITV soap is missing from its usual Tuesday evening slot to make room for very different programming.

Emmerdale won’t be airing on ITV1 tonight as the channel will be showing the Live UEFA Women’s Nations League instead. England will be facing Spain in the 6pm kick-off, with Laura Woods presenting coverage until 8:20pm.

Fans will have to wait to see what happens to Ruby Milligan on Emmerdale(Image: ITV)

Unfortunately, the early release episode won’t be available to stream on ITVX either – but the soap is set to make up for the missing half-hour later this week.

Tomorrow night’s episode (Wednesday 4 June) is set to be an hour-long and will air at an earlier time of 7pm, making up for Tuesday’s absence.

Meanwhile, Thursday’s episode has also faced a schedule change, with the hour-long episode airing at 7pm to make room for the British Soap Awards at 8pm. It’s then business as usual on Friday, with Emmerdale airing at 7:30pm.

It comes after last night’s Emmerdale saw Ruby confess to killing her father Anthony Fox after fearing that the body found in the dredged lake belonged to him. While Ruby and Caleb had planned to flee the village with Ruby, she left a note before sneaking out to the police station and confessing to the crime.

Fans will now have to wait to find out whether the dead body truly is Anthony or actually Nate Robinson – and what will happen to Ruby following her hasty decision.

Meanwhile, viewers are still reeling from the return of Ryan Hawley as Robert Sugden last week. The star made a return to the soap after six years away with Robert crashing the wedding of his ex Aaron and half-brother John.

Speaking about what’s to come for the storyline, Lisa Riley told The Mirror in an exclusive chat at the British Soap Awards: “It’s incredible, it was amazing. We had seven days and we knew the reaction would be massive.

“But to then see the reaction which was enormous has just been so good, and it’s great for the show. It’s the right time, it’s what the audience wanted. We just kept teasing and teasing them and now they have got Robron. We love it.”

Earlier this week, Emmerdale star Georgia Jay – who plays Steph Milligan – announced that she is pregnant after fans were confused over whether she was expecting in real life or on the soap.

“As you’ve probably guessed, I’ve got some news to share! I know some of you have been wondering if you’ve been seeing a little bump on screen lately,” she said, alongside professional pregnancy photos.

“Well, it’s not your imagination… I’m having a baby! We’ve never been so excited and a little nervous all at once. Thank you for all the love and support.”

Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt, fronted by Holly Willoughby and Bear Grylls, launched earlier this year and featured celebrity contestants like Big Zuu, Shirley Ballas and Mel B

There’s speculation over the future of Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt(Image: Ray Burmiston/Netflix/PA Wire )

Holly Willoughby’s huge Netflix show, Celebrity Bear Hunt, is said to have been axed, just months after it was launched. It comes just weeks after Bear Grylls proposed a major format change for the series.

Celebrity Bear Hunt, which launched on Netflix in February, saw twelve celebrities hunted down by Bear, 50, whilst out in a jungle in Costa Rica. Described as a “brutal game of cat and mouse,” the eight-part series was fronted by Holly, 44.

The show was met with praise from some viewers following its release on the streaming platform four months ago. Fans expressed hope for a second season at the time, and Bear recently teased over the prospect himself just last month.

It’s now claimed that Netflix has “axed” Celebrity Bear Hunt. According to sources have said that although it did well in terms of ratings, it was expensive to produce.

Celebrity Bear Hunt, fronted by Bear Grylls and Holly Willoughby, launched earlier this year(Image: hollywilloughby/Instagram)

A source told The Sun that everybody on the show was “absolutely gutted.” They added: “But the overall cost of travel, insurance and, of course, securing big-name talent proved too dear – it was completely untenable even after they looked at filming closer to home, and making more of a budget show.

“It is no slight on Holly or Bear either and execs are now trying to find another formula for them to showcase their talents.” They went on to add: “Naturally, it’s a real blow to Holly as it’s the latest show to have time called, but she’s a professional and knows that sometimes this is how it goes.

“She’s got a number of other exciting projects in the pipeline; that’s showbiz, after all.” It, however, comes just weeks after Bear, who was also an executive producer on the show, hinted that a second season could undergo a format change in line with Netflix’s apparent focus on live content. He was asked about the show’s future by Dermot O’Leary on BBC Radio 2 on May 17.

In an interview that morning, Bear teased that those behind the show were “figuring” out its future following the launch. He suggested that Celebrity Bear Hunt could return as a live show for Netflix and expressed hope over the prospect.

Big Zuu won the reality TV competition, which was released through Netflix(Image: Ray Burmiston/Netflix/PA Wire )

Asked if he will get to do “more” of the show, Bear said at the time: “Yeah, god willing. We’re just sort of figuring all that out at the moment. We’re thinking about doing …”

He continued: “Well, we’re hopefully going to be doing it live!” Further teasing over the prospect, he added on the radio show three weeks ago: “Which Netflix has never done before. It’d be super cool. Raw, real, hunt ’em down!”

The debut season of Celebrity Bear Hunt featured twelve celebrity contestants, with most of them eliminated throughout the series as part of the competition. They included Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas and the Spice Girls’ Mel B.

Rapper Big Zuu won the show, with the TV personality named the winner in the eighth episode. Presenter Steph McGovern and singer Una Healy, who rose to fame in the Saturdays, were runners-up.

EastEnders actress Clair Norris, who plays Bernie Taylor in the soap, has broken her silence after it was revealed she’d been axed by the BBC soap

Clair Norris has broken her silence on EastEnders axe (Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Actress Clair Norris, who plays Bernie Taylor in EastEnders, has spoken out weeks after it was revealed she had been axed from the BBC soap after eight years.

Clair, 27, joined her fellow castmates at this weekend’s British Soap Awards, in which the soap won an incredible 8 awards. It included wins for Best British Soap, Best Single Episode and Scene of the Year for Angie Watts’ surprise return.

The cast and crew were out in full force celebrating, as Clair addressed her exit for the first time in a post from the night – calling it an “amazing end”.

Clair joined the rest of the EastEnders cast for her final British Soap Awards(Image: Instagram/ @clair_norris)

Taking to her Instagram to post a picture of herself all glammed up in a teal dress on the night, Clair penned: “My last @thebritishsoapawards with my EE family. We [broom emoji] up last night, 8 awards & I couldn’t be prouder to be apart of this team! What a way to end this amazing journey, head held high & beaming from ear to ear.”

Clair was supported by both fans as colleagues in her post, with James Farrar, who plays Zack Hudson writing: “Head held HIGH,” along with a number of red heart emojis.

Emma Barton who plays Honey Mitchell echoed: “Love you,” as Elijah Holloway who plays Harry Mitchell gushed: “We looked lovely didn’t we.”

Clair Norris will be leaving the soap after playing the role of Bernie Taylor for eight years(Image: BBC)

Clair also posted pictures with co-star Matthew James Morrison, who has also been axed from the soap after playing the role of Felix Baker since 2022.

Bernie arrived in Walford in 2017 alongside mum Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) and brother Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters). However, she’s the last one of her family members left on the Square with her mum Karen leaving EastEnders in 2023, shortly followed by the murder of her brother Keanu on Christmas Day.

According to The Sun, Bernie’s exit storyline didn’t come as a surprise to star Clair. A source told the publication: “Every time a soap gets a new boss they want to make their own changes – it’s nothing personal.

“The writing has been on the wall for Bernie for some time so it wasn’t really a surprise to Clair.”

“She was the last Taylor standing and it’s time to close the chapter on them and let Clair go on to do other things.”