Author: bang5

  • British Soap Awards 2025 winners list in full as EastEnders storms to victory

    British Soap Awards 2025 winners list in full as EastEnders storms to victory

    EastEnders and Emmerdale were the joint shows to beat at the 2025 British Soap Awards as both had an impressive 13 nominations over 12 categories each – but the BBC soap proved triumphant on the night

    The full winners list of the British Soap Awards 2025 has been unveiled
    The full winners list of the British Soap Awards 2025 has been unveiled(Image: PA)

    EastEnders were the big winners at tonight’s British Soap Awards, taking away the top gong. Named Best British Soap, they beat Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks to the coveted accolade.

    Walking away with eight awards in total, Steve McFadden picked up Best Dramatic Performance and Best Single Episode for Phil Mitchell’s psychosis. It comes in the soap’s 40th anniversary year.

    Hollyoaks got three awards, Emmerdale got two and Coronation Street walked away with one – the Outstanding Achievement Award to David Neilson, who has played Roy Cropper for 30 years. The biggest names in soapland dazzled on the glitter carpet – with Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter and Corrie favourite Tina O’Brien both looking sensational in the same dress, a sparkly Oh Polly number.

    EastEnders icons Gillian Taylforth and Anita Dobson were in attendance at the awards
    EastEnders icons Gillian Taylforth and Anita Dobson were in attendance at the awards(Image: PA)

    Speaking before she was presented with the scene of the year award, EastEnders legend Anita Dobson said: “It was just perfect.” And asked if she could return again, she said: “I don’t think so, although I should say never say never, it would have to be something extra special.”

    Gillian Taylforth, who plays Kathy Beale, added: “It was just brilliant, although none of us knew that she was coming back! We’ll need Ange back if anything ever happened to Kathy, not that I want it too.”

    Hosted by Jane McDonald, telly favourites Sir David Jason and Larry Lamb presented awards at London’s Hackney Empire.

    The awards were back after being cancelled last year. Watch the British Soap Awards 2025 on Thursday 5 June via ITV1 and ITVX at 8pm.

    The British Soap Awards 2025 winners list in full;

    BEST BRITISH SOAP

    EastEnders

    BEST LEADING PERFORMER

    EastEnders: Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater)

    VILLAIN OF THE YEAR

    EastEnders: Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar)

    BEST COMEDY PERFORMANCE

    Coronation Street: Jack P. Shepherd (David Platt)

    BEST FAMILY

    Hollyoaks: The Osbornes

    BEST DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE

    EastEnders: Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell)

    BEST SINGLE EPISODE

    EastEnders: Phil’s Psychosis: The Mitchells In 1985

    BEST ON-SCREEN PARTNERSHIP

    EastEnders: Rudolph Walker & Angela Wynter (Patrick & Yolande Trueman)

    BEST NEWCOMER

    Hollyoaks: Isabelle Smith (Frankie Osborne)

    BEST STORYLINE

    Hollyoaks: Sibling Sexual Abuse

    BEST YOUNG PERFORMER

    Emmerdale: Amelia Flanagan (April Windsor)

    SCENE OF THE YEAR

    EastEnders: Angie Watts’ Shock Return

    OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

    David Neilson presented by Julie Hesmondhalgh

    THE TONY WARREN AWARD

    Emmerdale – MIKE PLANT

  • JESSICA BOULTON: From Gazza to Beckham – 6 jaw-dropping showbiz moments we must discuss this week

    JESSICA BOULTON: From Gazza to Beckham – 6 jaw-dropping showbiz moments we must discuss this week

    Brooklyn Beckham’s balls of steel, Jeremy Clarkson’s latest folly, a Lowe blow for The West Wing’s Rob, and a likely new victim in Loose Women’s bloodbath, columnist Jessica Boulton brings you Jess Saying, her wry and witty rundown of the past showbiz week…..

    Who would have thought a dashcam video could cause so much trouble? For the drama of the showbiz week got off to a racing start on Monday, thanks to Brooklyn Beckham, his wife Nicola Peltz and their ongoing feud with his ma and pa, Posh and Becks.

    It all started when the nepobabies posted a very ‘pointed’ video of themselves enjoying a loved-up motorbike ride through LA last weekend – and by the start of this week it was all anyone could talk about on social media.

    The video and its loved up soundtrack, was seen by many as a clear message from chef/photographer/filmmaker/influencer/nepobrat Brooklyn to his long-suffering mum and dad Victoria and David Beckham. That message was clear: Thanks for the lavish lifestyle, probable £125million inheritance and hooking me up for jobs with all your high-profile friends….but I’m Team Peltz.

    Brooklyn Beckham vows to 'always choose' Nicola Peltz in caption to this cringeworthy Instagram video
    Brooklyn Beckham vows to ‘always choose’ Nicola Peltz in caption to this cringeworthy Instagram video 
    Image:
    instagram.com/brooklynpeltzbeckham)

    The controversial motorbike video showed them riding through LA to a soppy soundtrack - and even soppier captions on their associated Instagram post
    The controversial motorbike video showed them riding through LA to a soppy soundtrack – and even soppier captions on their associated Instagram post 
    Image:
    @brooklynpeltzbeckham/Instagram)
    Brooklyn then went and ramped things up a gear by adding a super-soppy caption addressed to his wife, in which he cooed – **WARNING: SICK BAG REQUIRED** – “I always choose you, baby.”

    Insiders on one side of the Posh and Becks V Peltz alleged feud, claimed it was a veiled dig at his parents; insiders on the other, claimed it was a completely innocent declaration of love which Brooklyn just happened to share with his 16.3m followers on a day when his family fallout just happened to be making global headlines. Ahem. I’ll say one thing for Brooklyn: His dad might be Goldenballs, but Brooklyn’s clearly got balls of steel to go so public.

    Just Potty Tuesday

    Talking of child stars….Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout may not be household names yet….But they soon will be. Because these three lucky, lucky British kids have just won the Hollywood lottery. Yes, they’ve been selected from an open casting call of 30,000 children to be – wait for it – the new Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.

    L-R: Arabella Stanton (the new Hermione), Dominic McLaughlin (Harry), and Alastair Stout (Ron)
    L-R: Arabella Stanton (the new Hermione), Dominic McLaughlin (Harry), and Alastair Stout (Ron) 
    Image:
    HBO)
    That’s right: one day, these three were going to school and doing the odd bit of acting at a weekend drama club and then – poof! just like magic – the three 9-11-year-olds had landed new roles in the upcoming big-budget HBO TV series and were on the Hogwarts Express straight to a life of fame, riches and A-List perks.

    Naturally, my first thought was….“ Oh my gosh, am I seriously jealous of a bunch of nine-to-11-year-olds?” (Yes, Yes I am). And then, more importantly, what exactly does this mean for Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and co? They’ve been the faces of those iconic characters for 25 years and feature on untold billions of bits of merchandising. So how’s it going to feel for them when a whole new generation of fans talks about the half-blood prince and doesn’t picture Radcliffe at all?

    Their replacements weren’t even born when the last Potter movie was released in 2011. And when the spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them hit screens in 2016, they were only toddlers at best. That’s more of a mindboggler than a pint of polyjuice.

    All that brings me to two very disturbing realisations:

      There’s a packet of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans at the back of my cupboard which is older than the new Harry;
      This guy (below) is no longer the only one feeling a bit old hat….

    The Hogwarts' Sorting Hat
    The Hogwarts’ Sorting Hat

    LGBTQEIEI…O Wednesday

    You can’t mention JK Rowling without plunging headfirst into the Trans rights row. But the pro-trans rights lobby found itself a very unlikely ally this week: Mr Jeremy Clarkson.

    For in the latest episode of Clarkson’s Farm, farmer Kaleb Cooper was seen explaining some interesting news to the former Top Gear host: Endgame, his prize bull, was gay and one of the piglets was possibly trans. Quite how Kaleb knew this, is about as clear as mud (that the piglet was playing in). But how lovely that someone so, um, ‘ Clarkson-like ’ as Clarkson has such an inclusive farmyard.

    I mean, who would have thought? A gay bull, some trans pigs and a morbidly-obese donkey all under one roof?

    Oh, hang on, my mistake. Diddly Squat is home to a giant ass.

    But he doesn’t live in the barn.

    Loose Lips Thursday

    Nadia Sawalha might have been a bit rash when she decided to livestream on Thursday. Because if there’s one thing you probably shouldn’t do when your show’s about to implode….Is throw petrol on the fire (and blow yourself up along with it).

    But Loose Women star Nadia bravely/stupidly wasn’t pulling any punches when she let rip about the savage ITV daytime cuts in a new social media video she posted this week. Speaking alongside her producer husband Mark Adderley, the former Mirror columnist started by tearfully blasting the ‘hundreds” of “brutal” redundancies.

    “I cannot tell you how upsetting it was to see people walking around numb with shock and fear about what they are going to do,” she said. “It’s brutal.”

    Don’t get me wrong, it’s admirable Nadia’s speaking out. But when Loose Women’s about to turn into a bigger bloodbath than your average soap wedding, one wonders if it was the wisest thing to do.

    And yet, Nadia continued. And amazingly, she even decided to save HR the trouble of digging out her contract, to check her employment terms. “We are all freelance,” she told fans. “I could be let go tomorrow, in five years, you don’t know because we’re not employees.”

    Nadia Sawalha's lifestream with hubby Mark Adderley.
    Nadia Sawalha’s lifestream with hubby Mark Adderley. Inset, what she should be wearing considering how loose lipped she’s being…..
    I don’t know what you’re thinking Nadia, but with the way you’re going, I figured I best send you this snazzy t-shirt (inset, above). Now you can have a target on your front….to match the one you’ve just put on your back.

    Gazza gets booked Friday

    Someone’s looking on top form! Yes, Gazza is making a comeback after embarking on a new fitness regime – and looks healthier than ever. The footie ace, 58, has a newfound enthusiasm for cycling, fishing, tennis, and – surprise, surprise – penning books.

    Paul Gascoigne pictured ahead of the release of his new autobiography
    Gazza says he’s the happiest he’s been in years 
    Image:
    Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)

    Paul Gascoigne pictured ahead of the release of his new autobiography
    ….And now he’s preparing to show the world the real him in what promises to be an explosive new tell-all, when it hits shelves this October 
    Image:
    Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)
    For the star has just announced he’s going to be doing his first tell-all autobiography in 20 years, as he finally feels ready to show people the “real” him. It’s good news for the fans. But there’s one person the former Lion’s a little worried to think will be reading it: Mamma Gazza. “There’s laughs, tears, madness – and probably a few things I’ll regret saying once me mam reads it,” he admitted.

    Never mind, Mrs Gascoigne – I’m sure whatever Paul has to share, it won’t be the most embarrassing thing he’s ever put you through. No, that ship sailed 35 years ago….Not with his famous tears on the pitch at Italia 90. But with our infamous tears over his pitch…on THAT 1990 single. “Fog On The Tyne, is all mine, all mine,” he ‘sang’. So my question is: if that was true, why didn’t he just do us all a favour and keep it to himself?

    Picture of the Week

    Rob Lowe, 61, and son Johnny, 29
    *Thirst Trap: Def. [noun] A snap that makes you stop in your tracks on social media. Usually involves a six pack – but only of the abs variety. Demonstrated superbly above by Rob Lowe, 61, and son Johnny, 29. 
    Image:
    rob lowe / instagram)
    As family traditions go….I don’t hate it. For Rob Lowe is no stranger to an Instagram ‘thirst trap’* and it seems he’s now got his lookalike son Johnny, 29, involved. The pair, who star together in Netflix’s comedy Unstable, shared this snap of them showing off their abs in a post-workout snap this week. And despite being 61, I’ve got to say…. Rob’s still looking hotter than St Elmo’s Fire.

    The West Wing star captioned the shot: “Lowe family tradition: self indulgent shirtless gym photos.” It seems not everyone is buying into the tradition though. Rob’s other son Matthew, 32, made a very cheeky quip, saying: “Why does it look like you photoshopped your head on [Johnny]”? Ouch. I’m guessing that’s what you call a Lowe blow?

    Jess a little one

    Aww, just look at that happy face! And those puppy dog eyes! He’s such a good, good boy, isn’t he?… And – yes – the dog’s cute too. (Sorry, couldn’t resist).

    Dr Janey Lowes of WCare with pup and Ben Fogle
    Dr Janey Lowes of WCare with pup and Ben Fogle

    Yes, the lovely Ben Fogle is proving an all-round Mr Nice Guy again after signing up as the new patron of WECare. The charity is run by former Daily Mirror Animal Heroes winner Dr Janey Lowes, and has helped 25,000 Sri Lankan street dogs, be it through with neutering and vaccination programmes aor treating injuries. Presumably Ben’s role as patron includes many official duties, but if cuddling the patients is one of them… these pups are some lucky sons of a you-know-wotsits.

  • KATIE’S BATTLE Loose Women’s Katie Piper reveals she considered killing evil ex-boyfriend after acid attack in new prison documentary

    KATIE’S BATTLE Loose Women’s Katie Piper reveals she considered killing evil ex-boyfriend after acid attack in new prison documentary

    Katie admitted if her “childhood had been different” she might have attempted to kill her ex-boyfriend

    LOOSE Women star Katie Piper has revealed she considered murdering her ex-boyfriend and attacker after he raped, stabbed and arranged an acid attack on her.

    The TV presenter was left with life-threatening injuries after the horrifying string of violent attacks in 2008, which saw David Lynch order a friend to throw sulphuric acid at her face.

    Katie Piper at the European premiere of "The Amateur."
    3

    Katie has admitted she considered killing her ex after the attackCredit: Splash

    Katie Piper standing in a prison common area with inmates in the background.
    3

    Katie travels to Louisiana in her new UKTV documentary series about prisonCredit: U&W
    Katie has long been open about her fears of Lynch, 48, wanting to harm or even attempt to kill her again on his release, but she’s now admitted she’s also had to work through thoughts of killing Lynch.

    Sitting down with a female inmate in her new series Locked Up In Louisiana, who was put behind bars for murdering her husband in what she claims was self-defence against long term domestic violence, Katie admitted: “I was beaten and raped, and then a couple of days later I had acid thrown in my face.

    “I had that moment where I felt like he was beating me, he was going to kill me.

    “I always thought if someone was going to kill me, I would defend myself, but what happened was I froze out of fear and I didn’t do anything to him and a couple of days later, somebody threw the acid at me.

    “I spent a lot of time in hospital, it was very different from prison, but I spent a lot of time isolated and in bed thinking that I should’ve killed him.”

    The former model has undergone hundreds of surgeries to repair her face and eyesight following the attack, which took place when she was 24 years old.

    This year, she underwent a procedure to give her an “artificial eye”  to protect her damaged left eye.

    Katie’s criminal ex, who organised an acid attack on her, could face release in the coming weeks after he was granted a parole hearing next month to discuss moving him to an open prison.

    Lynch, 48, was put behind bars for life with a minimum sentence of 16 years in 2009 for instructing Stefan Sylvestre to throw sulphuric acid at Katie days after raping and stabbing her in a hotel room.

    Lynch will appear before the parole board on June 3 and 4 to ask to be moved to a facility with greater freedom, which is a step closer to his release, which is currently due in two years.

    Moment virgin has sex on Virgin Island with surrogate partner

    Katie Piper shares emotional health update after eye surgery as she says she’s finally ‘reached the end of the road’
    Katie travels to New Orleans for her new series on U&W, in which the Loose Women panellist sits down with female inmates accused of murder to discuss what pushes people to commit violent crimes.

    Among them is Tonica Williams, 45, who was charged with second degree murder for killing her husband, and is facing a mandatory life sentence for a crime she claims was self-defence.

    In the series, she reveals the relationship between her and her late ex-husband had long been abusive, having even “sent him to jail” on domestic violence charges before the altercation that killed him.

    Reflecting on Tonica’s decision to kill her husband, Katie added: “I’d never experienced trauma or abuse until I was attacked, but that’s not the case for these women behind bars.

    “Tonica first saw somebody shot and a dead body at the age of six, and I can’t comprehend what that must have been like and what that does to you.

    “Lots of the women in this film were in a situation of kill or be killed, obviously that isn’t a path that I took but maybe if my childhood had been different, who knows?”

    Katie Piper: Locked Up In Louisiana airs on U&W from April 27.

    Katie Piper in a hospital gown, recovering from eye surgery.
    3

    Katie has undergone hundreds of surgeries after the horrifying attackCredit: Instagram

  • Is Ryan Thomas staying on Coronation Street and why did he leave? Jason Grimshaw’s fate revealed

    Is Ryan Thomas staying on Coronation Street and why did he leave? Jason Grimshaw’s fate revealed

    Ryan Thomas is back in Coronation Street tonight as Jason Grimshaw, but why did he leave in the first place and why is he back on the ITV soap?

    Ryan alongside his co-stars Gareth and Sue
    Ryan alongside his co-stars Gareth and Sue(Image: ITV)

    Ryan Thomas is back on the Coronation Street cobbles – nine years after Jason Grimshaw left for Thailand. The Corrie legend is back tonight, reprising his role as Jason after nearly a decade.

    Ryan is back on the Cobbles amid a huge exit storyline for his mum Eileen Grimshaw, as actress Sue Cleaver quits her role on the soap after decades playing the iconic character. He returns tonight – but for a very specific reason.

    “He’s struggling for money, his girlfriend left him, and he needs his mum. He says he’s come back for Eileen, but he really needs a cuddle and his safety net,” he tells us of his character’s decision to come back.

    Ryan admitted he felt nervous about his return and it was a “shock to the system” being back. He said: “I couldn’t sleep the night before. Even though I’d been there half my life, I felt like the new kid at school. It took me half a day to get rid of the nerves. It was a bit of a shock to the system at first. I even went on YouTube to rewatch old scenes and got nervous.

    Jason is back from Thailand!
    Jason is back from Thailand!(Image: ITV)

    “He’s embraced the Thai way of life. I wanted to come back in the builder’s outfit, but it made sense that he’s in a different phase of his life now. He is all linen trousers and bracelets and beads. It gives you a feel of this older Jason whose life is away from the Cobbles.”

    Fans will be no doubt hoping that Jason might be making a permanent return to the show – but sadly, it has been confirmed his return will just be a brief stint to help Coronation Street fans say goodbye to Eileen.

    “It was a mix of nostalgia and gratitude for what the show has done for me. When they told me Eileen was leaving, it felt right to be a part of that storyline for her and revisit where it all started,” he said.

    Ryan says he has “no regrets” about coming back and admits it was “real fun” stepping into the character once again.

    “I have no regrets. It’s been the perfect storyline and a real memory I can cherish. It felt like the old days, we’ve all been in the canteen, having lunch together and I had real fun,” he said of his return.

    The specifics of Jason’s return are being kept under wraps – and how long he stays. He had originally left all the way back in 2016. At the time, he called his decision a big risk.

    “It’s a risk to leave a show like Coronation Street. I was in a bubble for 16 years. I love the place, it feels like home and I miss people there. But I really enjoy my time out of Corrie, getting to do new things. There’s a time to spread your wings and I felt like that was the time for me. I was ready,” he told The Mirror about his decision to leave.

  • The Grand Tour shake-up as original trio ‘replaced by younger and cooler new hosts’

    The Grand Tour shake-up as original trio ‘replaced by younger and cooler new hosts’

    The Grand Tour was hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond for Prime Video but there’s now speculation over their potential replacements on the show

    Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond, all in shirts, dark jackets and jeans, at an event in 2024.
    There’s speculation over Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond’s potential replacements as hosts of the Grand Tour(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

    There’s speculation over the line-up for the Grand Tour, with news hosts said to have signed up. It’s been teased that Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond’s apparent replacements are “younger” and “cooler”.

    Jeremy, 65, James, 62, and Richard, 55, hosted the Prime Video show together from 2016 until it ended last year. They are looking back over it in four special episodes though. One has aired so far and it was previously announced that the others will be released “later this year and into 2026”. It has now been reported that their replacements for the Grand Tour have been decided. It’s claimed that Thomas Holland and James Engelsman – who run the Throttle House channel on YouTube – will front the motoring TV show with viral trainspotter Francis Bourgeois, 24, moving forward.

    Francis Bourgeois holding onto handrails as he rides a First Bus
    It’s been reported that TikTok star Francis Bourgeois is lined up as a new host for the Grand Tour(Image: Katielee Arrowsmith/PinPep)

    A source has told the Sun: “Thomas and James are as knowledgeable about motors as Jeremy, Richard and James – the only difference is they’re younger, cooler and a lot more social media savvy. Francis became famous for his love of trainspotting and will be bringing his humour to the show.”

    Thomas and James are behind the brand Throttle House, which has more than 3 million subscribers on YouTube. Through the channel, the pals post “everything from car reviews to track tests, to epic adventures”. Launched by Thomas, the channel dates back to 2013 and James later joined as a presenter in 2018.

    Francis – whose real name is Luke Nicolson – instead rose to fame through TikTok in 2021. He’s known for posting content about trains, including footage of himself trainspotting, and has more than 3 million followers on the platform

    Thomas Holland in a black top and trousers in front of a car with the bonnet open.
    It’s claimed that he will front the show alongside the duo behind Throttle House, which includes Thomas Holland(Image: Instagram/thomasholland_th)

    It was reported earlier this year that he was being considered for the Grand Tour. A source previously told the Sun: “Francis is a big noise online and Amazon producers are hoping to bring him into the mainstream. […] Francis is not just a social media sensation but trained as a mechanical engineer so knows his stuff.”

    The latest speculation about the line-up comes after former host James May suggested that a younger generation should take the helm of motoring shows like the Grand Tour. He spoke about stepping back on Australia’s ABC News in March.

    After suggesting that he wouldn’t reunite with Jeremy and Richard in such a role, he said: “It was probably time for us to stop because we always said we would land it … we would land it with dignity not fly it into the cliffs. That’s the way we used to talk about it. We have come close to flying it into the cliffs a few times so it was probably the right time to stop.”

    James Engelsman in a blue shirt sat in a silver car with the door open.
    Thomas’ presenting partner James Engelsman is said to be the third new host of the Prime Video show(Image: Instagram/jamesengelsman)

    Discussing the future, he suggested that the former Top Gear presenters are “getting on a bit”. He then proposed that a “younger generation” should find a “new way” of discussing motoring, as opposed to their potentially “dated” view.

    He said at the time: “We’re getting on a bit. Our view of the subject is probably becoming a bit dated. It’s time for a younger generation to reevaluate it and think of a new way of talking about things like cars and transport generally.”

    James expressed hope that “somebody out there” will be able to, though said he wasn’t sure “exactly” how. He said in the interview: “I don’t know how they’re going to do it exactly but I feel sure there must be somebody out there.”

  • Emmerdale announce Joe Absolom is joining soap as ‘dark’ villain with a huge secret

    Emmerdale announce Joe Absolom is joining soap as ‘dark’ villain with a huge secret

    ITV soap Emmerdale has announced yet another fresh face to the village – with actor Joe Absolom set to be joining the cast this summer in a dark upcoming storyline

    Joe Absolom
     Joe Absolom will be joining the cast of Emmerdale(Image: ITV)

    There’s another fresh face expected in Emmerdale this year. The ITV soap has just announced that acclaimed actor, Joe Absolom, will be joining the cast this summer, playing Ray, an old contact of Mackenzies.

    TV fans will recognise Joe from his wealth of television, theatre and film credits, including Doc Martin, The Bay and most recently playing the role of Braden Moore in Code of Silence.

    Soap fans will also recognise the star from his role Matthew Rose in BBC soap EastEnders from 1997 to 2000.

    Speaking on his upcoming role in the soap, Joe said: “Well what an honour to join such a talented team at Emmerdale! It’s an iconic show and I’m grateful to be part of it. I can’t wait to see what’s in stock for Ray!”

    Joe Absolom
    Joe Absolom will join Emmerdale as Ray(Image: ITV)

    As for his upcoming storyline, the soap have revealed that the character, like many others, will have a dark side. Ray will arrive at the farm claiming to be selling farm machinery but it won’t be long before his true drug dealing ways become clear.

    Despite Ray’s calm and collected exterior, it’s clear a menacing streak hides just below the surface.

    The cast and crew are thrilled to have John on board, as Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said: “We are thrilled to welcome Joe Absolom to the cast. It’s fantastic to have such a high calibre and immensely talented actor join our wonderful team to play the role of Ray.

    Ryan Hawley
    The news comes after Ryan Hawley made his shock return to the soap

    “Charming, charismatic and effortlessly likeable, Ray is an extremely complex character who very quickly shows his dark and villainous side to some of our most loved villagers, leaving them in no doubt as to what he’s capable of”.

    Earlier this year, the soap welcomed Celebrity Big Brother star Bradley Riches as Lewis Barton.

    It was announced in March that Bradley, 23, known for his role on Netflix’s Heartstopper, had joined the cast of the long-running soap opera, and has now become Emmerdale’s first openly neurodivergent character.

    As well as new faces, the soap has also introduced one very familiar face back to the village. This week, fans were left in shock when Ryan Hawley reprised his role as Robert Sudgden, crashing his ex husband Aaron Dingle’s wedding.

    In an interview with Lorraine, the star teased his character was back to “win Aaron back and bring down John Sugden.”

  • British Soap Awards 2025 winners list in full as EastEnders storms to victory

    British Soap Awards 2025 winners list in full as EastEnders storms to victory

    EastEnders and Emmerdale were the joint shows to beat at the 2025 British Soap Awards as both had an impressive 13 nominations over 12 categories each – but the BBC soap proved triumphant on the night

    The full winners list of the British Soap Awards 2025 has been unveiled
    The full winners list of the British Soap Awards 2025 has been unveiled(Image: PA)

    EastEnders were the big winners at tonight’s British Soap Awards, taking away the top gong. Named Best British Soap, they beat Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks to the coveted accolade.

    Walking away with eight awards in total, Steve McFadden picked up Best Dramatic Performance and Best Single Episode for Phil Mitchell’s psychosis. It comes in the soap’s 40th anniversary year.

    Hollyoaks got three awards, Emmerdale got two and Coronation Street walked away with one – the Outstanding Achievement Award to David Neilson, who has played Roy Cropper for 30 years. The biggest names in soapland dazzled on the glitter carpet – with Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter and Corrie favourite Tina O’Brien both looking sensational in the same dress, a sparkly Oh Polly number.

    EastEnders icons Gillian Taylforth and Anita Dobson were in attendance at the awards
    EastEnders icons Gillian Taylforth and Anita Dobson were in attendance at the awards(Image: PA)

    Speaking before she was presented with the scene of the year award, EastEnders legend Anita Dobson said: “It was just perfect.” And asked if she could return again, she said: “I don’t think so, although I should say never say never, it would have to be something extra special.”

    Gillian Taylforth, who plays Kathy Beale, added: “It was just brilliant, although none of us knew that she was coming back! We’ll need Ange back if anything ever happened to Kathy, not that I want it too.”

    Hosted by Jane McDonald, telly favourites Sir David Jason and Larry Lamb presented awards at London’s Hackney Empire.

    The awards were back after being cancelled last year. Watch the British Soap Awards 2025 on Thursday 5 June via ITV1 and ITVX at 8pm.

    The British Soap Awards 2025 winners list in full;

    BEST BRITISH SOAP

    BEST LEADING PERFORMER

    EastEnders: Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater)

    VILLAIN OF THE YEAR

    EastEnders: Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar)

    BEST COMEDY PERFORMANCE

    Coronation Street: Jack P. Shepherd (David Platt)

    BEST FAMILY

    Hollyoaks: The Osbornes

    BEST DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE

    EastEnders: Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell)

    BEST SINGLE EPISODE

    EastEnders: Phil’s Psychosis: The Mitchells In 1985

    BEST ON-SCREEN PARTNERSHIP

    EastEnders: Rudolph Walker & Angela Wynter (Patrick & Yolande Trueman)

    BEST NEWCOMER

    Hollyoaks: Isabelle Smith (Frankie Osborne)

    BEST STORYLINE

    Hollyoaks: Sibling Sexual Abuse

    BEST YOUNG PERFORMER

    Emmerdale: Amelia Flanagan (April Windsor)

    SCENE OF THE YEAR

    EastEnders: Angie Watts’ Shock Return

    OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

    David Neilson presented by Julie Hesmondhalgh

    THE TONY WARREN AWARD

    Emmerdale – MIKE PLANT

  • Amy Childs reveals shocking reason for staggering weight loss amid wedding heartbreak

    Amy Childs reveals shocking reason for staggering weight loss amid wedding heartbreak

    EXCLUSIVE: Amy Childs has been open about her weight loss journey in recent months, and now the reality star has revealed the real reason behind her staggering transformation

    Amy Childs is no stranger to comments about her weight loss, since the mum of four lost a staggering amount of weight in the last few months.

    Now, Amy is opening up about how she lost her weight after she was forced to cancel her wedding to fiance Billy Delbosq. The Only Way Is Essex star Amy, 34, announced her engagement to Billy in 2023 – weeks after the couple welcomed twins together. The couple then postponed their nuptials in October of the same year.

    She recently wowed fans with her latest Instagram offering as they declared she “looks like a different person”. The reality star has made no secret of the fact that she has been on a gruelling weight loss journey in recent months, and it’s clear that her hard work is paying off.

    Amy
    Amy has recently made headlines for losing alot of weight(Image: Chelsea White)

    Speaking exclusively to OK!, Amy addressed the recent speculation about her weight loss and the vicious trolling she’s suffered as a result of it.

    “People don’t know what is going on behind closed doors,” Amy says emotionally. “I’m going through so much at the minute that the weight has fallen off me. I worry about my mum constantly. She’s very emotional – she thinks she’s going to have another heart attack.”

    “People think I’m not eating, but I do eat. To be honest, I do feel better when I’m a bit heavier than I am at the moment. There’s so much going on at the minute – it’s the result of pure stress. We’re also having renovations done in the midst of parenting four kids.”

    “But I’m strong, I’ve been in this industry for 15 years. I’ve had lots of people concerned about me, which I completely understand, but yes, people can be so quick to judge.

    “It’s so unfair – it shouldn’t matter what size people are. Imagine if I was really happy and healthy this way? I’ve been open about losing too much, but I’m working towards putting some back on now.”

    Amy is also keen to address rumours that she has been using weight-loss injections. “I just want to be clear that, as I’ve said before, I’m not using weight-loss injections. I did try the jab, but just once about 18 months ago.

    “It made me so, so ill. I injected myself and literally a few hours later I threw up three, four times. I’ve never had sickness like it. The nausea stayed with me for three days. And it scared me so I stopped immediately. It doesn’t agree with everybody and it obviously didn’t agree with me at all.”

    Amy and Billy
    Amy was forced to postpone her wedding to fiance Billy due to her mum’s ongoing health battle(Image: Chelsea White)

    Amy explains that she had gone to a private doctor with the hope of losing some weight. She had her weight and blood pressure checked during a 30-minute consultation before being prescribed the injections, which started at the lowest dose.

    “Bill was like, ‘I don’t know if you really need to do it,’ but he’d proposed to me and I felt like I wanted to look amazing for my wedding day and wanted to lose some baby weight after having the twins – although I do think it’s important that women shouldn’t feel under pressure to lose weight after having a baby. But after feeling ill I stopped straight away, so it’s not the reason for my weight loss.”

    The reality TV star, famed for her stint on The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), has graced our screens for 15 years. Despite regularly dazzling fans with her glamour on the telly, Amy openly confessed that she had lost touch with loving her figure and has suffered with self-confidence issues.

    Now a proud mum-of-four, Amy’s journey through the last decade-and-a-half has been significant, and recently she had been refreshingly honest about her struggle with body image. Acknowledging her tendency to consume “complete rubbish”, she noticed distinct changes in her physique.

    Amy then began a training and healthy eating routine in order to shape up naturally. She started working with Freya from Potentia, an online weight-loss coach based in Dubai.

    Amy
    Amy says her weight loss is due to ‘stress and worry’(Image: Chelsea White)

    “I decided, ‘Right, I’ve got to do it the proper way now.’ Freya gave me amazing recipe plans and workouts to follow, which I stuck to religiously. She got me in the gym four times a week, eating really clean. I had to be very boring for a good six months, but I felt amazing. It’s only more recently that I’ve been losing weight due to stress that it doesn’t feel healthy.”

    Amy, who waved goodbye to The Only Way Is Essex after two years on the show, made an epic return in 2020 and, since then, she has been delighting viewers with her on-screen charm.

  • Nicola Peltz’s pals break silence for first time over Brooklyn Beckham claims

    Nicola Peltz’s pals break silence for first time over Brooklyn Beckham claims

    Nicola Peltz’s pals address claims that she is “isolating” Brooklyn Beckham in new defence – as sources close to the Beckham family speak of their continued upset as the feud rumbles on

    Brooklyn and Nicola Beckham Peltz
    The Beckham feud is rumbling on amid new claims – as Nicola’s pals fight back (Image: INSTAGRAM)

    Brooklyn Beckham’s Instagram video last week in which he said he would “always choose” his wife must have hurt his parents amid their well-publicised family feud.

    But other recent social media posts have allegedly proved just, if not more, painful to David and Victoria as the falling out shows no sign of abating.

    A picture uploaded to Instagram three days ago shows Brooklyn sipping a pint in a pub, with bottles of his own-brand hot sauce on the table in front of him.

    Innocuous enough to outsiders – but friends of the Beckhams recognised the distinctive light fittings and stark green walls in the background. One pal says: “The picture was taken in London’s Wigmore pub, which is part of the Langham Hotel where the Beckhams have sometimes stayed.

    “The fact that Brooklyn appeared to be in the country and failed to see any of his family was heartbreaking. And not only that, but here he was posting about it.”

    Brooklyn, 26, and his wife Nicola Peltz, 30, had flown to London for a joint photoshoot with Italian luxury fashion brand Moncler, which took place less than two miles from the Beckham family home in Holland Park.

    Nicola and Brooklyn Beckham
    New claims: Brooklyn and Nicola

    Dad David, 50, was not far away – he was pictured with the King at the Chelsea Flower show that day – just three miles from the Wigmore.

    A pal reveals: “Brooklyn had kept the visit quiet from not only his mum and dad but his siblings and extended family. It was terribly sad that he had flown thousands of miles to London and hadn’t engaged at all. It would have been very easy to meet up.”

    Another Instagram post, made on May 16, showed Brooklyn with Nicola’s late grandmother to mark the anniversary of her death.

    He captioned it: “I miss you and will love you forever.”

    A friend said: “Brooklyn’s heart is of course in the right place…but it hasn’t gone unnoticed how all the while he is posting about Nicola’s family he is silent about his own, including his own grandfather whose birthday it was last week.”

    To acquaintances of the family, the blame for what they believe are “performative” social media posts lies with heiress Nicola.

    They list concerns that she is somehow orchestrating her husband’s social media activity, which they claim is out of character, and that she is responsible for “isolating” Brooklyn from his friends and family.

    A pal says: “She is creating conflict where there is none and divides are springing up left, right and centre.”

    But a source close to the couple has hit back at suggestions Nicola is “controlling” her husband – and insists Brooklyn is very much his own man.

    They reveal: “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.”

    Brooklyn captioned last weekend’s motorbike video, shot in Beverly Hills: “My whole world. I will love you forever. I always choose you baby.”

    The source insists this was “completely misinterpreted” as being a dig at his own family.

    The source adds: “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 that’s a normal thing to be a loving and supportive husband.”

    Asked if there was any desire for reconciliation on Brooklyn’s side, the source said it was impossible given the highly charged atmosphere.

    The Beckhams
    Broken: Family Beckham (Image: Instagram/victoriabeckham/jamesdkelly)

    Sources close to Nicola have previously insisted that as “an outsider coming into the Beckham family, she has helped Brooklyn see the emotional abuse and toxic behaviour within”.

    The claims – described as “patently untrue and ludicrous” by friends of David and Victoria – were the “nail in the coffin” of any future relationship, according to insiders. Despite this, sources close to Nicola claim she doesn’t want any fighting and is upset by the feud being played out publicly.

    Her friends say she tried to integrate.

    “Nicola was working hard to have a healthy relationship,” says one. Pals of the Beckhams dispute this, with one saying: “It’s hard to find a way back after absurd allegations of emotional abuse.”

    Despite Nicola’s pals claiming she doesn’t want a battle, in other facets of her life she is known to fight.

    Last week it emerged she had hired high-powered celebrity attorney “Mad Dog” Marty Singer, who has represented stars such as Michael Jackson and Kim Kardashian.

    Nicola is suing a dog groomer she alleges is responsible for the death of her chihuahua Nala and French bulldog Frankie.

    It comes after previous legal battles with her wedding planners.

    A source said: “Nicola’s family haven’t become billionaires by being shy and retiring… it’s in their nature to fight for what they believe is right.” As for the feud with her in-laws, many wonder how it will ever resolve.

    Some say a big sign will be if Brooklyn acknowledges his sister Harper’s 14th birthday next month – he did not publicly mark Victoria’s 51st nor David’s 50th this year.

    Brooklyn and Nicola have posted pictures of themselves with Harper, and he is thought to be very fond of his youngest sibling.

    A pal says: “Brooklyn isn’t talking to his mum and dad, as well as Romeo, because he disapproves of his girlfriend.

    “But in that case this ‘feud’ should start and end with them…

    “The fact he has distanced himself from the whole, extended family is what makes this so sad. Perhaps Harper’s birthday – and an acknowledgement of it – will be the first steps towards a peace deal.”

    Watch this space next month – but at this rate peace looks a long way off.

  • Romesh Ranganathan reveals personal turmoil after dad’s jail time for fraud

    Romesh Ranganathan reveals personal turmoil after dad’s jail time for fraud

    TV presenter Romesh Ranganathan has spoken of how his family’s life was turned upside down when his father, Ranga, was sent to prison for fraud during the comedian’s teenage years

    Romesh
    Romesh is opening up about how his life was turned upside down after a turbulent childhood(Image: PA)

    Comedian and TV star Romesh Ranganathan has recalled how his perfect upbringing was turned upside down when his dad Ranga who was imprisoned for fraud. Romesh was a teenager living in Crawley at the time and attending private school, when he and his younger brother and mother were forced to move out of the family home and live in a Bed & Breakfast for some time. Romesh recalled: “My dad had fallen into financial trouble. What it turns out is that he’d lost his job and he was trying to make money in this sort of Sri Lankan Del Boy way, and it wasn’t working out. And he couldn’t keep up the mortgage repayments on their house. And they couldn’t afford, even with my scholarship, they still couldn’t afford the fees at this school I was going to.”

    Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan
    Romesh is known for his profession as a comedian and TV presenter(Image: Getty Images)

    Matters came to a head when it became apparent Ranga had also been having an affair and when he disappeared for several days, Romesh was tasked with asking the ‘other women’ where his dad was, on behalf of his anxious mother. Romesh said: “She tells us that my dad had been arrested three days previously, and he had been involved in some sort of fraud case. I don’t know why we’d not heard, why he’d not got in touch, but this lady knew. “He ended up going to prison for two years, or just under two years. You know, I remember my dad being convicted and going to prison the day before my birthday. I think it’s my 15th birthday. And so my friends are having a party for me. I just went and pretended that wasn’t going on because you want some normalcy. “Because for a while, we moved out of the house, and then a counsellor gave us a room in a bed and breakfast.” Romesh told Lauren Laverne on Desert Island Discs that he would regularly hear his mum crying in this period, and she managed to provide for her sons by getting a job as a cleaner. His father did come back to the family home when he was released from prison and they patched up their relationship over time. Romesh said: “On my dad’s 60th birthday, by that time, our relationship had really kind of improved. I’d had kids at that point, and I saw the way that my dad was being with my children.

    I was like, I’ve never seen this side of my dad, and we’re in a really good place. My memory of my dad is of like a flawed tornado.”

    His parents came to the UK from Sri Lanka and Romesh pays tribute to his mother Sivashanthini – known as Shanthi – who kept the family together during his father’s absence. Romesh admits that he didn’t appreciate the sacrifices she made at the time.

    Shanthi has since gone on to appear alongside her son on television where she has proved to be a funny and observant sidekick. Romesh believes his late father would have been proud of Shanthi’s role as, what he laughingly describes as, “one of the safest hands in British comedy.”

    He speaks openly on the Radio 4 programme about his struggles with mental health which started around the time he took his A-Levels. He tells Lauren that he has thought about taking his own life more than once and explains that he saw it as a solution to his emotional turmoil. He reveals that he’s experienced serious dark periods at several points during his life but has learned how to manage those times. He says that he talks about the experiences he has been through on stage but explains that talking about it comes with responsibility. “You got to be careful because it’s triggering,” he said. “I’m trying to destigmatise (mental health) but you do also have to be mindful of the fact that people may have been affected by that and then if I suddenly say I had thoughts about taking my own life and somebody’s lost someone through that or they’ve had those moments themselves, you have to be sensitive to that and you don’t always get it right but I think the rewards outweigh the risks.” Rarely off screen, Romesh has presented travel programmes and documentaries, starred in his own sitcom and hosts the Weakest Link on BBC One. He also presents Radio Two’s Saturday morning show and another weekly Radio Two programme in which he shares his love of hip hop music, which make up many of his choices when it comes to Desert Island Discs.

    Romesh
    Romesh felt like he experienced dark periods during his life(Image: CBS via Getty Images)

    Romesh addressed his reputation for having a busy workload, he says there is no game plan, he just does “whatever feels good”. He reveals that he is thinking about taking, what he calls, a step back. Romesh added: “I want to be at home a bit more.”

    “And by the way, this is not an announcement of retirement, but I do feel like, relatively recently, this is quite fortuitous that we’re talking at the time that we are, because I have just hit this period of thinking I am probably going to just be a bit more measured in what I do going forward. And I think I might take, like, a bigger break between bits.

    A walk in the park could lead to my next stand-up idea. Who knows…I need to fill up my reserves.” His music choices on the show include tracks by Eminem, Public Enemy and Stevie Wonder.