Author: bang5

The actress is a devoted grandmother to her two granddaughters, but has admitted she has ‘struggled’ with a particular issue as she’s asked for help

Linda spoke about the generational divide with her teen granddaughter

Linda Robson has opened up on the Loose Women podcast about the important role grandparents have in caring for grandchildren. The 67-year-old actress didn’t hold back her feelings.

She said: “I love having my grandchildren more than anything else in the world, I love them more than my children.” After being away for work, Linda added: “I really, really missed them. So as soon as we got back, that was the first people that I went to see. After the dog, obviously, because Dolly Parton needs me.”

The Loose Women panelist also spoke about the generational divide with her teen granddaughter. She said: “Lila in particular, because she’s 13 now, so she’s got a phone, and now there’s no sort of conversation with her anymore.”

Linda observed how technology has changed their interactions during sleepovers when Lila stayed over. “I had them, they stayed overnight, and at one o’clock in the morning, her Snapchat was still going”, reports Yorkshire Live.

Linda opened up on the Loose Women podcast about her family (Image: ITV1)

Linda has opened up about the evolving relationship with her granddaughters, noting how their interests have diverged over time: “When they were younger, the pair of them, we could do lots of things together, go to the cinema and everything. Now Lila’s got her own little group of friends, so she wants to be out with them all the time. So I’ve struggled with that really.”

However, Linda’s experience is quite different with her other granddaughter. She said: “Betsy’s happy to be with me 24 hours a day.” She admits to being more relaxed than their mother Lauren when it comes to technology use, finding it hard to enforce strict rules on phone and laptop usage.

Kate Middleton and her fellow royals are forever meeting ‘normal’ people under the gaze of the public eye – but a clever way she avoids personal questions has been revealed

Kate has a very clever way of avoiding personal questions in public(Image: PA)

Kate Middleton and Prince William are famously vigilant when it comes to safeguarding the privacy of their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, yet they occasionally share charming snippets about the young royals’ lives.

Whether it’s Prince William conveying Princess Charlotte’s boast to the England Lionesses about her goalkeeping prowess or Kate sharing little Louis’ words following the Queen’s passing, the couple have let slip some delightful anecdotes. Yet Kate actually has a very clever way of avoiding personal questions in public to avoid revealing too much about her family’s lives. The story was revealed by actor Rami Malek, who once hilariously offered to babysit for the royal pair.

Rami Malek met Kate and WIlliam at the 2019 BAFTAs(Image: Daily Mirror/Ian Vogler)

Chatting on Jimmy Kimmel’s US TV show, he reminisced about his chat with the Princess of Wales at the 2019 BAFTAs, where he snagged the best actor award for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody.

At that time, the royal duo had just welcomed their third child, Prince Louis, and Rami seemed to surprise Kate with his rather personal enquiry. On the talk show, he recounted: “The funniest thing about that was, I said, ‘If you ever need a day off, some time off, I’m back-up for you.’”

The royal duo had just welcomed their third child, Prince Louis(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

He continued, revealing Kate’s reaction: “She’s like, ‘What do you mean?’ I go, ‘I can babysit, you guys go out, have a good time.’” And he explained how he then brought up Prince Louis’ birth, asking Kate: “‘You just had a baby, right?’ I think she was taken aback.”

But Rami then revealed what Kate did to deflect the question, by turning the conversation back to him and asking how he was instead. He revealed: “She said, ‘How are you doing?’” [I’m like,] ‘No, how are you?’ And in the most regal, elegant way, she gave me a look. But you can tell. Imagine, you’re dressed to the nines, have to talk to all these actors.”

Describing the royals’ meticulous care during their interactions, Rami observed: “They’re so careful. But it was so cool. I think I caught her off guard for a second. And, you know, had that look of – in the most elegant, professional, royal way – ‘Yes, it’s a lot, having a kid.’”

Rami revealed what Kate did to deflect questions from people(Image: PA)

It seems the Prince and Princess of Wales appreciated his frank approach, as Prince William later extended an invitation to him to co-host the previous Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony in Boston.

Rami isn’t alone in admiring The Princess of Wales – actress Reese Witherspoon also lauded the royal’s grace and professionalism in her personal memoir, Whiskey in a Teacup.

The royal couple guard the privacy of their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis(Image: Francis Dias/NEWSPIX INTERNATIONAL)

Recalling the day she met Kate, Reese explained: “I was up at 4am doing my hair. That’s early, even for me. I was up, dressed and waiting by the door by 7am. Jim took pictures of me in the car. You can see rays of happiness shooting out of my face. I love Kate Middleton that much.

“And she did not disappoint! She was just lovely and warm, elegant and composed. She also told a joke, and I immediately fell under her spell. She’s just as magnificent as she seems to be. She’s a very compassionate, socially conscious, deeply caring person. It takes a very special person to decide to commit to that kind of life.”

Ex listed her perceived faults!

Former I’m A Celebrity star Jan Leeming has shared details from a devastating letter she received from the “love of her life”.

Former newsreader Jan, 83, who was a cast member in the 2006 run of the ITV jungle reality series, has revealed her ex sent her a 17-page missive savaging her for perceived faults.

Jan, who finished in sixth place on I’m A Celebrity, has been married five times. She’s previously opened up about feeling that she would unfairly blame herself for the end of relationships.

Jan Leeming appeared on I’m A Celeb in 2006 (Credit: YouTube)

Jan Leeming relationship news

The ex-BBC star has admitted she kept the letter criticising her for years before burning it.

But now she feels her perspective on the reasons for being involved with someone have changed completely from earlier in her life.

Speaking on the Suddenly Single podcast, Jan reflected: “I’m a lot more sure of myself now than I was when I was young. I’ve very, very rarely ended a relationship. I’ve always hung on thinking: ‘If I do this, if I do that.’

“But not now. Now I wouldn’t hang on if I were in a relationship and it wasn’t working.’”

She’s been married five times (Credit: YouTube)

‘The love of my life was a womaniser’

She went on to explain: “The love of my life was a womaniser. He made the excuse – this woman had been in his life quite a long time – he said: ‘Oh it was money worries and the children that drove us apart.’”

Like an idiot, I allowed him back into my life.

“Seven years later, like an idiot, I allowed him back into my life. By then he was in the driving seat financially, the children had grown up, still the same problems. But I had blamed myself.”

Jan also noted how the letter concerned “what was wrong with me” in her ex’s opinion.

She added: “I kept it for years, and then I finally burned them, because I kept thinking: ‘This is where I go wrong’. But no, it isn’t all me.”

Happily, Jan, who is reported to be dating, seems to have now completely moved on. She said the person she is currently seeing is “such an engaging conversationalist.”

“He had me laughing and that’s very important,” she said.

I’m A Celebrity news

Meanwhile, in other latest I’m A Celeb updates, a report suggests a luxury getaway could be in the offering for participants from the most recent series.

According to Dean McCullough, the 2024 cast are still in regular contact on WhatsApp – and may even go on holiday together.

He’s quoted as saying: “We have a poll running in the group chat about a reunion date,” he revealed. “We are, let’s just say having a reunion. We’re going to be having a bit more of a luxurious holiday this time.”

Some thought Chris and Dianne weren’t worthy winners…

Viewers watching the BAFTA TV Awards were left fuming last night (May 11) after Strictly won the Memorable Moment gong over Gavin and Stacey.

On Sunday evening, the 2025 BAFTA TV Awards took place at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Many stars turned up at the glamorous event to celebrate the most popular shows from the past year.

While many fans were happy with the results, some were left annoyed.

While Dianne and Chris won through public vote, not everyone agreed (Credit: BBC

Public vote for Strictly to win BAFTA for Most Memorable Moment

This year, the category for The P&O Cruises Memorable Moment Award was the only award voted for by the public.

The nominees included scenes from The Traitors, Bridgerton, Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Dianne Buswell and Chris McCausland’s You’ll Never Walk Alone dance on Strictly, the wedding scene from Gavin and Stacey and Emily Atack’s naked tennis scene on Rivals.

The winner was announced as Strictly champions Dianne and Chris for their waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone.

On the night, Dianne accepted the award without Chris, who had other commitments on his comedy tour. Honoured by the win, Dianne thanked everyone who voted.

In the audience, her boyfriend, Joe Sugg, was captured tearing up over their victory.

Even though Gavin and Stacey didn’t win, many believed they should have (Credit: BBC)

BAFTA viewers ‘gutted’ Gavin and Stacey didn’t win

Even though Chris and Dianne won through a public vote, that didn’t stop viewers from fuming over their win. Many believed the Gavin and Stacey scene from Smithy’s Wedding should have won the trophy.

“Gavin and Stacey have been robbed there,” one user wrote on X.

“Rigged and robbed,” another person shared.

“The fact that Strictly has won a BAFTA over Gavin and Stacey is an absolute shambles!?!?” a third remarked.

“Gavin and Stacey….. Mick standing up at the wedding should have won Memorable Moment!!!” a fourth said.

“Gutted it wasn’t Gavin and Stacey!!” a fifth person expressed.

Not everyone felt the same, though, with one telling Dianne: “10s, 10s, 10s across the board thoroughly well-deserved!” Another added: “Well done Chris and Dianne. What a moment it was.”

“Couldn’t think of anyone who deserves this more than Chris and Dianne,” said another.

TV star Stacey Solomon also walked home empty-handed after receiving two nominations. As she reflected on the evening, she admitted she wasn’t happy with the result, letting rip with a very out-of-character rant.

After Prince Harry appeared ‘distressed’ and ‘broken’ in his latest bombshell BBC interview, a new documentary delves into whether he can ever be forgiven and what he needs to do to win back hearts

Royal expert says Prince Harry has lost his identity and is a stay-at-home dad

Prince Harry has made it clear that despite his differences with his family, he would like to end the drama, especially because of his father’s ill health.

In a bombshell interview with the BBC earlier this month, the Duke of Sussex revealed he would love to make it up with his father as life’s too short. “Life is precious,” he reflected.

“I don’t know how much longer my father has… but it would be nice to reconcile. I would love reconciliation with my family, there’s no point in continuing to fight anymore.”

But the prince, who was once one of our favourite Royals, must first find his new identity according to experts.

In the new Channel 5 documentary Harry: Can He Ever Be Forgiven?, commentators asserted that Prince Harry has found himself in a difficult position because he has no role in the Royal family and no defined role in the USA either.

“How is he spending his life?” Politician and author Ann Widdecombe asks. “What is the aim? I’ve heard people say that he’s a stay-at-home dad without much to do… possibly? Even Harry must occasionally ask himself, ‘Where is all this going?’”

Harry opened up about his hopes of reconciliation in a recent BBC interview(Image: BBC)

And the British politician isn’t the only one who believes the Duke of Sussex is struggling with his identity after leaving the Royal family and the UK.

Psychotherapist and author Emma Reed Turrell said, “I think Harry is up against a universal challenge, which is one of identity. Who am I? Who was I? Who am I becoming? Who am I allowed to be? What will be acceptable?

“We can all relate to that – when people leave any kind of institution, there is a huge transition that happens for someone as they re-enter the atmosphere and look for purpose again and look for identity.”

The comments come after Prince Harry received a backlash of criticism after his bombshell BBC interview, in which he clearly expressed distress after losing his legal battle over taxpayer-funded security.

The Duke stepped back from his duties as a senior working royal family member in favour of a new life in the US(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

During the interview, dad-of-two Harry insisted he couldn’t bring his family to the UK because it wasn’t safe after losing his legal battle. And he also made a startling claim in relation to the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana.

Referring to losing his legal challenge for taxpayer-funded security, he said: “I don’t want history to repeat itself – from the disclosure process I’ve discovered that some people want history to repeat itself, which is pretty dark.”

He may not have named names, but there’s little doubt that Harry was talking about the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, who died in a car crash in Paris in 1997 after being chased by paparazzi.

Actor Daniel Brocklebank is set to bow out from his role as vicar Billy Mayhew on Coronation Street after 11 years and his partner had plenty to say on the shock news

Daniel Brocklebank announced his shock exit from Coronation Street(Image: Getty Images)

Coronation Street’s Daniel Brocklebank shocked fans by announcing his exit from the soap after 11 years. He had played Billy Mayhew for over a decade and has a major storyline planned for next year.

However, in a move that has stunned soap lovers, Daniel shared his “sadness” to be leaving the role. It was confirmed to the Mirror that his character, vicar Billy, will leave the show next year with his storyline yet to be revealed.

He even hinted it was not his decision to bow out of the popular role, and his partner has had plenty to say. In a statement shared with the Mirror, Dan said: “I have been working on Corrie for a quarter of my life.

Daniel has played Billy on the soap for 11 years

“I have adored every minute I have been in that building and have never not looked forward to going into work. I love everyone who works on this show and whilst I am sad to be going, I am equally excited to see what the future holds.”

Despite the amicable statement from Daniel, his partner Jordan Coulthard blasted the decision. Taking to soical media to share his frustrations, Jordan fumed: “Not his decision. Huge mistake.

“I can’t even believe we are having this conversation. No words can describe how heartbroken I am for him.”

Daniel has posted a number of conspiracy theories on social media in recent years, having said planes were spraying chemicals over the country and that the government controlled the weather. He has since appeared to have deleted his X account.

Corrie boss Kate Brooks told the Mirror Daniel “will be missed” as she gave new details about the mystery plot that would conclude Billy’s time on the cobbles.

She told us: “Billy will be involved in a major storyline over the coming months, which will see him tested in ways he never imagined, as friendships and his faith are pushed to the limit.

“We’re incredibly sad to bid farewell to Dan, who has been fantastic in some of Corrie’s biggest storylines over the past few years, most notably Paul’s MND. An actor of immeasurable talent and skill, and an absolute treasure behind the scenes – he will be missed by all of us on the cobbles.”

Daniel has been a major character on the show since 2014, but according to reports bosses decided a key storyline would see him leave for good.

According to The Sun, the actor was told he would be leaving the show by bosses, with it solely up to them and not the choice of actor Daniel. It’s thought to be a “storey-based” decision, that will result in him leaving the soap.

It’s yet to be revealed how Daniel and his character Billy will leave, and whether Billy will be killed off. There have been plenty of cast exits on Corrie recently, as this week Colson Smith’s time came to an end after 14 years.

His character Craig Tinker was brutally killed this week while his killer Mick Michaelis is also set for an exit with actor Joe Layton leaving this summer. Mick’s wife Lou is also thought to be departing, having only joined the show for a short stint.

Charlotte Jordan recently bowed out for good as Daisy Midgeley, while at some point in the future Debbie Webster will be leaving the show after her dementia diagnosis.

Molly Rainford is known for playing Anna Knight in EastEnders – but she’s not the only famous member of her family, as fans have just found out

EastEnders star Molly Rainford isn’t the only famous person in her family(Image: WireImage)

This EastEnders star has a very famous dad – but fans are only just realising it after it was pointed out on social media.

Molly Rainford is known for playing Anna Knight, the daughter of George Knight and Cindy Beale in the long-running BBC soap. She first appeared in Albert Square in June 2023, so is coming up to her second anniversary on the show.

Viewers will also know the 24-year-old for appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, when she was partnered with pro dancer Carlos Gu. She reached the finals, but lost out to CBeebies star Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal, who went home with the glitterball that year.

She is now dating her Strictly co-star, KISS DJ Tyler West, after romance blossomed on the show. The pair took their relationship to the next level in January 2024 when they revealed they’d moved in together.

But actor and singer Molly – who first shot to fame with her performance of Ave Maria after reaching the Britain’s Got Talent finals in 2012 at the age of just 11 – isn’t the only famous member of her family.

Molly’s dad is former footballer Dave Rainford (left) who now works for the Premier League(Image: Getty Images)

Her dad is former footballer Dave Rainford. The 46-year-old started at Colchester United as a teenager before going on to play for Slough Town, Heybridge Swift, Bishop’s Stortford and AFC Hornchurch.

The midfielder joined Chelmsford City 2008 before becoming their assistant manager in 2012. After retiring from football in 2014, Dave now works in a top job for the Premier League, as as Head of Education & Academy Player Care.

After discovering the identity of Molly’s dad, EastEnders fans took to Reddit to debate whether she was a ‘nepo baby’ or not, as some insisted her success was down to her dad’s career.

This is despite him being in a totally different industry – as some fans were quick to point out – and Molly impressing Britain’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell so much when she appeared on the ITV show, she was awarded their first ever drama school scholarship to the Sylvia Young Theatre School. This led to her landing roles on CBBC presenting Friday Download and starring in sci-fi series Nova Jones.

One fan wrote: “That’s a lot of nepotism”. But another rushed to her defence and wrote: “None of it is nepotism – it isn’t family connections that have helped her out she was just lucky enough to have been given a massive opportunity at a young age.”

A third argued her dad’s football connections wouldn’t have opened any doors to her in music or TV. They commented: “I don’t see how she’s a nepo baby when neither of her parents have any connection to TV or film.”

While Molly has previously credited a famous star she says “changed my life”, she was referring to music mogul Simon Cowell rather than her dad Dave. She previously said: “I did Britain’s Got Talent in 2012 when I was 11 years old.

“That definitely changed my life because after getting to the finals, I was sponsored by Sony Music and Simon Cowell to go to the Sylvia Young theatre school. From those auditions throughout school, I got into the CBBC world.”

The famous theatre school in London is credited for kickstarting the careers of music greats like Amy Winehouse, Adele, Rita Ora and Dua Lipa. Singer and actor Billie Piper also went there, as did Spice Girl Emma Bunton, All Saints singers Mel Blatt and Nicole Appleton, Busted’s Matt Willis, McFly’s Tom Fletcher and fellow EastEnders’ stars Kara Tointon, Letitia Dean and Samantha Womack.

BBC show takes another hit…

The hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing has been snubbed for a BAFTA TV nomination.

For the first time in the series’ 20-season history, the dancing competition hasn’t been given a single nod ahead of the prestigious ceremony.

Meanwhile, celebrating a double nod in 2025 is Stacey Solomon, for her BBC One show Sort Your Life Out.

Sadly, Strictly’s BAFTA snub comes after the show became embroiled in a series of misconduct scandals in the past year.

Strictly hasn’t received a TV BAFTA nod for the first time in 20 years (Credit: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing snubbed for TV BAFTA

Fans of Strictly will be shocked to learn that their favourite show has been snubbed by BAFTA after the organisation announced its nominations today (March 27).

The BBC programme has been involved in numerous controversies in the recent past. The misconduct allegations against Giovanni Pernice first surfaced in October 2023. As well as that, Graziano Di Prima’s firing from Strictly followed Giovanni’s exit. The pro dancer was accused of allegedly kicking his dancing partner, Zara McDermott.

Opera singer Wynne Evans was also embroiled in scandal last year in the wake of “inappropriate behaviour” controversy, for which he later apologised.

Now, it has been snubbed for a TV BAFTA for the first time in 20 years – but it’s happier news for Stacey…

Stacey has been nominated twice for her show Sort Your Life Out (Credit: BBC)

Full list of Entertainment nominees

While Strictly missed a BAFTA nod, the shows nominated for Factual Entertainment include Sort Your Life Out, In Vogue: The 90s, Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour as well as Race Across The World.

It is also Stacey Solomon’s first-ever TV BAFTA nomination in the Entertainment Performance category. Traitors host Claudia Winkleman won the award in 2023 and has been nominated twice before. She’s received a nod for The Traitors again in 2025.

Other nominees in the Entertainment Performance category include Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly for Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Graham Norton for The Graham Norton Show, Joe Lycett for Late Night Lycett, and Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett for Rob & Romesh Vs.

The winners will be announced on May 11.

Read more: Vanessa Feltz jokes about falling ‘passionately in love’ with Strictly pro partner James Jordan

Amanda left the show in 2023 alleging verbal harassment and physical aggression

Amanda Abbington has reignited her feud with former Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice in new comments, explaining that she felt she “wasn’t being treated fairly” when working with him.

The Sherlock actor, 51, complained about her alleged treatment by dancer Giovanni, 34, on Strictly in 2023. It resulted in her withdrawing from the show partway through the series.

What happened between Giovanni and Amanda?

It was reported that Amanda left due to disagreements over Giovanni’s training methods. And, she had reportedly requested footage of their training sessions, and she was seeking legal advice. Giovanni denied all accusations.

The BBC’s nine-month investigation upheld some of Amanda’s complaints of verbal harassment but found no evidence of physical aggression. In the aftermath, Giovanni left Strictly for Ballando con le Stelle, the Italian version of the show. Meanwhile, Amanda revealed last year that she’d received rape and death threats following her accusations.

Appearing on Kate Thornton’s White Wine Question Time podcast, Amanda explained why she felt she had to speak out in the first place. She said: “I just felt I wasn’t being treated fairly in that room.”

Amanda and Giovanni were partnered up on Strictly in 2023 (Credit: BBC)
It’s not the first time she’s spoken out about the controversy in recent weeks, either. Speaking to The Times in March, she explained that her intention was to say: “Let’s just have a safe space, let’s just take five minutes to make sure we are all happy,” but that she was “made out to be the villain.”

Explaining that her motivation to go public with her concerns was because she had previously been bullied as a child, she added: “Last year was one of the worst years of my entire life. I was very close to having a breakdown because of the constant barrage of abuse and hideousness.”

Giovanni was worried about his career

In January, Giovanni opened up about the investigation, too. He told The Mirror that he was worried it could prove the end of his career, adding: “But I know what I did – that kept me calm, because I knew the truth from the beginning. I was expecting and waiting that all of this would finish and come back with the results that I wanted it to be.”

Giovanni has also had his say (Credit: ITV)
He said a couple of weeks later that he’d be interested in returning to Strictly. However, he didn’t think BBC bosses would have him back.

Last month, meanwhile, Amanda defended her son, Joe Freeman, from ‘nepo baby’ accusations after the 19-year-old landed his first lead TV role. She said that the teen, who she shares with ex-husband Martin Freeman, landed the role on MGM+ series The Institute on his own merits.

She reportedly said: “He spent four months in Canada playing the lead in that. He got it all on his own, without anyone’s help – there was no nepotism there, which was good. None at all.”

Katie Piper has spoken candidly about turning 40 – a milestone she once thought she would never reach following a near-fatal acid attack in 2008

Loose Women star ‘never thought she’d make it to 40’ after devastating attack

Broadcaster and campaigner Katie Piper has described turning 40 as a milestone she never expected to reach, reflecting on the traumatic events that nearly claimed her life 17 years ago.

In an interview with The Times, the Loose Women panellist said she was surprised by the negative societal attitudes surrounding women ageing, particularly given the life-threatening ordeal she endured in her twenties.

“It was quite shocking for me, because turning 40 was only ever positive,” Piper said. “It was a celebration of my life and reaching a milestone I never thought I’d reach.”

Piper was 24 when she suffered life-changing injuries in an acid attack orchestrated by her ex-boyfriend, Daniel Lynch, in March 2008. Just two days after Lynch raped and stabbed her, he arranged for 19-year-old Stefan Sylvestre to throw sulphuric acid in her face.

Katie before her attack(Image: PA)

The attack left Piper with extensive burns and permanent damage, including the loss of her nose, part of her ear, her eyelids, and partial vision in one eye. She was treated at a specialist burns unit in London, where surgeons performed pioneering reconstructive procedures, including the UK’s first use of a skin substitute to rebuild her face.

Her injuries also required extensive surgery to her mouth and tongue. Despite the severity of her injuries, Piper has since gone on to build a successful career in broadcasting and advocacy.

In the years following the attack, she waived her right to anonymity and told her story in the Channel 4 documentary Katie: My Beautiful Face, which brought national attention to the issue of acid attacks.

In 2009, she founded The Katie Piper Foundation, which supports burns survivors through rehabilitation and care. In 2022, she was awarded an OBE for her services to charity and victims of burns and other disfigurements.

Katie was left with life-threatening injuries after the acid attack(Image: WireImage)

She joined the panel of ITV’s Loose Women in 2021 and previously competed in Strictly Come Dancing in 2018. Piper has also published a best-selling autobiography and continues to use her platform to raise awareness about visible difference and resilience.

While acknowledging that her public profile stemmed from the attack, Piper emphasised that she does not want her achievements to be defined by it.

“It’s not like I’m an actress or a pop star,” she said. “I came to public attention as a news story, as a victim of a violent crime. I hope, 17 years on, I’m doing something different, but I think it’s probably unfair of me to say, ‘I don’t want to talk about the burns and the attack anymore.’”

She added: “I think it’s more that I don’t want to attribute my success [since] to that man’s actions against me.”

Katie has had dozens of surgeries over the years(Image: Katie Piper Instagram)

Piper said her continued success should instead be credited to her own resilience and hard work. “If I’m seen on Loose Women laughing about something entirely different or presenting a totally different show, the public starts to accept visibly different people doing lots of different things. And that is when inclusion and acceptance happen,” she said.

Since her recovery, Piper has married carpenter Richard Sutton, with whom she shares two daughters, Belle, 11, and Penelope, 7. The couple had hoped to have a third child but had to reconsider after Piper underwent emergency eye surgery.

Reflecting on the early assumptions made about her future, Piper said she was once expected to live a limited life. “For a long time, it was assumed that I’d be dependent on [my] parents and have a mediocre existence,” she said. “I had to write the rule book for me.”

Daniel Lynch was convicted of rape, grievous bodily harm, and actual bodily harm, and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years. Sylvestre received a life sentence with a minimum of six years and was released in 2018 after serving nine years. Lynch is expected to appear before a parole board next month.

Piper continues to campaign for greater understanding and support for those living with visible differences and remains committed to using her platform to foster greater inclusivity and resilience in public life.