Coronation Street fans were left shocked after a legendary character Jenny Connor, previously known as Jenny Bradley, made a swift exit on Wednesday night nearly 40 years after her debut

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Rita Tanner’s foster daughter Jenny Bradley left the cobbles for good on Wednesday and she was in tears (Image: ITV)

Coronation Street fans were left shocked after a legendary character made a swift exit on Wednesday night nearly 40 years after her debut. Sally Ann Matthews first appeared as Jenny Bradley, now known as Jenny Connor, in January 1986 and remained with the soap until the early 1990s but made a permanent comeback over a decade ago.

In scenes that aired midweek on the world’s longest-running TV soap, it became apparent that the character, who was introduced as a foster daughter for Rita Tanner (Barbara Knox) several years ago, had left Weatherfield for the last time in a manner that had some fans ‘in tears’ but left some cold.

Jenny had seemingly developed a crush on George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley) in recent weeks, but he has been tied up with Chistina Boyd (Amy Robbins), her rival. Jenny, who previously ran the Rovers with stepdaughter Daisy Midgeley (Charlotte Jordan), was surprised when Rita handed her an envelope stuffed with cash by her colleague. Rita had decided to send Jenny and George out on a date to sort things out.

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Jenny Bradley has left Coronation Street for good (Image: ITV)

Earlier that morning, George had called at The Kabin with some soup and Jenny misled him into thinking that Rita was seriously ill. When he found out the truth later on, he was not impressed and neither was Rita, which prompted Jenny to have to reveal some home truths. She admitted to her former foster mother that she wasn’t entirely satisfied in life since losing the Rovers and had actually just enjoyed the attention that George gave him.

“I like him and I wish that I really did want him, but I know what I’m like. I’ll get bored and try to change him into something more exciting. Christina doesn’t deserve him.” Furious, Rita hit back: “That’s not a good reason to try and snare him, and I still think you should apologise for the way you’ve behaved. And not just to George!”

Jenny was the latest in a long list of legendary characters to be handed the keys to the nation’s most famous pub, following on from the likes of Annie Walker (Doris Speed), Bet Lynch (Julie Goodyear) and Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) but it all went wrong when Christina and Daisy were part of a complicated scam that saw her lose thousands and have to give it up.

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Jenny had one last showdown with her rival Christina Boyd before heading off for Tenerife (Image: ITV)

Later on, Jenny contemplated: “If this was my last year on earth, what would I do? I can only think of what I wouldn’t do. You know when you’ve been happy somewhere? I had a job in the Rovers when I first lived round here. Bet Lynch, well Bet Gilroy as she was then, gave it to me. I’d watch her swanning around, Queen Bee, in this world that was all hers and I never imagined one day it would be me or that I’d feel like I really belonged there. I’ve still got the name plate.”

Jenny enjoyed one last showdown with Christina and told her that she was ‘rude and selfish,’ before Rita presented her with a one-way ticket to Tenerife. Rita suggested that they have one last drink at the Rovers, and Jenny couldn’t quite face it so they had a tearful goodbye outside the pub. Rita went in to enjoy a drink with Brian Packham, and, in the end, Jenny popped her head through the door, played Total Eclipse of the Heart on the jukebox and Rita silently, but tearfully, raised a glass to her. Once she had left for the final time, Jenny dumped her licensee plate in the bin and walked away for the final time.

But fans weren’t convinced this type of exit was enough for someone who had become such a legend of the Street in her time. One wrote: “That Jenny exit! Literally had to double check I didn’t miss something!” whilst another said: “It was such a poor exit jenny deserved better.”

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Rita raised her glass to Jenny after buying her a one-way ticket for Tenerife (Image: ITV)

A third said: “Was I prepared for Jenny to leave #Corrie? Maybe, but I wasn’t ready for her and Rita to say goodbye. Long live Barbara Knox” and a fourth admitted: “oh my god im tearing up on the train why did jenny have to leave

Jenny was heavily involved in the storyline that saw her father Alan Bradley (Mark Eden) abuse backstreet newsagent Rita, ultimately ending in his demise when he was ran over by a Blackpool tram. During her early years, Jenny memorably ran away to France with Martin Platt (Sean Wilson) for a period of time and once performed a fan-favourite rendition of What I Did For Love from A Chorus Line in the pub.

Following this, she had an ill-fated affair with married man Robert Weston (Philip Bretherton), and she left the street after they split in 1991. After an absence of more than 20 years, Jenny made a comeback to Weatherfield in 2015 where she struck up a relationship with Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell), and she became obsessed with the idea of becoming a mother to Kevin’s young son Jack.

It was later revealed that during her time away from the Street, Jenny had had a child called Tom with her now-ex husband but he had drowned in a paddling pool as a toddler. At the time, Kevin’s daughter Sophie’s ( Brooke Vincent) girlfriend Maddie Heath ( Amy James-Kelly ) and was the one who had discovered the truth, but she died in an explosion before she could tell anyone. Jenny later decided to kidnap Jack and try to replace her own son with him, but was eventually sectioned.

Having climbed in to save his wife, Jonny quickly began to suffer from hypothermia and then drowned. Jenny also had a relationship wit Leo Thompkins (Joe Frost) and they were due to elope, but he was killed by Stephen Reid (Todd Boyce), whom she had also had a brief dalliance with.

This Morning fans rushed to social media to complain about Alison Hammond’s constant mispronunciation of rock and roll legend Elvis during her chat with Priscilla Presley

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Priscilla Presley promotes latest memoir about life after Elvis on This Morning(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

Of late Alison Hammond has had nothing but praise heaped on her as she became the nation’s sweetheart. But it looks as though her run of good luck may be coming to an end as she has found herself on the receiving end of harsh criticism by viewers of This Morning.

The 50 year old TV presenter, who had her first taste of fame back in 2002 while appearing on Big Brother, was introducing her next guest when viewers noticed that she was constantly mis-pronouncing the name of Priscilla Presley’s legendary ex husband – Elvis. Instead she kept referring to him as Alvis.

Priscilla attended the popular daytime TV show and sat on the infamous sofa with Dermot O’Leary and Alison to promote her latest memoir, Softly, As I Leave You: Life After Elvis.

But before Priscilla started talking about her life with the rock and roll legend before and after their split, fans felt the need to air their feelings on X. One person said: “Who is Alvis, Alison?”

Another added: “Just waiting for Priscilla to ask who the hell is this person Alvis you keep mentioning.” A third person joked: “She fell in love with Alvis. Good job Elvis didn’t find out about that!”

Meanwhile a fourth added: “I’d love to see Priscilla correct Alison on name pronunciation.” “Just waiting for Priscilla to ask who the hell is this person Alvis you keep mentioning,” said a fifth.

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Priscilla Presley promotes latest memoir about life after Elvis on This Morning(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

And sharing the same sentiment, a sixth chimed in saying: “Wasn’t Alvis one of those Chipmunks?” During her interview on This Morning, Priscilla opened up on the moment she first met the iconic star, who sadly passed away in 1977 at the age of 42 from a cardiac arrest.

The star, 80, was only 14 at the time she met Elvis in 1959, who was 10 years her senior at the time. By 1968, the pair welcomed their only daughter into the world, Lisa Marie Presley.

But due to his demanding career as a rock and roll icon, hectic travelling schedule and a string of infidelities, Priscilla finally had enough of the marriage.

And it was at this point she embarked on an affair in 1972 and finalised their divorce the following year. After her divorce, Priscilla met Brazilian screenwriter Marco Garibaldi and they welcomed a son named Navarone, in 1987.

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Elvis and Priscilla were previously married and had a daughter(Image: Michael Ochs Archives)

In her latest memoir, the businesswoman and author recalls the moment Elvis was considering hiring a hitman to murder her boyfriend, Mike Stone who worked as a karate Instructor.

Elvis struggled with the idea of Priscilla being with another man she entered into a relationship with Mike while legally married.

But this came after she found out a host of women had been sending the singer letters to their home address, and this apparently, was enough proof she needed that their marriage had come to an end.

In the book, according to Fox News, she wrote: “When I turned the key in the mailbox, however, what poured out wasn’t bills or junk mail. The mailbox was stuffed full of letters from girls. I finally held written proof of what I’d always feared. I was deeply hurt, but I was also furious. I called Elvis and demanded an explanation.”

She continued: “When that tactic failed, he resorted to saying the girls were all lying. This time, though, turning the tables didn’t work. If Elvis was having affairs that were none of my business, then it was none of his business what I was doing. The close friendship that Mike and I had developed turned into an affair.”

But on learning about her affair, she revealed: “Elvis found the thought of me with another man unbearable. In the weeks after my departure, he told the guys that Mike had to die. He even asked Joe [Esposito] to find a hit man. Eventually, Elvis was talked out of eliminating Mike. Joe warned me to be careful. When I offered to bring Lisa [Marie Presley] to Vegas for one of Elvis’s shows, Joe advised against it.

Priscilla added: “Seeing me might set Elvis off. Over time, and with a lot of persuasion from his father and the guys, Elvis gradually calmed down and gave up the idea of killing Mike, thank God.”

Patrick Murray was best known for playing Cockney chancer Mickey Pearce in Only Fools and Horses, starring alongside David Jason as Del Boy and Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney Trotter, as fans grieve another legend lost from the iconic sitcom

Only Fools and Horses legend Patrick Murray has died at the age of 68.

The actor, best known for playing ‘wheeler dealer’ Mickey Pearce, had battled lung cancer and was given the all-clear in 2022. A year later Patrick revealed his cancer had returned and spread to his legs and pelvis.

The news was announced on the Only Fools and Horses fanpage, read: “It is with heartfelt sadness that we report the death of our friend Patrick Murray – Mickey Pearce to so many. He was a regular attendee of our conventions, and we will miss his humour and the joy he brought to many.”

A BBC spokesperson said: “We are very sad to hear of the passing of Patrick Murray, much loved for his role as Mickey in Only Fools and Horses, our thoughts are with his friends and family.”

Patrick pictured at the Only Fools and Horses musical press night in 2019 ( 
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Jonathan Hordle/REX/Shutterstock)
On X, The Only Fools podcast announced: “This never gets easier … rest in peace, Patrick Murray. Patrick was a very talented & clever actor with impeccable timing. He really bought ‘Mickey Pearce’ to life with a mischievous charm.”

Fans of the beloved BBC sitcom rushed to share their heartbreak at another legend lost from the show. One responded to the news: “Patrick used to be a cabby in Blackheath in the 90s and often I would get him to drive me home after a late night out at the pub… he would do this in between his bouts of acting…. This is very sad news.”

Another replied: “Such sad news. A lovely gentleman. Thank you for the laughs where he’ll live on forever. Rest in Peace.”

Actor Patrick played the role of Mickey in 20 episodes of Only Fools and Horses during its 22-year run from 1983 to 2003 and like Del Boy was known for wheeling and dealing in black market goods.

The trilby-wearing entrepreneur was renowned for his outlandish claims about his success in both business and with women, and frequently took advantage of pal Rodney’s inexperience in the trade.

After the show ended in 2003, he landed several big-screen roles including The Firm and Curse Of The Pink Panther.

In 1998, he was the proud owner of a British pub but sadly turned to booze and ended up getting rid of the establishment.

Having successfully attended an Alcoholics Anonymous programme he focused on his rehabilitation. When the programme came to an end Patrick decided to turn his back on the glitz and glamour and quit acting to became a taxi driver in Kent.

Patrick also spent a decade living in Thailand, where he married his Thai partner Anong in 2016. Their daughter Josie was born in Thailand shortly after their wedding.

During a 2018 appearance on Loose Women, Patrick revealed that he had to come back to the UK in order to get a visa for his family. The move came after the Home Office rejected their application because he apparently didn’t earn enough money to support them.

He opened up about the ordeal, calling the decision by the Home Office “heartbreaking.”

With no acting work on the horizon, Patrick took up work as a chauffeur, driving an executive Mercedes, all while missing precious moments with his family.

He reflected: “Being out of the industry for so long, the work dried up so I went back to driving an executive car, a Mercedes, to do it. I only saw my baby on the phone for two years, I was a Skype dad.”

However, there was a silver lining when Patrick’s acting career experienced a comeback in 2019 with a role in the TV series Conditions as Frank Bridge across 13 episodes.

Only Fools and Horses aired its last episode in 2003 ( 
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PA/Handout)
Patrick is the latest loss from the Only Fools and Horses cast after John Challis, better known as Terrance Aubrey ‘Boycie’, died in September 2021 at the age of 79.

Roger Lloyd-Pack, known for his portrayal of the loveable but dim Trigger, died in 2014.

In recent years Patrick’s health suffered and in 2023 he revealed his cancer has returned and spread to his legs and pelvis.

The 66-year-old previously battled lung cancer and was given the all-clear in 2022.

In an online post he said at the time: “Despite all the wonderful efforts by the medical and nursing teams at Medway ,Guys ,and Kings College hospitals, the lung cancer has returned.

“I thought I had a painful groin strain a couple of months ago, unfortunately that turned out to be the cancer getting into my pelvis and leg bones. It has also entered my lymphatic system.

He continued: “What about the good news? I had radiology treatment last week and my oncologist is fairly confident this will stop the leg pain, and I will be up and about again.

“Another positive is my consultant. He is confident that the chemo will keep things in check for months and even years

“His optimism comes not from kindness of which I know he has in spades, but advances in cancer medicine. The genetic molecular tests are super precise, and the choice of meds can be made with much more confidence.

“I am feeling positive with my good wife’s awesome support.”

In January, Patrick revealed a part of his liver has been removed after doctors discovered a malignant growth in 2022.

He said on twitter: “I am going home today.’”Minus half a liver and a tumour that the wonderful Prof Heaton removed last week. I kept this under my hat that they’d discovered another primary cancer last year.”

Prior to that he announced in January 2022 that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer after doctors discovered a malignant tumour.

Patrick surprises former co-star John Challis on Loose Women ( 
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KenBut there was better news to come later in the year and five months later, he told fans he was “cured”, writing on twitter: “Thanks again for all your lovely messages. As you may know, I was diagnosed with lung cancer last July.

“After an op in October to remove the tumour I had chemo to help prevent the cancer returning.

‘During this chemo, another tumour was discovered in my liver. Luckily for me this cancer was unconnected to the lung cancer and was also treatable.

But there was better news to come later in the year and five months later, he told fans he was “cured”, writing on twitter: “Thanks again for all your lovely messages. As you may know, I was diagnosed with lung cancer last July.

“After an op in October to remove the tumour I had chemo to help prevent the cancer returning.

‘During this chemo, another tumour was discovered in my liver. Luckily for me this cancer was unconnected to the lung cancer and was also treatable.

I had a procedure called TACE to deal with this. Last Friday l saw my oncologist. She told me the lung cancer was cured and that the tumour in my liver was shrinking.

At the time he cautiously added: “It’s not over yet, but as you can imagine I am over the moon with this latest news.

“Thanks to the brilliant doctors and nurses of our NHS, I will hopefully be there, at next year’s convention.”

En el funeral de su esposo, los suegros de Sarah le presentaron una camioneta deteriorada y oxidada como su única herencia, riéndose mientras la desalojaban de la casa y se apropiaban de las empresas que ella había desarrollado junto a él. Con siete meses de embarazo y acompañada de su hijo de diez años, se vio obligada a residir en la camioneta que ellos desestimaban como inútil. Sin embargo, una madrugada, cuando los rayos de sol golpearon la superficie descascarada, Sarah divisó un brillo oculto bajo la corrosión, una revelación que convertiría su desgracia en el triunfo más asombroso imaginable.

El ambiente estaba cargado, presagiando lluvia, aunque las nubes contenían su diluvio. Sarah Thompson se situó junto a la fosa recién excavada, sujetando un paraguas con una mano mientras la otra abrazaba su abultado abdomen de siete meses. Su hijo, Ethan, de apenas diez años, se aferraba al puño de su chaqueta como si eso lo anclara frente al derrumbe.

Susurros del reducido grupo se mezclaban con el viento húmedo. “Qué tragedia, se lo llevaron demasiado pronto,” murmuró alguien, pero considerando a sus familiares, ella no sobrevivirá mucho sin él.

Otra voz respondió, baja pero audible para Sarah. La familia de su esposo permanecía frente a la tumba, con complexiones pálidas, miradas secas, vestidos de negro que parecían confeccionados especialmente para la ocasión. Los ojos de Sarah se posaron sobre ellos, no llenos de resentimiento, sino con la serena conciencia de que nunca la habían aceptado.

No durante su boda con su familiar. No mientras lo ayudaba a expandir el negocio familiar de un pequeño almacén a una boutique central en Chicago. Y definitivamente no en este momento.

Cuando el último puñado de tierra cayó sobre el ataúd, el calzado de Sarah estaba completamente empapado. Carecía de fuerzas para resistir el frío que ascendía por sus extremidades. Sin embargo, la revelación del testamento se cernía frente a ella, y mantenía la fe de que su esposo había asegurado la protección de su hijo.

En la oficina del abogado, la calidez de la madera barnizada y el sutil aroma a documentos antiguos la envolvieron. Permaneció sentada en silencio, Ethan a su lado, mientras el experto legal desprecintaba el expediente. Su tono era firme, profesional, casi excesivamente rígido para las declaraciones que pronunciaba.

“A mi esposa, Sarah Thompson, le lego nuestra residencia en el 78 de Maple Avenue. Todas las participaciones en Thompson Blossoms and Creations, además de la camioneta de 1975.” Sarah exhaló lentamente.

La vivienda. La empresa… Y, de hecho, la antigua camioneta.

Su esposo había tenido un afecto peculiar por ese vehículo. La tensión se disipó de su cuerpo hasta que la esposa de su hermano estalló en carcajadas. “Oh, querida, ese no era el plan,” declaró la dama, intercambiando una mirada con su hermano…

Unmasked: Jane Kilcher Confirms the Heartbreaking Truth Behind Her Split from Atz Lee and Her Bold Leap to Bering Sea Gold

For over a decade, Jane Kilcher stood as a beacon of strength and warmth on Discovery Channel’s hit series, Alaska: The Last Frontier. She was the “Fishing Queen,” a down-to-earth, resilient woman who seamlessly integrated into the famous Kilcher homestead, marrying Atz Lee Kilcher and capturing the hearts of millions with her humor and courage. The show offered a tranquil escape from modern life, a vision of self-sufficiency where the enduring strength of family was its most valuable asset.

Yet, behind the breathtaking views of the 600-acre homestead and the shared laughter by the fire, a much deeper, more complex human story was playing out. After years of speculation and persistent rumors about her personal life, Jane Kilcher has bravely stepped forward to confirm the heartbreaking truth: the emotional weight of life on the frontier, combined with a devastating family crisis, led to the quiet, painful unraveling of her marriage to Atz Lee.

This is the story of how the cameras missed the real struggle, how a catastrophic accident changed everything, and how Jane found the courage to trade the comfort of the homestead for an even more dangerous new chapter on $Bering Sea Gold.

 

From City Life to the Wild Frontier: Jane’s Formative Years

 

Born Christina Jane Ferman in 1974, Jane’s early life was a unique blend of the bustling city of Anchorage and the raw, untamed Alaskan wilderness. She grew up with a resilience born of harsh winters and a landscape that demanded self-sufficiency. Her parents, Bob and Sarah Ferman, instilled in her a deep respect for nature and the essential skills for living off the land.

Jane wasn’t interested in typical childhood pastimes; she focused on becoming skilled at fishing—not as a hobby, but as a necessity for her family’s survival. She spent hours fishing for king salmon, halibut, and cod, ensuring her family had enough food to endure the long, dark winter months. This life in the wilderness, where the ocean, forests, and rivers were vital, shaped her into the resourceful, determined woman who would eventually find her way to the Kilcher homestead.

Her life took a turn at age 12 when her family moved to the quieter, scenic town of Homer, Alaska, just 11 miles from the Kilcher property. It was here that she first met Atz Lee Kilcher, a spark that would eventually ignite a profound connection.

 

The Weight of the Homestead: Love, Tragedy, and a Slow Unraveling

Jane’s path to the Kilcher family wasn’t straight. She was previously married to Dykrron Cuni, with whom she welcomed a daughter, Piper. But seeking a deeper connection to nature and the land, that chapter ended. She reconnected with Atz Lee, and in 2006, they married in the tranquil setting of Head of the Bay. Their bond was built on shared beliefs: harmony with nature, self-reliance, and a mutual love for the Alaskan wilderness.

For years, the couple seemed to embody the frontier spirit on Alaska: The Last Frontier. Jane brought a refreshing lightness, humor, and immense strength to the tough, serious life of the homestead, quickly becoming a fan favorite.

However, in 2015, their world was violently shaken. While hiking in Otter Cove, Atz Lee lost his footing and fell from a high cliff. The injuries were catastrophic: a broken arm, shoulder, ankle, and hip, along with crushed ribs and punctured lungs.

The ensuing recovery was long, painful, and deeply transformative for their marriage.

Shift in Dynamics: Jane, ever strong, took on the immense responsibility of caring for Atz Lee, managing the homestead, and holding the family together. The balance of shared responsibility was gone. She became a full-time caregiver, and the added pressure began to take a severe toll.
The Emotional Toll: Atz Lee, a proud and independent man, struggled immensely with his physical limitations and the difficulty of asking for help, especially from Jane. His internal battle with pride and independence deepened the strain on their relationship.
The Cameras Kept Rolling: Crucially, the cameras never stopped. The couple’s shift in dynamics, their conflicts, and the growing emotional tension were broadcast for the world to see. They had no privacy, no space to quietly heal, and the love they once shared became overshadowed by disappointment and unspoken sadness.

By 2019, the emotional wounds remained, and it became clear that the pressures of the accident and recovery had irrevocably altered their bond. In 2023, after years of speculation, Jane made the heartbreaking decision to announce their separation, bravely sharing the deep sadness and emotional struggles she faced in ending her marriage.

 

A Bold New Chapter: Trading Salmon for Gold

 

With the end of her marriage, Jane Kilcher embarked on a profound path of change and self-rediscovery. She made the courageous choice to step away from Alaska: The Last Frontier, prioritizing her well-being, family, and happiness over the demands of reality television.

Her adventurous spirit, however, could not be contained. Rather than retreat, Jane made a dramatic, risky move that few saw coming: she joined $Bering Sea Gold, a tough, thrilling reality show centered on gold miners working in the freezing, unpredictable waters of Nome, Alaska.

Proving Her Resilience: This wasn’t just a career change; it was a testament to her inherent strength. Trading her homestead fishing gear for mining tools, Jane embraced a new challenge that tested her limits in ways the homestead never did. She was diving into the harsh, wild sea, proving that after a difficult personal chapter, life can still be filled with fresh, exciting experiences.
A Symbol of Strength: Jane’s move to Bering Sea Gold showcased a side of her viewers hadn’t fully appreciated. She became a symbol of resilience, demonstrating that one doesn’t have to fade out after hardship. She found a new freedom, focusing on her happiness and career, while Atz Lee returned to a more private life, focusing on survival skills away from the constant scrutiny.

 

The Hidden Truths of the Last Frontier

Jane’s departure and her new, audacious career choice highlight the long-standing discrepancy between the reality shown on television and the life lived off-camera.

The narrative of Alaska: The Last Frontier often suggested the Kilchers lived a completely isolated, life-or-death existence. Jane’s revelation implicitly confirms what many fans suspected:

Geographic Deception: The Kilcher’s 600-acre homestead is beautiful and remote-looking, but the bustling town of Homer, Alaska, with its 5,000 residents, stores, and hospital access, is just a short drive away. The image of being completely cut off from civilization, while compelling for television, is far from the complete truth.
Staged Suspense: The show often sets up scenarios to create drama, exaggerating everyday tasks into “life-or-death challenges.” While the family’s strength is genuine, the on-screen tension is often carefully chosen and amplified to fit the show’s narrative.
Protecting the Children: The limited appearance of Jane and Atz Lee’s children was a conscious choice by the parents, made to shield them from the constant scrutiny and pressure of public attention, ensuring they had as “normal a childhood as possible.”

Jane Kilcher’s journey—from the resilient “Fishing Queen” of the secluded homestead to the gold-seeking adventurer on the high seas—is a powerful and relatable story. It is a reminder that the depth of a person’s life, their struggles, and their eventual triumph over heartbreak can never be fully captured by a camera lens. She has evolved into a symbol of a woman whose true power comes from within, forging her own path with strength, grace, and an unbreakable spirit.

The Unseen Tragedy of ‘Mountain Men’ Star Nancy Oar: The Heartbreaking Price of Love and Survival in the Wild
For millions of viewers, the life of Tom and Nancy Oar deep in the remote Yak Valley of Montana was the ultimate escape. It was a romantic, challenging throwback to the 1800s, where every fire was earned, every meal was hunted, and life was stripped down to its beautiful, brutal essentials. Yet, behind the captivating spectacle of self-reliance seen on Mountain Men, Nancy Oar was quietly enduring a private gauntlet of heartbreaks and life-threatening crises that few knew about. Her journey is a profound testament to resilience, a story that proves the strength of a woman often goes unnoticed until the wilderness itself, or a cruel twist of fate, forces her to be the sole anchor.

A Partnership Forged in the Wild
Before the History Channel cameras arrived, the Oars’ story began with the dust and daring of the rodeo circuit. Tom Oar was a celebrated Bronc rider, a fearless figure who lived for the adrenaline rush of untamed horses. This fast-paced world was a stark contrast to the quiet, artistic soul of Nancy Oar, an accomplished fine artist who graduated with a degree from the University of Illinois. While the exact moment they met remains a private detail, their connection was immediate and absolute, leading to a deep partnership that would define their lives.

Eventually, the endless hustle and punishing physicality of the rodeo wore Tom down. Craving a different kind of thrill—one found in stillness rather than speed—he and Nancy made an irreversible decision: to retreat entirely. They chose the wildest, most isolated corner of Montana’s Yak Valley, a place where wolves roamed and winter arrived early and stayed late. It was a life of total isolation, devoid of running water, electricity, or phone service. They lived by the sun and the moon, with necessities like heat coming from logs hauled one at a time, and food sourced through hunting, trapping, and foraging.

For over 30 years, they didn’t just survive; they thrived. Tom immersed himself in the ancient, generational craft of traditional hide tanning, and Nancy stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him, transforming the mountainside into a deeply personal, self-sufficient home. Their days were a rhythmic cycle of preparing for storms, mending tools, and tracking animals. It wasn’t an escape from life; it was a life lived on their own fiercely independent terms, far from the rules and noise of the modern world.

The Unexpected Spotlight and the Test of Fame
Their authentic, compelling existence was a producer’s dream, and in 2012, the world tuned in. The Oars became mainstays on Mountain Men, not by acting or rehearsing, but by simply living the life they had already built. Nancy, in particular, captured hearts. While Tom captivated with his frontier skills—building log cabins and crafting buckskin shirts—Nancy was the quiet powerhouse, sharing the trapping, tanning, and creating handcrafted leather goods that they sold at their Willow Ben Trading Post.

Fans saw in them a different, simpler way to live, a beacon of purpose and authenticity. Despite the attention and letters of admiration, the Oars remained fiercely true to their values, rejecting the chase for brand deals and endorsements. They were unbothered by trends or social status, rooted in humility and family. Yet, this shared success and hard-won peace would soon be put to the most agonizing tests.

The Heartbreak of the Wild: When Strength Betrayed
As Tom Oar pushed past 70, the mountain lifestyle, once a source of strength, began to demand an unforgiving toll. The first major sign came swiftly and brutally. Tom, who had climbed his roof countless times to shovel the treacherous snow loads of a Montana winter, slipped. The ice was slicker than ever, and he fell.

The impact was beyond brutal, and Nancy was left in a fit of despair, running to her husband’s aid. The fall left Tom in debilitating pain, and the recovery was agonizingly slow. For Nancy, this moment was a lightning bolt of cold, hard reality. The mountain that had given them freedom now posed a constant, looming threat. What if she wasn’t there next time? The questions haunted her. The mountains had a chaotic way of reminding them that even the most self-reliant among us are only human, and Tom could not outrun time forever.

The Irreversible Decision
This trauma led to months of quiet, agonizing deliberation. They circled the idea of leaving, dancing between denial and acceptance, until the decision finally crept in: They were going to leave Montana.

It was a finality that struck with the weight of burying a part of their identity. Leaving was not merely changing addresses; it was stepping away from a chapter of their lives carved into the Bitterroot Valley soil. They had to trade solitude for connection, frost for sunshine, and fierce independence for interdependence.

Surprisingly, they chose Florida. Not for its foreign beauty, but for what it offered—proximity to family. After decades of isolation, they would finally be close enough to attend their grandchildren’s birthday parties and share a hot meal with loved ones. When they finally drove away, it was a quiet, reverent goodbye. The memories clung to them like the scent of wood smoke, and the mountains disappeared in the rearview mirror. Leaving Montana broke their hearts in places they didn’t know could break, but Nancy held Tom through the grief, leaning into the unknown with a quiet courage forged by a lifetime of survival.

Unrelenting Personal Loss and the True Test of Vows
The health scares continued. In 2022, during the filming of season 11, the now 80-year-old Tom faced a potentially fatal serious heart condition. Doctors discovered fluid accumulation in his lungs, caused by a weakening heart muscle. The prescribed regimen—medication, a heart rate monitor, and a defibrillator vest—was a logical nightmare in their remote, cell-service-less location.

Yet, Nancy remained steadfast. She took over more of the physical workload, ensured Tom stuck to his regimen, monitored his symptoms, and—most crucially—was his emotional bedrock. The thought of losing her life partner was overwhelming, but she remained focused, a beacon of hope in the depths of their emotional pain.

Compounding these challenges was an earlier, excruciating heartbreak. On April 26th, 2015, Tom’s daughter, Key Oar, passed away in St. Petersburg, Florida, at the age of 49. Key, who had also appeared on Mountain Men, was considered family to Nancy. The loss created a massive, profound hole. Friends close to the family noted that even while heartbroken herself, Nancy still held Tom together during those trying months, once again proving she was the unshakeable source of strength for the Oar household.

The Enduring Legacy of an Unsung Heroine
Nancy Oar is more than just the “Mountain Man’s wife.” She is an accomplished fine artist whose work blends modern abstraction with classical techniques, often reflecting themes of resilience and community. She is also a dedicated philanthropist, using her quiet fame to support causes related to mental health and underprivileged communities.

Her power is not in the spotlight, which she avoids, but in her unwavering commitment to her values and her loved ones. She stands as a symbol of every woman who endures life’s storms and heartbreaks for those she loves. Though Tom and Nancy are no longer on the show and have retired from the rugged mountain life, they are not in hiding. They live a quieter life in the Sunshine State, where Tom continues to keep busy with crafts, and Nancy remains his steadfast partner, embracing their simple routine and the irreplaceable joy of being close to family.

Their story is an inspiring blueprint for an authentic life, showing the world that true freedom comes not from what you possess, but from the courage to face any storm, and the love to let go of a precious past to safeguard an equally sacred future. Nancy Oar, the quiet warrior of the wilderness, continues to inspire millions to choose a path that is truly their own.

Fans were stunned to see Maura Higgins using an old sock to exfoliate in the I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here jungle following her gruesome Bushtucker Trial

Maura Higgins took to the freezing camp shower in I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here wearing a skimpy black bikini.

However, it was her use of an old sock that grabbed the attention. The former Love Island star, 34, had faced her worst fear of spiders in the Bushtucker Trial Fright At The End of The Tunnel. Immediately after rejoining camp with Jane Moore, the Irish beauty decided she had to wash away the trauma.

As she head to the wash base, she popped an old red sock over her hand and began to rinse herself. And stunned fans shared a number of reactive posts on Twitter /X following the scenes. Sharing an image of a shocked face, one user wrote: “Maura exfoiliting [sic] her skin with a dirty sock, having had bugs thrown down at her on a bus, traumatised on a trial and an apple for her birthday for her gift #imaceleb #imacelebrity #IMA2024 #imacelebrity2024.”

Maura used a sock in the shower ( 
Image:
James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Another asked: “Maura exfoliated her skin with an old sock – what on earth could’ve made a sock that rough?…,” while a third joked at Maura’s plight: “Spent her birthday being tortured on a bus, got an apple when everyone else got treats, had to do a trial with Jane and now has to exfoliate with a dirty sock. Our maura is suffering on a biblical level.”

Prior to her shower scenes, v iewers saw Maura shouting “a**hole! ” at Jane during a tense Bushtucker Trial. The two ladies were chosen to take part as Maura had to crawl through cages to find hidden four letter words written on signs covered by sand. Jane, meanwhile, had to swim through an underwater obstacle course to find correlating word padlocks that she could unlock with the words Maura was sharing with her. However, Maura’s accent seemed to cause confusion when it came to spelling the word Boat.

Despite spelling it out clearly and loudly, Jane wasn’t able to understand the letter “A”. As Jane repeatedly asked what the letter she couldn’t understand was, Maura was seen losing her patience and snapping: “A! For a**hole!”Before the clip was shown, Jane’s family arrived Down Under. When asked about how their mum would fare, her daughters admitted their the Loose Women star “asked for this”. Speaking to the Mirror and other press, they said: “She’s wanted to a do a trial since the beginning. I think she’s going to absolutely smash it.” However, revealing a trial with water would have been Jane’s least favourite task, they said: “Probably something with water [would be the worst], which happens to be the one we’ve got her into, but she asked for it.”

Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley were back to front Good Morning Britain on Tuesday.

Richard Madeley unexpectedly left the Good Morning Britain studio on Tuesday.

During the weather segment, Richard went outside as he wanted to see if it was snowing – and much to his delight, it was.

As he returned to the studio, Susanna Reid said: “Richard, are you reporting from the scene?”

“It is absolutely tipping down with snow outside; it has just started about five minutes ago after you first spoke…nothing, and suddenly it has happened,” Richard beamed.

“We will show you the pictures in a minute, it is really heavy.”

Susanna chipped in: “Can I recommend that next time you go out with a coat.”

Richard Madeley walked out of the studio ( 
Image:
ITV)
The host laughed as Richard continued: “This is live television, Susanna, every minute counts, there was no time to put a coat on. I suffer for the news.”

Following the unexpected moment, fans took to social media to share their own videos and pictures of snow in their areas.

“Snowing where I live as well now after a night of heavy rain,” one viewer wrote.

“We have snow in Hertfordshire and it’s settling,” another shared while a third added: “Snowing in Billericay, Essex.”

Richard Madeley went outside to see if it was snowing
Elsewhere in the show, Richard left Susanna with her head in her hands after he “broke” Ofcom rules. The moment unfolded as they were discussing Ed Sheeran’s recent admission regarding the upcoming 40th anniversary re-release of Band Aid.

The singer, who appeared on the charity single in 2014, has confessed he would’ve declined to have his vocals used for the track.

With Sir Bob Geldof speaking out about the backlash, Susanna told ITV viewers he hasn’t held back when sharing his thoughts on the matter.

“He’s been very trenchant, we can’t repeat them but he’s basically said, ‘if this is patronising colonial my backside’. Except he didn’t say backside, it rhymes with farts,” Richard stated.

Clearly taken aback by her co-star’s strong words, Susanna burst out laughing and put her head into her hands.

She replied: “I’m not sure we avoided the Ofcom ruling on that one!”

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.

Stacey Solomon has taken to Instagram to share her family’s adorable Sunday morning antics, telling fans that husband Joe Swash is “trying” to get her pregnant

Stacey Solomon has hinted that she might be ready to expand her brood after watching her husband Joe Swash’s playful antics with their children.

The Loose Women presenter, who is already a mum of five, regularly shares snippets of her idyllic family life at Pickle Cottage with her six million Instagram followers. Stacey and Joe, who tied the knot in 2022, are parents to Rex, four, Rose, two, and one year old Belle.

Stacey also has sons Leighton, 12, and Zachary, 16, from previous relationships, while Joe has a son Harry, 16, with his ex-partner Emma Sophocleous. However, it seems the couple may be considering adding another member to their adorable clan. In a recent Instagram post, Stacey shared a video of Joe amusing their three youngest kids by chasing them around their beautiful patio with a pool cleaner.

Stacey Solomon shared an adorable video of husband Joe Swash playing with their kids ( 
Image:
No credit)

Stacey Solomon is a proud mum to five children and lives at Pickle Cottage with her husband Joe ( 
Image:
Instagram/Stacey Solomon)
Captioning the clip, Stacey joked: “Happy Sunday, lots of love from all of us. Joe’s cleaning the pool and the kids this morning [laughing face emoji].

Alongside a clip of Joe chasing their children with a pool cleaner on their stunning patio, Stacey added: “A great attempt at trying to get me pregnant again,” followed by two more laughing emojis, reports OK!.

Earlier this year, Stacey expressed her contentment with her rural lifestyle in Essex, telling the Mirror that she prefers being at home to going out partying. “I love coming home. My favourite part of the day is getting excited about coming home to Pickle Cottage, where I live with my husband Joe and five kids,” she said.

“Actually, my favourite thing in the world is getting on the sofa. And first the dogs, then all the pickles follow along, piling on top of me. Just laying with them, watching TV, having cuddles and being together… it’s where I belong. I know all too well there’ll be a day when they’d rather play the PlayStation, so I’m making the most of these moments.”

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Stacey Solomon hints at massive family news as Joe Swash makes playful attempts at Pickle Cottage

Stacey Solomon has taken to Instagram to share her family’s adorable Sunday morning antics, telling fans that husband Joe Swash is “trying” to get her pregnant

Stacey Solomon joked Joe is ‘trying to get her pregnant’ in a new video (
Image: instagram/ @staceysolomon)

By
Joseph WilkesOvernight editor (innovation)
Lauren Morris

04:36, 29 Jul 2024

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Stacey Solomon has hinted that she might be ready to expand her brood after watching her husband Joe Swash’s playful antics with their children.

The Loose Women presenter, who is already a mum of five, regularly shares snippets of her idyllic family life at Pickle Cottage with her six million Instagram followers. Stacey and Joe, who tied the knot in 2022, are parents to Rex, four, Rose, two, and one year old Belle.

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Stacey also has sons Leighton, 12, and Zachary, 16, from previous relationships, while Joe has a son Harry, 16, with his ex-partner Emma Sophocleous. However, it seems the couple may be considering adding another member to their adorable clan. In a recent Instagram post, Stacey shared a video of Joe amusing their three youngest kids by chasing them around their beautiful patio with a pool cleaner.

Malnourished toddler found in filthy room covered in rubbish and bugs in disturbing bodycam footage

Stacey Solomon shared an adorable video of husband Joe Swash playing with their kids ( 
Image:
No credit)

Stacey Solomon is a proud mum to five children and lives at Pickle Cottage with her husband Joe ( 
Image:
Instagram/Stacey Solomon)
Captioning the clip, Stacey joked: “Happy Sunday, lots of love from all of us. Joe’s cleaning the pool and the kids this morning [laughing face emoji].

Alongside a clip of Joe chasing their children with a pool cleaner on their stunning patio, Stacey added: “A great attempt at trying to get me pregnant again,” followed by two more laughing emojis, reports OK!.

Earlier this year, Stacey expressed her contentment with her rural lifestyle in Essex, telling the Mirror that she prefers being at home to going out partying. “I love coming home. My favourite part of the day is getting excited about coming home to Pickle Cottage, where I live with my husband Joe and five kids,” she said.

“Actually, my favourite thing in the world is getting on the sofa. And first the dogs, then all the pickles follow along, piling on top of me. Just laying with them, watching TV, having cuddles and being together… it’s where I belong. I know all too well there’ll be a day when they’d rather play the PlayStation, so I’m making the most of these moments.”

( 
Image:
instagram/ @staceysolomon)Speakng to OK! in May, Joe confessed his love for fatherhood, saying he was “addicted to having babies”.

He added: “We’re at number six now. The baby bit goes so fast, and then before you know it, they’re toddlers then you yearn for babies again. We’re slightly addicted to babies it’s so nice to be needed. You think, ‘Six has to be it,’ but I’d never say never. They’re only babies for three or four years before Stacey starts wanting another one, so I have to make the most of it now!”

Joe laughed, but then became serious as he added: “I like to be hands-on. They’re only going to be kids for a short amount of time, so me and Stacey are just trying to make the most of it.”

I’m A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin has spent some quality time with his baby son Wilder in Australia after he kicked off the first episode of the 2024 series alongside Declan Donnelly

Ant McPartlin has been seen for the first time with his baby son Wilder in Australia as he celebrates his 49th birthday.

The I’m A Celebrity host enjoyed some time away from filming to enjoy quality time with his son as he cradled him while on a scenic walk. The Geordie TV presenter sweetly cuddled little Wilder after admitting that he was sad to leave his family for the jungle.

Ant cradled baby Wilder on the scenic walk ( 
Image:
REACH PLC)

The I’m A Celebrity host is celebrating his 49th birthday in Australia ( 
Image:

Ant and his long-time collaborator Declan Donnelly, 49, stunned fans when they quit their weekend show Saturday Night Takeaway after 20 years on the air. At the time, Ant said he was quitting the show in order to spend more time with his family – and now a report has suggested he is feeling “sad” about having to leave his infant son at home while he spends time in Australia for I’m A Celeb hosting duties.

The star has been married to wife Anne-Marie Corbett since 2021 and earlier this year they welcomed their first child together, their son, Wilder. Taking to social media at the time, proud dad Ant wrote: “Welcome to the family, Wilder Patrick Mcpartlin. Born, 14/05/24 at 8.54 am. Baby is beautiful, Mummy’s a legend, Sisters are over the moon. Dad’s a mess!” He shared the news alongside a snap of the baby cuddling up to him.

Last week, a new report suggested Ant is feeling hugely homesick in Australia after being forced to leave Anne-Marie and Wilder behind. A source toldOK! Magazine:“Ant is feeling really emotional about being so far away from Anne-Marie and Wilder. It’s the longest he has left them for and it’s going to be so difficult.”

Last year, Ant and his co-star Dec shocked fans when they announced the 2024 season of Saturday Night Takeaway would be their last as they wanted to scale back the amount of work they did to spend more time with their families.

Ant McPartlin walks with his new baby along the dunes in Australia on his 49th birthday ( 
Image:
REACH PLC)

Ant looked protective of his son as he walked in the blazing sunshine ( 
Image:
REACH PLC)Dropping their bombshell news in an Instagram post, Ant began: “We love making Saturday Night Takeaway, but reaching the milestone of 20 series seemed like the perfect time to pause for a little while and catch our breath.”

In a subsequent interview with Fault magazine, Ant hinted he wanted to spend more time with his family, telling the publication: “On a more personal level, part of the reason we’re pausing Takeaway is we need a break ourselves, and we need to spend some time with our family.

“We’ve both got children that we need to spend time with for a little bit. We need time to think and, and time to step back and look at the bigger picture and just see where we are now.”

It comes as ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! fans slammed the show during the opening episode of the 2024 season as a technical issue left many unable to vote.

Ant and Anne-Marie welcomed baby Wilder earlier this year ( 
Image:
antanddec/Instagram)

The couple tied the knot in 2021 ( 
Image:
GC Images)
Sunday night saw a string of stars including WAG Coleen Rooney, McFly star Danny Jones, Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse and N-Dubz icon Tulisa Contostavlos enter the jungle for the first time. As an initial trial, the original ten participants were divided into pairs and tasked with racing to the camp.

Tulisa and Coronation Street star Alan Halsall were the first to reach camp making them winners of the first trial and exempt from the first public vote which would determine which celebrities would take part in the Vile Volcano challenge. But when voting opened, many viewers found they were unable to vote as an apparent technical issues spoiled the fun.

Fans took to social media to complain about the error, with one writing on X: “It wont let me votee #ImACeleb” along with a crying face emoji. Another complained: “Omg is anyone else’s voting crashing because we’re all rushing to vote for GK Barry…#ImACeleb.” And a further fan wailed: “Is the voting app thing not working for anyone else? #imaceleb.”

Others were fuming about the amount of personal information they had to share to use the app, with one lashing out atITVto type: “F**KING HELL IVE DOWNLOADED THE APP WHY DO I NEED TO PUT IN MY PHONE NUMBER TO VOTE #ImACeleb.”