Author: bang5

David Beckham was left emotional as his son Romeo gave a touching speech at his 50th birthday party in Miami on Tuesday.

The former footballer kicked off his celebrations very early with a black-tie event held a whole month ahead of his actual birthday on May 2.

He hired out his and wife Victoria’s favourite restaurant in the city, Cipriani, to hold a very lavish soiree for their A-list friends.

While the likes of Eva Longoria, Lionel Messi and Tom Brady were in attendance, David was also joined by his youngest children – Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13.

His eldest son Brooklyn, 26, and his wife Nicola Peltz, 30, were notably absent due to working commitments in Los Angeles.

Photographs shared to social media gave a candid insight into the festivities, with Romeo giving a sweet speech to honour his beloved father.

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David Beckham was left emotional as his son Romeo gave a touching speech at his 50th birthday party in Miami on Tuesday

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David kicked off celebrations early with a black-tie event a month ahead of his actual birthday on May 2. Pictured with (L-R) Romeo, Kim Turnbull, Harper, Victoria, Cruz and Jackie Apostel

One picture showed Romeo – suited and booted in a black tuxedo – standing up with a microphone and reading his speech from a notecard.

While it isn’t known what he said, David was visibly overcome with emotion upon listening to his words as he flashed a warm smile at Romeo.

Victoria, 50, also reached across to put her hand on David’s knee while she gazed lovingly up at Romeo during the speech.

Another snap saw Romeo putting on a very loved-up display with his girlfriend Kim Turnbull as they sat alongside each other at the meal.

The London based DJ, 24, looked effortlessly glamorous in a green maxi dress as she cuddled up to Romeo, who placed his hand on her knee.

Victoria was seen laughing beside them and looking in the other direction, seemingly gazing up at David.

Cruz also cut a suave figure in a black tuxedo on the night as he attended with his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, who have been dating since October.

Victoria stunned in a white satin gown while Harper was every inch her mother’s mini-me in a similar forest green dress.

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Photographs shared to social media showed Romeo putting on a very loved-up display with his girlfriend Kim Turnbull as they sat alongside each other at the meal

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Cruz also cut a suave figure in a black tuxedo on the night as he joined Romeo and Jackie at the event – though their older sibling Brooklyn was notably absent

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Victoria also shared a photograph of herself smiling alongside her bestie, American actress Eva, 50, who looked gorgeous in a black satin dress

Victoria also shared a photograph of herself smiling alongside her bestie, American actress Eva, 50, who looked gorgeous in a black satin dress.

In a caption, she revealed they were both wearing outfits designed by her very own brand as she gave an insight into the glitzy night.

David posed for a beaming snap alongside longtime pals Gabe Turner, David Gardner and Ben Winston and penned on Instagram: ‘Friends for life.’

David became best friends with Gardner while on Manchester United’s youth team as teenagers, and he gushed of their bond: ‘Love ya Mate. 35 years between us.’

David was also joined by a host of fellow sporting legends, including players from his Inter Miami team – Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and footballing icon, Lionel.

Hollywood stars Justin Theroux and Fisher Stevens were also in attendance, as well as Grammy winner Marc Anthony.

David’s birthday party got underway weeks before his actual birthday because of Inter Miami’s busy schedule.

According to The Sun, David is in the middle of planning other events back in London with his friends and family, including an intimate dinner.

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David was also joined by a host of fellow sporting legends, including players from his Inter Miami team – Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and footballing icon, Lionel Messi

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Hollywood stars Justin Theroux and Fisher Stevens were also in attendance, as well as Grammy winner Marc Anthony

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According to The Sun , David is in the middle of planning other events back in London with his friends and family, including an intimate dinner

A source told the publication: ‘This party took place so early because of the Inter Miami schedule.

‘They played the night before and a lot of people flew in to watch that too, including Jack Whitehall.

‘They hired out Cipriani, which is an old favourite of the Beckhams. There was a free bar, and they all partied late into the night.

‘David is planning other events and will be turning 50 in style.

‘He will do a big dinner for his family and friends closer to his birthday and then will spend the day itself doing something with just Victoria, their parents and the kids.’

Insiders claim Brooklyn, 26, did not even call David to wish him a happy birthday

David and Victoria Beckham are said to be “utterly heartbroken” over their strained relationship with eldest son Brooklyn, who reportedly snubbed his father’s 50th birthday celebrations on Saturday.

Insiders claim Brooklyn, 26, did not even call David to wish him a happy birthday.

Sources suggest David is anxious to heal the family rift, but Brooklyn’s wife Nicola, 30, is said to be at the centre of the feud.

Brooklyn missed the lavish celebrations in London despite spending the week in the capital, flying back to the US late on Saturday evening.

Instead, David and Victoria celebrated at Core, the three-Michelin-star restaurant in Notting Hill, on Friday night with their three other children and a close circle of friends, according to The Sun on Sunday.

A source said: “Victoria and the family pulled out all the stops but, of course, it’s hard not to think about the one person missing. It’s not just the disrespectful way he and Nicola are behaving, it also impacts the whole family.

“The reality is, Nicola has just driven a huge wedge between them all.

“They’ll always be there for him, but since he’s got together with Nicola — who is very headstrong — this has become quite a toxic pattern of behaviour and at some point you have to say, ‘Enough is enough.’”

Another insider added that family members feel Brooklyn has become increasingly remote, and attempts by his grandparents and siblings to bridge the gap have failed.

The Beckhams reportedly enjoy strong relationships with their other sons’ partners—Kim Turnbull, 24, girlfriend of second son Romeo, and Jackie Apostel, 29, partner of youngest son Cruz—but are said to have found actress Nicola “hard work”.

Tensions reportedly escalated after Brooklyn and Romeo, 22, stopped speaking, following Romeo’s relationship with Kim—who previously dated Brooklyn’s friend Rocco Ritchie.

Brooklyn is said to be suspicious of Kim’s reasons for dating Romeo, marking the beginning of the fallout that led to Brooklyn and Nicola skipping his father’s milestone celebrations.

Celebrity news website TMZ reports that Romeo and Nicola now refuse to attend any family event where Kim is present.

Brooklyn Beckham’s wife Nicola Peltz is believed to have ruled out attending family events amidst their ongoing family feud and it relates to Romeo

Brooklyn Beckham’s wife Nicola Peltz is believed to have ruled out attending family events amidst their ongoing family feud and it relates to Romeo

Nicola Peltz has been at loggerheads with her in-laws, the Beckham’s(Image: INSTAGRAM)

Nicola Peltz won’t be seen at any upcoming Beckham family events for one key reason. The American billionaire has been at the centre of controversy after she and her husband Brooklyn Beckham failed to attend any celebrations for his dad, David’s recent 50th birthday.

The Beckham family threw a string of celebrations including a private event at their home in the Cotswolds before heading to France before rounding up their events with a boozy A-list dinner party in Notting Hill, London, on Saturday. However, despite being in London and Brooklyn allegedly telling his family they will be attending – they failed to show up.

Reports claim that Brooklyn had later offered to meet his dad in private but his offer was rejected, with the wannabe chef being told that the family would be celebrating together. However, it’s since emerged that Nicola, who has been accused of “controlling behaviour” may have played a part in their decision to snub the Beckham’s.

Romeo’s girlfriend Kim Turnbull is believed to be at the centre of the drama(Image: Instagram/romeobeckham)

Romeo Beckham,22 shared in November last year that he was dating model and DJ Kim Turnbull, 25 after the pair had been liking one another’s social media posts. But it later emerged that Brooklyn, 26, has enjoyed a brief relationship with Kim during their teenage years.

Kim had been present throughout the recent celebrations for David’s birthday as she proudly stood with her boyfriend and his showbiz royalty family. “He suggested going for breakfast or a coffee but was told the only chance to see the family would be at one of their lavish parties which Kim would be at – so he refused,” a source told The Sun.

Brooklyn and Nicola allegedly refused to be around Kim(Image: INSTAGRAM)

But while Kim has been accepted into the Beckham fold, she has never been seen alongside Nicola. Meanwhile, Brooklyn and Nicola have also stopped publicly engaging with Romeo on social media.

TMZ claims that Brooklyn and Romeo are at loggerheads over his relationship with Kim as the eldest son was left uncomfortable by their relationship. Brooklyn and his wife failed to attend a fashion show held by Victoria in March and the reason was allegedly due to Kim also attending.

Meanwhile, a source told the publication that the two brothers started feuding in December and their strained relationship has been getting worse ever since. They add that while Brooklyn has no ill feelings towards his brother, he doesn’t approve of his relationship with Kim and feels “protective” of him.

Brooklyn failed to attend any of David’s birthday celebrations(Image: victoriabeckham/Instagram )

Brooklyn reportedly feels as though his family have chosen Romeo over him in recent days. Elsewhere, Nicola has been accused of controlling her husband and is allegedly known to kick up a fuss. Speaking to the Daily Mail, a source commented: “Victoria and David would do anything to get their son back, but they are done with Nicola now.”

They claimed that Nicola would “kick something off” making it “impossible” for him to attend family events. The source claimed: “It all stinks of a control thing. The family are absolutely certain this is what happened this time round, that a drama was created and Brooklyn doesn’t feel he can turn up to see his family – but it happened three times in a week.”

But David and Victoria are said to be keen to resolve any drama surrounding the family. Speaking to the Mirror, a source commented: “It has become a problem and not something they can keep private because of the way the family uses social media. Things have escalated in recent months, and there is a very obvious rift that David and Victoria would love to heal.”

King Charles and the rest of the Royal Family marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a spectacular flypast – and one expert believes it sent a subtle message to Prince Harry

King Charles and the rest of the Royal Family send a message to Prince Harry during their major balcony appearance at VE Day commemorations, according to an expert. Senior royals waved to thousands of people from the Buckingham Palace balcony as a Red Arrows flypast continued the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

The King and Queen, joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, watched on with tilted heads as the VE Day flypast soared over. The commemorations come just days after Harry told the BBC his father will not speak to him and he does not know how much longer the King has left.

The Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as part of VE Day commeorations (Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

However the King and Queen were said to be “looking forward” to the week’s events, and it is understood that, out of respect for the surviving veterans, Buckingham Palace hopes “nothing will detract or distract from celebrating with full cheer and proud hearts that precious victory and those brave souls, on this most special and poignant of anniversaries”.

And according to body language expert Judi James, the balcony appearance symbolised the royals’ resilience. She told the Mirror: “Royal balcony moments always show the Firm at their highest status best, standing in a position of ultimate power as a strong family unit while looking down on the massed crowds of their subjects, all cheering wildly to show their support.

So, the symbolism of this appearance could hardly have been more timely given the latest verbal pelting to have come from Montecito. This confident, stoic appearance suggested high levels of the kind of resilience that the Royal Family are always known for.”

Meanwhile, Judi also noted several subtle gestures that behind the scenes, the Firm is looking out for each other, especially when it comes to siblings. She noted: “During one moment on the balcony Princess Anne, who had been chatting to her brother in a strong display of unity during the fly-past, seemed to notice that Charles was waving to go indoors before the anthem had been played.

“Placing a hand out to pat him affectionately on the back, she seemed to warn him so he could turn and get into position. It was a gesture that suggested Anne is quietly keeping an eye on her brother.

“Another sibling who was surprisingly keep an eye on their brother at the other end of the balcony was, surprisingly, Louis. When the anthem was played, he stood to attention like his sister, but he suddenly turned to check out his older brother George behind him.

Prince Harry in an explosive interview last week (Image: BBC)

“George was caught with his hands still clasped in front of his body and, in a complete turn-around, it was the normally playful Louis who seemed to quickly correct him before turning back. George, 11, Charlotte, 10, and Louis, seven, were last seen together in public at the Christmas Day church service on the Sandringham Estate.

Louis, who during past public appearances has stolen the show, did not disappoint royal fans and was seen at one moment sticking out his tongue – a trademark gesture for the young royal. He also held William’s gold aiguillettes, the braided loops hanging from the shoulder of his RAF uniform, and appeared to touch his father’s shoulder again, and also held out his hands palms up as if he was testing for rain, which later fell.

The Royal Family joined for a rare appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day – a telling story when it came to estranged Prince Harry, says expert

The Royal Family’s appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony to kick off commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day spoke volumes about the plight of Prince Harry, according to an expert. It was 80 years ago that thousands flocked to The Mall in 1945 at the end of the Second World War and the scenes were repeated today as crowds gathered to greet the King and Queen and watch an RAF flypast after an armed forces parade through the capital.

Members of the monarchy, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, sat with veterans as they watched the parade before making a rare appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch a roaring fly past. The royals are scheduled to take part in engagements over the next four days, less than a week after Harry told the BBC his father will not speak to him and he does not know how much longer the King has left.

The Royal Family on the palace balcony today(Image: PA)

The King and Queen are said to be “looking forward” to the week’s events, and it is understood that, out of respect for the surviving veterans, Buckingham Palace hopes “nothing will detract or distract from celebrating with full cheer and proud hearts that precious victory and those brave souls, on this most special and poignant of anniversaries”.

However, according to royal author and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop, Harry’s bombshell interview did reverberate around the event. She told the Mirror: “The balcony scene is without fail one of the high points of any ceremonial occasion, Britain’s first family putting their best foot forward, old and young, uniformed and smiling, the Red Arrows roaring overhead as the royals wave at the crowds down below.

“But despite all the nostalgic flourishes (a particular favourite was Princess Anne channelling her late mother in the same First Aid Nursing Yeomanry uniform Elizabeth wore 80 years ago), there was no escaping the painful reverberations from Harry’s no-holes-barred interview last Friday.

Prince Harry during his bombshell interview on the BBC(Image: BBC)

“By reminding everyone that his father is unwell (Harry tactlessly said he ‘does not know how much longer’ Charles has), the prince focused hearts and minds on the King. Meanwhile, Kate’s chic burgundy suit and cute collection of children could not distract from the ageing cluster of royals who trooped off the dais and onto the balcony.

“Most notably, the Duke of Kent, now in his 90th year, whose young life was upended when his father died in an aeroplane crash in Scotland in World War Two.

“Like the Duke of Kent, with his own painful back story and military prowess, Harry was once a credible addition to ceremonial events, a flash of youthful charisma that spoke to future generations of service.” Tessa says she has met families who have lost sons and daughters in Afghanistan, who have been nothing but complimentary of Harry, who served two tours of duty there.

And she explained: “I have interviewed families who lost sons and daughters in Afghanistan and Iraq and who testify to the importance of Harry on that commemorative circuit. How far the Prince has subsequently fallen in our nation’s esteem.

Harry’s estranged father King Charles (Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

“While many of us had a degree of sympathy for Harry over the scaling back of his security brief, the broadside he launched against his own father, the King (and the commander-and-chief of our armed forces) was unforgivable on the eve of these all-important VE Day commemorations.

“The Prince talked from two sides of his mouth, on the one hand apparently longing for reconciliation while simultaneously doubling down on the importance of his truth.

“The scale of the attack and its very public nature suggests that any redemptive move and meaningful reconciliation is unlikely to take place. This will gut the King, who is a sensitive man with a lot on his plate.”

And now she sees a case of history repeating itself from the royal balcony appearance 80 years ago in 1945. She added: “While many of us regard the royals on the famous red-clad balcony with dewy-eyed affection, it is hard not to find uncomfortable parallels with the same scene in 1945.

“Eighty years ago the disgraced Duke of Windsor, (abdicated Edward VIII) was nowhere to be seen, scroll forward eight decades and likewise there is a gaping hole on the balcony.

“And, as the Duke of Windsor learnt to his cost, while the Royal Family are emboldened by national commemorative events, trying to eek out a living on the sidelines is far harder. Be assured this is not the last we will hear from Harry, a man who has lost so much on the quest to find himself.”

Loose Women star Denise Welch looked incredible in a turquoise swimsuit as she was spoiled at a spa retreat with her lookalike younger sister Debbie

Denise Welch wows in plunge swimsuit on luxurious spa weekend with lookalike sister(Image: Instagram)

Denise Welch has wowed fans with a string of gorgeous swimsuit snaps after enjoying a relaxing spa weekend with her younger sister. The Loose Women star, 66, who never shies away from showing off some skin, looked incredible as she posed up a storm in a plunge turquoise swimsuit as she enjoyed all that was to offer on the luxurious spa weekend away.

The TV star and her lookalike sister appeared to be living it up at The Titanic Spa in Yorkshire as they were treated to a delicious dinner, spa treatments, and enjoyed the pool and sauna after Denise shared some snippets from her special weekend away. Alongside her post, the Loose Women star wrote: “Lovely weekend with my little sis @debbiededes at my favourite place to escape to and chill @titanic_spa in Yorkshire.”

And it wasn’t long before Denise’s fans and followers alike rushed to the comments to gush over her appearance. One wrote: “Looks like you had a wonderful time with your sister! Fabulous pictures @denise_welch and a fabulous place.” Another echoed: “Amazing and you look fabulous.” Someone else added: “Gorgeous!! And soooo jel of you – just thinking I need a spa break.”

“You both look great and looks a calming place,” another fan commented. While someone else quipped: “Good genes run in the family it seems. You both look fabulous.”

Denise looked incredible in the plunge swimsuit (Image: Instagram)

It comes after Denise revealed that her colleagues on Loose Women begged her to make a change after she was pictured in “embarrassing” paparazzi photos. On an episode of Loose Women : The Podcast, the actress, who is about to mark 13 years of sobriety, spoke candidly about a certain habit she used to indulge in during her partying days.

In an honest confession about what she described as a “medical issue”, Denise admitted that she found it “hilarious” at the time. However, she acknowledged that she was “usually the only person in the world ” who was laughing.

As a result, Denise ended up in “embarrassing” paparazzi shots, prompting her Loose Women colleagues to offer her some advice for one “terrible” reason.

Denise shared snippets from her luxury spa weekend away(Image: Instagram)

Denise explained: “I always had what I considered to be a medical issue, which I named ‘compulsive flashing disorder’, that when I was out on a night out, I, usually the only person in the world, thought it was hilarious to flash my boobs.”

“And there are many pap shots, embarrassing now, of me flashing my bra, and the girls here at Loose Women used to say, ‘Denzy, because of your compulsive flashing disorder, would you please just invest in some good underwear because it was always really terrible.”

The ex-Coronation Street star went on to say that her bras were typically “grey, beige,” and while she sees herself as someone who wears Agent Provocateur lingerie, she’s “sadly” not, in reality.

Denise and Debbie enjoyed the spa weekend together (Image: Instagram)

Denise, who reportedly started drinking after suffering from clinical depression, has been open about her battle with alcohol in the past, revealing last year that she almost broke her sobriety due to a health incident.

Speaking to the ADHD Chatter podcast, she explained that she’d taken tablets for ADHD, expecting to feel more focused, but the expectations didn’t match the reality.

On the podcast, she explained: “So, I thought I’m going to take this tablet and by the time I leave our London apartment, I’m going to have vacuumed everywhere and I’m going to have thought, right, for once I really want to settle down to that bulk of affairs that I’ve ignored since I was 18-years-old.”

Denise further admitted the unfortunate aftermath: “An hour later I wanted a drink and a cigarette for the first time in 11 years and it was horrendous how it affected me. Had I not been so many years into (it) and so secure managing my sobriety it would have been a very, very dangerous tipping point for me.”

Charlene White paused Loose Women to cheekily call out her co-star live on air.

Loose Women’s Charlene White abruptly paused the show as she amusingly called out her co-star for ‘lying’ live on air. During Tuesday’s (April 22) episode of the ITV hit daytime chat show, the TV presenter was joined by Kelly Brook, Brenda Edwards and Janet Street-Porter.

Just minutes into the show, Charlene was quick to point out that one of her fellow Loose Women panellists wasn’t being truthful.

Before getting stuck into the next segment, Charlene went on to say: “I’m going to stop proceedings right now because we have liars among us. A liar, ladies and gentleman.”

She revealed: “About ten minutes ago on the program, Janet had a go at Kelly for eating meat on Good Friday… But Janet, you forget that social media exists sometimes don’t you, because one of our producers has found this.”

Charlene White paused the show and amusingly called out her co-star (Image: ITV)

A picture then appeared on screen of Janet enjoying a bacon and egg sandwich by the beach on Good Friday. Charlene continued: “This is Janet having breakfast by the sea on Friday morning, what do you see under the two fried eggs ladies and gentleman… I see bacon.”

Janet jumped in and asked: “How do you know it’s not vegetarian bacon?” Everyone burst out laughing as Kelly replied: “You owe me an apology.”

It was clear that Janet wasn’t keen on offering an apology as she playfully said: “A quick sorry but I’m not that sorry because most of the breakfast was egg.”

Charlene claimed: “That literally doesn’t count. Now we can go back to the show but I felt that needed to be highlighted.”

Janet Street-Porter apologised to her co-stars after ‘lying’ about eating meat(Image: ITV)

Janet joked: “You just wanted to humiliate me but carry on.” Charlene added: “That’s what you get for lying on national TV.”

The moment happened after Kelly Brook made her confession about husband Jeremy Parisi, who comes from a Catholic family, accidentally eating meat on Friday.

She said: “On Friday he gets a message from his mother, ‘just to remind you, you’re not supposed to eat meat today’. At which point the guilt that came over his face because he’d already had a fry-up, had already been served.

“Me being non-Catholic, none the wiser. I just thought that’s so interesting. That’s why I’ve always been kind of against a lot of religions because of the guilt that goes with divorce and you know, all sorts of different things.”

Janet then interjected and said: “Even I didn’t eat meat on Friday. I banned meat in my home. We did not have a fry-up on Friday, we absolutely did not!”

The Dark Destroyer – also known as Shaun Wallace – is best known for his brains on The Chase but has opened up about a recent huge, life changing decision he has made

The Chase star Shaun Wallace has revealed he has ‘no regrets’ as he opened up on a major life decision. Shaun rarely discusses his personal life but recently gave a rare insight to fans in a podcast chat.

The quizzing legend, 65, was on the How To Be 60 podcast with Loose Women’s Kaye Adams and her co-host Karen MacKenzie when he made the admission. Quizzing genius Shaun has never been married and never had any children – a huge decision which he made early on in his career and still stands by.

When he was asked about his thoughts on having children, Shaun said he never had any, and explained that was a conscious choice he made early on in his career.

Shaun Wallace revealed his relationship status on a podcast

He added: “It was a conscious reason when I was a young struggling barrister. I didn’t think it would be right to bring up a child when you’re trying to climb to the top of that greasy pole.”

Despite never becoming a father himself, Shaun does take great pride in being a godfather to 15 children. He proudly shared he has no regrets as he said: “I’ve never regretted that decision. I’ve got 15 godchildren. Two of them are called Shaun, and I’m the best godfather in the world.”

Shaun also spoke fondly of his ex’s child, who he sees as a daughter. He opened up a bit about their relationship, telling Kaye and Karen: “I watched her grow into a lovely young lady. She got a first-class honours degree recently, and she got her doctorate the other day, and I was there.”

Shaun was initially coy to discuss his personal life on the podcast, as when the show hosts first hit him with questions about his love life, Shaun simply responded: “I suppose I’m married to my career. Put it that way. I like that. I prefer that and I’m happier.”

However, when they kept pushing the subject, he eventually confirmed, “Yes, I’m in a relationship.” The legal expert, who has been on The Chase since it first started airing in 2009, declined to share any further details about his significant other, though.

Although he has a partner The Chase star refrained from having kids(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

He recently made it clear that he does not have any plans to take a step back from either his legal career or his position as a Chaser, saying: “I’m celebrating 40 years in the job this year and I have no plans to retire at 65. I love it. I love quizzing too, so I will be doing that for as long as I can.

“I never take being on The Chase for granted. I know it could all end tomorrow, and I still pinch myself that we are celebrating our 15th anniversary this year.”

While he takes his job on The Chase seriously, Shaun did admit that participating in the quiz show is a “doddle” compared to representing his clients in front of “very stern” judges in the Court of Appeal.

Despite working on the same project, Alan Cumming and Claudia Winkleman have never met in person. But they’ve already found a way to secretly communicate behind the scenes.

Alan Cumming is fronting the BAFTAs this year(Image: BAFTA/Rachell Smith)

They may front the same hit reality series on opposite sides of the Atlantic, The Traitors, but Alan Cumming and Claudia Winkleman have never actually met. However, they’ve already found a way to bond.

“Isn’t it nuts?” Alan says. “We might be the same person because you’ve never seen us in the same room. We have mutual friends and nearly met years ago.

Since 2022, Claudia has been the face of The Traitors UK, filmed in Alan’s homeland of Scotland. A year later, Alan donned his trademark cape to host the American version of the hit BBC series.

Though their paths haven’t crossed in person, there’s already a quiet camaraderie between the two. “We were the guinea pigs for the show so there was some trepidation about doing something new,” Alan says. “We leave messages for each other on the make-up mirror.”

The pair nearly came face-to-face when Alan thought of promoting the first season of his US Traitors on Claudia’s BBC Radio 2 show. “I realised I’d have to get up at 4am because I was in New York,” he says. “Sorry, Claudia. I love – but not that much!”

Claudia Winkleman and Alan Cumming host The Traitors on different sides of the Atlantic – but they’ve never met(Image: PA)

The perfect opportunity to meet might be just around the corner as tomorrow, Alan, 60, will host the British Academy Television Awards, where The Traitors UK is nominated for major prizes.

“It’s like going to a massive showbiz wedding,” Alan says. “That’s the thing about getting older – these events become reunions.” He is genuinely rooting for the team behind The Traitors UK, many of whom also work on the American version. “It’s great because Studio Lambert make my version too, I really like them.”

Alan’s working on a new programme with producers. “I have a production deal at Universal and there’s a show we’re trying to get together.” But first, the BAFTAS. “It’s like throwing a party,” he says. “I like having gatherings and celebrating people.”

This one, however, is no casual gathering. “I didn’t realise I have to introduce 23 presenters,” he says. “I’ve hosted awards where I’ve had a different look every time I came out but that would be exhausting.”

His excitement isn’t just professional. With Baby Reindeer leading the TV nominations, Alan is looking forward to hanging out with fellow Scot Richard Gadd.

“I’m excited to see him,” he says. “I sat next to him at the Emmys – we were two men in kilts and between us we won five awards. It was a good night for Scotland.”

Alan once met Richard Gadd, so it’s no surprise he’s looking forward to seeing him again at the BAFTAs, where Baby Reindeer is in the run-in for more accolades (Image: Ed Miller/Netflix)

Alan’s connection to The Traitors runs deep – he also contributes to the scripts, shaping the tone of the show. “I understand what’s needed at certain points,” he says, “As you get older, you have a few strings to your bow and occasionally, one job plucks all your strings.”

That doesn’t make his job any easier. His biggest challenge? Keeping a straight face. “Sometimes, I think I’m being implacable but I’m actually rolling my eyes or gasping,” he says. “It’s been my biggest challenge.”

Outside the castle, Alan’s schedule is just as full. He recently made a guest appearance in Doctor Who and he’s prepping for a return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Nightcrawler, his first time reprising the role since 2003.

“I’m a little achy from doing my stunt training,” he admits. “It’s amazing when things come back into your life. If you live long enough, all things return but there’ll also be new things that augment them.”

And when he’s not working, Alan is an avid telly viewer. “Adolescence was incredible and I watched White Lotus but that’s like having a Christmas dinner – everybody’s got to do it,” he says. “And I love watching classic old movies.”

Celebrity Big Brother star James Whale has admitted he doesn’t think he will make it to Christmas after being diagnosed with kidney cancer five years ago as treatment isn’t an option

James Whale has said he won’t make it to Christmas as he shared a heartbreaking cancer update. The TV and radio legend was diagnosed with stage-four kidney cancer five years ago.

He has now said he is “at the end” of his cancer journey. The 73-year-old has announced his long-running TalkTV programme could be coming to an end within weeks.

James sadly revealed his condition has worsened and that treatment is no longer an option. Making the announcement with his Talk co-host Ash Gould by his side, he shared: “I’m at the end of my cancer journey. There is no treatment I can have anymore.”

He added: “I can’t tell you how grateful I am to Talk to actually let me on the air and sit next to Ash, which is a real pain in the butt, but I’ve been doing it for 25 years!”

James fears he won’t make it to Christmas ( 
Image:
PA)

James said his recent ill health had taken its toll on him. He had a severe bout of flu which led to an intensive care stay. Despite his health, James managed to joke: “It might actually be helping me, you never know, so I don’t let that cloud my judgment – but on the medication I am on, I’m all over the place.

“I’m hoping to go on for another few weeks, few months but as soon as I can’t do the show anymore, I won’t.”

In December, James revealed he had spent Christmas in intensive care after being hospitalised with flu. His wife revealed the scary news while confirming he was able to return home to recover.

She said at the time: “After a worrying week I am happy to report that @THEJamesWhale is out of ICU and back at home, having batted off the Grim Reaper yet again.

“This time he tried with a bout of Influenza A, but without success. Our hero is home for NYE.” James was diagnosed with stage-four kidney cancer five years ago.

He continued to defy the odds despite fears he wouldn’t see another Christmas. In April last year as he collected his MBE, he admitted he feared his time was nearing its end.

The broadcaster says treatment isn’t working ( 
Image:
THEJamesWhale/X)
James has been facing cancer since 2000 when he first had a kidney removed. In 2020, the TalkTV host disclosed that the cancer had aggressively returned, affecting his remaining kidney, spine, brain, and lungs.

Speaking to PA news agency following his MBE award, he admitted he was surprised he had been able to attend. He said: “I didn’t think I’d be here to receive this. But who knows?

“I’ve been terminally ill now for nearly four years. Twenty five years ago I had the original cancer. So I might make the end of this year, I might not. I might be around next year.”

He remained upbeat despite the prognosis, however, adding: “I think you’ve got to be positive. I know it’s getting a bit worse than it was. You just have to go with the flow really.

“You have to do that to get through it. One in two of us is going to go on this journey until they find a cure. They will find a cure. But you have to make the most of it.”

He also mused: “When you’re my age and I’ve had a good life you say maybe you have another year left. Four years ago, we thought we had months.”

The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.