Author: bang5

The mum-of-four is enjoying having the former footballer at home more after he was sacked by Plymouth Argyle

Wayne Rooney won’t be rushing into any more football manager jobs, says wife Coleen.

The I’m A Celebrity runner-up opened up about family life and how she’s loving having her former Manchester United, Everton and England ace husband home after he was sacked by Plymouth Argyle in December. The mum-of-four said Wayne’s enjoying his punditry – but hasn’t ruled out returning to coaching one day. “At the minute, he’s really happy on TV, podcasts and just being at home,” said Coleen, 38. She admitted: “Plymouth was a bit far. It hasn’t worked out at certain clubs. It’s something he’s passionate about. It’s something he might revisit. He’s passionate about TV.

Coleen is enjoying having Wayne at home more after he was given the boot by Plymouth Argyle ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

The couple have been together for over 20 years ( 
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Getty Images
Enjoying having Wayne, 39, around more now, Coleen recalls her struggles raising their four sons – Kai, 15, Klay, 11, Kit, eight, and Cass, six – when Wayne was at the height of his career. “At times it’s like being a single parent, especially when he was at Manchester United and England,” she admitted. “You could never rely on a plan. I like a plan and a schedule. I found that hard.”

Childhood sweethearts since they were 16, Wayne and Coleen have been through it all. Remembering how Wayne tried to woo her near their homes in Croxteth, Liverpool, Coleen said: “He’d say ‘Give us a date’,” she laughed. “He used to say to my brothers ‘I’ll get you some footie boots if you get Coleen to have a date with us’. He was always the cheeky one

Thrust into the spotlight as the schoolgirl girlfriend of rising football talent Wayne, Coleen is now busy forging a career of her own on the back of her I’m A Celeb success. She’s the face of well-being brand Applied Nutrition and has inspired others with her glowing skin and fitness regime, which she kept going in the jungle. “I do squats every morning in the shower,” she says. “I’ll do 60 – actually 63, one for good luck after each round.”

She says her love of order and control led to an interesting conversation recently. “I had a meeting with someone with someone about ADHD and Wayne said she’s definitely got traits of OCD,” she said. “She was like I think yeah you might be.”

Speaking to Westlife star Nicky Byrne on his podcast, the pair relived Wayne and Coleen’s wedding night in 2008 in Italy, where the band performed. “I was a fan but Wayne was as well,” explained Coleen. With the Irish outfit’s song I Do was our first dance, Nicky recalled: “Kian (Egan) had a good few shots. Wayne asked us to stay back and have a party. I remember having a few drinks with John O’Shea and Wes Brown. Wayne’s brother said ‘You Irish lads can’t drink’ then Kian got on the shots. We got back onstage to sing My Love and Wayne got up.”

Coleen with Westlife’s Nicky Byrne. The I’m A Celeb runner up got him to try her Applied Nutrition range with a pint of Guinness

Coleen and Wayne on their wedding day in 2008 ( 
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Internet UnknownColeen laughed: “Everyone had ties around their head. I remember the DJ saying we needed to wrap up. We would have gone on all night. Great memories.”

Coleen says their wedding video is still a source of joy – which Wayne pulls out at any opportunity. “The amount of times we watch the wedding video,” she smiles. “That was Wayne’s thing, if anyone ever come back to the house he’d put the wedding DVD on. It became the running joke.”

Jermain Defoe once revealed how he was treated to the spectacle during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa – and it sounds like he wasn’t the only one. “We’d been somewhere in Manchester and we went back to the hotel,” recalled Coleen. “Wayne put the wedding DVD on and we had a complaint saying the music was on too loud. It was someone Wayne knew, I can’t say who.”

Listen to the full interview on Nicky Byrne’s HQ podcast.

Pete Wicks and Sam Thompson didn’t hold back as they mocked how things got a ‘little bit messy’ at the Brit Awards afterparty Maura Higgins and Danny Jones were spotting kissing at

Pete Wicks seemingly dissed his ex Maura Higgins’ infamous actions at the Brit Awards on March 1 during a talk with pal Sam Thompson.

The duo spoke about their time at the Brits during the latest episode of their podcast Staying relevant, and made plenty of veiled comments comparing their own fun and uneventful night to someone else’s.

Pete and Sam were likely referring to a video of Maura appearing to kiss her I’m a Celebrity co-star Danny Jones at Universal Music’s Brits afterparty – and revealed that they were even at the same event but left before any drama kicked off.

“So, a lot happened at the Brits. An awful lot happened at the Brits. I am probably going to leave that there. A lot happened at the Brits, but we’re going to move on from that and we’ll tell you about our Brits experience,” Pete said as he introduced the topic, dramatically emphasising how much had gone down.

Pete joked that ‘an awful lot happened at the Brits,’ seemingly making several veiled comments about the drama caused by his ex Maura and her co-star Danny ( 
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GC Images)

Pete’s pal Sam shared that they went to an afterparty but left early – two hours before Maura was spotted there sharing an intimate moment with married Danny ( 
Image:
Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Made in Chelsea alum Sam then shared that they also went to the same afterparty as Danny and Maura, with Pete sassily saying: “Nothing happened there – for us – but we had a great time at the Universal afterparty. We stayed there a little bit, had a few drinks.”

“We did it right,” said Sam, with Pete mockingly interrupting: “No no no, it’s not that other people did it wrong” No No No!”

Sam then described: “Sorry, what I mean is, at these parties, you don’t want to linger for too long. We got there nice and early – left the Brits like a little bit early – got there before the crush happens, right?

“Then sort of had a few drinks, had a really good time, spoke to loads of people, and then left at about one. Which is like the perfect time to bounce before everything gets a little bit messy

In contrast to Sam and Pete’s early night, an insider claimed that Danny and Maura entered the Universal afterparty shortly before 3am in the morning, where Maura was captured appearing to give Danny a couple of pecks before he leaned down to kiss her on the mouth. A source claimed that they “seemed to be having a great time” together, and described the kiss as a “brief, drunken moment.”

Another onlooker suggested that their time together didn’t stop there, saying: “Danny and Maura seemed to be enjoying their night of partying. They were knocking back wine at the Nobu from 4am and seemed keen to carry on. They weren’t seen leaving before 6am.”

Pete and Maura were first linked before she entered the jungle, and ended things soon after she got home after she reportedly discovered Pete had been chatting to “loads” of other women online.

A source has claimed that Pete is “pleased” to no longer be seeing Maura following the scandal, confirming that the pair just weren’t meant to be. “This sort of attention is exactly what Pete doesn’t want,” the insider told OK! magazine.

“He’s seen this sort of media circus happen when he was on TOWIE and it’s not the sort of relationship he wants. It’s a shame because it will probably bring his guard back up and he just wants to find someone he can genuinely love.”

Michelle Keegan has given birth to her first child, a baby girl, with husband Mark Wright as she shared an adorable photo of the tiny newborn to announce the news

Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright have become parents for the first time.

Actress Michelle gave birth to their first child – a baby girl – and the couple announced the happy news on Instagram today. The couple revealed they are parents to a baby girl who they have called Palma Elizabeth Wright. The adorable black and white photo shows the couple holding hands with their newborn daughter. And they wrote in the caption: “Together we have a new love to share… Our little girl” followed by a white heart emoji.

They then added: “Palma Elizabeth Wright” followed by her date of birth “06.03.25”. Fans and friends were over the moon for the couple and rushed to the comment section to congratulate them. Jess Wright wrote: “Most beautiful addition to our family. I finally have a niece and I am so in love.

One user said: “Oh what beautiful news!!! Congratulations to you both darling!” and another posted: “Awwww congratulations!” Mark, 38, has been married to 37-year-old Coronation Street icon Michelle since 2015 and they announced they are expecting their first child together three months ago. The couple announced the life-changing news by sharing a sun-soaked snap of themselves on the beach of a Spanish island with Michelle’s baby bump proudly on display.

Michelle Keegan has given birth!

The couple have been married for a decade and have welcomed their first child ( 
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Instagram/wrighty_)

In a joint post, the happy couple wrote in December: “2025 is going to be a special one for us… [baby emoji. love heart emoji].” In the loving snap on a picturesque beach, Michelle could be seen holding her baby bump as Mark lovingly looked on.

Days before Michelle gave birth, Mark opened up about getting excited about the arrival. He reflected on his upbringing as the son of occasional TOWIE stars; dad Mark Snr and mum Carol. He had also paid tribute to Michelle’s parents – who are Michael Keegan and Jackie Turner. Mark said the family values instilled into both him and Michelle by their parents will shape the way their bring up their children.

Mark told The Sun: “I’m just excited for the whole process. I’m just really excited and can’t wait for it to happen. A parent shapes you. If you haven’t got a good upbringing, you can still end up being a good person but if you’ve got good parents, like we have, you’re going out into life [with] a massive head start.

“My dad is everything you’d dream [of] in a dad. He’s always put us first, no matter what, whether that was financially or in terms of love and care. We’ve always felt so loved and that’s one of the most important things for any parent – to make your child feel loved and to [let] them know [you’re] there.”

Camilla, Queen Consort, welcomed a host of stars to Buckingham Palace as she marked 15 years since the first WOW (Women of the World) Festival with a special event

Posh Spice lived up to her name today as she spent some time with Queen Consort Camilla Parker Bowles at Buckingham Palace.

Victoria Beckham, 50, rubbed shoulders with the likes of Loose Women star Penny Lancaster as King Charles’ wife hosted an event to mark the 15th anniversary of Women of the World (WOW).

The singer-turned-designernailed the royal curtsy as she was greeted by Camilla at the swanky event, wearing a teal-coloured satin gown for the fancy occasion. Other notable guests at the palace included Sarah Lancashire, Ruth Jones, Ruby Wax and Cherie Blair.

The guests were handpicked to honour women who are leaders in their respective fields, from arts to education and business, along with staff members of WOW. During the reception, the Queen engaged in conversation with the attendees before delivering a speech to commemorate the event.

Regal Spice! ( 
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PA)

Victoria’s meeting with Camilla comes just months on from her husband David Beckham being snubbed for a knighthood once again. In December, it was revealed that the Manchester United and England legend had been overlooked in the 2025 New Year’s honours list

The snub could be due to the controversy from over seven years ago when he lambasted the honours committee in a leaked email for leaving him out. In the emails, Beckham allegedly called the honours committee “unappreciative c***s” and expressed indifference about being knighted, although he has suggested some of the content was doctored.

The leaked correspondence includes Beckham reportedly stating: “I expected nothing less. It’s a disgrace to be honest and if I was American I would of got something like this 10 years ago.” It’s been reported that David had a go at opera singer Katherine Jenkins for receiving an OBE in the emails regarding her honour.

A source close to David told The Mirror in 2017 that while Beckham remains composed amid the controversy because he knows his substantial contributions to UNICEF, “But he is just saddened that people would question all of that work. Genuinely, he wasn’t as vitriolic as that, but you do say some things in private and in the heat of the moment.”

They added that David feels his dedication to his country goes above and beyond: “To be honest, he does feel that he has given so much to his country. And sometimes you say things in private that anyone would say and you don’t really mean it. While he was frustrated in those emails, he was over it the moment he sent them. Getting the knighthood is not what his work is about. He doesn’t care if he gets a knighthood or not.”

Tina Brown, a former editor of Vanity Fair and Tatler and the author of the book The Diana Chronicles, has given her view on With Love, Meghan – and she has not held back

A biographer pal of Princess Diana has given her scathing view on Meghan Markle’s Netflix show.

Tina Brown, a former editor of Vanity Fair and Tatler, claims that With Love, Meghan, which dropped on the streaming platform last week, shows the Duchess of Sussexes’ “unerring instinct for getting it wrong”. Tina, also the author behind the book The Diana Chronicles, also said Meghan is “behind the curve” and has never figured out a convincing persona

It has been a week since With Love, Meghan, which sees the Duchess of Sussex share tips and tricks when it comes to cooking and hosting, was released and savaged by critics.

Meghan Markle’s Netflix show was released last week ( 
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PA Wire/PA Images)

Former Vanity Fair and Tatler editor Tina Brown ( 
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AFP via Getty Images)
But despite it being viewed as a make-or-break moment for the Sussexes, who signed a multimillion-pound deal with Netflix in 2020, it was revealed that it will be returning for a second season in the autumn with filming for it already taking place.

Tina, who also wrote the bestselling book The Palace Papers in 2022, was believed to have been a pal of Diana’s with the two women having lunch together in 1997, just two months before the princess’s untimely death at the age of 36.

And, writing in her Fresh Hell Substack newsletter, Tina said: “Meghan has come out with a show about fake perfection just when the zeitgeist has turned raucously against it. Trump’s America is a foulmouthed and dishevelled cultural place where podcasters in sweaty T-shirts, crotch-rot jeans, and headphones achieve world domination on YouTube.”

Meghan in her Netflix show ( 
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JENNA PEFFLEY/NETFLIXAnd she added: “All Meghan had to do was shut up and wait. Go quiet for a couple of years, start a family, keep her eyes trained on the splendid royal real estate that would soon come up for grabs.”

It’s not the first time that Tina has had harsh words for Meghan and her husband Prince Harry. Last year she made scathing comments about them in a podcast, where she described the Duke of Sussex as “always going to leave the Royal Family” and claimed the Duchess of Sussex has “the worst judgment of anyone in the entire world

Her comments come as the second season of With Love, Meghan is coming in the autumn and has already finished filming, according to Netflix. Meghan posted on her Instagram stories on Friday with a video of her wearing a hat with the writing “lettuce romaine calm” on and grinning, then turning and putting her hands in the air.

The caption on the Instagram story said: “Lettuce romaine calm… or not (!) because I’m thrilled to share that Season 2 of ‘With Love, Meghan’ is coming!”

The story was shortly followed by a post on her Instagram with a reel with clips of her cooking and the caption: “Oh, how I love ASMR! If you’re loving Season 1, just wait until you see the fun we cooked up on Season 2! “Thanks for joining the party, and an endless thanks to the amazing team and crew who helped bring it all to life! @netflix.

Documentary maker Stacey Dooley is emotional at the end of her new series Rape On Trial as she thinks it is too traumatic for women to get a conviction – or even get to court

Stacey Dooley breaks down in tears in her new BBC documentary about rape – saying the legal system “is not serving those it is suppose to protect”.

The TV presenter, 38, becomes emotional after following three women over more than three years who all make allegations of rape and face a long wait to go to court before being aggressively cross examined in court. Several of the girls are then shown breaking down in tears after being told the jury had found the accused men not guilty in all three cases. Stacey then talks of her frustration for the girls involved. Speaking to one of them called Jessie, Stacey says: “I really feel the system is so flawed. It’s 2025, the UK, like this is the best we can do for these girls? Is it difficult not to think, should I have ever put myself through this?” Speaking to camera at the end of the two part documentary, Stacey then adds: “Of course I am going to stand here and say, you know, it all feels just massively unfair. And of course you could argue that I’m slightly biased, because I accept that I have built up a rapport with these girls, and I’m fond of these girls.

“I’ve spent three years with these women. I have seen them at their lowest. I have seen them in despair, but I have seen them when they’ve dared to have a bit of hope, and then I’ve seen it all come crashing down. I’ve seen every single emotion play out over and over again. But it’s really important to have these kinds of conversations, because then we can ask ourselves if we are happy collectively as a society, in terms of how we’re treating these women through the system that currently exists. I just feel like we need to look at alternatives to the system that’s currently in place. It doesn’t feel like it’s serving those, you know, the very people they’re supposed to protect.”

Stacey’s new series of doc is thought proking and likely to prompt a discussion about the UK court system ( 
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BBC/Minnow Films/Colin Hutton)
Stacey’s comments in the documentary follow on from her making headlines earlier today/yesterday as she admitted she would not feel confident to go to the police if she was raped.

She told Radio Times: “If somebody raped me, I don’t think I would go to the police, which is so bleak and such a disappointing realisation…But in terms of what I’ve witnessed, I wouldn’t feel confident.”

Less than 2% of reported sexual assaults result in conviction, though this increases to over 50% for cases that proceed to trial.

Amongst the girls featured on the BBC documentary are 23-year-old Jessie who reported being raped by an ex-boyfriend, 19-year-old Emma who says she has been orally raped by a fellow college student, and 22-year-old Becca who reported being raped by someone she was dating, having had consensual sex earlier that evening. They have all waived their legal right to anonymity, as they fight to have their voices heard during filming in a justice system under immense strain.

Becca even wrote a letter to the judge pleading for action when the court case was delayed time and time again. She said: “It will be the hardest thing I’ll ever have to do, and it’s only being made more difficult by a system that was built to protect victims. So, I will leave you with a plea. Help us. Help the people who were brave enough to come forward. Help the people who have waited long enough.

Becca also says before her case she received guidance on how to present herself as credibly as possible even down to what she should wear. Becca tells Stacey “And it’s been really drummed into me, not even covertly, it’s literally been if you don’t act a certain way they will think a certain way about you”.
Stacey hears that Becca received advice to abstain from attending the rest of the court proceedings after her testimony, cautioning that projecting too much confidence might adversely affect her case’s outcome. Stacey is shocked and said: “The idea you have to play a certain role to be taken seriously or to be believed, that just feels so wildly outdated to me”

Prince William headed to the West Midlands today to join a refereeing course at Sporting Khalsa FC in Willenhall – and he was given a rapturous welcome by a group of schoolchildren

Prince William joked he had “broken the record for the most amount of high fives in 10 minutes” after being mobbed by school kids.

The Prince of Wales headed to the West Midlands today to have a go at refereeing at a training course at Sporting Khalsa FC in Willenhall. The course, which has been running since July 2023 and combines practical and theory training, is part of the Football Association’s Reflective and Representative campaign – which aims to recruit 1,000 people from black, Asian and mixed heritage backgrounds into refereeing roles

But before making it inside the football ground, William was welcomed by hundreds of schoolchildren and locals who had gathered to meet him.

William high fives pupils from Fibbersley Park Primary Academy ( 
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PA)
He said: “Hello, it’s nice to see you all,” as he posed for selfies, gave hugs and high fives and chatted with pupils from the nearby Fibbersley Park Academy who had made posters and flags and chanted his name. Aston Villa supporter William seemed particularly impressed by a poster made by a pupil which referenced his team, which read: “Aston Villa is the best” and gave a thumbs up, while another read: “Hello Prince William, I hope you are a good ref, good luck.”

Inside the grounds, the prince joined a refereeing theory lesson, spoke to course trainers and learned about fouls, whistle tones and flag signalling. He also met professional referee and lieutenant in the British Army, Levi Gray, to hear about her career journey.

Speaking after meeting the prince, she said: “It was brilliant, I am so pleased I could be here and that he could come down and support an event like this.

William took part in a refereeing course ( 
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PA)

Wills blows the whistle as he refs a mini football game ( 
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PA)
“We spoke about women in football, which I think is definitely growing, and how different the women’s game is to the men’s in terms of it being a bit more of a family event and a bit more supportive, and spoke about diversity events like this and how important it is that you can see it and believe it.

“We want to be able to see people who are watching football at home or on the sidelines and think ‘that could be me’. Without events like this where you build representation, that won’t happen.”

Lt Gray said she got into refereeing because there were not many football teams for girls when she was growing up. She added: “I refereed before I joined the Army, I am in the Infantry and there aren’t many women in the Infantry either. With football, I was used to dealing with 22 men on a pitch, so in the Army, I thought I could deal with a team of 30, so I think it has helped me with my own career.

“I got into it because I love football and when I was growing up, girl’s teams weren’t as big where I lived so I couldn’t play, so instead I thought I would do refereeing and I’ve never stopped since.”

 

Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have both been found dead in their home in the Santa Fe Summit

Gene Hackman’s daughter Leslie has broken her silence following her father’s mysterious death.

The legendary Hollywood actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their home in New Mexico on Wednesday, February 26. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the tragic news, revealing that just after midnight the couple and their dog had died

The police said it is currently an active investigation but they do not believe that foul play was a factor at this time. They added two other surviving dogs were found at the property. While the investigation is still ongoing, some of his family believe carbon monoxide poisoning could be the cause of their deaths.

Gene’s daughter has confirmed that he was in good health before his death ( 
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Getty Images)

Gene and his wife Betsy were found deceased and decomposing in their home ( 
Image:
NY Daily News via Getty Images)

A statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff in New Mexico said there is an “active investigation” was underway: “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail. This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”

Gene’s daughter, Leslie, 58, has now broken her silence on his sad death. Leslie said that the family are still processing what happened, before making the harrowing admission that “there was no indication that there was any problem” with her father prior to his death.

“Despite his age, he was in very good physical condition,” she told Mail Online before adding that her father did not have any major surgeries these last few months. “He liked to do Pilates and yoga, and he was continuing to do that several times a week. So he was in good health.”

Lesie added that because she lives in California, it had been a ‘few months’ since she had last seen or heard from her father, who had become reclusive in the latter years of his wife. Gene lived a quiet and private life with his wife Betsy, 64. “We were close. I hadn’t talked to them for a couple months, but everything was normal and everything was good,” Leslie shared.

Gene and his wife Betsy were found partially-mummified at the couple’s mansion, with pills strewn in their bathroom, reports have claimed. An arrest warrant has revealed that Arakawa, 64, was found decomposed with bloating on her face and mummification in her hands and feet. The warrant, obtained by Mail Online, also saw that Sheriffs said Hollywood actor Hackman also had the same signs of decomposition as his wife.

Gene and Betsy lived as recluses in recent years ( 
Image:
Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

The couple had been married for 24 years ( 
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Getty ImagesTwo maintenance workers, Roland Lowe Begay and Jesse Kesler, arrived at a sprawling Santa Fe estate on Wednesday afternoon, only to stumble upon a grim discovery – the lifeless bodies of Arakawa and her husband, a former Hollywood actor. The time was 1:46 p.m. Mountain Time.

Authorities did not publicly confirm the couple’s identities for nearly 12 hours. Newly released details about the scene may shed light on why the information was initially withheld.

According to Begay and Kesler, neither of them had seen the pair in approximately two weeks. Evidence suggests they had been deceased for some time before being found.

Arakawa was located on the bathroom floor, near an open prescription bottle with pills scattered across the counter. Officials have yet to specify what type of medication was present or whether it belonged to Arakawa or her husband.

A space heater was positioned close to her head, and investigators are considering whether it may have fallen. Meanwhile, Hackman’s body was discovered in a mudroom near the kitchen, as detailed in the search warrant.

The Oscar-winning Superman actor was found fully dressed, with his sunglasses lying beside him – a detail that hints he may have collapsed unexpectedly. Emergency responders, including firefighters, were dispatched to the residence, but no evidence of a gas leak was detected.

Earlier on Thursday, Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth, speculated that carbon monoxide poisoning could have been responsible for the deaths of her father and stepmother.

The Hollywood icon has died at the age of 95 ( 
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Getty Images)

Tributes have poured in for Gene and Betsy ( 
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AP)
One of their three dogs, a German Shepherd, was discovered lifeless inside a closet near the bathroom, approximately 10 to 15 feet from Betsy’s body. Initial reports mistakenly stated that the dog had died inside a kennel. The couple’s other two dogs were unharmed.

One of the surviving dogs was found near Betsy’s remains, while the other was seen wandering around the property. Investigators noted that the front door was ajar, but there were no indications of forced entry. The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department has ruled out foul play at this stage, though the case remains under investigation.

The 95-year-old actor had a career that spanned over six decades, with the star receiving two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Awards, four Golden Globes, a SAG Award as well as the Silver Bear.

In his later years, Hackman lived a reclusive life – choosing to hide from the spotlight with wife Betsy and their beloved German Shepherd dogs. The actor was snapped outside a 7-Eleven store looking frail, carrying a coffee and an apple pie

James Jordan has shared his thoughts on how Dancing on Ice could be saved, suggesting the show needs a shake-up to maintain its appeal.

James Jordan has shared his thoughts on how Dancing on Ice could be saved after rumours that the show might not return next year. The former professional dancer, who has a wealth of experience in reality TV, believes the judging panel could benefit from a shake-up to bring new energy to the show.

In an exclusive interview with The Mirror with SkyVegas James said: “They might want to shake up the judging panel. The show needs someone who isn’t afraid to, not necessarily be controversial, but not afraid to tell people the truth.”

He pointed out that when all the judges score 10s, it can leave viewers wondering if the marks are truly deserved. “Right now, when everyone’s scoring 10s, you find yourself wondering, ‘Was that really a 10?’ A judge willing to give an eight and love the boos would add balance,” James said.

James Jordan has shared his thoughts on how Dancing on Ice could be saved, suggesting the show needs a shake-up to maintain its appeal ( 
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ITV)
While James praised the current panel individually, he feels the show is missing a certain spark. “I love the current panel individually, but when Jason Gardiner was there, he was the one you really wanted to impress – just like Craig [Revel Horwood] on Strictly. If you won Craig over, you knew you had the rest.” James believes Dancing on Ice needs a “panto villain” type of judge, someone who could stir up drama and controversy, giving the show an added excitement. “Dancing on Ice is missing that kind of ‘panto villain’ judge, and a bit of controversy could give it an extra spark,” he added

By introducing a judge who isn’t afraid to challenge contestants, Dancing on Ice could regain its edge and keep audiences hooked, according to James. The 2025 ‘judges’ line-up consisted of Oti Mabuse, Ashley Banjo, Jayne Torvill, and Christopher Dean. Following Sunday night’s finale, which concluded the show’s 17th series, Oti sparked suspicion that the ITV show could be coming to an end with a cryptic ‘final’ post.”

Low ratings have plagued the program, which once attracted over 12 million fans, sparking speculation about its imminent end. While the cast hasn’t commented on these whispers, judge Oti’s recent Instagram homage to the series has certainly raised eyebrows. The professional dancer, who graced the judging panel in 2022, posted an array of snaps showcasing her stunning series wardrobe.

“The BIG FINAL is here! Four years of Dancing on Ice – what an incredible journey! From jaw-dropping performances to unforgettable moments, I love every single second of being part of this magical show,” Oti expressed in the caption, reports the Express. “A massive THANK YOU to the entire team, my fellow judges, the pro skaters, and of course, the brave celebrities who have given their all on the ice. And to YOU, the amazing viewers – your support means everything!” Excitedly, Oti signed off: “Tonight, we crown our champion… Who’s ready for a spectacular show? Let’s gooo!”

Low ratings have plagued the program, which once attracted over 12 million fans, sparking speculation about its imminent end
Dancing on Ice devotees have picked up on the post’s “wording,” sparking chatter across X (formerly known as Twitter) and speculation that the beloved show might be taking its final bow. “Oti’s post makes it sound like this is the final series which can’t say I’m that surprised low viewership and the cost of the show probably been the deal breaker #dancingonice we wait and see of course maybe one final all star series,” speculated one viewer.

Another fan seemed certain of the show’s fate, saying, “#DancingonIce is defo stopping… I can just tell by the wording of Oti’s post,” while another chimed in, hoping for the end: “I hope it’s the last #DancingonIce tonight, it’s time to put it to rest now.”

A source confided to The Mirror about the show’s uncertain future: “There are very real fears this is the end of the road for Dancing on Ice. It’s had a good run for nearly 20 years and has a very loyal set of viewers who really love it but the sad truth is there’s just not enough of them. We need bums on seats but the ratings have dropped to a point where it’s difficult to justify the cost.”

The Duchess’s father, Thomas Markle, recently issued brutal criticism of her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. But she has risen above it with a telling post shared on Instagram

Meghan Markle has faced a great deal of criticism following the release of her Netflix lifestyle series – including some harsh words from her estranged father. But she has remained defiant in the wake of Thomas Markle’s review, taking to Instagram to issue a telling message.

Thomas, who is no longer in contact with his daughter, recently shared his critique of With Love, Meghan with the Mail, saying: “Unfortunately Meghan has never been authentic. She has to think about everything. She’s not spontaneous.”

He continued: “Everything she says is pre-planned and rehearsed. It makes me laugh because I know all her looks and expressions. I know when she’s faking it for the cameras. She’s trying so hard to be perfect that she tenses up every time the camera is on her.”

His brutal assessment was one of several disparaging reviews for the eight-part series, but Meghan has risen above the negativity. Taking to her Instagram stories, she posted videos made by her viewers as they followed the recipes shown in the show.

Meghan wrote: “Love seeing how inspired you are by With Love, Meghan. Keep up the beautiful work!” The first season of With Love, Meghan dropped on Netflix on Tuesday last week.

And on Friday, the streaming service revealed that – despite being panned by critics – the show has already been renewed for a second season. It was further confirmed that episodes for the follow-up series have already been taped, and will be available to watch later this year.

Netflix announced the news via its TuDum website, saying, “Don’t put away your flower sprinkles just yet—With Love, Meghan will be back for Season 2.” Tellingly, the announcement added, “And now, there’s more joy to be shared as With Love, Meghan returns later this fall. The second season has completed filming.”

It means that Netflix planned to release a second season of the show whether it performed well both in terms of critical response and streaming consumption. The show has been widely slammed by TV fans who have branded it “bland” and it has been panned by critics.

The season two announcement added: “For those looking to try some of Meghan and her guests’ favorite recipes and crafts at home, check out our collection of some of the show’s how-tos. Plus, now you can use products personally developed by Meghan for her lifestyle brand, As ever. Launching this spring, it showcases a collection of items like the aforementioned flower sprinkles, teas, and baking mixes that will change seasonally.”

And Meghan herself has promoted the new season via her Instagram page. Posing in a cap with the words “Lettuce, romaine, calm,” written across the front and “With Love, Meghan, Season 2” on the back. She added a caption stating: “Lettuce remain calm… or not(!) because I’m thrilled to share that Season 2 of With Love, Meghan is coming!”