Author: bang5

The tattooed hunk has ditched his bad boy image and is using his platform to rescue dogs

FROM breaking hearts on Towie to shaking his hips in hot pink lycra on Strictly Come Dancing – Pete Wicks’ reinvention has been a rollercoaster ride.

He’s now set to become a tattooed Paul O’Grady-type presenter in a show that could rival Alison Hammond’s For the Love of Dogs.

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Strictly’s Pete Wicks has turned around his reputation and financial woesCredit: E4

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Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake kicks off on January 7 on U&WCredit: UKTV
The 37-year-old’s new four-parter, Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake, follows him volunteering at Dogs Trust rehoming centres.

As a dedicated dog dad to two French rescue bulldogs – Eric and Peggy – animal lover Pete will host the UKTV show via his own production company as he uses fame as a platform to campaign for animal rights.

It comes after he turned around his image in recent years following the closure of two companies with £1million worth of debt.

His personal firm PW Promotions Ltd went bust in February 2023 in £100k of debt, much of this owed to HMRC and the bank.

Pete was also a director and co-founder of the clothing firm Happy Brands along with his The Only Way Is Essex co-star Jake Hall, which accumulated losses of £796,258 since its inception seven years ago.

However, his luck has turned around in recent years since his surprise bromance with Sam Thompson.

The posh and excitable Made in Chelsea star winding up “glass half empty” Essex boy Pete with pranks proved popular – and has propelled them to stardom online.

In March 2024, the unlikely best pals started up a production company called Staying Relevant – the same name as their self-deprecating weekly podcast, which focuses on their quest for fame and fortune.

Despite never watching the BBC dance show ever before, Pete signed up for Strictly to please his friends and management.

It turned out to be the perfect opportunity to show off “the real him” – banishing his bad boy image from cheating on ex Megan McKenna once and for all.
Watch the adorable moment Pete Wicks tells best pal Sam Thompson he’s doing Strictly Come Dancing
After reaching the semi-finals, Pete’s fanbase widened outside of reality  TV obsessives and he’s now using his soaring popularity to continue his mission to ban puppy farms.

He pitched For Dogs’ Sake through Staying Relevant and wrote the scripts for the series himself.

Launching tonight, the star will be seen wearing PPE to sit in on canine operations and winning trust with abused strays.

Pete told The Times: “At a party, when there’s an animal there, I’ll be the one sitting in the corner with the dog. I talk to my dogs as if they understand what I’m saying — I believe they do.

“I’ve never met a bad dog. I prefer dogs to people. I feel more comfortable and safe and myself around animals.”

But he adds: “A lot of people have messaged me saying they had an opinion of me before Strictly, and then they actually appreciated what they saw in the show, which is lovely.”

Jeremy Clarkson has gone on a furious rant against cancel culture as he defended under-fire stars Gino D’Acampo, Wynne Evans, and Gregg Wallace.

Italian TV chef Gino, 48, known for his cheeky on-screen persona, is now at the centre allegations from dozens of people who describe his alleged conduct over the past 12 years as ‘distressing,’ ‘unacceptable,’ and even ‘horrendous’.

Meanwhile, disgraced TV presenter Gregg has been accused of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by several women he has worked with and Wynne Evans is facing backlash for a vile comment he made towards Strictly star Janette Manrara.

Amid the controversy, the former Top Gear host, 64, made his feelings clear as he flocked to the defence of the three stars, claiming they hadn’t done anything ‘illegal’.

Writing in The Sun, he argued: ‘None of them is accused of doing something illegal. They just said something or did something which someone found offensive.

‘And that’s that. It doesn’t even have to be a current misdemeanour. It’s getting to the point where, soon, only Monty Don will be left.’

Jeremy Clarkson issued a furious rant against cancel culture on Saturday as he defended under fire stars Gino D’Acampo, Wynne Evans and Gregg Wallace

The former Top Gear host, 64, let people know his take on the trio being ‘cancelled’ in his latest column for The Sun (Gino pictured)

He claimed that the TV stars have been left out ‘on the scrapheap’ with no chance for a ‘trial’ or to ‘mount a defence’.

‘That’s bad enough when you get fired from a job stacking shelves, but when you have a household face and you are catapulted into oblivion it’s a very different kettle of fish,’ he added.

Gino has ‘firmly denied’ the allegations made against him, saying they were ‘simply not in my nature’ and describing them as ‘deeply upsetting’.

Two episodes of Gino’s Italy: Secrets of the South, were due to be shown on ITVBe between 6pm and 7pm on Sunday, but were replaced by an episode of Abbey Clancy: Celebrity Homes amid the controversy.

ITV also dropped Family Fortunes, hosted by Gino, and replaced it with Wheel of Fortune with Graham Norton on ITV2 last week and again at the same time on Monday evening.

Sources told MailOnline that ITV began to ease out Gino in the wake of the scandal that engulfed the BBC over MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace.

Disgraced TV presenter Gregg has been accused of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by several women he has worked with, including a Celebrity MasterChef contestant.

The MasterChef judge, 60, has strenuously denied the allegations against him, which include making inappropriate s3xually suggestive comments to female co-workers.

In a statement via his legal team at the time, they said: ‘It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a s3xually harassing nature.’

Amid the controversy, the former Top Gear host, 64, made his feelings clear as he flocked to the defence of the three stars, claiming they hadn’t done anything ‘illegal’

Disgraced TV presenter Gregg has been accused of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by several women he has worked with, including a Celebrity MasterChef contestant

Meanwhile, Wynne Evans is under fire for a vile comment he made towards Strictly star Janette Manrara

Meanwhile, Wynne Evans was recorded crudely suggesting a three-way s3x session with presenter Janette, using the hugely demeaning term ‘spit roast’. Janette did not make a complaint against the singer.

Wynne agreed with the BBC to step away from the Strictly live tour and any other work commitments to ‘take some time out’ as the inappropriate jibe looks set to sink his entire career.

Now, the Go Compare star is reportedly planning to ‘take the BBC to a tribunal’ over his ‘unfair treatment’ after he left the Strictly tour.

It has been claimed the s3xual remark didn’t come as a surprise to those in his circle as the comment was ‘known to many of the professionals and  celebrities taking part in the tour’.

According to The Sun, the phrase was ‘widely remarked on and laughed at during the tour and became something that was regularly bandied about’, before Wynne was caught.

Friends of the Welsh opera singer told the publication that Wynne is ‘incredibly upset’ no one jumped to defend him publicly in light of the ‘long-running joke’.

A friend told The Sun: ‘Wynne loves to fill silences. He is a funny person by nature and when you are with him he will crack jokes left, right and centre.

‘Some are on the knuckle but it’s nothing worse than anything any 50-something-year-old bloke would say.

MailOnline contacted Wynne’s representatives and the BBC for comment at the time.

Now, the Go Compare star is reportedly planning to ‘take the BBC to a tribunal’ over his ‘unfair treatment’ after he left the Strictly Come Dancing live tour

Jeremy isn’t the only  celebrity who has come out in support of the stars, particularly Gino.

John Barowman has claimed TV producers would have encouraged some of Gino’s antics by ‘s3xualising’ the way he appeared on shows.

The actor, 57, said certain television segments – such as when Gino cooked naked apart from an apron on This Morning in 2011 – were likely suggested by producers and likely sparked other behaviour now deemed inappropriate.

John, who has struggled to get work in the industry after allegations of s3xual harassment dating back to as early as 2008 surfaced, revealed he has not got any work in the pipeline due to the ‘false allegations’ against himself.

He told The Mirror: ‘No, you won’t see me. Nothing lies ahead for me because of all the c**p that was said about me, which is not true.

‘It’s the same with Gino D’Acampo at the moment, which is unfortunate because they’re the ones who – the TV shows, and I use this as example – like the one where he’s on the TV show and he’s standing there cooking in an apron but he’s naked.

‘Now he didn’t decide to do that. Production asked him to do it. So they’re s3xualising him in the same way as when I was on camera, and they would do something like, “You gotten be naked. You’ve got to do this”.

John went on to suggest it is hypocritical of producers to encourage this atmosphere of ‘having a laugh’ and then claiming they were not on board with it later down the line.

And Jeremy isn’t the only one to come out in support of the stars, particularly Gino – who has been hit by ‘over 40’ allegations

John Barowman has claimed that TV producers would have encouraged some of Gino’s antics by ‘s3xualising’ the way he appeared on shows

He added: ‘Once that all dies out maybe [I will be back on TV].’

Presenter Richard Osman also waded in on the scandal surrounding the Italian TV chef, insisting people only lose their jobs when there is a ‘pattern of behaviours’.

Speaking on his podcast The Rest Is Entertainment, Richard said: ‘People do not lose their job because they said a couple of things a couple of times.

‘It’s a pattern of behaviours, it’s upset a number of people over a number of years.

‘There has to be a whole series of things that happen it has to go on long enough and for it to be tiresome enough.’

Gino has been rocked by ‘over 40’ allegations of s3xually inappropriate and intimidating behaviour over a 12-year period – claims which he denies.

One woman has claimed that her 2018 complaints about Gino were not acted upon by ITV, while This Morning staff allegedly raised concerns about him a decade ago.

Now, it has been reported that ITV are under ‘increasing pressure’ to explain Gino’s actions and why further action wasn’t taken against him, according to The Sun.

One woman has claimed that her 2018 complaints about Gino were not acted upon by ITV, while This Morning staff allegedly raised concerns about him a decade ago

In response, ITV told MailOnline that ‘where a complaint is made to ITV or serious concerns raised, we will look into it, and if we find that something inappropriate has happened, we will take action’.

Those complaining about of Gino’s alleged behaviour have accused ITV and other production companies of ‘furiously protecting’ the presenter for fear of losing financial investment.

A previous statement by ITV said: ‘All of the concerns and complaints raised by those who have spoken to ITN [the producer of ITV News] describe behaviour which is inappropriate and unacceptable.

‘Most were not reported to ITV at the time. Where issues have been raised with ITV action has been taken.’

Hollywood star Gene Hackman has died aged 95 after being found dead with his wife Betsy, 63, and their dog in their reclusive Santa Fe home on the Old Sunset Trail

Academy Award winner Gene Hackman has been found dead at the age of 95 with his wife Betsy, 63, and their dog in their Santa Fe home.

The Hollywood legend, who is best known for his Oscar-winning roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven, was confirmed to have died at his New Mexico home by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.

“On February 26, 2025 at approximately 1:45 p.m., Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park where Gene Hackman, 95 and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64 and a dog were found deceased,” they said in a statement.

“Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time however exact cause of death has not been determined. This is an active and ongoing investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.”

Gene Hackman’s property in Santa Fe, where the actor and his wife Betsy were found dead ( 
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BACKGRID)

Read updates on the tragic death of Gene Hackman and wife Besty Arakwa in the Mirror’s live blog HERE.

Gene had previously opened up about his scenic Santa Fe home in an interview with Architectural Digest back in 1990, having remodelled his house on twelve acres of hilltop land with a 360-degree view.

The 1950s block building was renovated for Gene and his wife Betsy into a “part pueblo, part colonial New Mexico, part Spanish Baroque” property.

“It had a kind of magic in it,” Gene said in the interview. “It’s totally different from my other houses. The Montecito house was very formal.”

Gene had lived in a number of impressive properties throughout his life, including a home in Montecito located on 25 acres of land. “We spent a year and a half on it and it gives me a great deal of pleasure,” he told Architectural Digest in 1982 of the home he shared with ex-wife Faye Maltese. “Continuing pleasure, you might say, because we are always working on it.”

Gene Hackman is best known for his roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

Gene Hackman was last seen in March 2024 as he went on a coffee run ( 
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Backgrid)
Over the course of his six decade career, Gene took home two Oscars, two BAFTAs and four Golden Globe Awards for his roles in highly-acclaimed films The French Connection and Unforgiven.

Speaking to GQ in 2011, Gene shared that he doesn’t keep many of his awards around the house. He told the publication: “There isn’t any movie stuff except a poster downstairs next to the pool table of Errol Flynn from Dawn Patrol . I’m not a sentimental guy.”

Gene was last seen in March 2024 with his wife Betty in Santa Fe, leaving a 7-Eleven in a pair of cargo pants with a coffee in one hand and an apple pie in another. Earlier in the month, he had been spotted on a solo outing near his luxury home as he worked in his garden.

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Probe into the presenter is ongoing following dozens of complaints from women who worked on his telly shows

Gregg Wallace says he trusts his conscience as telly bosses continue to probe allegations of his misconduct.

The MasterChef host has been taken off air while the investigation continues. Thirteen women have accused him of sexually inappropriate behaviour over the space of 17 years. Presenter Gregg wrote on Instagram: “One voice you can trust is your conscience. What’s it telling you to do?” He accompanied the 5am message with a photo of the hallway of his dog in the Kent countryside. The fallen star also wrote about not being perfect and revealed how mistakes are part of life’s journey. On a blog for his diet and fitness firm, the sidelined host spoke about the trials and tribulations life can throw up.

Gregg has faced numerous allegations of misconduct from women who worked on his telly shows with him

Gregg’s Instagram post about trusting his conscience

In a motivational piece to his £12-a-month members, the personality said: “Don’t worry ever and I mean this about slipping up! Mistakes are never the end of your journey. See them for what they really are, they are simply slip ups you are only human. If you learn a lesson from them that is a major step forward.”

And he penned: “What is perfection anyway? No such thing right? We should all of us be trying to improve our lives bit by bit.”

He is facing allegations from 13 people across shows over 17 years, with MasterChef producers Banijay UK overseeing an investigation into his behaviour. Wallace has largely stayed quiet on social media after issuing an apology for branding his accusers “middle-class women of a certain age” in a video rant. He later ate humble pie, saying: “I want to apologise for any offence caused… and any upset I may have caused.” He added: “It’s obvious to me I need to take some time out now, while this investigation is under way.”

Household names such as Newsnight’s Kirsty Wark and property expert Kirstie Alsopp have called out his past behaviour.

Gregg and John Torode fronted MasterChef together for almost 20 years before his axing ( 
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BBC/Shine TV)Earlier this month it was reported a top legal firm had been hired to help with the investigation. A series of women are set to be interviewed by law firm Lewis Silkin after they were brought in by the show’s production company.

Wallace was accused of making “inappropriate sexual jokes”, asking for the number of female production team members and getting undressed “too close” to women on the show. He also also been accused of ‘groping’ three women in separate incidents.

In November the BBC said Wallace would step away from the show amid an external review into historical allegations of misconduct. Lawyers for Wallace have said it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.

Reports claim the investigation will reach a conclusion shortly. Since his TV departure Gregg has been spending time with his family and focusing on his business, Gregg Wallace Health.

Food critic Grace Dent, 51, is replacing him on MasterChef. She will front the upcoming 20th series of Celebrity MasterChef alongside John Torode. She said: “I’m so excited that I can’t eat, which is severely detrimental to a restaurant critic.”

Following a string of allegations regarding Gino D’Acampo’s alleged behaviour, TV staff have told how they fear repercussions after speaking out

TV staff who alleged inappropriate behaviour by Gino D’Acampo are scared they could lose their jobs.

This month an ITV News team reported dozens of former staff had made claims about working with the chef, 48, on ITV’s This Morning and Gordon, Gino and Fred’s Road Trip. Reporter Sejal Karia and senior producer Liz Little said more have now complained of alleged “aggressive and abusive” actions by the Italian.

Ms Karia said: “We have had more people come to us with alleged behaviour they say they witnessed and experienced, so the investigation and corroboration continues.” Ms Little added: “This is a very difficult story to tell. The people who contacted us previously and are contacting us now, are scared. They’re scared of putting their salaries at risk.”

Former staff branded D’Acampo’s behaviour over a 12-year period as “unacceptable, distressing and horrendous”. His shows Gino’s Italy: Secrets of the South and Family Fortunes have been pulled by ITV. He “vehemently denies” the claims, branding them “deeply upsetting”.

Gino D’Acampo has been accused of inappropriate behaviour ( 
Image:
LightRocket via Getty Images)

Senior producer Liz Little claims staff fear they could lose their jobs

In a statement, Mr D’campo said: “I have been told by ITN news that allegations have been made about me acting inappropriately, some dating back over ten years ago. I have never been made aware of these matters previously and the allegations are firmly denied. I would not do anything that I thought would upset or distress anyone. This is simply not in my nature. I do not recognise the version of events being put to me.

” Not only have these allegations never been raised with me before, I have been repeatedly supported by executives at the highest level and was commissioned on prime-time programmes during the period in which it is now suggested I was acting inappropriately.

“I am a father, husband and have worked with well over 1,500 people on around 80 productions in my career, which I have been so proud of. I take such matters extremely seriously and the suggestion that I have acted in an improper way against is deeply upsetting.”

Ms Karia and Ms Little said they were told he was spoken to and sent on a behavioural course – something he denies. They added one production firm is reviewing its time with him. The pair said they hope their findings can change the TV industry.

On the What You Need To Know podcast, Ms Karia referred to claims of bad behaviour against Gregg Wallace and Phillip Schofield, which they deny. She said: “It’s a time when the TV industry is examining itself and saying has it done enough in protecting junior members of staff?”

Former Mastermind winner Chris Hughes – best known for his role on the quiz show Eggheads – passed away recently, it was announced in a statement earlier this afternoon

The late quizzer Chris Hughes’ final appearance on Eggheads has resurfaced following the news of his death.

It was announced this afternoon that Chris has passed away, aged 77. The news was shared by the Channel 5 show in a statement on social media earlier and the post has since prompted tributes to the former Mastermind winner.

Chris is best known for having appeared on long-running quiz show Eggheads for two decades. He was part of the eponymous group, who took on a rival team each episode, alongside the likes of Judith Keppel and Kevin Ashman.

It is understood that his final TV appearance on the show was in an episode that aired in April 2023, in which he competed beside his teammates Kevin, Steve Cooke and Lisa Thiel. The episode saw the Eggheads take on a celebrity team that was comprised of comedians Isy Suttie, Axel Blake, Geoff Norcott and Harriet Kemsley.

Footage from it has resurfaced this week and it shows him delivering the last correct answer for the Eggheads in the final round, which meant they won. As reported by the Sun, Chris hadn’t got a single question wrong during the episode.

The news of Chris’ death was announced by the show on X earlier. Alongside a photo of him, it released a statement on the platform that read: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Eggheads great Chris Hughes. Chris joined the show in 2003 and over the next 20 years gave us not only brilliant answers but very many laughs and happy memories. He will be hugely missed by all his Eggheads family.”

It’s been announced that quizzer Chris Hughes, pictured during what’s thought to be his final Eggheads appearance, has died, aged 77 ( 
Image:
Channel 5)
Chris had joined the show – which was originally broadcast by the BBC – more than two decades ago. He had featured on Egghead since it began on BBC One in 2003. He remained on the panel when the show moved to BBC Two in 2005 and then later when it relocated to Channel 5 in 2021.

During his decades-long career in quizzing, Chris won both Mastermind and International Mastermind in 1983, as well as radio quiz Brain of Britain in 2005. He also competed on the Weakest Link back in 2001 and, after being voted out by his rivals, the show’s host Anne Robinson told him: “You are the best contestant we have had on the Weakest Link.” Chris later returned for a special edition of the BBC quiz show.

Following the news of his death, fans have paid tribute to Chris in posts on social media. One person wrote: “Devastated by the news, our thoughts and prayers go out to all Chris’s family and friends, he was literally one in a billion.” Another said: “Condolences to his friends and family and the Eggheads community – he was always entertaining and will be missed by many.” Whilst a third reacted to the announcement of his passing: “Rest in peace Chris. Will go down as a giant of the quiz world.”

Actress Linda Robson has spoken out about her former co-star Pauline Quirke’s battle with dementia, saying she doesn’t think her friend remembers her anymore

Linda Robson has given a heart-wrenching update on her friend Pauline Quirke’s battle with dementia, revealing that the actress doesn’t speak much and no longer recognises her own grandchildren. Last month, Pauline’s husband Steve Sheen announced that she had been diagnosed with the illness in December 2021.

He stated that the 65-year-old actress had withdrawn from all professional and commercial activities, but her nationwide performing arts academy would continue to operate in line with her beliefs. Linda, who starred alongside Pauline and Lesley Joseph in the sitcom Birds of a Feather, has maintained contact with Pauline’s family since the diagnosis.

“I kept in touch with Steve the whole time over the last few years and Emily and Charlie too, those are her kids,” she shared with Love Sunday magazine. Linda, a Loose Women star, noted a significant change in her long-time friend, who she believes no longer remembers her.

“She doesn’t remember her grandchildren,” she said. “So, she’s not going to remember who I am even though we’ve been friends for 56 years. It really is sad.”

Despite finding it difficult to discuss her friend’s “terrible” illness, Linda expressed gratitude for the support shown towards Pauline. The actress is most recognised for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the sitcom Birds of a Feather, which aired for nearly three decades, reports Bristol Live.

Pauline (pictured left) starred in Birds of a Feather alongside Lesley Joseph (centre) and Linda Robson ( 
Image:
ITV)Over her 50-year career, she has appeared in over 60 TV and film productions, including The Sculptress, Broadchurch, Carrie’s War, North and South, Casualty, and ITV’s Emmerdale.

Dementia manifests differently in different people and comes in various forms. However, according to the NHS, there are some common early signs that may emerge before a dementia diagnosis.

Linda says Pauline doesn’t recognise her grandchildren anymore ( 
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PA)

These include difficulty concentrating, struggling with daily tasks, having trouble following conversations or finding the right words, confusion about time and place, and mood changes. The NHS website states: “These symptoms are often mild and may get worse only very gradually.”

It further explains, “It’s often termed ‘mild cognitive impairment’ (MCI) as the symptoms are not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia.”

The NHS also emphasises that dementia is not a natural part of ageing and advises seeking medical advice sooner rather than later if you’re concerned about memory issues or other symptoms.

Loose Women’s Denise Welch has shared more information on her recent hospital dash, revealing that she was made to wait for 24 hours in A&E despite being in agonising pain

Loose Women star Denise Welch has opened up about her recent trip to hospital, revealing that she was forced to wait 24 hours for a hospital bed.

Today’s show saw the Loose Women panel discuss the NHS Trust’s recent advert for a “corridor care” doctor as pressure on Accident and Emergency departments across the UK worsens.

The TV presenter and actress had just returned from holiday when she was rushed to hospital with acute peritonitis. Speaking on the show, she said: “I’m going to say this. I was in hospital a few weeks ago.

“I was rushed into hospital. I was alright but I was in A&E for 24 hours,” she added. “Now they were looking after me and there was no bed, they kept saying, ‘There’s no bed.’

Denise Welch opened up about her recent hospital dash on Loose Women ( 
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Getty Images)

“They wanted me on the surgical ward. [They said,] ‘There’s no bed, there’s no bed, there’s no bed.’ Somebody spotted me and phoned the press – and I was in a bed in 15 minutes.”

After a disappointed groan from the audience, host Charlene White added: “That’s not going to go down well.”

“We do have a statement from a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care,” Charlene continued. “‘It’s shocking that corridor care has become a feature of our NHS. We will deliver a from and investment through our plan for change so the NHS is there when we need it once again.’”

Denise announced that she had been rushed to hospital after returning from holiday earlier this month.

She told the Loose Women viewers that she had been rushed to hospital after suffering with acute peritonitis – an infection of the inner lining of the abdomen.

“I got back from a lovely holiday in the Caribbean last Saturday. All bronzed looking forward to coming on here and showing off my suntan. I got rushed into hospital on the Saturday with acute peritonitis – a perforated diverticulitis,” she said.

“I’ve been in hospital for a drip for a week! They didn’t have to do surgery, they got it with antibiotics thankfully. As my mother said, ‘Take me to the knacker’s yard!’”

She added that she’s recovering but still feeling the effects. She said: “I’m eating and believe you me, what’s going on down there, I’m a Loose Women – believe you me!”

Brenda Edwards emotionally opened up about losing her son Jamal on Loose Women, giving an insight into the ‘gloomy’ days after his passing

Brenda Edwards has opened up about the tough days she faced following her son Jamal’s tragic passing. The TV star spoke about her loss during Wednesday’s (26 February) instalment of Loose Women.

Brenda appeared on the panel alongside fellow stars Christine Lampard, Jane Moore and Coleen Nolan. The four women discussed moving home and the memories that properties hold, as they shared different reasons for deciding to move homes

Brenda spoke about the numerous times she’d moved, before opening up on her decision to swap to a new property with her daughter Tanisha following Jamal’s sudden death in February 2022.

Christine, Coleen, Brenda and Jane appeared on Wednesday’s Loose Women
Brenda revealed she’d moved a total of 13 times in her life, with nine of the occasions occurring after the age of 18. She openly discussed moving as a child after the deaths of her parents, as well as leaving the home she lived in for over two decades with her ex-husband.

The singer then spoke about moving home after Jamal’s passing, saying: “I made the decision to move from the other house, that we moved to after Jamal passed. It was a bright house, we all lived there together. But, when he passed, all of a sudden, the walls just seemed really dark. And I can’t explain that, it was just really gloomy.”

She went on to discuss her daughter Tanisha, adding: “Well, Tanisha as well. I was battling on with it and getting through it, I didn’t realise Tanisha was seeing Jamal come round ever corner. And that, I think, created a darkness.”

Brenda shared the news of Jamal’s death in February 2022. The entrepreneur, who was 31 years old at the time of his death, suffered from cardiac arrhythmia.

Brenda and son Jamal in 2021

In a heartfelt statement, Brenda expressed her sorrow: “It is with the deepest heartache that I confirm that my beautiful son Jamal Edwards passed away yesterday morning after a sudden illness. Myself, his sister Tanisha and the rest of his family and friends are completely devastated. He was the centre of our world.

“As we come to terms with his passing we ask for privacy to grieve this unimaginable loss. I would like to thank everyone for their messages of love and support. Jamal was an inspiration to myself and so many. Our love for him lives on, his legacy lives on. Long live Jamal Edwards MBE, MBA, PHD.”

Kyle Shaw, 37, appeared before a judge in Liverpool today after being accused of causing serious distress to the BBC star between 2017 and 2023

A man has pled guilty to stalking Strictly judge Shirley Ballas.

Kyle Shaw, 37, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to stalking Ballas, 64, between August 31 2017 and November 29 2023. He also admitted possession of a quantity of cannabis.

The defendant, of Whetstone Lane in Birkenhead, Wirral, was given conditional bail ahead of a sentencing hearing due to take place on April 1. Ballas, originally from Wallasey, Wirral, has been head judge on the BBC show since 2017.

Shaw had been given bail with conditions including not to enter London and not to contact Ballas or her partner. A provisional trial date had been set for January 12 next year, with the case expected to last five days. Judge Robert Trevor-Jones adjourned the case for a hearing today.

Kyle Shaw arriving at court today ( 
Image:
PA)

Shirley previously referred to her stalking hell ( 
Image:
PA Wire)

The Strictly Come Dancing judge referred to the alleged stalking on The Mirror’s Invite Only podcast, during which she admitted that it had left her fearful. She went on to explain that it has made her very “vigilant” and said: “I always have George, the guy who’s driven me for the last five years, get out of the car first, always scanning. I wouldn’t say it’s the healthiest thing. You know, I like to be kind of like a free bird, but we’re coming into times now where you have to be more vigilant of yourself. I am a very vigilant person. When I go out, I’m careful not to go alone.

During the chat, Shirley praised the BBC for the support and revealed the message she sends her mum every single time she’s out.

“You’re upping your level of alarms. And (now) I always tell my mum: ‘I’m here, I’ve arrived’. I wouldn’t bother normally but it’s become a thing that we do. I always like to say: ‘I’m safe, I’m in the right place, I’m where I should be.’ Thankfully the BBC’s duty of care towards me has been one thousand percent, they have been fantastic,” she said.