Author: bang5

  • Linda Robson snaps at Loose Women co-star ‘I don’t want to meet anyone’ during romance probe

    Linda Robson snaps at Loose Women co-star ‘I don’t want to meet anyone’ during romance probe

    ITV Loose Women star Linda Robson was adamant and also defiant that she definitely does “not want to meet anyone else” despite the encouragement from many of her co-stars to move on

    Loose Women talk turned awkward as Linda Robson snapped “I don’t want to meet anyone else” during a chat about the prospect of having a holiday romance.

    The Birds Of A Feather actress, 65, confirmed she had split from her husband Mark Dunford earlier this year after 34-years of marriage, stating that the pair “drifted apart” after their children fled the nest.

    On Thursday’s programme, the panel which included Kaye Adams, Denise Welch, Nadia Sawalha and Linda were chatting away about people being scammed as part of a holiday romance.

    Host, Kaye expressed, that it was rife at the moment with many people falling for the trickery con-artists pretending to have fallen head-over-heels.

    The gang were discussing how easy it would be to be led astray if feeling lonely, when Linda blurted: “I’ve never had a holiday romance, I’ve only ever had two partners.”

    Linda appeared on the Loose Women panel
    Linda was not happy about the romance talk 
    Image:
    ITV)“You don’t want one though do you,” added Denise as Linda shot back: “No, I don’t want one.” Shocked by her comments, Nadia chirped in, asking her: “Not even a kiss at the bar?”

    “No I kiss my grandchildren, that’ll do me,” retorted the ITV star. Her friend and former Corrie star Denise stepped in to defend her, saying: “The thing is I know you do not want a long-term partner,” but was interrupted by Linda who giggled: “You bought me a friend, didn’t you.”

    Loose Women panel on Thursday (August 29)
    Loose Women stars discuss holiday romance scammers 
    Image:
    ITV)
    “I bought you a little friend and she’s never had it out of the box,” declared Denise as the audience gasped and the panel laughed.

    Linda went on to discuss feeling isolated when her three children moved out of the family home as she went on to agree that she “would feel sympathetic” to people who were feeling lonely and got swept up in the idea of a romance that turned out not to be real.

    Denise continued with to probe Linda on the subject but was quickly shot down when Linda fired back, snapping: “I don’t want to meet anyone,” which also put a complete end to the conversation.

    Linda spoke about her love life on Loose Women
    Linda was adamant: “I don’t want to meet anyone else” 
    Image:
    ITV)It’s been a difficult few years for the television personality after she opened up recently on her battle with alcoholism and OCD, that left her wanting to take her own life, at one stage.

    The mum-of-three who shares two children with ex-husband Mark – Louis, 32, and Bobbie, 28 – admitted that she’d been left “guilt” ridden after her family needed to help her through “the worst time” of her life as she struggled to get sober.

    Linda who is now sober, confessed to OK! magazine that there was no drama between her and Mark, it was as simple as their lives were heading in different directions.

    She told the publication: “We drifted apart. People do, sometimes, don’t they? We never had that much in common. I’m very sociable. Mark never enjoyed that side of things.”

    Linda had nothing but nice things to say about her ex as she hailed him as a “wonderful dad” and even detailed being in a good place with regards to the split herself.

    The TV personality added: “I’ve been sad about it, of course I have. But we had two lovely children together. But they’re all grown up, living their own lives now. Now, it’s me and Dolly the dog. [But] I’m in a really good place. Work is good.”

  • Carol McGiffin so ‘scared’ of Loose Women pal she ‘doesn’t mention Harry and Meghan’

    Carol McGiffin so ‘scared’ of Loose Women pal she ‘doesn’t mention Harry and Meghan’

    Denise Welch previously slammed a Loose Women guest who criticised Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, leading to over 100 complaints to regulator Ofcom, which she branded “utterly ridiculous”.

    Former Loose Women star Carol McGiffin has revealed the reason she is “frightened” of fellow panellist Denise Welch.

    Carol and Denise have appeared alongside each other during two stints on the ITV show. The pair struck up a friendship during their time on the show, even jetting off on sunny breaks together.

    But Carol, who quit Loose Women last year, has revealed she is “frightened” of Denise’s “wrath” for speaking out about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

    She says it has been “a long time” since she wrote or spoke about Harry and Meghan. Writing in Best she explained: “First, I don’t really care enough to have a go at them.

    Denise Welch and Carol McGiffin
    Denise Welch and Carol McGiffin on holiday last year. 
    Image:
    Instagram/Denise Welch)

    “Second, because I’m aware talking about them gives them more relevance than they actually deserve. But lastly, I’m frightened of my friend Denise Welch whose wrath is cast upon anyone who dares criticise them.”

    In May, hundreds of people complained to Ofcom after Denise passionately defended the Duke and Duchess of Sussex after they were criticised by former royal press secretary Dickie Arbiter, 83. Denise branded the complaints “utterly pathetic” on Instagram.

    Denise, defending Meghan, wrote: “I am appalled that this woman is abused and berated by the public and media on a daily basis. Not many people could mentally cope with the hate she contends with.

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 
    Image:
    Samir Hussein/WireImage)
    “No wonder her husband took her away and despite everything they are thriving. Their reception in Nigeria has been wonderful to see.”

    During the Loose Women discussion, Dickie said: “[Prince] Harry has been rubbishing the family since he walked out in 2020.” He went on to mention the memoir Spare, released last year, and various TV interviews.

    Denise questioned: “Do you not think there is a reason why [he] did such a thing?” She mentioned moments in Harry’s life such as his mother Princess Diana’s death and the introduction of Queen Camilla into the family.

    She concluded by saying she was “just sick to death” of the “bashing” Meghan receives. She added: “It’s a disgrace, the way she’s treated.”

  • Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan ‘bereft’ after huge life change ‘made her feel unneeded’

    Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan ‘bereft’ after huge life change ‘made her feel unneeded’

    Loose Women star Coleen Nolan has opened up about her struggles with a painful a rite of passage that most parents go through – but very few really talk about

    Loose Women star Coleen Nolan has opened up about a huge life change that left her “bereft”.

    Alongside the births, deaths and marriages that we all face, there are other big life changes that aren’t so often talked about.

    And in a new interview, Coleen revealed how she copes with that phenomenon that every parent dreads – the empty nest.

    The 59-year-old told podcaster GK Barry how she had felt “bereft” when the last of her three children grew up and moved away from home. She also revealed that she has compensated for her empty nest by filling her home with animals.

    “I’ve got four dogs, six cats, some ducks, some chickens and some goats,” she confessed. She explained that she had two goats, before adding another three of which two are “tiny babies.”

    Coleen lives with a veritable menagerie of pets
    Coleen lives with a veritable menagerie of pets 
    Image:
    LORNA ROACH PHOTOGRAPHY)

    Coleen admitted that her menagerie has grown since her kids left home: “I think I’ve ended up getting more and more animals because my kids have all moved away.

    “I never thought that Empty Nest Syndrome was a thing, because when they were little, I was counting the days …I thought ‘They’re five, now not long!’

    “I was thinking that it would be great – you get your own life back – but honest to God it’s the worst feeling I’ve ever had – bereft.”

    Coleen, seen here with ex-husband Ray Fensome, has ''always loved animals.'
    Coleen, seen here with ex-husband Ray Fensome, has ”always loved animals.’ 
    Image:
    Getty Images)

    Coleen explains that while some of her kids have not gone far from home, there have definitely been some lonely moments over the past few years. She continued: “Shane’s only just moved out, he’s 35, and Kira lives in an annexe within the house and Jake lives in London.

    “But at one point they were all away. Kira went traveling this year for about six months, and then Shane wasn’t there and Jake lives in London …and remember you’re at that age when you’re going through the menopause – it’s literally like like nature and life are saying ‘You’re done now, you can die. There’s no need for you any more’.”

    Coleen first came to fame at the age of 15, as part of a band she formed with her sisters
    Coleen first came to fame at the age of 15, as part of a band she formed with her sisters 
    Image:
    Publicity Picture)

    Coleen shares two children with her first husband Shane Richie – Shane Nolan, 35, and Jake Roche, 31. Her daughter, 23-year-old Ciara Fensome, is shared with her second husband Ray Fensome.

    Coleen adds that one of her children pointed out to her that she’s filled her home with “surrogate children” in the shape of her vast collection of animals.

    She stresses that animals have always been a big part of her life: “I’m just animal crazy, I always was. All I wanted to do I was to be a vet when I was growing up and then I realised that actually animals don’t like vets and I thought ‘No, I want them to love me’.”

    But, she admits, there is a secret truth to the suggestion that she has filled her life with pets as her children have gone on to make lives of their own.

  • Loose Women stars supporting Ruth Langsford after Eamonn Holmes split on WhatsApp

    Loose Women stars supporting Ruth Langsford after Eamonn Holmes split on WhatsApp

    Coleen Nolan has revealed that the panel of Loose Women have been supporting co-star Ruth Langsford on WhatsApp since her split from Eamonn Holmes earlier this year

    Coleen Nolan has opened up about the support the Loose Women team have given to Ruth Langsford since her dramatic split with Eamonn Holmes earlier this year.

    After 14 years of marriage, the former This Morning presenters called time on their relationship, with reports alleging that Ruth had found messages between her husband and other women on his laptop.

    Since their split became public in May, Ruth took some time away from the Loose Women panel to deal with her marital issues, but made her return to the show on July 22.

    In an interview with Bella Magazine, close friend and fellow Loose Women panelist Coleen Nolan revealed how the team have been supported Ruth since her divorce. She said: “The Loose Women have supported me through two divorces so we are very contrary to what most people try and say about us, that we fight.

    “I’m closer to the women that I work with at the beginning of the week: Ruth, Janet Street-Porter, Brenda Edwards, Judi Love, sometimes Linda Robson, Christine Lampard.

    Coleen Nolan
    Coleen Nolan and her Loose Women co-stars are supporting Ruth Langsford 
    Image:
    Instagram/Coleen Nolan)

    “But we’ve got a WhatsApp group for all of us and when someone needs support, that group just lights up. We’re saying: ‘Here if you need me, or, Phone me.’”

    Coleen, who is now in a relationship with Michael Jones, played down her support for Ruth, saying it is only what her friend had done for her when Coleen split from previous husband, Shane Richie.

    Speaking about her support for Ruth, she said: “I support her like she supported me when my marriage was not in a good place. And Ruth was really supportive. That’s what friends do.”

    The show, that airs every week day between 12.30pm and 1.30pm has seen a number of panelists since it first hit tv screens on ITV 1 in 2000, but Ruth and Coleen have been mainstays of the show having appeared in some of the very first instalments of the show.

  • BBC Antiques Roadshow guest gobsmacked as item they’ve worn for 50 years is worth staggering amount

    BBC Antiques Roadshow guest gobsmacked as item they’ve worn for 50 years is worth staggering amount

    An Antiques Roadshow guest was left stunned after learning the true value of his Rolex X Tiffany watch during a recent episode of the popular PBS show – and he’s worn it every day

    A devoted watch enthusiast was left gobsmacked on Antiques Roadshow when he discovered the staggering value of his Rolex, which he had faithfully worn every day for 50 years. The guest appeared on the popular PBS programme with a cherished Rolex X Tiffany timepiece, a gift from his late uncle in 1975.

    Chatting with expert Peter Planes, he shared: “He purchased it at Tiffany’s New York … right before I was going to go to college, he noticed I wasn’t wearing a watch on my wrist so he took it off his wrist and gave it to me.”

    Despite the passage of time, the guest confessed: “I’ve never taken it off, I’ve worn it almost every day.”

    a fact underscored by a permanent tan line on his wrist captured by the camera, highlighting his attachment to the watch. Discussing its maintenance, he mentioned a visit to a Rolex dealer about “18 months to two years ago” but was deterred by the terms of a comprehensive service.


    The Rolex X Tiffany watch had been gifted to him in 1975 
    Image:
    (Image: PBS))

    He recounted: “The person at the jewellery store told me that if I did send it into Rolex to be serviced, they would remove the face, put a new face on the watch, and then keep the old face. And I didn’t want to do that, so I took it to a different watch repair shop.”

    His choice proved wise as Peter explained the importance of maintaining the watch’s original state, noting: “When Rolex generally restores a watch, they like to put new parts on them.”

    The guest on the watch show was in for a staggering surprise when the value of his treasured timepiece came to light. Delving into why replacement parts are scarce, the watch expert shared: “They don’t like their old parts around because people use the parts to make counterfeit watches with them, or they can take a real dial and put it on a fake watch.”

    It was during this discussion that the host dropped the bombshell about just how much the watch was worth.

    While the owner confessed his uncertainty, saying: “I have no idea.”

    He did recount varied valuations from Rolex stores over the years, saying: “I’ve taken it to various Rolex stores, from time to time, and I’ve heard everything from … in the early ’80s, $1,200, (£948) to people telling me well over $10,000 (£7,900).”

    Peter then pointed out that had the guest opted for Rolex’s suggested full service, including replacing the faded bezel and polishing, the piece would likely be valued between $10,000 to $12,000 (£9,480). But because the watch remained entirely original, its price had soared.

    “Collectors like things totally original. They want the original dial, even with the oxidation on it, even the faded bezel is very collectable,” said Peter, setting the stage for the astonishing evaluation: “Today, in the retail market, your watch is worth $50,000 (£39,500).”

    To say the guest was astounded would be an understatement, as the Express, reports, he responded in disbelief: “Oh, good grief. That’s, uh… that is absolutely stunning to me. I think the highest I ever heard was $30,000 (£23,700), which I thought was crazy and outrageous, but the fact that it’s worth $50,000 is startling to me.”

  • Christine McGuinness confirms ‘I’m dating’ as she gives rare love life insight

    Christine McGuinness confirms ‘I’m dating’ as she gives rare love life insight

    Masterchef star Christine McGuinness confirmed during an appearance on ITV’s Loose Women that she’s moved on from her TV star husband Paddy McGuinness following their marriage breakdown

    Christine McGuinness has confirmed “I am dating again” as she took to the stage on Loose Women.

    The MasterChef contestant, 36, was delving into her time on the BBC cooking competition on Tuesday’s ITV daytime show when talk turned to her love life and if she’d finally moved on after her marriage breakdown to funnyman Paddy McGuinness.

    She had been chatting about her inability to cook and that she’d hoped taking to the famous BBC kitchen could spur her to be more adventurous when it comes to food. It just so happened that talk averted from cooking to romance.

    Coleen said: “You seem to be really moving forward and really pushing yourself, do you think now that you’re in a place where you may be ready to start dating again?”

    Christine appeared on Loose Women
    Christine was all smiles as she spoke about her new romance

    Christine responded with a huge smile on her face: “I am dating,” as the audience and panel gasped. The former Miss Liverpool model added: “I am dating with terms and conditions that I am not cooking, that’s the number one rule, I’m not doing the cooking it’s not for me.”

    Paddy’s ex also opened up on the show about her struggles with food throughout her life because of her autism diagnosis and having suffered an eating disorder in the past.

    Christine in the kitchen on MasteChef
    Christine stepped out of her comfort zone appearing on MasterChef
    She confessed to the panel that she would often eat in her car away from people as that felt more comfortable.

    Speaking about how romantic dinners would now fit in with her life, she explained: “Yeah, I’m dating and it’s all a bit brand new and we spoke an awful lot before we had a first date and I was very open and said I don’t want to go to a restaurant and I don’t want to go on a dinner date.”

    Christine says "I am dating again," on Loose Women
    Christine has set boundaries with her new love interest

    The mum-of-three recalled a conversation with her new love interest: She told them: “‘I don’t know when I’m going to sit and eat with you’.” Christine went on to tell the panel that it was “exciting” as she shut down the conversation.

    Back in 2022, Christine and the Take Me Out star rocked the nation when they took to social media to announce they were parting ways after 11 years of marriage. The pair who share three children together – 10-year-old twins Penelope and Leo, and seven-year-old Felicity – shared a joint statement to confirm their marriage was over.

    Since then, Paddy and Christine have been living in the same house as they attempt to co-parent their brood without too much disruption, due to their autism diagnosis. The pair have since spoken about co-living has worked out.

    Due to their love for one another, it had been speculated and hoped that the married couple would rekindle and get back together, but given Christine’s declaration on Loose Women, it appears that won’t be the case.

    The model turned reality star didn’t say too much about her love interest but did confirm she had indeed moved on. Given the beaming smile across her face, she appeared to be incredibly happy.

    Loose Women airs on ITV1 weekdays from 12:30pm.

  • Exclusive: Loose Women’s Kaye Adams breaks silence on Strictly Come Dancing’s impact on mental health

    Exclusive: Loose Women’s Kaye Adams breaks silence on Strictly Come Dancing’s impact on mental health

    Loose Women star Kaye Adams became the first contestant to leave Strictly Come Dancing, when she took part in the show two years ago.

    After finding herself in the dreaded dance-off, Loose Women star Kaye Adams became the first contestant to leave Strictly Come Dancing, when she took part in the show two years ago.

    But while she has no regrets about her experience, the presenter admits that it has put her off signing up for any similar shows in the future.

    “I just don’t know if I’m desperate to be judged again in that way,” Kaye reflects. “You could go in the jungle, you could try your level best, do everything, but you’re voted out first for whatever reason and you just feel like a loser. I don’t think I need that in my life.”

    Kaye entered Strictly in 2022, dancing with Kai Widdrington. The BBC1 show has come under fire recently with allegations of bullying and complaints of abusive behaviour. But while Kaye acknowledges she found her Strictly experience bruising, she blames her own naivety, not the show and certainly not dance partner Kai.

    Kaye Adams
    Kaye Adams admitted she has been put off from signing up to similar shows in the future 
    Image:
    PA)

    “Kai was an absolute gentleman from start to finish. I was so pleased to be paired with him and I couldn’t have asked any more of him,” she says firmly.

    “I met some wonderful people on Strictly. That was the joy of it. But it is a tough show, which is very difficult for viewers to understand, because of course it just looks like the most enormous fun and sparkles and glitter.

    “It is all of that, but emotionally you do have to put yourself on the line. That’s nobody’s fault, but that’s what it requires. Some people sail through that and respond to it in the most positive way and for other people it can be a bit destabilising. I found it a bit destabilising. But that’s me, that’s not the show or the way I was treated.”

    Kaye, who danced a Tango and a Charleston, said at the time that she hoped Strictly would turn her into the sort of person who would jump up to dance at a wedding. But she confesses that hasn’t happened.

    “I haven’t undergone some amazing transformation – I’m still the same old klutz that I was ten, twenty or thirty years ago,” she laughs. “I guess what was just accentuated for me on Strictly was that I am a bit uptight about dancing in public.

    “In retrospect, it was probably naïve to think that you would go on a television show, where you are exposed to a massive audience, and suddenly you would turn into a different personality. That was a ridiculous idea and so it proved to be, but I’m not in therapy, it’s all good!”

    Yet while Kaye won’t be lining up to take part in I’m a Celebrity, there is one show she would still love to try. “Celebrity Race Across the World is great,” she enthuses. “With that show there isn’t a vote – you either are or you aren’t the loser, so I’d love to do that.

    “Especially if I could do it with one of my kids, because I think I’d win. Well, they would win and I would just go along for the ride!”

    Kaye, 61, lives in Glasgow with her tennis coach partner Ian and the couple have two daughters, Charly, 22 and Bonnie, 17. She hosts a daily show on BBC Radio Scotland, and has her own successful podcast How to be 60, but is best known as one of the main presenters on the ITV lunchtime chat show Loose Women.

    The show marks its 25th anniversary next month and Kaye has been with it from the start having anchored the very first show in 1999. She was 36 at the time and having been told the job would just be for a month admits she could never have imagined it lasting so long.

    “God no,” she exclaims. It was a very untested format – so, it’s four women. Right ok, what do we do? Well, you just sit and talk for an hour. We were thinking: ‘really? well, what do we talk about?’

    “It just felt very woolly, so I certainly wasn’t putting any great store by it and we had absolutely no notion of how it would go down with the audience – we were completely aware that it might just divebomb.”

    Kaye Adams with Kai Widdrington
    Kaye Adams became the first contestant to leave the show 
    Image:
    PA)

    Kaye Adams
    Kaye Adams said she felt ‘judged’ on the show 
    Image:
    Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
    Over the years, the show has won countless awards and received a much respected BAFTA nomination earlier this year. Much has been made of backstage rows between the presenters, but Kaye insists that incidents have been greatly exaggerated. “Whether somebody works in an office or a factory and there’s a bunch of work colleagues, you will see a very similar relationship dynamic as the one that exists at Loose Women,” she explains.

    “There are the ones that you click with, that you’re desperate to go for coffee with and there are the ones that you smile at and you think are nice, but you’re not that close. There’s absolutely no difference.

    “Loose Women has been an enormously positive influence on my life and I’ve made some great friendships – Nadia (Sawalha) and Jane (Moore) are both good friends, who I see outside of the show.”

    The panellists are known for speaking their minds and occasionally regretting what they say and while Kaye is usually careful with her words, she confesses she did cause upset in one of her early shows.

    “I found the early days of motherhood really quite difficult and I obviously shared that on the programme,” she recalls.

    “These things tend to get picked up and then exist on the internet forever, so when Charly was younger, she must have discovered them and she said: ‘did you really hate motherhood?’

    Kaye Adams
    Kaye Adams received support from her fellow Loose Women presenters 
    Image:
    BBC)“I felt awful. We discussed it and I explained that wasn’t the case, but it was a little bit of a reminder that you have to be careful.”

    Away from Loose Women Kaye’s passion is her How to be 60 podcast, which has seen her interview a host of big-name stars about their thoughts on turning 60.

    “It’s a handmade, low-budget production, recorded in this little attic in my house, but it’s very personal to me,” she smiles.

    “Society talks a lot now about midlife and menopause and I think that is fantastic, but I think once you become post-menopausal and into your late 50s, you go into the wilderness a little bit in terms of the public conversation.

    “There are a lot of people, both men and women, who actually are getting to that stage of life and thinking they’ve got an awful lot of living to do. They want to get reward and value out of these years and not just drift into the horizon and I’m really happy to be part of that conversation.”

    As for her own future, Kaye is unsure how retirement will feature in her plans. “If my life isn’t as busy, I wonder if it will all feel a bit aimless,” she says candidly.

    “I’m not at that stage at the moment, but I can see that might come, so I am already planning what to do, what activities I might take up and what new friends I might make, whether they like it or not!

    “My partner Ian lives and breathes tennis and he would live in Spain at least for the winter. It would be a huge thing and I am kind of set in my ways, but it’s starting to make me think – could we do that, should we do that?

    “Possibilities come up and you either just keep your head down and plough on, or you say: ‘this is an opportunity to do things that I’ve never done before and switch things up a little bit.’”

    As for work, Kaye insists she is not as ambitious as she was when she first bounded on to the Loose Women stage 25 years ago. “I’m not as competitive as I was. People laugh when I say this, but I have mellowed!” she smiles.

    “It’s not that I’ve completely given up the ghost. But having worked in television for as long as I have, I have come to realise that the most talented, successful and popular people in the world of entertainment aren’t necessarily the people that I would want to spend an evening with. Over time it’s sunk in that being the top of the tree in this very artificial world, doesn’t actually mean that much.”

    Kaye Adams: How to be 60 is available on all podcast providers

  • Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan had funny four-word response to sister Bernie just before death

    Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan had funny four-word response to sister Bernie just before death

    Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan has lifted the lid on the moments before her sister Bernie died, revealing that Bernie broke the tension with a humorous moment as she battled cancer

    Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan has revealed how her sister Bernie lightened the mood just before her tragic death from cancer aged just 52.

    Coleen and Bernie were two of six sisters who formed part of the Nolans group, but tragedy struck when Bernie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. Just before she passed away in July 2013, Coleen tells the story of how the family were all sat around Bernie’s bedside as Andy Murray played in the Wimbledon tennis tournament.

    TV star Coleen wrote in the Sun’s Fabulous: “She came home to die in Surrey, with her whole family at her bedside. There were songs and laughter, too.

    “I remember one funny moment when we were watching Andy Murray play his semi-final match at Wimbledon – Bernie was obsessed with it.


    Coleen Nolan says she struggled after her sister died 
    Image:
    ITV)

    We were all shouting: ‘Bernie, he’s got through! She was heavily sedated and looked asleep.

    “We started getting hysterical, assuming the worst, and began singing when suddenly, Bernie grimaced and put her hand up, almost to say: ‘Shut up!

    “I went: ‘She’s still a bitch.’ We fell about laughing. Bernie was the life and soul of our family. When she died, it was as if someone had switched a light out in all of us.”

    Bernie died on July 4, 2013, three days before Andy Murray won the tournament. According to Coleen, her sister started planning her funeral a month before she died.

    She had the service at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool, Lancashire, where the Nolan sisters had performed numerous times. The Loose Women star revealed that she found the years after Bernie’s death a struggle.


    Bernie Nolan was just 52 when she died 
    Image:
    Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
    She said: “After a funeral, everyone goes back to their lives. Life goes on – that’s the hardest part. In the wake of her death, I had therapy, which was brilliant.

    “I took time off work, knowing I couldn’t sit on the Loose Women panel pretending everything was fine. When you’re in the public eye, everyone wants to talk about what you’re going through.

    “Strangers were giving me hugs, saying: ‘I love your sister.’ I got to the point where I thought: ‘I can’t’ I’d go into Tesco to buy milk and see news of her death all over the papers.

    “I have this fear that if I think about Bernie’s death, I won’t stop crying. So whenever I start to cry, I stop myself. I hate it and it wears me out. In fact, it wasn’t until 18 months after her funeral that I cried again.”

    A Hand To Hold: All I’ve Learnt About Grief by Coleen Nolan (£20, HarperCollins) is out now.

  • Exclusive: Victoria Beckham plans to expand business empire by selling a host of unexpected items

    Exclusive: Victoria Beckham plans to expand business empire by selling a host of unexpected items

    Victoria Beckham is planning to sell a host of new items away which will not be seen on the catwalk

    Fashion designer Victoria Beckham is planning a range of household goods and soft furnishings,

    The pop star turned catwalk queen sells £700 pairs of jeans and £3,000 dresses from her high-end VB fashion range. But now she’s looking to branch out and is eyeing kitchen wares in the shape of cutlery and crockery, plus towels, bedding and furniture under the Victoria Beckham brand.

    She has just filed documents with the UK’s Intellectual Property Office to trademark her name across a range of household goods.

    One class consists of: “Hand tools and implements; Cutlery; kitchen knives, and cutting implements for kitchen use; Kitchen knives; Kitchen knives (Non-electric -); Ceramic knives; Canteens of cutlery made of precious metal; Vegetable peelers, hand-operated; Vegetable slicers, corers and shredders; Vegetable spiralizers, hand-operated; Vegetable choppers.”

    Another class of goods Victoria is set to start selling is: “Soft furnishings [cushions]; Furniture and furnishings; Padded furniture; Cushions; Leather furniture; Pillows; Beds, bedding, mattresses, pillows and cushions; Bean bag cushions.”

    Lawyers at the department are still examining the application but once passed it will prevent bootleggers from cashing in on his fame and using the name to make money. Trademarks stay in place for a decade after being rubber stamped.

    Victoria Beckham with husband David in 2023
    Victoria Beckham with husband David in 2023 
    Image:
    AFP via Getty Images)
    An intellectual property lawyer explained: “Firstly, the trademark bolsters her ability to take action against third parties who may be using the relevant name in the course of trade without consent.

    “The mere presence of these kinds of trademarks on the register can also act as a deterrent, where a third party is considering using the name without their consent.

    “Secondly, it improves the ability to enter into agreements to commercialise the brand. By way of example, she may wish to license out the trademarks to partners and earn royalties that way.”

    Victoria Beckham’s business empire is going from strength to strength and at the end of last year she picked up the Entrepreneur award at the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards 2024.

    She turned a corner in 2023 with her business being in profit and told the magazine: “It’s a huge accomplishment. The company has been through so much over the last 17 years – ups, downs, restructuring… It’s been quite the journey. So, finally, to be able to say we’re profitable is something I’m so proud of, because it’s not an easy industry, and it’s getting harder and harder. To be able to say that I’m selling clothes right now, when you look at how luxury is struggling…”

    This year will also see former Spice Girl Victoria, 50, have her own Netflix documentary series. It is expected to show her working on the business and behind the scenes at fashion shows. It follows on from the success of the Netflix series about her husband David and his football career, which also showed her being interviewed and her humorous side.

  • BBC presenter Janice Forsyth quits role after 10 years due to Alzheimer’s diagnosis

    BBC presenter Janice Forsyth quits role after 10 years due to Alzheimer’s diagnosis

    BBC Radio presenter, Janice Forsyth, is stepping down from her role with the corporation after a devastating Alzheimer’s diagnosis

    A popular BBC presenter is being forced to step down from her role after receiving a heartbreaking Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

    BBC radio star, Janice Forsyth, 65, has revealed she has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease after being noticeably missing from her weekday afternoon show for some time.

    The BBC Scotland presenter has spoken out about first experiencing symptoms three years ago, having since struggled to perform some daily tasks.

    Praising the care she has received from the NHS, Janice said in a statement that she recognised that she has been absent “for a while” and how she has now reached the stage of wanting to let people know the reason why.

    Janice Forsyth
    Janice Forsyth is being forced to step back from her much-loved BBC role after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 
    Image:
    BBC Scotland)

    Janice Forsyth
    The BBC Scotland star said she initially thought she was just ‘worn out’ before her diagnosis 
    Image:
    BBC Scotland)

    Explaining that she initially thought she was “simply worn out” by her many years of freelance work or “exhausted” after the devastating loss of her “dear” mother, Patricia, she said: “Sadly, I now have a firm diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Much as I have loved seeking out and sharing the best of music/literature/theatre/cinema with you, I’m happy now to have the time and freedom to enjoy all of these simply for my own pleasure. Call it living in the moment, and you won’t be far off!”

    Adding that she’ll still be able to continue with her podcast production company, she continued: “On another positive note, I’ve been able to continue to contribute to The Big Light – the podcast production company I founded five years ago with Fiona White. The company is going from strength to strength and we’re excited for more to come. I’m not done yet!

    “So, finding the cause of my trouble took a while, but I at least now know what’s been happening and am grateful for lovely friends & family, as well as for fine post-diagnosis care from NHS Scotland.”

    Janice concluded: “Dear Listener – I never took my role lightly and hope I always gave my best, both for your sake and that of my interviewees. It’s been a blast, and I send a high five to everyone who tuned in on Saturday mornings or on more recent weekday afternoons and heard something interesting. Love, Janice Forsyth.”

    Following her heartbreaking sign-off, the presenter also revealed she has taken a step back from social media for her own privacy.

    Paying tribute to Janice, who has presented shows on Radio Scotland, Radio Three and Radio Four, as well as setting up podcasting production firm, The Big Light, Louise Thornton, the head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, said: “Janice has been a hugely popular personality on our airwaves for many years. The many production teams she has collaborated with have appreciated her outstanding skill as a presenter on radio and television.

    “Her warmth, relaxed interviewing style, and peerless knowledge of arts, music, and culture in Scotland and beyond, have made her a firm favourite with audiences over the decades.

    “Everyone at BBC Scotland wishes Janice all the very best and we’ll be pleased to continue to explore suitable opportunities where we can work together.”

    Speaking to the Mirror about Janice’s diagnosis, Dementia UK’s Chief Admiral Nurse and CEO, Dr Hilda Hayo, praised the presenter for her bravery, saying : “We’re sorry to hear that Janice Forsyth has been diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s disease. A familiar face to many, Janice has shown bravery by announcing her diagnosis publicly and we hope she and her family are receiving the support they need at this time.

    “By choosing to speak publicly about her diagnosis, Janet will raise vital awareness of young onset dementia and we hope this will encourage others to seek support if they are concerned about their brain health.

    “There are estimated to be around 70,800 people living with young onset dementia in the UK – where symptoms occur before the age of 65. Obtaining a diagnosis of young onset dementia can be challenging, and it is often even harder to find age-appropriate support. But it is important to know that you are not alone and that expert care is available.

    “We encourage anyone affected by dementia to visit dementiauk.org/get-support for information, resources and to find out how to access our national Helpline and Clinics services.”