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Meghan Markle joined Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in Canada where she was seen wearing a royal signet ring – and we want to hear your thoughts on the Sussexes rejoining the Firm

Meghan Markle was spotted wearing a royal signet ring during her visit to the Invictus Games in Canada, and we want to know if you would like to see the Sussexes rejoin the Firm?

The new piece of jewellery was sported on Meghan’s right hand, and boasts the couple’s joint cypher which was unveiled after their marriage in 2018. The personalised monogram consists of the letters ‘H’ and ‘M’ in cursive, with a coronet above featuring two cross pattées, four fleurs-de-lys, and two strawberry leaves.

The emblem starred on their previous Sussex Royal website and social media accounts until they stepped down from royal duties in 2020. It was also used on their letterheads until 2021, before being replaced by their Archewell logo.

Eagle-eyed royal fans have highlighted how the signet ring resembles the one worn by Harry’s father, King Charles. It comes as Meghan joined Harry for the Invictus Games, a tournament founded in 2014 by the Duke of Sussex to support wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.

The international multi-sport event will head back to the UK for the 2027 edition, but one royal expert is convinced Meghan will not attend. Speaking to The Mirror US, host of the To Di For Daily podcast Kinsey Schofield said: “I currently lean towards Meghan not attending Prince Harry’s 2027 Invictus Games in the UK because we have seen Meghan prioritise herself and her mental health over the last few years.

“I know that Meghan is currently not comfortable with the idea of returning to the UK. Prince Harry’s security concerns are a huge reason and compliment Meghan’s media insecurity. She fears returning and being rejected, booed. She feels vulnerable there.

The Duchess hasn’t returned to the UK since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022, and has skipped a number of royal milestones over the past five years, including the King’s coronation. After stepping down from the Firm, the Sussexes moved to Montecito, where they now reside with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The expert added: “I do not believe that Meghan has any desire to return to the UK anytime soon. She felt freshly attacked after being asked to stay behind in the last few hours of the Queen’s life… then was furious months later when they received word that Frogmouth Cottage would no longer be their UK base. She feels defenseless in the UK and unwelcome.”

In his book Endgame, author Omid Scobie claimed that Meghan “never wants to set foot” in the UK again, adding that she “doesn’t want anything to do” with the Firm. Since being spotted donning her royal cypher, we want to know if you’d like to see Harry and Meghan rejoin the Royal Family. Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

King Charles and Queen Camilla travelled to Middlesbrough today for a royal away day where they carried out a traditional walkabout – and even met a lady celebrating her 100th birthday

King Charles left wellwishers stunned as he defiantly faced a small group of protestors on a royal walkabout.

The monarch and Queen Camilla had been visiting Middlesbrough on Teesside for what’s known as a royal ‘awayday’ to Middlesbrough, packing in four engagements. At the end of the day, they undertook a traditional walkabout in the town. Many were waving flags and cheering, while others had dressed up in union flag outfits or dressed up their dogs. The King and Queen spent 20 minutes walking up and down, shaking hands with members of the throng.

Among those in the crowd was a small demonstration of republican campaigners waving anti-monarchist flags but the King decided to face them head-on, walking directly up to them and continuing shaking the hands of the well-wishers in front of them, much to the delight of the crowd.

King Charles with Rona Grafton who turns 100 today ( 
Image:
Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)
Julie Parker, 65, said she was ‘overjoyed’. “I had been waiting here since 11am [three hours] to see him and then that lot [Republic] turned up behind me and started waving their flags. Everyone has a right to their opinion but I do think they could have picked a better time and place and we didn’t think the King would come near us,” she said.

“But he did! And we got to say hello. He’s a remarkable man, he really is. We have a lot of admiration for him.” Also on the walkabout, the King made the day of a centenarian who was celebrating her 100th birthday today – by personally handing her a card from himself and the Queen.

He was introduced to Rona Grafton who had been waiting patiently to meet him. He bent down and shook her hand and said: “A very, very happy birthday. Here’s a card from both of us.” Touching Queen Camilla’s shoulder, he repeated: “From both of us.” The Queen said: “A very happy birthday.”

King Charles meets wellwishers next to anti-monarchy protestors in Middlesbrough today ( 
Image:
Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)
After moving down the line the King got into his waiting State Bentley with the Queen but had only got a few yards down the road when he saw how far the crowds stretched and asked his driver to stop.

He and Camilla got out again to huge cheers, with the couple insisting on shaking hands right the way down to the end of the street. Paul and Shirley Williams said they were shocked to see him stop.

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“We thought we wouldn’t get the chance and that maybe his car would slow down and he would wave out of the window,” said Paul. “We couldn’t believe it when they got out. He came up to me and asked me how he was. Given everything he has been through I couldn’t believe it. How kind. I asked him how he was feeling and he said he was doing well.”

Val Haskins, 64, said the king stopped and admired her Union Jack coat. “He said I looked very patriotic,” she said. I shook his hand. It was absolutely mint.”

The King during a visit to SeAH Wind’s XXXL offshore turbine base factory ( 
Image:
PA)

Her friend Elaine Dunn, 67, added: “We love King Charles, we really do. He’s a good man. We are so delighted he has got the chance to show the nation the kind of man he is after the Queen died. He cares about his people, he really does. It was a lovely moment and I can’t believe we got the chance to speak to him.”

Earlier, the King said that his “skiing days are behind me” as he inspected a Swiss machine assisting in the production of wind turbines close to the town. During a visit to the world’s largest offshore wind monopile factory, King Charles inspected and switched on a newly imported Swiss-made calibration roll machine.

Charles, 76, discussed his favoured alpine sport with machinery expert Avzi Jusufi, who is temporarily in England from Basel, Switzerland, to install them in the SeAH Wind factory. Speaking to Jusufi about his home country, the King, who has regularly skied in the Swiss resort Klosters over the years, told him: “I think my skiing days are behind me.”

He made the comments while wearing a hard hat and protective high-vis gear and inspecting the process of making the structural support for wind turbines. As part of the visit, the King toured the SeAH Wind monopile factory in Teesside’s Freeport, near Redcar, which is due for completion later this year. At the same time, the Queen undertook a literary engagement elsewhere.

Prince Harry is halfway through his beloved Invictus Games, which are being hosted in Canada, and now he is flying solo after Meghan Markle left the event to fly back home to California

The 2025 Invictus Games are at its halfway point – and now Prince Harry is flying solo.

After putting on a loved-up display with wife Meghan Markle during the opening ceremony and then appearing inseparable during the first few days of the tournament, the Duke waved goodbye to the Duchess of Sussex and she is now back home to California with their two children, Archie and Lilibet.

Aides had been keeping Meghan’s travel plans under wraps for security reasons – it is understood it had always been planned she would leave the Games early. However, Harry is expected to stay at the Games until after the closing ceremony this Sunday.

After returning to sunny Montecito, Meghan posted a photo of Invictus themed goodies she took home for the kids, including green-coloured shirts with their names on. The haul also included an Invictus Games related teddy and a number of sweets and chocolates. Writing on her Instagram, Meghan said: “A taste of Canada and The Invictus Games for our little ones! Cheering you on from home!”.

Despite the couple now spending the next few days apart, including Valentine’s Day, it hasn’t stopped several bombshells from emerging from their trip to Vancouver and Whistler. Here we look at the latest revelations from the event – including Meghan’s hidden message to the Royal Family during the visit…

Secret date night

After spending the first few days of the Games in Vancouver, the Sussexes then moved on to Whistler, where they met up with celeb pals Michael Buble and his wife Luisana Lopilato.

Prince Harry with singer Michael Buble ( 
Image:
Humphrey Nemar)
And the foursome couldn’t resist having a secret date night at a special place for Harry and Meghan. They all went to Whistler restaurant Il Caminetto and spent over two hours tucking into delicious food. The Duke and Duchess previously visited the restaurant on Valentine’s Day last year.

At the dinner Meghan wore a pair of earrings that were a gift from her husband with a Carolina Herrera cape and Aquazzura pumps, having changed out of the cream Mackage jacket and Sorell snow boots she wore all Monday afternoon.

It was Meghan and Harry’s second time dining with friends Michael and Luisana since the Games began. They all enjoyed a low-key date night on Saturday at Vij’s Indian, with the restaurant’s chef, Vikram Vij, taking to social media to praise their visit. He wrote: “Another incredible night at Vij’s. When food brings people together, magic happens! We were honoured to once again welcome Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Michael Bublé, and Luisana Lopilato for another unforgettable evening at Vij’s.”

Meghan’s shock

However, it wasn’t all relaxed dinners with pals as the Sussexes also welcomed the hundreds of competitors to Whistler for the first-ever winter sports events at the Invictus Games.

Harry and Meghan attended a special ceremony in Vancouver where Harry was introduced on stage by Michael Buble, who excited the 1,000-strong crowd with a rendition of Feeling Good. Welcoming Harry on stage, Canadian singer Michael said: “I know how difficult something like this is, so I wanted to make sure I did this right. Without the incredible effort of this young man, none of this would have happened, so please welcome my friend, Prince Harry.”

Harry joked that Meghan was going to sing ( 
Image:
Humphrey Nemar/staff Photographer)
Meghan joined Harry on stage at the end of his speech before he joked: “Now she’s going to sing!” leaving his wife horrified. However, according to body language expert Judi James, the pair seem to be in tune with their fun sides. She told the Mirror : “Harry loves playful behaviour and banter, but he usually adopts a different tone with Meghan, sticking to more romantic narratives.

“Here though he brings her into his routine with a flapping hand that suggests good humour rather than any royal graciousness. There is some synchronicity here though as she actually seems pretty much in tune with his more fun side.

“At first there is the usual mutual hugging, and Meghan shows empathy by rubbing Harry’s hand to thaw it out in the cold air. But when he jokes about her singing, her response is speedy as she looks shocked but then equally playful.

“The last image of the pair leaning forward into the mic to take their goodbyes is one of the better images of them working as an upbeat, casual and relaxed team of two.”

Hair-raising experience

Meanwhile, Meghan did leave the winter sports to the competitors, she also got involved herself by trying her hand at tubing down a snowy slope.

Meghan prepares to have a go at tubing ( 
Image:
meghan/Instagram)

Meghan slides down the snow run ( 
Image:
meghan/Instagram)She shared a clip on her Instagram Stories screaming as she spins down the slope while seated in a purple inflatable inner tube. In earlier clips, she could be seen walking hand-in-hand with Harry towards the slope, before being given instructions about her tubing run.

Meghan can then be heard asking about “keeping your body weight back” on the inflatable, before saying “No, I really don’t want to do it” during a countdown.

Meghan’s bold message to royals

And in another eye-raising move by Meghan she appeared to flash her royal cypher – despite previously ditching it.

Eagle-eyed royal watchers spotted that at Invictus Games in Canada, the Duchess of Sussex had been sporting a brand new signet ring on her pinky finger on her right hand.

Royal watchers noticed Meghan wearing a new signet ring ( 
Image:
WireImage)

It appears the ring features Harry and Meghan’s royal cypher ( 
Image:
WireImage)
And it seems that the new piece of jewellery is engraved with Prince Harry and Meghan’s joint cypher that they unveiled when they married back in 2018. The monogram is made up of the letters ‘H’ and ‘M’ in cursive writing. The logo is topped with a coronet with two cross pattées, four fleurs-de-lys and two strawberry leaves.

The monogram was used on their previous Sussex Royal website and social media accounts – and even after they dramatically quit as working royals back in 2020, they continued to use the logo on their letterheads.

Meghan isn’t the only royal to wear a pinky finger signet ring. King Charles also wears one with the Prince of Wales feathers and he gifted one to Princess Diana the night before their wedding in 1981.

Early exit

But despite appearing as close as ever, it emerged that Meghan didn’t plan to stay for the full duration of the Games when it was confirmed yesterday she would be heading back to California.

The couple left their children Archie and Lilibet behind at home in Montecito and after five days away, the Duchess made the decision to get back to her children. The Games have come after a tough time for the Sussexes, who were branded ‘disaster tourists’ in the wake of visiting victims of California wildfires. They were also the subject of a scathing Vanity Fair article about what it is really like to work for them.

Meghan left the Games yesterday ( 
Image:
Humphrey Nemar/staff Photographer.)
And according to PR expert Edward Coram James, the CEO of Go Up, Meghan should have rethought going to the Invictus Games altogether. He told the Mirror: “Meghan should leave the Invictus Games to Harry. It’s his project, and he’s more than capable of drumming up support and publicity for this incredible cause. Their joint brand has become tainted over the years — not through any fault of their own, but due to woeful PR.

“Meghan’s presence was always going to be a lose-lose situation — damned if she did, damned if she didn’t. But ultimately, it’s a distraction for many people. That said, from a PR standpoint, she handled it well. She was engaged but not overbearing, affectionate but not too performative. Still, she needs to recognise that no matter what she does, her critics will say she’s making it about herself.”

Harry’s telling three words

Meanwhile, Harry revealed how he felt about having Meghan Markle “by my side” during his Invictus Games – just days before she flew home without him.

And speaking to PEOPLE magazine before Meghan flew home, the Duke of Sussex revealed what it was like to have her with him at the event. He said: “To have my wife here supporting me is amazing. I love that she’s by my side. It’s such an important piece to this whole adventure.”

Meanwhile, Harry also opened up about Archie and Lilibet and how they are also ‘fascinated’ by the event for sick and injured service personnel. He added: “It’s a very interesting conversation to have with your kids — to explain why that person is missing a leg, why that person is missing an arm, why do they look the way they do. It’s challenging but important.

“Our kids are still so young, but Archie especially is asking those questions. I’m constantly trying to make sure that I get it right in explaining what’s happened to [the competitors] and what we do at Invictus to try to make their lives better and give them a chance to redefine themselves.”

Donald Trump took another swipe at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after ruling out deporting the Duke of Sussex from the United States – and an insider has revealed how the comments reportedly went down at Buckingham Palace

A royal insider has revealed how Donald Trump’s savage swipe at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will have gone down with King Charles.

The US president declared several days ago that he had no plans to deport Harry from the United States amid an ongoing battle over his visa application after questions were raised over why Harry was allowed into the US after admitting to taking drugs in his memoir Spare

But in a brutal dig, Trump said he would not deport the prince because he claimed he had “enough problems” with Meghan, describing her as “terrible”. It comes amid a war of words between Trump and the Sussexes, with Meghan previously calling the now-president misogynistic and Trump saying he was “no fan” of the Duchess.

Harry and Meghan at the Invictus Games in Whistler this week ( 
Image:
Humphrey Nemar)
And now a royal source has revealed that Trump’s stance when it comes to Harry’s immigration status might actually be of relief to the King, who once expressed his love for his son and daughter-in-law as they “build their lives overseas”.

The insider told the Daily Mail: “The fact is that Harry and Meghan are a source of strain and worry for His Majesty,’ a royal source tells me. ‘While he is sorry that he does not have a relationship with his grandchildren in America, it is easier for his peace of mind that there’s an ocean between him and Harry.”

It comes after last week when a judge in the US hinted that he is open to the possibility of releasing some of the sealed documents from Harry’s US visa application. Judge Carl Nichols has seen secret records revealing details of Harry’s visa status in the US, but they are currently sealed. The latest development in the two-year legal battle saw the judge explain in a Washington DC hearing last week that he wanted “maximum disclosure as long as it doesn’t violate privacy.”

US President Donald Trump ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)

The long-running case was sparked when conservative Washington DC think tank The Heritage Foundation questioned why Harry was allowed into the US in 2020 after he admitted in his book Spare taking cocaine, marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms.

The think tank has argued that Harry either received special treatment from the Biden administration or had lied on his immigration forms. It requested for the release of his visa records under the Freedom of Information Act, arguing that the prince should not have received a visa due to a history of drug use, but the request was rejected by the DHS.

US visa applications specifically ask the individual about current and past drug use, which can have a detrimental impact on the progress of the application. Prolific drug use can lead to applications being rejected, however, immigration officers use their discretion against a range of factors. Omitting information or lying is deemed enough grounds to have a visa revoked, though there is no suggestion that Harry has lied.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to head to both America and Canada next year on their biggest royal tour yet and will be deployed to help with diplomatic relations with Donald Trump

The King and Queen are to be deployed on their biggest royal tour yet – a “charm offensive” in the USA.

Charles and Camilla are expected to head to America and Canada, in a jaunt our government hopes will help diplomatic relations with Donald Trump. The royals will first be deployed to Canada, Charles’ first visit to the British realm as monarch, before being welcomed to the US by President Trump.

Next year is also the 250th anniversary of American Independence, which will be celebrated across the nation on July 4, 2026. Sources close to the planning say discussions between governments have already begun, with an official invitation from Washington expected imminently.

Charles with Trump and First Lady Melania at Clarence House in 2019 ( 
Image:
POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The Mirror understands both North American tours will be agreed for the first half of next year, most likely the Spring. In line with the King’s continued cancer treatment, a US visit by the Prince and Princess of Wales has been earmarked as a contingency, although it is the preference to host Their Majesties, sources said.

King Charles arrives at the French Senate

It will be the first time a British monarch has visited the United States since 2007, the last of five royal tours the late Queen Elizabeth II undertook. As Prince of Wales, Charles undertook more than 20 official visits to the US. The King’s most senior aides will be key to developing the framework for the highly anticipated trip.

Buckingham Palace is understood to be “overwhelmingly keen” on the tour and is committed to working with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for the plans, sources suggest. A government source said: “This will undoubtedly be the biggest tour of the King’s reign so far, a huge undertaking for a British monarch to be hosted in the United States.

King Charles is expected to be welcomed in the USA by Trump next year ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
“Americans love the British royal family and it is a great opportunity for both sides to reaffirm the special relationship in such an important and historic year for the US. The King has been especially keen to travel to Canada, a country and people he holds so much affection for, it will be a charm offensive on both sides.”

However, the palace last night remained tight-lipped over the royal tour plans, with one palace source remarking: “There are no current dates in the diary for Their Majesties to tour either Canada or the USA, or active Palace planning taking place for either option.”

The Royal Visits Committee, on which representatives from Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace sit alongside Foreign Office officials, has not yet met to discuss the plans, but it is understood to be on the agenda during the next quarterly meeting. The UK government is still open to plans to host President Trump on an official state visit at some stage throughout his five-year term, but conversations with the White House have already gathered pace for the King to meet Trump on his turf.

It was reported this week how the King, described as “one of life’s great letter writers” has kept up his personal correspondence with the former president. The Telegraph this week revealed how Charles had posted “a hand-written missive every now and then to the delight of Trump and his wife Melania”.

Prince William during a meeting with Donald Trump in Paris in December ( 
Image:
Getty Images)A royal source said: “It is clear there is warmth and respect for the office from both the King and President Trump. There is no clearer demonstration of soft diplomacy in action. It will be a huge success.” Trump was hosted in 2019 for an official State Visit where Charles undertook the then-Prince of Wales-level duties at Buckingham Palace.

After his triumphant return to the White House was confirmed in November, the incoming president also met heir to the throne Prince William in December, during a whistlestop trip to Paris for the reopening of Notre Dame cathedral following the devastating fire in 2019.

Trump described William, 42, as “really very handsome” while praising him for doing a “fantastic job”, both before and after their 40-minute meeting at the British ambassador’s residence. As King, Charles has already undertaken official visits to Germany, Romania, France, Kenya, Dubai, Australia, Samoa and Poland.

As revealed by the Mirror, his spring tour with the Queen is to Italy where he will meet the Pope in April. Following his successful trip to Australia and Samoa in October, palace aides said the King would return to a “full schedule” of regular overseas trips this year after the hiatus from official foreign duties he has taken since his cancer diagnosis.

Royal sources say the King has been keen to travel to Canada for “a long time”. Plans for his first tour of Canada as head of state were set for May 2024, but were delayed due to his cancer diagnosis. This yeah he was prohibited from an official visit as the country is undertaking national elections.

As Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, the couple last visited Canada in 2022 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Buckingham Palace did not comment.

Meghan Markle has been spotted wearing a new piece of jewellery that eagle-eyed fans have noticed appears to have a major reminder of her previous royal life

Meghan Markle’s new bold piece of jewellery could be a hidden plea to the royals, according to an expert.

During her time at the Invictus Games in Canada, earlier this week with Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex has been sporting a brand new signet ring on her pinky finger on her right hand.

And according to eagle-eyed royal watchers, the new piece of jewellery appears to be engraved with Harry and Meghan’s joint royal cypher that they unveiled when they married back in 2018. The monogram is made up of the letters ‘H’ and ‘M’ in cursive writing. The logo is topped with a coronet with two cross pattées, four fleurs-de-lys and two strawberry leaves.

Royal watchers noticed Meghan wearing a new signet ring ( 
Image:
WireImage)

It appears the ring features Harry and Meghan’s royal cypher ( 
Image:
WireImage)
The emblem was used on their previous Sussex Royal website and social media accounts although it appears it was ditched from their stationery in favour of the Archewell logo several years ago. And royal expert and biographer Ingrid Seward says the new piece of jewellery is certainly sending a statement – especially to the Royal Family.

She told the Mirror: “Traditionally signet rings have a larger face than the one Meghan is wearing, but there is no reason why she can’t use her royal cypher on an article of jewellery. I don’t think it has any particular significance apart from the snob value of reminding people that she has a royal cypher.

“I think Meghan wants to be accepted by the firm for the sake of the children. The royal family must know she will never go away so the less fuss they make about what she does the less attention is focussed on her.”

Meghan isn’t the only royal to wear a pinky finger signet ring. King Charles also wears one with the Prince of Wales feathers and he gifted one to Princess Diana the night before their wedding in 1981. It is not the first time that Meghan’s jewellery has been the subject of much debate. Just weeks ago many believed that her engagement ring had gone through yet another tweak.

Meghan left the Games earlier this week ( 
Image:
Humphrey Nemar/staff Photographer.Meghan was first given the ring, which was made with two diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection and one from Botswana, when she and Harry became engaged in 2017. It underwent a major redesign two years later when the plain gold band was swapped for a thinner micropave style.

In 2023, she was spotted without the ring on several occasions and it was reported this was due to the delicate piece being fixed due to a loose stone. And now fans believe the ring might have had another change – and it’s all down to the shape of the central diamond.

In one moment of the trailer for her new Netflix show With Love, Meghan, the duchess can be seen reaching for some flowers with her full ring on show. And many believe that the main diamond appears to now be a square cut – rather than the round cut of the original.

Taking to X, one asked: “Is that a new engagement ring?” While another said: “Looks like she’s changed the centre stone from a round diamond to the more expensive square cut.”

Meghan then made a string of appearances in 2023, including at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, where she was seen not wearing the ring. However, speaking to Page Six at the time, a source claimed the ring was “being fixed”, hence the fact that it is missing from her ring finger. In recent months she has been seen wearing it again.

Simon got home from BGT audition in Blackpool and thought ‘that was dark – I nearly got killed 12 times’

Trying not to move a muscle while a blindfolded man wielding a mallet attacked a watermelon next to his head – Simon Cowell admits he feared for his life during the making of this year’s Britain’s Got Talent.

And the fruit-crusher is just one of many weird and wacky acts taking part in the upcoming 18th series, which also features the show’s most grotesque performer yet – in the shape of Auzzy Blood. The American drew howls of disgust as he threaded a huge screw, and then a tube, through his nose and mouth – even persuading Simon to drink some wine from the tube running through his body. Welcome to the extraordinary world of BGT 2025, brought to ITV viewers this year from the seaside town of Blackpool, where head judge Simon says he really thought it was all over for him.

When the new series starts, the audience will see Simon lying on the stage with mallets and bits of watermelon flying all around as co-judges Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon scream in horror. When a crew member finally steps in to stop the act, Simon looks dazed and shaken as he sits up and asks: “Are you f***ing crazy?” Speaking about that moment afterwards, he told the Mirror: “It’s that feeling when you kind of think somebody doesn’t want you on the show any more. It was that. It was the closest, genuinely, where I’m thinking ‘they actually want to kill me’. And I swear to God, that’s how I felt because this guy got really nervous and he’d slipped and was shaking as he was smashing these watermelons.”

Britain’s Got Talent is back for a new series! ( 
Image:
PA)Simon, 65, said the laughing producers were telling him to ‘carry on’ but he was hugely relieved when it was all over. “The health and safety guys, normally quite annoying, actually stopped him. Thank God, they saved my life. When you’re up there you’re immersed in it and then you go home and think ‘that sh*t is dark, I nearly got killed twelve times’.”

Amanda, 53, said that watching Simon nearly get battered had been “horrific” because he had been told to stay entirely still, but kept moving and said he’d felt the “wind of the hammer” next to his ear. “Even with St. John’s Ambulance – I don’t know what they would’ve done – but in the wings it was so precarious because it was melon they were smashing, so the water was everywhere,” Amanda recalls. “Any kind of safety that there must have been was out the window. It was very hard to watch.” Alesha, 46, said she felt the same: “We were genuinely worried. I realised how much I cared about you, Simon! Please don’t do that again. It is funny though, the hardest acts to watch end up being the most entertaining to watch back.”

The judges say the acts this year are the best they’ve ever been
Another act which viewers may find difficult not to turn away from is Auzzy Blood, from Las Vegas who, at one point, hoists himself off the ground using a nasal hook. The judges admit the gruesome scenes might spark complaints. “Let’s hope so. Because I’ve kept fully dressed and covered up, so we’re praying for Ofcom,” Amanda quipped – a reference to previous complaints over her skimpy outfits.

Simon agreed that the TV regulator might receive moans but felt sure his ten-year-old son, Eric, would enjoy it. “We do have kids in the audience and I’m always looking behind going, ‘Do they like it?’ And actually, yeah, they do. But we probably will get some complaints. I love it when they say ‘don’t try this at home’ like we’ve all got screws and things just waiting to do that.” He claimed that he hadn’t actually swallowed any of the wine going through Auzzy Blood’s nasal tube into his mouth, insisting: “It got to a millimetre away – it’s close, but not quite.”

Simon discussed one stunt during the auditions
Guest judge KSI – a boxer, singer and YouTuber who has 80million followers – was relieved, saying: “The guy with the screws. What the hell? It was ridiculous. I can’t believe you drank from his face. I would’ve thrown up.” Despite this, Alesha defended the American act, insisting: “I found that fantastic to watch. It’s entertaining. It’s funny. And I do think all our kids will love that.”

This year’s show features some brilliant solo singers including Scottish bingo-caller Vinnie, chicken-shop Stacey who works on a supermarket cooked poultry counter and Linda from Zimbabwe. Simon said: “Some of those singers, they’re a bit shaky at the beginning. And then you see the audience are rooting for them and it gives them that boost. And when that moment happens and it works it’s amazing. Still to this day I love it. Those clips really reminded me of when we first started making the show, whether it was Paul Potts or Susan Boyle – it’s that moment when you can just feel everyone is involved and they like it and it’s going to change that person’s life.”

Simon gets involved as ever!Amanda agreed that over the 18 years, Simon had changed but was regaining some of his Mr Nasty persona. “He did go soft for a bit, but I feel like he’s coming back now.” The series also has several choirs, including a very special one made up of entirely of sub post masters caught up in the huge scandal, brought to life last year in the ITV drama Mr Bates Vs the Post Office. The choir formed because they wanted to do something positive to redress the negativity brought on by the scandal. Simon declared: “I will never buy a stamp again – I really won’t. I watched Mr. Bates – it was probably the most powerful piece of TV drama I’ve ever seen in my life. They were treated in the most disgusting way. They were bullied. So when I actually saw them, I was actually quite starstruck and it was a really, really powerful moment. I think it will remind people at home that it’s not finished yet – what happened to them is still going on. And they were really good.”

Other top moments in the series, which has a record number of golden buzzers, are a pole-dancing seagull and comedian Will Burns, from Leeds, who does impressions of TV stars including presenters Ant and Dec – from their Byker Grove days. Influencer KSI, 31, said he’d loved being a guest judge while standing in for Bruno Tonioli, 69, when he had a filming clash, and for Simon when he took time off after Liam Payne’s death. “There’s one moment which I know is going to come out and it’s going to go viral and I’m going to hate it,” KSI laughed. “It’s very good. And you’re going to enjoy it. But I hate it. I hate it a lot.”He was impressed by one guy from the audience who begged for an audition – and got his way. “I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say it was out of this world for sure.”

A new set of hopefuls want to make it through to the finals!

The judges said Blackpool was the rowdiest audience they’d ever encountered – with Bruno saying the noise made his ears bleed. There were also some strange characters in the theatre, including one woman who flicked the Vs at Simon for an hour – and then demanded a selfie. “She was mental,” Bruno said. “We called security.” But Simon loved the atmosphere and says they will now make Blackpool BGT’s permanent home. “A million per cent. It was amazing. I’d like to go back there every year – you wouldn’t have got that off a London audience.”

*Britain’s Got Talent airs on ITV on Saturday 22nd February at 7pm.

The Apprentice candidate and cosmetic dentist Dr Jana Denzel reportedly used racist language in a task and decided to leave the process

The Apprentice candidate Dr Jana Denzel has reportedly quit the BBC show after ‘using racist language’.

It has been reported that the cosmetic dentist used the term ‘coloured’ to describe a black person during a task. The incident was said to have been reported to the show’s producers and he was asked to do diversity training following the filming.

Next day, Dr Jana is said to have told Lord Sugar he was leaving – but said his exit was unrelated to the reaction from bosses. During scenes in the boardroom, Dr Jana told Lord Sugar he didn’t feel he was a “good fit” and was leaving the process.

It is believed he used the term during a task which saw the team creating a character for a marketing campaign. Two female candidates were shocked by his comment and told show bosses. All 18 contestants had been given a warning about sensitive language during an earlier task too.

His exit is expected to air at the end of the fifth episode in two weeks time, and his “ill-informed comment” won’t be explained on the show itself, but his exit scenes will air for viewers in a fortnight.

Dr Jana has left the process ( 
Image:
BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston)

Lord Sugar is looking for his new business partner ( 
Image:
PA Photo/BBC/Boundless)
“The team had been discussing what the character should look like, and there were suggestions from some members to make sure the character was inclusive. It was then that Jana made the “coloured comment”, which particularly upset two female candidates on his team. The team were particularly shocked because, coming from a minority background himself, they did not expect Jana to use such offensive language to describe their marketing campaign,” a source told The Sun.

“While his co-stars did push back and made it clear to Jana the comment was unacceptable, it was then escalated further when it was flagged to the production team, who pulled Jana aside.”

A spokesperson for the show said: ” Jana withdrew from the process for completely unrelated and separate reasons, and he has our full support.” Of the use of the alleged term, the spokesperson said: “We were made aware of an ill-informed comment. As soon as it was flagged, we took swift and comprehensive action to address the issue.

“Whilst we have made it very clear to Jana that his use of language was not acceptable, we are confident there was no ill-intent behind it. The concerns of all parties involved have been addressed and resolved.”

The Masked Singer hosts Joel Dommett and Harriet Rose appeared on ITV’s Loose Women ahead of the final and shared an update on Davina McCall

The Masked Singer hosts Joel Dommett and Harriet Rose had a message for ITV fans on their co-star Davina McCall, who is currently recovering from brain surgery.

Appearing on Loose Women, Joel and Harriet joined the panel that included Charlene White, Sunetra Sunetra, Gloria Hunniford and Nadia Sawalha.

It was Nadia who swooped in at the last minute of the interview to ask for an update on their co-star. The TV judge recently disclosed that she had undergone an operation to remove a colloid cyst from her brain. Post-surgery, Davina found herself in intensive care before she was allowed to carry out her recovery in the comfort of her own home.

Harriet, who hosts spin-off show The Masked Singer: The After Mask, confirmed that she’d been in regular contact with her.

Davina McCall underwent brain surgery ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)

She disclosed to the panel: “I’ve text her [Davina] a few times she’s one of the best people on this earth, she is so positive and amazing and was so fantastic with me on the show and she seems really well.”

Joel also shared: “Me and my wife [Hannah Cooper] have gone over to her house since and she’s doing really well and what a mad thing to happen to you in your life and it completely changes your outlook and she’s a very positive person anyway so… ”

Joel and Harriet said Davina “is doing well”
Eight weeks after going under the knife, Davina joined Dragons’ Den star Steve Bartlett to tell her story in a “safe space”. During their discussion she revealed the risks attached with benign tumours.

On her podcast Begin Again, Davina wanted to shut down any myths about benign tumours not posing serious health implications. She detailed a WhatsApp group that she had created incase the worst case scenario happened.

Joel and Harriet had been in contact with Davina

Sharing her concerns, she explained: “I said, ‘Look, I’ve got to plan for it if it doesn’t go according to plan’. When I’d spoken to the doctors, they talked about things like stroke, epilepsy, these being risks.

“Nicking an artery or a blood vessel in the brain and having a bleed… so there were a lot of things that could be a risk.”

Davina, mother to Holly, 23, Tilly, 21, and Chester, 18, stated that her life would “never be the same” post surgery but insists the frightful situation has only enhanced positive change.

She bravely said on her podcast post-surgery: “There’s that saying, ‘A life lived in fear is a life half-lived’.”

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

Joel Dommett and Harriet Rose appeared on Loose Women, spilling The Masked Singer tea

The Masked Singer UK hosts Joel Dommett and Harriet Rose appeared on Thursday’s (February 13) episode of Loose Women.

Joel and Harriet took to the show, alongside panelists Charlene White, Sunetra Sarker, Gloria Hunniford, and Nadia Sawalha. They were there to chat about the impending final that will see Pufferfish, Dressed Crab and Wolf, all compete for the chance of winning the 2025 title this weekend.

The six TV stars were discussing predictions and backstage gossip when Joel and Harriet revealed they actually didn’t have any inside intel on who was behind each mask.

Harriet blurted to the panel that she’d “screamed her head off” when Eastenders legend Natalie Cassidy had been unmasked because she had “guessed her early on” and “had been right”.

Sunetra wasn’t buying any of it and was totally unconvinced that the two hosts didn’t have a clue about any of the celebrities on the show.

Harriet let slip on a backstage accidental meeting by chance
“Do you not know?” probed Sunetra, as the two hosts said in sync: “No.” Gobsmacked, the panelist replied saying: “No, I don’t believe that,” then stating: “I don’t believe it, I don’t believe it.”

ITV host, Harriet stepped in, asserting: “I’m telling you now, that set is locked down,” she then went on to reveal: “I got more access, not boasting, but I got more access than Joel.”

Harriet and Joel joined Loose Women’s panel
It was at this point Harriet, who hosts the spin off show The Masked Singer: After Mask, shared with the panel that she’d accidentally bumped into a contestant backstage, breaking show protocol.

Ordinarily strict sanctions are installed to make sure the identities of celebrities on the show are hidden from pretty much everyone, with very few people in the know about the cast, this to reduce the risk of a leak before air time.

Harriet revealed she’d actually met one of the finalists

Speaking about the backstage mishap, Harriet let slip that she had actually met one of this years finalists and hinted that she now knew their identity.

The host said: “I got to go backstage where they all hangout and we actually bumped into one of the Masked Singers,” Harriet then teased: “Who is yet to be revealed.”