Author: bang5

The contestants on the UK’s three regular series of The Traitors happily kept schtum when told to by producers – but the famous faces are finding it a little bit harder

The contestants in the star-studded version are finding it tricky to stay quiet about the show, to air in the autumn

The stars taking part in Celebrity Traitors have all been sworn to secrecy about what went on inside the famous Scottish castle. But while that tactic worked weil for the regular version, the celebs are finding it harder to hold their tongues about the much-anticipated BBC show, due to air this autumn.

Ted Lasso actor Nick Mohammed has revealed how one celebrity threw a tantrum because TV chiefs would not tell them the time. He said: “When we were in the castle you’d be like ‘What’s the time?’ And they’d say ‘It’s Traitors time.’ That was their response.

“Every single member of production had to answer with that until someone kicked off. And then someone said it is basically all right and you can tell us the time.” Speaking on a podcast, he added: ”I do think it’s going to be good telly. To see these celebrities together and interacting in this game will be really interesting.”

Claudia will try to treat the celebrity players in just the same way as she does the regular people who take part in the BBC1 show(Image: PA)

The lineup of stars trying to identify the Traitors among the Faithful includes Jonathan Ross, Alan Carr, Clare Balding, Paloma Faith, Kate Garraway, Mark Bonner and Charlotte Church.

Netflix actress Ruth Codd has let slip that she wasn’t keen on every single person taking part. She teased: “Some of the people on it were really, really nice.”

And the Irish star of hit dramas The Midnight Club and Fall of the House of Usher claimed producers grilled her before filming to find out whether she was a good liar – so they could work out whether to make her a Traitor.

Ted Lasso actor Nick Mohammed says not being able to tell the time drove some of the players potty(Image: Getty Images)

She added: “They do ask ‘Are you good at lying? Are you a good judge of character?’ I said, ‘Maybe, because I’m an actor..’”

Olympic diver Tom Daley has revealed that the dramatic music played when the contestants all sit around the big table is not added on after filming – it is actually played when they are there to increase the tension. He said: “You know how when you are watching the show they always play a song at the beginning when the camera goes around the table and shows everyone, well they actually play that.

“So what you see on TV and you think ‘Oh that’s just music added over the top’. No! That’s happening! It makes you go like ‘Ohhhhh!!!”

Kate Garraway couldn’t wait to get stuck in on the Celebrity Traitors, to air in the autumn(Image: Getty Images)

Comedian Alan Carr compared the show to ‘rehab’ because all the celebrities had their phones and electronic gadgets taken off them. Speaking during one of his podcasts, he laughed :“It was like rehab. It’s cheaper than rehab. They took my phone away. They took my laptop.

“When I got the phone back I was like ‘S**t’ Now I get a lot of spam but I was like.. ‘2000 emails? Oh my god!’ and you start thinking ‘My mum and dad aren’t well’ but then it’s like ‘Hi. Do you wanna buy a freezer?’”

And he teased TV chiefs who told him not to breathe a word about what happened on the show before it gets broadcast, adding: “I’m bezzie mates with Rebekah Vardy who I’ve given all The Traitors gossip to and I know I feel safe with her knowing that!” Rebekah was famously caught up in the “Wagatha Christie” scandal where she was accused of leaking secrets from ex pal Coleen Rooney’s Instagram account.

Harry Potter narrator Stephen Fry joked the regular show could now be known as the “Muggle version”(Image: PA)

Author and raconteur Stephen Fry loved being on the star-studded special hosted by Claudia Winkleman, comparing it with being back at boarding school. The national treasure – who narrates the Harry Potter audiobooks – joked that the regular series with members of the public was “the Muggle version”. One insider said the biggest fear from show bosses was that the stars wouldn’t put their all into the gameplay and the missions – but found that they needn’t have worried. “The first mission showed just how committed they were to doing it properly,” one source said. “They gave 100%. It was fantastic to see.”

The BBC has told Gregg Wallace that they don’t believe he’ll change his behaviour in a scathing letter from compliance boss Claire Powell that has been shared with The Mirror

Gregg Wallace has been accused of misconduct claims that he denies(Image: BBC/Glenn Dearing)

Gregg Wallace struggles to grasp the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace, BBC bosses claim. And in a letter sacking him from his MasterChef job, the corporation insisted he is unlikely to change amid accusations that include groping, flashing and making sexual comments that go back years.

While the 60-year-old has admitted using inappropriate language at times, he denies the more serious allegations and has now hired an “aggressive” lawyer who may challenge his axing. In the letter from the BBC to Wallace, extracts of which have been seen by the Mirror, compliance boss Claire Powell refers to the findings of a law firm’s probe into his behaviour – which are yet to be released.

Gregg Wallace has been fired from MasterChef(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

She said: “I do not have the confidence that you can change what seems to be learned behaviour for you to make what you perceive to be jokes in the work -environment, without understanding the boundaries of what is appropriate.

“You acknowledge some of your comments have offended or upset people. But it is clear that you struggle to distinguish the boundaries between appropriate and inappropriate -behaviour in the workplace, as well as lacking an awareness of why your behaviour impacts others.

“I do not have confidence that your behaviour can change.”

A source close to Wallace said the TV chef claims the letter is unfair. But show producers Banijay are understood to be in no doubt about the next steps that need to be taken after the report by law firm Lewis Silkin.

The insider said the letter refers to Wallace’s autism and appears to accept his condition. The source said: “He’s been formally diagnosed with autism, a recognised disability, but the BBC seems to be saying it can’t cope with a disabled person. It sounds a lot like discrimination to us.”

Wallace is now understood to have hired Dan Morrison, one of the UK’s top litigation lawyers who has worked with Nigel Farage and footballer John Terry.

His firm’s profile page states: “Dan has recovered billions of pounds for his clients over 25 years of legal practice. He is known for his aggressive approach to litigation and his ability to negotiate favourable settlements for his clients.”

Wallace is expected to try to sue the BBC, although it is not yet clear if this will be for unfair dismissal, or something else.

He was warned by the BBC after a complaint was raised about him in 2018 on the show Impossible Celebrities. He apologised and was offered counselling.

Wallace was told in a meeting to change his behaviour and had coaching the following year. There were also complaints about him that same year on MasterChef. He was given a dressing down by Kate Phillips, who was then controller of entertainment and is now the BBC’s chief content officer.

She reportedly told Wallace his behaviour had been -“unacceptable and cannot continue”. BBC News has claimed that 50 more people have made claims about him.

Banijay last night declined to comment. The BBC also said it would not comment beyond the statement issued on Tuesday, which stated: “Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace.

“We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.”

Wallace insisted earlier this week: “I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience.”

EXCLUSIVE: Fans of Jeff Lynne’s ELO were left disappointed as thousands of ticketholders were booted from Co-op Live when the gig was cancelled last minute in Manchester

Jeff Lynne shared sad health update hours before Manchester gig axed last minute

Jeff Lynne shared a sad health update with fans in Manchester just hours before ELO’s concert was called off. ELO fans were booted out of Manchester’s Co-op Live arena after the gig was cancelled just minutes before the band were due to start.

Thousands of ticketholders were left disappointed when they were informed that the performance would not be going ahead tonight. A fan who was at Wednesday night’s gig exclusively told The Mirror: “At the start of the set he came on and couldn’t play the guitar because he has injured his hand. He sounded shaky to begin with but his singing and energy picked up and was great until the last 10 minutes of the show.

“A chair was brought onto the stage and he had to sit down to sing the last few songs, he appeared to be unsteady on his feet at the end and was helped off the stage by staff. He really wasn’t well, it was obvious to fans at the gig he wasn’t himself and it is sad to see.”

Jeff Lynne shared a sad health update with fans in Manchester(Image: BBC)

Jeff took to X to an announce that the show had been cancelled “due to illness” and that Jeff was “devastated” that he could not perform. “Unfortunately due to illness, tonight’s scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne’s ELO at the Co-op Live will not be going ahead. Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening,” they said.

“More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds please go to your point of purchase,” the statement continued.

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Fans soon took to social media to share their upset, with one writing: “Tonight’s ELO concert cancelled at 8.10 pm. Jeff Lynne too ill. Devastated. Hope he’s ok. Had tickets since December.”

“THEY CANCELLED ELO TONIGHT BECAUSE JEFF IS ILL????? YOU CANT MAKE THIS UP WE’RE ALL BEING BOOTED OUT,” a second wrote.

The Manchester gig was called off last minute due to Lynne’s health crisis(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

“Jeff Lynne’s ELO cancelling 12 MINUTES before they’re due on stage. That’s tragic,” posted another.

The band performed their the first night of their Manchester leg last night, with Jeff revealing that he injured his hand while in London. “I was in London and a taxi dashed off from where he was coming from and smashed my hand. It really hurt at the time. That’s why I haven’t got a guitar – I normally would have,” he explained.

Ticketholders for the Over and Out tour claimed they were informed the performance would not be going ahead just minutes before the band was due to take to the stage.

Concerns were raised over how people could be refunded for their expenses, after also booking travel and accommodation. One social media post claimed a couple had spent over £1,000 to travel from Ireland for the show.

Sir Michael Caine, 92, headed to lunch with Vin Diesel in London this week, with the Fast and Furious actor seen pushing him in a wheelchair

Michael Caine, 92, pictured in wheelchair as he joins pal Vin Diesel for mystery project(Image: Getty Images)

Sir Michael Caine’s close pal Vin Diesel helped pushed the 92-year-old in his wheelchair as they went to lunch in Hammersmith, London. The Batman Begins star made a rare public appearance as he went to lunch at the River Cafe with Fast and Furious actor, Vin, who turns 58 next week.

Michael kept it classy in a black suit with a dark blue shirt, black trousers and comfortable black shoes. Vin, who has been friends with Michael for three decades, was by his side as they went to the popular A-list hotsput for food. Michael’s partner Shakira, 78, and Vin’s girlfriend Paloma Jimenez, 41, joined the duo for the outing.

The two were spotted enjoying lunch in Hammersmith(Image: INSTAGRAM)

In pictures obtained by the Metro, Vin was seen rocking a casual light blue polo shirt with white trousers and trainers. The group were filming for an upcoming documentary about Michael and a camera was seen placed on a tripod near the table for the two-hour meal.

The group even sang Happy Birthday Diesel before tucking into dessert ahead of Vin’s 58th birthday. Vin and Michael have been working on a project called Mark and Maurice.

Vin took to social media at the end of June to announce the indie project along with a picture of him posing with Michael. He said: “It’s crazy to see so many of you just discovering Kaulder…” referencing his character in The Last Witch Hunter, which he starred in with Michael in 2015.

The duo starred in The Last Witch Hunter together(Image: Shared Content Unit)

“Filming The Last Witch Hunter with Michael was such a dream come true,” he added. “The response from people discovering it now is surreal – getting to work alongside one of my dearest friends and seeing people connect with that story years later… That’s really the magic of this business.

“Michael and I have been close friends for decades. He came into my life after I had lost a childhood friend who became a New York City police officer and lost his life in the line of duty – one of my personal reasons for filming that infamous New York detective.

“Somehow Michael’s friendship was healing and loving, and I’ve been blessed to have him in my life. Over a year ago, Michael and I started working on an independent project called Mark and Maurice. I can’t wait to share what we’ve been up to.”

Michael once opened up about feeling “fed up” over never winning an Academy Award in the leading actor category.

Despite being nominated four times over a 30 year period, he hasn’t ever been awarded Best Actor in a Leading Role at the film awards ceremony in the US.

He said in an interview with Salon in 2003: “I’ve been nominated four times for a leading Oscar and you get fed up sitting there losing, you know?

“I keep sitting there with that smile on my face, that same sickly smile, saying, ‘Well done!’”

It comes despite Victoria and David’s eldest son appearing to offer an olive brand amid the family feud earlier this week with a sweet tribute to sister Harper

Brooklyn Beckham appears to have drawn battle lines by unfollowing his younger brothers Cruz and Romeo.

It comes despite Victoria and David’s eldest son appearing to offer an olive brand amid the family feud earlier this week with a sweet tribute to sister Harper on her birthday.

The 26-year-old hot sauce entrepreneur still follows his famous mum and dad, so it is unclear if a war of words between himself and his brothers may have been happening behind the scenes.

Those close to Brooklyn told The Sun today that Brooklyn and Nicola did not unfollow the brothers and had “no idea” about it until he read about it online. “It’s possible Romeo and Cruz blocked them, which would make it appear as him no longer following the brothers,” they said.

“He and Nicola certainly didn’t unfollow them or block them — they’re as confused as anyone else. The first they heard about it was when it was being reported on.”

Brooklyn’s relationship with his brother Romeo in particular has appeared to deteriorate over the last few months following claims his younger brother’s ex-girlfriend Kim Turnbull was the source of their falling out.

In June, model Kim broke her silence on accusations that she had previously dated Brooklyn before sparking up a romance with Romeo. In a defiant statement on her Instagram account, she declared she would “not continue to receive harassment or be embarrassed on the basis of lies, to fit a certain narrative”. She clarified: “I have never been romantically involved in ANY capacity at ANY point with the person in question. Nothing between us has occurred further than a school friendship at age 16.”

Brooklyn appears to have fallen out with Romeo and Cruz ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
However, his soured relationship with Cruz had previously baffled Victoria and David, as they had previously never had a bad word said between them. Yet following Brooklyn’s snubbing towards his youngest brother when visiting London weeks after David’s birthday, Cruz has been very much on his parents’ side.

On Thursday, Brooklyn paid tribute to sister Harper with a photo of himself and wife Nicola Peltz alongside his sister on his Instagram Stories. Brooklyn wrote on the upload: “Happy birthday harper we love u x,” and tagged his wife. The actress, 30, reshared the post on her own Story.

Brooklyn was 12 when his youngest sibling was born. The pair have been very close over the years, but there was said to be tension from those close to the family who were worried he wouldn’t reach out at all amid a family feud.

Brooklyn Beckham appears to have severed ties with his younger brothers ( 
Image:
davidbeckham/Instagram)
Sources shared their fears after both Brooklyn and Nicola failed to see Harper when they visited London in May to film an advert. The location for the shoot was just over a mile from the family home.

The worry came after Brooklyn had snubbed a number of other family milestones of late. After failing to attend any of dad David’s 50th celebrations, he also publicly blanked the former footballer’s proud moment as it was announced he was being knighted.

He wished Harper a happy birthday ( 
Image:
INSTAGRAM)Brooklyn’s brothers Romeo and Cruz also wished their sister a happy birthday on the social media platform alongside David and Victoria.

Earlier this month, Nicola Peltz, 30, hit back at claims she is “controlling” husband Brooklyn after sharing photos from a party with friends. Fans had taken to the comments section to share well wishes over the occasion, but some people instead criticised Nicola and Brooklyn. It’s included the suggestion that Nicola is to blame for the rumoured rift between her husband and his parents.

Several fans however came to Nicola’s defence underneath the post, which included photos of Brooklyn beside Nelson. One comment, in which it was suggested that Brooklyn can make his own decisions, was liked by Nicola.

Geri Horner has had a tough week, sources have revealed, and she had no plans to go to her fellow Spice Girl Mel B’s wedding after missing the high-profile nuptials

Geri had no plans to go to her fellow Spice Girl Mel B’s wedding(Image: Getty Images)

Geri Horner has had a “week from hell” – and there was no way she would be attending Mel B’s wedding. Her Spice Girls bandmate tied the knot last weekend but Geri was nowhere to be seen.

Ahead of the event, insiders confirmed Emma Bunton would be there with her husband Jade Jones, but Mel C, Victoria Beckham and Geri Horner will not. A source had said: “Victoria loves Mel but sadly she will be out of the country, and wishes she could be there. Mel C too would have been there but she is on tour in Sweden. They have a great deal of affection for Melanie.”

Mel married her partner Rory in a glittering wedding attended by a number of celebrities including Alan Carr, Angelica Bell and Katherine Ryan amongst others.

Geri and Christian have had a tough few weeks(Image: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

It has been a tough week for Geri, as Christian also made a surprise exit from his role at Red Bull. In a lengthy post, Christian wrote: “After an incredible journey of 20 years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the team I have absolutely loved. Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved. Win and lose, every step of the way, we have stood by each other as one and I will never forget that.

“It’s been a privilege being part of and leading this epic team and I am so proud of our collective accomplishments and you all. Thanks to the amazing partners and fans who enabled us to go racing. Your support has helped grow the team from its humble beginnings to an F1 powerhouse that laid claim to six Constructors Championships and eight Drivers’ Championships.”

Christian has exited his role with Red Bull(Image: Getty Images)

Now, a source has revealed how much of a tough week it has been for Geri, with Christian’s ex-wife having passed away.

“It’s been a really devastating time for the family and Christian has been in a hole about Beverley,” a source told The Mirror of Geri’s tough week, “Geri was never going to go to Mel B’s wedding, it just wouldn’t have been fun for her and Christian to have gone when her and Mel haven’t always seen eye to eye.

“It’s been a week from hell for the family with Beverley’s passing and Christian’s exit from Red Bull, but Geri is relieved now everyone knows what’s been going on behind closed doors, because it’s not been easy.”

A source also previously revealed to us that Geri was unhappy over her husband Christian Horner’s decision to leave Red Bull.

“Geri is going to stand by her man and is supporting him fully. Image means so much to her, but behind closed doors she isn’t happy about the attention this brings,” the insider said, “Image means so much to Geri and she knows everyone will relate it back to the leaked messages and what went on last year, so it’s not easy for her.”

Fans have gathered in their thousands in Manchester for one of the most anticipated reunion gigs ever as Oasis take to the stage at Heaton Park in their home town

Spanish football manager Pep Guardiola has proved he’s a huge Oasis fan as he’s been spotted backstage at Liam and Noel Gallagher’s comeback gig at Heaton Park in Manchester. Pep, 54, was pictured with the singing duo’s kids, Noel’s children Donovan, Sonny and Anais and Liam’s sons Gene and Lennon.

The footballing legend wore a retro Man City shirt with a pair of denim shorts, as he was seen sporting a backstage pass around his neck and a drink in hand. Gene took to Instagram to proudly share the picture as the 24-year-old captioned it: “Pic of the century alright now everyone else can f*** off.”

Noel, 56, grew a close connection to the manager when he arrived in Manchester nine years ago and have shared a close bond ever since. The singer has supported Man City since he was a child and regularly attends games at the Etihad stadium.

Noel and Liam Gallagher performed at Heaton Park in Manchester today(Image: X/@Whateverpodcas2)

This is the first time that Noel and Liam, 52, are performing in their native Manchester since 2009.

The Britpop legends reunited for their first show in 16 years last week in Cardiff and have a further three sold-out dates in London, Edinburgh and Dublin.

The pair announced their comeback last year and at the time of the announcement, they shared a video to promote the comeback when Liam was heard saying: “When we both come together, you have greatness.”

Noel also expressed: “I know my brother better than anybody else. This is it, this is happening.”

Pep Guardiola posed backstage at Oasis’ gig in Manchester with the Gallagher kids(Image: Instagram/genegallagher)

The brothers notoriously shared huge bust ups throughout their time together in the band from 1991 to 2009 and even continued to bad-mouth one another after Noel quit.

The first notable cracks in the relationship between the two occurred on their first American tour in 1994, where Liam regularly changed the lyrics of Noel’s songs to annoy both his brother and the American listeners.

This led to a physical fight between the boys and a chair being thrown, causing Noel to abruptly quit the tour.

Many spats happened over the next few years, but the final straw came in 2009 when Noel publicly quit the band.

The pair performed together in Cardiff last week(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Noel and Liam went on to have hugely successful solo careers and spent years keeping their families apart from one another.

However, in 2017, things appeared to soften as Liam told BBC Radio 1: “I’ll speak to him some day. It’s all very sad, but we’ll get over it… I guess it musn’t be nice for my mum.”

“It would be lovely for my mum. I’m not arsed about the band. It would be lovely for two brothers to be talking and for my mum.

“The families have not seen each other and my kids haven’t seen his kids, I haven’t seen his kids, all that would be great. And then maybe we could get the band back together or maybe not but that would be nice.”

Oasis have returned to their hometown of Manchester for the first of their sold-out shows in Heaton Park as Noel Gallagher paid a moving tribute to the late Caroline Aherne

Noel Gallagher dedicated a touching tribute to fellow Mancunian Caroline Aherne as he took to the stage with brother Liam again in their hometown. Oasis are playing five sold-out shows at Heaton Park in the city to 80,000 fans each night.

Last weekend, the iconic Britpop band paid tribute to footballer Diogo Jota following his tragic death aged 28. During their first Manchester show, Noel took time to pay tribute to comedian, actress, writer and director Caroline.

Noel dedicated Half the World Away to the late Royale Family star, who died in 2016 aged 52, as he said: “This one is for Caroline.” Caroline was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2014. Just today, it was revealed Noel had made an incredible gesture to the Teenage Cancer Trust, an organisation extremely close to his heart.

Actress and writer Caroline died in 2016 ( 
Image:
PA)
According to the charity’s website, it supports “specialised nurses, youth workers and hospital units in the NHS, so young people have dedicated staff and facilities to support them throughout treatment”.

It has been reported Noel is set to make a generous donation to the charity following the income made on Oasis’ world tour.

Oasis fans have descended on Manchester and unusually, the forecast has bucked the usual unpredictable weather during outdoor events, with hot weather sweeping the UK.

Manchester is set to see temperatures reach nearly 30 degrees over the weekend as the mini-heatwave continues. Bosses have relaxed their usual rules at Heaton Park and have encouraged fans to take water, suncream and hats into the venue.

There will also be medical assistance from the three welfare tents, two situated to the left of the stage and one to the right, close to the merchandise stand and bar. However, dark scenes from inside the tents have shown the preparations in place to support those due to the heat.

BBC Radio 2 host and longtime Oasis fan Vernon Kay shared a glimpse inside a tent as rows and rows of medical beds could be seen. “Here we go, Heaton Park getting ready for those people who refuse to hydrate themselves,” Vernon said as he panned around the room.

He urged: “Come on, gets some electrolytes in your body. We don’t want to see you on any of these mats. These are not for yoga, these are not yoga mats. This is not a sun lounger. These are where people will recover.”

Junior Andre has opened up about his relationship with his mum and dad, Katie Price and Peter Andre, as he takes a serious next step in his relationship with his older girlfriend

At just 20 years old, Junior Andre already has the makings of a stellar career – and now he’s taken a serious next step with his girlfriend Jasmine Orr. The son of Katie Price and Peter Andre has just moved in with the influencer, 24, in a one-bedroom apartment in Surrey, and insists he’s more than ready to stand on his own two feet.

Singer Junior previously split his time between the houses of his dad and stepmum, Emily MacDonagh, and his mum Katie, and in an exclusive chat he reveals what thinks of his famous parents now he’s in a serious relationship of his own. “I mean, I’m my own man, aren’t I?,” he said, on the topic of getting life advice from Katie or Mysterious Girl singer Peter.

Junior wants to stand on his own two feet(Image: OK!/Alex James)

He continued: “So, I learn for myself and I think that’s the way everyone does it. “It’s the same way my parents did it, you know, just life experience. You live and you learn.”

Junior’s mum and dad split in 2009 after four years together, and him and his younger sister Princess, now 18, split their time between the two houses. When it comes to his romance with Jasmine, which started last year after the pair met at a work event, Junior told OK! magazine they have both been “really supportive”.

“They were really happy for us,” he said. “My parents were both there if we needed anything while moving, and we’re still going to be going for barbecues at Dad’s, or to my mum’s for movie nights. Family is so important. We’re going to host them here, too, once everything is settled.”

Katie and Peter were very supportive of him and Jasmine, Junior said(Image: OK!/Alex James)

Katie opened up recently about her experience of co-parenting Junior and Princess following her and Peter’s split, telling dating guru Paul C Brunson that they’d never “spoken” about their split since they separated.

Last year she also revealed how her role of mum was changing as the two were getting older and launching their own careers.

Speaking to her sister Sophie, 35, on an episode of her Katie Price Show podcast, the former glamour model said: “Although they live with me, because they’re going away soon and Junior’s just been doing night stuff, working nights, I haven’t seen much of them.”

Princess and Junior are both successful in their own right now(Image: Mike Marsland, WireImagevia Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Princess, who turned 18 last month, has been filming her own ITV2 documentary and while Peter and Emily will feature, it’s understood Katie will not.On a more recent episode of her podcast, Katie addressed the rumours and said: “Just ‘cos everyone knows she’s doing this documentary. I’m not in. But we’ll talk about that nearer the time. Certain people don’t think it’s good for Princess to be seen with me. Certain people who used to look after me.”

Associate Editor Tom Bryant reflects on meeting Masterchef star Gregg Wallace who opened up about his fears over losing his job during an extraordinary interview in late 2023

The Mirror’s Tom Bryant opens up about meeting Gregg Wallace(Image: Tim Merry/Daily Mirror)

After I spent a morning in Gregg Wallace’s company, I felt like I needed a lie down. Meeting him to record an episode of my podcast, he was – at first – everything I had expected him to be: brash, extrovert and very loud.

In fact, he was not unlike his persona on BBC show MasterChef, with his booming voice and cockney cackle of a laugh. But after a few hours with him in late 2023 – and a very revealing interview – I came away with a very different perspective of the former Peckham greengrocer. Namely: how has this clearly troubled man with a host of demons risen to the top of the TV pile and stayed there for so long?

Under-fire: Gregg Wallace has been axed from Masterchef(Image: Pixel8000)

It’s pertinent now as his career lies in tatters amid a swirl of accusations. This week alone we learned that 50 more people have made claims about him to BBC News.

Most accuse him of inappropriate sexual comments. Eleven women accuse him of ­inappropriate sexual behaviour, which he denies. If the claims against him are true, you can see in a heartbeat why he was relieved of his job as MasterChef co-host, a role he had since 2005.

When I met him, I found it hard to comprehend how he coped in the glare of the public eye. The answer was that he didn’t.

During our recording in the basement of a private members’ club in Soho in London’s West End, he talked about how being on TV exacerbated his mental health struggles.

It was a candid chat. But there was a niggling thought at the back of my mind that things wouldn’t end well.

I couldn’t put my finger on it – and I still struggle to – but 20 months later, the situation has well and truly imploded. He had revealed how the more famous he got, the worse his anxiety grew. He told me: “I used to not be able to go on holiday without getting anxiety attacks.”

At one point, Gregg looked me in the eye as he said how he lived in constant fear his career could end at any moment.

He said: “Why was I always scared of losing my job? Why was I always scared of losing my house? Why was I always scared of being poor?”

Being on telly made his anxiety levels soar. “TV is terrible for someone with anxiety,” he said. “I’ve had the same PA for 12 years. She went, ‘My word, you picked the wrong profession.’”

His stint on Strictly was a disaster. BBC bosses were so worried they got a therapist for him mid-series.

He said: “I was having a tough time. I was really stressed – so badly that the side of my face broke out into a rash, like cold sores.”

Gregg Wallace: worried about losing his job(Image: PA)

He told me his fourth wife Anna pleaded with him for them to quit the UK and live in Italy, asking him: “Is this worth it?”

A lot of his issues stemmed from a childhood blighted by abuse. Aged eight, he was sexually assaulted by a babysitter’s husband. Gregg told me: “I didn’t tell anybody at the time. I did tell my mum when I was older but she didn’t seem to want to know.”

He said of the abuse: “It was quite a horrendous situation for a young boy.

Clearly, none of this could excuse some of the appalling behaviour heis now accused of.

There are some who may question why Gregg was on TV in the first place given his fragility. But mental health problems should not preclude you from your chosen career.

And I’m told that producers ­recognised he needed help and assigned him a full-time welfare specialist over the past six months.

This week he claimed to have received a formal autism diagnosis. Gregg, 60, said on Tuesday: “My neuro-diversity, now formally ­diagnosed as autism, was suspected by colleagues across countless seasons of Master-Chef. Yet nothing was done to ­investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for 20 years.”

Autism charities have reacted with fury to these comments, with one saying the condition is “not a free pass for bad behaviour”. Emily Banks, founder of neurodiversity training body Enna, said: “Being autistic is never an excuse for misconduct.

“It doesn’t absolve anyone of responsibility and it doesn’t mean you can’t tell right from wrong.”

But as one executive on a rival channel told me: “This isn’t about whether Gregg has autism.

“This is about what MasterChef knew about the wronged women over the years, and whether they just turned a blind eye.”

We now have to wait and see if the long-awaited MasterChef review into the saga provides the answers when it comes back on Monday.