Author: bang5

Larger than life star Gemma Collins opens up on the latest on her weightloss journey, wedding plans with fiance Rami and why she’s ready to give people ‘her authentic self’

View 4 Images

Gemma spills the beans on her wedding plans with Rami(Image: Getty Images for Thirty8 London)

Gemma Collins may be known for her extravagant persona, but it’s clear the former TOWIE favourite has mellowed in recent years. A far cry from the outlandish glamour of ‘The GC’, a beaming Gemma tells OK! exclusively that, these days, she’s much more focused on cherishing the little things in life.

As she chats to new on a video call from her sprawling Essex garden, the 44-year-old also shares an update on how she has achieved her slimmed-down figure, after starting weight-loss injections about a year ago. Gemma, engaged to Rami Hawash, 50, since February 2024, already describes herself as stepmum to his son Tristan, seven. Here, she reveals her plans for their 2026 wedding and why she could be spending Christmas with celeb pal Coleen Rooney…

View 4 Images

Gemma admits she’ll hire a wedding planner to organise every detail of her big day(Image: Instagram)

Gemma, you look amazing – how’s the weight-loss going?

I’ve actually just lost another stone and four pounds. I feel really good. I’ve been upping my exercise a lot and it’s just a continual journey, isn’t it? I don’t focus on it too much though. I love myself as I am – you’ve got to be kind to yourself. It’s just about constantly remembering to make those right choices and be mindful. I don’t put pressure on myself. It didn’t take you five minutes to gain it and it’s not going to take you five minutes to lose it.

You seem very relaxed these days. Do you think you’ve found more balance in life?

Yes, I can mix career and family these days. I’ve just enjoyed being a stepmum and a normal girl for a bit, because I hadn’t had that for so many years. Everything has come full circle now. I held off having a family for so many years because I was so career-focused. Then the family came along and I have Rami now. It’s life experience and my life has taken me on that natural path. Now I’m ready to come back and I can combine the family version of myself and the career version to give people the real authentic me, not someone who is fake.

Speaking of Rami, are you wedding planning yet?

Oh honey, that’ll be happening in 2026. I’ll have a wedding planner. They’ll take care of it. I’ll just say, “Yes, no, yes, no, yes, no.” That’s it. But I’m really excited, of course I am.

View 4 Images

Gemma loves country life as a stepmum to Rami’s son(Image: Instagram)

Will we see you back on television again soon?

Yes! I’ve just done two major TV shows this year, which will air next year. So I’m already back in a huge way. I’ve already smashed out next year. I’m a year ahead – currently I’m in 2027. I’m lucky that I can pick and choose what I want to do now. I will only do shows where I think it will be fun and people get the best of me.

Is there any show you would never do?

I wouldn’t do Celebrity: SAS Who Dares Wins – hell no! They wouldn’t get The GC near that. I think people forget my age – I’m nearly 45 now, hon. I need an English breakfast tea and my country walks, not pretending I’m in the army! The Traitors called me about a year-and-a-half ago and I didn’t do it, but I’d maybe do that one. It better be warm in that castle though.

What about TOWIE – would you ever return?

Oh, they ring me all the time. Look, I’m very fond of the show and it’s what made me. It’s the show that got me my beautiful home, but we do all move on in life. And I have moved on.

You’re working with Paddy Power for its new advert…

Oh, it’s all about glamour and being loud and proud. I’ve always loved Paddy Power because the games are all so fun – and I’m really lucky, especially on roulette. I’m in the advert with Peter Crouch, Coleen Rooney and Danny Dyer, so we had a blast. It’s all about having fun with your friends. A lot of people do their gaming alone, but you don’t need to do it alone. Make it super fun. I’m going to have a Paddy Power casino evening at my house with a poker table, fake money, the lot!

View 4 Images

Gemma is hoping after her Paddy Power collab to get an invite to the Rooneys’(Image: PR Supplied)

You always go big for the festive season – what are your Christmas plans?

Christmas is always huge in my house. But, funnily enough, I don’t know what I’m doing for it this year. Rami says he wants to go away, but now I’m such good mates with Coleen Rooney, Danny Dyer and Peter Crouch, let’s see if we can get an invite to one of theirs. I bet they have a really fancy Christmas at the Rooneys! For me, it’s who you’re with. Christmas ain’t about the best champagne and dinners, it’s about being with the people who you have the most fun with.

Does having children around now make it more special?

Oh definitely. My stepson, Tristan, is coming up for eight now so he keeps asking if Father Christmas is real. I’m telling him, “Of course he is.” I’m taking him to Lapland this year to prove it. And I’ve got two older nephews who I’m trying to keep young for as long as possible. I’ve got a new baby nephew too, so I’ll get to enjoy it all with him. It’s the kids that make it for me. But it’s Christmas every Sunday at my house because I do a big dinner for all of the family. It’s all about who you spend it with. We live in a world now where everything is so accessible and everyone has everything they want, so it’s about quality time.

Coleen Nolan, 58, is as emotionally frank as ever and tells us she’s all about ’embracing’ life and speaks about moving in with boyfriend Michael Jones and supporting eldest son Shane, 35, through his break-up

Coleen Nolan has never shied away from talking about the tricky times in her life and has been an open book when it comes to her two divorces, three kids and growing up as one sixth of The Nolans.

So when we meet her for a chat, Coleen, 58, is as emotionally frank as ever and tells us she’s all about “embracing” life. She may be smiling, but we sense there’s something weighing on her mind It transpires that at the same time as preparing to move into a new house with boyfriend Michael Jones, who she met on Tinder in 2021, she’s also trying to support her eldest son Shane, 35, through his split with his Miss Great Britain wife Maddie Wahdan. The couple married in July 2022 but hit the headlines late last year with Shane being accused of cheating.

Coleen, of course, has first-hand experience of infidelity, with her own marriage to Shane’s actor father Shane Richie ending in similar circumstances. It’s been a lot to deal with, but she is, as ever, pragmatic and honest about how she feels about a painful situation.“I love them both and I always will. It’s always extremely sad when something doesn’t work out – it’s always sad for both parties,” she tells us. “Obviously Shane’s my son – I adore him. And I still adore Maddie. I can sit and talk to Maddie for hours, I’ve been there and done it. But she’s doing great. I mean, she’s Miss GB, she’s beautiful and she’s a great person, and she’s got nothing to worry about. She’ll fly.”

On the subject of her own new beginning, the imminent house move may be stressful, but it signals a fresh start with Michael. And she tells us the couple definitely want to continue living together after a successful “tester situation” in their current home. But when it comes to a possible third marriage, what does Coleen – who got divorced from her second husband, Ray Fensome, in 2018 – see in her future?“ I might get engaged, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I’m going to walk down the aisle,” she tells us. “I know Michael would like to marry me and to be fair to him, it’s probably from insecurity because I’ve finished with him three times since I met him.“It was all my issues, because of what I’d gone through, so I was pushing him away thinking I couldn’t deal with it. I’ve had therapy, I’ve sorted my life out, and I’m very open to everything he’s providing me emotionally, and it’s fantastic. So let’s not try to fix something that isn’t broken.”

Coleen with boyfriend Michael Jones ( 
Image:
Instagram/coleen_nolan)

Coleen is supporting her son Shane after his break-up ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

The former Nolans singer is also in the midst of a form of personal grief as her daughter Ciara, 22, recently left home on a one-way ticket to go travelling with her boyfriend, with no set return date. “I’m missing my best friend but I’m so proud of them both, it’s such a brilliant thing to do,” says empty nester Coleen, who also shares Jake, 31, with Shane Snr. “Selfishly, as her mum, I keep hoping for a text saying, ‘I’ve had enough, I’m coming home,’ and it’s only been a week so far.” Ciara’s departure in January marked the start of what is going to be a big year for Coleen – and she tells us she’s all about “embracing every moment”.As well as the move, there’s the small matter of her UK-wide solo tour starting this month, which she tells us is like a modern version of a Nolans tour. Her son Shane is her support act, Michael is “on the merch”, and second ex-husband Ray is playing guitar.

When we talk about prepping for her live performances, her face is a clue as to why she may be feeling so open and vulnerable at the moment.“I’m terrified,” she admits. “It’s too late now to get in my car and just drive away, but I’m tempted to do it every day. I’m dying of nerves and I haven’t slept for about three months.“It’s the unknown, but it’s something that I really, really wanted to do before I die. I’ve toured before and I’ve been on stage before, but I’ve been surrounded by my sisters, but this is totally alone.”

At 58, Coleen is young to be thinking about her own mortality, but since losing her older sister Bernie to cancer at just 52 and now watching Linda, 64, deal with her own diagnosis, we understand why she’s determined to grab life with both hands.“When we lost Bernie after our reunion tour in 2009, I thought that would be it, we’d never tour again, we’d never sing again,” she says. “Then Linda got re-diagnosed. These are life-changing moments that make you sit there and think, ‘When I get to a point where I can’t do anything, what am I going to regret?’ And one of the main ones was that I’d never sing or perform again, even just once more.“I thought I’d maybe do it next year but Linda said, ‘No, do it now, we don’t know where we’ll be. Bernie thought she was going to tour again, and the following year was diagnosed with cancer and never got the opportunity.’”

She adds, “Bernie lived for performing, so I knew Linda was right.”Speaking of Linda, Coleen is in awe of her sister. Reflecting on their New Year celebrations, she says, “I’m starting to think Linda is some sort of AI because she’s just incredible. Denise was sitting down at one point and Linda went over and said, ‘Get up and dance,’ but Denise told her, ‘I can’t, my legs are killing me.’ Linda went, ‘Yeah, well my brain is killing me and I’m managing to dance!’ There’s not a lot you can say to that is there?“We had the time of our lives. We’re just embracing every moment, and I hope there are many, many more moments to embrace.”

Coleen is planning to move in with Michael ( 
Image:
LORNA ROACH PHOTOGRAPHY)

Coleen with first ex-husband Shane Richie ( 
Image:
Getty Images)It’s hard to imagine feisty Coleen, a Loose Women regular, being frightened about getting back on stage. “It’s weird because I’m scared, but it’s also making me feel alive at the same time. I had all the awful feelings about ‘my kids are grown-up, I’m going through the menopause’ and all of a sudden I felt very redundant as a person. So I just thought, ‘You know what, I may be 59 in March but in my head I’m still 29, so let’s do it!’.”“Redundant” isn’t a term one would normally associate with Coleen – who’s been a regular on live television since joining the Loose Women panel in early 2000 and she says she still loves it. “It’s because it’s a different show every day. I love the fact that it’s women of all ages, all sizes, we’re very diverse and I’m really proud of that. I love the campaigns we do, and the fact that there really isn’t another show like it.”She admits there was a time where she “fell out of love with it for a bit”, and not – as tabloid headlines would have you believe – because of “feuds” or “wars” with fellow panellists (usually Janet Street-Porter or Ruth Langsford).

“It was because certain people behind the scenes weren’t being nice and I wasn’t enjoying it,” she tells us candidly. “Then those people went onto other things and great people came in, and I’ve loved it ever since.”As we’re talking about the so-called “feud” stories, Coleen shows that, while she may feel vulnerable at the moment, she’s no pushover. They need “little disagreements” because otherwise it would be boring, she laughs, adding the panellists aren’t blind to the fact that these become tabloid gold. “When there’s a little bit of something between Janet and me, or anyone else, every time we go to break we say, ‘That’ll be on the front covers this week!’.”What does bother her is that it’s “always women”, she says, adding, “You don’t see a story about Match Of The Day saying ‘ Gary Lineker ’s at war with this person or that person’ do you?

“Hand on heart, we all get on. But I live in Cheshire so I can’t just pop out for a drink with them. So we’re not always out on the town together, but God help everyone when we are because when we do go out, it’s wild!”After all her honesty, we’re still surprised by how down-to-earth Coleen is given she’s been a household name for virtually her whole life.“Celebrities are the people I watch on telly, not me,” she laughs, when we bring up her star status.“Some people are so good at being celebrities and they’re brilliant on the red carpet. I get invitations and I’m like, ‘No, I can’t, I’ve got to muck the horse out or take the dogs for a walk’!“But at the same time, if someone shouts my name, I get really thrilled by it. A stranger coming up to you in the middle of Tesco and going, ‘Oh my God, I love you,’ or, ‘Me and Mum watch you every day,’ is very, very humbling and it makes you realise why you do it.”

Loose Women’s Ruth Langsford and GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes shocked fans when their split was announced last month

Eamonn Holmes seen enjoying meal with presenter Hayley Sparkes after Ruth Langsford split

A ROYAL expert has said Prince Harry’s behaviour towards the Royal Family has been “appalling” and it’s “time he realised that”.

Royal photographer Arthur Edwards MBE told Matt Wilkinson, host of The Sun’s new show Royal Exclusive, that King Charles was “very upset” with Harry’s decision to write his bombshell book Spare.

7

Prince Harry at a volleyball match at a Nigerian army officers’ mess,, May 11Credit: Reuters

7

Harry and Meghan at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja on May 11Credit: AFP

7

Royal photographer Arthur Edwards MBE said Harry has behaved ‘appallingly’Credit: The SUn
In both his book and well-publicised interviews with ITV and CBS, Harry has accused his stepmother Queen Camilla of leaking details of her first meeting with Prince William.

Harry also claimed in Spare that his brother Prince William allegedly attacked him and labelled Meghan “difficult” and “rude”.

Sun photographer Arthur has now said that King Charles may not “easily forgive” Harry for deciding to go ahead with the book, and it’s time the prince “realised” that his behaviour has been “appalling”.

He said: “I remember going working with [Harry], he was fantastic, he was just amazing, and he was – especially with children, he was absolutely brilliant.

“And I travelled the world with him and I did really enjoy working with him, but you know, now, I really don’t care if I have to see him again.

“Because the way he has behaved towards the King, our Queen, and his brother and his sister-in-law is appalling.

“And I just feel it’s about time he realised that.”

Harry made a series of bombshell allegations in Spare, including that William “attacked” him in a row over Meghan Markle.

He also claimed that he called his therapist instead of Meghan after the confrontation with his brother.

Harry wrote that Charles had pleaded with Harry and William not to “make his final years a misery”.

And the Duke of Sussex claimed William and Kate Middleton encouraged him to wear the infamous Nazi uniform.

The bombshell book accidentally went on sale early in Spain – and The Sun acquired one of the first copies.

Royal photographer Arthur added: “[Harry] is behaving, sometimes, I think, appallingly.

“Certainly some of the things he’s said about members of the Royal Family, and Camilla, and Catherine, and his brother.

“I think you just don’t do that with family, you know?

“Family’s the most important thing in your life and you do everything to keep the family together and at peace.

“I imagine the King’s unhappy with Harry being around people where he could learn stories and hear gossip and put it in his next book or his next podcast or next radio or TV interview and it looks like he’s well informed.

“Of course the King felt very upset with that last thing Harry did, the book, especially what he said about his lovely wife Camilla.

“Because, I mean, they’re a very loved-up couple and you know, to offend our Queen, like he did in that book, you know, really upset the King.

“I don’t think he could easily forgive that. And I imagine the King’s had strong words with him over it.”

7

Charles and Camilla after a service for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul’sCredit: PA

7

Harry and Meghan attend a polo fundraiser event in Lagos, Nigeria, May 12Credit: Reuters

7

Harry and Meghan attend a sitting volleyball match at Nigeria UnconqueredCredit: Getty

7

Royal photographer Arthur Edwards MBE spoke to Matt Wilkinson on Royal ExclusiveCredit: The Sun

How ‘Megxit’ shook the Queen’s final years

By Matt Wilkinson

THROUGHOUT her reign and service, the Queen’s role was chiefly head of state while the Duke of Edinburgh was left to be head of the family.

But when Prince Harry and Meghan revealed on Instagram they were quitting royal duties to live in America, it was a crisis that required the Queen to be both.

At a hastily convened summit at Sandringham in January 2020 her decision was swift and final; the Sussexes can leave the family business but not have the trappings that come with being royal.

The wantaway couple were told there was no “half-in, half-out” role and that they could not have their cake and eat it as they were wished good luck in their new life.

In her statement the Queen thanked them for their “dedicated” work saying she was “particularly proud of Meghan”.

She added: “It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.”

This new beginning was anything but peaceful for the Queen. Because although the couple had quit royal service, they remained in the family.

As one palace insider put it: “They might no longer be working members of the Royal Family but they are not in exile.”

Leaving royal life and service to the crown and state was never a consideration or choice for the Queen. She was catapulted into succession when her uncle Edward VIII quit royal service to marry divorcee Wallis Simpson in 1936.

Seeing the impact on her father scarred the Queen’s early years but she rose to dedicate herself to a life of service.

So in her mid-90s — forced to isolate in Windsor Castle as Covid-19 raged — the Queen was asked to step up and deal with this cross-Atlantic family crisis, again and again and again.

Throughout the pandemic there was the overriding national feeling that Harry and Meghan would be best served in the UK by supporting the Royal Family rather than firing increasingly bitter pot-shots from across the pond.

When the one-year review came round, The Queen acted as both head of state and head of the family when the couple said they would not return.

Meghan was stripped of her patronages. Harry’s honorary military titles were formally removed.

They were relieved as President and Vice-President of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust after claiming the former Empire “must right the wrongs” of the past.

In her final Megxit statement the Queen explained: “Following conversations with the Duke, the Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.

“While we are all saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much-loved members of the family.”

The Duke of Sussex responded to the final Megxit deal — struck with Prince Philip in hospital — with an incendiary retort.

Their spokesman said: “As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role.

“We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”

Harry had initiated the review two months early because the couple wanted to tell “their truth” to Oprah Winfrey. The “tell-all” chat which aired days after the swapping of Megxit statements sent shockwaves around the world.

The couple alleged there was a racist in the Royal Family and claimed Meghan’s mental health concerns were ignored.

Astonishingly, the Queen was not told about what was planned, as palace insiders revealed “as non-working members of the Royal Family they are under no obligation to inform the Royal Household of such plans”.

Faced with an onslaught of accusations, many later proven to be untrue, the Queen waited more than 38 hours to respond publicly. She ordered a private family-led probe into the claims but tellingly, issued these words: “Some recollections may vary”.

She kept it civil by saying the Sussexes remain “much-loved family members”.

A source close to the Queen said: “She is not angry, she is just sad. They have always worried about him and the Queen feels very protective about him (Harry).”

Two months later Harry went further on a mental health podcast, blasting his upbringing saying he wanted to “break the cycle” of pain caused by his father.

This felt a more personal attack on the Queen, Charles and the whole Royal Family.

Faced with overwhelming public sympathy, coming after the shock and horror of the first Oprah interview, and grieving the loss of her husband, she stayed silent.

Just a few years earlier the Queen had welcomed divorcee Meghan into the fold and issued an Instrument of Consent for their May 2018 wedding saying she was “delighted for the couple”.

She gifted Meghan a set of pearl earrings and a necklace for her engagement and presented Frogmore Cottage to the couple.

The pair shared a tender moment when the Queen placed a blanket on Meghan’s knees on their first joint-engagement together in Cheshire. Meghan later told Oprah: “The Queen has always been wonderful to me.”

An insider said: “She was understanding that Harry and Meghan wanted out but it could not come at the detriment of the whole family.”

Because stepping away from royal life has never even crossed the Queen’s mind during her reign. She remembered only too well the huge toll that Edward VIII’s abdication had on her own father and the Royal Family.

When Edward quit royal duty to marry American Wallis Simpson, the line of succession passed to her father.

George VI called it a “burden” as he was the second-born and the spare and so was never meant to take the crown, let alone pass it down to his eldest daughter.

But he was regarded as a successful wartime king although he succumbed to the stress and heavy smoking and died aged 56 — leaving Princess Elizabeth to become Queen aged 25.

In a worldwide radio message on her 21st, she said: “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service.”

The thought of abdication, or quitting royal service to enjoy life elsewhere, even stepping away as head of state or head of the family, was never ever an option she wanted or explored.

The Queen was true to her word. And her service was universal to family and state.

Carol McGiffin has been inundated with messages from fans who are desperate for her to return to Loose Women, but the TV star has insisted that ‘little job isn’t coming back’

Carol McGiffin shuts down Loose Women return as she says ‘that little job isn’t coming back’ (
Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Former Loose Women star Carol McGiffin has shut down rumours about her returning to the ITV show, branding it “that little job”.

Fans have been eagerly awaiting her return stating “it’s not the same without you”, however, Carol dispelled the hope for her third stint. The television star was an integral part of the ITV panel starting in 2000 to 2013 and then back again from 2018 to 2023.

Her exit was rather controversial as she claimed she was “forced” to leave. In the past year, she confessed her grievances on leaving behind familiar faces like Nadia Sawalha and Denise Welch stating: “I feel quite upset about it, if I’m honest, because although it is my decision, I felt like it was one I was being forced to make. No one in their right mind would have signed that contract and I can’t see a way back from it.”

Despite squashing speculation about getting back to the popular daytime show, it seems Carol hasn’t called it quits yet. She playfully informed her 154,000 Instagram followers that she was not “totally retired yet”. Further embracing honesty, Carol used an update on Instagram to further promote her podcast.

She posted a snapshot fit with a microphone and wrote: “Apparently, some people are missing me,” She continued saying, “Not because I haven’t been on here for ages but because I’m not on that daytime ITV show I used to do, Loose Women. Sadly that little job isn’t coming back but I’m not totally retired yet,” reports OK!.

Carol has been actively promoting her audio project, telling fans, “I’m still doing this podcast which is called ‘What’s Your Problem With Nick Abbot and Carol McGiffin?’ and it’s available on most podcast outlets. We’ve been doing it for over four years and quite a lot of people like it! Go on, give it a go! You might enjoy it and you might even laugh.”

The former Loose Women star has a podcast in the works ( 
Image:
Instagram/the_mcgiff)
Her dedicated fanbase hasn’t been shy about their disappointment following her departure from Loose Women. One supporter stated, “Loose Women is utterly boring now. Stopped watching about 2 years ago. Carol only one worth listening to.” Another commented, “Loose Women is SO boring without you. All the good original people keep leaving.”

Echoing the sentiment, a third added, “Loose Women is definitely not the same without you. Hardly watch it now. Didn’t know you had a podcast – I do now so I will be tuning in.” A fourth fan expressed their nostalgia, saying, “Do miss you on Loose Women, turn off some days, can’t stand some of them on the panel now, we’ve had the best I fear, enjoy your semi retirement.”

Discussing her decision to leave with Best magazine last year, Carol disclosed that the terms offered by ITV were unacceptable. She clarified, “The problem was, ITV were insisting, for the first time since I went back in 2018, that if I wanted to carry on doing the show, I would have to sign a contract that was totally unjust and unworkable for me, so I had to say ‘no thanks’.”

Lousie Redknapp opened up on finding love again after divorcing ex-husband Jamie Redknapp as she discussed her new relationship with beau Drew Michael on Wednesday’s Loose Women

Louise Redknapp gushed over her new beau Drew Michael as she admitted she had been on her “own for a long time” during an appearance Loose Women.

She said: “I’m very happy, he’s great and lovely. It’s really nice, it’s been a really long time for me. I’ve been on my own for a long time and it’s lovely to have met someone who makes me so happy.”

Louise debuted her new romance after a night out in London last week. The Naked hitmaker looked coy as she left The Groucho Club with her boyfriend, as the duo had just been celebrating comedian Jimmy Carr’s 51st birthday. The pair kept their distance but it was later confirmed they are in a relationship, and it is the first time the singer has gone public with a romance since divorcing Jamie Redknapp in 2017.

Speaking exclusively with the Mirror a few hours after being spotted publicly with Drew for the first time, Louise smiled as she addressed the new romance in her love life. “It’s so difficult with your personal life… it’s all good,” the mum-of-two said, before adding: “Yeah, I’ve got nothing else to say on it, everything about it has already been written.”

Louise recently confirmed her romance with Drew ( 
Image:
Bob Grey / BACKGRID)

Louise Redknapp opens up about her new romance ( 
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images for Space NK)

Drew, whose full name is Andrew Michael, is a businessman and the Chief Executive Officer at Overwatch Group, also known as Overwatch Aerospace Ltd. According to MailOnline, he worked as a Platoon Commander and a Fire Support Group Commander for the Armed Forces, and in 2010, he was given a Mention in Despatches for his work with the Rifles – an infantry regiment of the British Army – as part of the Operational Honours and Awards List.

Louise previously admitted she wasn’t actively looking for love following her divorce from former footballer Jamie, with whom she shares two sons, Charley and Beau. Earlier this year, the Eternal singer admitted she was “open to what may happen”, but finding love wasn’t her “number one goal in life”. “But, if it goes that way and I met somebody who swept me off my feet and was amazing and kind and great, then I’d be so open to exploring that, but no, I’m not downloading apps, well, not at the minute,” she added.

Meanwhile, it was reported Louise was warned against her new boyfriend after the “painful” end of Drew’s last relationship. A source told Closer magzine: “Drew didn’t behave in the best way in a former relationship – he left one girl in particular feeling hurt. It’s good news that he’s happy dating Louise, but there is a worry she could end up heartbroken.”

ITV’s Loose Women star Stacey Solomon has shared a series of snaps from a ‘magical’ time as she says she’s ‘gutted’ it had come to an end – and doesn’t care ‘what anyone says’…

Joe Swash and Stacey Solomon enjoyed a family break over the Easter holidays (
Image: Instagram/@staceysolomon)
Stacey Solomon, the beloved Loose Women panellist, has shared her disappointment as her family’s Easter holiday came to an end. The 33 year old TV personality and her husband, Joe Swash, had taken their children on a half-term getaway to Haven in Kent.The couple posted pictures with their youngest kids, Rex, Rose and Belle, as they bid farewell to the caravan site. Stacey confessed: “Time to say goodbye.” 

She continued: “The state of us. I had to bribe our family home from the caravan park today because it’s back to school tomorrow. There must be some kind of stigma around holiday parks because so many of you messaged saying you couldn’t believe that’s where we’d chosen to go!

“Honestly I think they’re THE best. I don’t care what anyone says, there’s just something so magical for kids about a holiday park! The freedom, fresh air, the giant characters, the stepping into a different world and forgetting all concept of time. It’s special. Everyone is slightly dishevelled, we have no clean clothes left, our hands stink of two p’s. We had a thousand tickets from the arcade that got us some sweets and a sling shot when we cashed them in. Now it’s time to get us all in the bath, get that washing machine on and get ready for the school runs in the morning.”

In a heartfelt Instagram story, Stacey Solomon expressed her disappointment that the Easter break was over. She shared with her followers: “I mean what I said in the caption! I don’t know what it is about holiday parks. And I’m not sure what people think. All I know is the kids LOVE It as much, if not more, than anywhere else in the world and I grew up in those places and still love them so much. Gutted Easter break is over but excited to have a tidy house for longer than 5 seconds and some routine back.”

Her husband Joe Swash didn’t miss a beat, taking to the comments section to show his support, writing: “Love you bub best weekend.”

Despite being a member of chart-topping The Nolans, Maureen reveals she is living in a rented house with no savings and pension

After selling millions of records at the height of her group’s fame, fans could be forgive for ­thinking ­ Maureen Nolan was set up for life financially. But the singer and actress is still having to work for a living at 69 as she cannot afford to retire.

Maureen lives in a rented house, has no pension and she believes her and her sisters were the victims of some rip-off merchants early in their careers. The Nolans were one of the ­biggest-selling girl groups in history, topping the charts with I’m in the Mood for Dancing, touring with Frank Sinatra and becoming international stars.

But Maureen says ruefully: “I need to keep working. We thought we’d be ­comfortably set up by this point in our lives, but I don’t have a pension, I don’t have any savings and I rent a house. When I split up from my husband in 2016, we sold our home. I couldn’t have bought a new place without a mortgage and at my age you can’t get a ­mortgage. I never thought I would ever rent. It would be nice to have just enough money to say, ‘OK, I’m out of here, showbiz-wise.’ But I don’t have that.”

The sisters sold millions of records ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Maureen is The Nolans’ longest-serving member, having sung with them for 31 consecutive years. She adds: “We made millions, well, somebody made millions, but not us. I think we were ripped off a bit along the way.

“We were probably a bit young and naive. We were very happy and we trusted people to handle our affairs. Looking back, that might be where it went awry. I sometimes think, ‘Wwhat happened to that?’”

Maureen is touring the UK in Calendar Girls The Musical and admits her financial situation does cause her concern. She says: “Showbusiness is feast or famine. When you’re earning, you’re earning a lot, but then you can be out of work for six months. Of course, I worry about money and the older I get the more I worry. They say money doesn’t buy ­happiness, but it makes misery a little bit easier, I think.

“But there’s no point being bitter and twisted, you’re still broke. So, I try to treat it with humour.” ­Financial troubles are not all Maureen has to worry about. The sisters have been living in cancer’s shadow for 20 years.

Bernie died from the disease in 2013 at 52, Linda, 64, who has been battling breast cancer since 2006, learnt it has now spread to her brain. Eldest Anne, 72, was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time three years ago, while youngest Coleen, 58, recently revealed she has a carcinoma.

With only Maureen and 71-year-old Denise untouched by the disease, doctors have told the family they probably have a rogue gene that hasn’t yet been identified.

Maureen says the band were ‘young and naive’ ( 
Image:
Daily Record)
Maureen adds: “So that’s a worry. Because they think it must be a rogue gene, there aren’t any tests available. We check ourselves and have regular mammograms, but we tend not to dwell on it. It’s unfair, but you’ve just got to get on with it.”

Maureen, who has a son Danny and four grandaughters, lives in Blackpool – where the Nolans grew up – and within walking distance of three of her sisters. Linda recently moved in with Denise and Anne is nearby.

Maureen’s brother, son and ­grandchildren are a stone’s throw away. The situation could not be more different to the four-year feud which led to the sisters dramatically falling out. It happened after Anne said she had been excluded from the group’s 2009 reunion tour. Denise backed her.

Maureen now reveals it was a letter from Anne and Denise that brought about a thaw in relations. She recalls: “They said, ‘Let’s try to get over it.’ It was awful, we’ve never fallen out like that before, my life was much less rich without Denise and Anne, so it was a huge relief when we made up. We’re as close as ever now.”

Maureen is starring in Calendar Girls ( 
Image:
PA)
The fourth of eight children, Maureen sang with The Nolans from when they formed in 1974, until their 2005 split. They sold out stadiums as far afield as Russia and sold more than 30 million records during their career.

In recent years, Maureen has mainly worked as an actress, touring the UK in musical theatre shows such as Blood Brothers, Footloose and now Calendar Girls The Musical, which has been such a hit the four-month stint, which was to end in December, has been extended to June.

Co-written by Take That star Gary Barlow, it tells the story of a group of ordinary women in a small Yorkshire town, who set about creating a nude calendar to raise money for charity. The scene where the women finally strip off to pose for their photos is one of the highlights and Maureen admits that she was ­petrified on opening night.

She says: “Part of me couldn’t believe I’d said yes. But Calendar Girls has such a good history I couldn’t say no and the way they do that scene is so respectful. Now, it’s almost second nature. I’m covered by lots of fruit. I’d like to say its melons, but I think it’s oranges.”

In a star-studded cast, featuring former EastEnders actress Tanya Franks and singer Lyn Paul, Maureen plays big-hearted Ruth. While she is relishing Calendar Girls, she says it is unlikely The Nolans will be back together. They reunited in 2020, before splitting againin 2022.

Maureen says: “We joke that if we did, they’d call it The Zimmer Frame Tour.” I’d never say never, but with Linda being ill it would be very difficult and I think if we ever did do it, it would maybe be a Q&A format with a few little songs now and then.”

She says it’s unlikely the band will reform ( 
Image:
WireImage)

With the exception of Loose Women presenter Coleen, who has earned money in her solo and TV career, Maureen says her sisters have been left in the same boat and have to keep on working.

She adds: “It might come to a time where I can work out a way I can, maybe with the help of my state pension, sort something out. Or I could go and live with Coleen. But for now, I’ll just keep going. They’ll have to bury me in my lunch break.”

Loose Women star Stacey Solomon also moonlights as something of a fashion designer – and has been left overwhelmed with emotion as she prepares to unleash her latest collection

Stacey Solomon has been left on the verge of tears over her latest fashion collection for children – which she has described as a ‘privilege’ to create.

The 34-year-old singer and Loose Women star is proud wife of former EastEnders actor husband Joe Swash, 42, and matriarch of their blended family. She has a 15-year-old son named Zachary who she shares with ex-boyfriend Dean Cox, and an 11-year-old son named Leighton who she shares with ex-fiancé Aaron Barnham.

While together with Joe, she is also the mother of four-year-old son Rex, two-year-old daughter Rose, and youngest daughter Belle, aged one. Joe also has a 16-year-old son of his own, named Harry, from a previous relationship with ex-fiancée Emma Sophocleous. As a mother of such a brood of children, Stacey is in the fortunate position to be able to design clothes that they can wear thanks to her deal with budget high street chains Primark.

Stacey Solomon has been left on the verge of tears over her latest fashion collection for children – which she has described as a ‘privilege’ to create.

The 34-year-old singer and Loose Women star is proud wife of former EastEnders actor husband Joe Swash, 42, and matriarch of their blended family. She has a 15-year-old son named Zachary who she shares with ex-boyfriend Dean Cox, and an 11-year-old son named Leighton who she shares with ex-fiancé Aaron Barnham.

While together with Joe, she is also the mother of four-year-old son Rex, two-year-old daughter Rose, and youngest daughter Belle, aged one. Joe also has a 16-year-old son of his own, named Harry, from a previous relationship with ex-fiancée Emma Sophocleous. As a mother of such a brood of children, Stacey is in the fortunate position to be able to design clothes that they can wear thanks to her deal with budget high street chains Primark.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Stacey shared an emotional post where she explained she was feeling so overwhelmed over her latest collection. She enlisted her three youngest children to help show off the new designs – sharing snaps of them wearing matching peach and white striped outfits, jungle print designs, summer outfits, and even some children’s formal wear.

Stacey Solomon has proudly shown off her latest Primark collection of children’s clothes – with her own children modelling ( 
Image:
@staceysolomon/instagram)

Uploading the images to her feed, Stacey typed: “My Heart … I don’t know why I feel so emotional. Even after 5 years & 8 collections I still don’t know how I got so lucky. This is collection number 8!! HOW?!? 4 years I’ve had my dream job of designer children’s wear with @primark and I genuinely can not believe it.

“Each time they ask me to do it again I pinch myself because nothing is ever guaranteed and I just feel so damn lucky & privileged to get to do it. I hope you love this one as much as the others & from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU. I can’t say it enough because without you guys I would NEVER get these opportunities in the first place let alone be able to do it over & over again.”

Signing off, Stacey wrote: “Thank you thank you thank you! To the moon and back.” And with a final plug, she added: “In store from tomorrow.”

Stacey shares three of her five children with husband Joe Swash ( 
Image:
@staceysolomon/instagram)

Stacey’s youngest children have been dressed up in her latest designs ( 
Image:
@staceysolomon/instagram)
Stacey also shared her grid post via Instagram Stories – explaining that she fears she does not deserve the success she is enjoying. She wrote: “The thing is, it doesn’t matter how many times I’m lucky enough to do this. The imposter syndrome is real.”

She continued: “I am honestly so so grateful for you guys & your support. It’s down to you that I get these chances & I’ll never take it for granted. Please let me know what you think… [love you] to the moon and back always.”

The collection includes jungle prints and simple stripes ( 
Image:
@staceysolomon/instagram)

Fans can buy the designs for their own children from Monday ( 
Image:
@staceysolomon/instagram)
Any concerns that her collection would not be appreciated by her fans were wildly off the mark, however – as many of her followers took to the comments section of her main post to congratulate her on the new designs. One hugely impressed follower wrote: “Absolutely gorgeous ! Can’t wait to shop it … love the swim towel zip throughs … you should be so proud mama.” And another gushed: “Your collections are beautiful and your children look so adorable.”And further fans urged Stacey to expand her design skills even further. One requested: “So cute! Beautiful colours … matching ones for mums now please,” along with a string of red heart emojis and a laughing face emoji. While another suggested: “I’d love to see a mother and son collection. If anyone can, you can!”

This Morning has seen its viewers drop in recent months (
Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

ITV bosses are said to have called a crisis meeting with its four flagship daytime shows following a huge slump in viewers that’s causing the broadcaster to take drastic measures

Loose Women, Good Morning Britain, This Morning and Lorraine are facing crisis talks as they are hit with a huge slump in viewers.

The daytime shows are facing pay freezes and job losses as ITV bosses try to offset the financial damage caused by a ratings dip. The broadcaster is said to have taken drastic measures as a way to cut costs on some of its biggest shows. It has been reported shorter three-month contracts could be favoured instead of long term deals for staff, while freelances could be cut.

Their annual ITV summer do, which sees the networks biggest stars come together to let their hair down could also be axed. Meetings have reportedly been held by ITV’s daytime boss Emma Gormley to break the news affecting its four flagship shows. Loose Women, Good Morning Britain, This Morning and Lorraine staff are said to have been shown a graph detailing their rapid decline in ratings.

It was compared to the huge viewing figures streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. As reported by The Sun, a source said: “ITV is really tightening their belt. There have been concerns for months at the top but now that it’s trickled down to the shop floor it feels very depressing. A lot of staff are being put on three-month contracts, probably so they can get rid of people easily.”

ITV has called crisis meetings with staff ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Good Morning Britain is among the shows affected ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

They claimed pay freezes are already in place and that ITV are trying to keep costs down by “not trialling new talent on regular segments”. It has been reported bosses are hoping ratings will pick up during the UK election campaign. The source added the news is “particularly difficult to stomach” following the costly This Morning relaunch.

An ITV spokesperson told the Mirror: “Town hall meetings happen frequently for teams to keep up to date with company news and also serve as an opportunity for staff to have questions answered. The latest one was to celebrate the success of Lorraine Kelly receiving a BAFTA Special Recognition Award and the two BAFTA nominations for Daytime last weekend. It was also a transparent portrayal of what is currently happening across the industry.”

ITV has called crisis meetings with staff ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Good Morning Britain is among the shows affected ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

They claimed pay freezes are already in place and that ITV are trying to keep costs down by “not trialling new talent on regular segments”. It has been reported bosses are hoping ratings will pick up during the UK election campaign. The source added the news is “particularly difficult to stomach” following the costly This Morning relaunch.

An ITV spokesperson told the Mirror: “Town hall meetings happen frequently for teams to keep up to date with company news and also serve as an opportunity for staff to have questions answered. The latest one was to celebrate the success of Lorraine Kelly receiving a BAFTA Special Recognition Award and the two BAFTA nominations for Daytime last weekend. It was also a transparent portrayal of what is currently happening across the industry.”

ITV has called crisis meetings with staff ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Good Morning Britain is among the shows affected ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

They claimed pay freezes are already in place and that ITV are trying to keep costs down by “not trialling new talent on regular segments”. It has been reported bosses are hoping ratings will pick up during the UK election campaign. The source added the news is “particularly difficult to stomach” following the costly This Morning relaunch.

An ITV spokesperson told the Mirror: “Town hall meetings happen frequently for teams to keep up to date with company news and also serve as an opportunity for staff to have questions answered. The latest one was to celebrate the success of Lorraine Kelly receiving a BAFTA Special Recognition Award and the two BAFTA nominations for Daytime last weekend. It was also a transparent portrayal of what is currently happening across the industry.”

They added: “As a broadcaster and streamer, ITV has a range of programming in its Daytime schedules. This Morning reached an average 4.2 million viewers a week in April alone, its highest so far in 2024. In 2023 This Morning was one of the most streamed shows on ITVX. Like all media, This Morning has expanded into the digital sphere with record breaking results. This Morning remains Britain’s most talked about and influential daytime TV show and has never had a better connection with its viewer, with just under 160 million video views of This Morning content and reached 63 million unique social media accounts in April.”

It has been reported new This Morning hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley bagged a staggering £550,000 as they took over from Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby. In their first month in the job, ratings slumped from more than a million to 692.500. By the end of April, the average number of live viewers was 544,000.