Author: bang7

TV chef John Torode was sacked from BBC’s MasterChef earlier this week after he came forward about allegations he used an ‘offensive racist term’

TV chef John Torode has appeared on television for the first time since he was sacked from BBC’s MasterChef.

John, 59, was axed from the BBC broadcast show MasterChef earlier this week after he named himself as “one of the two individuals against whom an allegation has been upheld” during an investigation production company Banijay requested law firm Lewis Silkin undertake – which looked into allegations of misconduct surrounding John’s co-host Gregg Wallace.

The former MasterChef presenter, who had been working on the show for 20 years before his sacking, denied the upheld allegation. He said in a statement: “I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened. However, I want to be clear that I’ve always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. I’m shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.”

John Torode and Lisa Faulker have made their first TV appearance since John’s MasterChef sacking
It was later announced that John had been sacked from MasterChef, and he later released another statement to react to the news. However, since the two statements, he has remained silent on the matter – while it’s been reported he’s set to take legal action against the BBC over his sacking.

Now John and his wife Lisa have appeared on TV for the first time since the scandal broke. Opening the show after the credits rolled, Lisa was heard saying: “Hi there, we are so happy to see you in our weekend kitchen.”

John then added: “We’re gonna make your day even happier. How do you like the sound of stunning but simple recipes with just homemade ingredients.”

John Torode and Gregg Wallace have been sacked from MasterChef in light of an investigation into misconduct (
Image:
BBC/Shine TV)
The couple have appeared on their shared ITV show, John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen, which has kicked off on ITV1 today at 11.40am. A source close to ITV confirmed to the Mirror earlier this week their schedules ‘remain unchanged’ despite John’s sacking from MasterChef.

On the programme, the married couple are making four dishes with five ingredients, which includes a garlic and rosemary focaccia, pink spaghetti, chicken and peanut butter scissor-cut noodles followed by banana doughnuts.

In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, Lisa shed light on how the pair balance work and their six year long marriage. She said: “We have so much to do separately, and we film about 10 episodes of our show in nine days, so it’s not really that much time together!”

John Torode and wife Lisa Faulkner host their own Saturday cooking show

The couple, who met on This Morning in the 1990s before Lisa won Celebrity Masterchef in 2010, didn’t initially become romantic – until John made self-confessed ‘cowardly’ move to ask her out.

The pair fell in love and married in 2019, and were given their joint cooking show in 2019. John and Lisa continued to put on a united front following the accusations around John’s co-host Gregg Wallace’s misconduct on MasterChef, which sparked production company Banijay to commission an independent investigation.

John and Lisa appeared on their show last week, with John breaking his social media silence for the first time since Gregg’s sacking was announced – posting a video to promote his show with wife Lisa as well as a video recipe he had created.

Days later, it was announced that the investigation by Lewis Silkin had upheld 45 allegations made against Gregg, while two claims implicating others were also upheld. John Torode later came forward as the subject of the allegation made involving racist remarks. He denied any recollection of the events and said they didn’t take place.

It was later announced John was fired from MasterChef after working on the programme for 20 years.

Body language expert Judi James believes Nicola Peltz Beckham appears to be under ‘strain’ and showing signs of vulnerability amid ongoing feud with her husband Brooklyn’s family

Brooklyn Beckham shows protective side amid Beckham family feud(Image: Aissaoui Nacer / BACKGRID)

The feud between Brooklyn Beckham and his family has been ongoing for months, so it’s perhaps understandable that the tense situation is finally starting to show in Nicola Peltz Beckham’s appearance.

Recent photos show ‘distance’ as the pair took time out of their busy schedules to enjoy time onboard her father’s yacht in St Tropez, France.

But it looks as though despite their show of unity, it was clear Nicola, 30, is now struggling to hide the strain the feud between Brooklyn and his family is having on her as body language expert Judi James laments.

In an exclusive chat with the Mirror, Judi told us: “With her distant, expressionless eye gaze and her hand either clutching Brooklyn’s arm or encased in his hand, Nicola is looking like the tragic heroine here, perhaps wanting to suggest some vulnerability and strain behind her normally cool and confident exterior.”

Body language expert says Nicola Peltz Beckham looks strained and vulnerable amid Beckham feud(Image: Aissaoui Nacer / BACKGRID)

She added: “This is a look that might make most caring husbands wary and trigger their protective side, which is what appears to have happened with Brooklyn here. While his wife walks along in her dramatic black fur tippet and with her hand placed on her bag to provide an emphatic and perhaps symbolic display of her wedding rings, Brooklyn looks more relaxed and dominant.”

Judi then explained: “Clutching her hand in his with his, with the back of his hand showing fully and the wrist bent in a protective clasp. His mood looks confident and even rather upbeat here as though he enjoys being the strong guy in the relationship. His chest is splayed, his arms are held out and there’s a smile brewing on his face.”

Rumours of a feud in the Beckham clan have reached fever pitch in recent weeks as Brooklyn and his brothers Cruz and Romeo appeared to unfollow one another on social media. After reports that Brooklyn had been the one to press the unfollow button surfaced, it was later reported the hot sauce company owner was ‘blindsided’, and it was claimed Romeo and Cruz has in fact ‘blocked’ him in a move branded as the “Gen Z version of World War Three”.

Weeks earlier, it was widely noticed that Brooklyn had failed to turn up at both his parents’ birthday celebrations and failed to pay tribute to them on social media. He also appeared to publicly ignore his dad’s long-awaited knighthood, but paid tribute to his father-in-law in a post.

Nicola and Brooklyn married in 2022 in a lavish ceremony. But even back then, whispers about the tense relationship between Victoria Beckham and Nicola began to emerge.

This came on the back of Victoria reportedly being snubbed when it came to designing Nicola’s wedding dress. Nicola had opted to wear a gown by Valentino.

And in an interview with Grazia US, she revealed at the time: “We connected to start designing the dress, and then a few days went by and I didn’t hear anything. Victoria called my mom and said her atelier couldn’t make it.”

And addressing reports that she specifically chose to not wear a dress made by her mother-in-law, she told the publication that she felt “hurt”.

Nicola explained: “It does hurt my feelings. I try not to let it, but it’s just not the truth. It’s just a bit of a bummer when you’re like: ‘Oh, people think that,’ but it’s just not true.”

Since then, the relationship between Brooklyn and his family has continued to get worsen and the recent social media antics amongst the Beckhams show no sign that the feud is going to dampen.

Hopes have been raised that the channel of communication between Prince Harry and King Charles is beginning to open – and an expert has predicted what this could mean for Meghan Markle

Harry and Meghan with King Charles(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

After months of radio silence, there seems to be a flicker of hope that the relationship between Prince Harry and his father, King Charles, could potentially be mended.

A meeting of top aides for both father and son has led many to believe it is the first tentative steps in them reconciling after Harry revealed earlier this year they are no longer on speaking terms. The Duke of Sussex has levelled a series of accusations against his family, and in his controversial memoir, Spare, said his brother, Prince William, had physically attacked him and that the King put his own interests above Harry’s and was jealous of Meghan.

Harry with his estranged father(Image: Getty Images)

Of course, a potential reunion between Harry and Charles could have a wide-ranging effect, not least on Meghan, who has been building her business empire of late after launching her As Ever lifestyle brand.

So would she welcome a reunion, too? Well, according to BBC royal expert Jennie Bond, she believes Meghan would definitely be supportive.

She explained to the Mirror : “It’s important to remember that the King and Meghan had a warm and affectionate relationship at the start. Harry wrote about how jovial and animated his father was when they used to visit him, for example, talking to Meghan about music.

“And they were both touched by his fatherly gesture of walking her down part of the aisle at their wedding. Of course, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then, and emotions are still running high. But my belief is that Meghan loves Harry and wants him to be happy.

Harry holds hands with wife Meghan(Image: Getty Images for 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala)

“And if a reconciliation with his father, which he has said he wants, will make him happy, then I think Meghan would be supportive.

“I think she would also welcome the chance for her children to get to know their grandfather and understand their heritage. There are unconfirmed reports that she used to send him videos of the children before the rift with Harry became so deep.

“There’s no doubt that the King would be delighted to have the chance to know Archie and Lilibet. He has already missed so much of their young lives, and children grow up so quickly.”

In recent months, Harry and Meghan’s careers have gone in different directions, with Harry concentrating on charity and philanthropic efforts and Meghan focusing on her business ventures.

So would a potential reconciliation have repercussions for Meghan’s business? Jennie added: “I don’t see that she is doing anything commercially that is distasteful or problematic. After all, the King sells jams and a wide range of products – admittedly only for charity.

Harry with estranged brother Prince William (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

“As long as she doesn’t do anything that would cause embarrassment for the Royal Family, I don’t see any difficulties. She and Harry have made a clean break as far as being official working royals are concerned. But I think most people would hope that a now elderly father and his son could be reconciled before it’s too late.

“Remember what Charles said to William and Harry as they fought in the gardens of Frogmore House after the late Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral: ‘Please, boys, don’t make my final years a misery’. A reconciliation could still be a very long way away….but if it happens, Harry will have gone some way to fulfilling his father’s wish.”

One party that didn’t seem involved in the so-called peace summit last week was Prince William. According to a source, he remains “deeply wounded” by Harry and has no plans to contact him, even if he reconciles with other Royal Family members.

And Jennie said it would be a much harder task to reconcile the brothers – especially after Harry’s barbs about his sister-in-law, Kate.

She said: “It is a hugely difficult situation for a father, with loyal William at his side and rebellious Harry in California. The brothers are still miles apart in every sense. I imagine the King would have warned William about the meeting. I hope so, anyway.

“I think William might find it in his heart to forgive Harry’s jibes about their sibling rivalry, his indiscretions about their disagreements and fights. But I don’t think he is in any way ready to forgive Harry for hurting Catherine and revealing a row about bridesmaids’ dresses and a disagreement about lip gloss. Never say never, but reconciliation between William and Harry still seems a very distant prospect.”

Long-time Loose Women panellist Denise Welch says she’s planning a big career move next year, following ITV’s announcement that it was cutting the show back to 30 weeks a year

Denise has been a regular on the ITV panel show since 2005(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Denise Welch was already a respected stage actress before making her TV debut in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet in the mid eighties. Forty years on, she’s known as one of the most outspoken – and also popular – panellists on ITV’s Loose Women, but in this exclusive chat, Denise says she’s keen to return to her professional roots.

Earlier this year, ITV announced it was merging production teams on three of its daytime shows, and cutting Loose Women and Lorraine back to 30 weeks a year.

The effect, although the channel has yet to announce anything publicly, is expected to be job losses amongst the backstage crew, but the future of the panellists themselves is still an unknown.

Denise is thinking about shifting back to her original passion – acting(Image: ITV)

Although ITV bosses insisted there wouldn’t be any “radical changes” to the panel line-up, which includes telly favourites like Denise, Coleen Nolan and Ruth Langsford, it’s understandably prompted a few thoughts about what’s next.

For Denise, who first appeared on the daytime show 2005, it’s an opportunity to make a return to what she knows and loves best — acting.

“I’m on television because I’m gobby and opinionated, and I think people can forget what I really do, and what I’m really good at, so I’m going to make a concerted effort to go back to what I do and know,” she told OK! magazine.

Denise starred in Waterloo Road as teacher Steph Haydock from 2006 to 2010(Image: Shed Productions)

That said, the 67-year-old former Coronation Street star, who recently celebrated 12 years of marriage to artist Lincoln Townley, insists there should always be a place on TV for Loose Women, regardless of the changes.

“It’s the only show in the country that not only celebrates older women, but reveres and listens to older women’s opinions,” she says.

As well as her regular Loose Women appearances, Denise has also had a number of high-profile roles on some of the country’s best loved soaps, including playing Rovers’ landlady Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street in more than 480 episodes between 1997 and 2000.

Denise played Rovers’ landlady Natalie Horrocks in Coronation Street(Image: Granada TV)

She’s also known for her part as teacher Steph Haydock in the BBC’s Waterloo Road, and more recently, Trish Minniver in Hollyoaks. Denise puts part of her success down not only to giving up alcohol 13 years ago – but the fact her heart lies in acting, especially in the theatre.

“I’m proud of some of the things I’ve done as an actress. It might sound big-headed, but it’s the one thing I say I’m f*****g good at. “And I’m going to concentrate on reminding everybody of that!”

Iconic band S Club 7 has been hit by a series of tragedies in recent years and on of its band members has now revealed a harrowing drug addiction which saw him almost die

S Club 7’s Jon Lee reveals secret crystal meth addiction which almost almost killed him(Image: WireImage)

S Club 7 star Jon Lee has revealed for the first time he has suffered a secret drug addiction which saw him get sectioned and almost killed him. Don’t Stop Movin’ singer Jon shot to fame in the late ’90s and early ’00s as part of legendary pop band S Club 7.

Jon became a household name with the rest of his bandmates for their wholesome, uplifting pop beats. However, Jon’s life had a dark side as he’s now revealed his secret drug addiction battles after the height of his fame.

Jon has admitted he “didn’t recognise himself” because of the deadly habit, which caused psychotic episodes. He revealed: “I didn’t even recognise myself at that time. Sometimes, in the midst of one of the psychotic episodes where I’d be smashing my flat up with a hammer, I’d catch sight of myself in the mirror and say: “What the f***?”.

Jon was part of hit ’90s pop band S Club 7(Image: Getty Images for Bauer Media)

Jon added to the Daily Mail: “I’d have a moment of lucidity, thinking: ‘I was a successful young man, I had a brilliant career, incredible life. What am I doing?’.”

The singer recalls standing in his home with ‘holes in the walls around me, cuts all over my knuckles, my eye swollen from where I’d been punching myself in the head’ and harrowingly said he ‘didn’t look anything like Jon-from-S-Club’.

Jon revealed he began taking crystal meth when he was in his 30s, after S Club had gone their separate ways. His addiction, which cost him £250-a-week, saw his concerned neighbours call the emergency services around six years ago when he was ‘smashing the place up’ around 3am.

He was met in ‘a frenzied state’ by paramedics, who took him into an ambulance and he was taken to ‘some sort of clinic’ – Jon doesn’t exactly recall – where he was sectioned and held overnight.

Jon’s drug addiction started in his 30s(Image: Dave J. Hogan/Getty Images For XIX Management)

Recalling that pivotal moment in his life, he explained: “I remember I had to keep the door open, and someone sat outside. I suppose I was a danger to myself.”

But Crystal Meth was not the only drug Jon was experimenting with as he told the publication he also tried GHB, which is a liquid ecstasy.

But again, Jon was taking this drug to the extreme as he explained he would take four times the dose. He claimed that he regularly took more than was required, because he hoped he would not wake up. He admitted: “I’m not sure how I’m still here.”

The former popstar publicly came out as gay in 2010 and believed his issues with drugs stemmed from being propelled into fame at a young age and trying to hide his sexuality from the public.

Jon would drink to supress his anxiety surrounding his sexuality and his preference being exposed. This increased after the band split.

At the time he would regularly drink and take cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana. He continued to tell the publication: “If I didn’t have work, I could drink three quarters of a bottle of gin in the afternoon.”

Victoria Beckham shared with fans a humiliating moment for husband David as she posted a clip of his hairdressing disaster which she honestly describes as ‘terrible’

David Beckham’s hairstyles have set the trend for most men over the years. But judging by Victoria Beckham’s recent Instagram post showing off his latest look, it doesn’t seem as though many will be following in his footsteps this time round.

The former pop star turned renowned fashion designer, 50, asks David while holding the camera to his face: “what have you done?”

When he refuses to respond, she asks him the same question again. Sheepishly, the former England football player looks away from the camera while strategically placing his hand on his head.

He then admits: ” The thing of the clippers fell off my head.” Revealing the accident, he bends his head towards Victoria who zooms in on his shaving disaster as she struggles to contain her laughter.

David Beckham tries to hide his shaving accident(Image: Instagram/victoriabeckham)

Looking up at her, David says with a serious look on his face that it was “not funny.”

And in response, she the mum of four says: “Do you know the hours of content that the kids have got from this. It does not looks good. I’m going to always be honest with you. It looks terrible.”

And it seems her followers shared the same sentiment. One person wrote: “I like the victory laugh.” Another penned: “Look at the good side it’s summer and you can allow your head to catch sun rays. Victoria is very supportive and sincere.”

But not everyone seemed to agree as one person said: “I always find vb a bit condescending to David.” This comes after pictures emerged of their eldest son Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz Beckham taking time out to enjoy a holiday in St Tropez.

Victoria Beckham gives David her honest opinion of his latest hair cut and tells him it looks terrible(Image: Instagram/victoriabeckham)

And while there where pictures of the couple, who have only been married for three years, putting on a united front while hugging and kissing on her father’s yacht, body language expert Judi James spotted something completely different.

Nicola is seen clutching Brooklyn’s hand as they made their way off the yacht and she looked strained. And this prompted Judi to recognise that Brooklyn’s natural protective nature has kicked in amid the feud with his family.

In an exclusive chat with the Mirror, Judi explains: “With her distant, expressionless eye gaze and her hand either clutching Brooklyn’s arm or encased in his hand, Nicola is looking like the tragic heroine here, perhaps wanting to suggest some vulnerability and strain behind her normally cool and confident exterior.”

She added: “This is a look that might make most caring husbands wary and trigger their protective side, which is what appears to have happened with Brooklyn here. While his wife walks along in her dramatic black fur tippet and with her hand placed on her bag to provide an emphatic and perhaps symbolic display of her wedding rings, Brooklyn looks more relaxed and dominant.”

Judi continued: “Clutching her hand in his with his, with the back of his hand showing fully and the wrist bent in a protective clasp. His mood looks confident and even rather upbeat here as though he enjoys being the strong guy in the relationship. His chest is splayed, his arms are held out and there’s a smile brewing on his face.”

A private conversation between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has been decoded by lip readers – and they claim it gives a telling insight on their plot to quit the Ryal Family

A private conversation between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has been decoded by lip readers, with one telling comment between the couple leading experts to believe they had been plotting their exit from the royal family years before they relocated to California.

The seemingly confidential conversation occurred between the Sussexes at a Service of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in 2018, just six months after their star-studded wedding in Windsor Castle. The couple was joined in the Abbey by the entire royal family, including the late Queen Elizabeth to honour fallen servicemen and women, and to mark the Centenary of the Armistice.

A lip reader has decoded a conversation between Harry and Meghan that eludes to Megxit years before they quit royal life(Image: Getty Images)

According to the brand new Channel 5 documentary, Lip-Reading The Royals: The Secret Conversations, as Harry and Meghan sat and waited for the ceremony to begin, they started conversing and taking in the situation, with Meghan asking Harry a very serious question.

Lip reading expert Nicola Hickling decoded the conversation for the programme, as she claimed Meghan instructed Harry to “take advantage of the situation”, before she turned to look around at the sea of royals that surrounded them.

She says Harry responded to her comment by asking: “Today?”, as Meghan added: “Do it tonight.” Then, Harry poses a question to Meghan, asking: “You do realise that this is the end?” as Meghan responds: “Yeah, I do know”.

It is then suggested by royal historian Dr Tessa Dunlop that the seemingly private comments between the Sussexes could mean that the couple had been plotting their dramatic exit from the royal family years before they actually decided to call it quits.

At an event in 2018, Harry made a comment to Meghan about it “being the end”(Image: Getty Images)

Despite having the cryptic conversation at the end of 2018, their first child Prince Archie was born just six months later, as they remained in senior working royal positions for a further eight months after becoming parents.

The Sussexes announced their departure from the royal family in January 2020, sharing a statement on Instagram that they would be “taking a step back” as senior working royals, adding that they would “plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America”.

Their statement also said that by leaving the royal family and relocating to California, it would give them the opportunity to raise their son Archie “with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter.”

Previously, in the couple’s controversial new Netflix show, Harry admitted they had been planning the shock move away from the UK for “a minimum of two years”.

The Sussexes quit their royal life in 2020 and relocated to California(Image: PA)

In 2018, Harry claims they discussed moving to New Zealand or South Africa – and almost did move to South Africa before the story was leaked to the press. But Harry says they were forced to scrap the plan as it became a “public debate”, so they desperately looked to find a new home while temporarily living in Canada in January 2020.

Now, five years on from their departure from the Firm, rumours have emerged that peace talks could be in the works between Prince Harry and his father, King Charles. Senior aides for both royals were spotted having a conversation at a private club in London.

The meeting has prompted many to wonder if the aides had been discussing a possible meeting between the King and Harry, when he is due to visit the UK in September. However, no representatives for Prince William, who also has an extremely rocky relationship with his brother, were at the meeting.

Harry recently made public his desire to bury the hatchet with his family, saying in a tell-all interview with the BBC in May that he “would love a reconciliation” with the King and William, as he admitted that he was tired of fighting, and he worried about Charles’ health because he did “not know how much longer [his] father has.” In the interview, the Duke even said: “I would like to get my father and brother back.”

The Loose Women star says giving up alcohol is her proudest achievement, but it left her dealing with another issue which almost became an addiction in itself

Denise has a strongly-worded message for those who think she’s too old to share a bikini snap

Denise Welch hasn’t had the easiest of years so far, with the return of her “unwelcome visitor” after a clear stretch of five years. Just before Christmas the Loose Women favourite was forced to pull out of an acting job, followed by time off from her ITV job, because of depression and anxiety.

“Some people deal with diabetes, or MS or cancer — my thing is mental illness,” she tells OK! as we sit down for an exclusive catch-up. “I live with it, and I enjoy the periods in between my episodes.” Denise has now been back on the panel for a few months, and it’s very much a case of onwards and upwards — especially with some major changes on the horizon.

Denise is happy to discuss her mental health – and how she manages it

In May, ITV announced it was merging production teams on three of its daytime shows, and cutting Loose Women and Lorraine back to 30 weeks a year.

Although the channel insisted there wouldn’t be any “radical changes” with the panellists, it’s understandably prompted a few thoughts about what’s next. For Denise, who joined the show in 2005, it’s an opportunity to make a return to what she knows and loves best — acting.

“I’m on television because I’m gobby and opinionated, and I think people can forget what I really do, and what I’m really good at, so I’m going to make a concerted effort to go back to what I do and know.”

Denise, who celebrated 12 years of marriage to artist Lincoln Townley recently, says Loose Women holds a special place in her heart — not least because the average age of its stars is around 50. “It’s the only show in the country that not only celebrates older women, but reveres and listens to older women’s opinions,” she says.

Denise insists there should always be a place for Loose Women as it’s only show to celebrate older women’s opinions(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

Denise has become something of an icon for her age-defying looks and sassy attitude. With her platinum-white pixie cut, often teamed with a striking red lip, at 67 she is brimming with confidence — whether people like her swimwear snaps or not.

“Maybe I’m out to empower women, but I’m definitely out to say, ‘F*** off, haters.’ I’ve changed the narrative from ‘I’m 67’ to ‘I’m only 67’. I’ll wear swimwear if I live until I’m 97. And if you don’t like it, don’t look at my pictures.

“There’s a lot of misogyny out there, too. So, there’s an element of devilment in me as well, which is to say, ‘Don’t you ever tell any woman what she can and can’t wear.’ We had Christie Brinkley on Loose Women recently. She’s 71 and looks unbelievable.”

Denise intends to celebrate her body at every age(Image: LighterLife)

Denise, who shares sons Matty, lead vocalist and songwriter in The 1975, and actor Louis, with her ex-husband Tim Healy, has worked hard on her confidence — but the starting point was giving up alcohol 13 years ago.

By then she was a household name, thanks to roles including Rovers Return landlady Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street and teacher Steph Haydock in Waterloo Road. She’s now been famous for more years than she hasn’t. “I can’t really remember a time before,” she says. “It’s just how it is for our family.

Denise played Rovers’ landlady Natalie Horrocks in Coronation Street(Image: Granada TV)

“Matthew is obviously really famous, and my other son, Louis, is playing the lead in Stranger Things in the West End. I go to the stage door and he’s surrounded by people. “I’ve always said to the boys, ‘You’re there because of those people, be as polite and respectful as you can be.’”

When Denise got sober, she admits she quickly became “in danger of replacing one addiction with another” — food. She was binge eating, she says, but signing up to LighterLife was about far more than shifting the extra twoand-a-half stones. “LighterLife was the only company talking about the emotional side of eating, and using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to completely change my relationship with food.

She continues, “I was very newly sober so many of the things that I was learning through CBT, I was able to apply to my sobriety also.” The repercussions of giving up booze spread far wider than just herself, though.

Denise’s son, Matty Healy, is the lead singer of The 1975(Image: GC Images)

“My children, my marriage, everything, is down to my sobriety,” she says. “It’s given my children and my stepson, Lewis, the wings to fly without worrying about me. I’m proud of the people I have created as a friendship group around me. That’s got to be something down to me? That I still have the same friends I had years ago, and that they love me and they support me.

“I’m proud of some of the things I’ve done as an actress. It might sound big-headed, but it’s the one thing I say I’m f*****g good at. “And I’m going to concentrate on reminding everybody of that!”

Coleen Nolan has opened up on her family’s well-being in her latest newsletter, exclusively for the Mirror

Coleen Nolan opened up in her newsletter(Image: REACH PLC / Alex James)

Coleen Nolan has candidly opened up on her family’s well-being following the death of her sister. The Loose Women star, 60, revealed the family had had good news recently regarding the health of her brother.

Writing exclusively in her weekly newsletter for the Mirror, Coleen revealed the happy news that Brian has been given the all-clear.

She explained how her big brother received the good news following successful surgery on his prostate cancer. She gushed he “rocks” as she beamed with pride. “I’m so proud of him because, since being diagnosed, he’s done so much to raise awareness of the condition,” she said.

Coleen Nolan with three of her siblings, Brian, Denise and Anne

Brian had earlier appeared alongside his sister on her ITV lunchtime chat show and spoke of his experience. He was hoping in doing so, he might be able to encourage men who are also worried to ask their GP for a simple PSA blood test. The test is used to assess your risk for the disease.

According to the NHS, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. However, there is yet to be a nationwide screening programme like there is for breast and cervical cancer. This is something Brian has been campaigning for.

Statistics show that one in eight men in England will get prostate cancer, with numbers showing one in four Black men will. In England, more than 12,000 people die each year from prostate cancer.

However, when it is diagnosed at its earliest stage, the NHS says people with prostate cancer will survive their disease for five years or more.

Coleen explained how Brian initially went to his doctor because he was having to go to the loo a lot more. These symptoms were affecting his quality of life and his sleep, his sister said.

“He suspected he might have a bladder issue or that maybe he’d be told it was just his age catching up with him,” Coleen confessed. “Understandably, cancer is a scary thought for people and there’s a lot of fear around getting tested but, as Brian proves, if prostate cancer is caught early enough, there’s a very high chance of a cure.”

Coleen opened up on her family’s health(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Hearst)

Coleen revealed Brian celebrated turning 70 in June and following early detection of the disease, he now has “so much to look forward to now”. This includes spending precious time with his grandson.

The former singer went on to tell her fans to “listen to your body and get checked out”. She went on in an emotional message to her brother: “And, to Brian, I’m in awe of you and so impressed that you can go on live telly and talk so calmly and eloquently about this important subject.”

‘It can drive women to suicide in some cases’

Call the Midwife star Helen George previously opened up about the “horrific” condition she was diagnosed with while pregnant.

The actress shot to fame playing Trixie Franklin on the BBC show. Helen has also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and Shark! Infested Celebrity Waters – a repeat of which airs today (July 19).

Away from the TV shows, Helen is a proud mum to two young daughters – Wren Ivy and Lark – who she shares with her ex-partner Jack Ashton.

However, during her pregnancy with Wren Ivy, Helen was diagnosed with a “horrific illness”.

The actress opened up about the condition (Credit: BBC)

Call the Midwife star Helen George on ‘horrific’ condition

In 2017, Helen gave birth to Wren Ivy a month earlier than expected. What’s more, just two days before she gave birth, Helen found out she had a condition called ICP (intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy).

ICP is a liver condition that can have serious side effects. It can even cause stillbirth in expectant mothers.

Talking about the condition, Helen told Event Magazine: “The side effects are mainly a really strong sense of itching. I was scratching myself so much I had bruises all over my body.”

The Call the Midwife star went on: “It’s awful. It can drive women to suicide in some cases. It’s a horrific illness.”

It affected her second pregnancy, too (Credit: ITV)

Helen’s ‘pregnancy was so uncomfortable’

Helen’s condition also led to the premature birth of her second child, Lark, in 2021.

During her second pregnancy, Helen said on Instagram at the time: “I tried everything – creams, baths, all of it – and nothing would work. I would scratch all day and all night, normally on my hands, shoulders, feet – but that quickly increased to bloody everywhere.”

She then revealed she was put on medication at around 30 weeks and said: “I have to say this pregnancy was so uncomfortable and painful. I thought the second would be easier, but it really wasn’t. Spreading the world about this sometimes fatal condition is really important to me.”