Strictly Come Dancing star Bobby Brazier has spoken about his younger brother Freddy Brazier and stated he needs to ‘grow up’, but still has love for his sibling

Bobby Brazier has spoken about his younger brother Freddy Brazier(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Percival)

Soap star Bobby Brazier has spoken about his brother Freddy Brazier following reports of tension within their family. The EastEnders actor shared his thoughts on his younger sibling.

Freddy, 20, is said to have a strained relationship with their father, Jeff Brazier, 46, at the moment. It’s previously been reported that he left the family home and moved in with his maternal grandmother Jackiey Budden, 68.

He was said to have missed birthday celebrations for his older brother Bobby, 22, last month amid the rumoured rift. Freddy later expressed interest in going to rehab for “smoking” before saying he had changed his mind.

Bobby has now suggested that his brother has growing up to do. The actor, who, like Freddy, was just a child when their mother Jade Goody died in 2009, however, described him as a “good boy” in an interview released today.

Bobby Brazier has spoken about his younger brother Freddy Brazier, pictured, amid rumours of a rift in the family(Image: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Blauer)

Speaking to the Sun, Bobby said that Freddy is “very sensitive” and “wants to please” people. He continued: “When he grows up a little bit, that will serve him well.”

Bobby added: “There are things I don’t like about him and there are things about me he doesn’t like.” He concluded: “Freddy will be OK I don’t know if he looks up to me, but I look up to him in many ways, but he’s a good boy.”

The comments come following much speculation over the family in recent months. Earlier this year, it was reported that Jeff had launched legal proceedings to stop Freddy Brazier – from seeing his late reality TV star Jade’s mother Jackiey.

Bobby spoke candidly about his younger brother(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

More recently, Freddy announced last month that he was planning to go to rehab, with him sharing at the time that he had been addicted to “smoking”. As reported at the time, he wrote: “I’ve decided that I will be cutting down and I want to go to Rehab In Marbs as I feel if I’m in England I won’t take getting clean seriously.

“I’ve been smoking from the age of 12 and it’s time to stop. It was a bad coping mechanism that turned into an addiction, something I relied on and something that made me feel sane and some what OK.

“I’ve found a boxing club and a rehabilitation centre. Ive found someone I want to get to know and I’m happy. I got a good bunch of friends and I [want to] get out and enjoy myself. I want to be clean so I can live happily and have healthy relationships with people and be there for all of my family rather then feeling like I’m in the middle and have to choose a side.”

He added: “I haven’t been able to feel loved properly as I have never loved myself and it starts now. I want to play football and take up boxing I want to be happy and be in a healthy relationship and have a healthy relationship with my Nana and my father.”

Amid speculation about his family, he said: “Every day is a new story about me and my Nana and father. It’s getting boring now. Mind your business and have a good rest of the week.”

He however later suggested otherwise. As reported last month, he wrote in a subsequent post on social media: “You know what I don’t need rehab! I just need a holiday with a good group of boys or a retreat.”

Wimbledon welcomed Prince William and Kate Middleton, along with their eldest children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, into the royal box on Centre Court earlier today

The heat appeared to be getting to Princess Charlotte(Image: AP)

Princess Charlotte has made a sweet reference to her grandmother, the late Diana, Princess of Wales, at Wimbledon. The royal box at Wimbledon hosted Prince William, Princess Kate and their eldest two children at the men’s singles final this afternoon. They were among the guests at Centre Court for the final day of the tennis tournament.

Prince William and Princess Kate, both 43, were seated on the front row of the box on Centre Court with Prince George, 11, and Princess Charlotte, 10, earlier. They then watched as reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz competed against rival tennis player Jannik Sinner for the title.

The family were spotted at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London. Princess Charlotte, who is third in line to the British throne, has attracted some attention over her choice of makeup, with her nails having been painted pink ahead of the visit.

Charlotte’s pink nail varnish was clearly visible(Image: WireImage)

Her choice of nail polish was on display at times as she watched matches on the court, including when Princess Charlotte covered her mouth. The colour was also visible when she held a fan amid the heatwave this weekend.

Princess Charlotte’s bright nails could be seen as her breaking from tradition, given previous speculation, though that doesn’t appear to be the case. There’s been speculation over the years that members of the Royal Family are encouraged to wear neutral colours and pale shades.

Commentators have shared their thoughts on the situation in the past. Richard Fitzwilliams once told MailOnline: “[They] are encouraged to use neutral, understated colours for their nails.”

They were joined by Prince William (left) and Prince George (centre left) for the men’s singles final and other matches at the venue(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

It’s been described as a “rule” and a “protocol” in the past, though it’s thought that there isn’t actually a ban or a formal rule on any colour or shade of nail polish. Princess Charlotte’s mother, Princess Kate, has herself opted for bold colours on occasion, for example, and pink isn’t thought to be prohibited either.

Queen Elizabeth was said to have worn one shade of pink nail polish for over 30 years. The late monarch reportedly favoured the brand Essie’s Ballet Slippers shade after first wearing the colour, described as “pale pink”, since 1989.

Princess Charlotte’s nail polish is said to match her late grandmother Princess Diana’s favourite colour(Image: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

The choice of colour by Princess Charlotte could be seen as a tribute to her late grandmother, Diana, who had been known to sport pink outfits. Pink was her “favourite” colour, according to the likes of British Vogue.

The exhibition Princess Diana: Accredited Access, which had been on display in London last year, suggested similarly in a post shared on social media in 2023. Alongside photos of Princess Diana in pink, it described the colour as “nurturing”.

The post shared by the exhibition on Instagram read: “Princess Diana’s favourite color was … PINK! Pink is a nurturing, playful, and nostalgic color that takes people back to their childhoods and can also represent universal love and friendship.”

Melanie Sykes has bravely opened up about her health battles over the years. The TV personality revealed she’d recently been suffering from ‘alopecia and heart issues’

Melanie Sykes has bravely opened up about her health(Image: Getty Images for eONE)

Over the years, Melanie Sykes has opened up about the health battles she’s been facing behind the scenes. In a new update shared with her fans, the 54 year old took to social media to reveal she’d been experiencing “alopecia and heart issues” over recent months as she detailed what’d been going on away from the spotlight.

This isn’t the first time that Melanie has bravely shone a light on her health issues. In November 2021, The Big Breakfast star described the “life-affirming” moment she received an autism diagnosis at the age of 51 as she recalled how the diagnosis had allowed her to make sense of her life.

Melanie revealed she’d been experiencing “alopecia and heart issues” over recent months(Image: Instagram/msmelaniesykes)

“This week has been truly life-changing. Or rather, life affirming. As many of you may or may not know, I was diagnosed with autism late Thursday afternoon. And then, finally, so many things made sense,” she wrote in a social media post.

The TV star continued: “I cannot begin to tell you the sense of relief this is for me and how much I celebrate this diagnosis. I now have a deeper understanding of myself, my life, and the things I have endured.”

Further opening up about her diagnosis on Loose Women, the mum-of-two revealed how she’d been working on a documentary with Harry Thompson, who is autistic, about the failures of the education system when he began to suspect that she might be autistic or have ADHD.

“Ten minutes in he thought I might have an ADHD profile, and autistic profile because of how I was,” she explained. “I know now what makes me autistic and it’s the fabric of me… and I think I’m fantastic!”

“I’m here for everyone who’s autistic,” she said. “It’s a good thing, because it’s not a disorder… it’s the things that we can do!”

With her diagnosis coming during adulthood, the TV presenter was then asked whether she’d have done anything differently had her diagnosis come sooner. “I would have asked for more of what I needed… there was a lot of sensitivities that I would have dealt with,” she replied.

Two years later, in 2023, the former radio presenter released her memoir Illuminated: Autism & All The Things I’ve Left Unsaid which detailed her story of getting her autism and ADHD diagnoses and aimed to raise awareness of the conditions.

“My diagnosis made me realise just who I actually am and what I’ve been hiding, because it hasn’t been required of me. It’s not even been asked of me. Can you imagine being in broadcasting, but people don’t really want to know the true you?,” she told the Chris Evans Breakfast Show.

“You become a certain way due to exterior forces. And I no longer do that. I am the force. I am my own force and I will operate in every which way I choose. I just had to remove myself from industries that don’t take care of you.”

In a new update, Melanie revealed that she has been experiencing alopecia and heart issues. In an Instagram post, the TV personality shared a snap in which she pointed out a bald spot on her head and explained how she’d taken the photo while she was in London investigating “some health issues”.

She wrote: “I am experiencing alopecia and heart issues due to all that has happened over the last few months. PTSD, shock, mistreatment and malpractice,” before encouraging fans to watch a YouTube video she’d uploaded on the topic.

Melanie previously called her autism diagnosis “life affirming”(Image: Getty Images)

In the 30-minute-long YouTube video, Melanie detailed her health struggles and parted sections of her hair to reveal her hair loss, noting how she’d also been struggling with stress and insomnia. The star explained how she developed a heart problem amid the allegations against her former colleague Gino D’Acampo.

Gino was accused of allegations of inappropriate and intimidating behaviour over a 12-year period, which he has vehemently denied. In February, ITV News said they had spoken to “over 40 people” in an investigation into the TV chef’s alleged behaviour.

Melanie worked with the chef on ITV’s Let’s Do Lunch with Gino and Mel from 2011 to 2014 and opened up about her experiences with “misogyny” in the TV industry. “I’m experiencing alopecia in quite a significant way. I’ve lost inches off my hairline at the back and probably got half my hair at the moment,” she said in the video. After detailing how she felt like she’d been dismissed by several cardiologists because of her autism and ADHD, Melanie eventually found a specialist who took her seriously.

“I’m having a heart monitor sent to the house and I have got to wear it for two days to monitor the sound of it,” she revealed.

The Power of Early Childhood Experience: How It’s Shaping the Future of the Monarchy and Society

In the hushed corridors of Kensington Palace, a quiet revolution is taking place—one rooted not in grand proclamations or political power plays, but in something much more intimate: the experience of early childhood. At the center of this transformation are Prince William and Princess Kate, whose recent efforts to reshape the royal family’s role in public life have placed a profound emphasis on early childhood development, mental health, and emotional wellbeing.

The catalyst for this shift? Personal history.

Both William and Kate, shaped by their own unique and, at times, painful early experiences, have stepped forward with a shared conviction: if society wants to secure a healthier, more compassionate future, it must start by investing in the earliest years of life.

A Royal Childhood Marked by Loss

Prince William’s early childhood was anything but typical. Though born into privilege, the emotional backdrop of his upbringing was complex. The public nature of his parents’ tumultuous marriage, followed by the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, left an indelible mark. Diana’s death in 1997, when William was just 15, thrust him into a spotlight no child should endure while grieving.

For years, the emotional wounds were handled with silence—a coping mechanism that mirrored the royal family’s longstanding culture of stoicism. But as an adult, William has openly acknowledged the mental toll of these formative experiences, advocating for a new kind of royalty—one that listens, responds, and heals alongside the people it serves.

Kate’s Vision: Listening to Children Before They Cry for Help

While William’s emotional journey shaped his awareness, it was Kate Middleton—now the Princess of Wales—who turned that awareness into a strategic mission. Known for her poised presence and gentle demeanor, Kate has revealed a fierce commitment to reimagining how society supports children and families. Through initiatives like the Diana Initiative and the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, she’s made it clear: a child’s first five years are not only critical—they’re foundational.

Her approach is refreshingly pragmatic. Rather than relying on ribbon-cutting ceremonies or symbolic appearances, Kate prioritizes deep, often private engagements. She visits early learning centers, speaks with frontline workers, and listens to the voices of parents, teachers, and even children themselves. These visits aren’t publicity stunts—they’re fact-finding missions.

In one memorable visit to a mental health clinic for teens, a staff member recalled that Kate “asked more questions than we expected—and really listened.” It’s a simple gesture, but in a world dominated by surface-level connections, it feels revolutionary.

The Diana Initiative: Turning Grief into Generational Healing

When Kate and William jointly announced the Diana Initiative, it wasn’t just a nod to William’s late mother—it was the unveiling of a new philosophy of service. The initiative, named to honor Princess Diana’s legacy of compassion, places early childhood experience, trauma-informed care, and mental health support at the core of its mission.

Among its first programs was the development of a nationwide network of grief counselors for children. This wasn’t coincidental. William and Harry, who both lost their mother young, had often spoken of the isolation and emotional confusion that followed her death. By creating resources that they themselves lacked, William and Kate are transforming personal loss into generational healing.

As Kate put it during a closed-door roundtable, “Too often, we wait for pain to become public before we act. I’d rather listen before someone suffers in silence.”

Transparency and Trust: A New Model of Royal Service

Perhaps the most groundbreaking aspect of the Diana Initiative is its commitment to transparency. Every donation, every expenditure, and every partnership is made public. For an institution historically shrouded in secrecy, this marks a radical departure—and a deliberate one.

“If we’re asking for trust, we should prove we’ve earned it,” Kate reportedly told her team. This belief has become a central pillar of the new royal philosophy. And while critics within the palace worry about overexposure, William remains firm: “If we hide behind tradition, we lose the chance to evolve.”

This ethos is spreading. Younger royals are now requesting mentorship from the Diana Initiative’s leadership team, eager to embrace this hands-on, community-centered model. The focus is no longer on being seen, but on making an impact.

A Blueprint for the Modern Monarchy

What William and Kate are building is not just a charity—it’s a blueprint. One defined by relevance, transparency, and presence. By focusing on early childhood experience, they are tapping into one of the most crucial (and often overlooked) arenas of social investment.

Research consistently shows that what happens in a child’s first five years has lifelong implications for their health, education, and emotional resilience. By championing this cause, the royal couple is not only addressing an urgent need but also redefining the monarchy’s place in modern Britain.

No longer passive figureheads, they are becoming active participants in national wellbeing.

Public Response: From Respect to Resonance

Public reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Kate’s approval ratings have soared to levels not seen since Diana’s time. Social media hashtags like #PeoplesQueen and #ModernMonarchy flood timelines after each new appearance or initiative.

What resonates most with the public isn’t grandeur—it’s the authenticity of William and Kate’s efforts. A viral video clip from a flood relief center captured William being asked by a child, “Are you here to help or just be seen?” His reply, “To help. I know that the position I’m in—that’s what’s required of me to do,” encapsulated the ethos of their mission.

The Quiet Revolution Continues

Inside the palace, tensions remain. King Charles, reportedly stunned by the attention William and Kate have received, has chosen silence over endorsement. Queen Camilla, concerned about the resurgence of Diana’s legacy, allegedly pushed for the Diana Initiative to fall under official palace control—a request denied out of fear it would seem petty or controlling.

But the silence from the old guard only amplifies the contrast between tradition and transformation.

William and Kate’s strategy isn’t rebellion—it’s correction. A recalibration of what it means to serve. And at the heart of it all is a simple truth: how we treat our youngest citizens shapes the kind of society we become.

Conclusion: A Future Shaped by the First Years

As the Diana Initiative grows and William and Kate continue their deeply personal mission, one thing is clear: the future of the monarchy—and perhaps society itself—hinges on how we value the early years of life.

By turning their own early childhood experiences into a catalyst for change, they’ve offered a powerful lesson: real leadership doesn’t begin on a throne. It begins in a nursery, a classroom, a community center. And from those early places, a better world can be built.

Full Video:

It looked even more fun to make than it was to watch!

Countryfile presenter Matt Baker thanked audiences for tuning in to watch his British Isles miniseries in advance of its final episode last month.

“Can’t believe it’s the last show tonight,” he wrote on social media at the end of June. He described the show as a “joy to make”, while fans celebrated its format.

Meanwhile, a recent episode Countryfile – that airs on Sunday nights – sparked ire this week, with viewers claiming the show was “celebrating factory farming”.

Matt and his wife Nicola have been spending more time apart in recent months, owing to their respective commitments. But they make it work – and besides, British Isles is now finito.

Baker’s four-part documentary series British Isles was hugely popular when it aired in June (Credit: Channel 4)

Matt Baker inundated with support after ‘last show’

Countryfile and British Isles presenter took to social media to share the teaser trailer for the latter’s final episode, shortly before it went to air.

“Can’t believe it’s the last show tonight. Baker’s British Isles has been such a joy to make – full of heart, humour, and that unmistakable charm only the folk of the UK can provide.

“Beautiful countryside, brilliant characters and proper British traditions, hopefully every episode has made you proud to live here.

“Massive thanks to everyone involved, on and off screen you’ve all been the heartbeat of this series, thanks also to Channel 4 for helping us showcase our magical 4 nations.”

Fans couldn’t believe the final episode had come around already. One hailed it as “such an interesting series”, per Gloucestershire Live.

Another was crossing their fingers for a second series and asking Matt to “please, please make more!” while a third praised the show’s format.

“I have loved this series so much and hope there will be more of them in the future”, penned a fourth. “It has been wonderful to see all the amazing and different traditions in each country.”

The second series of Matt’s other show, Our Dream Farm, also came out this year (Credit: Channel 4)

Showcasing all the positive things was Matt’s ‘whole motivation’

Matt Baker’s British Isles is a Big Circus Media production. Announcing it, Channel 4’s commissioning editor said it would be a “surprising, quirky, celebratory and life-affirming snapshot of Britain”.

Now that it has concluded, audiences seem to agree!

“This new series encompasses everything we love as a production company, celebrating the people who make Britain great,” Matt and his production company co-owner Gareth Collett said ahead of its release.

Matt and his wife Nicola spoke to Lorraine ahead of the documentary series’ release. During their conversation, Matt said the series was an “absolute pleasure” to make.

Wanting to showcase all the positive things about the British Isles was his “whole motivation” for making the series, he added.

“These are our foundations, all the lovely, good stuff. This is what I set out to celebrate, really.”

And celebrate it, he did.

The Hidden Voice of Diana: A Mother’s Legacy, a Prince’s Discovery, and the Secret That Changed Everything

For decades, the world has been captivated by the life and loss of Princess Diana. Her warmth, grace, and vulnerability carved a place in the hearts of millions, but perhaps no one carried her legacy more deeply than her eldest son, Prince William. And yet, behind palace doors and royal protocol, a hidden truth remained—one that would shake William’s world and rewrite the narrative of his mother’s life.

This story begins not with scandal, but with grief. In 1997, the world mourned as Diana, Princess of Wales, died in a tragic car accident in Paris. She left behind not just a legacy of compassion, but two young sons: William and Harry. Determined to shield them from the chaos of royal life, Diana had made arrangements for their future. In 1993 and again in 1996, she updated her will, ensuring her sons would inherit keepsakes—letters, jewelry, and personal items—not for their material worth, but for the memories they held.

The public knew this much. But what William didn’t know—what no one outside a tight royal circle knew—was that Diana had left even more. A private journal. Cassette tapes. Messages recorded in her voice for the boys to hear when they needed her most. They weren’t lost in time. They had been hidden.

And the one who locked them away? King Charles.

A Prince’s Discovery

It wasn’t until 2012, when William turned 30—the revised age when he would legally inherit Diana’s estate—that some of her personal effects were finally handed over. Inside boxes were handwritten letters, family photographs, and the iconic sapphire engagement ring now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales.

But the full truth lay buried deeper. While sorting through old documents from his father’s collection, William discovered something unexpected: a letter from Charles, written shortly after Diana’s death. In it, a haunting phrase surfaced—“Do not show them everything.”

Tucked away from public eyes were Diana’s most intimate reflections: her journal, and tapes where she spoke directly to William and Harry, her voice tender and unguarded. These weren’t meant for the crown. They were for her sons.

Charles had locked them away, fearful of the public backlash and the media frenzy they might cause. But in doing so, he silenced a mother’s final goodbye.

The Quiet Confrontation

When William confronted his father, it wasn’t in the grand halls of a palace but in a quiet room, behind a closed door. No royal titles, no advisers—just father and son. “Why didn’t I know about these?” William asked, his voice calm but pained.

Charles’s answer was guarded. “I didn’t want you to suffer more than you already had.”

But for William, silence wasn’t protection. It was exclusion. He wasn’t just grieving the mother he lost—he was now mourning the truth he was denied.

That night, William sat alone in his private study, holding his mother’s journal and listening to her voice on the tapes. Her words weren’t bitter. They were full of love, hope, and quiet warnings. She spoke of feeling alone in a palace filled with people. She worried that the crown would one day strip her sons of their humanity.

“Promise me you won’t let the crown silence your heart,” she had written.

The Woman Behind the Princess

Diana’s journal unveiled the full scope of her pain—behind the royal smile was a woman battling bulimia, depression, and betrayal. She confessed to crying every day during her early years as a princess, feeling invisible and misunderstood.

But it wasn’t just sorrow that filled those pages. There was light too. She wrote about William’s laughter, the way he hugged her tightly, and how he wiped her tears with his small hands. “My William, my strength in my darkest hours,” she wrote.

In those handwritten lines, William rediscovered the mother he had known only through faded memories and headlines. This wasn’t the People’s Princess. This was his mom.

Betrayal and Healing

William’s heartbreak ran deep, but it also carried the sting of betrayal. The tapes and journal weren’t just mementos. They were sacred parts of Diana’s soul, kept from him by those who claimed to protect the monarchy. And yet, they were the very parts he needed most to understand who he was—and who his mother truly was.

For a time, William withdrew from royal life. He canceled engagements, avoided public appearances, and asked for space. The light in his eyes dimmed. “I lost her all over again,” he confided to a friend. “And this time, it was someone’s choice.”

His relationship with the crown—and with his father—changed forever. Not broken, but colder. Quieter. And when he returned to his duties, it was with a deeper understanding of the woman who raised him and the institution that failed her.

A Voice That Won’t Be Silenced

Diana’s story did not end with her death. Through her journal and tapes, she lives on—not just as a public figure, but as a mother, a truth-teller, and a woman who fought for her sons even in silence.

William now holds that voice. The question is: What will he do with it?

There are whispers he may one day make some of the tapes public—not for spectacle, but for healing. For a nation that still feels her loss. For a monarchy that still grapples with its image. And for two sons who grew up in the shadow of a crown, now finally hearing the whispers of a mother they never stopped loving.

In the end, Diana’s final gift was not jewelry or estate titles. It was her truth. Quietly stored. Wrongfully hidden. But finally found.

And now, her voice echoes once more.

“Now I hear you, Mom,” William whispered. “And I won’t forget.”

Full Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp9XUUGGrLQ

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.

Although taking food and drink into the venue is strictly prohibited, those attending can, instead, take a collapsible 500ml water bottle. Once inside the park, there will be dedicated water refill points, as well as the bar, which will be stocked with both alcoholic and soft drinks. Fans are also encouraged to wear sun protection and, if possible, a hat to reduce the risks of sunburn and sunstroke.

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.”

‘Healthy one day, gone the next’

GMB star Rob Rinder previously revealed his heartbreak after he lost both his dog and his friend in the same week.

The presenter has become a firm favourite with viewers over the years. From stints on the ITV show to The Great Plague with Rob Rinder – which is on today (July 13) – Rob has had an incredible career.

However, in 2022, Rob was left devastated when his dog Rocco and a dear friend passed away.

He opened up about the heartbreaking time (Credit: ITV)

GMB star Robert Rinder on ‘unexpected’ death

In 2022, GMB presenter Robert was faced with a heartbreaking double blow when his beloved French bulldog and dear friend died.

Writing in the Standard, Rob spoke about his “gorgeous” pup Rocco’s passing. He said:  “He was taken from me totally unexpectedly — healthy one day, gone the next — and I was then, and remain, bereft.”

He went on to recall how initially, when he and his ex-husband got Rocco seven years ago he was “pretty opposed to getting him”. However, it didn’t take Robert long to “fall head-over-heels for him”.

Robert’s heartbreak after dog’s death

What’s more, in a sad turn of events, Rob’s friend Lesley Land – a member of the Gogglebox press team – also passed away in the same week that Rocco died.

“The first person I wanted to speak to when I lost him was my spectacular friend Lesley. She was my first WhatsApp message. Rocco adored clever and stunning women, and she was his absolute icon,” Robert said.

She was the type of spectacular person that you didn’t believe existed any more.

He added: “But Lesley Land, one of my finest friends, had died suddenly at the age of 41. She was the type of spectacular person that you didn’t believe existed any more.”

His dog and friend died within the same week (Credit; ITV)

Robert ‘loved them both very much’

Robert gushed about his pal Lesley, and recalled “cry-laughing” after he looked through their WhatsApp messages after she died.

He then reflected on Rocco and Lesley’s passing. He shared that when someone important dies “they leave a perpetual handprint of delight on those of us lucky enough to have known them”.

Rob said: “So I’m thinking of Lesley and Rocco and they are not gone. (I’d imagine he’s sitting on her lap, she’s making some impossibly brilliant joke and he’s looking up adoringly). I loved them both very much.”

The French state visit is underway

King Charles sparked concern from fans after appearing at a royal engagement with a bloodshot eye.

However, the palace has now issued a statement dispelling any concerns for the king‘s health.

King Charles’ eye was visible during a meeting with Macron (Credit: CoverImages.com)

King Charles sparks concern with bloodshot eye

Royal fans became quite concerned for King Charles’s health as he met the French president, Emmanuel Macron, today (Tuesday, July 8).

The king, along with Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton, met Macron and his wife during the ceremonial start of the French state visit earlier today at Windsor Castle.

Macron’s visit is the first state visit by a European leader since Brexit. The last time a state visit was held at Windsor Castle was in 2014, when President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, and his wife, Sabine, made the first Irish state visit to the UK. Since then, state visits have been hosted at Buckingham Palace.

However, it wasn’t just the historic meeting that got people talking; it was King Charles’ appearance.

The 76-year-old, who continues to undergo cancer treatment, was sporting a bloodshot eye during his meeting with Macron today.
The palace have said Charles’ eye is nothing to worry about (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Palace issue statement about King Charles’ bloodshot eye

However, according to a palace source, the monarch’s bloodshot eye is nothing to worry about.

Speaking to AOL, they confirmed that the king’s bloodshot eye was simply down to a burst blood vessel in one of his eyes. They also confirmed that it has nothing to do with his ongoing cancer treatment.

A broken blood vessel in the eye, known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, can look alarming; however, they are typically harmless.

They often occur without any obvious injury and can be caused by something as simple as coughing or experiencing a strong sneeze.

No treatment is usually needed, and the issue sorts itself out within a week or two.

Royal Insider has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
The king will give a speech tonight (Credit: CoverImages.com)

King Charles to warn of ‘complex threats’ during Macron’s visit

During the state visit, King Charles is expected to emphasise the relationship across the channel between the UK and France.

According to The Telegraph, at the state banquet tonight, the king will describe France and Britain as “friends and allies”.

He is then expected to add that “our two countries face a multitude of complex threats, emanating from multiple directions.

“These challenges know no borders: no fortress can protect us against them this time,” he is then expected to add.

“Our two nations share not only values, but also the tireless determination to act on them in the world,” he is then expected to say.

Additionally in his speech, Charles will reflect on the millenium of “shared history and culture between our two peoples”.

He will reportedly add “for centuries our citizens have admired each other, amused each other, and imitated each other”.

The king will then tell Macron he is “in awe of France’s extraordinary attributes and achievements”.

Liam sadly died in October

Cheryl has reportedly shared a difficult yet uplifting lesson with her son, Bear, seven, following the death of his father, Liam Payne.

It comes following the release of Netflix’s new show, Building the Band, which features Liam as a guest judge.

Liam’s new show has aired (Credit: Netflix)

Cheryl’s heartbreak following the release of Liam Payne’s new show

Almost nine months ago, Liam sadly passed away at the age of 31.

Last week, the show on which he was a guest judge, Building the Band, was released on Netflix.

Now it’s being reported that the release of the show has been particularly heartbreaking for Liam’s ex, Cheryl, 42, as it’s a “poignant” reminder of “how much more” the late star could have done with his life.

Speaking to The Mirror, a source said: “It is very sad for Cheryl. She’s very proud that Liam’s final project is now available for the world to see, but obviously it’s heartbreaking, too, after Liam’s death. It’s a poignant reminder to Cheryl – and to his fans – of how much more Liam could have done with his life. But that potential was tragically cut short.”

Cheryl and Liam were together between 2016 and 2018 and shared a son (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Cheryl’s sad message to son Bear

The source then continued.

“He had so much going for him, as well as being a devoted father to Bear. It’s another reason why Cheryl wanted to continue with her own TV career – to show Bear that there is life after losing Liam, that you can be strong and that he can pick himself up,” they then said.

“He can be anything he wants to be in life.”

ED! has contacted Cheryl’s representatives for comment.

Tributes have been paid (Credit: Netflix)

Tribute to Liam on Building the Band

At the start of the first episode of Building the Band, Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean pays tribute to Liam.

“When we came together to film Building The Band, we never imagined we would soon be saying goodbye to our friend, Liam Payne,” he said.

“Liam is a guest judge in later episodes and through his presence, we see his deep love for music and his unwavering commitment to helping others find their voice,” he then continued.

“It is through that spirit that we dedicate this series to Liam and his family.”

Liam’s sister, Ruth, shared a tribute to the star too. “I didn’t know whether to share this, but it felt weird when I’ve raved about Liam’s work and achievements for the last 15 years. I’m heartbroken he never got to see how great he is in this show. He knew he had done a good job, we all told him this when we were at filming, but watching it back, wow!” she said.

“You’re a star, Liam, you always were and always will be. There are a range of emotions left watching this, but one of the main ones is immeasurable pride, always. Miss you more every day.” (more…)