Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden marked a huge milestone following her gruelling battle with cancer.

Amy Dowden struggled to hold back the tears as she made an emotional announcement (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden was visibly moved as she marked one year since being told she was cancer-free.

The professional dancer, 34, courageously battled breast cancer in 2023 after finding a lump and subsequently underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy treatment.

It was last February that Amy discovered she had no evidence of cancer, and despite still needing treatment, Amy said it was something she’d “dreamed of”.

Reminiscing about her announcement from a year ago, the Caerphilly-born star reshared the original post on Instagram Story captioning it: “One year ago today I shared this news,” followed by a face holding back tears emojis, and ending with pink hearts and bows.

She concluded her message with a crucial reminder: “Please remember to check your chest!”

Amy marked one year since she was declared cancer-free (Image: Amy Dowden Instagram)

Amy also provided a link to her acclaimed BBC documentary, Amy Dowden: Cancer and Me, which garnered considerable praise and support upon its release.

In the original post, Amy said beating cancer was her “greatest achievement yet” and that going through the treatment was “all worth it”.

The TV star revealed she would need to have monthly injections for the following five years and regular check ups, adding: “I have so much to strive and live for, and so grateful for another chance at life!”

Despite her challenging year, Amy returned to the Strictly dance floor in 2025 and was partnered with JB Gill.

Amy has been passionately involved in advocacy work to promote regular breast exams, following her own experience, and has even received recognition with an MBE for her fundraising efforts and raising awareness for Crohn’s disease.

Amy was awarded an MBE for her services to fundraising and raising awareness of Crohn’s disease (Image: Amy Dowden Instagram)

On World Cancer Day, Amy shared an emotional tribute as she honoured the survivors and those lost to the disease.

Alongside images documenting her treatment journey, the Strictly star wrote: “WORLD CANCER DAY supporting those living with cancer, those supporting their loved one’s affected by cancer, admiring the survivors, honoring those we have lost, and never, ever GIVING UP.

“Please check yourself and if you notice any changes with your body or how you feel please book an apt with your GP! Forever grateful to the Drs, nurses, paramedics, NHS, researchers, volunteers, charities and to all those individuals who have helped and supported me!

“Since those words in 2023, sorry Amy it’s cancer, my life will never be the same. But I’m so grateful to those above who saved me, made me stronger and even more determined! Welsh love to all those affected by cancer, especially those finding today tough! #worldcancerday #mycancerjourney.”

THE LEGEND’S PRIVATE FEAR: SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH, NEARING 100, REVEALS ANGUISH OVER LOSING HIS MIND AND INDEPENDENCE

THE UNFLINCHING TRUTH: “I’M AFRAID I WILL BECOME HELPLESS AND GAGA”

LONDON, U.K.—For generations, his voice has been the constant, reassuring sound of Earth’s magnificent mysteries.¹ Sir David Attenborough, the legendary broadcaster and natural historian, stands as a global monument to wisdom, resilience, and boundless curiosity. Yet, as he approaches the monumental milestone of his 100th birthday, he has offered the world a rare and profoundly vulnerable glimpse into the deepest corner of his private life: his greatest fear.

In an interview that has instantly resonated with millions globally, Attenborough spoke with stunning, unflinching honesty about the toll of time and the specter of decline. His anxiety centers not on death, but on the loss of the intellectual and physical control that has defined his extraordinary career.

“I’m afraid I will become helpless and gaga,” he admitted.

These words, delivered by the man whose clarity of thought and articulate passion have educated and inspired entire continents, carry an extraordinary weight. They cut through his iconic status, reminding us that even the most revered figures are ultimately human—fragile, fearful, and confronting the inevitable realities of aging.

THE TOLL OF AGE: PACEMAKERS AND UNYIELDING WILL

Attenborough’s decades of relentless work, trekking across every conceivable terrain, have earned him the admiration of the world, but they have also exacted a cost on his body. As he enters the twilight of his life, his candor about his physical challenges is both sobering and inspiring.

In recent years, the legendary explorer has navigated a series of significant health hurdles: he has undergone multiple knee surgeries, adopted strict and necessary changes to his diet, and perhaps most telling of his dedication, had a pacemaker fitted to ensure his heart could keep pace with his demanding schedule.

Yet, friends and colleagues insist that these limitations have not halted his mission; they have simply refined it. His determination is described as “remarkably disciplined,” a quiet strength that mirrors the focus he brings to documenting the natural world.

“He won’t stop,” remarked one industry insider, emphasizing the broadcaster’s unyielding spirit. “Even when his body slows down, his mind and his passion for nature never fade.”

His work has evolved, moving the scale of his filming away from far-flung, physically grueling expeditions toward projects that utilize his voice and vision in a more centralized capacity. However, his core mission—bringing the escalating environmental crisis to the forefront of public debate—remains not just intact, but intensified.

A CONVERSATION ON COURAGE AND HUMANITY

The public response to Attenborough’s vulnerability has been an outpouring of love and profound appreciation. Social media has been filled with messages praising not only the immensity of his life’s work but his sheer courage in speaking openly about a fear often hidden in society.

Many have lauded him as an “inspiration,” recognizing that his honesty about his struggle with aging is as valuable as any documentary he’s ever produced. His willingness to confront the fear of cognitive decline—the dread of losing one’s self—serves as a powerful, universal lesson.

In a world that frequently demands perfection and masks vulnerability, Attenborough’s admission provides an act of deep humanity. As Britain’s most cherished storyteller, his words carry an even greater significance, reminding us that the greatest battles are often the quietest and most personal.

His current fight is not for ratings or against ideological opponents; it is against the inevitable march of time. And in that ultimate contest, Sir David Attenborough continues to demonstrate the same quiet dignity, humility, and profound resilience that have defined his extraordinary life of service to the planet.

How do you think Sir David Attenborough’s candidness about aging will impact public conversations around the challenges faced by older generations?

The curtain has fallen on one of Britain’s most cherished stars. Prunella Scales, the unforgettable actress who brought wit, warmth, and sharp humour to millions, has passed away at the age of 93.

The Fawlty Towers legend died peacefully at her London home, surrounded by family, after courageously battling vascular dementia for more than a decade. Her passing marks the close of a glittering 67-year career that shaped the golden age of British comedy and drama.

💔 “She Was Watching Fawlty Towers the Day Before She Died”

In a statement filled with love and gratitude, her sons Samuel and Joseph West confirmed:

“Our darling mother, Prunella Scales, died peacefully at home in London yesterday. Although dementia ended her remarkable acting journey, she lived happily and comfortably until the very end. She was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died.”

The family described her final days as “contented, full of warmth, and surrounded by love.”

Prunella is survived by her two sons, one stepdaughter, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Her devoted husband, Timothy West, passed away in November 2024, after 61 years of marriage — a love story as enduring as her career.

🌟 From a Surrey Schoolgirl to a National Treasure

Born in Surrey in 1932, Prunella grew up in the world of theatre. The daughter of actress Catherine Scales, she stepped into acting as a teenager and began her career at the Bristol Old Vic in 1951.

By the 1960s, she had become a familiar face on British screens in shows like Marriage Lines and Coronation Street. But her life changed forever in the 1970s when she landed the role that would make her a household name: Sybil Fawlty — the no-nonsense, sharp-tongued wife in the BBC’s legendary sitcom Fawlty Towers.

Her on-screen chemistry with John Cleese was electric. With her cutting one-liners and unforgettable delivery, Prunella turned Sybil into a cultural icon — one whose voice, laugh, and withering glare became embedded in British pop culture.

👑 Beyond the Laughs: A Career of Depth and Grace

While most remember her as Sybil, Prunella’s versatility reached far beyond comedy. She portrayed Queen Victoria more than 400 times on stage in Queen Victoria: An Evening at Osborne, and reprised the role for the BBC in Victoria: An Intimate History.

Her remarkable range — from monarchs to mothers, from sitcoms to Shakespeare — earned her the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and the Freedom of the City of London, two of Britain’s highest honours.

❤️ “Pru and Me” — A Love That Lasted a Lifetime

Off-screen, Prunella’s real-life romance with Timothy West was as touching as any performance. The pair met through theatre, married in 1963, and went on to share the screen for decades — most notably in Channel 4’s Great Canal Journeys, where they cruised the waterways of Britain with humour, tenderness, and grace.

Even as dementia began to shadow their lives, Timothy’s devotion never faltered. He once told the BBC:

“We’ve learned to live with it. Pru doesn’t dwell on her illness — she just keeps smiling, and so do I.”

Their love story became a source of inspiration for countless viewers — a reminder that partnership and laughter can outshine even the darkest storms.

🎭 The Actress Who Never Stopped Performing

Even into her 90s, Prunella continued to defy expectations. In 2024, she returned to the spotlight, lending her voice to a stage production at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Stage manager Julian Machin recalled:

“Despite her dementia, Prunella’s instinct was pure magic. The moment she saw a microphone, she came alive — it was as though she never left the stage.”

🕊️ Farewell to Britain’s Beloved “Sybil”

With her passing, Britain has lost not only a great actress but also a national treasure — a woman whose wit, strength, and artistry defined generations.

Over seven decades, Prunella Scales brought laughter to living rooms, depth to drama, and elegance to every performance.

As tributes flood social media, one message captures the nation’s grief:

“She wasn’t just Sybil Fawlty — she was British television.”

ITV Loose Women fans fume ‘get off the air!’ over Charlene White’s ‘disgraceful’ refusal to wear a poppy: ‘Disrespectful!’

Loose Women viewers were left up in arms on Tuesday afternoon after spotting that presenter Charlene White had decided against wearing a poppy.

The 45-year-old, who also regularly fronts the ITV News, was joined by Oti Mabuse, Judi Love, and Kelle Bryan to go over the day’s biggest headlines.

ITV Loose Women: Charlene White didn’t wear a poppy during Tuesday’s show

However, despite there being plenty on the agenda for the team to go over, it seems ITV viewers at home were more distracted by Ms White’s poppy decision.

All three of her fellow panellists had opted for poppy pin badges as a sign of their respect ahead of Remembrance Day.

Ms White’s bright pink blazer was void of any symbolic gesture, however, a fact that prompted several at home to call for her removal.

On X, one Loose Women viewer slammed the decision: “Charlene shouldn’t be presenting as she doesn’t want to wear a poppy. No respect #loosewomen.”

ITV Loose Women: Charlene White was the only member of the panel who didn’t wear a poppy

“#CharleneWhite #LooseWomen Why do you refuse to wear a Poppy? Every single person on the panel, in the audience, are wearing one, so why not you?” a second asked.

“Charlene, wear a poppy or get off the air. Show some respect #LooseWomen,” a third fumed before a fourth weighed in: “I don’t know why ITV books Charlene White at this time of year when she refuses to wear a poppy! #LooseWomen.”

Elsewhere, a fifth questioned: “Does Charlene not care that many men lost their lives fighting for our country? The disrespect of her not wearing a poppy is disgraceful #LooseWomen.”

And another echoed: “#LooseWomen I do think it’s disrespectful for Charlene not to wear a poppy. I know it gets mentioned every year.. It’s come around quick again!”

ITV Loose Women: Oti Mabuse wore a poppy pin badge

“Why isn’t @CharleneWhite wearing a poppy?!” a seventh queried. “Everyone else on @loosewomen panel is!!! Disgraceful!!”

And another outraged viewer weighed in: “@Loosewomen no poppy on @CharleneWhite. Total disgrace to the memory of those who gave their lives for our future.” (sic)

However, there were some who jumped to Ms White’s defence. “Oops the poppy police are out again,” one viewer mocked before a second hit back: “In a democracy, you are supposed to be free to have your own views and opinions, not what the poppy police say you should do.”

Ms White didn’t address the decision not to wear a poppy on the show, but it is a choice that she has publicly acknowledged before.

ITV Loose Women: Judi Love also showed her support

Writing in an article for ITV last year, Ms White explained that the decision not to wear a poppy on-screen stems from impartiality rules regarding her other charity work.

The newsreader admitted it was “never an easy decision due to the racist and sexist abuse” that she says occurs on social media, and acknowledged that it “provokes a lot of debate and anger”.

Ms White revealed that broadcasting rules mean she isn’t allowed to visually support charities while presenting news programmes.

After she reeled off a handful of charitable organisations she’s a patron of but cannot support on-screen, she explained that it therefore makes her “feel uncomfortable supporting just one charity above all others, namely The Royal British Legion”.

ITV Loose Women: Kelle Bryan

The Loose Women star clarified that she “fully supports colleagues who do choose to wear the poppy on screen” and in her private life, “it’s very different”.

Ms White revealed she donates to the British Legion each year, wears a poppy on Armistice Day, and has “one of the ceramic poppies from the Tower of London on my mantelpiece”.

In her piece, Ms White urged: “Please don’t think that I don’t support the work that our service personnel do, or that I don’t understand the sacrifices made by servicemen and women 100 years ago. I do.”

She added: “It is always important to remember what my family, your family, and millions of people over many generations have fought for: the right to choose, and the right of freedom of speech and expression.”

‘IT WAS SO UNFAIR’: Garden Rescue Favourite Charlie Dimmock Opens Up About Backlash To Her Transformation

Charlie Dimmock has blasted criticism about her weight (pictured 2007) (Image: Getty)

Charlie Dimmock, the much-loved presenter of BBC’s Garden Rescue, has opened up about the “unfair” reaction she’s received over her appearance throughout the years. The gardening expert, who first shot to fame in the 1990s alongside Alan Titchmarsh and Tommy Walsh on Ground Force, has long been a familiar face on British television. Though Ground Force wrapped up in 2005, Charlie’s green-fingered career has flourished, with Garden Rescue continuing to air daily on BBC One at 3.45pm.

Charlie has always been refreshingly candid about her fluctuating weight, telling The Independent in 2016: “I’ve always been up and down in my weight. I’ll never be slim or skinny, let’s put it like that. One season I’ll be a size 14, then 18, but it’s something I’ve just accepted now. I’m at that age where I think, life is too short.”

Charlie pictured recently (Image: BBC)

She also reflected on the public’s fascination with her wardrobe choices on Ground Force, where she famously opted to work without a bra. “The TV presenter Esther Rantzen said to me, ‘You’ll be labelled the bra-less one for the rest of your life,’” Charlie told The Express. “Even now, people still bring it up. It’s very silly. It was just about comfort — if you’re swinging a sledgehammer, you want to be comfortable! People say, ‘Why not wear a sports bra?’ but those aren’t exactly the comfiest things in the world.”

Speaking more recently to The Sun, Charlie said she feels the public’s scrutiny of her body has been “horribly unfair” compared to how her male co-stars are treated. “If Alan Titchmarsh had developed a bit of a pot belly, no one would have turned a hair,” she said. “But because Charlie is a woman, she’s considered to be a fair target.”

Now 57, Charlie remains as passionate about gardening as ever, a love that she developed from a young age. After training in horticulture in Somerset, she landed a job at a garden centre in Romsey, where fate intervened. A chance meeting with TV producer John Thornicroft there led to her being cast in Ground Force, catapulting her into the national spotlight.

But her time on the hit show was also marked by tragedy, as both her mother and stepfather were killed in the 2004 tsunami while on holiday in Thailand, a loss Charlie has described as “devastating.”

Despite personal hardships and public scrutiny, the Garden Rescue star continues to inspire viewers with her no-nonsense attitude, gardening expertise, and unwavering authenticity.

Ruth Langsford has ended months of speculation by confirming she is in a “wonderful new relationship” with Colm O’Driscoll, a 63-year-old property developer and her first love from their teenage years in Belfast. The *Loose Women* star, 65, made the revelation in an emotional Instagram post this morning, sharing a black-and-white photo of the couple holding hands on a windswept Cornish beach. “Sometimes life brings you full circle,” she captioned the image. “Colm was my first kiss at 16. 49 years later, he’s my future. ❤️”

The announcement comes just 48 hours after *The Sun* published paparazzi shots of Langsford and O’Driscoll, a divorced father-of-two, leaving a quiet dinner at The Ivy Chelsea Garden. Sources say the pair reconnected in June at a charity fundraiser in Surrey, where O’Driscoll – who moved to England in the 1990s – recognised Ruth instantly despite the decades apart.

“Colm walked straight up and said, ‘Ruth McCullough, you haven’t changed a bit,’” a friend of the couple told *MailOnline*. “She laughed so hard she cried. They talked for hours. It was like no time had passed.”

The news has sent shockwaves through the showbiz world – and, reportedly, straight to the doorstep of Ruth’s ex-husband Eamonn Holmes. The GB News presenter, 65, who split from Langsford in May 2024 after 27 years together, has been openly dating 42-year-old relationship counsellor Katie Alexander since July. Sources close to Holmes say he was “blindsided” by Ruth’s confirmation.

“Eamonn thought he was the one moving on,” an insider revealed. “He’s been parading Katie at red carpets, posting loved-up selfies… then Ruth drops this. He’s gone quiet. No tweets, no GB News quips. He’s stunned.”

Holmes was seen leaving his Surrey home this morning in a wheelchair – he has used one since chronic back surgery in 2022 – with a grim expression. Alexander, who has moved into his £3.2 million property, was photographed carrying coffee but declined to comment.

Fans, meanwhile, have flooded Ruth’s post with thousands of congratulatory messages. “YES RUTH! Live your life queen 👑,” wrote one. “Eamonn fumbled the bag,” quipped another. A third added: “Colm looks like he worships her. This is the glow-up we needed.”

O’Driscoll, a low-key millionaire who made his fortune in London buy-to-lets, has never been married to a celebrity. He split from his ex-wife of 28 years, Siobhan, in 2022. Friends describe him as “quietly charming, devastatingly funny, and utterly smitten with Ruth.” The couple have already introduced their children – Ruth’s son Jack, 23, with Holmes, and O’Driscoll’s daughters, Aoife, 26, and Niamh, 24 – who reportedly “adore” their new step-parent.

“Jack calls Colm ‘the chill dad I never had,’” Ruth’s *Loose Women* co-star Coleen Nolan revealed on today’s show. “Ruth’s beaming. I’ve never seen her this relaxed.”

The romance marks a dramatic turnaround for Langsford, who spent much of 2024 in the shadows of her marriage breakdown. Holmes’ affair rumours – which he denied – and his rapid move-in with Alexander dominated headlines, while Ruth retreated from public life, focusing on her QVC fashion line and dog Maggie.

But behind the scenes, she and O’Driscoll were quietly rebuilding a connection rooted in shared history. “They used to sneak into the Belfast Odeon to watch *Grease*,” a school friend told *The Mirror*. “Colm kept Ruth’s cinema ticket stub in his wallet for 40 years. He showed it to her in June. She sobbed.”

The couple have already taken several low-key trips – including a week in Donegal, where O’Driscoll proposed a “slow and steady” future together. “No rush to marry,” Ruth told *Hello!* in a follow-up exclusive. “We’ve both done the big white wedding. This is about companionship, laughter, and waking up without dread.”

Holmes, who has not spoken publicly about the split beyond a brief statement last year, is said to be “struggling” with the optics. “Eamonn always saw himself as the charismatic one,” a TV source said. “Ruth proving she’s thriving – and with someone from *before* him – has hit hard.”

Bookmakers have slashed odds on a *This Morning* reunion special, with Paddy Power offering 3/1 on Ruth and Colm appearing together on the sofa by Christmas. Meanwhile, Ruth’s Instagram following has surged by 40,000 in 24 hours.

As she signed off her post: “To everyone who sent love when I was broken – thank you. I’m not fixed, I’m *free*.”

*Eamonn Holmes declined to comment. A spokesperson for Ruth Langsford said: “Ruth is focusing on her happiness and asks for privacy for all involved.”*

In a tearful exclusive interview with *Hello! Magazine*, Chloe Madeley, 38, has revealed the devastating truth behind her mother Judy Finnigan’s recent public appearances – a stark contrast to the glowing, triumphant image the ITV legend projected just weeks ago. The former *This Morning* host, 77, had delighted fans last month when she shared photos from a family holiday in Cornwall, beaming beside husband Richard Madeley and proudly showcasing a 2-stone weight loss achieved through a disciplined low-carb regime and daily coastal walks. “I feel 20 years younger,” Judy captioned one widely shared image, sparking an outpouring of admiration online.

But according to Chloe, that radiant smile masked a private torment. “Mum put on a brave face for the cameras,” the personal trainer and mother-of-one told the magazine, her voice cracking. “She wanted everyone to see her strong, not suffering. But the truth is, she’s been in chronic pain for months.”

The revelation centres on a little-known autoimmune condition that Judy has battled silently since late 2024. Sources close to the family confirm the former presenter was diagnosed with *polymyalgia rheumatica* (PMR), a debilitating inflammatory disorder that causes severe muscle stiffness and joint pain, particularly in the shoulders, neck, and hips. Though treatable with steroids, the condition flared dramatically over the summer, leaving Judy housebound for weeks and reliant on a walking frame during private moments.

“She’d get dressed up, do her makeup, and pose for those photos,” Chloe continued, “but the second the camera was gone, she’d collapse into a chair, barely able to lift her arms. We begged her to cancel the holiday shoot, but she refused. ‘I’ve spent 40 years in television,’ she said. ‘I know how to perform.’”

The confession has stunned fans who flooded social media with concern after Chloe’s interview dropped yesterday. “I feel sick,” wrote one follower on X. “Judy looked *amazing* in those pics. To think she was in agony…” Another added: “This is why we should never assume someone’s life is perfect just because they smile for a photo.”

Richard Madeley, 69, who has remained uncharacteristically quiet on the matter, was spotted leaving the couple’s North London home this morning with a sombre expression. A neighbour told *The Sun*: “Richard’s been doing everything – shopping, cooking, even helping Judy in and out of the bath. He’s exhausted but won’t leave her side.”

Medical experts say PMR, while not life-threatening, can be “excruciating” without proper management. “Patients often describe it as feeling like their body is encased in concrete,” says Dr. Sarah Jarvis, a GP and broadcaster. “Weight loss, ironically, can sometimes exacerbate symptoms in the early stages, as reduced body fat offers less natural cushioning for inflamed joints.”

Chloe’s decision to speak out stems from a desire to raise awareness – and to counter tabloid speculation. Last week, *The Daily Mail* ran a splash claiming Judy’s slimmed-down frame was due to “secret Ozempic use,” prompting furious denials from the family. “That story pushed her over the edge,” Chloe revealed. “Mum cried for hours. She’s proud of her weight loss through hard work, but the pain… that’s what no one saw.”

The Madeley-Finnigan family has long been Britain’s most candid TV dynasty. Judy and Richard’s on-air marriage proposal in 1986, their tearful exit from *This Morning* in 2001, and Chloe’s own raw documentaries about postpartum depression have all played out publicly. Yet this latest chapter feels different – rawer, more fragile.

“Dad’s always been the joker, Mum the heart,” Chloe reflected. “But now she needs *us* to be strong for her. She’s terrified of becoming ‘the sick one.’ That’s why she hid it.”

Treatment hopes now rest on a new steroid protocol and physiotherapy. Judy has cancelled all public appearances, including a planned charity gala in November. “She’s focusing on healing,” Chloe said. “No more pretending.”

As tributes pour in – with former co-star Phillip Schofield posting a simple broken-heart emoji – one thing is clear: the woman who comforted a nation through daytime TV’s toughest moments now needs that same compassion returned.

“Judy taught me vulnerability is strength,” Chloe concluded, clutching a childhood photo of her mother laughing on the *This Morning* sofa. “It’s time we let her rest.”

*Judy Finnigan was unavailable for comment. A family spokesperson said: “Judy is touched by the support and asks for privacy as she focuses on recovery.”*

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Ellie Goldstein is the first person with Down’s Syndrome to appear on Strictly (Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Ellie Goldstein is the first contestant with Down’s Syndrome to ever appear on Strictly Come Dancing, but it’s not the first time the 23-year-old has made history – and it doesn’t look like it will be the last.

When she was born in December 2001, doctors told her parents she wold never be able to walk or talk. Her mum Yvonne says a nurse even suggested she might want to leave her newborn baby at the hospital.

Though she initially struggled with the diagnosis and was scared to bond with her daughter – who also underwent 10-hour surgery when she was five months old to close holes in her heart – Ellie has gone on to defy expectations ever since.

She’s now a top model who has appeared on the cover of Vogue, bought her own house in Essex and published a book about her life, called Against All Odds. And two years after saying appearing on Strictly would be her dream as her “absolute favourite thing in the world is dancing”, she’s achieved that too.

Strictly star Ellie Goldstein with her mum Yvonne(Image: Sunday Mirror)

Ellie is dancing with Vito Coppola as they train for Strictly

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Describing how Ellie overcame the odds, mum Yvonne told the BBC: “After three weeks, we were able to take her home and her cheeky and determined personality began to shine through. My husband and I decided to bring her up as Ellie first and put the fact that she has got Down’s syndrome to one side.

“Despite what the doctors said, she could walk by 18 months, was speaking by her third birthday and was able to read by the time she started school. Ellie stayed in mainstream education until it came to doing her exams and we moved her to a specialist school.”

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Yvonne said her brave daughter proved the doctors wrong

But it wasn’t until she was a teenager that they decided to tell Ellie she had Down’s syndrome. Yvonne explained: “We were nervous about her reaction and showed her a special book, but she kept saying, ‘I don’t look like that. I’m me.’ I was worried it would knock her confidence, but it didn’t.”

So when a friend told Yvonne about a talent agency called Zebedee that wanted to work with people with disabilities and visible differences, she decided to apply for Ellie.

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Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola were a hit with the judges on week one(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire )

This led to Ellie being picked to star in Superdrug’s Christmas advert back in 2018 – and launched her career as a model.

Though Ellie recently bought her own home with the proceeds from her modelling jobs, Yvonne said the family live alongside her, as they still don’t know if she will ever be able to live alone. Though they have kept their family home and are trying to encourage Ellie to be as independent as possible.

She added: “We have to prepare her for how she will cope one day when we’re not around. Her older sister Amy will obviously look out for her, but we would never put that full responsibility on her.

“I hope attitudes towards Down’s syndrome have changed since Ellie was born, but there is still a lot of ignorance. Often in the street, people ask me questions about Ellie and don’t address her. They don’t realise she can talk and how big a personality she has.”

This Morning hosts halt show for breaking update ‘we’re starting with sad news’

This Morning aired some heartbreaking news on Tuesday’s show

This Morning presenters Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary interrupted Tuesday’s programme to deliver some sad breaking news.

The duo revealed that Fawlty Towers legend Prunella Scales, famed for her role as Sybil, had passed away aged 93, before offering an emotional tribute.

The beloved actress died “peacefully at home in London yesterday”, according to her sons Samuel and Joseph.

A statement read: “Our darling mother Prunella Scales died peacefully at home in London yesterday. She was 93.

“Although dementia forced her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she continued to live at home. She was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died.”, reports Wales Online.

Fawlty Towers star Prunella Scales, who played Sybil, had died aged 93 (
Image:
ITV)
“Pru was married to Timothy West for 61 years. He died in November 2024. She is survived by two sons and one stepdaughter, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

“We would like to thank all those who gave Pru such wonderful care at the end of her life: her last days were comfortable, contented and surrounded by love.”

Discussing the devastating news, Dermot, 52, said: “Now we’re starting with sad news that’s just come out, actress Prunella Scales has died aged 93.”

He continued: “What a titan of acting and specifically comedy acting!”.

This Morning contributor Nick Ferrari remarked: “It’s worth noting that of course she was devoted to Timothy West, her husband.

This Morning halted Tuesday’s show to share some sad breaking death news (
Image:
ITV)
“I think they were married for 60 years. He died almost exactly a year ago, it’s almost 12 months, so huge condolences to their two sons” whilst Alison, 50, also added: “Condolences to the family.”

Prunella’s Fawlty Towers character, Sybil, was the long-suffering wife of Basil Fawlty, played by John Cleese, in a show that won the BAFTA for best scripted comedy in 1976.

This year marked 50 years since the comedy show first appeared on screens.

Prunella’s husband Timothy West, who died in November 2024, starred in TV shows such as comedy drama Brass, sitcom Not Going Out and soaps Coronation Street and EastEnders.

In celebration of their diamond anniversary, Timothy penned the memoir Pru And Me: A Love Story, charting the course of their life, including Prunella’s dementia diagnosis.

In a seismic shift that’s rippled through the corridors of British telly, Rylan Clark has confirmed the termination of his long-standing ITV contract, marking the end of an era for one of daytime TV’s most beloved personalities. The 37-year-old Essex-born broadcaster, whose cheeky charm and unfiltered banter made him a staple on *This Morning* and beyond, broke the news via a raw, emotional Instagram post that’s since garnered over 2.5 million views. “At last, I can finally breathe easy and speak out about those disgusting truths,” he wrote, his words laced with defiance and relief. “I have no regrets for speaking up, even if it cost me my career. Thank you, everyone… 💔✨” The announcement caps a tumultuous summer of controversy, sparked by Rylan’s on-air tirade against the UK’s small boats immigration crisis, which critics lambasted as inflammatory and factually flawed.

The saga ignited on August 28 during a *This Morning* segment on Reform UK’s mass deportation pledges, led by Nigel Farage. Co-hosting with Josie Gibson, Rylan veered into personal outrage, decrying what he called “illegal routes” flooding the nation. “Something needs to be done!” he fumed, painting a vivid picture of asylum seekers allegedly receiving “free iPads, NHS access in hotel lobbies, three meals a day, and games rooms.” His Essex drawl, usually a vessel for light-hearted chit-chat, delivered a punch that landed like a grenade in the show’s cozy studio. Viewers at home erupted: Within hours, #CancelRylan trended on X, with over 576 Ofcom complaints flooding in by week’s end—accusing the segment of breaching impartiality guidelines and stoking anti-migrant sentiment.

The backlash was swift and savage. Charities like the Refugee Council slammed the remarks as “misinformation,” debunking claims of luxury hotel perks as exaggerated tropes peddled by right-wing media. Fact-checkers at The Mirror highlighted three glaring inaccuracies: No widespread iPad handouts, limited immediate NHS access for new arrivals, and basic subsistence rather than lavish amenities. Social media became a battlefield—left-leaning influencers branded Rylan a “dog-whistler,” drawing parallels to Gary Lineker’s 2023 BBC suspension over similar tweets. “If Lineker’s out for opinions, so should Rylan,” one viral post raged, amassing 50k likes. Bookies piled on, slashing odds to 1/2 that he’d be axed, with full-time *This Morning* presenter dreams drifting to 10/1.

Yet, Rylan didn’t back down. Hours later, he fired off an Instagram defense: “You can be pro-immigration and against illegal routes. You can support trans people and have the utmost respect for women. You can be heterosexual and still support gay rights. Stop putting everyone in a box.” It was classic Rylan—nuanced, personal, a nod to his own journey as an out gay man from a working-class background. But the die was cast. By August 29, his “last day” on the summer stand-in slot felt ominous, announced with a wry on-air quip: “Last day today!” Insiders whispered of emergency meetings at ITV Tower, where execs weighed brand damage against Rylan’s 12-year loyalty.

Fast-forward to October: The “mutual” termination, first teased in September rumors, became official. ITV issued a boilerplate statement: “ITV and Rylan Clark have mutually decided to end their partnership. We wish him all the best.” But Rylan’s post painted a grittier picture—hinting at “disgusting truths” like internal pressures to toe the line on sensitive topics. “They silenced me for months,” he elaborated in a follow-up video, eyes misty but steely. “But nah, not anymore. Career over? Fine. Authenticity’s priceless.” Fans flooded comments with hearts and fists: “We stand with you, Ry! ITV’s loss,” one read, liked 100k times. #RylanStrong surged to UK trends top spot, spawning fan art of him as a phoenix rising from a glitterball.

Rylan’s ITV tenure was a glittering ascent from *The X Factor* reject in 2012 to *Celebrity Big Brother* winner in 2013, catapulting him to *This Morning* relief duties and *Supermarket Sweep* revival host. His 2023 memoir *TEN* bared his soul on divorce trauma and pill addiction, earning BAFTA nods and a legion of LGBTQ+ devotees. But this fallout echoes broader TV woes: Post-Phillip Schofield scandal, ITV’s under scrutiny for safeguarding free speech versus sponsor sensitivities. Co-stars rallied—Josie Gibson and Rob Rinder hearted his defense, while Ruth Langsford teased off-ITV collabs: “He’s like my son. We’d work together in a heartbeat.” Even Thomas Skinner, *The Apprentice* firebrand, backed him: “Freedom of speech, innit?”

X lit up with divided discourse. Supporters hailed Rylan’s “bravery,” with one thread: “He spoke for working-class worries—ITV’s the real canceller.” Critics countered: “Misinfo hurts real people. Good riddance.” By October, the platform buzzed with speculation—BBC poaching rumors swirled, with bookies at 3/1 for a *Strictly* cameo or *Radio 2* slot. “BBC’s confirmed interest,” insiders teased, eyeing his 1.4 million Insta followers for youth appeal.

For Rylan, the pivot’s underway. His post ended optimistically: “New chapters, darlings. Podcasts, tours—watch this space.” Whispers of a BBC Sounds deal for unfiltered chats abound, plus a memoir sequel on “truth-telling’s toll.” Amid the melee, his mum’s health scare—rushed to hospital post-backlash—added poignancy; Rylan’s sidelined telly to nurse her, posting: “Family first. Always.”

This isn’t cancellation; it’s reinvention. In a media landscape where stars like Lineker thrive post-Beeb, Rylan’s “no regrets” ethos resonates. As one fan encapsulated on X: “You didn’t lose a job, Ry—you gained a voice. Louder than ever.” ITV’s glittering doors may have slammed, but Rylan Clark’s just warming up. From sofa sidekick to free agent firebrand, his next act? Unscripted, unapologetic, and utterly Rylan.