The conclusion of The Golden Bachelor Season 2 delivered a shocking twist: Bachelor Mel Owens chose finalist Peg Munson, but the traditional diamond engagement ring was notably replaced with a promise ring! The happy couple has since stepped forward to explain their unconventional ending, confirming that they are redefining the Golden Bachelor premise by taking things slow.

They openly revealed that their past divorces have made them deeply wary of rushing back down the aisle, a decision that reflects mature caution but has caused minor disappointment for their fans.

The Promise Ring: Wary of the Rush

Mel Owens, 66, and Peg Munson, 62, both divorced individuals, finished the season as a committed couple, but emphatically not engaged. Instead of a proposal, Mel gave Peg a sparkling promise ring, symbolizing their commitment to a future together, but at their own pace.

“I [wasn’t] going to get married right off the show,” Mel stated, noting the artificial, sped-up timeline of reality dating. “It’s like the saying: first comes love, then comes marriage. I don’t go from knowing a person to getting married.”

Sources confirm the two had an extensive, off-camera conversation during their Fantasy Suite date where they agreed on their unique path.

The Divorce Factor: Wary of the Aisle

The core reason for their cautious approach lies in the harsh lessons learned from their previous marriages. Mel’s first marriage ended in a messy, five-year legal battle that required him to pay a massive settlement, making him understandably hesitant about rushing into another contract. Peg, a retired firefighter and divorcee, echoed this sentiment, stating they are taking advantage of their “golden years” to write their own love story.

“Peg and I discussed the ring—I didn’t want to surprise her with something that she wasn’t expecting,” Mel clarified. “We’re doing it our way. I know it’s a bit unconventional, but it feels natural for us, and we went with it.”

Peg famously stated she was not looking for “fireworks” but for a “fireplace”—a slow burn for the rest of their lives—confirming they believe a mature, sustainable relationship is built over time, not on a dramatic finale proposal.

Minor Disappointment: Fans Wanted the Fairy Tale

While the majority of fans respect the couple’s mature decision, the lack of a traditional engagement or announced wedding date has caused a minor disappointment among viewers who invested in the fairy-tale expectation of the show.

Runner-up Cindy Cullers even self-eliminated from the show before the finale because she wanted a firm commitment and immediate marriage, highlighting the conflict between the show’s premise and Mel’s realistic intentions. Ultimately, Mel and Peg’s choice to prioritize an authentic, slow-burn romance over a fleeting engagement is seen as a sign of maturity, setting a new, realistic standard for the senior dating franchise.

Mel Owens and Peg Munson are still happily together and focusing on traveling and spending time with their families, proving a promise ring can be stronger than a rushed proposal.

The I’m A  Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2025 finale has come to an end, and while Tom Read Wilson may have taken second place, his journey left a lasting impact, making him the true King of the Jungle in the eyes of millions of fans.

Tom Read Wilson devoured a fermented duck egg whole for the first time in I’m A Celebrity history as he took on a gruesome eating trial during Sunday’s final
The television personality, 39, and his fellow finalists, Shona McGarty and AngryGinge managed to scoop all 12 stars for an epic Jungle Banquet

From the moment he entered the jungle, Tom captivated viewers with his kind-hearted nature, humor, and willingness to support his fellow campmates. His journey was a rollercoaster of emotions—facing fears, overcoming challenges, and showing true resilience. But it was his authentic personality that truly set him apart from the rest.

As they met Ant and Dec at the Bushtucker Trial clearing, they learnt that they would all be taking part in their own challenge to win a starter, main course, dessert and drink for their meal
Tom took on Bushtucker Bonanza in which he had to eat four dishes to win three main courses for camp and a drink of his choice
Shona took on Rat Race in order to win all three starters for the group and a drink of her choice
Lastly, Ginge took on Helmets of Hell, where he had to put his head into four helmets and his hand in the four boxes below to release each star, with two minutes to win each star
That evening, Shona, Ginge and Tom all sat down at the Jungle Banquet where they dined like Kings and Queens

Though AngryGinge took home the crown, it was Tom’s unwavering sincerity and the warmth he brought to the show that resonated most with viewers. One fan shared, “For me, the winner is Tom. He’s so lovable and genuine—he deserves to be the winner.” And it’s clear that many others agree with this sentiment.

Throughout the competition, Tom wasn’t just another contestant. He became a friend, a mentor, and a source of inspiration for his fellow celebrities and viewers alike. His positive attitude and encouragement helped others stay strong, and his moments of vulnerability made him even more relatable to audiences.

As the final aired, viewers rallied behind Tom, expressing their support on social media. Despite not winning the official title, Tom had already won the hearts of millions. His journey became a beacon of positivity and proof that sometimes, the real victory lies in how you inspire and connect with others.

Tom’s journey in the jungle may have ended with a runner-up finish, but in the eyes of his fans, he will always be the King of the Jungle. His grace, humor, and authenticity proved that winning isn’t always about the crown—it’s about the lasting impact you make on the people around you.

Britons have been filming themselves travelling to beaches in France and ‘destroying’ small boats – gaining thousands of views in the process

Sanya Burgess is an award-winning journalist whose investigations have included revealing Deliveroo was not paying the living wage to all riders, despite the company’s pledge to do so. She has also tracked disinformation and far right hate speech in the UK during the Southport riots, conspiracy theories about the attempted shooting of Donald Trump and revealed that Elon Musk was paying some of Tommy Robinson’s legal fees. She has also worked on issues relating to Big Tech and underage gambling, as well as uncovering war crimes and human rights abuses in Iran, Myanmar and the UAE – including the ‘hostage’ tapes of the detained Dubai Princess Latifa.
British vigilantes who spearheaded efforts to fly England flags across the country have launched a new anti-migrant protest – attempting to block illegal Channel crossings.

Using the term “Operation Stop The Boats”, members of the group have been filming themselves 𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 small boats before they are used by migrants to cross the English Channel from France.

Posts on social media show members calling for other British men to join them in France, including making a direct appeal to football hooligans, saying “we need to make a stand”.

In one video message shared this week by a member of the Raise the Colours group – the grassroots movement that has seen flags fixed to lampposts, motorway bridges and roundabouts across England – two men are seen evoking military language and the spirit of the British fight against the Nazis in the Second World War.

Claiming to be recording from the northern French coast, one said: “Just like in the 1940s, we must take a stand, and it starts with the men of England and Britain.”

Making an appeal to “firms” – a phrase that refers to football hooligan groups – the other man added: “Our country is doing nothing. Weak government, weaker borders.

“They are doing nothing, so we need to make a stand, boys. Get the lads together, get your firms together, get the lads in the pub, get the lads down the bars, if you’re talking about it and you agree with what we are doing, give us a hand.”

The Government is under pressure to act after more than 36,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats (Photo: raisethecolours.org.uk/Instagram)
The Government is under pressure to tackle the issue of migration amid a record number of asylum applications, surging small   boat crossings and protests at hotels housing asylum seekers.

On Monday, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood set out a package of reforms to asylum policies aimed at tackling illegal migration, telling MPs the current situation is “out of control and unfair”.

The latest videos shared by those linked to the Raise the Colours group have separately been referred to as “Operation Overlord”.

Earlier clips showed two men saying they were taking matters of illegal migration into their own hands and filming themselves stamping on and smashing a small boat’s engine.

In the clips, they refer to themselves as “patriots” and make a number of claims without evidence, such as that they are stopping “rapists and murderers” from “coming to a town near you”.

One video shared by the group
The flag-raising group, who have a combined 100,000 followers on X and Instagram, also posted a plea on X for donations last week, writing that they are: “STOPPING The  Boats, whether the migrants or government like it or not!”

Two videos from the group have recently been shared to the 1.7 million X followers of Tommy Robinson. The far-right figure and former leader of the English Defence League, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has previously been accused of mobilising football hooligan firms in an attempt to launch anti-Muslim rallies across the country.

Separately, French media reports that the Dunkirk Public Prosecutor’s office has opened a preliminary investigation into “aggravated violence” against migrants by suspected British far-right figures.

One of the details being examined by the French prosecutor is the claim that in September, four men waving British and UK flags verbally and physically attacked migrants on the French coast. It is alleged that they told the migrants they were not welcome in England and proceeded to steal some of their belongings.

The men are not the first anti-migrant figures to travel to France in a bid to take matters into their own hands.

In September, Ukip, Nigel Farage’s former political party, posted a video to their X account showing what appeared to be sleeping migrants in France being woken by people flashing strobe lights in their faces and shouting at them.

Nick Tenconi, Ukip’s current leader, also posted a video captioned: “In Calais hunting for illegal invaders trying to cross into Britain.”

‘They’re not doing the job they’re hired for as judges’

Former Strictly pro Brendan Cole has slammed the judges’ scores last weekend following Lewis Cope’s shock exit.

The soap star became the latest star to get the boot from the show after Amber Davies beat him in the dance-off. And it’s fair to say Lewis’ exit left plenty of fans furious.

Now, Brendan Cole has shared his thoughts with ED! and slammed the judges “for not doing the job they’re hired for as judges”.
Brendan has shared his thoughts (Credit: ITV)

Strictly judges’ scores slammed by Brendan Cole

At the weekend Lewis and pro partner Katya Jones found themselves in the bottom two, alongside Amber Davies.  After performing their routines again, the judges decided to save Amber, sending Lewis and Katya home the week before the semi-finals.

Fans were both stunned and furious at Lewis’ elimination – and the decision to send him home didn’t go down well with a former Strictly pro dancer either.

On behalf of Sky Vegas, Brendan Cole has hit out at the judges for their marks on Saturday night.

When asked what lessons the producers can learn from the 2025 series, he said: “The producers need to decide whether they want the judges to be actual judges or entertainers dropping one-liners and marking on prettiness.”

‘Last two weeks of Strictly have been ruined’

Brendan continued: “In my opinion, as it stands, they’re not doing the job they’re hired for as judges, and the result is that the last two weeks of Strictly have been ruined.”

The dancer went on to say he thinks Amber won’t end up winning “because she’s gone from top of the leaderboard with a brilliant dance to the bottom two”.

Brendan added: “And Lewis, the person who should have won Strictly, is out before the semi-final. Meanwhile, you’ve got three other couples, two of whom aren’t actually good enough to be there.”

He went on to claim that the producers “have allowed that” to happen every week by “letting the judges mark as though it’s not a competition”.
Brendan spoke about Balvinder (Credit: BBC)

Balvinder ‘not in the same league’ as co-stars

Brendan then suggested: “One can not objectively look at the show on Saturday and say that they were all equal in quality and performance, yet that’s what the marks would suggest.”

Sitting pretty at the top of the leaderboard was Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin. The pair bagged 40 points for their Charleston.

Up next were EastEnders’ Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon, content creator George Clarke and partner Alexis Warr and Lewis Cope and Katya Jones, who all landed 35 points.

At the other end of the scale, Karen Carney and Carlos Gu were at the bottom with 34 points.

Slamming the judges’ scoring at the weekend, Brendan claimed that they are “not giving the correct marks to ensure a fair competition”. He also said that Balvinder Sopal is “not in the same league” as her co-stars and mused: “So why is she getting the same marks?”
He slammed the judges’ scores

Judges ‘only have themselves to blame’

He went on: “They only have themselves to blame when they sit there saying it’s a travesty. It’s their fault because they didn’t judge the night accordingly.

“You can’t give the same score to four out of five couples and then expect the leaderboard to make sense. There were definitely differences technically between the numbers if not difference in the performance.”

Talking more about Balvinder – who earned her highest score yet – Brendan quipped: “I honestly don’t know what the judges were doing [when they scored Balvinder’s number].”

He explained: “It was a lovely dance and very emotional, great for her. But the technique was a bag of spanners. What are they judging? That’s the question the show and the public should be asking.

“Lewis should be asking it too, because he’s the one who has been affected by the judges. He’s out and should have been fighting to win it.”

 

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Katya was weeping on TV after she and Lewis lost their place in the competition(Image: PA)

Katya Jones has spoken out after her and Lewis Cope’s controversial exit from Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday. The pair caused uproar when they went out of the competition in Musicals Week after judges Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood were not impressed by their salsa to a track from Guys and Dolls.

But many viewers threatened to boycott the show as a result, with scores of fans declaring that the former Emmerdale actor was “my winner” and insisting they wouldn’t watch the rest of the series.

On Sunday night, Katya – who hasn’t won since 2017 when she lifted the glitterball with actor Joe McFadden – wept as they lost the dance off to Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin. Amber, 29, was also shocked to find herself in the dance-off having got a perfect 40 from the judges for her Charleston.

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Lewis and Katya scored the first 40 of this year’s Strictly during Halloween Week last month(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy Levy)

On Sunday’s show, Katya told Lewis tearfully: “I think you have created so many moments for Strictly Come Dancing that will be in the history books and you will be remembered as one of, if not, the best male celebrity we’ve ever had on the show, but also you will be remembered for being an incredible person you are. Kind and genuine people still exist – what a gentleman you are, so humble. I’m so glad that we had a chance to showcase your talent and what a beautiful person you are to the world.”

Today, Katya has finally broken her silence online where she admitted her heart was broken.

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“I must say congratulations to all semi finalists, and to @nikita__kuzmin and @amb_d – who fully deserved their place in the semi final. There was absolutely no doubt about it. Keep going guys!” she wrote.

“My heart is broken and it will take some time to heal. So before I write a big profound post- I will take a minute to digest and breathe.”

Their exit came after they previously scored the first full marks of the series with their Couple’s Choice routine to Radiohead’s Creep during the Halloween special, which got four 10s from the judges. They also got 40 for their Charleston and Katya is now the only pro to have scored two perfect scores with her celebrity but not make the semi final.

The result, in Musicals Week, was a foregone conclusion because Amber and Nikita had already scored a perfect 40 on Saturday for their Charleston to a song from Guys and Dolls, while Lewis’s salsa to Dance at the Gym from West Side Story was criticised for having several flaws, particularly by Craig and head judge Shirley.

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Amber and Nikita drew a perfect score for their Charleston, but still found themselves in the dance off(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)

Amber, 29, now waltzes into next week’s semi-final alongside George Clarke, 26, who is the last male celebrity left standing, plus Balvinder Sopal, 47, and Karen Carney, 38.

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After the result she revealed her own anguish about being in the dance off with her “best friend” Lewis, saying it was “simply terrifying” but also “broke my heart”,

She added: “Lewis and Katya you won this competition as soon as you showed us and the world your Couple’s Choice – it was pure perfection, just like your partnership. Thank you for being mine and Nikita’s champions from day one, that means more to us than anything else. You’re both simply the greatest of all time and I love you both immensely.”

When asked by host Tess Daly about his time on the show, Lewis said: “It’s been more than I could have ever wished for. If someone would have said that I’d have done 11 weeks at the beginning, I’d have been over the moon and snapped their hand off.”

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Speaking to Katya he added: “It’s been incredible and a memory that I’ll have for the rest of my life, and I think it’s all down to you. You’ve literally given me absolutely everything I could wish for as a friend, as a teacher. I couldn’t imagine it with anybody else so thank you very much.”

Quizzed on the support he’s received and the impact he’s hoping for, Lewis said: “It’s everything, isn’t it? I mean, what is life without people? And this show, I’ve seen how it’s brought people together, not just in my family, but it seems to lift people up. And it’s definitely brought my family, four generations, together every Saturday night – my Nana Dot sitting there smiling all the time. You know, young boys who thought that dancing wasn’t accessible for them or whatever. They’ve started dancing now and have sent us videos. You know, if you can change one person’s life like that, then that’s enough.”

Angry Ginge has spoken about his past before he shot to fame (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! winner Angry Ginge has revealed he was working as a “dinner lady” for £450 a month just five years ago.

The streamer, real name Morgan Burtwistle, was crowned King of the Jungle after taking on Ant and Dec’s gruesome bushtucker trials.

He won over the nation, beating the likes of Shona McGarty, Aitch, Tom Read Wilson, Lisa Riley and Martin Kemp.

Following his success, Angry Ginge has reflected on how far he’s come, having lived with his nan Julie on a council estate and working five days a week, paying a monthly rent of £200, at the age of 19.

He turned to streaming, which shot him to fame, after eight months of working, and is now earning millions.

The streamer has been crowned King of the Jungle (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)

He told The Sun: “It was an hour-and-a-half every day, five days a week on, I think, minimum wage. I’d give my nan £200 for keep and I’d get £250 to try and live off.

“I did that from April 2020 to December 2020 and then I went full-time in streaming in January 2021.

“The one phrase I’ll always live my life by is, ‘Never forget where you came from’. I’ve been brought up to treat the CEO with the same respect as treating a janitor.

“I mean, we’re all the same at the end of the day, and why should you treat anyone differently?”

Angry Ginge took on the gruesome bushtucker trials (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)

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He added: “I think no matter what I achieve, I’ll still always be the kid from the council estate.

“Nothing changes that, no matter how successful you are or materialistic things you own. Nothing will change how I grew up.”

His sister Tasha had previously spoken about how much it meant to Angry Ginge to be on the show, for which he’s said to be pocketing a £100,000 fee.

She told the BBC: “I knew it was on his bucket list, something he never thought he’d actually get to do, so I was just really happy for him.”

The star took to social media to thank fans for support after his win (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)

Following his win, Angry Ginge took to social media to thanks fans for their support throughout his jungle journey.

He said: “Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve finally got my phone back after three weeks in the jungle.

“And we won, I didn’t win, we won! I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who voted, thank you to ITV, thank you to I’m A Celeb, everyone who worked on the show, you guys are absolute f**king legends.

“It’s very surreal, I can’t believe it still. I’ve also lost 7kg since I’ve been in there, f**king hell!”

Bradley and Donna have been married since 1997. (Image: Getty)

Bradley Walsh has opened up about his marriage to long-term love Donna Derby, and made a surprising admission about their relationship dynamic. The couple wed in 1997 and share son, Barney, 28, but still keep the spontaneity alive by regularly playing games together, especially at Christmas time. The ITV host revealed his dance teacher wife is actually the humorous one out of the pair.

Speaking on their family traditions, Bradley shared: “We play lots of games in our house at Christmas, which are always organised by my wife Donna. He added: “We have lots of laughs”. Bradley is best known for hosting game shows such as The Chase, Blankety Blank, and The Wheel of Fortune, as well as the recent remake of the hit 90s series Gladiators.

Bradley and Donna live in a gorgeous £2.5million home in Essex, but most people are unaware that the latter is actually a star in her own right. After working in the music industry for many years, she famously appeared in Robert Palmer’s Simply Irresistible 80s pop video.

Meanwhile, Barney has decided to follow in his famous parents’ footsteps and has appeared in Casualty and co-hosts Gladiators with his father, among other TV stints.

Before Bradley met his current wife, Donna, he dated Bernie Nolan. The famous pair were introduced by Bernie’s sister, Coleen, and her ex-husband, Shane Richie, in 1999. Bernie and Bradley dated for three years before calling it quits.

Bradley and Donna share a son Barney. (Image: Getty)

Sadly, in 2013, after a three-year-long battle with breast cancer, she tragically died. Before her death, she told the Mirror: “Shane Richie and Coleen introduced me to Bradley in 1989.

“They took me to see him in a show. Afterwards, we chatted for the first time. It was a bit embarrassing because I already knew he fancied me, but it was awkward in a nice way.”

Blankety Blank will return to BBC One and iPlayer for a festive special this Christmas, and show host Bradley will be joined by six big-name celebrities who will help four contestants try to and win some of telly’s most unique prizes by filling in the missing BLANKS. This episode will include: Alex Brooker, Charlotte Church, Daniel Mays, Jack Dee, Motsi Mabuse, and Stephanie Beacham.

In a time when public figures often tread carefully around sensitive issues, two of Britain’s most recognizable television personalities — Dame Joanna Lumley and Rylan Clark — have emerged as unexpected voices of courage. Their recent comments on the UK’s growing migration crisis have sparked national debate, dividing opinion but earning both stars praise for their honesty and bravery.

Joanna Lumley, known for her elegance and sharp intellect, stunned audiences this week when she declared that the UK — “a small island nation” — simply “cannot feed millions.” Her words, though simple, struck a nerve. While critics accused her of being out of touch, thousands across the country applauded her for saying what many silently believe but are too afraid to express.

“Joanna’s not being cruel — she’s being real,” one supporter wrote online. “Someone finally said it.”

Meanwhile, Rylan Clark, the outspoken television host known for his quick wit and candor, made headlines of his own after describing the government’s immigration policies as “absolutely insane.” On This Morning, Rylan boldly defended the difference between supporting legal immigration and condemning illegal routes — a distinction that many politicians have avoided making publicly.

“You can be pro-immigration and still against chaos,” he insisted, a statement that instantly trended across social media.

The comments have earned both Lumley and Clark waves of backlash from critics and activists — but also admiration from ordinary Britons who feel ignored by mainstream voices. Despite facing complaints to Ofcom and intense media scrutiny, Rylan stood firm, later clarifying that his point was about fairness and balance, not exclusion.

For Lumley, her remarks echo decades of advocacy work on humanitarian issues — from refugees to sustainable development — proving her concern stems from compassion, not prejudice. She later emphasized the need for a “global approach” to migration that helps people at the source rather than overwhelming small host nations.

Yet one thing unites these two stars: neither is backing down. In an era where most celebrities fear cancellation or controversy, Joanna Lumley and Rylan Clark have done the unthinkable — they spoke their truth.

And whether you agree with them or not, Britain is talking. Loudly.

 “They’re brave enough to say what everyone’s thinking — and that’s rare these days,” one fan commented.

“Rylan Clark’s Heartfelt DEFYING Message After ITV Cuts Him Loose – ‘I Won’t Back Down’”

In an emotional sign-off, Rylan, 36, told viewers on Friday: “At last, I can finally breathe easy and speak out about those disgusting truths. I have no regrets for speaking up, even if it cost me my career. Thank you, everyone…”

The storm began earlier in the week when Rylan clashed with viewers over his take on Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s mass deportation plans. Speaking live on air, he questioned:

“How come if I turn up at Heathrow Airport as a British citizen and I’ve left my passport in Spain, I won’t be let in? But if I arrive on a boat from Calais, I get taken to a four-star hotel?”

Rylan insisted that he was not against immigration, adding: “This country is built on immigration—legal immigration. They pay tax, they help our country thrive. But illegal routes? That’s something we can’t ignore.”

He also highlighted what he saw as a growing injustice: “You’ve got people who have lived here all their lives struggling, while others are handed hotels, phones, even iPads. Something major has to change.”

The remarks instantly divided audiences, with critics accusing him of spreading misinformation about asylum seekers in the UK. Social media erupted, and within hours, calls were mounting for ITV to act.

On X, Rylan fought back, declaring: “You can be pro-immigration and against illegal routes. You can support trans rights and respect women. You can be straight and support gay rights. The list goes on.”

But by Friday, the damage was done. ITV confirmed behind the scenes that his role would not continue, with insiders revealing that the network and Rylan had “mutually agreed” to terminate his contract.

Fans reacted with heartbreak. One wrote: “Please keep Rylan and Josie on! They’re the best duo in years.” Another added: “I won’t be watching come next week—he was the only reason I tuned in again.”

The news came just as former host Ruth Langsford teased her own return to the iconic sofa. Speaking to The Mirror, she hinted she’d happily reunite with her “TV son” Rylan:

John Kennedy merchandise

“I love Rylan. He’s like my son. We’ve worked together before, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. If ITV asked, I’d be there.”

Gift baskets

However, with Rylan’s future at ITV officially closed, fans are now left wondering: could the duo reunite on an entirely new project away from This Morning? Ruth teased that something might already be in the works.

For now, one thing is clear: Rylan Clark is stepping away from daytime TV on his own terms—louder, prouder, and with no regrets.

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! star Shona McGarty breaks her silence on close bond with Aitch after pining over his departure – as she comes third in final

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Shona McGarty broke her silence on her close bond with Aitch after pining over his departure – as she came third in the show’s final on Sunday night.

The EastEnders actress, 34, made it to the final three but was eliminated leaving Tom Read Wilson and AngryGinge as the last two campmates – with Ginge then taking the crown.

As she spoke in her exit interview with Ant and Dec she gushed about Aitch – who she even sparked romance rumours with during her time on the show.

Asked why she thought they got on so well she told the Geordie duo: ‘To be honest when he came into the Jungle, this rapper, he was all giving it this and that but underneath it all I could tell he was quite scared of the whole experience.

‘He’s very normal, down to earth and we had a similar upbringing, I felt like an older sister to him. I wanted to protect him.’

The show opened with the actress pining for Aitch following his departure from their purpose built jungle camp.

His semi-final elimination hinted at something more than friendship as she was visible shaken that he had to go.

Addressing his shock departure in the Bush Telegraph during Sunday evening’s final, a devastated Shona said: ‘I had to say goodbye to Aitch today… just one more day until I see him again.’

The comment prompted an inevitable wave of speculation from viewers, with many predicting the pair might strike up a romance once Shona leaves the jungle.

Taking to X, one commented: ‘Shona was devastated!’

A second added: ‘The way aitch & Shona hugged… they are SO SWEET!!’

While a third posted: ‘THE AITCH AND SHONA POTENTIAL ROMANCE?! I must know cos they’d be cute af!’ [sic]

It comes after Aitch cleared up what was happening between him and Shona during their three-week stint in the I’m A Celebrity camp.

When asked by the Daily Mail if there was anything romantic between them, he denied it and said: ‘Romantic, no, not at all, she’s a good friend of mine.

‘I just think we had a bond over the music thing, 95 per cent of the conversations we had in the Jungle was literally just about how sick she is at singing.

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Asked why she thought they got on so well she told the Geordie duo: ‘To be honest when he came into the Jungle, this rapper, he was all giving it this and that but underneath it all I could tell he was quite sacred of the whole experience…’

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The EastEnders actress, 34, made it to the final three but was eliminated leaving Tom Read Wilson and AngryGinge as the last two campmates

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When she appeared genuinely shaken that he was eliminated, fans took to X to gush over their bond

‘I knew that she was trying to come out of the Jungle and pursue a music career.

‘I think this is just because of my age, she had the same conversations with Martin, but no one’s going to say she had a romance with him because Martin is married.

‘So, unfortunately, I’m the next option.’

The rapper revealed that when they return to the UK, he will help introduce Shona to his music contacts.

He said: ‘Most of our conversations were me just telling her she sings so well and that she needs to stop being so scared and pursue singing.’

Fans were convinced there was a spark between the two campmates who were both recently single – Shona having ended a nine-year relationship with her fiance David Bracken and Aitch breaking it off with his girlfriend, Lois Cottam, weeks before the jungle.

During the final, Shona joined Tom Read Wilson and AngryGinge in the last Bushtucker Trial where they secured 12 stars.

As they met Ant and Dec at the Bushtucker Trial clearing, they learnt that they would all be taking part in their own challenge to win a starter, main course, dessert and drink for their meal.

Tom took on Bushtucker Bonanza in which he had to eat four dishes to win three main courses for camp and a drink of his choice.

His first dish was a fermented duck egg and scorpion, and in a show first, Tom put the entire fermented duck egg in his mouth.

Ant exclaimed: ‘Oh! We’ve never had that! 25 years and no one’s ever popped it in whole.’

His second dish, which was brand new for 2025, was camel’s brain, this third was a pig’s vagina and his fourth dish was a huntsman spider.

He successfully finished all four dishes, successfully winning four main courses and his drink of choice.

Shona took on Rat Race in order to win all three starters for the group and a drink of her choice.

As she took on her task, she was strapped down inside a tight confined box and had to remove four stars using only her mouth with eight minutes to do so.

Using her tongue to release four stars, she was joined by rats, cockroaches, crickets and mealworms. She won all four stars meaning three starters and a drink of her choice.

Lastly, Ginge took on Helmets of Hell, where he had to put his head into four helmets and his hand in the four boxes below to release each star, with two minutes to win each star.

In the helmets he was joined by mealworms, toads, crickets, cockroaches, lizards, scorpions and snakes.

For his final star he was joined by rats in the hand box and his worst fear, spiders in the head box.

He successfully got four out of four stars winning desserts and a drink of his choice for camp.

That evening, Shona, Ginge and Tom all sat down at the Jungle Banquet where they dined like Kings and Queens.

Addressing his shock departure in the Bush Telegraph during Sunday evening’s final, a devastated Shona said: ‘I had to say goodbye to Aitch today… just one more day until I see him again’

For their drinks, Shona went for a diet coke, Ginge for a coke and Tom, of course, went for a coupe of champagne.

For their starters, Shona requested prawns pil pil, Ginge went for a double cheeseburger and chips and Tom opted for smoked salmon.

For their main course, Shona opted for boiled bacon and cabbage, Ginge for a huge pepperoni pizza and chicken tenders and Tom for venison with red wine jus, dauphinoise potatoes and broad beans.

Lastly for dessert, Shona went for a chocolate fudge cake with double cream, Ginge went for a huge slice of carrot cake and Tom also opted for chocolate fudge cake.