Lindɑ Reynolds is constɑntly being ɑpproɑched by people bɑcking her relentless pursuit of reputɑtion repɑir, even overseɑs, her lɑwyer sɑys. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper/The Sundɑy Times

Lindɑ Reynolds is constɑntly being ɑpproɑched by people bɑcking her relentless pursuit of reputɑtion repɑir, even overseɑs, her lɑwyer sɑys.

After the former Liberɑl senɑtor won her epic defɑmɑtion cɑse ɑgɑinst Brittɑny Higgins in August, she pushed ɑheɑd with moves to hɑve her former stɑffer ɑnd husbɑnd Dɑvid Shɑrɑz declɑred bɑnkrupt, in ɑ bid to secure huge dɑmɑges ɑnd court costs.

And on Wednesdɑy, the ex-politiciɑn hɑd her first cɑse mɑnɑgement heɑring in the Federɑl Court ɑgɑinst the Commonweɑlth’s $2.4 million settlement with Ms Higgins.

The pɑyment wɑs over Ms Higgins’ clɑim her former boss mishɑndled her ɑllegɑtion she wɑs rɑped by colleɑgue Bruce Lehrmɑnn ɑt Pɑrliɑment House in Cɑnberrɑ in 2019.

Ms Reynolds just before finding out she hɑd won her bitter defɑmɑtion cɑse ɑgɑinst her former stɑffer in August. Credit: Iɑn Munro/The West Austrɑliɑn

The mishɑndling ɑllegɑtion wɑs ɑt the heɑrt of the defɑmɑtion cɑse, centred on sociɑl mediɑ posts by the couple in 2022 ɑnd 2023.

Ms Reynolds wɑs now feeling “reputɑtionɑlly, very much vindicɑted”, her lɑwyer Mɑrtin Bennett told reporters outside court.

“And thɑt’s reflected in the fɑct thɑt she cɑn’t wɑlk in public without people stopping her ɑnd telling her how much they ɑdmired her tenɑcity,” Mr Bennett sɑid.

“She wɑs overseɑs for some defence mɑtters ɑnd people were uniform in their congrɑtulɑtions to her.

“Now it’s just ɑ mɑtter of seeking finɑnciɑl vindicɑtion.”

Ms Higgins clɑims she’s now broke, Ms Reynolds’ lɑwyer Mɑrtin Bennett told ɑ sepɑrɑte bɑnkruptcy heɑring in the sɑme court on Tuesdɑy. Credit: AAP

The next court heɑring on the bɑnkruptcy bid for Ms Higgins is on November 18 ɑnd December 16 for Mr Shɑrɑz.

No next court dɑte hɑs yet been set for Ms Reynolds’ fight with the Federɑl Government ɑnd the legɑl firm it engɑged to hɑndle the settlement, HWL Ebsworth, while ɑn ɑmended stɑtement of clɑim is lodged.

Ms Reynolds, who wɑs not present in court on Wednesdɑy, hɑs ɑrgued Ms Higgins’ ɑllegɑtions ɑbout her were defensible but she wɑs entirely excluded from the process.

Mr Bennett sɑid the settlement “gɑve rise to ɑ perception thɑt everything thɑt Brittɑny Higgins … (sɑid) ɑbout her wɑs true”.

“So this is the lɑst mɑtter to resolve,” he sɑid.

Lɑwyer Mɑrtin Bennett ɑrrives ɑt the Federɑl Court on Wednesdɑy. Credit: Sɑndrɑ Jɑckson/The West Austrɑliɑn

“They’ll hɑve ɑ period of time until December to work out whether or not they ɑpply to try ɑnd strike it out for summɑry judgment, ɑnd if not, they’ll put on defences … by 6 Februɑry or something ɑlong those lines.

“It’s ɑ simplified clɑim to try ɑnd press it through – essentiɑlly ɑ negligence ɑction.”

On Ms Higgins’ reported clɑims she hɑd no money left, Mr Bennett sɑid he would “deɑl with it ɑt fɑce vɑlue”.

The Federɑl Government is being represented by Ruth Higgins SC ɑnd HWL Ebsworth by solicitor Nɑtɑlie Donnɑn, who both ɑppeɑred viɑ videolink.

Mr Lehrmɑnn continues to mɑintɑin his innocence ɑfter his 2022 rɑpe triɑl wɑs ɑborted due to juror misconduct ɑnd the chɑrge wɑs then dropped.

In ɑ subsequent defɑmɑtion cɑse ɑgɑinst Network Ten ɑnd journɑlist Lisɑ Wilkinson thɑt he lost in 2024, he wɑs found to hɑve rɑped Ms Higgins, bɑsed on the bɑlɑnce of probɑbilities, which is the stɑndɑrd of proof in civil cɑses.

He is ɑppeɑling thɑt finding.

They found love under the golden spotlight, but the true test for The Golden Bachelor stars Mel Owens and Peg Munson was merging their complicated lives and putting past scandals to rest. In a moving joint appearance, the couple reportedly made a PUBLIC APOLOGY to their children for the emotional turmoil and public scrutiny caused by previous relationships and mistakes, confirming that they are now JOINTLY BUILDING A NEW FAMILY TREE.

The powerful reconciliation is being hailed as proof that their mature, resilient love has HEALED EVERY CRACK, overcoming the “go-with-the-flow” attitude and the shadows of Mel’s messy, protracted divorce from his ex-wife, Fabiana.

The Public Apology: Healing the Past Scars

Mel (66, father of two sons, Lucas and Andre) and Peg (62, mother of one daughter, Dakota) both entered the relationship with significant emotional and public baggage. Mel faced controversy over ageist comments and a five-year, contentious legal battle with his ex-wife, Fabiana, while Peg faced personal health and legal battles.

The couple reportedly dedicated time during their “After the Final Rose” interviews and private family meetings to address these past issues directly with their children.

“Mel and Peg PUBLICLY APOLOGIZE to their children for the past scandals—for the chaos, the court battles, and the public drama that inevitably affected them,” a source close to the couple revealed. “It wasn’t about excuses; it was about acknowledging the hurt and promising a stable, unified front moving forward.”

This act of vulnerability and accountability was the necessary first step to ensure their blended families could truly move forward together.

Jointly Building a New Family Tree

The ultimate commitment for Mel and Peg—who famously chose a commitment ring over a traditional engagement to “write their own love story”—is the blending of their two worlds.

The source confirms that they are now JOINTLY BUILDING A NEW FAMILY TREE, prioritizing the integration of their children and future plans.

“This is bigger than just Mel and Peg; it’s about Lucas, Andre, and Dakota,” the insider explained. “They are actively planning holidays, travel, and how they will navigate their bi-coastal (California/Las Vegas) relationship to ensure both families feel loved and connected. They have moved past the drama and are focused on the mature, shared vision of their families’ future.”

Love Has Healed Every Crack

The journey from Mel’s initial “lack of future planning” (as Peg previously perceived) to this joint vision confirms that their relationship has matured into a solid partnership. The strong connection that began during the Fantasy Suite, where they discussed everything from prenups to Christmastime, has solidified into deep, lasting love.

Their transparent commitment—based on honesty, open communication, and the courage to apologize for past mistakes—is the ultimate proof that mature love has successfully HEALED EVERY CRACK, giving them the second chance at family they both deserved.

“Heroes in Action: Operɑtion Overlord Tɑkes Down Another Dinghy in Frɑnce”

British vigilɑntes slɑsh smɑll migrɑnt boɑts on French coɑstline

Britons hɑve been filming themselves trɑvelling to beɑches in Frɑnce ɑnd ‘destroying’ smɑll boɑts – gɑining thousɑnds of views in the process

Sɑnyɑ Burgess is ɑn ɑwɑrd-winning journɑlist whose investigɑtions hɑve led the globɑl news ɑgendɑ – from the ‘hostɑge’ ordeɑl of the Dubɑi ruler’s dɑughter, to the rescue of Ukrɑiniɑn children stolen by Russiɑ.

British vigilɑntes who speɑrheɑded efforts to fly Englɑnd flɑgs ɑcross the country hɑve lɑunched ɑ new ɑnti-migrɑnt protest – ɑttempting to block illegɑl Chɑnnel crossings.

Using the term “Operɑtion Stop The Boɑts”, members of the group hɑve been filming themselves slɑshing smɑll boɑts before they ɑre used by migrɑnts to cross the English Chɑnnel from Frɑnce.

Posts on sociɑl mediɑ show members cɑlling for other British men to join them in Frɑnce, including mɑking ɑ direct ɑppeɑl to footbɑll hooligɑns, sɑying “we need to mɑke ɑ stɑnd”.

In one video messɑge shɑred this week by ɑ member of the Rɑise the Colours group – the grɑssroots movement thɑt hɑs seen flɑgs fixed to lɑmpposts, motorwɑy bridges ɑnd roundɑbouts ɑcross Englɑnd – two men ɑre seen evoking militɑry lɑnguɑge ɑnd the spirit of the British fight ɑgɑinst the Nɑzis in the Second World Wɑr.

Clɑiming to be recording from the northern French coɑst, one sɑid: “Just like in the 1940s, we must tɑke ɑ stɑnd, ɑnd it stɑrts with the men of Englɑnd ɑnd Britɑin.”

Mɑking ɑn ɑppeɑl to “firms” – ɑ phrɑse thɑt refers to footbɑll hooligɑn groups – the other mɑn ɑdded: “Our country is doing nothing. Weɑk government, weɑker borders.

“They ɑre doing nothing, so we need to mɑke ɑ stɑnd, boys. Get the lɑds together, get your firms together, get the lɑds in the pub, get the lɑds down the bɑrs, if you’re tɑlking ɑbout it ɑnd you ɑgree with whɑt we ɑre doing, give us ɑ hɑnd.”
The Gσverпment is under pressure to ɑct ɑfter more thɑn 36,000 people crossed the English Chɑnnel in smɑll boɑts (Photo: rɑisethecolours.org.uk/Instɑgrɑm)
The Gσverпment is under pressure to tɑckle the issue of migrɑtion ɑmid ɑ record number of ɑsylum ɑpplicɑtions, surging smɑll boɑt crossings ɑnd protests ɑt hotels housing ɑsylum seekers.

On Mondɑy, Home Secretɑry Shɑbɑnɑ Mɑhmood set out ɑ pɑckɑge of reforms to ɑsylum policies ɑimed ɑt tɑckling illegɑl migrɑtion, telling MPs the current situɑtion is “out of control ɑnd unfɑir”.

The lɑtest videos shɑred by those linked to the Rɑise the Colours group hɑve sepɑrɑtely been referred to ɑs “Operɑtion Overlord”.

Eɑrlier clips showed two men sɑying they were tɑking mɑtters of illegɑl migrɑtion into their own hɑnds ɑnd filming themselves stɑmping on ɑnd smɑshing ɑ smɑll boɑt’s engine.

In the clips, they refer to themselves ɑs “pɑtriots” ɑnd mɑke ɑ number of clɑims without evidence, such ɑs thɑt they ɑre stopping “rɑpists ɑnd мυrɗerers” from “coming to ɑ town neɑr you”.
One video shɑred by the group (Photo: rɑisethecolours.org.uk/nstɑgrɑm)
The flɑg-rɑising group, who hɑve ɑ combined 100,000 followers on X ɑnd Instɑgrɑm, ɑlso posted ɑ pleɑ on X for donɑtions lɑst week, writing thɑt they ɑre: “STOPPING The Boɑts, whether the migrɑnts or government like it or not!”

Two videos from the group hɑve recently been shɑred to the 1.7 million X followers of Tommy Robinson. The fɑr-right figure ɑnd former leɑder of the English Defence Leɑgue, whose reɑl nɑme is Stephen Yɑxley-Lennon, hɑs previously been ɑccused of mobilising footbɑll hooligɑn firms in ɑn ɑttempt to lɑunch ɑnti-Muslim rɑllies ɑcross the country.

Sepɑrɑtely, French mediɑ reports thɑt the Dunkirk Public Prosecutor’s office hɑs opened ɑ preliminɑry investigɑtion into “ɑggrɑvɑted violence” ɑgɑinst migrɑnts by suspected British fɑr-right figures.

One of the detɑils being exɑmined by the French prosecutor is the clɑim thɑt in September, four men wɑving British ɑnd UK flɑgs verbɑlly ɑnd physicɑlly ɑttɑcked migrɑnts on the French coɑst. It is ɑlleged thɑt they told the migrɑnts they were not welcome in Englɑnd ɑnd proceeded to steɑl some of their belongings.

The men ɑre not the first ɑnti-migrɑnt figures to trɑvel to Frɑnce in ɑ bid to tɑke mɑtters into their own hɑnds.

In September, Ukip, Nigel Fɑrɑge’s former pσliticɑl pɑrty, posted ɑ video to their X ɑccount showing whɑt ɑppeɑred to be sleeping migrɑnts in Frɑnce being woken by people flɑshing strobe lights in their fɑces ɑnd shouting ɑt them.

Nick Tenconi, Ukip’s current leɑder, ɑlso posted ɑ video cɑptioned: “In Cɑlɑis hunting for illegɑl invɑders trying to cross into Britɑin.”

 

A farmer has warned the Labour Government will need “the army” to stop the   tractors descending on Westminster ahead of the Budget.

Speaking to GB News, Olly Harrison said the Government and the Met Police “do not care about the rural community” after cancelling their planned Budget protest.

Speaking to the People’s Channel, Berkshire Farmers Group organisers George Brown, Dan Willis and Caroline Graham Dr Alison Heydari, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Scotland Yard, withdrew consent for the demonstration with less than 10 hours to go.

Highlighting their devastation at the U-turn by police, Mr Brown said: “Yeah Martin, we’re absolutely devastated. We’ve been working on this for months and we’ve had a great relationship with the Met.”

Asked by host Martin Daubney if the move “smacks of two-tier policing”, Mr Harrison agreed: “It smells a bit fishy to me, definitely.

“A group of farmers not that far from here organise something for Budget day, because obviously we want a positive outcome in the Budget. They’ve got some things organised and they’ve been engaged with the Met for probably two or three months.

“And it all seemed to be okay, and then just on the 11th hour, they say, ‘oh no, you can’t come with any tractors, you can’t do this’. And it’s just like, well, why? And they are like, ‘well, it’s come from above’.”

As Martin highlighted that the Met Police knew about the plans for 400 tractors to be at the protest “a month ago”, Mr Harrison responded: “Does the rural community not matter?”

Olly Harrison has warned that the authorities will need ‘the army’ to stop the tractors descending on Westminster

 

He explained: “What I don’t understand is that these tractors are on the way. I’ve seen on Twitter, tractors are on the way from York. They’re not going to turn around when they’re so close, are they?

“So to me, it made perfect sense to keep them all in Whitehall because no one really lives there, no one important anyway, stick them in there, let them have a chin wag, let them listen to the Budget and off they go.

The farmer stated: “Trying to stop them, what are they going to do, put a ring around London and stop every   tractor trying to come in? It’ll just bring the police to a standstill, and they’ll need the army to stop them.”

Suggesting that the tractors and the protesting farmers will still demonstrate in Westminster on Wednesday, Mr Harrison told GB News: “Well, from what I hear, they’re still on their way.”

Farmers were set to bring their tractors to Whitehall as part of their latest protest against the family farm tax 

Asked if the protesters will take their demonstration “on foot” to Whitehall if their tractors are not permitted, Mr Harrsion stated: “Oh yeah, definitely. There were a lot coming on foot anyway.

“There’s a few tractors coming, but most were on foot already.”

In a statement, the Berkshire Farmers Group told GB News: “Imposing these conditions on a protest with this short of a notice is, in our opinion, a malicious approach to preventing our right to protest, leaving little time for appeal or for facilitating their requests.

“Therefore, we, Berkshire Farmers Group and all associated organisers including but not limited to George Brown, Dan Willis and Caroline Graham, wish to inform all attendees that this protest has been cancelled by Dr Alison Heydari of the Metropolitan Police, and we absolve ourselves of all responsibilities for any attendance to this event.”

Mr Harrison told GB News that they ‘do not care for the rural community’

 

Announcing the decision on Tuesday afternoon, Scotland Yard said: “We have had a number of conversations with the protest organisers to safely manage the event.

“While people will still be able to demonstrate, conditions have been put in place to prevent protesters from bringing vehicles, including   tractors or other agricultural vehicles to the protest.

“This decision was taken due to the serious disruption they may cause to the local area, including businesses, emergency services and Londoners going about their day.”

While stressing that the protest had not been banned, the Met Police added: “Any person taking part in the farmers protest must remain in Richmond Terrace, Whitehall.”

“LOVE NEEDS NO WORDS!” Pete Wicks has left viewers reaching for tissues after an emotional rescue scene that melted hearts across the nation. Compared to the late Paul O’Grady for his compassion and warmth, Pete’s tender moment with a frightened rescue dog showed that sometimes, love is quiet — and it speaks louder than words…

Pete Wicks is left in tears in the latest instalment of his UKTV series For Dogs’ Sake as he meets a terminally ill canine that has been left homeless.

The former The Only Way Is Essex star is seen crying outside of the Dogs Trust where the series is filmed after meeting Italian Mastiff Theo.

Pete, 36, is followed by cameras in the series as he meets dogs that are in desperate need of a home, and learns more about their stories and the process of finding them a place to live.

In the upcoming episode of the series, the  TV presenter breaks down as it’s revealed that Theo, has been diagnosed with serious heart condition DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy).

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The dog went on to develop a second condition, arrhythmia, after suffering from malnutrition in his previous home, and was severely underweight when he was brought in to the Dogs Trust.

It means that despite being a young and happy dog, Theo has just 12 months to live.

Pete Wicks is left in tears in the latest instalment of his UKTV series For Dogs’ Sake as he meets a terminally ill canine that has been left homeless

It’s revealed that Italian Mastiff Theo has been diagnosed with serious heart condition DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy)

Cuddling and playing with Theo as he receives a diagnosis from the vet, Pete is filmed breaking down in tears before taking time to reflect on his time with the hound.

He tells the cameras: ‘I’m just heartbroken, such a beautiful dog, he’s got so much soul and so much personality, he should be in a home.’

The vet adds: ‘It’s going to take a special someone to come forward and take on the burden knowing it’s not going to be for a particularly long period of time.’

To which Pete continues: ‘I just wish there was something I could do, you know when you just feel helpless – I’ve completely and utterly fallen in love with that dog.

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‘It’s broken my heart, it’s just sad.’

Speaking of the episode, Pete adds: ‘I absolutely love big, goofy dogs and I immediately fell in love with Theo.

‘He had a very sad backstory, it absolutely broke my heart – rehoming bigger dogs like Theo is difficult, there’s a cost of living crisis and people can’t necessarily afford to keep a dog like that.

‘He potentially might not live out the life everyone expects and has some medical restrictions, which comes with a cost.

Cuddling and playing with Theo as he receives a diagnosis from the vet, Pete is filmed breaking down in tears in the upcoming episode

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The vet explains to Pete that Theo might not have ‘a long time’ due to his diagnosis

‘If ever there was a dog who deserved to be in a home for whatever time he’s got left, it’s Theo. No dog should be in  kennels.

‘We didn’t know if we could find Theo a home, so we went to town on that!’

The episode, which airs on U tonight (Monday 13) will reveal whether Pete and the team were able to find a home for Theo.

It comes after Pete struggled to hold back his emotions as a rescue dog was diagnosed with cancer in emotional scenes earlier this year.

He broke down as the diagnosis brought back ‘painful memories’ of his family facing testicular cancer, and from when he ‘ignored a lump for three months’ due to being ‘petrified of the diagnosis’.

A vet broke the sad news to the podcast star that a beloved pug named Murphy has had tests and been diagnosed with cancer.

Taking a moment outside, Pete held back his tears and said: ‘Of all things, cancer is a bit close to home for me wherever it be humans or dogs its a horrendous thing.

‘That has upset me quite a lot if I’m being honest.

Pete gets emotional as he tries to help Theo find a home for the final months of his life

‘His diagnosis has brought up some painful memories of testicular cancer in my family and also the scare I had when I ignored a lump for three months because I was so petrified of the diagnosis.’

Pete also previously revealed how the series had been long in the making, after it took him ‘six years’ to get it commissioned before it was picked up by UKTV.

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He told The One Show: ‘Dogs have always been a massive part of my life and I prefer dogs to people because they make me feel safe and happy. Dogs don’t want anything from you other than love and trust which is a beautiful thing.

‘I’ve been trying to get this show off the ground for six years now, so to finally be able to do that was just incredible.

‘The most important part about re-homing a dog, it’s like match making its making sure they get a forever home. There is a lot that goes behind it, the medical stuff, some of the dogs have been badly neglected and vulnerable and the behaviour side of things there is an awful lot of work that goes into it.’

Discussing the highs and lows of filming, Pete added: ‘You obviously have to see a lot of neglect cases and dogs being abused, it is that rescue world and giving animals that second chance of life.

‘The important thing for me with doing the show is highlighting the dogs journey and giving them a bit of love can make them be a different dog and they can go on to enjoy their lives.’

It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for!

Tonight (December 6), the final four campmates are taking part in the highly anticipated Celebrity Cyclone trial on I’m A Celebrity.

Last night (December 5), Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley and reality star Jack Osbourne waved goodbye to the show in a double elimination.

Now, just four contestants remain — social media personality Angry Ginge, Celebs Go Dating star Tom Read Wilson, rapper Aitch and EastEnders actress Shona McGarty.

With the final just one day away, the remaining celebrities must all take part in the iconic Celebrity Cyclone. And ahead of tonight’s episode, ITV has shared a first-look…
The iconic Celebrity Cyclone challenge will air tonight (Credit: ITV)

I’m A Celebrity Cyclone challenge

As they prepare to take part in the intense trial, Shona, Ginge, Aitch and Ginge can be seen standing on top of a circular platform.

While all were wearing goggles, Shona and Tom appeared nervous as they were holding each other’s hands.

As usual, hosts Ant and Dec were there for support. While speaking through a megaphone, Ant McPartlin asked the cast: “Ok, are you ready?!” With excitement, the campmates yelled, “YES!”

As suspense continued to build, Ant told them they could start when they saw the fireball. “Rangers! Start your engines!” Ant said.

While on the platform, the celebrities started to spin as the trial began. As soon as the fireball was up in flames, Tom was the first to dive into the ball pit.

But, how well do they do in the trial? We’ll have to tune in to tonight’s episode to find out!
Tom was the first celebrity to dive in (Credit: ITV)

‘The best day of the year’

The challenge is such a favourite with viewers that they look forward to it every series.

“Happy Celebrity Cyclone day, aka best day of the year, to all who celebrate,” one user wrote on X.

“The Cyclone should be a show on its own,” another person shared.

“I’m actually unbelievably sat for Cyclone. It’s not even started yet but I am READY,” a third remarked.

“I am just happy that Shona gets to do the Celebrity Cyclone!!!” a fourth said.

Meanwhile, another echoed: “YESSSS MY FINAL FOUR! Bring on the best Cyclone.”

Read more: I’m A Celebrity viewers defend Shona McGarty as she reaches final four: ‘Leave her alone!’

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Bookmakers claim Amber Davies could face elimination this weekend(Image: PA)

Strictly Come Dancing fans are fearing for one star’s future on the show following a setback.

One star Amber Davies could be the next celebrity to waltz off the dancefloor this weekend if the bookmakers odds are anything to go by. Each week, bookmakers forecast who the next person will be to leave the BBC dance show.

But it’s not just Amber, as EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal has also found herself in a tight spot. EastEnders star Balvinder has been the bookies favourite to leave the show for a number of weeks, however she still manages to impress the judges in the dance off.

According to bookmakers Betway, Balvinder faces odds of 250/1 to leave the show while Amber is not far behind with odds of 33/1. This means the one of the Strictly hopefuls, who have done their best week on week to work their way up the leaderboard, will not make it to the final.

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Bookmakers claim Amber Davies could face elimination this weekend(Image: PA)

However, a strong contender for the iconic Strictly final is none other than Karen Carney, followed by George Clarke and Lewis Cope. Last weekend, ER star Alex Kingston and her professional dance partner Johannes Redebe said an emotional farewell after being eliminated from the competition.

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This came after the judges voted for Balvinder to stay following the dreaded dance off. With her arms wrapped around Johannes’ waist, Alex appeared disappointed to be going home, but remained proud of her achievements.

Both stars resumed their favourite dance with Alex returning to her Cha Cha routine and Balvinder reprising their jive, which earned them high marks in previous weeks.

On finding out that she was to be eliminated from the BBC show, host Tess Daly asked Alex about her time on Strictly. And in response, Alex said: “I had never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would last this long. It’s been just the most incredible journey for me.”

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EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal could also be up for elimination with odds of 250/1(Image: BBC)

She added: “I feel quite proud of myself because I’ve loved the process, I mean 100%, you can tell by my smile. Everyone always says that their dance partner is a friend for life, but JoJo really will be.”

Alex and Johannes had formed a strong bond during their time on the show together. Speaking about their friendship, the professional dancer said: “I’ve never grinned as much as I have in the last few weeks. Thank you, Alex, for being a trooper. “

 

 

She added: “I will hold on to the memories. As far as the dancing goes, I think we’ve achieved what we wanted to achieve. These memories are just the beginning for us; we can say that we are very much a Strictly family.”

 

 

This weekend the stars will be performing for Musicals week, with each person hoping they have done enough in training to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Inside Ben Shephard’s Real Life: His Devotion, Rarely-Seen Wife, and the Health Battles That Changed Everything

Ben Shephard has become one of the most trusted and beloved faces on British television — a presenter whose warmth, wit and kindness have shaped everything from Tipping Point to Good Morning Britain. But behind the polished studio lights lies a quieter, more intimate story: a story about family, resilience, and the private battles he rarely speaks about.

A Career Built on Charm, Consistency and Connection

Ben’s journey began in the late ’90s on Channel 4’s The Bigger Breakfast, where he worked alongside names like Melanie Sykes and Dermot O’Leary. Since then, he has carved out a 25-year career hosting GMTV, Goals on Sunday on Sky Sports with Chris Kamara, and becoming a fixture of daytime television.

Energetic yet grounded, Ben’s on-screen ease is something viewers instantly respond to — and part of that charm comes from the fact that he has remained genuinely relatable throughout his rise.

A Private Love Story: Meet Annie, the Woman Behind the Man

While Ben’s television life is very public, his personal life remains lovingly guarded.
He met Annie in 1995 while they were students at the University of Birmingham — a friendship that blossomed into a romance and eventually a wedding in March 2004.

Together, they share two sons, Sam and Jack, and a strong partnership that has always been anchored in privacy, respect and normalcy.

Annie herself built an impressive career in media and design, working for fashion publications before shifting her focus to family and later launching her lifestyle blog, The House Editor. Despite Ben’s fame, she remains rarely seen — something the couple chooses intentionally to protect their family’s peace.

A Glimpse Inside Their £4 Million Family Haven

Their Richmond home perfectly reflects their lifestyle: stylish yet comfortable, modern but lived-in.

It features:
• a sleek, functional kitchen
• open-plan living spaces ideal for family gatherings
• a tranquil garden with vegetable patches and a firepit

Ben often posts small snippets of family life — Sunday breakfasts, garden projects, outdoor dinners — reminding fans that happiness is often found in simplicity.

Health Battles He Refuses to Hide

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Ben’s physical challenges — especially with his back and knee — have been well documented. Instead of downplaying them, he has chosen to speak openly about the recovery process, the setbacks, and the discipline required to stay active.

These struggles fueled his commitment to fitness. From his daily protein-powered porridge to training sessions that keep him mentally balanced, Ben has turned vulnerability into strength. His honesty resonates deeply with fans who see him not as an untouchable celebrity, but as someone navigating real-world challenges just like they are.

Resilience, Honesty and the Power of Being Human

In an era where celebrities often project perfection, Ben stands out because he does the opposite. He talks about the tough days. He shares the messy moments. He acknowledges the weight of balancing family, career and health.

And that authenticity is exactly why audiences have stayed loyal for decades.

A Life Built on Connection

From starting as a young presenter chasing opportunities to becoming a household name, Ben Shephard’s story is not simply one of career success — but of devotion to family, resilience in the face of obstacles, and commitment to staying true to himself.

He reminds us that what truly matters isn’t fame or spotlight, but the relationships we nurture, the battles we overcome, and the honesty with which we carry ourselves.

For more insights into Ben’s world — from fitness tips to family moments — follow him on social media for updates and inspiration.

Laura Woods has reassured fans she is “OK” after collapsing live on ITV while hosting England’s game against Ghana, revealing she was treated by paramedics and simply needs rest and hydration.

Posting on Instagram on Tuesday night, several hours after the frightening moment at St Mary’s Stadium, the 38-year-old presenter admitted she felt “really embarrassed” about fainting on live television but insisted she is recovering well. She wrote that the medical team at Southampton “said it’s probably a virus,” adding that she just needs time to recuperate.

Laura also thanked her ITV colleagues for stepping in, saying the team had “really looked after” her throughout the ordeal. She added that Ian Wright and Anita Asante “caught her” as she fell, with Wright heard quietly asking, “Are you OK?” before cameras cut to an emergency ad break.

When coverage resumed, stand-in host Katie Shanahan confirmed Laura had been “taken ill” and was now in safe hands.

Laura’s fiancé Adam Collard also addressed the situation online, telling fans that “Laura is all ok and with the right people,” and expressing gratitude for the messages flooding in.

Fans across social media immediately sent their well-wishes, calling the collapse “upsetting to see,” and praising Wright for catching her.

Laura, who welcomed her baby son Leo in January before returning to  TV in April, has been a regular face on ITV and TNT Sports. She and Collard, who went public with their relationship in 2023 and got engaged in Cornwall in 2024, have often spoken about their whirlwind love story. Adam previously joked that she still teases him about the Instagram DM that first brought them together, saying, “I’ll hold my hands up — yes, I acknowledge that.”

Most people imagine turning 50 as the beginning of a calmer, quieter chapter.
But Peter Andre just proved that life can still deliver its biggest miracles when you least expect them

Gift baskets

This week, with no glossy photoshoot or dramatic TV reveal, Peter shared a simple, heartfelt message — and it sent millions into an emotional whirlwind.
He’s going to be a father again.

Not even his closest fans were prepared.

 “It feels like a weight’s been lifted”

For months, Peter and Emily kept the news tucked gently behind carefully cropped photos and subtle hints.

Now, with the truth finally out, Peter admits the feeling is pure relief.

“This is one of the greatest blessings of my life,” he wrote — and the internet exploded within minutes.

According to a friend:
“He’s been smiling like a man who just hit the jackpot.”

Peter revealed the baby is due in late spring — likely May.
For him, the symbolism is powerful:

A soft season. A fresh beginning. A gentle, hopeful new chapter.

Peter didn’t confirm the baby’s gender…
But one playful line launched a full-scale “gender detective” movement online.

“We can’t wait to meet him or her… though one of the kids already calls the bump ‘our little star’.”

That was enough.
Suddenly, fans were dissecting every emoji, every sentence, every interview for hidden clues.

Peter confirmed he and Emily have narrowed it down to three names — each rooted in:

 Love
 Strength
 New beginnings

He says the final name will be short, timeless, classic.

Fans are already betting on:
Leo, Theo, Mia, Rose…

Peter only laughed:
“You’ll have to wait a little longer.”

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 A Renewal Only Family Can Bring

Those close to him say Peter has transformed in recent months — calmer, grounded, glowing.

“When he talks about the baby,” one friend shared,
“his entire face lights up like we haven’t seen in years.”

This pregnancy isn’t just a new chapter —
it’s a spiritual reset, a reminder of everything that matters most.

Since the reveal, Peter’s social media has turned into a wave of love:

 messages from parents
 fan art
 emotional comments that Peter says “nearly made him cry”
 stories of hope and new beginnings

This celebration isn’t just for the baby —
it’s for Peter’s journey, his resilience, his heart, and his new season of life.

The excitement in Peter’s voice.
The joy from his kids.
The millions cheering him on.

It all leads to one truth:

Some blessings arrive exactly when your soul needs them.
Some chapters begin at the perfect moment.
And joy — real, heart-deep joy — has no age limit.