“My time is coming quite soon.” At 79, Joɑnnɑ Lυmley hɑs spoken with quiet, heɑrtbreɑking honesty ɑbout her heɑlth — ɑnd fɑns ɑre deeply moved.

Inside Joanna Lumley’s health as star says ‘don’t have much time left’

The Absolutely Fabulous actress recently opened up about her own mortality.

Inside Joanna Lumley’s health as star says ‘don’t have much time left’ (Image: Getty)

Dame Joanna Lumley has been candid about her health over the years. The actress, 79, shared her “time is coming quite soon” after suffering health setbacks over the years, including neurological disorder prosopagnosia, also known as “face blindness”.

The actress and presenter has been gracing our screens for over five decades – from playing a Bond girl in the 1960s, to a spy in the New Avengers in the ’70s and a drunken Patsy Stone in the ’90s.

ＳＡＤ ＮＥＷＳ  Emma Willis has revealed she secretly underwent surgery after doctors uncovered a terrifying condition she never knew she had. Through it all, Matt Willis never left her side — a powerful reminder of love when it matters most.

SH0CK HEALTH REVEAL: Emma Willis breaks silence after secret heart surgery — as doctors discover a hole she never knew she had and husband Matt ‘never leaves her side’

Emma Willis has revealed she underwent keyhole heart surgery after doctors found a hole in her heart

Emma Willis has revealed she recently underwent keyhole heart surgery after doctors discovered she had been living with a hole in her heart since birth — a diagnosis that came as a complete shock.

The TV presenter, 49, took to Instagram on Wednesday and shared several photos of herself taken in hospital following the procedure (pictured with husband Matt)
The former Big Brother host told fans she discovered she has had a hole in her heart since she was born and so had surgery at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London

The 49-year-old TV presenter shared the news with fans in a deeply emotional Instagram post on Wednesday, alongside a series of hospital photos taken in the aftermath of the procedure.

Emma explained that following medical investigations last year, doctors confirmed the congenital condition — leading to surgery at Royal Brompton Hospital.

‘It feels strange even saying it out loud’

Keyhole heart surgery involves making small incisions in the chest as opposed to the breastbone as in traditonal open heart surgery

In her candid message, the former Big Brother host admitted the experience still feels surreal.

“A few weeks ago, I had keyhole heart surgery — which feels very strange to write, and even stranger when I say it out loud,” she wrote.

The surgeon accesses the heart through the incisions, allowing for a less invasive approach with fewer complications and a faster recovery time

She praised the hospital team who guided her from diagnosis through to surgery, describing them as “absolutely incredible,” before paying a heartfelt tribute to her husband, Matt Willis, who she said “never left my side.”

Living for decades without knowing 

In a lengthy post, Emma thanked her husband Matt and the staff at the Royal Brompton Hospital who looked after her

Emma revealed she had unknowingly lived with the condition for nearly five decades.

“Turns out I’ve been pottering around for 48 years blissfully unaware I had a hole in my heart,” she said.
“Isn’t it bonkers what’s happening in our bodies that we have no idea about?”

She went on to express awe at modern medicine — and the professionals behind it.

Emma and Matt have been together for more than 20 years and they have three children together – Isabelle, 15, Ace, 13, and Trixie, eight (pictured in 2024)

“What blows my mind even more is the wonders of modern medicine, and the spectacular people who save, fix and help us every single day,” she added.
“They are the real superstars.”

‘A spectacular pair of hands’

Emma named and thanked several members of her medical team, singling out her surgeon, Dr Ee Ling Heng, in particular.

“She was recommended to me as ‘a spectacular pair of hands’ — but my God, she’s that and so much more,” Emma wrote.

“She made me feel instantly comfortable while being incredibly professional and informative. I ask a million questions — and she answered them with the patience of a saint.”

Emma added that she knew immediately she was in safe hands.

“I knew as soon as we met that she was the woman I wanted poking around in my heart,” she said.
“Thank you Ee Ling — you’re one in a trillion.”

What is keyhole heart surgery?

Keyhole heart surgery involves small incisions in the chest rather than opening the breastbone, making it a far less invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgery.

Surgeons access the heart through these incisions, reducing complications and significantly shortening recovery time — an option increasingly used for congenital heart conditions.

A marriage tested — and strengthened

Emma and Matt Willis have been together for more than 20 years and share three children: Isabelle, 15, Ace, 13, and Trixie, eight. The couple married in 2008 and are approaching their 20th wedding anniversary.

Over the years, they have been open about facing challenges, including Matt’s past struggles with drug and alcohol addiction.

More recently, Matt has spoken publicly about how couples therapy helped transform their marriage after they began counselling in 2020.

“We weren’t in trouble,” Matt previously explained. “We just had certain things we couldn’t get past.”

He admitted Emma was initially reluctant but later agreed therapy had been “transformative,” helping them better understand one another and strengthen their bond.

An outpouring of support

Following Emma’s announcement, fans flooded her comments with messages of love, admiration and well wishes — praising her honesty, courage and positivity.

As she continues her recovery, Emma’s story has resonated deeply, reminding many that even the most familiar faces can be quietly fighting unseen battles — and that strength often lies in trust, gratitude and love.

“DEPORT HIM NOW!” — Nigel Farage ERUPTS as ‘Britain-Hating Extremist’ Is Welcomed by Labour, Slams Keir Starmer’s ‘Catastrophic Error of Judgment’

Nigel Farage demands deportation of ‘Britain-hating extremist’ welcomed by Labour as he pens letter to Shabana Mahmood

Robert Jenrick lashes out on GB News over el-Fattah being allowed to come back to the UK as historic tweets emerge |

Sir Keir Starmer said he was ‘delighted’ to welcome the ‘extremist’ to Britain

Nigel Farage has written to the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, urging her to revoke the British citizenship of Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah and order his deportation from the United Kingdom.

The Reform UK leader said he was “deeply concerned” by Mr Abd el-Fattah’s return to Britain following his release from detention in Egypt.

Sir Keir Starmer had earlier said he was “delighted” to welcome Mr Abd el-Fattah to the UK after Cairo lifted a travel ban, thanking President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for his role in securing the activist’s release.

Mr Farage described that response as “an extraordinary error of judgment”, pointing to historic social media posts allegedly written by Mr Abd el-Fattah between 2010 and 2012.

Those posts, which have circulated widely online since his arrival, include comments calling for the killing of Zionists, referring to British people as “dogs and monkeys”, and suggesting that police should be killed.

Mr Abd el-Fattah has also been accused of expressing support for suicide bombings.

“These abhorrent posts show Mr el-Fattah to hold views which are completely opposed to our British way of life,” Mr Farage wrote.

He added that claims Downing Street had been unaware of the comments only “compound the Prime Minister’s ineptitude”.

Nigel Farage has written to the Home Secretary

The Reform UK leader also criticised the breadth of political support that had previously been mobilised on Mr Abd el-Fattah’s behalf.

His letter notes that 35 Labour MPs and peers wrote to the then foreign secretary, David Lammy, calling for his release, alongside six Conservative MPs, 34 Liberal Democrat parliamentarians, seven SNP MPs and all four Green Party MPs.

“Indeed, it was the Conservatives who granted citizenship to Mr el-Fattah in 2021 while he was still imprisoned,” Mr Farage wrote.

“That none of those parties carried out basic due diligence on this unpleasant individual is, frankly, astonishing.”

Nigel Farage wants el-Fattah’s deportation | PA

Mr Abd el-Fattah became a British citizen through his mother, who was born in the UK, under a legal route that grants automatic citizenship by descent.

At the time, applicants using this route were no longer subject to the usual “good character” test, following a Supreme Court ruling that the requirement breached the European Convention on Human Rights. As a result, Home Office officials did not assess his past statements or conduct.

Mr Farage argued that the Home Secretary has the power to act now. “It should go without saying that anyone who possesses racist and anti-British views such as those of Mr el-Fattah should not be allowed into the UK,” he wrote.

“As Home Secretary, it is within your power to revoke his citizenship and order his deportation. I strongly urge you to do so.”

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi | REUTERSThe controversy has reignited calls from Conservative figures to leave the ECHR, which Labour opposes.

Jewish groups have also demanded that Mr Abd el-Fattah’s citizenship be reviewed. No 10 has said the Prime Minister was unaware of the social media posts when he welcomed Mr Abd el-Fattah to Britain, where he is due to be reunited with his teenage son.

The Home Office has not yet indicated whether it will consider revoking his citizenship, but Mr Farage has confirmed he has referred the matter to counter-terrorism police, ensuring the issue is unlikely to fade quickly from the political agenda.

“SOME DAYS, THE BANDAGE FEELS LIKE MERCY…” — Nearly 17 Years After The Attack That Changed Her Life Forever, Katie Piper Is Facing Yet Another Eye Surgery, Reopening Wounds She Has Spent A Lifetime Learning To Live With. After Hundreds Of Procedures, Endless Stares, And A Pain Few Could Survive, Katie Admits This Latest Operation Has Hit Harder Than Ever, Confessing That On Certain Days, “Even Covering My Eye Feels Like A Rare Day Off From Being Brave.” There Are No Dramatic Lights Or Applause In These Moments — Just Quiet Endurance, Deep Exhaustion, And A Woman Who Refuses To Pretend Healing Is Linear. Friends Say The Emotional Toll Is Immense, Yet Katie Keeps Showing Up, Raw And Unfiltered, Choosing Honesty Over Hero Worship. “I Didn’t Choose Strength — I Chose To Stay,” She’s Said Before, And That Truth Now Echoes Louder Than Ever As She Faces Surgery Again, Not As A Symbol, But As A Survivor Still Standing When The World Would Understand If She Didn’t.

Katie Piper has revealed she has undergone yet another planned operation on her eye, sharing a candid update with fans as she appeared with her face bandaged.

The TV favourite’s life was irrevocably changed in March 2008, when she survived a brutal acid attack that left her blind in her left eye and caused severe injuries to her face, neck, chest and arms. Since then, she has endured years of complex and often exhausting medical treatment.

This week, Katie told followers she had returned to surgery once again for what she jokingly described as her “pain in the neck” eye.

Posting a video from her dressing room on Instagram, the star appeared wearing a bandage over her left eye as she spoke openly about how the experience made her feel.

She told her 1.2 million followers that it was “planned eye surgery,” before admitting she had been surprised by her own reaction to being bandaged. Katie explained that she actually liked having that side of her face covered, saying it made her reflect on self-acceptance and how, like anyone else, she has good days and bad days.

She went on to explain that living with visible scarring means “never having a day off,” but that the bandage felt like a rare break. While she acknowledged that most people might feel more self-conscious with a bandage, she said people have stared at her for years anyway, something she is now completely used to.

Speaking with her trademark honesty, Katie joked that her eye had been a problem for nearly 17 years, adding that she was genuinely thrilled to receive a prosthetic eye. Laughing at herself, she admitted it sounded strange to be happy about getting a glass eye, but said it brought her relief.

The Loose Women star stressed that her feelings had nothing to do with beauty or attractiveness, but rather the mental rest that came from having the eye “covered and out the way” for a while. Reflecting on the experience, she said it had taught her more about herself and joked that maybe enjoying it made her a “weirdo”.

Fans quickly flooded the comments with messages of admiration and support. One follower told her she was “one of the bravest people I know” and said they had followed her journey from the very beginning. Another praised her kindness and gentle nature, wishing her a Merry Christmas, while others described her as inspirational, talented and beautiful.

 “My time is coming quite soon.” At 79, Joɑnnɑ Lυmley hɑs spoken with quiet, heɑrtbreɑking honesty ɑbout her heɑlth — ɑnd fɑns ɑre deeply moved.

Inside Joanna Lumley’s health as star says ‘don’t have much time left’

The Absolutely Fabulous actress recently opened up about her own mortality.

Inside Joanna Lumley’s health as star says ‘don’t have much time left’ (Image: Getty)

Dame Joanna Lumley has been candid about her health over the years. The actress, 79, shared her “time is coming quite soon” after suffering health setbacks over the years, including neurological disorder prosopagnosia, also known as “face blindness”.

The actress and presenter has been gracing our screens for over five decades – from playing a Bond girl in the 1960s, to a spy in the New Avengers in the ’70s and a drunken Patsy Stone in the ’90s.

“FOR MY BOY”  Denise Fergus Makes Emotional Vow Ahead Of Jon Venables Parole Hearing

“I’LL BE THERE.” — James Bulger’s Heartbroken Mum VOWS To Face Kill3r Jon Venables At Parole Hearing

-Credit:Julian Hamilton/Daily Miiror

The heartbroken mother of James Bulger has vowed to attend her son’s killer’s upcoming parole hearing — so she can look him in the eye and remind him he’s never been forgiven.

Denise Fergus, whose two-year-old son was abducted and brutally murdered in 1993, says she will fight to be present at the hearing of Jon Venables, one of the two boys convicted of the horrific crime.

Now 41, Venables has applied for parole once again — despite already being denied in December 2023 and reoffending twice since his initial release.

Speaking to the Mirror, Denise said: “This is mental torture for me. His parole was rejected just five months ago because he wasn’t considered safe. What’s changed? He’s got a lifelong record of reoffending. When do we ever get a break from this nightmare?”

Denise hopes new laws allowing victims’ families to attend parole hearings will give her the chance to confront Venables directly. “I will do whatever it takes to sit in that room, to let him know we haven’t gone away, we haven’t forgiven, and we will never stop fighting,” she said. “I want the parole board to understand he hasn’t changed — and I believe he will kill again if he’s ever freed.”

James Bulger was killed 30 years ago after being abducted -Credit:Liverpool Echo

The legislation, rolled out across England and Wales, could pave the way for Denise to finally speak at the hearing later this year. She and her husband Stuart recently met with Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood to raise concerns over Venables’ possible release.

While she was told Venables is still being held as a Category A prisoner due to the threat he poses, Denise said past broken promises have made her cautious. “We’ve been burned before,” she admitted. “But the Justice Secretary seemed to take it seriously and said she’d keep us updated. We expect a formal letter any day now saying the parole process has begun.”

Denise, who lives in Merseyside with her family, said she had only just started enjoying some normality again — before being thrown “back into battle mode.”

“We shouldn’t have to keep going through this,” she said. “He should never be considered for parole, ever.”

James Bulger with his mum Denise Fergus

James Bulger’s murder remains one of the UK’s most disturbing crimes. On February 12, 1993, the toddler was snatched from the Strand shopping centre in Bootle while his mum briefly looked away to pay for meat at the butcher’s.

CCTV captured the moment two ten-year-old boys — Jon Venables and Robert Thompson — walked James out of the centre. They led him over two miles to a railway line, where they tortured and killed him.

The young killers were detained for just eight years before being released on licence in 2001 with new identities. Venables has since been jailed twice for possessing child abuse images, reigniting public anger and Denise’s relentless campaign to keep him locked up.

His most recent parole denial in December 2023 was seen as a small victory for James’ family — but now they face another agonising fight to ensure Venables remains behind bars.

‘FROM DEATH ROW TO HOPE’: PETE WICKS JOINS RESCUE MISSION SAVING 170 DOGS FROM SOUTH KOREAN MEAT FARM

It wasn’t a television storyline, a publicity stunt, or a scripted moment for shock value. When British reality star Pete Wicks stepped onto the grounds of a South Korean dog-meat farm, he found himself face-to-face with one of the most heartbreaking sights of his life — more than 170 dogs awaiting slaughter, many trembling in fear, unaware that their fate was about to change forever.

The former TOWIE star joined international animal welfare groups in a large-scale rescue mission that liberated over 170 dogs from a brutal and long-ignored industry. Though Wicks did not act alone — working instead as part of a coordinated charity effort — his presence brought not only additional support, but a powerful human voice for animals whose suffering is often unseen.

A Scene Too Difficult to Forget

Wicks described the scene as overwhelming: cramped cages, matted fur, and eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and despair. Some dogs were born in captivity, never knowing a gentle touch. Others were former pets, abandoned or stolen.

The mission was not just about relocation — it was about dignity. Volunteers carefully lifted each frightened animal from the wire-floored pens, offering comfort, blankets, and, sometimes for the first time, kindness.

The Journey to Freedom

Once removed from the farm, the dogs began a journey across the world — with many flown to the UK, United States, and Canada for rehabilitation and adoption. For the first time, they tasted fresh air, saw open space, and felt safe human hands.

Pete Wicks, visibly moved, helped load carriers and calm distressed animals. His involvement played a key role in drawing public attention to the issue, inspiring supporters and donations that will continue funding future rescues.

A Message Bigger Than Celebrity

Wicks later shared that the experience changed him.

He spoke of compassion rather than fame.
Of responsibility rather than applause.
Of the silent victims who cannot speak for themselves.

The rescue serves as a reminder that cruelty thrives where the world looks away — and that meaningful change begins when individuals choose to look, act, and stand.

A Victory — But Not the End

For the 170 dogs saved, this mission marks the beginning of new lives filled with the possibility of love, adoption, and healing.

For those still trapped in farms across the region, it is a call to action.

And for animal lovers worldwide, it is a testament to what can happen when compassion and courage meet — when public figures use their platform not for self-promotion, but for protection.

Pete Wicks didn’t rescue 170 dogs alone.
He stood with a team.
He lent his hands.
He lent his heart.

And in doing so, he helped give hundreds of animals something they never had before:
hope.

CHRISTMAS FAMILY TWIST  Katie Price reunited with daughter Princess Andre for Christmas — after their feud — but only after Princess and Junior Andre spent the morning with dad Peter Andre. A make-up… or just a temporary truce?

Katie Price reunited with her daughter Princess on Christmas Day following their feud after she and her brother Junior spent the morning celebrating with their father.

The mother-of-five, 47, who shares Princess, 18, and Junior, 20, with ex-husband Peter Andre, 52, took to her Instagram Story on Thursday to share a sweet selfie with her daughter as they enjoyed the rest of the festive day together.

In the snap, Katie and Princess pouted for the camera while relaxing at home in comfy loungewear following the fall-out surrounding Katie’s involvement in Princess’ reality TV show, The Princess Diaries.

Feeling grateful to be surrounded by her loved ones, Katie captioned the post: ‘Me and my Princess (crown emoji) Just a one off picture from my Christmas Day but I’m surrounded with all my family.’

The post came just hours after Princess and Junior celebrated Christmas morning with their father, Peter and his wife, Emily, after previously revealing they would be splitting the day between both parents.

All dressed in matching tartan pyjamas, Princess and Junior spent the morning opening presents and stocking fillers.

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Katie Price, 47, reunited with her daughter Princess, 18, on Christmas Day and took to her Instagram Story on Thursday evening to share a sweet selfie as they enjoyed the rest of the festive day together following a row over her daughter’s reality TV show

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The post came just hours after Princess and Junior, 20, celebrated Christmas morning with their father, Peter, 52, and his wife, Emily, after previously revealing they would be splitting the day between both parents

The TV stars took to Instagram to share fun-filled snaps with 18-month-old Arabella, Millie, 11, and Theo, nine, whom Emily and Peter share.

‘In these moments today , I am the happiest man in the world. Love you so much family. Merry Xmas everyone ♥️♥️♥️♥️’, Peter said.

Junior and Princess revealed prior to Christmas that they had planned to spend their morning with Peter and the evening with their mother, Katie.

Mysterious Girl singer Peter recently saw his long-running feud with former glamour model and ex-wife Katie thrust back into the spotlight following the launch of their daughter Princess’s new reality show.

Junior told The Sun, he said: ‘So, how I do it every year is split between my parents and this year, I will be spending Christmas Eve and Christmas morning at my dad’s with my brothers and sisters there.

‘And then I’ll be going to my mum’s for the afternoon.’

He continued: ‘And then, yeah, probably just, yeah, spend the rest of the time there. Might stay there, might come back to mine, just depends.’

It comes after Princess revealed neither of her parents has watched her ITV2 reality show after its debut sparked a bitter fallout between the pair.

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All dressed in matching tartan pyjamas, Princess and Junior spent the morning opening presents and stocking fillers

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The TV stars took to Instagram to share fun-filled snaps with 18-month-old Arabella, Millie, 11, and Theo, nine, whom Emily and Peter share

The daughter of exes Peter and Katie let cameras into her life earlier this year, but her glamour model mother hit out after being deliberately excluded from filming.

Katie expressed her frustrations at being ‘disrespected’ and ‘disregarded’, claiming that Peter and his management team were behind the snub.

Princess told The Sun: ‘I actually don’t think either of my parents have watched the show. I don’t think it’s my dad’s thing, it’s more, it’s a show for people my age to watch, I think,’

Before adding: ‘I watched everything about five times, just to make sure everything is how I want it and to check everything’.

Daily Mail have contacted Peter Andre and Katie Price’s representatives for comment.

It comes after Daily Mail revealed that Peter and wife Emily have pulled out from the second season of Princess’s show, to quieten the ‘noise’ surrounding Katie’s onscreen absence.

During series one, Peter was filmed supporting Princess as she learned to drive and delivering an emotional speech at her 18th birthday party, an event Katie claimed she was excluded from.

The Princess Diaries, which has been renewed for two new seasons, also showed the teen at home with her family, including stepmother Emily, while Katie appeared only via a voice recording.

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It comes after Princess revealed neither of her parents has watched her ITV2 reality show after its debut sparked a bitter fallout between the pair

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The daughter of exes Peter and Katie let cameras into her life earlier this year, but her glamour model mother hit out after being deliberately excluded from filming

Katie vented her fury over being snubbed from Princess’s first-ever reality show during an angry outburst on her podcast.

The former glamour model was responding to claims that she was damaging her daughter’s growing image due to her well-documented personal problems, including drug and alcohol addiction, drink-driving arrests, and multiple bankruptcies.

Katie said: ‘I want the best for Junior and Princess, and I would never get in the way of it.

‘But what hurt my feelings, and it does upset me, is when your kids grow up, you go to their assemblies, you go to their Christmas things, you go to their awards, you go to their football matches or gymnastics, you’re involved in everything they do.

‘And knowing that, what my career has been, Princess is taking that same path, trying to do the same as what I’ve done, which I absolutely love and adore Princess.’

‘But I have not been allowed to go on any photo shoot, no signings or Superdrug openings or anything like that. Why? Because I’m not allowed and I’m not welcome.

‘And it puts Princess in a situation because I don’t want her to feel she has to choose between me and her work, because I want her to do well.

‘And I have said to Princess, just see how it feels for me because I should be there supporting you, I want to be there to support you like my family did. And I’m your mum, and especially as you’re doing stuff that I did, I’m proud of you and want to be there.’

Peter and Katie, who share Junior and Princess, were married for four years before splitting up in May 2009, with their divorce finalised later that year.

“I Couldn’t Hide Anymore”: Rachael Carpani’s Sister Breaks Silence on the Private Struggles Before the Actress’s Death

“I couldn’t hide anymore.”

Those words, shared through tears, marked the first time Georgia Carpani publicly addressed the loss of her sister, Rachael Carpani, whose sudden death at 45 sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and among fans of McLeod’s Daughters.

For years, Rachael maintained a composed public image — professional, warm, and seemingly resilient. Behind that image, Georgia says, was a deeply private struggle that few outside the family ever saw.

Speaking with raw honesty, Georgia revealed that Rachael had battled in silence for an extended period, choosing to shield others from the depth of her pain. Friends, colleagues, and fans saw a familiar smile, but at home, the reality was far more complex.

“She didn’t want to worry anyone,” Georgia said. “She always thought she could handle it.”

According to her sister, Rachael carried her burdens quietly, determined not to let personal struggles define her or overshadow her work. That determination, however, came at a heavy emotional cost.

In her final weeks, Georgia says Rachael began to open up in ways she never had before. The conversations were difficult, marked by fear, exhaustion, and moments of regret for having carried so much alone. It was during this time that Rachael admitted she could no longer keep pretending everything was fine.

“She couldn’t hide anymore,” Georgia explained, describing a moment when the weight became too much to bear.

The family chose to keep these details private in the immediate aftermath of Rachael’s death, prioritizing grief and healing away from public scrutiny. Georgia says the decision to speak now comes from a desire to honor her sister’s truth, not to sensationalize her loss.

Fans worldwide have reacted with heartbreak to Georgia’s words, many expressing shock at the extent of Rachael’s private struggle. Messages of sympathy and remembrance have poured in, reflecting how deeply the actress touched audiences throughout her career.

Georgia emphasized that her sister’s story is not one of weakness, but of endurance. “She was strong for so long,” she said. “Stronger than people ever knew.”

The revelation has also prompted broader reflection on the pressures faced by public figures, particularly those who feel compelled to maintain a composed exterior while managing profound personal challenges.

While Georgia refrained from discussing specific medical or personal details, she stressed the importance of compassion and understanding — reminding others that outward appearances often mask internal battles.

As the family continues to grieve, Georgia hopes sharing her sister’s experience will encourage more open conversations about emotional pain and the importance of support.

“Rachael loved deeply,” she said. “And she felt deeply. That’s who she was.”

For fans, the confession has added a poignant layer to the legacy Rachael leaves behind — not only as a talented actress, but as a person who endured quietly, loved fiercely, and, in the end, chose honesty with those closest to her.

The family asks for privacy as they navigate their loss, but Georgia’s words have already resonated widely, transforming grief into a shared moment of reflection and empathy.

“THE BBC FELL SILENT…” — Chris Rea Fans Left in Tears as a Heartbreaking On-Air Tribute Honours the Driving Home for Christmas Singer After His De-ath at 74

Chris Rea fans have been reduced to tears after the BBC paid tribute to the late singer live on air on Tuesday following his death.

The star, who is behind one of the most iconic Christmas songs, Driving Home For Christmas, died aged 74 on Monday following a short illness.

His legendary track was the opening song to a pre-recorded festive addition of Animal Park with Ben Fogle and Kate Humble on BBC One.

With this in mind, BBC bosses aired a short tribute to mark Chris’ passing before the episode began to play.

Continuity announcer Duncan Newmarch said just before the titles: ‘First on BBC One, Chris Rea, is very much on our minds this morning.’

He later took to X, formerly Twitter, writing: ‘When I discovered that this morning’s edition of Animal Park on started with Driving Home for Christmas, I wanted to say something.’

Chris Rea fans have been reduced to tears after the BBC paid tribute to the late singer live on air on Tuesday following his death

The corporation’s continuity announcer said just before Animal Park where his song was the opening track: ‘First on BBC One, Chris Rea, is very much on our minds this morning’

The star, who is behind one of the most iconic Christmas songs, Driving Home For Christmas, died aged 74 on Monday following a short illness

Viewers were reduced to tears with one commenting: ‘Oh that made me cry. Very touching.’

‘Very suitable and appropriate.’

‘That’s such a clever, beautiful 11 seconds. Bravo.’

‘What a wonderful tribute.’

Announcing his death on Monday, his wife Joan and their daughters Josie and Julia, released a statement which read: ‘It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris.

‘He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.’

The iconic song Driving Home for Christmas has made a reappearance on the UK Singles Chart every year since 2007, including making number 10 in 2021.

Middlesbrough-born Chris, who met Joan when he was just 16, had been dogged with serious health issues including peritonitis, pancreatic cancer and diabetes. In 2017, it was revealed he needed to inject insulin seven times a day.

Chris’ final social media post featured a car on a snowy motorway with a road sign reading: ‘Driving home for Christmas with a thousand memories.’

In the post, shared on Sunday, he added a caption reading: ‘Top to toe in tailbacks If it’s a white Christmas, let’s hope the journey’s a smooth one.’

Join the debate

What personal memories does “Driving Home for Christmas” evoke for you during the festive season?

Teary fans praised the on air tribute by the BBC

Announcing his death on Monday, his wife Joan and their daughters Josie and Julia, released a statement (pictured in 2016)

Chris’ final social media post featured a car on a snowy motorway with a road sign reading: ‘Driving home for Christmas with a thousand memories’

Chris suffered a major health scare during his career when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 33.

He had part of his pancreas removed along with his gall bladder and part of his liver, but went on to make a recovery and lived with diabetes as well as kidney problems.

He also suffered a stroke in 2016 but he recovered and went on to release two more albums Road Songs For Lovers in 2017 and One Fine Day in 2019.

Chris previously revealed: ‘I’ve had nine major operations in ten years. A lot of it is to do with something called retroperitoneal fibrosis, where the internal tissues attack each other. No one knew it existed 20 years ago, and it’s completely unpredictable..

‘It’s affected the colon, the pancreas, the gall bladder, the liver – and then I get a stroke.’

Speaking of his successes and impact on his health, he said: ‘I made a lot of money, but you can dangerously let it lead you on…

‘It depends what company you keep. I once said to Michael Winner, “I’m the poorest man on this Barbados beach.” On days like today, the richest man in the world is the one who hasn’t got a bad shoulder.’

Chris previously shed light on writing the iconic tune, as he previously told Bob Mortimer: ‘I was on the dole when I wrote [Driving Home For Christmas]. My manager had just left me. I’d just been banned from driving.

‘My now wife, Joan, had to drive down to London to pick me up in the Mini and take me home, and that’s when I wrote it.’