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Former TOWIE star Pete Wicks has officially landed two more series of For Dog’s Sake, with a Christmas special of the heartwarming reality documentary show also confirmed

Pete Wicks confirms huge career move as hit reality show set to return for TWO new series(Image: JAMES RUDLAND)

Strictly Come Dancing star Pete Wicks will return for two more series of his reality documentary show For Dog’s Sake. The moving programme looks at the adoption journeys of lost and abandoned dogs after they are rescued and eventually rehomed with new families to live out their days. Series one, which aired in January, reportedly led to a 30% increase in adoption applications for Dogs Trust.

For Dog’s Sake follows different pets from being rescued, rehabilitated and then found forever homes. Filming will take place at Dogs Trust Basildon and other rehoming centres across the UK.

With passionate dog-lover Pete at the helm, the TV personality takes viewers behind-the-scenes at the Dogs Trust, to meet dogs and the team behind the charity. As they tirelessly work to find new homes for the animals in their care, Pete looks at the effort that goes into the organisation’s relentless dedication to abandoned pups.

Dogs Trust ambassador Pete will follow the rehoming journeys of abandoned pups(Image: JAMES RUDLAND)

Pete said: “I’m thrilled to be back with Dogs Trust for series two, three, and a Christmas special of For Dogs’ Sake. The first series was a personal and professional highlight, and it’s been incredible to see the real-world impact it had on dog adoption in the UK. The real stars are the Dogs Trust team—their commitment and compassion is inspiring, and I feel honoured to help share their stories with the nation again.”

Reality star Pete was spotted on the ‘red paw-pet’ for the premiere of the first series, which aired in January on UKTV channel U&W. At the event, he spent time with puppies Nigel, Pepper and Dory, and was joined by his Strictly partner Jowita Pryzstal.

Pete said at the time: “Anyone who knows me knows that I prefer animals to people, so this show is a real passion project for me.” He added: “With two rescue dogs of my own, animal welfare is close to my heart, and I am super excited to be teaming up with U&W for this amazing opportunity.”

The screening took place at the charity’s centre in Basildon (Image: PinPep)

Helen Nightingale, head of factual and factual entertainment at UKTV, expressed: “We’d be barking mad to turn down the opportunity to work with Pete Wicks and witness first hand his passion for dogs and their welfare. It’s a huge privilege being granted such unique access to Dogs Trust to see how the charity operates.”

Away from his animal advocacy, Pete has been supporting his other true love, best mate Sam Thompson. Sam has admitted to struggling following the break up of the Made in Chelsea star’s five-year relationship with Zara McDermott.

But to help him move on from his Love Island ex, Pete has been on wingman duties, with the pals spotted chatting up a pair of glam brunettes outside Marvin Humes’ 40th birthday bash.

The pair were seen talking to the women outside the Savoy Hotel in March, with speculation sparked that they were embarking on new romances. Hopes of a romance between Pete and I’m A Celeb star Maura were dashed after she was seen sharing a tipsy kiss with married McFly member Danny Jones.

But despite the cosy-looking display, the women were later revealed to simply be members of JLS’ management team. A source told The Sun: “Sam and Pete are both single now and will be each other’s wingmen.

“And Sam is definitely ready to get back on the horse and date again after a miserable few weeks now Zara is moving on. But this time it was just a friendly chat, they were with JLS’s management team outside Marvin’s party.”

Jasmine Harman has been a main presenter of A Place In The Sun for more than two decades and now lives in Spain with her husband and their children

Jasmine revealed a disgusting moment from the show(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

A Place In The Sun’s Jasmine Harmen has recently revealed that there is one disgusting moment from the show that will never been aired. The presenter shared the awkward moment which took place while she was filming with some house hunters.

The 49-year-old told the awkward story which she said she will never live down. Jasmine’s job on the programme is to show people houses who are wanted to relocate from Britain to somewhere a bit sunnier, however she said it’s not always smooth sailing.

The presenter first started fronting the series more than two decades ago and has been a staple on our screens ever since. But she said not all the embarrassing moments make it to air.

Jasmine has presented the show for more than two decades(Image: Channel 4)

In an interview with The Express, Jasmine said there have been some “pretty bad moments” while filming. During one episode, Jasmine was asked to fly in a microlight aircraft which left her with bad motion sickness.

“I had some pretty bad moments over the years. In a nutshell, I was filming in the Algarve and we went to a little airfield where they had planes. We were filming on these microlight [planes] and I had this really handsome pilot,” she said.

Jasmine added: “We were flying and he was doing all of these little tricks and I got a bit of motion sickness and I started to feel a bit dodgy. I kept telling myself, ‘I’ll be alright, I’ll be alright.’ He landed the microlight but I felt so sick so I thought let me run to the toilet I’m going to vomit.”

But it was when she wasn’t able to take the helmet off when disaster struck. Jasmine explained: “I just couldn’t get the helmet off. I ended up vomiting inside the helmet. And it was so embarrassing. In front of the house hunters and this handsome pilot. The whole team.”

Jasmine has now relocated to Spain(Image: Freeform Productions)

Jasmine said that “everyone was there” and described it as an “awful moment” but says now she can look back and laugh at blunder. The star first began on the show back in 2004.

The presenter is due to take on a new project as she’s set to front a new spin-off show which will be titles Jasmine’s Renovations. She will be documenting her new life in Spain as she does up her family home.

The A Place In The Sun host chose to permanently relocate to Spain last year alongside her husband Jon Boast and their two kids, nine-year-old Joy and seven-year-old Albion. Taking to her Instagram page to announce the move, Jasmine wrote: “Life has many ups and downs. Sometimes the hardest things to do, bring the greatest rewards. Moving country has been stressful and intense and at times, overwhelming. But now we’re here and we plan to make the most of it!”

Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Teddy Magic was due to perform on Saturday night but it was revealed that he wasn’t ready to perform – Ant and Dec later revealed he wouldn’t perform at all

Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Teddy Magic has pulled out of his performance – missing his chance to wow the judges on Saturday’s first semi-final performance of the 2025 season. The long-running ITV talent show returned to screens over the weekend with the first batch of semi-finalists battling to land a place in the grand final.

Early in the night, Teddy was expected to take to the stage to show off his impressive magician skills. However, hosts Declan Donnelly and Ant McPartlin hinted that the eight-year-old star was battling nerves as they told viewers that he needed a little extra time to prepare himself ahead of performing on live prime time TV.

The show went on with the hope that Teddy would later take to the stage to showcase his skills. However, after the remaining contestants of the night took to the stage to perform, it was revealed that Teddy would not perform. Dec told the viewers: “[Teddy] wont be performing tonight but we hope to see him later on in the series,” after Teddy was forced to delay his performance earlier in the episode.

Fans flooded social media with messages of support, and concern, about the young lad. One wrote on X: “We love you teddy. He’ll be back stronger than ever!” And another wrote: “What happened to poor little Teddy.#BGT.”

A further fan expressed concern, writing: “#BGT Teddy Magic has withdrawn from semi final 1 but will perform in a later show. We love you Teddy, keep your head up little man.” While another typed: “I hope Teddy is ok #BGT.” And a further fan wrote: “Hugs for Teddy, hope to see him at the next live show. #BGT.”

Teddy Magic withdrew from the first semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent 2025 ( 
Image:
ITV)With the young performer out of the first semi final show, some viewers questioned how the remaining shows would play out over the weeks ahead. One wrote: “With Teddy Not performing tonight, that meant we had 7 acts performing. Does that mean one of the remaining semi-finals will have 9 acts performing, given in mind that Teddy Magic will have to be squeezed in somewhere? #BGT.”

The first semi-final show of the 2025 season was beset with technical problem – while viewers were further angered by changes to the format of the show. After Teddy’s audition was initially delayed, viewers were left fuming when dance troupe The Blackouts were delayed due to technical problems.

They did ultimately managed to perform – leaving the judges and live studio audience spellbound. Judge Amanda Holden was so blown away by the performance that she bopped her golden buzzer to catapult them straight through to the live final.

Ant and Dec left fans worried when they made the announcement
The inclusion of a golden buzzer during the live semi final show proved contentious, however, with many viewers left feeling that it will lead to the final being filled with contestants picked by the judges rather than the voting public. Each week, one judge will be granted the power to slap the golden buzzer – while the other contestants will need to rely on viewer votes to go to the final.

But many took to social media to complain not just about the unfair advantage this could give some fans – but also the fact that the audience had become insufferable as a result. One complained on X: “the golden buzzer in the semi finals already causing havoc cause the audience won’t shut up #bgt.” And another complained: “Will this audience shut up #BGT.”

Many viewers hit out over the decision to introduce a golden buzzer during the live semi final rounds. One wrote: “#BGT so basically the judges may as well ljust pick the finalists and forget about the semis … what a joke.”

Another typed: “A live show golden buzzer is completely unnecessary. What if she doesn’t press it at all? #BGT.” And another raged: “#BGT in other words it’s so the judges can fix it!”

Others took to social media to blast the format of multiple semi final shows stretched over more than a month. One complained, writing: “So every Saturday for the next 6 weeks, is the Semi Final episodes #BGT.”

Coronation Street star Philip Lowrie, who played Dennis Tanner in the ITV soap, has died at the age of 88, his publicist has confirmed

Coronation Street’s Philip Lowrie, known for his iconic role as Dennis Tanner on the long-standing ITV soap, has died at the age of 88. The news broke after his publicist confirmed that the actor passed away last Friday.

In a statement given to the Mirror, his manager Mario Renzullo said: “My client and very dear friend, Philip Lowrie, the beloved actor renowned for his role as Dennis Tanner on Coronation Street, passed away yesterday at 88,” said Mario Renzullo in a heartfelt statement to ITV News. “His death marks the end of an era for the world’s longest-running soap, where he became a cornerstone of its storytelling.”

Lowrie made his debut on Coronation Street in the inaugural episode in 1960, at the tender age of 24. He remained a fixture on the beloved soap until 1968, portraying Dennis Tanner, the on-screen son of Pat Phoenix’s character, Elsie Tanner.

He made a triumphant return to the cobbles in 2011, earning a Guinness World Record for the longest gap between TV appearances as the same character in the same show. “I’ve always been proud to have been a member of the original cast of Coronation Street,” Lowrie expressed at the time. “Now I’m doubly proud to be honoured in the Guinness World Records book.”

His final appearance as Dennis Tanner was in July 2014. His character was eventually killed off off screen to mark Corrie’s 10,000th episode in 2020.

Philip played Dennis Tanner in Coronation Street
Beyond Corrie, Lowrie graced the West End stage in roles such as Major Metcalf in The Mousetrap and Klever in The Case of the Frightened Lady. His other TV credits include Doctors, Casualty and Andy Capp.

He also lent his voice to Fifteen to One on Channel 4, and portrayed Mr Lakin in the ITV series Home Fires in 2015.

In September 2011, Mr Lowrie was recognised with a Guinness World Record for the longest interval between television appearances as the same character in the same programme

Mario said: “Dennis’s rebellious charm and turbulent relationships made him an instant fan favourite.”

Born in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, he honed his craft at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, thanks to his mother who managed to save enough for his tuition.

Post-graduation, he made his first appearance on the West End stage in Farewell, Farewell Eugene, sharing the limelight with Margaret Rutherford and Peggy Mount. Mr Lowrie was also a familiar face on Victoria Wood’s TV programmes, featuring in All Day Breakfast, As Seen on TV, Wood and Walters, among others.

Mario added: “He was a regular performer on comedian Victoria Wood’s television shows, appearing in her programmes Victoria Wood’s All Day Breakfast, Victoria Wood, The Mall, Pat and Margaret, Live In Your Own Room, We’d Like To Apologise, As Seen On TV and Wood and Walters.”

Philip joined Coronation Street at the age of 24 in 1960
A multifaceted actor, he took centre stage in numerous leading roles, such as Major Metcalf in The Mousetrap (2004), Klever in The Case of the Frightened Lady (2018), and Eric in The Lady Vanishes (2019).

The actor reminisced about his enduring career with Inside Soap in 2011, sharing his enthusiasm for his role: “I do hope [I can stay in Corrie], I’m having the best time of my life. I live in London, but now I work here in Manchester for a few days a week, so I have the best of both worlds.”

He continued, “At my time of life, to have a job that I love so much and getting to play such an amazing part, is fantastic. I can’t believe my luck, to be quite frank with you.”

Since the sad news broke, tributes to the beloved actor have been overwhelming. A distraught fan expressed their feelings online: “So sad to hear about the death of Philip Lowrie who played Dennis Tanner in Coronation Street. He appeared in the very first episode of the show nearly 65 years ago.”

Another shared their sorrow, commenting: “Saddened to hear of the passing of Philip Lowrie. Dennis Tanner was a rogue and I always hoped he’d return to #Corrie. Dennis lives on, I am sure, as his death off-screen in 2020 is bound to be another of Dennis’ scams! RIP to a Coronation St. original.”

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse has seen her two ITV talent shows, Dancing On Ice and The Masked Dancer, get the axe – but she’s hoping to appear regularly on another ITV show

Oti Mabuse has teased her next big TV career plan(Image: PA)

Oti Mabuse has teased she is hoping to slide into a regular role on another ITV show after her winter sport reality contest Dancing On Ice was canned by the network. The 34-year-old professional dancer shot to fame in the UK in 2015 when she joined the cast of the hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.

During her time on the talent show, she won twice – first with soap actor Kelvin Fletcher in 2019 then comedian Bill Bailey in 2020. She then quit the show after performing with rugby player Ugo Monye in 2021 – before defecting to ITV to take up a chair as a judge on Dancing On Ice in 2022.

But last month, ITV axed the long-running ice skating competition after viewing figures bombed – bringing to an end its 19 year on-off run. Oti has suffered further bad luck as her other ITV show, The Masked Dancer, on which she was a judge, was cancelled in 2024 after just two seasons.

However, the star has now hinted she hopes to land a new role on the network – as a regular panelist on iconic lunchtime talk show Loose Women. Fans of the current affairs discussion show – which includes Denise Welch, Coleen Nolan and Nadia Sawalha as panellists.

Oti made her debut as a guest panellist on the daytime show earlier this month – and viewers may see her appearing on the show more regularly. She has shared her dream of returning to the show in an interview with the Express.

Oti made her debut as a panellist on Loose Women earlier this month(Image: ITV)

The dancer told the publication: “That was amazing, it was really fun. I have to give it up to Ruth, Jayne and Denise because they were so lovely and we had so much fun, and they made me feel so welcome and at ease.

“I was obviously nervous, but it was nice to be padded around by people who know what they’re doing.” Oti went on to admit it had been less stressful to be a panellist on the series rather than as a guest.

She explained: “I was less nervous as a panellist than I am as a guest because as a guest there’s specific things that you have to say. Whereas a panellist, they just let you talk, and you discuss things and it’s like sitting with your friends and having a coffee and just chatting away.”

Viewers were touched to see Oti open up about difficult topics including her brother’s suicide, why she left Strictly, and her struggles with her body confidence. She revealed: “I think being on Loose [Women], which is what is so amazing about it, is that everybody’s got their independent life experiences.

“And I shared mine and I’m very open about it and I think since th jungle that has helped me to just be me and not be afraid of just being honest and being genuine and being authentic. Those things did happen and I don’t shy away from it.

“They don’t make me less than a person, if anything, I think I’m at a point in my life right now where I can address them and I know how to articulate and be sensitive because other people are going through the same thing, but it’s also to raise awareness.”

Last month ITV confirmed that Dancing On Ice would not be returning to screens following the 17th season, which concluded at the beginning of March. The show had been on the air since 2006 – although was taken off the air from 2015 until its revival in 2018.

An ITV spokesperson said: “Following another successful series earlier this year, Dancing On Ice will be rested in 2026 with no current plans for another series.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the cast and crew who have worked on the show since 2006, and over the previous 17 series, for all of their hard work both on and off the ice.”

Great British Bake Off star Prue Leith has been married to fashion designer John Playfair since 2016 and he has started sharing the limelight with her after they starred in their cooking show Cotswold Kitchen

Prue Leith has revealed her husband, John Playfair, is overshadowing her(Image: ITV)

Prue Leith says her husband has turned into a bigger telly star than her after their cookery show. Opening up about sharing the limelight with John Playfair, Great British Bake Off favourite Prue, 85, says he gets stopped by fans now and not her.

The pair opened the doors to their home for ITV series Cotswold Kitchen, which has made John an overnight celebrity. “People are always saying we’re like a 21st version of Fanny and Johnny Craddock,” Prue laughed. “I don’t know if I’m entirely delighted that he’s such a success. I’m supposed to be the telly star in the family!”

Recalling a recent encounter with a fan, Prue told: “We were in the checkout at the supermarket the other day and the girl on the till recognised John. She said, ‘Oh you’re the man on Cotswold Kitchen. I love that show. You’re wonderful! You’re so funny!’ and blah, blah, blah. And I’m stood there packing the bags and she hasn’t a clue who I am!”

Prue and retired fashion designer John married in 2016. It was Prue’s second marriage after her first husband Rayne Kruger died in 2002, aged 80. Opening up about their relationship this week, Prue said she wanted to make the most of their years together.

“I haven’t got much longer, I’m 85, I want to spend as much time as I can with him,” she said to Holly Rubenstein on The Travel Diaries podcast. So working together on their series has been perfect for the pair.

The couple have been starring on ITV’s Cotswold Kitchen(Image: Channel 4)

“He’s always up for anything,” explains Prue. “I was very conscious that filming takes place at our home and how disruptive that is because it usually takes longer than originally thought plus takes over far more of the house than just the kitchen. There are cables everywhere! I thought it would be such a pain for him so why not involve him? It seemed natural to pull him in.

“We do different things – John does the outside stuff. He’s always cutting the hedges or doing the verges or on a tractor or something. And he’s so much himself. There’s no point giving him a script or anything. He’s like me – just asks what questions he wants to ask.”

Lifting the lid on life on set, Prue reveals she’s had a specific clause written into her contract. “It’s in my contract that I have an hour’s nap after lunch,” she told. “At my age, I need a sleep in the afternoon when I’m working. Everyone loves it because it means they get an extra hour’s break every day – although they have to be quiet as ‘maddam’ is upstairs having a kip!”

Prue is well loved as a judge on Channel 4’s The Great British Bake Off(Image: PA)

At 85, Prue is showing no signs of slowing down. Sharing the secrets to her long and happy life?

“I eat well, I sleep well, and I guess I love well. I’m very happy. I think if you’re happy, you just do have more energy. I think when you’re unhappy, you just want to curl up and not do anything. So I think a lot to do is the fact that I am genuinely happy and I’ve got every bloody reason to be happy. I found happiness with John, having been a widow. My children and grandchildren are well and happy. This is the stuff that really matters plus I love my job, have no money worries and have a lovely house. I have had sadness in my life, of course I have. I’ve lost both my brothers and my younger brother was my best friend. But death happens.”

Missing the celebrity version of Great British Bake Off so she could take time off to travel and spend it with family, Prue is back for the regular series later this year and for the US version. So what is her future on the Channel 4 show?

“I honestly don’t know,” she admits. “We don’t often get a new contract until we’re actually filming a new series. When I stop doing it, I want to jump rather than be pushed. I’ll have to stop some time but right now I’m very happy.”

Former Big Brother host Davina McCall has revealed she’s been given the all clear after her recent brain surgery in a touching health update video shared today with her fans

TV star Davina McCall has revealed she’s been given the all clear after her recent brain surgery. The mum-of-three, 57, updated her fans with the joyous news as she took to Instagram with her boyfriend, Michael Douglas.

Sitting in the garden, beaming under the sun, after having an operation in November to remove a colloid cyst from her brain, Davina showed a brain scan showing her tumour and then a scan of it after it, totally gone. In the clip The Masked Singer star said: “We’d thought we’d post a final brain operation update.”

As her boyfriend Michael Douglas excitedly added: “It’s good news”. Davina went on: “Last week I had my final MRI. I was a bit nervous about it as I knew if any of it was left it would grow back and i would have to grow through the whole thing again, which I was prepared to do. I kind of mentally prepared for that. But it was clear. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who look after me so well. A heartfelt thank you to Kevin from both of us.”

In the caption of the video post on her Instagram, Davina penned: “So here it is. Our final brain surgery update. Had the final MRI this week. @brain.surgeon.uk got everything out during surgery , it’s not coming back . Thanks so so much to everyone at @onewelbeck and @clevelandclinic.”

( 
Image:
Instagram/davinamccall)

Thanking her mum, boyfriend, best friend and “amazing kids” for looking after her, she continued: “To my mum and @mdlondon for taking such good care of me . To Sarah for being my BFF to my amazing kids. To @brain.surgeon.uk for being the GOAT .”

The former Big Brother host then concluded: “I am so so grateful particularly because I know a lot of people have inoperable tumours and and I know I’m lucky to be able to draw a line under this and move on with my life when so many people can’t. And I’m just gonna say this one more time. Benign does not mean fine..”

Responding to her health update, fans quickly flocked to the comment section, as one replied: “So happy for you both. Made me cry with joy. Love the love that oozes from the both of you for each other.” While another said: “So happy for you and super, super proud of you”.

Fans were delighted for Davina and her boyfriend, Michael Douglas ( 
Image:
Instagram/davinamccall)
The seasoned star spoke in February about her how much her life and priorities had changed after she underwent brain surgery at the end of last year.

Davina found a colloid cyst by chance when she was given a free health scan after giving a talk on the menopause. She then had to decide when to have it removed as there were risks with the operation. However, if she didn’t remove the tumour, she was told: “very rarely it can also cause sudden death”.

Describing how she felt the tumour “had taken hold of me” and that it initially made her angry because it made her feel “every day like I’m in danger”, Davina said she learned to live with it, calling her new acquaintance Jeffrey as a coping mechanism.

She even threw parties for Jeffrey to downplay the potential impact to health and to try and stay positive. Speaking to Steven Bartlett in a special episode of her podcast, Begin Again, the star said her experience taught her a lot about herself.

She said “it has not changed me forever, but I’ve learned things about myself that I would never have learned without this operation or […] without the cyst.”

Reflecting stoically on her terrifying health scare, Davina concluded: “I’m pretty sure in two years’ time, I will see it as one of the greatest blessings of my life.”

Louise Minchin, who presented BBC Breakfast for over 20 years, has opened up about her time on the red sofa, her favourite interview and how running has helped her mental health

Louise presented BBC Breakfast for over 20 years and is now on another adventure

Louise Minchin might have swapped the famous red sofa on BBC Breakfast for her running shoes, but she’s back on the small screen and loving it.

The 56-year-old journalist, who ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon with daughter Mia recently (she shares Mia, 23, and Scarlett, 19, with husband of 25 years David), woke up the nation for over 20 years on BBC Breakfast, until she stepped down in 2021. But the broadcaster is as busy as ever – smashing fitness goals and appearing on Morning Live, as well as co-presenting iconic consumer show Rip-Off Britain, taking over from show stalwart Angela Rippon. Here, talking exclusively to new, Louise opens up about mental health, marathon life – and the next adventure on her bucket list…

Louise and her daughter are into running

Hi Louise, how are you? You were on BBC Breakfast for two decades. Are you missing those early morning starts?

I’m great, thanks. And no, I do not miss those early starts! I do miss the team, though. But I’m now on Morning Live and another show, so it’s nice being part of a new team, too.

What was your most memorable moment on BBC Breakfast?

Definitely the week we did called Wake Up To Menopause. It was before menopause became a bigger conversation – before Davina McCall really brought it into the spotlight. The response was incredible, and I’m really proud of that.

Was there a time in your career where you felt totally out of your comfort zone?

Oh yes, doing a celebrity episode of Gladiators! I’ve worked in TV for years and usually, sets look smaller in real life. But Gladiators? I walked in and thought, “Oh my gosh, what have I done?” It was massive and utterly terrifying. But also a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s some of the most fun I’ve ever had at work.

Louise was a presenter on BBC Breakfast

You’ve interviewed a lot of high-profile people. Who’s been your favourite?

Oh, George Clooney, hands down. But the funny thing is, I was late! I never would’ve been late for George, but it was the Tube’s fault. I was running to catch the lift, even though I hate crowded lifts, and it was closing. But George saved the day by holding that lift – we were both late in the end. The chat itself? Of course, it was great. It’s George flipping Clooney.

Away from TV, what does a typical family weekend look like?

We’ll honestly just do something simple together, like a swim or a pub lunch. I’ve got two dogs, and they’re great at the pub now, because they’ve been there so often! We do enjoy a nice lunch together. It’s just about relaxing and having fun as a family.

Hugely. Especially when I was on BBC Breakfast – there was a lot of pressure. Running gave me that time out. At first, my mind was racing, but over the years, running became my switch-off. Now, I don’t worry when I run. It’s helped so much with stress, I’d recommend it to everyone.

Louise Minchin attends the London landmarks half marathon at Trafalgar Square on April 06, 2025 in London, England

How did you get into running, then?

I actually gave up sport around age 15 – I used to be a good swimmer. Then I didn’t do much for many years. I got back into fitness during a challenge for BBC Breakfast in 2012. It was a velodrome race on bikes, and I hadn’t done competitive sport in probably 30 years. And, I just realised that it was amazing just how much it brought to me, you know, that excitement and that adrenaline, and so I went back into sport then and started doing triathlon and obviously you have to run as part of triathlon as well.

How do you motivate your daughter Mia when running?

We always run together when we race. She’s 23 and I’m 56 – she’s definitely the better runner. But where she has ability, I bring resilience. We’re good at pushing each other – “Come on, just 1K more,” or “Let’s get to that point.” It’s brilliant doing it as a team. I don’t think I could run without her now. We try to start and finish together.

What’s been your biggest fitness challenge to date?

I did a triathlon called Patagonman – which is supposedly, and probably is, the toughest triathlon in the world. You swim 3.8 kilometres, jumping off a ferry in the dark. Then cycle 180 kilometres, which is 112 miles, and finish by running a marathon. It took me about 16 hours to complete.

Louise has been married to her husband Dan since 1998

Any funny or embarrassing stories about running?

Oh gosh, I’ve got a million! One of the most embarrassing was during a triathlon – I ran onto the run course with my bike helmet still on! That was mortifying. Another time, I fell off my bike in Liverpool in the middle of a triathlon. Honestly, it was dramatic.

What’s one fitness myth you wish more people would stop believing?

That you need to be chasing “personal bests” all the time. I just run for fun. That’s what I want people to know – fitness is for everyone, and it doesn’t need to be competitive or performative.

What’s the perfect chill-out day for you?

Oh, I think my favourite kind of rest is being at home, hopping in a nice bubble bath, and watching something on Netflix.

And the next big adventure on your bucket list?

I’m planning to get into more long-distance running, particularly in the Lake District. I’m really looking forward to that challenge!

Gwyneth Paltrow has shut down rumours she’s been feuding with the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, in a recent interview after the pair united to slam rumours earlier this year

Gwyneth Paltrow says she isn’t close to Meghan Markle as she slams feud rumours

Gwyneth Paltrow revealed she doesn’t know Meghan Markle ‘super well’ as she shut down the feud rumours about them. The Shakespeare in Love actress, 52, said she only ‘hung out’ with the Duchess of Sussex, 43, a number of times and added she was ‘proud of her’.

Iron Man and Avengers actress Gwyneth had enough of the rumours circling about their friendship and quickly set the record straight on whether there were any disagreements between the two as she said she wouldn’t ‘be a pawn in some drummed up triangulation of women feud in order for your f***ing clickbait’, before demanding: “Leave us out of it.”

Gwyneth was asked about the so-called feud on a recent podcast(Image: @The World’s First Podcast With Erin & Sara Foster/YouTube)

Appearing on a recent episode of The World’s First Podcast With Erin & Sara Foster, Gwyneth was asked about the rumours of her and Meghan supposedly ‘hating each other’.

She answered: “You know what I won’t be at this point in my life? Like, I won’t be a pawn in some drummed up, you know, triangulation of women feud in order for your f***ing clickbait. Leave us out of it, leave us out it. Like, don’t do that. I will not stand for that.

“I wish Meghan nothing but the best. Like, like, it’s so great what she’s doing. I’m proud of her. Every woman deserves to go into anything that they want to do, like, people need to just check themselves.”

Meghan featured in Gwyneth’s recent Q&A session(Image: Instagram/gwynethpaltrow)

Gwyneth went on to reveal the duo’s relationship, explaining: “She lives in Montecito so I’ve seen her, I’ve hung out with her a few times. She seems really lovely. I don’t know her super well, but she seems really, really lovely.”

Last month, the actress took part in a Q&A session on her Instagram and answered a fan who asked if she was “comprehending the Meghan Markle beef that social media says you two have?”

“I genuinely do not understand this at all, whatsoever,” said a confused Gwyneth before she turned her head to ask someone in the room: “Do you understand this?”

She then moved her iPhone camera to reveal Meghan sitting right next to her. Meghan shrugged her shoulders as she giggled and leaned back in her chair while enjoying a slice of pie.

Some online followers have since suggested that the video was just a stunt – but that’s not true, according to body language expert Darren Stanton.

Speaking on behalf of Genting Casino, he observed how “loose and relaxed” the Duchess’ movements were, adding “if it were all for show you would be able to see some tension and awkwardness there”.

Darren further explained that the relaxed setting adds to his impression that there is a genuine friendship between Meghan and Gwyneth. “It firstly demonstrates that you have two very strong women.” he said. “They are happy to joke around with each other and their fans but also will be quick to stand up for themselves.”

King Charles and Prince Harry’s icy feud has shown no sign of thawing and as a special day family day approaches for Harry, it will highlight a ‘great loss’ for the monarch, according to royal expert Jennie Bond

Prince Harry and King Charles (Image: Getty Images)

Prince Harry’s bitter feud with his estranged father King Charles shows no sign of being resolved – and it’s having a heartbreaking knock-on effect. It means that Harry’s young children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have barely got to know their grandfather Charles, who is still undergoing cancer treatment.

The monarch previously told friends he is not content with only seeing his youngest grandchildren on video calls after meeting Archie only a handful of times and Lilibet once. In the coming weeks, the Sussexes will celebrate a special day when Archie turns six on May 6 – but it’s unlikely that the youngster’s royal relatives will be on hand to celebrate with him.

Harry and Meghan with their children Archie and Lilibet (Image: ARCHWELL)

And amid the feud, royal expert Jennie Bond believes it is still a “great sadness” for the King to be a stranger to his two grandchildren – as well as it seems these days to his youngest son, Harry. The former BBC royal correspondent told the Mirror : “He always loved Harry – he called him ‘darling boy’. And I’m sure he still does love Harry and would love even more to be able to spend time with Archie and Lilibet.

“Charles is a sentimental man and a doting grandfather to George, Charlotte and Louis. And I’m sure as his struggle with cancer continues, he thinks more about the great loss of not being able to spend time with Harry’s children.”

But it’s not just Charles who looks set to miss out, Harry’s estranged brother Prince William will also be distant. Harry and his older brother are not believed to have talked in years. And Jennie added: “I always imagined Harry and William remaining close and enjoying watching their children grow up together.

“And I guess there must be times when they both think the same. But there is absolutely no sign of the cousins ever getting to know one another.

Harry is also estranged from brother Prince William (Image: In Pictures via Getty Images)

“Harry probably has more time and reason than William to think about the rift that he has caused and I’m sure it is a great sadness to him. But he has chosen a different life in a different country, and that looks as if it is where he will stay.

“However, it would be very nice if the King, and William and Catherine, marked young Archie‘s sixth birthday in some way. After all, it’s not the poor little lad’s fault that all this has happened. So I hope that, either publicly or privately, they do at least send the little boy their good wishes.”

When it comes to Harry and his dad the King, their relationship too seems to be at a low ebb with their relationship described as “distant”. Harry’s calls and letters are said to have gone unanswered and the King is said to be keeping his distance to avoid being drawn into discussions about security, with his youngest son.

The security issue has long been considered to be a sticking point towards improving family relations between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family, especially the King.

And Jennie explained: “Harry must realise by now that he has put his father in an extraordinarily difficult position – suing the King’s own government. And that makes life – or indeed any conversation at all with Harry – very difficult for Charles.

“I wonder whether Harry realised at the start of this case just how hard it would make any communication with his father. Once the appeal judges have handed down their verdict, it will presumably be time for all those concerned to reassess the situation and see whether family relations can be improved. Harry certainly hasn’t made things any easier by insisting on taking this court case to the highest level.”