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  • Stacey Solomon shows the messiest room in her house and pleads ‘don’t judge me’

    Stacey Solomon shows the messiest room in her house and pleads ‘don’t judge me’

    ITV’s Loose Women panellist Stacey Solomon shared the current state of her home and begged viewers not to judge her for one particular room in a candid Instagram post

    Loose Women star Stacey Solomon is known for her Instagram-worthy Pickle Cottage but she recently gave fans a glimpse at the messiest room in her home.

    The mum of five took to Instagram to share the current state of her home and begged viewers not to judge her for one particular room, despite being the host for BBC’s hoarding-help show Sort Your Life Out.

    After completing her school run on Tuesday, Stacey posted several videos on her Instagram story to share recent projects in the family home named Pickle Cottage, which she shares with her husband Joe Swash and their collective six children. Stacey began with a girls room reset, showing soft pink walls featuring a neon sign of ‘Belle & Rose’, a vanity nook against a rose filled wall, and Lilo and Stitch themed bunk beds. The dreamy bedroom also featured a Swedish style rug and various trinkets, creating a calming environment for the under-three year olds.

    Stacey captioned one photo of the girls hanging hoodie robes, saying: “Feels SO Good. To have everything in its own space, all their little figurines in tubs etc. Its also freed up space downstairs and I’ve left some shelves empty for future bits and bobs”.

    Stacey Solomon's messiest room in her house- the utility room
    Stacey Solomon captions video of her utility room as the messiest in the house 
    Image:
    Instagram)

    Stacey Solomon's messiest room in her house- the utility room
    The mum says drawers are fifty percent full of empty boxes and old medicine 
    Image:
    Instagram)

    The story then panned “from the cleanest room in the house to the messiest” as Stacey exposed her fans to her utility room, repeatedly saying “don’t judge me”, which she also wrote in big bold letters over the top of the clip. She revealed her next task to tackle was the cluttered room by “completely empty[ing]” the pale green cupboards, ready to be prepped for painting. She said: “I’m going to organise it outside the utility so that when the painting is done, I can just put everything back in there.”

    “Half of the stuff in these cupboards are just empty boxes, out of date medicine… I’ve just got to sort it out properly”, said the mum, claiming she needed the video as “evidence for just how bad it had got” and shared how excited she was to start again.

    The need to plead with viewers to not to judge her perhaps stems from her being the host of BBC’s show Sort Out Your life, and organisational show that supports members of the public to descale the contents of their cupboards/wardrobes in an effort to give as many people the satisfaction of a clean, decluttered home they deserve. Previously known for blowing Simon Cowell away in 2009’s X Factor, the star now has a Mary Condo-esque reputation when it comes to her own home.

    However Stacey’s fans took to the comments to reassure her, insisting that “we all have a messy room”, it “shows it’s lived in” and that here was “no judgement here”.

    Being prepped for Stacey’s usual pink theme, the current green cupboards were opened to reveal old boxes, pet food, washing detergent and medicine – amongst other things. Stacey hoped that this would be “a nice little reminder that if you live in your house, sometimes it gets like this! And nothing stays perfect forever!”.

    Her last video left viewers sharing in the satisfaction of Stacey emptying out her cupboards, and deep cleaning the coat-and-shoes nook labelled after each of her children. Stacey celebrated completing the task, saying: “I’ve built up so much STUFF in here, it’s terrible. So many empties/a few OOD (out of date) shoes the kids have grown out of”, and explained how “there’s a hidden storage nook in the seating are I forgot about”

    “I need to plan better when I bring things back in. But first, PINK.” said the star, who’s method was “shoving things onto a sheet and dragging them out” – joking that was her “life hack of the day”.

    Stay's emptied utility room
    Stacey shared her emptied utility room, ready to be prepped for its makeover 
    Image:
    Instagram)

    Stay's emptied utility room
    The room features adorable coat nook that assigns cubby holes for Stacy’s children 
    Image:
    Instagram)The star has previously opened up on her blended family, sharing how her eldest sons, Zachary, 15, and Leighton, 11, struggled with being separated from their mother and siblings when spending time with their respective dads. In an interview last year, Stacey shared how she would beat herself up for not being able to provide a “normal, perfect family all under one roof” however realised how “normal, and perfect” her family is for them.

    Sons Zachary and Leighton now seemed to have followed in Joe Walsh’s footsteps in TV family tradition as they land a role in Hollyoaks, posted on the soap’s Instagram the same day.

  • The Chase star struggled to film ITV show as he opens up on heartbreaking death

    The Chase star struggled to film ITV show as he opens up on heartbreaking death

    Darragh Ennis, also known as The Menace on ITV quiz show The Chase, appeared on Loose Women on Wednesday (January 22), where he opened up about losing his dad to dementia

    The Chase star Darragh Ennis has revealed he struggled to film the ITV gameshow after his dad died from dementia.

    Darragh, who is also known as The Menace, appeared on Loose Women on Wednesday (January 22) to discuss his father’s battle with the neurological disease.

    After losing his dad in July 2024, Darragh shared that was “playing to a script” while going about his daily life, especially when he returned to The Chase.

    “In the end it was quite sudden. He had been physically quite well but then I got a phone call, and I barely made it home in time,” he said, adding that he was left “broken” inside.

    Darragh Ennis
    Darragh Ennis appeared on Loose Women on Wednesday (January 22) 
    Image:
    ITV)

    “We had a natural break in filming, but when I did go back to work, I was put under that stressful situation,” Darragh continued.

    He revealed that he struggled to answer questions under time restraint, saying: “Normally when I start making mistakes, I’d naturally be able to handle it.

    “I’d just plant my feet and keep going, but this time when I went to put my feet down, there was nothing underneath them. They just fell away.”

    Darragh also shared that he got “camera shy” as the pressure completely “overwhelmed” him.

    Darragh Ennis
    Darragh Ennis lost his father to dementia in July 2024 
    Image:
    ITV)
    “I had a couple of episodes like that, where every time I tried to reach for that part of myself that’s normally very calm under pressure, it wasn’t there anymore,” he continued.

    Darragh explained that the producers quickly clocked onto his struggles and offered him extra time off. They’ve also arranged for counselling

    When he was first offered help, Darragh initially “shrugged it away” as he didn’t want to admit that he was struggling. Once he accepted the support, he acknowledged that it felt like he was being saved from “drowning”.

    In light of his experiences, Darragh has since become an Ambassador for grief charity At a Loss.

    The Chase airs weekdays at 5pm on ITV1

  • Prince Harry to ‘protest’ against Royal Family on UK visit by ‘rejecting offer’

    Prince Harry to ‘protest’ against Royal Family on UK visit by ‘rejecting offer’

    Prince Harry is set to make a solo trip to the UK next month as part of his ongoing trial at the High Court – and he will use his visit to send a message to the royals, according to an expert

    Prince Harry will likely reject an offer from the royal family when he returns to the UK next month as a form of “protest”, a royal author has claimed.

    Harry is expected to travel to London alone in the coming weeks in order to appear before the High Court for his ongoing trial against News Group Newspapers (NGN).

    It’s understood that wife Meghan Markle will remain at their Montecito home with their two children, as she has done on previous occasions.

    Given Harry’s fractured relationship with the royals, it’s not known if he will reunite with any members of his family during his trip in London. Prince William is said to have completely cut ties with his younger brother, while King Charles was ‘too busy’ to see Harry during his visit in London in May 2024.

    Now, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliam has predicted that Harry will turn down an offer to stay at Buckingham Palace next month, as some sort of protest.

    He told GB News: “We do know that Buckingham Palace was offered for the last visit and rejected in favour of a hotel. Now, that’s never been explained. I don’t understand. It’s obviously part of a protest.”

    He added: “So far as security is concerned, we know he’s appealing the Home Office’s decision not to automatically grant him security. Who would have thought he’d prefer a hotel to Buckingham Palace?”

    It’s been five years since Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step down as working royals. Since then, they have become practically estranged from the royals after making a series of scathing allegations against the monarchy. And the rift is all the more painful for King Charles for one particular reason.

    The monarch is said to be greatly saddened by the fact he has only seen Harry and Meghan’s children a handful of times. They are being raised in the States, thousands of miles away, and it’s believed the King has only met granddaughter Lilibet just once since she was born. Instead, he has watched them grow up in rare photographs and clips of the siblings on Harry and Meghan’s public social media.

    Royal expert Jennie Bond told The Mirror: “It must remain a great sadness to the King to be so distant from his two US-based grandchildren – he hardly knows them and there’s no prospect of that changing any time soon. The early years in a child’s life are so magical – and once they’re gone, they’re gone. I hope the King doesn’t dwell on his loss too much, but it must hurt. Maybe, behind the scenes, Harry and Meghan have sent pictures to the King… we can but hope!”

    The Duke has only made a handful of trips back to the UK in recent years, attending the funeral of Prince Philip and the late Queen, and briefly visiting Charles after his cancer diagnosis. Having lost his tax-payer-funded security when he quit the Royal Family, Harry has said he does not feel safe bringing his children and wife to the UK.

  • Kate Middleton shares hidden struggle of ‘tough’ cancer treatment for the first time

    Kate Middleton shares hidden struggle of ‘tough’ cancer treatment for the first time

    Princess Kate has made her first solo public engagement for more than a year – and it was an especially poignant outing for the mother-of-three as she returned to the hospital that treated her

    The Princess of Wales has paid a poignant visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, the very same facility where she received treatment for cancer.

    Making her first solo public engagement for more than a year, the future Queen took the opportunity to personally thank the staff for their exceptional care, support and compassion over the past year, as well as to show her support to those currently going through treatment.

    Walking through the front revolving door, she said: “Coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it’s quite nice.”

    Talking to a patient who has just started chemotherapy, Kate described the affects on family as being ‘really, really tough’. “The treatments are really so different and so varied, It impacts families differently,” she said.

    The Princess of Wales at the Royal Marsden Hospital today
    The Princess of Wales at the Royal Marsden Hospital today 
    Image:
    Russell Myers/ Reach PLC)

    When one patient told her, “I think you’ve managed the children amazingly well,” Kate replied, “It’s just trying to do the best…”

    Talking about her own journey, she continued: “You think treatment is finished, crack on with that… daily tasks… but that’s still a real challenge. And understanding that as a patient, yes, there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long term side effects.”

    Kate announced that she had completed her own chemotherapy treatment at the end of last summer, having been diagnosed with the disease in February. Doctors made the cancer diagnosis after she spent two weeks at The London Clinic in Marylebone following abdominal surgery.

    After announcing a leave of absence from royal life, Kate, 43, managed to make public appearances at the King’s official birthday in London, Trooping the Colour in London, and joined her sister Pippa and daughter Princess Charlotte at the Wimbledon Championships last June.

    She looks set to make a return to official duties over the coming months. But Kensington Palace was keen to stress that the guidance around the Princess’ return to public facing engagements hasn’t changed and would continue to be gradual. Her visit to the Marsden was so she could reflect on her own personal journey.

    A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “The Princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world leading care and treatment the Marsden provides.”

    Kate Middleton talking to a patient at the Royal Marsden Hospital
    The visit marked Kate’s first official engagement alone since returning to work after cancer treatment 
    Image:
    Russell Myers/ Reach PLC)
    During the visit, the mother-of-three met with staff and patients who are currently receiving treatment.

    It has also been announced that the Princess is joining her husband Prince William as joint Royal Patron of the Royal Marsden.

    The Royal Marsden is a research active cancer centre and plays an important role in helping advance cancer treatment for others in the UK and around the world. In her role as joint Royal Patron, Kensington Palace said the Princess is looking forward to supporting The Marsden’s work in advancing cancer research, treatment, and care as well as learning more about how it can benefit patients in the future.

    It comes after a royal insider reiterated that fans will have to have patience when it comes to seeing Kate on a more regular basis. A source told the Daily Mail : “There is no huge reset button that’s going to be hit in January. What we will actually see is a slow continuation of the Princess balancing her recovery and her public-facing duties, as she outlined back in September [when she warned her recovery was still ongoing despite having completed her chemotherapy].

    “Cancer impacts on your perspective, and what you have seen in the decisions they have made over the last year is that family and their children continue to be at the centre of their universe. Both Their Royal Highnesses have a strong commitment to duty, service and using their platform for good. But what they are working on is ways they can balance themselves as parents with being the Prince and Princess of Wales.”

  • Queen Elizabeth’s military history as granddaughter follows royal tradition

    Queen Elizabeth’s military history as granddaughter follows royal tradition

    Lady Louise Windsor, the daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, was pictured sporting her new military uniform after taking up the extra-curricular activity at the University of St Andrews

    Lady Louise Windsor is following in her grandmother Queen Elizabeth’s military footsteps as she takes on her university’s Officer Training Course. Lady Louise, 21, studies English at St Andrews University in Fife where she has joined the extra-curricular activity on the side of her demanding degree.

    She was pictured wearing face camouflage, decked out in combat gear and holding a helmet labelled “Windsor”. Her grandmother would no doubt be proud as she follows in her military footsteps.

    The late Queen joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1945, becoming the first female member of the Royal Family to join the Armed Services as a full-time active member. If Lady Louise, who is 16th in line to the throne, chooses to follow in her footsteps, she will be the first female member of the family to do so since her grandmother.

    Lady Louise at St Andrews University
    Lady Louise has taken on the extra-curricular activity at St Andrews University 
    Image:
    standrewsuotc/Instagram)
    The late Queen was not given a special rank and started out as a second subaltern, working on driving and vehicle maintenance. She was later promoted to junior commander, the equivalent of a captain, before earning herself the nickname “Princess Auto Mechanic” after pictures emerged of her working on vehicles.

    More images shared by the Tayforth University Officers’ Training Corps (TUOTC) on social media show Lady Louise standing by the Union Flag in a brown jacket and tartan skirt. One source told The Sun: “Louise has loved every minute of being a member of the officer cadets at university.

    “She talks about being very keen on a career in the military, serving the King and country. She’s received basic Army officer training and is more determined than ever to serve in the future.

    “She fitted the officer training corps around her studies and has benefited hugely from the skills that she has been taught. She is all about the Army cadets and has fallen in love with it.”

    Lady Louise had a close bond to her grandparents and was the first royal to officially carry the late Duke of Edinburgh’s Mountbatten surname. Taking on military duties in the royal family is not uncommon.

    Lady Louise in line with other army cadets at university
    Lady Louise was said to be very close to her grandparents 
    Image:
    standrewsuotc/Instagram)

    Lady Louise in her military uniform
    Lady Louise is 16th in line to the throne 
    Image:
    standrewsuotc/Instagram)

    Both Prince William and Prince Harry have taken on military roles in the past. The Prince of Wales completed a 44-week training course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was commissioned as an army officer in December 2006.

    Meanwhile, Harry completed two operational tours of Afghanistan during his 10-year military course, and went on to found the Invictus Games that supports injured or sick veterans. In 2007, he was deployed to the Gelmand province where he served as a forward air controller, before qualifying as a co-pilot gunner in 2012 and deploying to Camp Bastion.

    In addition to her basic weapons training, Lady Louise will undergo leadership lessons and a “course in navigating tough terrain under pressure”.

  • Prince William throws punches as he jokes ‘it’s been a while’

    Prince William throws punches as he jokes ‘it’s been a while’

    Prince William dropped into the Centrepoint’s charity base in Ealing in west London, where he spoke to those facing homelessness and joined in with a boxing class

    Prince William put on his boxing gloves and threw a few punches on a charity visit today.

    The Prince of Wales dropped into the Centrepoint base in Ealing, north west London, where he spoke to youngsters who have turned their lives around with the help of the organisation. William, who this year celebrated 20 years as patron of the charity, used his visit to ask how Centrepoint has been pivotal in helping the service users get back on their feet after the ‘cliffface’ of homelessness, before going on to start university courses and even set up businesses.

    After being welcomed to the centre – which offers 17 beds for young people aged 16 to 25 – William was subbed into a competitive game of table football. The heir, who looked relaxed in a blue cardigan and chinos, said: “This looks like it’s getting serious, I don’t want to let you down!”

    Prince William joins a boxing sparring session at the Centrepoint homeless charity
    Prince William joins a boxing sparring session at the Centrepoint homeless charity 
    Image:
    POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
    As he attempted to defend his goal, service user Bethany, 24, told the Prince how she had been left homeless at the age of 17 with a young child before going on to study at the London School of Economics. William said: “You are one of the shining examples of how Centrepoint can help people, can you tell me about the transition of how you came into contact with everyone here?”

    Bethany said: “It was close several times to being on the streets, but we were given accommodation that just wasn’t suitable for a young child. When I finally got into contact with Centrepoint they helped me so much with my life skills and everything that was going on with my situation that I was able to go to university, it was totally transformative. It was the safety net I needed and without them I do not know where I would be now.”

    William has been patron of Centrepoint for 20 years
    William has been patron of Centrepoint for 20 years 
    Image:
    PA)
    After drawing the match 2-2, William conceded “we’ll call it an honourable draw” before Centrepoint CEO Seyi Obakin joined the conversation. Mr Obakin told the prince of the importance of “catching young people before it’s too late” and how the charity was constantly working on “identifying ways in which we can help early on”.

    William said: “This is it, and this is what I hear time and time again, the safety net that is needed. Because without it, the alternatives are very real and have huge knock on effects.”

    The Prince was then taken outside to join a fitness session run by the Boxwise Foundation. The organisation, founded by philanthropist Nick Maughan who also serves as a trustee of Tusk Trust of which William is a patron, works with the most disadvantaged and vulnerable young people across the UK, striving to reduce the rates of gang violence and knife crime through sport, community and opportunity.

    William in a game of table football
    William in a game of table football 
    Image:
    Getty Images)
    William dived straight after being handed a pair of gloves by Charlie Beatt, a professional coach who has spearheaded the careers of world champions, saying: “You guys look like you’re professionals already!” Mr Beatt took William and a group of five youngsters through a set of boxing drills, throwing left and right jabs followed by a left hook leading the future king to admit: “I’m working up a sweat already”.

    After congratulating him on his skillset, William told the trainer: “I might get back into boxing! It’s been a while, a long time actually, but it’s seriously hard work.” Palace aides said the purpose of William’s visit was to “listen and learn” about the ways in which Centrepoint has used decades of experience to help people who find themselves on the edges of society.

    The prince is now in his second year of a five-year programme ‘Homewards’, which is aimed at bringing together those suffering from homelessness with businesses, charities and local authorities. The project, run by his Royal Foundation team, has been working in targeted locations including Aberdeen, Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, Lambeth, Newport, Sheffield and Northern Ireland – to build relationships with the private and public towards the goal to end homelessness.

    Back inside the centre William spoke to Nora, 21, who was described as a “shining example” of the success of the organisation after setting up her own hairdressing salon and beauty clinic despite being homeless in her teens. She told the prince more needed to be done to help young people stay in education instead of being forced to give up their dreams if they find themselves homeless.

    Palace aides said the purpose of William’s visit was to "listen and learn"
    Palace aides said the purpose of William’s visit was to “listen and learn” 
    Image:
    PA)William said: “That is truly amazing and quite a big deal to have opened up your own business so well done to you. We have to do more to help people as early as possible, because the clifface is quite big. It can be a steep curve upwards if you get the right support, but a huge drop off if you don’t.” Agreeing with the prince, Nora said: “You can’t really build a life if you don’t have the stability, so that is key.”

    Following the visit Mr Obakin said William was a “true ambassador” for the cause, adding: “We couldn’t ask for more. The more he takes on, the more he knows he could be open to criticism. People can say ‘oh you live in a palace, what do you know about this situation’, but he listens and he can be the change.

    “Everything is laced with risk for him, whether the criticism is that he is being too political or stepping out of his lane, but we need him and we support each other.”

    Kensington Palace said Centrepoint, as a key partner of the prince’s homelessness project, would help to advise The Royal Foundation on the design of the programme, and provide advice and guidance on its ongoing development. A spokesperson said: “As you all know, Homewards is now in its second year and The Prince is focussed on the action that can take place across the six locations. He will no doubt take inspiration from the innovative approach he saw at Centrepoint today.”

    It comes as William’s estranged brother Prince Harry’s trial against the owners of The Sun newspaper was delayed today. It is not believed that the brothers will see each other if, and when, Harry does return to the UK.

    The pair’s infamous feud was deepened after Harry released his autobiography, Spare, in which he claimed a row with William over his wife Meghan once turned physical.

    Harry wrote: “He set down the water, called me another name, then came at me. It all happened so fast. So very fast. He grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor. I landed on the dog’s bowl, which cracked under my back, the pieces cutting into me. I lay there for a moment, dazed, then got to my feet and told him to get out.”

    Prince William has never responded to Harry’s claims.

  • Prince Harry’s court battle with Murdoch papers suffers major delay as judge raises ‘concerns’

    Prince Harry’s court battle with Murdoch papers suffers major delay as judge raises ‘concerns’

    Prince Harry’s trial against News Group Newspapers (NGN) was due to begin at the High Court today but has been pushed back due to a series of issues, it has been confirmed

    Prince Harry’s latest legal battle at the High Court has been hit by major delays today.

    The Duke of Sussex’s trial against the publisher of The Sun was due to get underway this morning, but was delayed after three requests from the legal teams.

    Harry, and former Labour deputy leader Lord Tom Watson, are suing News Group Newspapers (NGN) over allegations of unlawful information-gathering. NGN, which also ran the now-defunct News Of The World, denies any unlawful activity took place at The Sun. The Duke has not travelled from his home in California to London for the opening day. It is expected he will come to the UK early next month when he is scheduled to give evidence.

    Harry at a previous High Court hearing
    Harry at a previous High Court hearing 
    Image:
    AFP via Getty Images)
    The trial was due to start at 10.30am on Tuesday but was delayed twice to 2pm before a request was made by barristers for both sides for a third adjournment until 10am on Wednesday. But Mr Justice Fancourt refused the request, stating the two sides had had “ample time to seek to resolve their differences”.

    Requesting a third adjournment, Anthony Hudson KC, for NGN, said the parties “have been involved in very intense negotiations over the last few days and the reality is we are very close”, adding that there were “time difference difficulties”. He said: “Very unusually, both parties are in complete agreement that this is a very important step. The number of times the parties have been in agreement in this litigation are very few and far between.”

    He continued: “We do believe in the long run that this will give significant benefit to the court. For the sake of two hours, we are very concerned that if we don’t have these two hours, something that is capable of being achieved may not be achieved. The reason there is a real difficulty today is to do with time difference issues.

    “These time difference difficulties will be resolved very shortly this afternoon and that is why we do suggest that if My Lord is willing to resume tomorrow at 10am, that could make a very significant difference to the parties.”

    David Sherborne, for the Duke and Lord Watson, said: “Mr Hudson and I would not be asking for further time if we did not think it stood any prospect of potentially saving a lot of court time.” The parties could now go to the Court of Appeal in a bid to challenge the decision not to allow a third adjournment.

    Dismissing the request for a third delay, Mr Justice Fancourt said: “I made it clear this morning when granting the second adjournment that it would be the final adjournment. I see no reason to change my mind. I am not satisfied on the basis of what I have been shown so far that the trial should not proceed at this time and will therefore not allow the further adjournment.”

    He then refused the parties permission to appeal against his decision, but said: “I’m not going to stand in the way of access to justice if the parties wish to go to the Court of Appeal.” The High Court trial, which could last up to 10 weeks, is set to resume at 10am on Wednesday.

  • Exclusive: Strictly star Giovanni Pernice’s heartache as he confesses to fans: ‘I lost all my friends’

    Exclusive: Strictly star Giovanni Pernice’s heartache as he confesses to fans: ‘I lost all my friends’

    Strictly Come Dancing star opens up about his heartache on the first night of his tour in an emotional outburst

    Strictly star Giovanni Pernice says he lost all his friends in the aftermath of the Amanda Abbington allegations, saying: “Nobody wanted to be seen with me.”

    Speaking on the first night of his tour on Monday night in High Wycombe, Giovanni says how everyone shunned him – leaving him heartbroken. “I felt like the world collapsed….I didn’t have anybody around me,” he said. “All the people that were supposed to be my friend disappeared.”

    He says how he “felt alone”, adding: “Nobody wanted to see me, they were like ‘oh you can’t be with him’.

    Giovanni had been accused of being a bully by his dance partner. An internal BBC investigation later upheld six of 17 complaints against him but not those of physical aggression. Before the allegations, Gio said he felt “like I was on the top of my game.” He says: “I was untouchable, was a superhero….but fate did have different plans for me.”

    Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice on Strictly It Takes Two
    At War: Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice on Strictly It Takes Two 
    Image:
    BBC)
    But he says how he got through the ordeal by remaining positive. “I always had a voice in my head, saying ‘don’t worry….we know that all of this is going to finish. One day you’ll be back on top and you will feel again.” He says how he took great solace in his musical “idol”.

    He added: “There was always one voice. My idol here, Freddie (Mercury ). He would say to me, ‘Giovanni , don’t worry. Whatever happen. Remember the show has to go on.’

    The Italian professional, 34, has previously insisted he was merely a “strict teacher” but was never a bully to the Sherlock star, 50.

    He added at the end of last year: “Bully is a big word and there’s a difference between being a bully and caring about what you do. “I’m glad 11 allegations have been thrown out. At the beginning there were very serious allegations, for instance threatening her or abusing her, and all of this has been taken out.

    “I’m a strict teacher. I said it myself. I care about my job. I’m very competitive.”

    Amanda has since told how in the year since she made the complaints she has been accused of accused of “being a liar, a ­troublemaker and of being ‘mad and unstable’”.

    Amanda Abbington
    Tearful: Amanda Abbington 
    Image:
    ITV News)

    She added: “I’ve also received rape and murder threats. My family and children have been subjected to threats and intimidation.

    “Despite this vile abuse, I’ve never regretted coming forward, and today’s apology from the BBC is a vindication of my complaint. It’s also a vindication for the others who have contacted me to express concerns about their own ­experiences on Strictly.”

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  • ITV Love Island fans fume ‘no one cares’ as they beg for format change

    ITV Love Island fans fume ‘no one cares’ as they beg for format change

    Love Island fans were left fuming tonight over a particular part of the ITV2 show as they begged for a format change for the next series

    Love Island fans were left fuming – as they begged for a format change.

    The All Stars series is back on our screens with a new set of Islanders from past series returning to the villa in the hope of finding love. Tonight, Curtis and Ekin-Su headed out on a date to an alpaca farm, as the pair explored their connection.

    Reading out the text from Love Island bosses, she shared: “Ekin-Su, it’s time for you and Curtis to head out for your first date. Please get ready to leave the Villa. #FirstDateFeels #Al-Pak-A-YourAGame”

    “I’ve been wanting to go on a date, a different vibe just us two on our own,” Curtis told her before they headed over to the Alpaca farm and Ekin-Su was quick to point out two alpacas, which she called “me and you”.

    Asked how Curtis’ friends might feel about her, Ekin-Su asked: “Do you think your friends would approve of someone like me?” whilst Curtis replied: “Of course they would approve of you, you’re bloody awesome!”

    However, fans were left frustrated by the dating segment and urged for a format change.

    Curtis and Ekin-Su went on a date
    Curtis and Ekin-Su went on a date 
    Image:
    ITV)
    “Surely producers see all these posts? NO ONE CARES ABOUT THESE STUPID DATES. #LoveIsland,” one wrote, as a second added: “when i wanted to skip that ekin and curtis date so bad and remembered im watching live #LoveIslandAllStars #LoveIsland.”

    A third penned: “Watching Ekin and Curtis on this date, feel like I’m watching your mum my dad whatever it’s called lmao #LoveIsland,” as another wrote: “They wasted 15 mins of our life on that date #loveisland #LoveIslandAllStars.”

    Another shared: “Get this dry date off my screen! #LoveIslandAllStars #LoveIsland,” whilst one viewer wrote: “I promise you we don’t care or didn’t ask for this ekin su and Curtis date #LoveIslandAllStars #LoveIsland.”

    Ekin-Su arrived on the first day as a bombshell. Speaking about what she wanted, she said: “I’d like a man that will love me when I’m in the worst mood possible but still understands why and has no judgments.

    “I’d like someone supportive, I don’t care about looks and money – I want someone to be my biggest cheerleader.”

    When he entered the villa, Curtis admitted: “I feel like I’m in a different stage in my life. The idea of settling down is a serious idea in my life right now. I haven’t found my true love… that sounds so cheesy doesn’t it. So, I thought, let’s give it another go. It was great fun last time; a lotof emotions. I feel excited to go back. I’m going to have a great fun time and hopefully leave with someone.”

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  • Linda Robson’s absense from ITV Loose Women addressed after Pauline Quirke announcement

    Linda Robson’s absense from ITV Loose Women addressed after Pauline Quirke announcement

    Loose Women addressed Linda Robson’s was missing from the ITV daytime show on the same day Pauline Quirke’s husband Steve Sheen announced the actress has been diagnosed with dementia

    Loose Women have spoken out on Linda Robson’s absence from the panel following a health announcement concerning Pauline Quirke.

    On Tuesday (January 21), Pauline’s other half, Steve Sheen, revealed with a heavy heart that his wife had been diagnosed with dementia and would be retiring from her acting career.

    Steve, wed to the Birds of a Feather icon since 1996, disclosed that the diagnosis came in 2021. The Loose Women team, comprised of Ruth Langsford, Kéllé Bryan, Janet Street-Porter, and Jane Moore, dedicated part of the Tuesday episode to commend Pauline, recalling her time as a guest chair on the show.

    Ruth divulged that show regular Linda, who famously joined Pauline on Birds of a Feather, was aware of her friend’s struggle for “some time” and would’ve shared more if not for her vacation. “Linda Robson, obviously great friends with Pauline, is actually away at the moment, otherwise she would have joined us today to talk about her friend. And obviously she has known for some time,” explained Ruth.

    ITV Loose Women's Linda Robson 'shaken' after text message from 'daughter' while on air
    ITV Loose Women’s Linda Robson ‘shaken’ after text message from ‘daughter’ while on air

    Previously, hubby Steve expressed in his statement: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce my wife Pauline’s decision to step back from all professional and commercial duties due to her diagnosis of dementia in 2021.”

    He continued, saluting the support they’ve received, “We are deeply grateful for the support of her peers, the public and the dedicated staff and Principals at PQA [Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts].”, reports the Liverpool Echo.

    Linda Robson DBase and Paulince Quirke
    Loose Women address Linda Robson’s absence after Pauline Quirke announcement 
    Image:
    BBC)
    The family of Pauline, the star best known for leading the cast of Birds of a Feather alongside Linda and Lesley Joseph, are asking for privacy during what they describe as a challenging time. They shared, “We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period. Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren.”

    Andrea McLean, Linda Robson, Pauline Quirke and Jane Moore
    Pauline has previously appeared as a Loose Women panellist 
    Image:
    Rex)

    In showing their commitment to making a difference, Pauline’s family has vowed to continue their support for Alzheimer’s Research UK, collaborating with the charity to help fund essential research and increase awareness of dementia.

    Birds of a Feather, which hilariously captures the lives of two sisters and their extravagant neighbour, was a hit on BBC One from 1989 to 1998 before being revived by ITV between 2014 and 2020. Pauline’s extensive career also boasts roles in Emmerdale, Broadchurch, Cold Blood, and Missing.