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  • Exclusive: Coleen Nolan explains her number one priority after shock split from lover

    Exclusive: Coleen Nolan explains her number one priority after shock split from lover

    Loose Women star Coleen cites her busy lifestyle and juggling work while settling into her home as the reason for the relationship with Michael Jones ending

    Coleen Nolan is embracing being single again after splitting from her partner of three years by throwing herself into life on her new farm.

    The Loose Women favourite recently parted ways with supermarket logistics worker Michael Jones.

    She cites her busy lifestyle, juggling work with settling into her home, was the reason for the relationship ending. And while breaking up was sad for the mum of three, she says the pair ended things on good terms. Coleen, 59, reveals: “We’ve decided that we would rather just stay friends. It’s nothing to do with anyone else, it’s nobody’s fault.

    “But I’m really busy and when I’m not really busy with work I’m busy on the farm and I feel personally that I can’t give time to everything. We still get along great and hopefully we can continue to be friends, who knows?” This isn’t the first time Coleen has stayed pals with an ex – she counts former husbands actor Shane Richie and musician Ray Fensome among her best friends.

    She tells our sister title OK! magazine: “I think that comes from age and experience. With it being my 60th next year, I think ‘I haven’t got time, life’s too short’. I mean, I hope I have lots of time. But I’m not 20 any more, I don’t want to wait for two years and see what happens. I’m not going to say it wasn’t sad, because of course it was. But I really hope that once that sadness goes away we can continue to be friends.”

    Coleen, who found fame in the 1980s singing in the girl group the Nolan Sisters with her siblings Maureen, Anne, Belinda, Linda and Bernie, has no regrets over her romance with Michael, who she met in 2021.

    She says: “It was fabulous. Michael came along at just the right time for me and I think over the last three and a half years we’ve helped each other grow. I always choose to focus on the times that were great, not the sad ending. The last two years of both my marriages were probably horrendous, but equally the 10 years before were fantastic.”

    Coleen Nolan and daughter Ciara Fensome
    Coleen Nolan and daughter Ciara Fensome 
    Image:
    OK! Magazine / David Cummings)
    Her new six-acre property in Staffordshire is a rather big focus at present, as is realising her dream of owning a real farm. bColeen recalls: “Even when I was little and I was with my sisters, Dad would say to me, ‘You just need to be on a farm, you need to be with animals’. I can still hear him saying it.”

    Now she spends three to four hours a day mucking out and feeding the animals – they have three horses, five dogs, six cats, five ducks, two cockerels, four hens and five pygmy goats – and finds huge freedom in it. She says: “It’s just a wonderful feeling, it really is my happy place. The best thing about it is, the animals don’t care whether I’ve got make-up on, or what I’m wearing. As long as I’m giving them food, letting them out or taking them for a walk, they don’t care about anything else.

    “Because I’m in an industry that is fabulous, but also means you’re judged by everything you do, being on the farm where nothing matters and no one is judging me is a wonderful feeling. Coleen shares the farm with her daughter Ciara, 23, and Ciara’s fiance Max, who live in what used to be a separate Airbnb place on the plot.

    Coleen and Ciara love being neighbours
    Coleen and Ciara love being neighbours 
    Image:
    OK! Magazine / David Cummings)
    And the star is delighted to have them so close by. She says: “If I had to have neighbours, they’d be the ones I’d want. Although I think they think I’m the local Tesco Express because Ciara will come up and leave with a Tesco bag of whatever she’s found in my fridge. But then she’s like my local restaurant because I’ll go up there for my dinner and then come home again.

    “So I can’t really complain when she comes and steals the ingredients.” Coleen has two older children, Shane Jnr, 36, and Jake, 32, from her marriage to her first husband, EastEnders actor Shane, 60, while Ciara’s dad is Coleen’s second husband, Ray. Her daughter also cherishes the farm, saying: “I’m absolutely loving living here. It went from a house to a home within a couple of days.

    “We’re actually living my dream life, too, and I’m so grateful. I couldn’t be more proud of her. I look out my window in the morning and can see the horses and it’s the best feeling.” Next year is a big one for Coleen. As well as turning 60 in March, she will also celebrate 25 years of being on Loose Women, as she joined the ITV programme in 2000, during its first year of being on air.

    Getting ready for the festive season
    Getting ready for the festive season 
    Image:
    OK! Magazine / David Cummings)The panel show has taught her a lot over that time, she says. She continues: “My whole life has changed since then. I’ve lived my life on Loose Women and equally I’ve learnt a lot and I’ve grown a lot. When I think back to my opinions on certain things 24 years ago compared to my opinions now, they’re so different. I look back sometimes and think, ‘Why would I have ever thought that?’

    “But I was in my early 30s when I started, and now I am nearly 60. I’ve had kids who’ve taught me so much, life has changed and the world has changed. I’m so much more confident now in who I am.”

    While she wouldn’t change anything about her time, the only thing Coleen doesn’t enjoy so much now is how “restricted” panellists are. She says: “Back then, you could say what you wanted, and while people might not have agreed with you, it didn’t mean you were ‘cancelled’ or never going to work again. Now we have to be really careful, and edit ourselves.”

    The star helped support Loose Women pal Ruth Langsford after she split from husband Eamonn Holmes in May, and is “in awe” of how Ruth handled the situation. She says: “She’s such a dignified lady and she looks the best she’s ever looked, in my opinion. bShe’s a trooper, and I’ll always be there for her.”

    And although she rules out following Loose Women’s Jane Moore into the I’m a Celebrity jungle, Coleen – who won Celebrity Big Brother All Stars vs New Stars in 2017 – does have a new TV project in mind. She reveals: “I’d much rather do a reality show about life on the farm. That’s the next big dream.”

  • I’m A Celebrity’s Barry McGuigan has famous best friend who urged fans to vote for him

    I’m A Celebrity’s Barry McGuigan has famous best friend who urged fans to vote for him

    Barry McGuigan was a huge hit with I’m A Celebrity fans in the jungle and it turns out the former boxer has a famous best friend who was urging fans to vote for him

    Former boxer Barry McGuigan was a big hit with I’m A Celeb viewers during his stint in the Aussie jungle this year, before his exit on Thursday. But many viewers didn’t know he boasted a famous fan back home – none other than telly host Eamonn Holmes. Eamonn took to Instagram to root for Barry, posting a snap of the ex-boxer captioned ‘Vote Barry.’ He wrote: “We’ve known each other for 45 years and are best friends. Hope you can help keep my pal Barry in the Jungle.”

    This show of camaraderie from Eamonn comes hot on the heels of his ex-spouse Ruth Langsford’s visit to the I’m A Celeb campsite to support her Loose Women colleagues GK Barry and Jane Moore, with the latter being the first to get the boot. Ruth was also there to feature on the spin-off programme, I’m A Celeb Unpacked, joining Joel Dommett, Sam Thompson, and Kemi Rodgers.

    Eamonn Holmes
    Eamonn Holmes has revealed that Barry McGuigan is his best friend 
    Image:
    PA)

    During his jungle jaunt, featherweight champ Barry, aged 63, has won over both viewers and fellow campmates with his heartfelt stories and charm. On Tuesday 4 December, the campmates were treated to a night at the Jungle Arms pub, complete with nibbles, drinks, and a karaoke session where Barry’s performance of Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl left everyone in awe.

    One admirer exclaimed on X: “One thing about the jungle arms it always makes you realise the least obvious one can sing, Barry I love you man” while another chimed in with “who knew Barry McGuigan could sing so well #imaceleb.”

    McFly’s Danny Jones also stunned the crowd with a rendition of Bon Jovi, sparking calls from fans for a potential duet down the line. “When they leave the jungle Barry and Danny need to release a single together,” one viewer penned. Echoing this sentiment, another fan chimed in: “Can Danny and Barry release a song please? Thanks. #ImACeleb”.

    Barry and Danny
    Fans are hoping Barry and Danny release a single

    Earlier in the series, Barry shared a poignant story about losing his cherished daughter Danika to cancer. She tragically passed away five weeks after being diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2019.

    Speaking to his fellow campmates, Barry revealed: “She had leukaemia, when I was making [The Boxer] with Daniel Day Lewis, three weeks from the end I had to leave because she’d been diagnosed with leukaemia, they thought she wasn’t going to get better but she fought back and she won it. She had two years of chemo.”

    After overcoming her initial illness and pursuing a career in acting, Nika was sadly diagnosed with cancer again in her early thirties. Barry confided in Jane Moore about Nika’s second cancer diagnosis, revealing that she had been experiencing “pains in her tummy but she was making the movie, she put it off and went to the doctor, called us all in. Stage 4 bowel cancer, 5 weeks, 5 weeks she died.”

     

  • ITV Loose Women gatecrashed by Chris Martin and Jamie Oliver in show ‘first’

    ITV Loose Women gatecrashed by Chris Martin and Jamie Oliver in show ‘first’

    Daytime show Loose Women launched a 25-hour Talkathon which came to an end on Friday, December 6 and during the event the panel was joined by a host of big names

    The set of ITV’s Loose Women was gatecrashed by some famous names, including one of the most famous musicians on the planet, during a show ‘first’.

    Coldplay frontman Chris Martin joined the panel for its first-ever 25-hour Talkathon to urge the nation to ‘get talking’ about mental health issues. The event, which started on Thursday, December 5 and concluded during the usual show on Friday, December 6, was part of Loose Women’s 25th birthday celebrations and in support of ITV and STV’s Britain Get Talking campaign, which has sparked over 200 million conversations so far.

    Ruth Langsford brought the Talkathon to an end on Friday by thanking everyone who had supported the event which was broadcast on ITVX between the launch show and the finale. There had been a rolling list of presenters and guests including Chris Martin.

    Chris Martin and Jamie Oliver gatecrash ITV's Loose Women
    Chris Martin and Jamie Oliver gatecrash ITV’s Loose Women 
    Image:
    ITV)
    On Thursday evening the panel was joined by Charlene White, who announced she had some surprise guests – before returning with Chris Martin and chef Jamie Oliver. Both also shared their own advice on what they do to look after their own mental health.

    Earlier in the show, Olivia Attwood Dack joined Christine Lampard, Kelle Bryan and Katie Piper to share the wise saying her nan and mum passed on and explains how the meaning of love has changed for her over the years: “Never date the wrong person because you can fall in love with anyone.”

    First thing on Friday morning, Loose Woman panellist Coleen Nolan swapped studios to join fellow ITV Daytime show Good Morning Britain, as hosts Kate Garraway and Rob Rinder shared their support for the Loose Women.

    Coleen struggled to stay awake during the Talkathon
    Coleen struggled to stay awake during the Talkathon 
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    ITV)
    Speaking to them live, Coleen shared how she is finding the epic challenge so far. Responding to Kate asking “You must be shattered?” Coleen joked: “I actually don’t know where I am. I am so tired but I am so happy to see fresh faces!”

    Coleen also revealed how the Talkathon has allowed her to get to know her fellow Loose Women even better, she said: “Because there has been no real restrictions over the 25-hour period, and we’re after the watershed, we’ve been able to have longer on topics and we’ve really opened up a lot about ourselves. Janet was really surprising. She really opened up and normally she is quite guarded with it, but she let the guard down.”

    Coleen continued: “Men do find it hard to talk and we’ve discussed every topic possible over the last 20 odd hours and already the reaction has been really good.”

    Discussing the unexpected visit and support from Chris Martin and Jamie Oliver, Coleen said of Chris: “He writes things he has been worried about or things he may be angry about and he writes them all down and gets it all out of his system and then he can carry on his day or go to sleep at night because he doesn’t keep it all here [in his head], he writes it all down. He’s actually amazing.”

  • Exclusive: I’m A Celeb’s GK Barry went from ‘poor to Porsche’ after finding overnight fame

    Exclusive: I’m A Celeb’s GK Barry went from ‘poor to Porsche’ after finding overnight fame

    GK Barry discussed her overnight fame with The Mirror before her entrance into the jungle, with last night’s episode showing her talking to Reverend Richard Coles about her first flashy purchase following her newfound income

    Social media star GK Barry has amassed millions of fans in just four years, and she may soon have millions more – if she manages to make it to the final on Sunday night and be crowned Queen of the Jungle.

    GK – real name Grace Keeling – rose to fame in 2020 after posting funny skits and commentary on TikTok, building an audience of 3.6 million on the video-sharing platform.

    But fame wasn’t always on the vision board for the 25-year-old, with GK telling The Mirror it was “an entirely accidental career for me” as she hadn’t expected to go viral with her videos.

    GK Barry on I'm A Celeb
    GK Barry opened up about her rise to fame in the jungle last night 
    Image:
    ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
    The star, from Cambridge, also has 1.5 million listeners on her YouTube podcast, Saving Grace, where she interviews celebs and influencers.

    However, despite her success, she insists she was terrified about launching herself into the world of internet entertainment. She explained: “I called myself GK Barry because I didn’t want people from school or university finding my videos. I was embarrassed about it at first.

    “It’s ironic – when you’re small, a lot of people will judge you for the content you are putting out. But as you start getting bigger, all those people who judged you want to become your best friend.”

    GK made her first big TV appearance in August on Loose Women. Born in 1999, the year the show began, she was one of its youngest panellists. Despite talk of a feud between her and Frankie Bridge, she says the gang are the “nicest people ever”.

    GK adds: “I never thought they’d have someone like me on there. And I was so nervous when I first started because I thought, ‘My God, what if no one gets my sense of humour?’ The audience is very different to people who watch my podcast, but it has been received so well and everyone on there is lovely.”

    Last night’s I’m A Celeb episode saw Richard quiz GK on her overnight fame and social media success. He asked: “So Grace did you go from working in Costa to all of a sudden being able to buy a house?”

    The podcaster replied: “Yeah.” Continuing, Richard queried: “So you didn’t go from poor, poor, poor, a little less poor, a bit more money, you went from poor to rich?”

    To which GK answered: “Yeah, pretty quick. And I remember being like, ‘I’m making enough money to buy a new car now’ and I remember a Porsche drove past me as I had that thought.

    “I remember thinking, ‘I could buy a Porsche and it would not be an issue.’ I went to the centre, I was looking at an old one that was cheaper, but the one that I wanted was next to it and it was so nice.

    “I rang my accountant and I was like, ‘Can I do it?’ And he was like, ‘Yeah’, so I bought it.”

    The social media personality, and now TV star, may see her fame and success grow even further if crowned Queen of the Jungle.

  • Lady Gabriella Windsor bravely joins Kate for carol service days after husband’s inquest

    Lady Gabriella Windsor bravely joins Kate for carol service days after husband’s inquest

    Lady Gabriella Windsor, whose husband Thomas Kingston’s inquest was held earlier this week after his tragic death in February, joined the Princess of Wales for her carol concert at Westminster Abbey

    Lady Gabriella Windsor has bravely joined the Princess of Wales for her emotional, annual Christmas Carol Concert.

    The daughter of Prince Michael of Kent, whose husband Thomas Kingston died earlier this year, arrived for the service at Westminster Abbey alongside Kate’s sister Pippa and mum, Carole. The festive event comes just days after an inquest was held into Mr Kingston’s sudden death.

    The inquest found that he had died from a shotgun wound after suffering an adverse effect to medication prescribed by his doctor. During the inquest at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, Lady Gabriella, 43, said people need to be warned about the effects of medications used to treat mental health conditions or more people could die.

    Lady Gabriella makes her way into the Abbey
    Lady Gabriella makes her way into the Abbey 
    Image:
    PA)
    At the carol concert tonight, Lady Gabriella, who married financier Mr Kingston in 2019, wore a festive green coloured coat with chic gold earrings. She was also joined by her parents Prince and Princess Michael of Kent as well as other royals including the Duchess of Edinburgh, a pregnant Princess Beatrice and Zara Tindall.

    It comes as Kate is making a gradual return to public events after completing her cancer treatment and joined William and their children at Westminster Abbey for her annual Together at Christmas carol service. The royal couple walked into the historic Abbey where they married in 2011 with Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, aged six.

    The young royals had stopped at a “Kindness Tree” outside the Abbey’s great west door and hung messages on its branches in dedication to someone has supported them during their lives in keeping with the service’s theme of love and empathy.

    William and Kate with their children at the service
    William and Kate with their children at the service 
    Image:
    PA)
    The royal children were introduced to the Dean of Westminster, Dr David Hoyle when they first arrived with their father William. The 1,600 guests have all supported others, whether friends or family, helped individuals through their work or volunteered.

    The order of service for the event paid tribute to these community stalwarts and others: “This Carol Service is dedicated to those who have shown love, kindness and empathy to others in their communities. “They have inspired, counselled, comforted, and highlighted how love unites and connects us all.” Christmas trees inside and outside the abbey were from Windsor Great Park and donated by the King.

    Festive wreaths adorned with red ribbons and bows were made and donated by Fantasy Greens, a UK-based company, and the abbey was transformed with a Christmassy red-and-green colour scheme. Outside the gothic church in central London were foliage and trees collected from woodlands to create a natural, forest-like feel. After the service, all the trees and wreaths will be donated to local charities to enjoy over Christmas.

    Among the celebrities who gathered in the 1,600-strong congregation were Strictly star Amy Dowden, TV presenter Kate Garraway, Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy with his wife Sarra, and Giovanna and Tom Fletcher.

  • Exclusive: Kate Middleton hints at huge change as telling gestures are decoded by expert

    Exclusive: Kate Middleton hints at huge change as telling gestures are decoded by expert

    The Princess of Wales at one point appeared to emulate King Charles III during her appearance at the annual Christmas Carol in Westminster Abbey, a body language expert has told The Mirror

    Princess Kate inadvertently hinted at a massive change in her life during a key royal appointment today, a body language expert has said.

    The Princess of Wales, 42, was among the first senior royals to arrive at the annual Christmas Carol service held at Westminster Abbey this evening, appearing initially solo before she was joined by her husband, Prince William, and three children. The younger royals joined after visiting the “kindness tree” on which Prince Louis could be seen leaving a message for the late Queen and Prince Philip. The message read: “Thank you to granny and grandpa because they have played games with me.”

    Princess Kate came with no such message, but body language experts who have carefully studied her body language have noticed subtle changes to her composure that speak volumes. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Judi James said she appears to have “changed her body language rituals” and even appeared to emulate the King.

    Kate pictured speaking to performers ahead of the service
    Kate chats to performers ahead of the service 
    Image:
    PA)
    Ms James started with the Princess’ arrival, saying she emerged with a “radiant” smile before cementing her place as the “leader of the event”. She said: “Kate’s smile on her lone arrival was classic Kate, a radiant, perfect Duchenne smile that threw a warm and grateful-looking connecting tie-sign to the fans outside.

    “Her lack of a bag to carry suggested confidence as she has at times used her bags as barriers when she has been feeling vulnerable. Here she just touched the fingers of both hands together or gesticulated as she spoke to again suggest confidence and to define her role as leader of this event.”

    Kate Middleton
    Kate arrived with a stunning smile, Ms James said

    Kate Middleton and Prince Louis
    Ms James said Kate appeared “emotional” during the event 
    Image:
    PA)
    When she entered the service, the expert added, she expressed an all new “dimension” to her behaviour, with Ms James catching the Princess’ emotion at attending alongside other cancer survivors. She continued: “But when she was greeting the guests inside, we saw a new dimension to Kate’s body language rituals.

    “She has always been politely animated but here she was much more openly expressive and emotional with her facial expressions. This is a very moving service for Kate, with other cancer sufferers attending, and that seemed to reflect in her animated expressions that ranged from nose-wrinkled, dimpled laughter to a much more empathetic and concerned look, with steepled brows and the saddest eye expression accompanying a kind mouth smile.”

    The Prince and Princess of Wales with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
    Kate arrived alone before she was joined by her family 
    Image:
    PA)Ms James added that, at one point during the service, she appeared to mirror King Charles III. She said: “At one point she even seemed to be mirroring her father-in-law, arching her back slightly and performing the kind of playful chuckle that is Charles’s signature look when he is meeting guests.”

    Despite this, the strongest mirroring came from Prince William and his eldest son, Prince George, 11, Ms James suggested. She said: “The strongest mirroring though came between William and George. The father and son have famously adopted mirrored poses but it’s usual that, with age, the tendency can decline.

    “Here the opposite seems to be true though, with each mirroring the other now, sitting or standing in identical poses for much of the time.”

  • Princess Catherine shed tears over King Charles’ sweet decision to give Michael Middleton a new title, making Meghan ‘jealous’

    Princess Catherine shed tears over King Charles’ sweet decision to give Michael Middleton a new title, making Meghan ‘jealous’

    In a touching moment that left Princess Catherine visibly in tears as King Charles made the heartfelt decision to honor her father Michael by giving him a new title.

    According to a source, the king surprised attendees with the announcement of Michael Michael’s new title during the royal gathering at Buckingham Palace King Charles spoke fondly of his contributions Michael for the royal family and his unwavering support for his daughter throughout her life Michael, a former flight dispatcher and businessman known for his steadfast support and love for my daughter. As a guiding force in Princess Catherine’s life, his steadfast presence and commitment to his family played an integral role in her journey.

    WHERE_IS_KIM_JONG_UN

    WHERE_IS_KIM_JONG_UN

    Photos: Carole and Michael Middleton Attend Kate, Princess of Wales' Christmas Service

    Especially during her transition to royalty after she married Prince William. Easter reports revealed that Michael and Carol had gone to Windsor to live. with her as a princess while she was recovering, as grandparents to George Charlotte and Louis, it is not surprising that Michael Allway had a special bond with his grandchildren, he He was also spotted at a low level hanging out with his son-in-law, Prince William. He always maintained a humble attitude, preferring to stay out of the spotlight, but his dedication to his family has never wavered as a are the parents of the future Queen and strong supporters of the royal family.

    The question of whether they will receive official Royal titles when their daughter becomes Queen, according to one royal expert, said the decision to give Michael the title of Earl of Buckleberry was a testament to King Charles’s recognize his contributions to the royal family and his dedication to his daughter which symbolizes the importance of family as well as the deep respect and affection that King Charles had for the middle class. The title of Earl of BU berry was not only a recognition of Michael’s loyalty and suppor

    t but also a tribute to the family’s roots in the recovering Princess Catherine. The treatment was deeply moved by the announcement, her eyes filling with tears as she expressed her gratitude to King Charles.

    Royal clue that confirms once and for all what Kate Middleton wants to be known as - Mirror Online

    She expressed deep gratitude and spoke warmly of her father’s love and guidance throughout the years, emphasizing how much this honor has meant to their family as Earl of Wales. Buckleberry Michael will have the opportunity to become more deeply involved in philanthropic and public service efforts, leveraging his new platform to make a positive impact on society. His role will also allow him to take a more active part in Royal Family events and engagements that strengthen the relationship between the Windsor and Windsor families. News of this new title was met with widespread joy and excitement not only by Royal enthusiasts but also by the public, who admire the family for its down-to-earth nature and strong family values. strong.

    This gesture by King Charles not only highlights the close relationship between the royal family and the middle class but also emphasizes the importance of family values in the monarchy and confirms the title of Earl. Buckleberry for Michael is an important and meaningful honor that recognizes his dedication and the values that the family holds dear. It serves as a reminder of the respect and admiration they hold. each other as well as the importance of acknowledging those who have played an important role in their lives. As Michael receives his new title, he will continue to be a pillar of strength and support for his daughter.

  • Peep Show star Big Suze’s royal link as actress attends Princess Kate’s carol service

    Peep Show star Big Suze’s royal link as actress attends Princess Kate’s carol service

    Sophie Winkleman, best known as Peep Show’s Big Suze has arrived at Princess Kate’s annual Christmas carol concert – and fans may not realise just how close the actress is to the Royal family

    Actress Sophie Winkleman, best known for playing ‘Posho’ Big Suze in Peep Show, has arrived at Princess Kate’s annual Christmas carol concert.

    Although she played an upper-crust character in the hit Channel 4 sitcom, fans may be surprised to learn just how closely linked Sophie is to the Royal family. Indeed, her marriage to Lord Frederick Windsor, son of Prince Michael of Kent, brought her into the same social circles as William and Kate – and their children even play together.

    Sophie, who attended Royal Ascot back in June, arrived at Westminster Abbey with Lord Frederick and their children, looking festive in a smart tartan coat. But how exactly did the actress get on playdate terms with the Prince and Princess of Wales? Here, the Mirror looks at Sophie’s surprising royal link…

    Lord Frederick Windsor his wife, Sophie Winkleman and daughters Maud (left), and Isabella, arrive for the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in London
    Actor Sophie will be attending Princess Kate’s annual carol service 
    Image:
    PA)
    Sophie, who more recently appeared in the BBC medical drama This Is Going To Hurt, wed Lord Freddie, a financial analyst, at Hampton Court Palace in 2009, and they have two daughters, Maud and Isabella. The couple joined Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in the second carriage at the Procession, behind the King and Queen’s.

    Lord Frederick, 45, is the son of Prince Michael of Kent, who is the Queen’s cousin. His father, Prince George, was the younger brother of Edward VIII and George VI. The actress has previously said she was welcomed into the clan with open arms, particularly by the Queen and King Charles.

    Sophie on the Buckingham Palace balcony in 2017
    Sophie and her husband on the Buckingham Palace balcony in 2017 
    Image:
    Getty Images)
    Speaking to The Times, Sophie, 44, said: “I’ve been incredibly welcomed with open arms by all of them… They’d never tell me off at all if I wanted to play some [racy] role.” Following their wedding, the couple moved to the US so that Sophie could further pursue her acting career and Maud, 10, was born while they were living in California.

    The couple later moved back to the UK and welcomed their second daughter Isabella, eight, in 2016. Sophie became the new royal patron of Children’s Surgery Foundation and later became the first female patron of School-Home Support.

    She was a guest at the 2011 wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as at the 2019 wedding of her sister-in-law Lady Gabriella Windsor. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Sophie revealed that she sang at Lady Gabriella’s wedding. The talented soprano said: “I sang one of my sister-in-law’s favourite songs, Will You Love Me Tomorrow. There were a few tears but I’m not sure if it was because they were moved or wanted me to stop!”

    Freddy in a blue suit, Sophie in white and a black hat and Maud in a traditional christening dress
    The couple pictured at the christening of their daughter Maud in 2013 
    Image:
    Rex Features)
    Her children are very close in age to the Prince and Princess of Wales’ kids – and Sophie has spoken in detail about her daughter Maud’s close bond with Prince George. In an interview with Hello, she said: “We were invited to tea at Kensington Palace just before Princess Charlotte was born. Maud and George got on very well… He is a very clever, articulate little boy and was speaking long before other toddlers his age.”

    George and Maud both started at Thomas’s school in Battersea on the same day in September 2017. Speaking about her name, Lord Freddie told Hello! in 2013: “We liked the idea of an old-fashioned English name, and there are a couple of Princess Mauds in my father’s family from a hundred years ago – one was the youngest daughter of Edward VII who ended up being Queen of Norway, and another a grand-daughter of Edward VII by his daughter Princess Louise. It’s also a beautiful, elegant name, and it was always our first choice.”

    Maud was also pictured next to Princess Charlotte when they both served as bridesmaids at Princess Eugenie’s wedding to Jack Brooksbank on October 12, 2018. Due to their lowly ranking in the line of succession, we rarely see Lord Freddie, Sophie, Maud or their youngest daughter, Isabella, at royal events.

    Peep Show fans were gutted when the star didn’t turn up at the King’s Coronation in May 2023. Fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to lament: “Disappointed we never saw Big Suze”. Sophie was, however, present at the Queen’s state funeral in September 2022.



    Image:
    Channel 4)
    Sophie’s Peep Show character, Big Suze, was Jeremy’s ex-girlfriend who was mentioned in the second episode of the show but does not appear until the third series. In the show, Mark starts falling in love with the incredibly posh woman and Jez wants to rekindle their romance, but she starts going out with Alan Johnson.

    Big Suze’s poshness is often played for laughs in Peep Show, with Mark once commenting: “God, she’s so posh, that I, Mark Corrigan, who was privately educated until dad’s British Aerospace shares went kaput, could be her bit of rough.” Her ‘Big’ nickname comes from her height, but in an interview on the Podcast Secrets of the Pharaohs, Sophie explained that show creators Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong initially alluded that Big Suze may have been ‘big’ in the past but she is no longer so.

    Ahead of tonight’s service, Kate wrote a heartwarming letter addressed to the 1,600 Abbey carol goers, including royal family members, telling them: “Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times”.

    A message included with the order of service, which features artwork by illustrator Charlie Mackesy, reads: “This Carol Service is a heartfelt celebration of every one of you, and a reminder that at Christmas, and throughout the year, we must all shine for each other. Because in times of joy and sadness, we are all each other’s light.”

    The festive event will be broadcast as part of the programme Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, which will be screened on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve. It will feature three films about the stories of individuals and organisations who have inspired, counselled and comforted others during times of need.

  • Prince Harry had ‘no idea’ Queen Elizabeth was dying as Palace kept him ‘in the dark’

    Prince Harry had ‘no idea’ Queen Elizabeth was dying as Palace kept him ‘in the dark’

    A book from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s unofficial biographer Omid Scobie made a number of bombshell claims.

    The State Funeral Of Queen Elizabeth II

    Prince Harry was not informed about the late Queen Elizabeth’s declining health, it was claimed (Image: Getty)

    Prince Harry was not informed about the late Queen Elizabeth II’s declining health and had “no idea” that the royals were preparing to say their goodbyes in her final hours, a bombshell book has claimed.

    The monarch died aged 96 on September 8, 2022 at Balmoral Castle with her death officially announced to the world at 6.30pm – just hours before the Duke of Sussex was able to touch down in Aberdeen.

    But Endgame – the explosive book from Harry and Meghan Markle’s unofficial biographer Omid Scobie – claimed Buckingham Palace kept him in the dark about the Queen’s rapidly declining health.

    Scobie wrote: “The Sussexes had no idea that Buckingham Palace was already planning for the Queen’s final hours and the first days of the monarchy’s new era – until the duke’s phone started ringing.

    “An unknown number. He usually ignored those.”

    The Queen, Duke Of Edinburgh, Prince Of Wales & Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Poundbury

    Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022 aged 96 (Image: Getty)

    According to the author, it was Meghan who urged her husband to accept the call, which was his father King Charles telling him they were on their way to Balmoral to meet Princess Anne, who was already by the Queen’s side.

    Charles then urged his son to rush to Scotland as soon as possible.

    Just months later in January 2023, Harry’s memoir Spare was released and in the book, he claimed the King told him not to bring Meghan because it “didn’t make any sense” – leaving the Duke extremely frustrated.

    He wrote: “Regretful, [King Charles] stammered that he simply didn’t want it to fill up with people.

    The Prince and Princess of Wales Accompanied By The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex Greet Wellwishers Outside Windsor Castle

    Prince Harry claimed King Charles told him not to bring Meghan because it ‘didn’t make any sense’ (Image: Getty)

    “Nobody’s wife was going, not even Kate, he told me, so Meg shouldn’t either.”

    By the time Harry’s plane landed, the prince recalled getting the news that his grandmother had already died.

    “When the plane started to descend I saw that my phone lit up. It was a message from Meg: ‘Call me when you get this’”, he wrote.

    “I looked at the BBC website. My grandmother had died. My father was King.”

  • Prince Harry screams as he gets ‘neck tattoo’ from huge country singer

    Prince Harry screams as he gets ‘neck tattoo’ from huge country singer

    Prince Harry raised eyebrows when he was seen visiting a tattoo parlour in New York earlier this year – and a new video has revealed exactly what went down during his hour-long visit to the shop

    Prince Harry set tongues wagging when he was seen visiting a New York tattoo parlour just days after marking his 40th birthday.

    Back in September, he was spotted entering East Side Ink, a tattoo shop on the Lower East Side which is a favourite among A-listers, with several of his minders and a police officer. It came during his trip to the Big Apple, where he spoke at several events connected to the United Nations General Assembly. It sparked rumours that he was celebrating his landmark birthday with a tattoo – and the reason for his visit has now been revealed in a jaw-dropping promotional video for Harry’s Invictus Games.

    Harry appears to scream in pain as he gets the tattoo
    Harry appears to scream in pain as he gets the tattoo

    The clip shows the Duke of Sussex grimacing in pain as he appears to be given a shock neck tattoo by US music star Jelly Roll. In the sketch, the country singer and rapper jokes that Harry has agreed to be given his first tattoo.

    Jelly Roll – who has been announced as the first headliner at the closing ceremony of the event next year – tells Harry: “Do you know, I could not believe it when they called me and told me Prince Harry wanted to get a tattoo today and he wanted me to give him his first tattoo?” However, the duke appears to have heard nothing about the deal.

    “No, no, no, why are you wearing a glove?” Harry asks. Jelly Roll replies: “We are giving you a tattoo about the Invictus Games.” The duke says he wanted to ask Jelly Roll “to do” the games, not to tattoo him. Jelly Roll says he will only play the games if Harry lets him give him his first tattoo.

    Prince Harry in a new video for his Invictus Games
    Prince Harry in a new video for his Invictus Games
    The duke agrees and asks the music star – known for his own collection of body art – to tattoo his “lower back” or his “a**”. Jelly Roll suggests he tattoos Harry’s neck instead. “Trust me, man, you wouldn’t want nobody else doing this,” he tells the duke. He then tattoos ‘I am Jelly Roll’ on Harry’s neck, and tells him: “I’ll see you in Vancouver!”

    Harry travelled solo to launch the programme for the event, due to be held in Vancouver and Whistler in February. Harry, a former British Army captain, launched the Invictus Games in 2014 as an international sports tournament for injured and wounded service personnel and veterans. In February, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex officially kicked off the countdown to the 2025 winter games at an event in Whistler. The games will feature the debut of winter sports including Nordic skiing, wheelchair curling, snowboarding and alpine skiing.

    During his trip to Vancouver this week, Harry went to Canadian football’s Grey Cup final and also met children at the Seaforth Armoury, where he launched the Invictus Games schools programme.

    And just yesterday, he visited Seaforth Armoury in the Canadian city, where he gave a heartfelt speech about courage as he launched the Invictus Games school programme. There he was seen hugging children who had come out for the event as well as taking part in a game of sitting volleyball.