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  • BBC series to give insight into Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash’s life at Pickle Cottage

    BBC series to give insight into Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash’s life at Pickle Cottage

    The new TV series will air in spring 2025 <i>(Image: Ian West/PA Wire)</i>

    The new TV series will air in spring 2025 (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

    A new series about former X Factor contestant Stacey Solomon and actor Joe Swash will air on the BBC, giving viewers an insight into the couple’s life together.

    The series, Stacey And Joe, will follow the couple and children Zach (Solomon’s first son with ex-boyfriend Dean Cox), Leighton (Solomon’s son with ex-fiance Aaron Barnham), Rex, Rose and Belle, as well as their four ducks and two dogs, during their day-to-day life at their Pickle Cottage home in Essex.

    Airing on BBC One, the series aims to show how the pair balance family life with their work schedules and passion projects such as building a two-acre fishing lake.

    Speaking about the show, Solomon, 35, said: “2024 was the year me and Joe pushed ourselves out of our comfort zones.

    “We took on different projects and tried new things. It’s been so amazing and nerve-wracking all at the same time, and we just want to keep doing that in 2025, starting with Stacey And Joe.

    “Working with the BBC and Optomen (the show’s producers) on Sort Your Life Out has been a dream come true, so this team just made sense.

    “We’ve loved showing a different side to our family’s fun and chaos. We can’t wait for you to join us at Pickle Cottage this year.”

    What to expect from Stacey And Joe series

    The series was filmed during the summer and autumn of 2024 and shows the couple as they celebrate their second wedding anniversary, revealing how they met and fell in love.

    The series also follows 16-year-old Zach as he waits for his GCSE results and Solomon winning at the National Television Awards.

    Swash, 42, added: “We’ve been doing our best to keep this under wraps but we’re so glad we can finally tell all of you about Stacey And Joe.

    “Over the years, we’ve been asked a lot to do a show like this but getting the opportunity to work with the BBC and Optomen felt properly exciting.

    “There will be the normal madness of a family with lots of kids, plenty of animals and two busy parents. Here we go.”

    How did Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash meet?

    Former EastEnders actor Swash and Solomon have been together since 2016 after they met while appearing on the 10th series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2010. They have been married since 2022.

    Along with the children he shares with the Loose Women presenter, Swash also has a son, Harry, with ex-fiance Emma Sophocleous.

  • Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show gives a glimpse into home life from £11m mansion to dog

    Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show gives a glimpse into home life from £11m mansion to dog

    The Duchess of Sussex has confirmed the reason behind her social media return as she stunned fans by relaunching her Instagram account and plugging a cooking show

    Meghan Markle has spoken out for the first time since relaunching her Instagram account.

    The Duchess of Sussex made the huge move to open up her social media account following years away. She returned with the simple handle, ‘meghan’, and one singular post, a video reel of her running on the beach. However, Meghan has since uploaded a new clip, where she made a big career announcement.

    She said: “I have been so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it. Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thanks to our amazing crew and the team @netflix. Beyond grateful for the support – and fun! As ever, Meghan.” Meghan confirmed she will be hosting a new cooking show for Netflix titled, With Love Meghan.

    Meghan Markle
    Meghan will have her own Netflix show

    Meghan Markle
    The series will focus on cooking
    In a clip for the new show, Meghan could be seen in her stunning Californian home as she cooked alongside her pals. Guests include Roy Choi, Mindy Kaling, Alice Waters, with additional acclaimed chefs and special friends. The series will launch on 15th January with eight episodes and gives fans a glimpse into her new life with Prince Harry.

    A teaser for the series says: “This inspiring series, produced by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, reimagines the genre of lifestyle programming, blending practical how-to’s and candid conversation with friends, new and old. Meghan shares personal tips and tricks, embracing playfulness over perfection and highlights how easy it can be to create beauty, even in the unexpected. She and her guests roll up their sleeves in the kitchen, the garden, and beyond, and invite you to do the same.”

    Meghan’s clip on Instagram showed her using ingredients from her garden as well as fresh produce. She could be seen clapping her hands together and said: “Let’s go.” In the voice over, she said: “I have always loved taking something ordinary and elevating it. Surprising people with moments that let them know I was really thinking of them.

    Meghan and Prince Harry
    Prince Harry appeared in the teaser as the couple shared a hug 
    Image:
    Netflix)“I am going to share some little tips and tricks and how you can incorporate these practices everyday. This is about connecting with friends, making new friends and just learning. We are not in the pursuit of perfection, we are in the pursuit of joy.” Text on the video read: “Everyone is welcome to create wonder in every moment. With love, Meghan.”

    Prince Harry could be seen in one moment at the end of the trailer as he embraced Meghan into a hug. He appeared to be sipping on a drink she had made him, while they both beamed. Their children didn’t feature in the teaser, yet it appears fans will be to be able to see into their stunning home life.

    When her Instagram account relaunched this week, a video showed the royal and former actress running along the beach before she bent over to write ‘2025’ in the wet sand. The video was reportedly filmed by her husband Prince Harry amid rumours about the state of relationship. The royal duo have been appearing at events alone and Prince Harry was even forced to address the rumours by laughing it off.

    In January 2018, ahead of marrying Prince Harry, Meghan deactivated her Instagram, Twitter (X) and Facebook accounts, alongside her lifestyle blog The Tig, ahead of becoming part of the Royal Family. Meghan previously hinted at her return to social media in August 2022, telling The Cut: “I’m getting back … on Instagram.”

    Meghan’s new Instagram account was created in June 2022, around the time of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, and has had one previous username prior to its current handle. The mum-of-two and Prince Harry have an official joint Instagram account, ‘sussexroyal’, with over 9million followers.

  • BBC The Traitors contestant SWEARS pre-watershed as Faithfuls sent into a frenzy

    BBC The Traitors contestant SWEARS pre-watershed as Faithfuls sent into a frenzy

    Hit BBC series The Traitors has returned this week and the show has risked Ofcom complaints already as a huge rule break aired during Thursday night’s show

    Reality TV series The Traitors has risked Ofcom’s backlash just two episodes into the latest series.

    The hit BBC murder mystery returned on New Year’s Day for its third series as a whole new set of contestants hope to take home the huge prize money. Claudia Winkleman made her comeback as host of the hit programme and made Linda, Minah and Armani her Traitors.

    The other 19 contestants were labelled the Faithful and on Wednesday night, the Traitors had to pick one to be murdered. They settled on communication scientist Yin, who became the first contestant to be murdered and kicked out of the competition. During Thursday night’s show, more drama unfolded as the Traitors decided to get rid of Keith.

    The Traitors latest move sent the Faithfuls into a frenzy as they tried to work out who could be behind the moves. Faithfuls Livi, Francesca and Leanne sat down for a chat as they spoke about what had happened so far. During their chat, Livi broke a huge Ofcom rule as she swore before the 9pm watershed. She told her co-stars: “Obviously I am excited for the mission, but again I am s***ting myself for the table.”

    Francesca told her: “Just do not think about it for a bit, just enjoy the day.” The watershed begins at 9pm and material unsuitable for children should not, in general, be shown before 9pm or after 5.30am. According to Ofcom, unsuitable material can include everything from sexual content to violence, graphic or distressing imagery and swearing.

    Tratiors Livi Francesca and Leanne
    Livi swore while talking to Francesca and Leanne 
    Image:
    BBC)
    For example, the most offensive language must not be broadcast before the watershed on TV or, on radio, when children are particularly likely to be listening. Frequent use of offensive language must be avoided before the watershed, and must always be justified by its context.

    A report from Ofcom in 2021, viewers found the word “s**t” a moderate offense where “context should be considered based on what an audience would reasonably expect.” The moderate rating means there is “greater potential for offence than mild words and a higher level of context should be considered.”

    Contestant Yin, who became the first person eliminated from the series, warned the Traitors were too “chaotic” and lacked the ability, currently, to work together. Yin said it could be game over for them after too many errors and that it would take one ultimate betrayal to get them back on track, and to avoid being exposed.

    She told the Mirror: “They are too chaotic as a three, you can tell already they are not going to work together. They’ve got the wrong combination of people. As individuals they are all phenomenal but as a trio they don’t congeal. Armani and Minah seem close, but Linda is not very strong and she’s hiding a bit. Jake cottoned onto her, so she could be a bit more proactive about it because he was right about her. In their commentary about each other they are already criticising each other which is a bad sign, a first impression gone sour.

    “There should be more respect and admiration, they should be excited to work together but Minah thinks Armani is on another team. She’s already clocked that they do not have a team, and Linda says Armani is doing too much. I can’t see them lasting for very long, that’s the honest truth.”

    On her sad exit from the show so soon, Yin confessed she was ‘disappointed’. She told us: “I didn’t get a breakfast, or a roundtable or a proper mission with everyone involved. These are all critical ingredients in this whole experience that I missed out on so it feels disappointing.”

    The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment.

  • Sophie Ellis-Bextor breaks silence after viewers slammed her New Year’s Eve show as ‘cringe’

    Sophie Ellis-Bextor breaks silence after viewers slammed her New Year’s Eve show as ‘cringe’

    Sophie Ellis-Bextor has spoken out following her BBC New Year’s Eve special which saw her welcome in the New Year by performing some of her biggest hits and cover tracks

    Sophie Ellis-Bextor has responded after some branded her New Year’s Eve show “cringe.”

    The Queen of Disco put on a show-stopping performance on Tuesday night as she helped BBC One viewers ring in the new year. Over the course of the night, the 45-year-old performed some of her biggest hits, as well as covers of iconic tracks by the likes of Madonna. In 2024, Sophie enjoyed a huge resurgence thanks to Barry Keoghan’s completely naked dance scene in the movie Saltburn going global with her iconic song.

    But while some have heaped praise on her performances, others had branded it “cringe” and compared her show to a “karaoke night.” However, the trolling comments don’t appear to have phased Sophie who spoke about how fun the pre-recorded show was to film ahead of the New Year celebrations, as she was performing live in New York’s Times Square on the night.

    Taking to Instagram, the Murder on The Dancefloor songstress shared a collection of snaps from the night. She captioned her upload: “So so proud and happy that I got to host a NYE disco on @bbc 1. What an absolute privilege – I know New Year’s Eve is a special night.

    Sophie duetted with Jessie Ware during her show-stopping performance
    Sophie duetted with Jessie Ware during her show-stopping performance 
    Image:
    BBC)

    “Huge thank you to my guests @jessieware @jakeshears @emilyrobertsguitarist who really brought the party – what a treat to have them on stage with me! – and I loved my finale with the @mdlsingers.” She added: “Special thanks to @victoriajayneadcock for styling – we had a blast dreaming up the looks and then Victoria went the extra mile to make them come true, and thanks to @lisalaudat1 for my hair and make up.

    “I’ve seen many a new year in with the @bbc on as Big Ben chimes so I really see it as the biggest honour my band and I got to ring in 2025 with whoever was watching. If that was you, thank you. It’s on @bbciplayer now if you fancy it, too. Big thank you to the amazing @bbcstudios team who captured the show and created a world for us to do what we do. I loved the set, the lighting… Director @lizclaretv did such a brilliant job and the whole crew were so supportive and excited which only made us more excited too! The whole thing has been a really special experience.”

    The programme received a mixed response from viewers
    The programme received a mixed response from viewers 
    Image:
    BBC)
    The comment section of Sophie’s post was filled with praise, with one follower writing: “Like a Prayer was amazing!” A second penned: “You were AMAZING! Best New Year’s show in years! Icon.” “You brought the party – the tinsel! The high kicks! What a way to being in a (hopefully better) year,” gushed another.

    Scissors Sisters icon Jake Shears, who performed two tracks with Sophie commented: “Thanks for having me I had the best time!” But while many were quick to praise Sophie, some trolls took to X, formerly known as Twitter to vent their frustrations. One said: “What on earth is happening with the @BBCOne #NewYear show. Poor Sophie-Ellis Bextor can’t even keep up with her own songs, a breathless mess. Just lip-sync and then you can at least nail the stage presence… this is cringe!”

    “This Sophie Ellis-Bextor performance on the BBC wouldn’t be out of place in the local on karaoke Thursdays. Absolute pony,” commented another. “Maybe I’m getting old but I can see why folk who stay in on NYE go to bed if the TV offerings are Sophie Ellis-Bextor or Jools Holland,” typed another.

  • BBC The Traitors’ first victim breaks silence and slams murderers for ‘devastating exit’

    BBC The Traitors’ first victim breaks silence and slams murderers for ‘devastating exit’

    The Traitors returned for its third series on Wednesday night with a new group of contestants competing at Ardross Castle, though some have already left the game on the show

    The first contestant to be ‘murdered’ on the new series of the Traitors’ new series has broken her silence after fans were left fuming by her exit.

    The BBC show returned for its third series on Wednesday night and a twist just minutes into the episode saw three contestants forced to leave the game early. The remaining 22 contestants later arrived at Ardross Castle in Scotland.

    Call centre manager Minah, 29, retired opera singer Linda, 70, and financial investigator Armani, 27, were then chosen by host Claudia Winkleman, 52, to be the Traitors. For their first ‘murder,’ the trio chose to eliminate communication scientist Yin, 34. Armani said: “She’s just got too much brains and I just see it being a big pain in the a*** down the line.”

    Following her departure, Yin appeared on companion show the Traitors: Uncloaked. She said: “I never thought I’d be referred to as a pain in the a***. That phrase did not cross my mind.” When asked about hearing the reason for her elimination, she said: “It is [bittersweet]. Very devastating still but I think the funny thing is … I honestly don’t think I came across as that smart having now seen the episode. I think if anything I looked confused […] And that was deliberate.”

    She later said: “I’m not a good analyst of my own articulation and how I hold myself. […] So I must have missed out on signals I was sending through even how I put sentences together, the words I was using, for example, must have given away that intellectual side of it.”

    The Traitors contestant Yin in a scene from the show.
    The Traitors returned for its new series this week and Yin became the first contestant to be ‘murdered’ 
    Image:
    BBC)
    Asked her reaction to finding out the identities of the Traitors when she watched the episode, Yin shared on the spin-off show: “I was absolutely shocked. It actually proves that murdering me wasn’t the best move because I had no idea.”

    Yin went on to suggest that fashion choices among the contestants can speak volumes. She said: “This is a show about communication. Through the portraits themselves that are in the breakfast room and how you dress for day one especially, you communicate more through those two things, I believe, than through what you say or do, in that first day, right, where there’s so much chaos and noise.”

    She continued: “How you’ve chosen to package yourself, the colours and what you’re wearing, in terms of is it a dress [or] a suit? is it slouchy? Is it sharp edged? It gives a lot away.”

    Discussing having brought various options for herself, she said: “I wanted to be able to weaponise and communicate through the clothing that I was wearing and accessories. […] That was all deliberate because you can communicate so much more through that, than through the actions and words I would say, or at least as much, right? That’s why I had the arsenal prepared – it was to have as much flexibility of communication.”

  • Emmerdale fans ‘know’ Laurel and Marlon’s secret and it’s ‘not an affair’

    Emmerdale fans ‘know’ Laurel and Marlon’s secret and it’s ‘not an affair’

    Emmerdale aired some confusing scenes involving Marlon Dingle and Laurel Thomas this week on the ITV soap, hinting something has happened in secret between the exes

    Viewers have ‘worked out’ what Emmerdale’s Marlon Dingle and Laurel Thomas are hiding on the ITV soap after some cryptic scenes.

    The exes have not been onscreen together really in recent weeks, but something in the latest set of episodes hinted they had a secret. Marlon had been confronted by his family liaison officer amid his teenaged daughter April Windsor going missing.

    She had revealed a worrying video filmed by April had been uncovered where it was implied her dad was having an affair with his ex Laurel. April had seen some text messages between them and had apparently shared her fears her dad was cheating on his wife Rhona Goskirk.

    Marlon seemed unnerved by this while he asked for Rhona not to be told, insisting there was nothing going on. The mystery has left viewers baffled, as we have not seen anything onscreen involving the pair.

    We did see Marlon visit Laurel after the video surfaced, and the pair cryptically discussed whatever it was they were hiding. Laurel was horrified to know April had seen the texts, with Marlon fearing this is why April fled.

    Laurel hit back though, fearing her secret would get out. She told him: “OK, you’re under a lot of pressure, I get it. But April hasn’t run away because of some texts. Please Marlon. If this get out I could lose everything.”

    Viewers have 'worked out' what Emmerdale's Marlon Dingle and Laurel Thomas are hiding
    Viewers have ‘worked out’ what Emmerdale’s Marlon Dingle and Laurel Thomas are hiding 
    Image:
    ITV)
    Viewers now believe they know what she and Marlon are hiding, and what the texts may have been about. Many viewers do not think the pair have embarked on an affair, and that it’s something else that is troubling them.

    While the texts could insinuate something has happened between them, fans think Laurel might be in trouble or might be struggling. Could Marlon simply be protecting her at her request?

    Viewers think so, believing that Laurel may have relapsed with her alcoholism and Marlon is simply covering for her. One viewer predicted on social media: “What in the Marlon & Laurel is this… (I know it’s not an affair, but am curious about the explanation).”

    Another viewer agreed: “Marlon and Laurel are not having an affair… he’s not the one scared the secret is gonna come out, she is, it’s obvious she’s hiding something so everyone needs to chill on the affair thing.” A third fan added: “I feel like Laurel relapsed and went to Marlon.” Viewers will have to stay tuned to find out what’s really going on!

  • Coronation Street legend almost misses Loose Women stint after backstage panic attack

    Coronation Street legend almost misses Loose Women stint after backstage panic attack

    Coronation Street star Simon Gregson has been part of the ITV soap for over 30 years, playing the role of Steve McDonald, but he has had his fair share of health battles

    Coronation Street stalwart Simon Gregson has shared an update on his health battles, having previously revealed his struggles with anxiety attacks while filming the popular ITV soap.

    The actor, who has portrayed Steve McDonald since he was just 15, admitted that his early rise to fame led to problems later in life, including alcohol issues which eventually resulted in an anxiety disorder.

    His drinking nearly cost him his relationship with his wife Emma Gleave, leading to a point where she had to give him an ultimatum. It was then that Simon decided to quit alcohol, but this decision left him battling severe anxiety, forcing him to take a six-month break from work.

    Simon on Loose Women
    Coronation Street stalwart Simon Gregson has shared an update on his health battles
    Back in 2015, when his wife Emma was pregnant with their third child, Simon realised he needed to make changes and took time off from acting to seek help, eventually receiving a diagnosis of anxiety disorder. A decade after his diagnosis, Simon appeared on Loose Women to discuss his journey and coping strategies, hoping to provide support for others experiencing similar struggles.

    Speaking to the panel on Thursday (Jan 2nd), which included host Sunetra Sarker, Kèllè Bryan, Linda Robson and Dame Kelly Holmes, Simon opened up about his progress and gave insight into what life was like during that challenging period.

    He revealed: “With me it came to a head in 2015 I had anxiety attacks. I’ve been having them all day today. No way I can go on I’ll just have to go home.”, reports Lancs Live.

    Simon Gregson on Corrie
    The actor has suffered from anxiety disorder for over a decade
    He added, “It just hits you like a ton of bricks and makes you incapacitated. Had them since 1990 and I had children and they started noticing. And they start getting anxiety. I thought I’d passed it on, like a cold and knew I had to get a grip.”

    In that same candid chat, Simon admitted to the scary moment he doubted his ability to go on-air after experiencing a panic attack just before Loose Women was set to broadcast, saying, “I didn’t think I could come on here today but I thought I’ve got to and I had to be completely open with everybody and say I am having a panic attack,” earning him a round of encouraging cheers from the panel.

    Previously speaking on the YouTube channel Deep, Simon recollected the point when things just became too much for him, as he recounted: “I remember ringing my boss, and he said, ‘You okay? ‘. I went, ‘No’. I said, ‘I’m in my car, ready to go work, I can’t get off the drive. I physically can’t drive the car off the drive. I can’t do it’.”

    Simon opens up on health struggles
    Simon confessed he didn’t think he’d be to make it onto the showThe actor faced pressure to return to the set, but his doctor intervened, insisting on a minimum six-month break from filming. He shared: “Initially they said, well, ideally we could do with you back at this point, and it was like being given a goal post to get mentally better for, and that didn’t work for me. Luckily for me, the doctor was like, ‘No, this cannot be that. It has to be six months at least’.”

  • Giovanni Pernice more loved-up than ever as he and girlfriend make huge decision

    Giovanni Pernice more loved-up than ever as he and girlfriend make huge decision

    Giovanni Pernice and his girlfriend Bianca Guaccero have made a huge decision about their relationship just days after the pair were crowned the winners of the Italian version of Strictly

    Giovanni Pernice and his girlfriend Bianca Guaccero have cemented their relationship.

    The Italian dancer left Strictly while the BBC probed claims he’d bullied 2023 partner Amanda Abbington. Giovanni, 34, vehemently denied the allegations and was ultimately cleared of nearly all abuse allegations in September after a six-month-long internal BBC investigation.

    In November this year, while appearing on the Italian version of Strictly, Ballando con le Stelle, Giovanni confirmed his romance with Italian actress and singer Bianca Guaccero. The couple wowed on the dance floor, and it soon became evident that their ballroom chemistry continued behind the scenes.

    Just days after the pair were crowned the winners, it appears that they have made a major decision about taking their romance further. Bianca, has now taken to Instagram to reveal the bold step they have taken which comes with no going back. In view of her 897,00 followers, she shared a string of loved-up snaps of the happy couple.

    Giovanni Pernice and his girlfriend have made a huge decision about their romance
    Giovanni Pernice and his girlfriend have made a huge decision about their romance 
    Image:
    Instagram)

    The pair have matching tattoos
    The pair have matching tattoos 
    Image:
    Instagram)

    One image saw the happy couple kissing one another before Bianca went on to reveal that they have gone on to be tattooed with the date they won Ballando con le Stelle. Captioning her upload, the actress penned: “21/12/2018. And how could we ever forget that date that YOU made Irreplaceable. Thank you for everything. Merry Christmas to everyone!”

    But it appears she made an apparent dig at his Strictly partner, Amanda Abbington. Bianca continued: “I wish you to always be able to go beyond the unpleasant things in life and the envy of those who try to dominate or discredit you. Smile and dream on… against all odds… Make it as. as. as possible. Do it Intensely. Never lose sight of the goal. This is how your path can never be stopped. This has always been my secret. This day is yours. I love you.”

    Her post which has been liked over 85,000 times was flooded with sweet messages. Giovanni commented underneath her post, writing: “Love and thanks to all of you who contributed to making all this happen!!” Prior to winning Ballando con le Stelle, the dancer revealed he was open to the idea of marrying Bianca.

    When quizzed on their success, he said: “If we win the show, I’ll seriously think about it.” He went public with his romance with the 43-year-old actress and singer last month after appearing to have grown close over the weeks. Speaking in a clip before the pair performed on screen, he said: “Bianca is my priority. She has been my priority from the beginning. She is still my priority today and will be until the end of the show and beyond.” Touched, she replied: “Being someone’s priority is something new for me. I have always been the one taking care of others.”

  • Meghan Markle returns to Instagram without Prince Harry as Duchess goes solo

    Meghan Markle returns to Instagram without Prince Harry as Duchess goes solo

    The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has seemingly returned to the spotlight with her own Instagram account – seven years on from deactivating her original account to join the Royal Family

    The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle has seemingly returned to the spotlight and launched her own personal Instagram account – a possible sign she and husband Prince Harry have ‘professionally split’ in terms of their respective careers.

    The Duchess seems to have a new account with the simple handle, ‘meghan’, and one singular post, a video reel. However, the account has yet to be verified with a blue tick. The video showed the royal and former actress running along the beach before she bends over to write ‘2025’ in the wet sand.

    She could be heard dusting her hands before she laughed and ran past the camera. Prince Harry was nowhere in sight for the actual video but was reportedly the one filming the short clip. Comments are turned off on the post but her account has already gained over a 100,000 followers in a short period of time.

    In January 2018, ahead of marrying Prince Harry, Meghan deactivated her Instagram, Twitter (X) and Facebook accounts, alongside her lifestyle blog The Tig, ahead of becoming part of the Royal Family. Meghan previously hinted at her return to social media in August 2022, telling The Cut: “I’m getting back … on Instagram.”

    Meghan Markle
    She wrote ‘2025’ in the sand 
    Image:
    Instagram)

    Meghan’s new Instagram account was created in June 2022, around the time of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, and has had one previous username prior to its current handle. The mum-of-two and Prince Harry have an official joint Instagram account, ‘sussexroyal’, with over 9million followers.

    Meghan’s solo return to Instagram follows the former Suits actress and husband Harry sharing some festive cheer with their 2024 Christmas card, featuring a joyful family photo. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s card last month showcased a new snap of their children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3.

    One of the six photos in the greeting captures the kids from behind as they excitedly dash towards their parents. The card depicts Meghan beaming at Archie while Harry greets Lili, affirming his recent remarks about her long, red hair – just like her big brother’s. “On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions and Archewell Foundation,” the card’s message read.

    Meghan Markle
    Meghan was reportedly filmed by her husband, Prince Harry
    The montage also includes five other snaps of Prince Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, from their visits to Nigeria and Colombia this year. “We wish you a very happy holiday season and a joyful new year,” it concluded. For Royal enthusiasts, it was a rare chance to see the Sussexes’ children, who were last seen in the couple’s Netflix docuseries ‘Harry and Meghan’, released in December 2022.

    Nearly half a decade after stepping down as senior royals, Harry and Meghan have kept up the tradition of releasing their Christmas card photograph just like other Royal Family members. The 2023 season’s greeting featured the Sussexes at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf—a cheerful snapshot with Harry in a chic black shirt and jacket, and Meghan dazzling in a sophisticated dark green strapless dress.

    While fans eagerly await their card each year, the couple has sometimes chosen not to include their children in it. An insider previously informed People earlier that Harry is cautious about publicising his children—not out of secrecy but to shield them from the spotlight and safeguard against threats.

    “Harry has been reluctant to show his children publicly, not out of a desire to hide them but to protect their privacy and safety from potential threats.” Concern for their normalcy and safety related to abduction fears is paramount for him. “He wants them to lead as normal a life as possible without the fear of kidnapping or harm. Harry is determined to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself,” alluding to the tragedy of Princess Diana’s passing.

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 
    Image:
    Anadolu via Getty Images)Meanwhile, fans have been wondering about the state of their relationship amid a string of solo appearances. Harry was forced to address cruel claims during an appearance in New York at a prestigious event, where he laughed off any discontent in the marriage and added that he felt ‘genuinely’ sorry for the trolls, whose “hopes are just built and built, and it doesn’t happen”.

    Suits actress Meghan and her husband have been busy with their projects, with Meghan gearing up to launch her brand American Rivieria Orchard, while Harry’s Invictus Games will take place in February in Vancouver and Whistler in Canada. Sources close to the couple also claimed one of them always stays behind from appearances for their children.

    One pal previously told People: “What we are seeing is a functional and healthy relationship with two working partners, not the contrary.” Meanwhile, another source also told the magazine that it shows the couple’s new “twin-track approach” with Harry focusing on his charity endeavours and Meghan on her entrepreneurial projects and business.

    And PR expert Mark Borkowski told The Telegraph that the Sussexes’ “separation of work” has been ongoing for a while now, especially as Meghan works on her new American Riviera Orchard brand. Borkowski thinks their solo appearances is because the “star power” they believed they might have had as a couple when they dramatically quit their royal roles simply “didn’t work”.

  • Wayne Rooney to become ‘house husband’ with Coleen Rooney ‘in the driving seat’

    Wayne Rooney to become ‘house husband’ with Coleen Rooney ‘in the driving seat’

    Coleen Rooney won over the nation when she appeared on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, a spell which has reportedly sparked a bidding war as broadcasters are “desperate” to snap her up.

    Wayne Rooney is set to become a “house husband” as Coleen is “in the driving seat” as the family star.

    The 39-year-old former England footballer left his job at Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday. The club announced they “mutually agreed to part ways” with their manager as they sat bottom of English football’s second tier.

    And while Wayne may now be facing a spell out of work, Coleen’s popularity has soared as she came second to McFly’s Danny Jones on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! last month. The show is often seen as a commercial springboard for celebrities.

    It is another big win for Coleen who has had a rollercoaster couple of years following her High Court dispute with Rebekah Vardy. According to The Telegraph, Coleen’s appearance on I’m a Celeb has sparked a number of high-profile broadcasting offers.

    Coleen Rooney
    Wayne could become a stay-at-home dad for his four children. 
    Image:
    Instagram)

    Coleen, 38, is reported to have been paid £1.5 million to enter the jungle. The star is now said to be the centre of a bidding war as broadcasters are said to be “desperate” to sign her up.

    An insider told Closer: “ITV are the frontrunners to get her for Loose Women and she would love to do it, but Netflix are now coming in with some big-money offers – we’re talking offers of well over £1 million.”

    And with Wayne set to return home to his wife and children at their Cheshire home, he could now take on the role of “house husband” as Coleen “takes the driving seat,” reports The Telegraph. The publication says Wayne is “unlikely” to move into punditry full-time, claiming he “lacks the telegenic fluency” of the likes of Gary Lineker.

    Manchester United’s record goalscorer could however make another move into management in the future. He has already had spells in charge of Derby County, DC United in Major League Soccer, and Birmingham City.

    The Sun however claims Wayne’s future looks set to be in the media as the star has been offered a lucrative move into punditry. It would see Wayne making a similar move to fellow Liverpudlian Jamie Carragher or ex-Manchester United defender Gary Neville who have become popular figures on Sky Sports.

    An insider said: “Wayne is regarded as one of the best pundits in the business.

    “He’s very, very knowledgeable about the game. And even though he’s actually quite a shy person, he really feels at home in a TV studio.”

    Coleen Rooney and her sons
    Coleen shares four children with husband Wayne. 
    Image:
    coleen_rooney/instagram)
    The Mirror previously reported the family could also feature in a Kardashians-like reality TV show. It would star Wayne and Coleen along with Kai 14, Klay 11, Kit eight, and Cass, six.

    The concept is said to have gained interest from both Amazon and Disney. An insider said: “It was all set to be Disney’s and then Amazon appeared in the frame. That has sent the fee up. It looks now like the show will go to Disney, but there’s still time.

    “Coleen’s time on I’m a Celeb has made her the nation’s sweetheart, even if she didn’t win. The British public can’t get enough of her. Her profile is bigger than ever and the fee for her family’s reality show will reflect that.”