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Mike Tindall has shed a little insight into what a Royal Christmas really looks like – and why Prince Louis will be dining separately from his parents on the big day.

As Princess Anne’s son-in-law, former rugby player Mike has become well-accustomed to Royal Christmases over the years. These usually take place at the grand Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, and this year’s festivities look set to be the busiest in years. With some 45 guests gathering at the imposing country house—including Queen Camilla’s children and grandchildren—there will undoubtedly be plenty of noise and laughter as the family settles into their beloved annual traditions.

This, of course, includes the famous swapping of jokey presents on Christmas Eve and a Christmas morning walk to the 16th-century St. Mary Magdalene Church. Then, much like families up and down the county, the Firm will tuck into a roast turkey with all the trimmings. Before the main festivities begin, the monarch also hosts a Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, which was held on December 19 this year. However, the seating arrangements may come as a surprise to Royal fans, who may imagine the three young Wales children to be seated beside Prince William and Princess Kate.

Rugby player Mike married into the family in 2011 ( 
Image:
PA)
In 2019, Mike, who married Zara Phillips in 2011, opened up about the regal celebrations on his rugby podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, and revealed that the children’s festive feasts are quite a different affair. Quizzing Mike about seating arrangements, podcast co-stars James Haskell and Alex Payne asked: “Do you find yourself upgrading every year and getting closer to the main table, or are you off out the back?” They prodded: “Is there a promotion and relegation based on the year’s performance? Because if there is I imagine you’re pretty much sitting on the right-hand side of Her Majesty.”

Offering a glimpse into the proceedings, Mike replied: “This is the family lunch, there were seven tables so there must have been about 70 of us there. The kiddies have their own little one in a different room.” Former royal chef Darren McGrady previously told the BBC that Royal Family Christmas rules dictate that youngsters such as Prince Louis must eat their dinner in a different room.

He explained: “The children always ate in the nursery until they were old enough to conduct themselves properly at the dining table. So for the Queen, there was never a case of putting a high chair at the table with a little baby squealing and throwing food. It was Victorian. The children’s place was in the nursery, and Nanny would take care of them. It’s your modern-day Downton Abbey.”

Strike viewers were left saying the same thing as the latest episode of the BBC show aired on Monday, December 23.

The latest series of the BBC show is based on the novel The Ink Black Heart, which is penned by J. K. Rowling, and published under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. It follows the story of Cormoran Strike as he tries to solve crimes.

This series focuses on the shock murder of the writer of a cult YouTube cartoon called The Ink Black Heart. Before her death, she had met with Robin and explained that she was being harassed and threatened by someone, who she thought was the anonymous creator of an unofficial spin off game – but who is it and did they kill her?

As the latest episode aired, those tuning into the show took to social media to share their thoughts.

Robin and Strike are back to crack a new case ( 
Image:
BBC/Bronte Film & TV/Rob Youngson)

One fan wrote: “So many names. I’ve totally lost track of who everyone is! #Strike,” whilst a second added: ” #strike I’m lost with this storyline.” A third shared: ” #strike bbc1 #TheInkBlackHeart Can’t say I’m really understanding what this current Strike series is all about, not being into gaming or reading comics. Good acting throughout, no foul language but the storyline is for youngsters, presumably.”

However, others heaped praise on the series, describing it as “brilliant”.

“#Strike @BBCOne Loving the latest series #TheInkBlackHeart Amazing as always. Brilliant cast and great storyline,” one wrote, whilst another added: “Another great season of Strike. Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger have great chemistry. This season was definitely different from the rest, but the atmosphere and style were still quality. 10/10 series. #TheInkBlackHeart #Strike.”

Another penned: “Could you drop 4 more i really dont want to wait another 2 years #Strike #TheInkBlackHeart,” whilst a fourth wrote: “Every case ends with each season of Strike but the romantic intrigue just keeps intriguing. And I’m drowning in it. Help!”

The pair have a ‘will they won’t they’ romance ( 
Image:
BBC/Bronte Film & TV/Rob Youngson)
For fans of the show, their favourite part is the budding romance between Cormoran and Robin.

Actress Holliday Grainger said of their romance: “Their relationship is so complicated and there’s a real fear of stepping over the line and there being a sense of no return. It’s written so well in the book, the breakdown of thoughts Robin has, of not knowing if he’s going to regret it in the morning, if he’s drunk a bit too much, or if this is not the right thing for him, and what it would mean for their business. It’s only afterwards that she’s like, ‘Oh, that could have been something, maybe I was overthinking it’.

“That moment makes her realise how she feels towards him properly for the first time, I think. But in that moment there’s also fear of rejection, and of losing what they have, which is friendship. Robin has very few close friends, which is a big element.”

Despite his devastating diagnosis, Hairy Bikers’ star Dave Myers never stopped looking to the future, even in his final week

The beloved presenter had been fighting an unspecified form of cancer for a number of years, and announced he was undergoing chemotherapy in May 2022. His Hairy Bikers ‘brother’ Si King was by Dave’s side throughout, driving him to hospital appointments and making his favourite meals when he felt too poorly to cook.

The bearded pair were known for travelling the world on their motorbikes, sampling and cooking food from different regions. Throughout his cancer battle, at times Dave was unable to ride his motorbike, but in his final weeks, fans were over the moon to see the pair return to their screens, watching Dave and Si on the BBC’s Hairy Bikers Go West. And before his death on February 28 at the age of 66, the duo appeared to be looking forward to more adventures for their BBC One show.

Si King recently opened up about why he chose to work on a documentary about Dave following his death. He said: “It was important to celebrate the man and what he’d achieved and it was also important to give our audience a goodbye as well.”

He described Dave Day, which was organised by the late chef’s wife Lili Myers and one of his friends, as the “perfect example”. Si then went on to pay tribute to his pal Dave, whom he had first met more than two decades ago. Speaking to the outlet, Si said: “We’re all so sorry that we’re here in these circumstances but it was a celebration of that show. There’s lots of joy in that show but that was Dave.” He added that Dave was a “joyous man” who “embraced” and “loved” the life that he led.

Special final moments

On Tuesday, February 27, the Hairy Bikers were seen on screens exploring Merseyside and The Wirral, a place that holds a lot of childhood memories for both Dave and Si. During the fourth episode of their last series, the pair opened up about their “fond childhood memories” in the region.

One of the final Instagram posts before Dave’s death showed Si smiling at Dave in a sweet photograph of them basking in the sunshine. The post said: “For their next adventure out West, the Bikers are exploring Merseyside and The Wirral, a place that holds a lot of childhood memories for both Dave and Si.

“It’s also an area world-renowned for its unbeatable musical heritage and cultural identity. And the Boys quickly learn it has a food scene to match. Tune in to this week’s episode on @bbctwo at 7pm! You don’t want to miss out on it!” That was the last series the dynamic duo would ever film together.

On the show, Si discussed walking across the prom in New Brighton, before Dave said: “I once came to Liverpool to stay in a bed and breakfast for a week’s holiday when I was a kid. It was funny because they took me on the ferry across the Mersey and when I came back, you know when you do your school diary, I was always pretentious, I put so mam and dad took me on a cruise.

“I said we went to New Brighton and they burst out laughing, I was really humiliated. Because I thought the New Brighton ferry was a cruise.”

Work plans

The Hairy Bikers planned to release a new book in April
Following his diagnosis, Myers briefly took a break from work before filming his last show with King, which sees them travel west across Britain from Scotland to Devon.

King previously said that the series, The Hairy Bikers Go West, would be one they would “always remember”. He explained: “We are very privileged to do what we do and I think this one was particularly special in general because of Dave’s health and his sheer and utter determination and love for what he does.

“Especially to continue to do it while he was having treatment took remarkable courage and energy – and adds to why Dave and I will not forget it.” The 57-year-old presenter said the travelogue was “a celebration of a joyous and creative friendship” and he was happy they returned to his co-presenters original home of Lancashire during the series.

The news of Dave’s death came as a shock to fans who had only recently started working on several projects. In January, fans said “Glad your back” and added Dave “looks so well”. Another said they were “so glad you’re both back in the saddle”.

Dave and Si also had plans to bring out another book together in 2024, called ‘The Hairy Dieters Fast and Fresh’. The “exciting announcement” was revealed on social media in February and was launched on 25 April.

Si King’s heartfelt tribute

Dave Myers and Si King recently returned to our screens on their hit BBC show ( 
Image:
BBC/South Shore Productions/Jon Boast)
Si was by Dave’s side when he died, and announcing the sad news via social media, he shared a collection of snaps of Dave taken over the years. He wrote: “All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu who Dave loved like his own.

“Personally, I am not sure I can put into words on how I feel at the moment. My best friend is on a journey that for now, I can’t follow. I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime.”

The heartbroken star continued: “I wish you god’s speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya. I know Dave and his family would want me to thank all of you who sent messages of support in recent times. It meant the world to him, his family and all The Hairy Bikers team.”

Outpouring of love on social media

Heartbroken fans of the TV star rushed to pay tribute. One viewer took to X and said: “Many afternoons with my family watching his cooking. What a truly wonderful human being, another one taken from the world. Rest in peace Dave Myers.”

Another added: “I bet I’m not alone thinking Dave had turned a corner with his cancer treatment and was starting on the road to recovery. Such a lovely kind person.”

“Oh no, such sad news, he always came across as such a lovely bloke,” added another. Someone else commented: “Watched him last night so grateful to be out on his bike again with Si. I’m really sorry to read this news. He was a nice, genuine bloke and spiritual in his own way, bless his heart.”

A fire has broken out at the Eiffel Tower in Paris with people being evacuated.

Emergency services are on the scene and trying to tackle the flames while tourists have been led away from the iconic structure in the French capital.

People have been that the Eiffel Tower is currently closed while the operation is underway to put out the blaze with fire fighters said to be struggling to get to the source of the fire.

The blaze is understood to be burning in the elevator shaft between the first and second floor of the tower. One person has written on X: “A fire is currently raging at the Eiffel Tower. The monument has just been evacuated. An emergency response company has established a perimeter, but firefighters are unable to access the flames.”

And another also shared on social media: “A fire is in progress at the Eiffel Tower. Flames were observed in the elevator shaft between the 1st and 2nd floors. All people in the vicinity have been evacuated. The firefighters are still working.”

While a further person stated: “After Notre Dame, we now have the Eiffel Tower on fire!” Paris is still haunted by the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral, with thick plumes of smoke going into the air in 2019. This month the first Mass was hosted after the church was rebuilt and it has become a powerful symbol of Paris’ resilience.

Notre Dame’s journey from ruin to resurrection was defined by extraordinary craftsmanship, nearly £1billion in global donations and a collective, unyielding determination to rebuild.

The path to restoration was fraught with challenges. Lead contamination forced work to pause, and the COVID-19 pandemic added delays. Yet the project, overseen by architect Philippe Villeneuve, has been hailed as a triumph of human ingenuity and collective resolve. Cutting-edge fire prevention systems, including thermal cameras and a misting system, have been installed to safeguard the cathedral’s future.

Ethan Slater’s ex wife has broken her silence on his new relationship with Ariana Grande and shared a heartbreaking confession about their new movie Wicked.

The actor met Ariana on the set of the film adaptation of the musical Wicked in 2022. Their relationship caused a huge stir as Ethan was legally married at the time – and so too was Ariana. At the time their relationship was made public, Ethan, 32, was married to his wife Lilly Jay, who he shares a child with.

It has been claimed that Ethan and Ariana kick started their alleged affair while filming the two-part film of the theatre production. Lilly has admitted the release of the Hollywood blockbuster has brought up more emotions for her. She devastatingly said: “Days when I can’t escape the promotion of a movie associated with the saddest days of my life are darker.”

In a candid essay, Lilly reflected on the breakdown of her marriage. “In the countless hours I spend rocking my son to sleep, pushing his stroller, marveling at his sweaty little hands grasping a crayon, I work diligently on my private project of accepting the sudden public downfall of my marriage,” she wrote in The Cut.

“This, I tell myself, is nothing to be ashamed of and nothing to hide. Slowly but surely, I have come to believe that in the absence of the life I planned with my high-school sweetheart, a lifetime of sweetness is waiting for me and my child.” Lilly shared that while her partnership with Ethan has changed yet their parenting hasn’t.

Ethan and Lilly were married and share a child together ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

He is now in a relationship with Wicked co-star Ariana Grande ( 
Image:
Variety via Getty Images)
She said they both “fiercely love” their son “100 percent of the time”. The mum-of-one reflected that she never thought her marriage would end in divorce and “especially not just after giving birth to my first child”. She admitted she has been in a season of “shock and mourning” in the past year since their split became public knowledge.

Lilly heartbreakingly shared how she deeply misses a “life of invisibility” that she had created for herself as a psychologist. Ethan recently confessed has found it “difficult” with having his relationship with singer Ariana being in the public eye. The actor was seen posing on his own while on the red carpet of Wicked, while the hitmaker was pictured with co-star Cynthia Erivo.

Speaking to GQ magazine, the film star explained how his relationship has been with Ariana in the public glare. He said: “I think there was something that was really difficult about things in your private life being commented on and looked at by the public.” Ethan added: “It’s really hard to see people who don’t know anything about what’s happening commenting on it and speculating, and then getting things wrong about the people you love.” A year on, the pair appear to be going from strength to strength despite the scandal surrounding their on-set romance.

As Blake Lively sues It Ends with Us co-star Justin Baldoni, Perez Hilton has claimed to have debunked an online theory into the reason behind it.

Two years ago, the duo landed the lead roles in the film based on the best-selling book by US author Colleen Hoover. However, despite previously praising each other in interviews, there were fallout rumours by the time the film was released. Blake, 37, and Justin, 40, later refused to promote the film together, instead doing red carpet photos and interviews separately.

Blake has since filed a shock sexual harassment lawsuit claiming Justin, who is married and has two children, behaved inappropriately towards her and other members of the cast and crew. This included claims he allowed his ‘friends’ to watch her film certain sex scenes, as well as adding sexual scenes she hadn’t approved to the film. Justin has denied the claims and called the lawsuit a “desperate attempt to ‘fix’ her negative reputation” following a backlash over Blake’s own behaviour.

Perez Hilton has shared his thoughts on Blake Lively’s lawsuit ( 
Image:
Getty Images for GLAAD)

Blake Lively is suing Justin Baldoni ( 
Image:
WWD via Getty Images)
Now, Perez Hilton has had his say. The media personality took to TikTok to share his thoughts and claimed Blake, who is married to Ryan Reynolds, made a “big mistake”. Speaking to his followers, he said: “Two very important points that I keep thinking of. First… Justin Baldoni directed and starred in the movie and he also acquired the rights to the book. His production company took this to Sony and Sony ended up financing the film.”

He said it was Sony’s decision to then bring Blake in to the production. He went on to claim to have seen speculation claiming the lawsuit could be a tactic to try to get Blake the rights to the second book that Justin currently has. However, he doesn’t agree with this, adding: “What incentive does Justin Baldoni have now after she’s already sued him? What incentive does he have to sell her the rights? The damage is done.”

Perez went on the brand the franchise “tainted” and said it would be a mistake to make any further movies from the series. He said he believes the value has plummeted due to the ongoing saga before. He went on to say it was “interesting” that Blake didn’t sue Sony too.

Blake previously faced a backlash over the way she promoted the film with fans calling her ‘tone deaf’ for not acknowledging the deeper domestic abuse themes and missing an opportunity to raise awareness. While she promoted it on social media, a clip of Blake went viral as she told fans: “Grab your friends, wear your florals, and head out to see it” – with some saying her statement was at odds with the dark subject matter of the movie.

Following the backlash, Blake is said to have been in fear it could damage her career. A source told DailyMail.com in August: “Blake is definitely saddened by the hate she is getting and is trying not to let it affect her, but it is.

“She thought this was her moment to shine, but is now looking at it like the end of her career. She’s fearing no one will want to work with her after this. She really wants to continue producing and directing and acting, but she knows she needs to take a step back for a minute to reassess the future.”

Ryan Reynolds has broken his silence days after his wife Blake Lively filed a lawsuit for sexual harassment against It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni.

The actor hinted at it being a difficult time as he took to his social media to raise awareness for him and his wife’s campaign with children’s charity Sick Kids Hospital. He dressed up as his iconic Deadpool character in the short clip where he admitted the campaign was filmed ‘during a time I really didn’t feel like putting the suit on.’

Their message read: “It’s almost Christmas Eve. Last day to donate to @sickkids. @blakelively and I are matching any donation to $500k. This organisation is a sanctuary for so many kids and their parents traversing the unimaginable. Thank you @rowlandbb for directing this amazing little piece during a time I really didn’t feel like putting the suit on.

“Thank you @reallyndacarter for your time, grace and talent. Thank you to my daughter for being such a good person despite your dad asking you to swear (for a good cause).” Lively and Baldoni reportedly had a contentious time working together on the Hollywood movie, It Ends With Us, which was released in August.

She is now suing Baldoni for “sexual harassment” on the set of the film, alongside claims that the actor made a concerted effort to “destroy her reputation.” Lively played florist Lily Bloom who suffers domestic abuse at the hands of her neurosurgeon husband Ryle Kincaid, portrayed by Baldoni – who also directed the film.

Ryan’s wife Blake Lively has filed a lawsuit for sexual harassment ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

Justin Baldoni starred alongside Livley in It Ends With Us ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
According to a sexual harassment lawsuit filed to the California Civil Rights Department on Friday, the backlash against Lively wasn’t an organic reaction to the star’s conduct but a heavily orchestrated campaign against her. Negative stories, it is alleged, had been deliberately planted in an attempt to ‘bury her’. Excerpts from text messages and emails have been published by the New York Times, which Lively says she acquired through a subpoena.

Baldoni’s lawyer Bryan Freeman has called the newly emerging allegations ‘false, outrageous and intentionally salacious’. In a statement he said: “It is shameful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr. Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives, as yet another desperate attempt to ‘fix’ her negative reputation which was garnered from her own remarks and actions during the campaign for the film; interviews and press activities that were observed publicly, in real time and unedited, which allowed for the internet to generate their own views and opinions.”

He added: “It was also discovered that Ms. Lively enlisted her own representative, Leslie Sloan with Vision PR, who also represents Mr. Reynolds, to plant negative and completely fabricated and false stories with media, even prior to any marketing had commenced for the film, which was another reason why Wayfarer Studios made the decision to hire a crisis professional to commence internal scenario planning in the case they needed to address.”

Lively’s complaint claims Baldoni and a lead producer on the movie, Jamey Heath, embarked on ‘repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behaviour’ against her. This includes claims that Baldoni engaged in impromptu and unwanted kissing with Lively, along with making sexual comments, while Heath, 55, is accused of showing her pictures of his wife naked and watching her while she was topless and getting her make-up removed, even when asked to look away. Reference is made to a meeting which saw all parties agree to a 30 point code of conduct in order for production to resume, with most of the requirements related to sex.

Coleen Rooney shows off art deco bar in £20million home (Coleen Rooney/Instagram)

Fresh out the jungle, Coleen Rooney showed she was truly back in the lap of luxury by giving fans a glimpse into her lavish £20 million mansion.

The I’m A Celeb star unveiled her stunning art-deco-inspired bar inside the Cheshire

The 38-year-old mother-of-four is pulling out all the stops to ready the family home for the festive season. Her bar, a blend of gold accents and a mirrored centrepiece, evokes Old Hollywood glamour.

A frosted Christmas tree stands proudly in front of floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a view of the estate’s sprawling grounds.

Sharing the festive decor with her fans, Coleen, who is famously married to Plymouth Argyle manager and former England star Wayne Rooney, credited Grey Rose Interiors, writing, “All ready for Christmas.”

The WAG’s striking art deco bar (Instagram/ Coleen Rooney)
Another clip showed her chatting with fans in front of a second silver-adorned tree, illuminated by a sleek, contemporary chandelier.

The Rooney estate, dubbed High Lake Manor, sits on an impressive 40 acres of land that includes two fishing lakes, a full-size football pitch complete with changing rooms and showers.

There’s also a cinema room, an indoor swimming pool housed in a glass pavilion overlooking the countryside, and a spa area with a hot tub, plunge pool, steam room, and gym, linked by one of the home’s two lifts.

Coleen’s four sons brought the Christmas cheer at their home (Coleen Ronney/Instagram)The interiors are equally opulent, featuring cream marble floors, soft ambient lighting, and classic high-end furnishings.

The Rooney’s moved into the mansion, in Cheshire’s exclusive “Golden Triangle,” after a burglary attempt at their former Prestbury home in 2016.

Coleen has also revealed she plans to recreate the iconic I’m A Celeb Celebrity Cyclone trial at her £20million Cheshire mansion—and her campmates are invited.

The Liverpudlian, who was runner-up to Danny Jones in the jungle, shared her plans during a chat with Maura Higgins

McCullough, filling in for Greg James, called Rooney alongside Higgins during the segment “Sitting or Standing.”

Danny Jones Crowned King of the Jungle as Coleen was runner-up (ITV)
Reflecting on her jungle experience, Rooney said: “I loved that I got to the final, it was such a fun week. We should have all stayed ’til the end—I missed yous when you left.”

She added, “[The Celebrity] Cyclone was so much fun. I’m definitely going to do a Cyclone in my back garden this summer.”

When Higgins asked if they could join in, Rooney happily replied: “Of course!”

Freddie Flintoff returned to hosting duties for a special Christmas reboot of classic darts gameshow Bullseye and fans flocked to watch the remake

Fans flocked to the reboot of Bullseye with Freddie Flintoff with the show being crowned ITV’s most watched over the weekend.

The remake of the classic darts contest saw former sportsman Fred take to the oche with a new set of contestants. And the Christmas special on Sunday brought in a huge 3.3million viewers, with many praising the cricketer’s talents.

Taking to Twitter/X, one fan pleaded: “This already deserves a new series commissioned. They haven’t messed with the original format whatsoever and it shows. Flintoff absolutely class too. Get it sorted ASAP please ITV.” A second added: “Hopefully they will make a new series out of it.”

Others declared the show a success and labelled Freddie a “great presenter”, while there was also special praise for darts sensation Luke Littler. The teen whizz stunned as he through a perfect three darts with ease.

Fans loved the special Bullseye episode ( 
Image:
ITV)

It’s thought Bullseye’s final viewing figures could double or triple in total when catch up service ITVX’s figures are incorporated. And now, it’s claimed the show’s bosses are under pressure to bring it back permanently.

The game show was originally presented in the 80s and 90s by Jim Bowen. Former Ashes legend Freddie, 46, took over from the late comic’s old role for the one-off Christmas special. However, it’s though bosses are keen it will become a regular series in the future.

When Freddie announced the role, he said: “I love the darts and Bullseye was one of my favourite shows as a kid. I can’t quite believe I’ll get to host this Christmas special,” before repeating one of the former host’s famous catchphrases: “You can’t beat a bit of Bully!”

The role was Freddie’s first TV commission, besides his recent documentary Field of Dreams, since his horrific crash. The former cricketer and TV presenter nearly died during a horror crash in December 2022. The ex-England cricket ace was filming for Top Gear at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey when disaster struck. He suffered serious injuries after the Morgan Super 3 trike he was driving, alongside a member of the film crew, somersaulted and smashed into the track.

His injuries included broken ribs and facial injuries, with the star needing to be airlifted to hospital. He stayed out of the spotlight since the crash but returned to TV in August for his Field of Dreams on Tour, where he helped coach an unlikely cricket team from Preston to tour India.

As Giovanni Pernice makes a brief return to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom, the Mirror takes a look at the Italian dancer’s life now, following the row that saw him walk away from the show

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice parted ways with the show he loved earlier this year after a bitter feud with dance partner Amanda Abbington.

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.

However, Amanda’s complaints about verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, with the report concluding the dance champion’s language towards his partner could be “belittling”.

In the months since, Giovanni’s life has changed dramatically. He recently emerged victorious from Ballando con le Stelle – the Italian version of Strictly – with a romance blossoming between himself and Bianca Guaccero. Having won Bianca’s family’s approval, talk of proposals is already on the cards, with Gio making his feelings for her abundantly clear.

Meanwhile, after a brief return to the Strictly ballroom for the show’s 20th anniversary, Gio is gearing up for a 2025 tour, which will see him play some of the biggest venues in the UK. Here, the Mirror takes a look at what he’s got going on…

The couple’s ballroom chemistry continued behind the scenes ( 
Image:
Maurizio D’Avanzo/MDPhoto/ipa-agency.net/REX/Shutterstock)
Back in November, Giovanni confirmed his romance with Italian actress and singer Bianca Guaccero, with whom he was partnered on Ballando con le Stelle. The couple wowed on the dance floor, and it soon became evident that their ballroom chemistry continued behind the scenes.

On an episode that aired on Saturday, November 23, Giovanni shared: “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.” Appearing moved, Bianca replied: “Being someone’s priority is something new for me. I have always been the one taking care of others.”

She continued: ‘It’s an amazing feeling. It’s something I’m discovering at the age of forty-three. Having someone next to me who is proud of me and is happy for my happiness is something new to me. This has never happened to me in my life.”

It’s understood the loved-up couple has already met each other’s families, paying visits to their respective hometowns. In an interview with Italian TV presenter Monica Setta, which aired December 21, Bianca promised to overcome her fears and embrace her future with Giovanni. Addressing her dancer beau, Bianca pledged: “Dear Giovanni, I promise you to leave out all my fears, doubts and closures. The symbolic gift I put under the Christmas tree is to believe in our possibilities.”

She added: “I had a heavy stone on my heart, I had difficulty believing in true love. When I met Giovanni, I felt at home, and I was in London with him and then 24 hours with my parents. I wanted to introduce him to the country and the people I love.”

It would appear that Gio has charmed Bianca’s family during his visit to Puglia, with Bianca’s proud mother Rosa telling The Sun: “My daughter has always been very sensitive, she has faced many challenges with courage and I am proud of the woman she has become. I am very happy that she chose to take part in Ballando con le Stelle because this show has given her and is giving her so much, as a woman.

“Giovanni came down to meet me and my husband in Puglia, and I like him as a person. Bianca has never said it to me explicitly, but love doesn’t need to be announced; you see it, and you feel it, and that is enough.”

Meanwhile, as per the Mail Online, Gio has also made his strong feelings for Bianca known, stating: “After a long time, there is someone who takes care of me and cares about me. A woman like her has been missing from my life”

Marriage vow

Gio promised to ‘seriously consider’ marrying Bianca ( 
Image:
instagram.com/biancaguacceroreal)

The pair have already met each other’s families ( 
Image:
instagram.com/biancaguacceroreal)
Prior to their recent victory, Gio promised to “seriously consider” marrying Bianca, should they end up lifting the trophy together. When asked whether a certain question was on the cards prior to their stunning final performance, Gio cheekily declared: “If we win the show, I’ll seriously think about it.”

And although there’s been no confirmation of a proposal, despite fans’ social media sleuthing attempts, it’s clear the pair were equally overjoyed with their joint win.

Gratitude to fans

Gio recently thanked loyal fans for their support ( 
Image:
BBC)In an Instagram post shared to celebrate his recent win, Gio thanked his fans for their “unbelievable” support over what has proven to be a “difficult year” career-wise.

Gio wrote: “We did it!! WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!! After a difficult year, I’m back. Thank you to each and every one of you who took the time to support Bianca and me over the last few months – it hasn’t gone unnoticed. We have done some incredible dances, and obviously, I’m very proud of what we achieved together!

“To everyone in the UK and Ireland – thank you so much. The constant support I have felt from you all over the last few months has been unbelievable! I see you all, and I’m so grateful to each and every one of you for being there last night and voting when needed – I know it was a lot.”

Strictly plans

The dancer’s Strictly future looks uncertain following the Amanda Abbington row ( 
Image:
BBC)
In the same celebratory post, Gio left fans theorising that he could soon be returning to Strictly, with his telling concluding sign-off of “I can’t wait to see you all again very soon!” leaving followers guessing.

Sparking rumours that he may well “soon” return to the BBC ballroom, Gio continued: “It felt amazing to be in the final again doing what I love – and then to win as well was a dream and definitely something I will never forget! Thank you for being there and being part of that with me. I can’t wait to see you all again very soon!”

Following months of controversy, Giovanni returned to Strictly on December 21, in a special episode celebrating the show’s 20th anniversary. Although there has so far been no confirmation of a Strictly comeback for 2025, fans can catch him on tour, with the dancer kickstarting his Giovanni – The Last Dance tour in mid-January. The nationwide tour will begin in Hayes at the Beck Theatre, finishing up at the London Palladium.

Giovanni has previously confirmed that he’ll be taking a “little break” after this upcoming tour. In a social media statement, he shared: “After performing in front of over half a million people for seven years in a row, I plan to take a little break after next year’s tour.”

Return to British telly

On January 5, Gio will return to our screens in Celebrity Hunted ( 
Image:
ITV)
Giovanni is set to return to British television in early 2025 for Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted. This appearance will see Gio compete in the challenge show in aid of Stand Up To Cancer alongside stars such as Loose Women star Denise Welch and her husband Lincoln Townley, Blue singer Duncan James, and model Christine McGuinness.

The upcoming series, which involves an expert team of hunters tracking down celeb contestants, will air on Channel 4 at 9 pm on January 5. It will also feature former EastEnders star Danielle Harold, Coronation Street actress Kimberly Hart-Simpson, news reporters Simon McCoy and Lucrezia Millarini, podcaster David Whitely, and Celebrity Big Brother icon Zeze Millz.

Director of programmes for Shine TV, Matt Bennett, previously said: “There’s nothing more delicious than watching our much-loved celebrities turn fugitive and go on the run as they attempt to escape the hunters, all in aid of the excellent charity Stand Up To Cancer. This year, we have a stellar lineup who have truly kept the hunters on their toes.

“With dramatic escapes to daring captures, this season of Celebrity Hunted will keep the Channel 4 viewer on the edge of their sofas from one programme to the next. Jason Bourne would be proud of them all.”