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Kai Widdrington is dating corporate worker Chloe Wells after a chance meeting at the pub, and has big plans for his romance months after his split from Strictly co-star Nadiya Bychkova

Kai Widdrington is ‘in a happier place in life’ after meeting his new girlfriend during a trip to his local pub(Image: WireImage)

Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington is making huge strides with his new romance. The ballroom pro has found love again after his very public split with Nadiya Bychkova, and is preparing for some major milestones.

It’s been just nine months since Kai, 29, and Nadiya, 35, decided to call time on their romance last summer, following two years together.

Kai’s new girlfriend Chloe has ‘no interest in the limelight,’ but the duo plans to break their privacy soon with their first red carpet appearance as a couple(Image: BBC)

The BBC star reportedly met Chloe at a pub near his West London home, and have been keeping things very private. But now, Kai is set to usher in two major milestones with a red carpet debut as a couple and plans to move in together.

According to an insider, Chloe and Kai “hit it off from the start,” and the office worker “has absolutely no interest in the limelight; she just likes Kai for Kai.”

“They have a real laugh together and although it’s early days, they’re planning on moving in together in the coming months,” they added to The Sun.

Kai’s pal explained that he “found it very damaging to his mental health having his past relationship with Nadiya played out in public,” and it’s refreshing to keep his new romance much more private.

“She also isn’t a Strictly superfan which makes things easier,” the source shared, concluding that they’re “super content” together while Kai is “in a happier place in life thanks to her.” The Mirror has contacted a representative of Kai for comment.

In contrast to his low-key relationship with Chloe, Kai and Nadiya were instantly in the spotlight as they started dating on Strictly in 2022, a year after Kai joined the cast. They kept their relationship a secret for a few months – even opting to wear disguises out in public – but eventually disclosed their love in December 2023.

“I just knew Nadiya was The One,” Kai told Hello! Magazine at the time. “She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, but the real beauty is not just what you see on the outside – it’s the person on the inside I fell in love with.”

While friends suggested that the couple’s split last summer was on good terms, Nadiya spoke to the Mirror at the Pride of Britain awards in October and said that they no longer even had a platonic relationship.

“We work together but we are not friends and that’s okay. One thing I can tell you is that when you see me dancing with him it will be amazing because I’m a professional,” she said.

Filipino actress and politician Nora Aunor has died aged 71, according to her family. Nora’s son, actor Ian De Leon, broke the news in an emotional Facebook post late on April 15.

“We love you ma. God knows how much we love you.. Rest in peace, Mom.. You are always here in our hearts and minds,” he penned.

‘I love you mommy,” Nora’s daughter Maret added. A cause for Nora’s death has not yet been disclosed, but it’s believed that she died in the upscale district of Pasig City in her native Philippines. While a cause of death hasn’t been shared, it’s known that Nora was suffering from a long battle with ill health in recent months, resulting in her stepping back from public events.

Nora’s death follows a period of ill health, which saw her step back from her busy public life in recent months ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
After she missed a media conference for her project Mananambal, the Manila Standard reports that director Adolf Alix Jr shared: “We all know how sensitive the situation of Ate Guy [Nora] is. The doctor has advised her to limit her participation in public gatherings due to her current condition. She wants to be with all of you, but she has to choose which events she can attend.”

Nora was also working as a politician and advocate, but earlier this year withdrew her candidacy as a nominee for the People’s Champ Guardians. Explaining her decision, she said: “I was also advised by my doctors that I should stay away from stress situations, like campaigning.”

On X, formerly known as Twitter, fans from across the globe have shared tributes to the well known actress, film producer, and musician.

“Nora Aunor’s talent was phenomenal. Her eyes conveyed thousands of emotions, and her grounded performances captured the sadness, grief, and resilience of ordinary Filipinos. A phenomenal talent and one of the greatest ever,” one person wrote.

Fans remembered Nora as ‘one of the greatest ever,’ after a decades-long career in film and music ( 
Image:
WireImage)
“A true icon of Philippine cinema. Nora Aunor’s legacy will live on through her incredible performances. My thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time,” added a second.

Nora was born in 1953, one of nine siblings who grew up in poverty. While she started working as a child selling peanuts and water to commuters, things changed when she entered and won a radio singing contest. She went on to enter national competitions, including Tawag ng Tanghalan – a televised show similar to our X Factor – which she won on her second attempt in 1967.

Just months after her win she signed a contract for eight films with a Philippine production company, and also broke into acting on TV with countless light-hearted roles aimed at the youth.

By 1972 she moved onto beefier, more mature roles and started raking in awards, while also keeping up her singing career and even establishing her own production company in 1973.

Nora married Filipino actor Christopher de Leon in 1975, and welcomed son Ian with him the same year. Alongside Ian, they adopted four other children: Matet and Lotlot, both actresses; alongside Kiko and Kenneth. She and Christopher divorced in 1996.

Trisha Goddard’s daughter has hit out at the frosty reception her mum received after being booted out of the Celebrity Big Brother house minutes after opening up about living with incurable cancer

Trisha Goddard’s daughter has hit out at the ‘hateful’ booing her mum received after becoming the second contestant to be eliminated from the Celebrity Big Brother House. Former chat show queen Trisha received a frosty reaction from the crowd after emotionally sharing how her terminal cancer had impacted her experience earlier in the show.

Trisha said she had been able to forget the gloom for a brief spell and enjoyed the chance to ‘be playful and act like a child again.’ Shortly after she was sent packing in the live eviction after losing the public vote against soap icons Jack P Shepherd and Patsy Palmer.

Speaking to the Mirror, Trisha’s daughter Billie said: “I had seen some hateful accounts on X encouraging people in the crowd to boo mum, so I was personally prepared for that. I do think that reaction is a very poor reflection of certain parts of our society though.

Trisha Goddard’s daughter slams ‘hateful’ booing of mum living with incurable cancer(Image: Vianney Le Caer/REX/Shutterstock for Big Brother)

“To boo at a woman living with incurable cancer because you didn’t like how she appeared on a heavily edited reality TV show – whilst she is receiving treatment – is pretty sad.

“You can disagree with someone or dislike someone without being hateful or hurtful. I actually feel really sorry for those people – it can’t be nice carrying all of that hate and bitterness around.”

Trisha was booed when she was evicted from the Celebrity Big Brother house (Image: Vianney Le Caer/REX/Shutterstock for Big Brother)

However, Billie also saw the love that her mum received and was able to see the positivity of the situation shine through. The proud daughter told us: “I’m immensely proud of mum. She did incredibly well in challenging circumstances – and she really enjoyed it – which makes me so happy. There was also a lot of love and a lot of cheering for mum which was so amazing to hear.”

Trisha is now back to reality and will be undergoing more treatment straight after leaving the house. Before entering the iconic house last week, she told hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best: “So my oncologist is my biggest cheerleader and is working with the Big Brother team. I’ve got a special therapist who’s happy to work with the medic on the show.

Trisha’s family have slammed fans for booing the terminally-ill star (Image: Vianney Le Caer/REX/Shutterstock for Big Brother)

“My palliative care team – and when I say that word everybody screams and runs away, but it’s symptom treatment – is working with the team here too. And then when it comes to my treatment, I had one infusion on Monday, so I’ve got to jump on a plane and go straight back to have the next one as soon as the show is over.

“I’ve got a bag full of meds that I normally have which will be with me in the house. So my oncologist has planned my treatment around the production schedule.”

Celebrity Big Brother fans slammed those who booed Trisha as she became the second housemate to be evicted from the show last night. Trisha had joined the show with a mission to inspire her audience not to fear life, despite battling terminal stage four cancer.

After a nine-day stint, she exited the show but Trisha was met with a chorus of boos from some of those in the crowd outside. Viewers watching at home were sickened by the cruel backlash.

Trisha Goddard and her daughters Billie, 35, and Madison, 32(Image: Getty )

“Yes Trisha is opinionated and sometimes talks too much about herself but she’s certainly not worthy of being booed, especially when she has terminal cancer like the crowd can F off with that #CBBUK,” one penned on X.

“Regardless of whether or not you find trisha likeable, booing a woman with stage 4 Cancer is a genuinely terrible thing to do and this audience should be embarrassed #cbbuk,” another added as a third wrote: “Trisha saying she likes the distractions in the house and there are losers booing her- I don’t care how annoying she is, don’t be heartless #cbbuk.”

Before entering the house, Trisha spoke about her diagnosis as she said: “You can live successfully with cancer and not be so scared of dying that you become scared of living.”

Trisha also said that she did not want to be seen as a victim while in the house. “I’ve been asked to do it every single year, and I’ve always thought, “Are you kidding me?” When I told my daughter she made a really good point.

Trisha said goodbye to Celebrity Big Brother last night (Image: ITV)

“I’ve got my Instagram and I’ve really been banging on about the language used when it comes to cancer and about services that are needed so people can live their best lives. I shout into Instagram but being on Big Brother would show people how you can live successfully with cancer and not be so scared of dying that you become scared of living. So that’s why I’m doing it.”

On not wanting to be seen as a victim, she added: “That’s exactly it. You talk to people and you say you have stage four metastatic cancer. But there’s stage four and there’s stage four.

“You can have a few cells and you’re stage four. You can have cancer in your brain, your heart, you know, God forbid, and you’re stage four. So people hear metastatic and they don’t think about the fact that there are people with metastatic breast cancer being treated by my oncologist who have been around for twenty years.

Trisha is living with stage four breast cancer(Image: ITV)

“So it’s a huge thing. But people hear metastatic and it’s terminal, which isn’t used in the medical world, it’s life limiting. You’re written off and there’s just pity towards you.

“Anyone going through it, and the Princess of Wales said it perfectly, you’re living with uncertainty, but all you get is pity. I can categorically tell you there are lots of people in lots of industries who are living with cancer who’ve never said a word for that reason.

“I was doing something the other day and a person revealed to me that they were about to go and get their treatment plan, they were whispering and said, “I can’t let anybody else know about this because I might lose my job.” That’s so wrong.”

Notes left by Hollywood icon Gene Hackman to his wife Betsy Arakawa have been uncovered almost two months after the duo were both found dead in their Santa Fe home

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman died in February

Hollywood star Gene Hackman left his wife Betsy Arakawa a number of touching notes prior to their deaths in February. The duo were both found dead in the Santa Fe home in February.

However, new notes have been released which showed their devotion to each other. The pair, who married in 1991, had been communicating in the sweet handwritten messages. The actor was always seen to sign off: “Love, G.”

While it’s unclear the date of he notes, Gene is seen to have penned the touching messages to his “lovely girl” Betsy. One note read: “Morning lovely girl, thinking of you and the other little guys. Love G.”

In another, Gene appears to have acknowledged his health struggles. However, he seems to try to make light of the situation. He wrote: “Ho, Ho, I am off to see the Wizard, the Wizz of Achie, Pokie.

One of Gene Hackman’s notes to his wife(Image: Santa Fe Police Department)

“She stabs me here and stabs me there, she stabs me almost everywhere (almost). But I’ll survive because after I am still alive. (But some times just barely). Love G.”

In another, he wrote: “I’m going down to that building out past the hot water place where you sit, and do whatever it is that people are supposed to do in such a building – maybe I’ll remember once I get down there.”

The notes come after Gene is said to have died a week later than Betsy, who died in February of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The rare, rodent-borne disease that killed Betsy can have a range of symptoms, including flu-like illness, headaches, dizziness and severe respiratory distress.

Gene and Betsy shared a number of handwritten notes(Image: Santa Fe Police Department)

Sadly, Betsy appeared to have been searching for health information online in the lead up to her death. A review of the open bookmarks on Betsy’s computer on February 8 and the morning of February 12 revealed historical searches in which she had been looking up medical conditions related to COVID-19 and flu-like symptoms.

During a press conference in March, Dr Heather Jarrell, chief medical examiner for New Mexico, revealed it was “reasonable to conclude” that Betsy died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome on February 11 at the couple’s home in Santa Fe. Gene is thought to have died a week later on February 18.

His cause of death is said to have been from “hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor”, according to the expert.

Gene and Betsy married in 1991(Image: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Footage inside their home has shown the heartbreaking act of one of the duo’s surviving dogs. New body camera footage has been revealed of the day police entered the Santa Fe property to find Betsy’s body and it shows the dog guarding her.

In the 11-minute video, one of the investigators is heard saying: “Poor guy, he’s sad,” in reference to the dog, which sits there and waits. The house can be seen as very cluttered in the newly released footage as the dog silently sits there. It appears as though the animal is protecting its owner in the most heartbreaking way.

Gavin & Stacey legend Larry Lamb was supported by his BBC co-stars at the launch of his debut novel titled All Wrapped Up in London on Tuesday evening

The cast of Gavin & Stacey reunited for a special occasion

The cast of Gavin & Stacey have reunited for one last story. Larry Lamb was joined by his on screen wife Alison Steadman, Ade Scarborough and Melanie Walters at his book launch in London, to celebrate the publication of his debut novel All Wrapped Up.

The Gavin and Stacey cast members posed for photos together, reuniting following the hugely popular Christmas finale. Larry, who played Mick Shipman in the hit series posed with on-screen wife Alison Steadman (Pamela Shipman) and with fellow cast members Melanie Walters (Gwen West) and Ade Scarborough (Pete Sutcliffe).

And although they were not at the launch in Soho, other cast members spoke fondly of Larry’s storytelling. James Corden said: “Some of my fondest memories of being on the set of Gavin and Stacey were listening to Larry Lamb tell incredible stories. He is one of the best.”

Larry Lamb is celebrating his latest career venture(Image: Pete Jones)

Larry’s new novel is set behind the scenes on a film set on a Caribbean island and follows the story of Killian Wilde – a first assistant director who is determined to see his film through – if the chaos doesn’t consume them first. Between managing an impossible lead actor, navigating power struggles on and off set, and a crew member vanishing under mysterious circumstances, the production is at risk of falling apart.

It comes after Larry, 77, recently discussed his exciting new literary project on The One Show earlier this month alongside Jill Halfpenny. At the time, hosts Gethin Jones and Clara Amfo delved into Larry and Jill’s latest drama series, The Feud, where they portray father and daughter, Clara shifted gears to discuss Larry’s newfound love for penning novels.

He was joined by his on-screen wife, Alison Steadman (Image: Pete Jones)

Larry opened up about his debut novel, All Wrapped Up, saying: “Well it’s an adventure story, that’s what it is. It’s all about a first assistant director, who’s running a film out in the Caribbean.

His job as first assistant director, working man, is to hold on and keep everything as he should but unfortunately, the whole thing is unravelling around him. It’s like everybody’s life at work, that’s what it is and that’s what has got me doing it.”

Previously, Larry had expressed his desire for his book to highlight the often overlooked heroes behind the scenes of television. Opening up about his inspiration for a recent book, Larry lavished high praise on the folks behind the scenes during an interview with The Bookseller: “Maybe from the first set I was on.

The cast have maintained a close relationship since meeting on the show(Image: Pete Jones)

“I love acting, but I realised right away that the crew are the unsung heroes: the electricians, set builders, wardrobe, caterers… regular working people who happen to be doing something people find fascinating.”

He further explained the rationale behind his narrative choices by saying: “I’ve thrown romance and action into the book, but sets are full of drama because even little things can tip you over – airplane noise overhead, the weather, the budget suddenly drying up – and you are so vulnerable.”

Besides his literary pursuits, Larry is best known to millions as Mick Shipman, dad of titular character Gavin in the smash-hit sitcom Gavin and Stacey.

The trailer for new movie Jafaican has been released and it’s safe to say that people have a lot to say about Peter Andre’s latest role and the singer’s attempt at a Jamaican accent

A new film featuring Peter Andre as a Jamaican gangster has divided the internet and forced the Mysterious Girl singer to delete his teaser posts for his big movie role. The trailer for the movie, titled Jafaican, was released this week, leaving many viewers in fits of laughter thanks to Peter’s character.

However, some have raised an eyebrow at the fact that Peter dons a dreadlock wig and puts on a Jamaican accent for his feature film outing. Many have questioned “why is Jamaica always the butt of the joke” and some have even gone as far to brand the film racist.

The plot is teased as follows: “Desperate to secure £35,000 for his gran’s care, small-time crook Gazza jumps on a risky tip-off and hatches a daring scam. With just 21 days to pull it off, he must immerse himself in Jamaican culture to con his way between London and Jamaica.”

Peter Andre’s new movie role hasn’t gone down too well on Twitter (Image: Radioactive Pictures/Youtube)

The two-minute trailer kicks off with Gary Buckle (Gazza), player by Peter, in London, describing himself as a ‘wheeler-dealer and troublemaker’. However, he soon finds himself in a tight spot when he’s told he needs to fork out £35,000 for his grandmother’s care home fees.

After a failed attempt to quickly amass wealth through a poker game, Gazza is forced to explore other options, eventually agreeing to impersonate a gangster for a hefty sum of £3 million.

His journey takes him to Jamaica, where he’s tasked with ‘posing as the gangster, steal his dough and hope to live’. Gazza then proclaims ‘all I’ve got to do is learn the Jamaican accent’, leading viewers to witness his exaggerated attempts – complete with a faux dreadlocks wig.

People have raised concerns over Peter wearing fake dreadlocks and putting on a Jamaican accent (Image: Radioactive Pictures/Youtube)

Peter shared the trailer with his fans on both Instagram and Twitter (X) on Tuesday but has since deleted his tweet amid a massive backlash. “This is actually so gross and I don’t know why Jamaica is always everybody’s punchline. Wishing the worst for everyone involved especially you Peter Andre,” one critic fumed.

Another added: “Just saw the trailer for @MrPeterAndre new film disrespecting Rastafari – a religion in Jamaica – and mocking Jamaican culture in general, guess what he plays – a white Jamaican criminal. I want to know why these people don’t find stereotypes about their own culture to film.”

“A couple of years ago, Peter Andre was a presenter on GB News. This actually tracks, lol. It’s on brand for him,” one wrote as they quoted Peter’s now-deleted tweet featuring the trailer. Another added: “There’s a movie coming out with Peter Andre in a dreadlock wig pretending to be Jamaican. Is this really what we’re doing in 2025?”

Peter is yet to comment on the backlash(Image: Radioactive Pictures/Youtube)

However, a few viewed the trailer as funny. “Sorry a film where Peter Andre has to pose as a Jamaican gangster to pay for his Grans care home. It might just be peak art,” one Twitter user sarcastically wrote. However, some social media users have praised Peter’s latest venture, with one writing: “When will we get to watch it can’t wait.”

“Congratulations Peter I’m so happy for you well done your acting is perfection. I’m so looking forward to seeing it I can’t wait I’m so excited,” said a second. A third wrote: “Congratulations Peter well done looking forward to seeing it.”

Amid the backlash on Tuesday, the official Instagram account for Jafaican shared a screenshot of an article covering the reaction to the trailer with the headline: “Peter Andre debuts ‘disturbing’ fake Jamaican accent in bonkers new movie trailer.”

“WHO DONT LOVE A GOOD STORY..” the account captioned the screenshot. “The film will be out in selected cinemas in May so make sure you follow us here and @jafaicanthemovie for more info, to win tickets and get exclusive behind the scenes scoop.”

The Mirror has contacted Peter Andre for comment on this story.

Jack Maynard was introduced to Pippa Middleton’s niece-in-law Lily Mackie through a Made in Chelsea mutual friend – and they stayed in Chelsea as they tied the knot while surrounded by loved ones

Jack Maynard and Lily Mackie exchanged their vows in London after news of their romance broke in 2020(Image: Chelsea Old Town Hall/Instagram)

Jack Maynard has tied the knot with his now-wife, Lily Mackie. YouTube star Jack, 30 – the younger brother of singer Conor Maynard – shared some stunning glimpses of his big day on Instagram.

Lily is the daughter of electrical businessman Adam Mackie, who is believed to be worth an astonishing £440 million. Romance between the heiress and TV star Jack blossomed when a fellow Made in Chelsea star, Miles Nazaire, introduced the couple – leading to their big day on April 16.

Jack and Lily opted for a modern twist on their wedding day, with sunglasses and designer accessories adding extra glam(Image: Chelsea Old Town Hall/Instagram)

Podcaster Lily didn’t stray far from her affluent London connections for her wedding to I’m a Celebrity star Jack, with the duo exchanging their vows at Chelsea Old Town Hall.

The new husband and wife put together a shared social media post, showing them outside the venue as official spouses. Lily looked gorgeous in a short white gown, paired with tall platform heels. She had her long blonde hair styled in gentle waves, and accessorized with a short veil and pink-tinted sunglasses.

Jack, meanwhile, also gave his own small twist on traditional wedding attire as he joined his wife in sporting shades, and rocked a double-breasted navy suit.

The couple seemed very loved up in snaps from their big day, with Jack having been ‘smitten’ with Lily since they first started dating(Image: Chelsea Old Town Hall/Instagram)

The couple also shared some snaps from inside the ceremony, including Lily being escorted into the venue by two loved ones – likely her parents – while holding a beautiful bouquet. The moment of their first kiss as husband and wife was also captured, with the duo holding hands and smiling.

“Mackie-Maynards,” they captioned the post, alongside a chapel emoji. Plenty of friends and fans commented their well wishes, with Chloe Goodman gushing: “Massive congratulations,” alongside a string of heart eye emojis.

In one cryptic comment, a wedding planning company hinted that the nuptial celebrations might not be over yet. “Biggest congratulations guys!!! Can’t wait for step 2,” they wrote.

A Made in Chelsea star connected the couple, with Lily’s mum being the half-sister of MIC’s Spencer Matthews while Jack counts singer Conor Maynard as his brother(Image: Chelsea Old Town Hall/Instagram)

Lily offered a few more snapshots of the day on her Stories, where she shared some details behind the enviable ceremony. In one update she revealed her and Jack’s adorable wedding cake, in the shape of a heart. The small white cake was decorated with thick swirls of frosting and topped with glacier cherries, while icing on top read ‘Mackie-Maynard 16.04.25’.

Lily also reposted a close up of her and Jack’s hands, with Jack sporting a simple band while Lily’s hand sparkled white a huge diamond engagement ring and a unique wedding band encrusted with jewels. Both of the newlyweds sported huge smiles in photos throughout the day, after an insider suggested Jack had a longterm relationship on his mind from day one.

Back when they first got together, a source shared: “Jack’s completely smitten, he’s never felt like this before. Not only does he think Lily is beautiful but he loves that she’s intelligent, too. He feels ready for a serious relationship and is looking forward to travelling the world with her.”

Former This Morning host Holly Willoughby set up media company Roxy Media with her husband Dan Baldwin to specialise in managing media client

The media production and management firm once run by the TV presenter and husband Dan Baldwin, was issued with a winding-up order earlier this year(Image: Instagram)

Holly Willoughby’s media company owes £377,000 in tax, the High Court has heard. Roxy Media, the media production and management firm once run by the TV presenter and her TV producer husband, Dan Baldwin, was issued with a winding-up order earlier this year, according to court filings.

The order means that His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) could seek to shut down the business over unpaid taxes.

An HMRC spokeswoman previously said: “We take a supportive approach to dealing with customers who have tax debts and only file winding-up petitions once we’ve exhausted all other options, in order to protect taxpayers’ money.”

Ms Willoughby did not attend the short hearing on Wednesday, where Chief Insolvency and Companies Court Judge Briggs approved a 12-week adjournment.

Roxy Media must pay by then the £377,000, which has been reduced from an unknown amount.

Holly starred alongside Bear Grylls in Celebrity Bear Hunt

In response to a request from HMRC to adjourn the hearing, Judge Briggs said: “OK, that’s fine, you have until July 9.”

The former This Morning host set up the company with her husband to specialise in managing media clients. Holly stepped down from ITV’s This Morning in October 2023 after 14 years at the host. Last month it was announced that Dancing On Ice,, which she also presented, was being “rested” with “no current plans for another series.”

Holly began presenting the ice skating show in 2006, alongside Phillip Schofield, who resigned from ITV in 2023. It marked the first time Holly has been left without an ITV show in 21 years.

She went on to host Celebrity Bear Hunt for Netflix in her first major role away from the station.

Actor John Lithgow previously revealed it was a ‘hard decision’ agreeing to feature on a new Harry Potter spin off but has now addressed the backlash surrounding it

John Lithgow has broken his silence after facing backlash over his upcoming role as Professor Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s brand new Harry Potter series. The US actor, who is best known for his roles in 3rd Rock From The Sun, Dexter, and The Crown, is one of the most recognisable names joining the reboot of JK Rowling’s iconic wizarding world.

But some fans weren’t too happy when they learned a non-British actor would be stepping into the shoes of the beloved Hogwarts headmaster. During an appearance on The One Show, John admitted that taking on the role has been a little daunting.

When the BBC presenter Alex Jones asked how he feels about playing Dumbledore, he responded: “Very excited, very intimidated. I will be following the great Michael Gambon. I am not an Englishman, although I’ve played one on TV. I remind everyone that I did play Winston Churchill on The Crown and I did just fine.”

John Lithgow has addressed backlash that he received for agreeing to play Dumbledore(Image: (Image: Variety via Getty Images))
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He went on to address the controversy, adding: “I know there were plenty of people appalled that an American should be hired to play the ultimate English wizard, but I will do my best.”

The new Harry Potter series will follow all seven of the original books and is set to span an entire decade. A fresh cast will take on the roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, but the names of the actors have not been revealed yet.

According to HBO, around 32,000 children have auditioned for the lead roles following the casting call that was announced in September. This meant the team were responsible for reviewing up to 1,000 tapes per day.

The actor protested that he is capable of playing an iconic English character(Image: BBC/The One Show)

The streaming service has confirmed a number of big stars are on board, including I May Destroy You actor Paapa Essiedu as Professor Snape and Hot Fuzz star Nick Frost as the loveable half-giant Hagrid.

The series will stay true to the books while offering a more detailed retelling of the story, with showrunners calling the project “an authentic adaptation” for a new generation of fans.

Lithgow previously joked that the series might be his final major role, saying: “I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid.

“But I’m very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That’s why it’s been such a hard decision. I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”

Production for the show will begin at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in summer 2025. This is where the Harry Potter films were shot. Chairman and CEO of HBO & Max Content Casey Bloys previously said the series is expected to run for ten consecutive years.

Celebrity Big Brother 2025 housemate Ella Rae Wise told a co-star why she ‘couldn’t connect’ with Chris Hughes in the house, after sharing her frustration over him

Celebrity Big Brother 2025 housemate Ella Rae Wise told a co-star why she ‘couldn’t connect’ with Chris Hughes(Image: ITV/Celebrity Big Brother )

The latest episode of Celebrity Big Brother saw Ella Rae Wise share her real reasoning for not getting on with co-star Chris Hughes.

While there’s been no real drama, Ella has repeatedly called out Love Island star Chris to her housemates for the past week. She seemed upset about them not spending time together, before accusing him and JoJo Siwa of separating themselves from everyone else.

She and others also accused the pair of playing up to the cameras, while fans thought Ella was jealous of their friendship and that this was why she was calling the pair out. But now Ella has finally addressed what she says is the truth behind her and Chris and why they “haven’t connected” in the house.

She confessed she wasn’t able to get closer to him for a particular reason, and it had nothing to do with JoJo. Instead she told a housemate that the reason she and Chris are distant in the house is all down to his past romance with her friend Olivia Attwood.

The latest episode of Celebrity Big Brother saw Ella Rae Wise share her real reasoning for not getting on with co-star Chris Hughes(Image: ITV)

Olivia and Chris were on Love Island together in series three which aired in 2017. The romance didn’t end on the best of terms, and Ella claimed her friendship with Olivia was behind her feelings towards Chris.

She overheard Chris mentioning Olivia on the show on Wednesday night, before claiming this is why she “couldn’t connect” with Chris, because she and Olivia were friends. She then appeared to call out Chris with a dig about his past, saying that “people change”.

Shaking her head initially, she was shown speaking to Danny Beard but there was no audio. She was then heard saying: “That’s really hard cos I actually do know her and that’s why I can’t connect with him. But people change, it was years ago.”

Viewers weren’t buying it though believing it was an excuse. Taking to X, one fan said: “What I find crazy is that Ella was talking about how she was wanted to connect with Chris and how she thought she would…but then said to Danny tonight that she is friends with Olivia and would find it difficult to be friends with Chris. Girl what!?”

Ella has repeatedly called out Love Island star Chris to her housemates(Image: ITV/Celebrity Big Brother )

Another viewer said: “Ella pretending she doesn’t get on with Chris because of Olivia,” as a third added: “So Ella’s new excuse as to why she doesn’t like Chris is because she knows Olivia… Lol as if she wasn’t pining after him for a showmance.”

But others were stunned to only just make the connection. One said: “Oh s**t yeah, Ella knows Olivia Attwood! I didn’t even put 2 & 2 together until now!” Another said: “Ella is Olivia’s friend.”

Meanwhile there was risk of a falling out with JoJo and Chris in the latest episode, after he chose Jack P Shepherd to share a Chinese takeaway with instead of her. She made it clear she’d remember the betrayal.

Chris took JoJo outside for a chat where he explained his reasons, and his difficult dilemma. They were soon pals again and back to sharing late-night chats.