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The Invictus Games opening ceremony is now underway at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium, with musical performances from stars such as Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado and Chris Martin

Prince Harry’s Invictus Games are now underway in Vancouver-Whistler, Canada, with a star-studded opening ceremony featuring the likes of Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado and Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

Held in the city’s 40,000-capacity BC Place Stadium, the glittering ceremony began at 9pm UK time, ahead of what is anticipated to be the biggest and best Invictus Games to date.

After Team United Kingdom entered the stadium, the camera then cut to Harry and Meghan watching from the stands, both received huge cheers as they smiled, with Harry seen waving to the crowd. The whole stadium then stood for the national anthem after hosts Canada entered to a standing ovation.

The crowds cheered as Harry and Meghan smiled ( 
Image:
PA)
Indigenous leaders from the traditional territories of the Four Host First Nations of Lílwat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil Waututh, where the Games are being held, raised wooden paddles in a symbolic welcome gesture to the competitors.

More than 500 competitors, from 23 countries, will take part in the Games. They entered the stadium in an Olympic-style parade while escorted by Canadian Armed Forces Cadets carrying placards displaying their country’s names.

Canadian singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado played some of her best-loved hits to enthusiastic applause as attendees settled in for a night of music and celebration.

Harry and Meghan watched the action unfold from the stands ( 
Image:
Humphrey Nemar/staff Photographer.)
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin then performed the Invictus Games anthem, which he composed the score for back in 2014.

Martin paid tribute to Prince Harry and could be seen joking with him. Harry and Meghan could also be seen on screen laughing

Crowds were on their feet as Martin sang Coldplay hit Viva La Vida – including Harry and Meghan. Meghan also appeared to be filming Harry on her mobile phone.

Master Corporal James Gendron led “a shared moment of healing” on his bagpipes. The serviceman, who previously suffered psychological injuries in Afghanistan after playing at 63 separate funeral-style ceremonies for fallen soldiers, was then joined on stage by more pipers, as well as drummers, who helped him create a cacophony of sound inside the arena. Harry spoke about the Team Canada competitor at the closing ceremony of the last Invictus Games.

Coldplay’s Chris Martin laughed and joked with harry from the stage ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Prince Harry paid tribute to injured veterans at the Invictus Games tonight, telling them: “We need you… and we’ll always need you.”

Harry, 40, was speaking on stage at the event’s opening ceremony, which included performances by pop stars Katy Perry, Chris Martin and Nelly Furtado.

The former soldier, who completed two tours of Afghanistan, said: “The Games were born more than a decade ago, from a promise I made to myself. A promise to uphold my obligation—a sacred obligation after my own decade and privilege of military service —to do whatever I could to help my fellow brothers and sisters heal, and to champion everything we stand for.

“Over the past decade I’ve lost count of the times we’ve heard you tell us that the Invictus Games saved you. Respectfully, I disagree. Invictus didn’t save you. You saved yourself. It was you, who pushed through the doubt and despair.

“You, who summited your own mountain and brought us along with you. It was you who kept going even when you didn’t think you had any more to give. We didn’t do that. You did.

“The Games simply reveal what is already within you. That scarcest—and most precious—of the world’s resources: character. A spirit—of fortitude and perseverance that can never be defeated. That is the magic of the Invictus Games.”

As Meghan, 43, proudly watched on from the crowd, Harry added: “Today, and for the next week – warriors unite. In this moment of difficulty and division in many parts of the world, we gather here in Vancouver in a spirit of unity.

“We represent 23 nations. Speak many different languages and reflect the full breadth of the world’s religions and faiths.

“Beyond any differences, here at the Invictus Games we are grounded in mutual respect, competing fiercely, but believing in one another. Supporting one another. And rooting for one another.”

The Sussexes could be seen sharing a kiss in the stands ( 
Image:
Karwai Tang)Harry and Meghan had earlier been treated to huge cheers from the 40,000 crowd inside Vancouver’s BC Place stadium after they were shown together in the crowd on the arena’s giant jumbotron.

The two-hour show ended with a high-energy performance by US star Katy Perry, who is a pal and neighbour of Harry and Meghan in Montecito, California.

She belted out a number of her biggest songs, including Roar, Part of Me and Firework, alongside soldiers from The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy, the 15th Field Regiment Band and The Royal Canadian Artillery Band. The ceremony also included a performance by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Noah Kahan.

Former soldier Harry delivered a heartfelt speech ( 
Image:
Humphrey Nemar)Performers later transformed the floor of the stadium to resemble the waters of the Pacific coastline, while giant models of whales and dolphins flew over the audience, who waved blue pom-poms to create the illusion of water.

The show also featured art and music by members of all four separate First Nations, including singers, drummers and even a DJ, who combined electronic music with traditional Indigenous rhythms.

Men and women from the Canadian Armed Forces also starred throughout the ceremony, including during a rendition of the Canadian national anthem by band members.

Soldiers and cadets formed an honour guard, under the direction of Lieutenant Ben Van Slyke, before Governor General of Canada The Honourable Mary Simon gave a speech welcoming the more than 500 competitors and their families from 23 different countries.

The Invictus Games Flag entered the stadium escorted by Canadian Rangers before being passed to Chief of Defence Jennie Garignan and Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann. And there was an emotional moment when Master Corporal James Gendron led “a shared moment of healing” on his bagpipes.

The serviceman, who previously suffered psychological injuries in Afghanistan after playing at 63 separate funeral-style ceremonies for fallen soldiers, was then joined on stage by more pipers, as well as drummers, who helped him create a cacophony of sound inside the arena.

It was a night of music and ‘unity’ ( 
Image:
Humphrey Nemar)
This year marks the first time the Invictus Games will include winter sports such as alpine skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic skiing. Kicking off today (February 8), the Games, which are known to be Prince Harry’s passion project, will continue until February 16.

Prince Harry first founded the Invictus Games in 2014 with the aim of championing wounded, injured, or sick service personnel and veterans. The prince is known to be very hands-on with a project regarded by many to be his legacy, which, given his own years as a soldier, holds a deeply personal significance.

Meghan could be seen waving blue pom poms as she watched the show ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Organisers have said that this year’s event, which comes after previous Games’ were held in London, Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, The Hague and Dusseldorf, will be the biggest yet. It will take place at eight separate venues in Vancouver and the ski resort of Whistler, located on the traditional territories of the Four Host First Nations of Lílwat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil Waututh.

The ceremony is now underway ( 
Image:
@meghan/Instagram)

The Duke and Duchess landed in Vancouver yesterday ( 
Image:
@meghan/Instagram)
Chief Executive Officer Scott Moore said: “We will deliver the best ever Invictus Games over the next nine days. These Games will be life-changing.”. Mr Moore added: “I was lucky enough to do eleven Olympic Games in my career. People ask me what is the difference between the Olympic Games and the Invictus Games. The Olympic Games changes lives… the Invictus Games saves lives.”

Prince Harry and Meghan were seen arriving in Vancouver yesterday evening after landing in the city via private jet from Santa Barbara, close to their home in Montecito. Harry’s ongoing commitment to the project was highlighted yesterday (Friday 7) at an evening welcome reception for competitors, where Meghan warmly described participants as “family”.

Addressing attendees, Meghan said: “You will see him throughout this week, you will see him at the Games, you will see him probably curling with you, cheering you on. He wants to be there with you, he is in it with you.

“What you won’t have seen is all of the moments in the lead-up to these Games. All of the moments with, as you know, with families, the big rush in the morning, and getting ready for school and packing the lunch boxes and making breakfast and my husband’s in all of that with us.

“And then he’ll be on his phone, and Archie will say, ‘Papa, why are you on your phone?’. He’s like, ‘cos it’s Invictus… I’m getting ready for Invictus’. It means so much to him.”

This year’s event is expected to be the ‘best ever’ ( 
Image:
@meghan/Instagram)

The Sussexes have described participants as ‘family’ ( 
Image:
@meghan/Instagram)
Meghan continued: “You are his family, just as we are his family, and I hope you recognise how much of his heart he has poured into every single beat that has gotten all of you to this week that is going to be spectacular. I need you to know that, I need you to know how much it means to him and how much each of you means to you.”

This comes at a tricky time for the Sussexes, who have been subjected to considerable scrutiny in recent weeks.

A recent Vanity Fair piece, published January 17, cast a critical eye over the couple’s five years outside of the palace fold, with the couple having famously stepped back from their duties as senior working members of the Royal family back in 2025.

The usually supportive publication spoke with various insiders about what it was like to work for the power couple, and there were some less than rosy accounts of Meghan’s allegedly “painful” management style towards staff members.

A source who worked on Sussex media projects told the outlet: “[It was] really, really, really awful. Very painful. Because she’s constantly playing checkers—I’m not even going to say chess—but she’s just very aware of where everybody is on her board. And when you are not in, you are to be thrown to the wolves at any given moment.”

The article, titled ‘American Hustle,’ also addressed speculation over the alleged state of Harry and Meghan’s marriage, which the couple have strongly denied. It even speculated on rumours that Meghan had been approached to write a ‘post-divorce’ book. However, it also stated that this was not on the cards for the Duke and Duchess, with another source revealing their “love is real”, while asserting they are “still hot for each other.”

Now, a new book by royal author Tom Quinn has seen the Sussexes come under scrutiny once again, with its numberous revelations including the claim that Meghan allegedly didn’t care for hers and Harry’s first “small” home together, Nottingham Cottage.

The couple has faced some criticism in recent weeks

In Yes Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants – which has been excerpted in The Times – Quinn penned: “‘Meghan felt it was so small that it must be a reflection of how the royal family were belittling her husband. She just didn’t understand that real royals don’t care much about houses and material possessions because, having always had them, they take them for granted, said one member of staff who helped out regularly at Nottingham Cottage.”

He continued: “A rather beautiful house in the grounds of a famous palace hardly seemed to Harry the equivalent to being forced to live in a shed at the end of the garden. But for Meghan, things were more complex. She saw Kate and William living just a few yards away in Kensington Palace itself with teams of live-in servants.”

In a heartfelt speech read at today’s Invictus Games opening ceremony, Prince Harry spoke about finding “unity” during a “moment of difficulty and division”. Read the full speech here

Prince Harry’s Invictus Games are now underway in Vancouver-Whistler, Canada, with a star-studded opening ceremony featuring the likes of Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado and Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

Held in the city’s 40,000-capacity BC Place Stadium, the glittering ceremony began at 9pm UK time, ahead of what is anticipated to be the biggest and best Invictus Games to date.

Harry and Meghan watched the ceremony from the stands ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Addressing the crowds, Harry said: “Hello Canada and Bienvenue! So, the Toronto Games in 2017 were incredible, and I’m told there is no rivalry between East and West Coast, especially when it comes to sport, but I have a question for you Vancouver:

“Are you ready to show Toronto—and the world—how the Games are done? I would like to begin by honouring the First Nations, who are hosting this year’s Games. Lílwat, Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh. Hite-sap —— coo-cwee-lum.

“From the bid for the Games through to this week’s competition, we have walked together, side-by-side on this journey, and are so grateful to you for having these games on your land. Today, and for the next week – Warriors unite.

“In this moment of difficulty and division in many parts of the world, we gather here in Vancouver in a spirit of unity. We represent 23 nations.
Speak many different languages and reflect the full breadth of the world’s religions and faiths.”

Harry declared that the Invictus Games were about ‘competing fiercely, but believing in one another’ ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)
He continued: “Beyond any differences, here at the Invictus Games we are grounded in mutual respect, competing fiercely, but believing in one another. Supporting one another. And rooting for one another.

“The Games were born more than a decade ago, from a promise I made to myself. A promise to uphold my obligation—a sacred obligation after my own decade and privilege of military service —to do whatever I could to help my fellow brothers and sisters heal, and to champion everything we stand for.

“Over the past decade I’ve lost count of the times we’ve heard you tell us that the Invictus Games saved you. Respectfully, I disagree. Invictus didn’t save you. You saved yourself. It was you, who pushed through the doubt and despair.

The prince referred to the competitors as ‘warriors’ ( 
Image:
Humphrey Nemar/staff Photographer.)

“You, who summited your own mountain and brought us along with you. It was you who kept going even when you didn’t think you had any more to give. We didn’t do that. You did.

“The Games simply reveal what is already within you. That scarcest—and most precious—of the world’s resources: character. A spirit—of fortitude and perseverance that can never be defeated.

“That is the magic of the Invictus Games. For one of the most powerful ways of healing comes not from the hospital or recovery center, but from having a sense of purpose. A sense of belonging. From being a part of something greater than ourselves.

“And that healing, though it begins with you, extends to your children and loved ones, who delight in the simple gift of seeing you smile again…of knowing your mind isn’t someplace else. That you are fully present.

“At this moment, when there is no shortage of crises, no absence of uncertainty, no lack of weak moral character in the world, the values you embody—the way you carry yourselves—not only at the Invictus Games, but each and every day… your courage, your resilience, your humanity…illuminate a path forward for us all.

His speech included a quote from Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)“And for that, we thank you. Your leadership did not end when you stepped off the battlefield or took off the uniform. It endures. The example you set is a compass for the world. We need you.

“And we’ll always need you. Someone once asked Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison how we survive whole in the world. She replied: “Sometimes, you don’t survive whole, you just survive in part. But the grandeur of life is that attempt. It’s not about that solution. It is about being as fearless as one can, and behaving as beautifully as one can, under completely impossible circumstances.”

“So as we embark on this year’s competition, here is my challenge to all of you: Show the world how you behave under completely impossible circumstances. Show the world your fearlessness. Show the world the grandeur in your attempt at victory. Show the world why You…Are…Invictus.”

Body language expert Judi James has picked up on a ‘fitting, symbolic gesture’ made by Meghan Markle during the opening ceremony of Prince Harry’s Invictus Games

Cheers erupted in Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium today as the camera panned to a beaming Prince Harry and Meghan. Now, a body language expert has picked up on some intriguing details about the pair’s interactions, including Meghan’s telling “seal claps”.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were in attendance at the glittering opening ceremony of this year’s Invictus Games, which saw performances from Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado and Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

It’s well-known that the Invictus Games, a sporting tournament that champions injured servicemen and women, is a cause very close to Harry’s heart – and Meghan, 43, couldn’t have been prouder of her husband as the pair enjoyed the show from the stands, dancing away to pop hits just like the rest of the audience. And one fun gesture was apparently particularly symbolic.

The Duchess could be seen waving blue pom poms ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Body language expert Judi James told the Mirror: “When Meghan picked up two big blue pom-poms and danced with them above her head, it was a fitting, symbolic gesture as her body language at the games so far seems to very emphatically define her in the role of Harry’s cheerleader and number one fan.

“She has put herself in the role of vector here, pointing the audience and their affection in Harry’s direction. Her speech included comments like ‘You will see him throughout the week, you will see him at the Games’ to create a sense of anticipation and her gestures and poses during the opening ceremony showed contagious adoration and awe as she clung to his arm in excitement and support or gazed at his face as he was mentioned from the stage.

“Meghan’s gestures to Harry were almost maternally affectionate. As he sat looking bashful with his lips sucked in or threw a cheeky double thumbs-up during some banter from Chris Martin, Meghan performed mouth-puckered smiles of pride or ‘seal-clapped’ him to his face, a form of clapping with the hands pointing upward that registers praise and recognition.

Harry delivered a heartfelt speech at today’s opening ceremony ( 
Image:
Humphrey Nemar)
“She also touched his face more than once. At one point, she leant an arm out to stroke the back of his neck, and then when he stood to go to the stage, she tenderly cupped his face in both of her hands and kissed him on the lips as though he was her hero.

“Founded by Prince Harry in 2014 to champion wounded, injured, or sick service personnel and veterans, the Invictus Games is regarded by many as the Duke’s crowning achievement. Harry is known to be very hands-on with the competition, which has grown considerably since its conception and has previously addressed its deep personal significance to him as a former soldier.”

Judi continued: “Meghan acted like any other proud wife as the show progressed, turning her camera towards Harry as he enjoyed the music beside her. This seems to be part of the more relatable version of Meghan that she showed in the Instagram post, a very excited, loving wife taking her own photos like any other member of the audience.”

This year’s Invictus Games, the first-ever winter edition of the sporting tournament, begins today (February 8) and will last until February 16 in Vancouver-Whistler, Canada. During a welcome reception for competitors hosted yesterday evening (Friday 7), Meghan spoke about her husband’s commitment to the Games, describing participants as “family”.

Yesterday, Meghan emphasised her husband’s enduring commitment to the Games ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)Meghan said: “You will see him throughout this week, you will see him at the Games, you will see him probably curling with you, cheering you on. He wants to be there with you, he is in it with you.

“What you won’t have seen is all of the moments in the lead-up to these Games. All of the moments with, as you know, with families, the big rush in the morning, and getting ready for school and packing the lunch boxes and making breakfast and my husband’s in all of that with us.

“And then he’ll be on his phone, and Archie will say, ‘Papa, why are you on your phone?’. He’s like, ‘cos it’s Invictus… I’m getting ready for Invictus’. It means so much to him.

“You are his family, just as we are his family, and I hope you recognise how much of his heart he has poured into every single beat that has gotten all of you to this week that is going to be spectacular. I need you to know that, I need you to know how much it means to him and how much each of you means to you.”

This follows a difficult few months for the Sussexes. A Vanity Fair article published last month cast a critical eye over their first five years after stepping down as senior working members of the Royal family, which included some negative accounts of Meghan’s alleged management style towards staff.

One source who worked on Sussex media projects told the publication: “[It was] really, really, really awful. Very painful. Because she’s constantly playing checkers—I’m not even going to say chess—but she’s just very aware of where everybody is on her board. And when you are not in, you are to be thrown to the wolves at any given moment.”

This piece, headlined ‘American Hustle’, also contains speculation over the state of Harry and Meghan’s marriage, which the couple have vehemently denied. The article even went as far as to speculate on rumours that Meghan had been approached to pen a ‘post-divorce’ book. However, it also stated that this was not on the horizon for the Duke and Duchess, with another source confirming their “love is real” and that they are “still hot for each other”.

Now, a new book by royal author Tom Quinn has seen the Sussexes come under scrutiny once more, with its revelations including the claim that Meghan was unhappy with hers and Harry’s first home together, Nottingham Cottage, or ‘Nott Cott’ as it’s often affectionately referred to.

In Yes Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants – which has been excerpted in The Times – Quinn wrote: “‘Meghan felt it was so small that it must be a reflection of how the royal family were belittling her husband. She just didn’t understand that real royals don’t care much about houses and material possessions because, having always had them, they take them for granted, said one member of staff who helped out regularly at Nottingham Cottage.”

He continued: “A rather beautiful house in the grounds of a famous palace hardly seemed to Harry the equivalent to being forced to live in a shed at the end of the garden. But for Meghan, things were more complex. She saw Kate and William living just a few yards away in Kensington Palace itself with teams of live-in servants.”

Shortly after giving a speech at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games, Prince Harry and Meghan made a surprise stop off at an ice hockey match, where they made a sweet nod to Harry’s late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II

Prince Harry and Meghan have made a surprise visit to watch an NHL ice hockey match between Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs.

The couple arrived at the Canucks’ Rogers Arena home just minutes after leaving the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games at nearby BC Place.

Harry followed in the footsteps of his late grandmother by dropping the ceremonial first puck before play commenced in the match, said to be the most watched NHL game of the season.

Queen Elizabeth II performed the same feat at a Vancouver Canucks match in 2002 during her two-week Golden Jubilee tour of Canada.It was the first NHL match the then Queen had attended since 1951, when still a princess, she and Prince Philip watched the Montreal Canadiens take on the New York Rangers.

Harry and Meghan could have been forgiven for having mixed feelings about who to support at the match due to their shared links to both Vancouver and Toronto.

Hockey fans were in for a surprise when Prince Harry turned up ( 
Image:
SNOHD)They moved to nearby Vancouver Island immediately after they quit royal duties in what became known as ‘Megxit’ in 2020 and previously watched a match between Vancouver Canucks and San Jose Sharks at the same venue in November 2023.

But they also began their romance with secret dates and stays in Toronto, where Meghan lived while filming the TV drama Suits for five years.

Canada holds many memories for the Duke and Duchess ( 
Image:
NHLI via Getty Images)Harry alluded to the rivalry between the two cities at the Invictus Games opening ceremony earlier in the day, where he and Meghan were seen enjoying performances by a number of stars, including Katy Perry, Chris Martin and Nelly Furtado.

Harry, 40, also gave a speech on stage at the event in front of a sold-out audience of 40,000 people.

Harry alluded to the rivalry between the two cities during today’s opening ceremony ( 
Image:
SNOHD)

With his tongue placed firmly in his cheek, he had told them: “Hello Canada and Bienvenue! So, the Toronto Games in 2017 were incredible, and I’m told there is no rivalry between East and West Coast, especially when it comes to sport!”.

Meghan spoke about her love for Canada on Friday night while appearing at a welcome reception for competitors behind closed doors at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Meghan spoke fondly of her love for Canada at last night’s welcome reception ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)

SIMILAR ARTICLES TO THISIt came just hours after she and Harry touched down in Vancouver after travelling on a private plane together from Santa Barbara, close to their home in Montecito.

Meghan, 43, said: “I was not planning on speaking tonight and we just arrived, I don’t know, a couple of hours ago and I touched Canadian soil and I went ‘ohh, feels like home!’.Earlier in the day, the couple, whose children Archie and Lilibet have stayed in California, attended two separate breakfast meetings, including one where Harry was caught dad-dancing.

The first saw the couple meet with Team US competitors and was also attended by a number of US government and military officials.

The second event saw the Duke and Duchess meet with Team Canada competitors, as well as officials from True Patriot Love and presenting sponsor – ATCO, the Governor General, the BC Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and the Chief of Defence Staff.

Martin Kemp made a sweet parenting admission about son Roman, 31, on Thursday’s Loose Women, leaving the panellists surprised

Martin Kemp stunned the Loose Women studio on Thursday as he made a sweet parenting admission about son Roman.

The Spandau Ballet icon, 62, shares son Roman, 31, and daughter Harley, 35, with wife Shirlie Holliman, who he married in 1988.

On Thursday’s episode of Loose Women, panellists Denise Welch and Judi Love were joined by Martin and Vernon Kay in a Loose Men shake-up. During the instalment, the panellists discussed the topic “do you parent boys and girls differently?” which prompted a surprising response from Martin.

Host, Denise, 66, asked: “Do you worry more about Harley though than you do Roman just because she’s a girl?” to which Martin admitted: “I didn’t, actually, it was the other way round. I used to worry far more about Roman because boys have that thing of getting into fights. That made me worry a lot more.

Martin Kemp stunned the Loose Women studio on Thursday as he made a sweet parenting admission about son Roman ( 
Image:
ITV)

“To a point where when Roman started going out, you know when they start going to the house parties, about 16 to 17, Shirlie and I would take them. We would drive them to wherever the house party was and instead of going back home we would wait there in the car for four hours with sandwiches.”

This admission led to gasps and laughter from the Loose Women studio as Judi asked: “Waiting for them to come out?” to which a giggling Martin explained: “Yeah, waiting for them to come out!”

Martin has a very close bond with presenter son Roman and only recently his son teased his famous father over his unique wardrobe choices on their podcast FFS! My Dad Is Martin Kemp. During their chat, Roman noticed his dad’s new sunglasses. Initially, Martin said, while noticing his son’s facial expression: “When I came in this morning, I thought I looked quite cool.”

Roman then quizzed: “What is that? You got mum’s sunglasses on?” In defence, Martin then said: “I haven’t got mum’s sunglasses, they’re my new ones. Bit of Tom Ford.” Believing that his dad was pranking him as the glasses were seemingly feminine, Martin then added: “Ro what are you laughing at?”

Martin has a very close bond with presenter son Roman and the duo have their own podcast ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
In response, Roman continued: “They’re not yours, please don’t tell me that. How much did you spend on them?” To make matters worse Roman was then told his dad spent £300 at an airport for his new purchase.

He replied, in between fits of laughter: “No you didn’t.” And it looks as though fans of their podcast enjoyed their banter, while some sided with Roman over his view of his father’s so-called trendy purchase. One person added in the comment section of the post: “You two are definitely a good replacement for Morecambe & Wise lol.”

Another added: “Ha ha agree with your son. They are just not your style.” Meanwhile, a third person said: “Best podcast ever .. I’m going to listen to them all again & hope you get another series.” And a fourth fan wrote: “You can rely on your kids to tell it straight.”

Roman recently quit his role on Capital Breakfast with his replacement announced as BBC Radio One Drivetime host Jordan North. Roman has been busy with his podcast and presenting duties on The One Show.

On Friday’s instalment of Loose Women, ITV viewers saw the panel discuss whether or not children are becoming addicted to their mobile phones.

Loose Women star Linda Robson opened up about her fear for her grandchildren during Friday’s show.

On the ITV programme, the panel was speaking about their concerns with the younger generation becoming addicted to their mobile phones.

Speaking about her grandchildren’s young ages, seven and 12, host Kaye Adams asked if they loved their phones and Linda agreed.

She replied: “But, Lauren (their mum), doesn’t let them have it lot, mostly during the week she takes the phone and the laptops off of them.”

However, the ITV star highlighted that now when she looks after them, they instantly want a laptop or phone.

Linda added: “I said, ‘Bets why don’t we play a game? Let’s play cars or something or let’s watch a film together.

Linda confessed she was worried about her grandchildren’s addiction to their devices
“She couldn’t think straight, she wanted the phone or the laptop. In the end, I gave her the laptop.”

Although she confessed her other granddaughter who is 12 and has just started secondary school needs a phone.

Linda added: “I have noticed that their behaviour has changed because of the phones and the laptops.

“Instead of spending time doing things together, the three of us, even if we go to a restaurant they’ll want my phone or they’ll want something.”

Cutting in, Kaye questioned whether or not their need for devices is starting to worry her.

Linda’s grandchildren are 7 and 12 years old
Linda replied: “It does worry me, but Lauren is on top of it as well. So she does make sure they don’t have it too much.

“But every now and again, Lila will hide it and then Lauren will hear the beeping going off and take the phone off of her.”

However, sharing their thoughts on the topic, Frankie Bridge admitted her children have told her she was the one who needs to put her phone down.

The Loose Women panel were discussing whether or not kids are becoming addicted to phonesShe said: “If he ever says that I (gagging), it makes me feel sick! He’s nine and he’s telling me off you know.

“I have two very different children. My eldest is, I would say, addicted. He wants to game.”

Although she was thankful that as he enjoys football, her oldest manages to away from the virtual world.

Loose Women continues weekdays on ITV from 12:30pm

The show first aired on September 6 1999 and has seen a variety of panellists appear on the show including Nadia Sawalha, Jane Moore, Ruth Langsford, Janet Street-Porter and Coleen Nolan

Loose Women has marked its 25th anniversary with a new silver jubilee-inspired portrait featuring 18 of the show’s panellists for the first time.

The image sees the all-female line-up posing together while donning an array of silver sequin and satin gowns – but Stacey Solomon is nowhere to be seen as speculation about the mum-of-five’s future on the ITV show continues amid her career shake-up.

Four original panellists from the first week of shows in 1999 Jane Moore, Kaye Adams, Nadia Sawalha and Ruth Langsford appear in the group photo. Janet Street-Porter and Coleen Nolan, who have individually appeared in more than 1,000 episodes each, also feature alongside Linda Robson, Denise Welch and Brenda Edwards.

Newer additions to the panel also feature including Christine Lampard, Judi Love, Katie Piper, Kelle Bryan, Frankie Bridge, Dame Kelly Holmes, Charlene White, Sunetra Sarker and Olivia Attwood-Dack. Reflecting on the show’s long-running success, Langsford said: “I was on Loose Women from the very start and I have noticed a huge difference in how much more open people are about talking about difficult subjects. I believe that we have helped bring that about because we bring honesty to the show, we bring our own lives to the show.”

“We talk about very difficult, painful things in our lives, but we know that that reflects what people are going through themselves at home and now we talk about Alzheimer’s, suicide, divorce, all sorts of things that were a little bit taboo and I think it’s great that we do that.”

Stacey Solomon doesn’t feature in the special anniversary snap ( 
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Loose Women editor Sally Shelford said: “Over the last 25 years, Loose Women has tackled taboos and talked about issues not openly discussed on television, including domestic abuse, menopause, miscarriage and grief. Our incredible audience in the studio and at home have always been the fifth Loose Woman, and we promise to keep talking, sharing and shining a light on important subjects like these for our amazing viewers.”

Managing director of Daytime Studios at ITV Studio Emma Gormley added: “Loose Women is Britain’s longest running panel show and 25 years on, continues to lead the conversation on so many topics that reflect the lives of our viewers, from agenda-setting campaigns to lunchtime laughs with the women.”

“I’m immensely proud to work with a brilliantly talented team on and off screen and be able to celebrate the milestone anniversary with this wonderful silver jubilee themed shoot.

The show first aired on September 6 1999 with Adams, Sawalha, Moore and Apprentice star Baroness Karren Brady on the panel. Since the first one, there have been approximately 4,550 Loose Women episodes and specials, according to ITV. The show has also hosted nine all-male Loose Men panels which have drawn attention to men’s mental and physical health, with the first launching on International Men’s Day on November 19 2020.

Loose Women airs weekdays from 12:30pm on ITV1, ITVX and this September celebrates the show’s 25th anniversary.

Celebrity Bear Hunt host Holly Willoughby’s impressive pay cheque for every minute she appeared on the new Netflix series has been revealed as she returns to the limelight

Holly Willoughby has stepped into the limelight again and enjoyed a staggering pay day thanks to Celebrity Bear Hunt.

The presenter, who quit her role on This Morning in 2023, is fronting the new Netflix show alongside Bear Grylls. They welcomed 12 celebrities to Costa Rica to take on challenges as they learn survival skills and try to avoid being caught by Bear. The show dropped on the streaming platform earlier this week, with more than seven hours of adventure.

However, Holly just appeared for 24 minutes across the show series of Celebrity Bear Hunt. She is on screen for an average of only 180 seconds in each of the eight episodes. Holly was reportedly paid almost £1million to front the show, meaning she bagged an equivalent of £40,000 for every minute she appeared.

“Viewers will be surprised just how little she features in the final version of the programme given all the attention there’s been surrounding the show,” a source told the Sun. “Holly is a huge talent and very popular with viewers, plus she has decades of experience of presenting big TV shows, particularly live TV which requires a level of excellence few presenters have.

“But in the final edit of Celebrity Bear Hunt she plays second fiddle to leading man Bear, and even gets less screen time than the dozen celebrities who are competing.” Bear praised Holly for her work on the show at the series premiere earlier in the week. He said: “I just want to say as well to Holly, you were such a key part of this, not just for them but for me also. You were a light and love to all of these people.”

Holly was reportedly paid almost £1million for the show ( 
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Holly replied: “As soon as you’ve got Bear’s name attached to anything, you know you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime. This show really does have a little bit of everything. You 12 celebs that were involved in this, you said yes and it was the beginning of a real adventure for you all. You were so brave and I think it’s because of you, you can get anyone to do anything, you’re inspiring.”

Spice Girl’s Mel B, tennis legend Boris Becker, interior design expert Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, journalist Steph McGovern and former rugby player Danny Cipriani took part. They were also joined by Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas, rapper Big Zuu, The Saturdays star Una Healy, The Inbetweeners actor Joe Thomas, model Lottie Moss, actor Kola Bokinni and fashion model Leomie Anderson.

Holly had stepped away from the spotlight after it was revealed security guard Gavin Plumb had planned to kidnap and kill her. Plumb was jailed for a minimum of 16 years in July last year. Holly had been away from the spotlight for just under a year when she made a return to screens for You Bet! with Stephen Mulhern and Dancing on Ice.

Speaking to the Sunday Times, Holly said her comeback was always going to happen, and that it was “important for me to get back to normality”. She said: “I’d be an idiot if I said no. [Money’s] not the reason I make a decision. I’m not saying, how much are they going to pay me for this, and how much are they going to pay me for that? But by definition my work is a business.

“I’m not going to shy away from saying that. I think, sometimes, when women earn money people see it as a greedy, ambitious thing, but when men earn money? ‘Oh, he’s incredible, I want to be like him!’ I don’t have any shame in saying it’s my business, it’s my work. It’s also all I have known. It’s what I do.”

ITV Loose Women returned to ITV on Monday afternoon and viewers and the studio live audience were joined by Ruth Langsford, Coleen Nolan, Jane Moore and Olivia Attwood-Dack

Loose Women Coleen Nolan was supported by her co-stars as she opened up on her personal battle as she admitted that she ‘struggles’ to sleep.

During Monday’s episode of the ITV hit daytime show, viewers and the studio live audience were joined by Ruth Langsford, Coleen Nolan, Jane Moore and Olivia Attwood-Dack and for one segment they spoke about those who suffer from insomnia.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get enough quality sleep, according to the NHS website. “It can cause daytime issues like fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.”

Coleen,59, used the opportunity to open up about her own battle with the discord as she admitted that she ‘can’t remember’ the last time she had a proper night sleep.

Loose Women Ruth supported Coleen ( 
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Ruth started off by saying: “Did you get enough sleep last night? Apparently over 30% of the population will be answering no to that question that’s due to suffering from insomnia and it turns out women are twice as likely to suffer from it and unfortunately Coleen is part of that statistic.

The panellist, 64, put her arm on Coleen’s shoulder as she added: “About six months you said that you started to get insomnia which you haven’t had before.”

In an emotional moment, Coleen opened up and said: “I don’t know if it’s menopause but all of a sudden I can not remember the last time I had a proper full night’s sleep. So I fall asleep easily but then I wake up at like 2am, probably 2am till 5am and I’m wide awake.”

She continued: “It’s so hard because I’m so tired in the day and then I think this is good. I’m so exhausted during the day but when I get home I can’t sleep. For some reason I get in bed and my brain is like ‘no’.

Coleen Nolan opened up about her personal struggle on Loose Women ( 
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“It’s really frustrating and to this day the only way I sleep really well is on a car, plane or train and that’s probably from touring when I was younger.”

Coleen’s co-stars shared their support however Olivia revealed that she can’t relate as sleep is something she doesn’t struggle with. She pointed out that she uses a ring that tracks her sleep.

Ruth jumped in and admitted: “I have a tracker thing for my steps and it’s got all the sleep things but I’m very lucky that I’m a really good sleeper even through trauma and upset. I am a good sleeper.”

Loose Women airs from 12.30pm on ITV and ITVX

Olivia Attwood, who found fame on Love Island in 2017, has been happily married to her footballer husband Bradley Dack since 2023, but the pair have clashed over their baby plans

Reality star Olivia Attwood has spoken about her plans for a family, after being forced to constantly dodge questions about when she’ll have a baby.

The 33-year-old, who found fame on Love Island in 2017, married footballer Bradley Dack in 2023. The couple are happily married, but have faced constant scrutiny on their plans to expand their family with a child.

Despite Olivia’s previous confession that Bradley, 31, would have a baby “tomorrow”, the pair have no plans in the near future to try for a child. The I’m A Celeb star recently hit out at the hundreds of questions she receives asking her if she’s going to have a baby.

After an Instagram Q&A, she told fans she found some fans’ interest in when she will want a baby “a bit boring”, admitting she hasn’t ever “yearned” for motherhood. She said her focus is “100 percent” on her career and marriage.

Olivia and Bradley got married in June 2023 ( 
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Olivia Attwood/Instagram)

And now, speaking to the Mail about her and Bradley’s plans for the future, she told the paper: “I feel like we are in that point in our life where Bradley and I are both prioritising our careers and relationships, we are going after our dreams and goals in our separate fields and then the time we spend together is really precious.

“There will be different eras in our life and like when we start a family I will automatically, naturally have to be more present, as will he.” Olivia said she doesn’t “fear” motherhood, but is “enjoying what we have right now”.

It’s not the first time she’s spoken about her future plans with Gillingham midfielder Bradley, with the podcast host candidly admitting she would be a “f***ing nightmare Dance Mom” if the time ever came. Speaking to her husband on her So Wrong It’s Right show, she said: “I wouldn’t say it’s a bone of contention – I know Brad would be an amazing Dad and balance out the type A f***ing nightmare Dance Mom that I’m probably going to be.

“I’m going to sacrifice my body, mental health, my house and I don’t want to take any time off work because my ambitious personality is so… I don’t want a day off to actually have the baby. I’m a monster!” But Olivia did admit the couple are not “getting any younger” and would like to start their own family.

She added: “Brad wants to have a baby tomorrow and I’m thinking of all the what-ifs. But I feel like if it happened I’d be happy, people have this misconception that I hate children but that’s not true at all – I wouldn’t mind owning one myself one day! – but I’m just scared.”

Speaking on Loose Women last year, Olivia told her co-stars that they had clashed over the topic, telling the panel: “I’m sitting here listening to you girls talking and I’m thinking I’m going to be a geriatric mother, as they call it.”