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The Made in Chelsea and Strictly stars have split after five years together, it has been reported

Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott have split after five years together, it has been reported.

Over the half a decade together, the couple built home together next door to Sam’s sister Louise and her fiance Ryan Libbey. They also share two cats together – their beloved Albus and Cedric.

It comes after the couple spent Christmas and New Year separately. I’m A Celebrity winner Sam, 32, rang in the new year by partying at London’s Kensington Roof Gardens with former Made in Chelsea co-stars Reza Amiri-Garroussi and Josh Patterson. Meanwhile Zara had stayed at home with their cats.

A week earlier, Sam had been handing out presents and volunteering for a charity on Christmas Day, while Zara spent the time in Upminster, Essex, with her family. The couple had also spent time away from one another while Sam worked on I’m A Celebrity spin-off show Unpacked in Australia. Zara was unable to travel over due to work commitments while she was filming a BBC documentary.

A source told the MailOnline: “Sam and Zara have ended their relationship. It’s been an incredibly difficult decision for them to part ways, they still care and have a lot of love for each other.”

The couple were last seen together celebrating Zara’s birthday ( 
Image:
samthompsonuk/instagram)

Rumours previously circulated about the couple splitting
They continued to say that the couple had worked hard on their romance but that spending time away from one another had made it difficult and they’re keen to spend time on their individual careers moving forward.

The Mirror has reached out to the couple’s reps for comment.

Neither Sam nor Zara have yet spoken out about the claims, but the former Made in Chelsea star took to his Instagram Stories during a morning walk on New Year’s Day to share his excitement over 2025. “New year! 2025 baby come on let’s have it! I can’t wait. The New year is going to be amazing and you’re going to have the best year ever. And you know I’m always right,” said Sam before appearing to kiss his camera.

The pair still appear to be on good terms, with Zara commenting on Sam’s Instagram prank on Pete from just two days ago. She responded with a series of crying laughing emojis: “‘Are you at a secure location’ gets me every time.”

The couple were last seen together in December celebrating Zara’s birthday as Sam shared a post calling her his “soulmate” and “best friend”. However, just a week later, he was spotted standing outside strip club Stringfellows with Pete Wicks during a late night.

Sam won I’m A Celebrity in 2023 ( 
Image:
@p_wicks01/Instagram)

Sam and Zara’s work commitments have led to them drifting apart ( 
Image:
@zara_mcdermott/Instagram)It comes after rumours circulated earlier in the summer suggesting a possible split between Sam and Zara. Reports claimed they had a major argument, with Zara reportedly leaving their London home and staying at her family’s place.

In June, a photo showed Zara appearing to shout at Sam in public after he represented England on the pitch for Soccer Aid 2024. In the images of the seemingly tense pair conversing in public, Zara could be seen animated as she wagged her finger at her beau following the star-studded afterparty. The pair appeared to be locked in conversation as they carried out their animated chat while waiting for their taxi to arrive.

Zara set the record straight regarding the ‘argument’ amid rumours of trouble in their relationship. “Why did this make me laugh so much btw,” she wrote asshe captioned the snap. “‘Stop saying you should have scored!!!! You did your best and that’s all that matters!!!! You need to stop doubting yourself!!! It looks like we are having an argument but I’m actually telling him positive affirmations in a very passionate manner! [laughing-face emojis].”

-Credit:BBC

Gregg Wallace’s potential MasterChef replacement Andi Oliver said she is “not surprised” by the allegations against him as “everybody” heard stuff.

Gregg is accused of inappropriate sexual comments and behaviour towards female staff and guests he’s worked with, over a 17-year period.

The 60-year-old has denied all allegations, with his lawyers previously telling the BBC: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”

He has since stepped back from MasterChef and is cooperating with an investigation into the claims that is being led by TV company Banijay UK.

Sharing her thoughts on the allegations, Andi said: “I’m not surprised by it.”

While she doesn’t know Gregg personally, she added to The Guardian: “There’s a certain culture that allows it to happen.

Andi Oliver ‘wasn’t surprised’ by the allegations -Credit:GETTY
“Somebody should have nipped that s**t in the bud a long time ago. It’s not like nobody knew it was happening. I heard stuff. Everyone did.

“And there are tons of others who go around behaving badly.”

The 61-year-old believes that a change can only happen “if we stop all the fake outrage” and instead, implement a change.

She added: “Thousands of people shouting about Gregg Wallace on Twitter doesn’t interest me. What does is whether we remember this in six months, or will there be more fake shock and outrage when it happens all over again with the next person whose antics were an open secret?”

In the same interview, Andi cryptically shared whether or not she would be up for being John Torode’s new co-star on the BBC cooking show, following Gregg’s exit.

The chef has been replaced by Grace Dent on the celebrity version, however the judging role on the amateur show is yet to be filled.

In response to replacing him, the chef firstly said: “No”, before adding: “I can’t talk about that. Everyone keeps asking.”

Ahead of the celebrity version next year, restaurant critic Grace said she is “so excited” and “can’t wait to meet the fresh celebrity faces for 2025”.

Gregg’s former long-term co-star John added that he “loved” working with Grace, who he described as an “excellent guest and inspiring critic”, over the years.

Myleene Klass has previously opened up about the biggest struggles in her life – from devastating baby losses to romantic heartbreak and a battle with alcohol

Loose Women star and broadcaster Myleene Klass was ‘over the moon’ after being named in the Kings New Year Honours list.

Myleene, 46, was made MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for services to women’s health, miscarriage awareness and to charity.

The much-loved presenter boasts a successful career, three beautiful children and a loving partner – but she’s overcome a lot of tragedy and heartbreak to get there.

The presenter previously opened up about living through the “worst days of her life”, including four miscarriages, a sudden divorce and a difficult relationship with alcohol.

Before Myleene had her youngest son, Apollo, with fiancé Simon Motson, she experienced the overwhelming grief of baby loss.

Speaking on her documentary Miscarriage & Me in 2021, she said: “I remember the despair, grief and anger. And the panic. But it wasn’t until I looked back at my diaries that I ­realised how broken I was.”

The television star had a problem with alcohol after her marriage fell apart ( 
Image:
GC Images)

Myleene shot to fame as part of Hear’Say alongside Danny Foster, Noel Sullivan, Kym Marsh and Suzanne Shaw. ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
The former pop singer met her other half Simon on a blind date eight years ago, but before that she experienced a toxic and explosive break-up with ex-husband Graham Quinn.

Myleene confessed to boozing into the early hours of the morning and waking up five hours later to drink more. She said her problems began when celebrity bodyguard Graham announced he was leaving on her 34th birthday, after two daughters and six months of marriage.

With dwindling finances and a drink problem spiralling out of control, Myleene said she struggled to cope with her mental health and feared she’d ‘lose everything.’

She said on White Wine Question Time podcast in 2019: “I was doing breakfast TV and I went to get out the car and I thought, ‘I can’t’.

“I was right in the middle of the divorce. And I opened the door, and I couldn’t get out the car. I couldn’t breathe. Finances were spiralling because I thought, ‘I’m going to lose everything.’”

She found love with fiancé Simon and the pair got engaged in 2020 ( 
Image:
GC Images)

The couple met on a blind date eight years ago and instantly hit it off ( 
Image:
GC Images)Myleene said things got so bad that her friend Lauren Laverne rushed to her house at 4am to check on her.

“That’s how low I was,” she told the podcast. “I’ve never ever been in the position where I’ve had to ask people for help. I didn’t want [divorce] to define me, but it did change me irrevocably.”

She added: “The humiliation, you’ve got people looking at you, blaming you without a clue as to what the f**k is going on.”

The singer previously vowed never to speak to ex Graham again, amid hints that he’d lied to her.

But Graham hit back on Twitter in 2015, claiming: “I’ve stayed quiet for three years now but enough is enough.”

Myleene Klass won the only series of I’m A Celebrity All Stars ( 
Image:
ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

The star said she is ‘proud’ of how far she’s come ( 
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images for Cha)
This week Myleene was recognised in this year’s New Year Honours for services to women’s health, miscarriage awareness and to charity after suffering four miscarriages.

Speaking to the BBC, Myleene said she was “utterly shocked and surprised” to be made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

“When I think back to how all of this started, it all came from a very dark place, and I certainly didn’t have it in mind to become a campaigner at the time. Anyone who has experienced baby loss will know how personal and difficult it is to vocalise this level of trauma,” said Myleene.

The former Hear’Say singer, I’m a Celebrity.. Get Me Out of Here! star and mother-of-three has spoken openly about the psychological effects of baby loss on women and has spent years campaigning for government change regarding miscarriage care.

She has backed changes to the Women’s Health Strategy in Parliament which ensures women will not have to suffer up to three miscarriages before receiving help.

“If you suffered three heart attacks you wouldn’t only be offered support after the third one and so it shouldn’t be the same with baby loss,” Myleene explained.

Last year the Department of Health and Social Care announced new measures to “boost the health and wellbeing of women and girls”, including a pilot scheme that will see medical intervention for women after every miscarriage.

With dwindling finances and a drink problem spiralling out of control, Myleene said she struggled to cope with her mental health and feared she’d ‘lose everything.’

She said on White Wine Question Time podcast in 2019: “I was doing breakfast TV and I went to get out the car and I thought, ‘I can’t’.

“I was right in the middle of the divorce. And I opened the door, and I couldn’t get out the car. I couldn’t breathe. Finances were spiralling because I thought, ‘I’m going to lose everything.’”

She found love with fiancé Simon and the pair got engaged in 2020 ( 
Image:
GC Images)

The couple met on a blind date eight years ago and instantly hit it off ( 
Image:
GC Images)Myleene said things got so bad that her friend Lauren Laverne rushed to her house at 4am to check on her.

“That’s how low I was,” she told the podcast. “I’ve never ever been in the position where I’ve had to ask people for help. I didn’t want [divorce] to define me, but it did change me irrevocably.”

She added: “The humiliation, you’ve got people looking at you, blaming you without a clue as to what the f**k is going on.”

The singer previously vowed never to speak to ex Graham again, amid hints that he’d lied to her.

But Graham hit back on Twitter in 2015, claiming: “I’ve stayed quiet for three years now but enough is enough.”

Myleene Klass won the only series of I’m A Celebrity All Stars ( 
Image:
ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

The star said she is ‘proud’ of how far she’s come ( 
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images for Cha)
This week Myleene was recognised in this year’s New Year Honours for services to women’s health, miscarriage awareness and to charity after suffering four miscarriages.

Speaking to the BBC, Myleene said she was “utterly shocked and surprised” to be made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

“When I think back to how all of this started, it all came from a very dark place, and I certainly didn’t have it in mind to become a campaigner at the time. Anyone who has experienced baby loss will know how personal and difficult it is to vocalise this level of trauma,” said Myleene.

The former Hear’Say singer, I’m a Celebrity.. Get Me Out of Here! star and mother-of-three has spoken openly about the psychological effects of baby loss on women and has spent years campaigning for government change regarding miscarriage care.

She has backed changes to the Women’s Health Strategy in Parliament which ensures women will not have to suffer up to three miscarriages before receiving help.

“If you suffered three heart attacks you wouldn’t only be offered support after the third one and so it shouldn’t be the same with baby loss,” Myleene explained.

Last year the Department of Health and Social Care announced new measures to “boost the health and wellbeing of women and girls”, including a pilot scheme that will see medical intervention for women after every miscarriage.

Brenda Blethyn has lead ITV’s Vera since 2011, and revealed that one major realisation about her life sparked her desire to leave the series

Beloved Vera star Brenda Blethyn, 78, has described in detail why she’s leaving the show.

Brenda joined the ITV series back when it first started in 2011, as title role DCI Vera Stanhope. Now, the show is coming to an end, with two finale episodes airing on January 1 and 2, followed by the documentary ‘Vera, Farewell Pet,’ on January 3 at 9pm.

The Outside Edge actress revealed that thoughts of missing time with her family – particularly husband Michael Mayhew – were vital to her big decision. “It was a lovely summer back in 2023, and I came to realise I hadn’t had a summer with my husband for 14 years,” she shared.

“Naturally, I missed my family. And my dog Jack, although he was with me in the North East, but I didn’t see him much because I was working all day.”

( 
Image:
ITV)

Brenda added: “I love my Vera family, but I love my other family too. And when you consider I was already thinking about packing work in when I was offered the job back in 2010, 14 series of working on Vera is pretty good going! I wasn’t actually going to do any more after series 13, but of course ITV said they needed to wind the series up. So I said: ‘Oh, go on then, I’ll do a couple more episodes.’”

Brenda also shared how she felt about shooting the final ever episode, teasing: “It was very appropriate that the last day of filming was scheduled to take place in the police incident room where so much of the drama has happened. I think our producer Will Nicholson contrived that – incidentally, that is not where the final scene of the episode takes place.”

She divulged: “You could hear a pin drop when we were filming. Then when I heard ‘that’s a wrap’, I was emotional. As, indeed, Vera would have been. There were a lot of people behind the cameras and at the end I thanked everybody. I said: ‘We’re all as important as one another.’

“I might be the one playing the title character, but it’s only an ingredient in a great big pot. And all of the ingredients are necessary, everyone contributes to it, and it’s the sum of all of those parts that made Vera a success.”

This isn’t the first time Brenda has given a tiny hint about what to expect in the Vera finale. In an emotional chat with RadioTimes this month, she revealed that one particular scene with Jon Morrison, who plays DC Kenny Lockhart, was especially poignant. “One scene involved Vera and DC Kenny Lockhart, played by Jon Morrison. It broke my heart when I read the script and it was emotional to film,” she shared.

Alongside Brenda’s hints, we know that the gripping finale will see Detective Vera called to investigate a body found by the Tyne, entangling her in a case of “a broken relationship, secret love, grudges, regret and fraud.”

Coleen Rooney is tipped to become the breadwinner in her marriage to failed football manager husband Wayne – with the former England player said to be set to stay at home while she chases a huge TV career

Wayne Rooney is tipped to take on the role of house husband after losing his job as manager of Plymouth Argyle as wife Coleen’s star power rises.

The married couple have witnessed an exchange in fortunes in 2024 as 39-year-old Wayne saw his year start out strong as manager of the football club – only for him to get booted from the team at the years end. While Coleen, 38, started her year out well, amid the buzz of her Wagatha Christie trial triumph – only to become an unstoppable force of TV stardom as she excelled on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity and has seen business opportunities flood in her direction.

Now it is being reported that Coleen could become the breadwinner while Wayne stays at home to look after their four sons; Kai, 14, Klay, 11, Kit, eight, and six-year-old Cass. He has time on his hands after being sensationally dumped from Plymoth Argyle after the club was driven to the bottom of the table under his leadership.

Wayne and Coleen are childhood sweethearts who have been married since 2008 – with their marriage surviving a string of high profile scandals over the years. But the devoted wife has won over legions of new fans in recent months, leaving her in a position to rake in a handsome fee for a glittering TV career.

Coleen is tipped to achieve TV stardom following her I’m A Celeb stint ( 
Image:
ITV)

A source told The Sun: “Coleen is sad that Wayne has lost his job because she knows how much work he put into it and how much he loves being a football manager. But every cloud has a silver ­lining and it means that he will be back home with her and the boys and will give her more confidence that she can grab hold of whatever opportunities come her way.”

The source went on to say that Coleen found it difficult to be away from her sons while on I’m A Celeb, but continued: “She is aware there is huge interest in her and offers from TV companies and shows have been flooding in. There are four or five very attractive offers already on the table.”

Noting that Wayne being sent home after parting ways with his club could have come at the right time, the source added: “Wayne’s football career has always taken precedence and rightly so given how successful he’s been. But it seems like it’s now Coleen’s time to shine. She’s supported him for the past 20 years so now it might be his time to play second fiddle to Coleen.” The Mirror has approached a spokesperson of the couple for comment.

Wayne’s shock dumping from Plymouth Argyle was announced by the club on New Year’s Eve. They said in a statement: “Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and Head Coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect. We would like to thank Wayne and his team for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.”

Tony Blackburn has remembered his close friend and Radio 2 co-star Johnnie Walker after the broadcasting legend died at the age of 79

Tony Blackburn has paid tribute to radio DJ Johnnie Walker after he died at the age of 79, describing him as a “fine broadcaster and very good friend”.

It comes after Walker’s death was announced on air on Tuesday by his friend and colleague, BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris, who took over presenting Sounds Of The 70s from the late DJ in November.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Blackburn said: “It’s very sad news, it was expected, because he’s been unwell for quite a long time.”

“I spoke to him about three weeks ago, and he was very breathless, he’s had problems with his lungs and everything, and he retired, of course, about three weeks ago.”

“But yes, I knew him very well. I never, funnily enough, knew him on the pirate radio stations, because I was there from 1964 to (1966) and he joined a lot later on Radio Caroline.”

Johnnie Walker has died at the age of 79 ( 
Image:
Redferns via Getty Images)
“But I got to know him much better on Radio 1, and of course, more recently on Radio 2, a fine broadcaster and very good friend, and very sad news.”

The 81-year-old went on to describe Walker as a “real pirate” because he had continued to present on pirate radio after the radio offences bill in 1967 made it illegal.

He continued: “We were both very proud of the fact in the 60s, we were trying to break the monopoly of the BBC, which of course, we did eventually, and then we ended up at the BBC, where we all had a great time.”

“But he’ll be sadly missed, one of those great broadcasters, he loved his music, he loved radio, and we were great friends.”

Blackburn concluded: “He will be sadly missed as a great broadcaster, and there aren’t many great broadcasters left these days.”

Earlier this year Walker presented his final Sounds Of The 70s show on BBC Radio 2 and also hosted his last episode of The Rock Show as he retired due to ill health.

Walker had announced in early October that he was retiring from radio after 58 years, having been previously diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Also paying tribute on Tuesday was fellow radio presenter Ken Bruce and singer Michael Ball.

Bruce said in a post on X: “So sorry to hear the news about the great Johnnie Walker. Not only was he a wonderful broadcaster but also a man of great personal strength and kindness.”

While Ball said in a post on the social media platform: “So very sad to hear dear Johnnie has lost his brave battle and gone to the other side.”

“I will miss him. We shared many laughs and his stories were wicked and wonderful. Thinking of Tiggy and the family. God bless governor.”

Radio DJ Johnnie Walker has died at the age of 79 just months after hosting his final BBC Radio 2 Sounds Of The 70s show

Johnnie Walker has died at the age of 79, it has been announced.

The veteran radio DJ presented his final Sounds Of The 70s show on BBC Radio 2 in October and hosted his last episode of The Rock Show after needing to retire because of ill health.

He had announced in early October his retirement plans after 58 years on the radio. He had been previously diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

His death was announced on air by his friend and colleague, BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris, who took over presenting Sounds of the 70s in November.

Tributes poured in for Johnnie following the announcement. His wife, Tiggy, said: “I couldn’t be more proud of Johnnie – how he kept broadcasting almost to the end and with what dignity and grace he coped with his debilitating lung disease. He remained his charming, humorous self to the end, what a strong amazing man. It has been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish.

Veteran DJ Johnnie Walker has died ( 
Image:
Press Association)
“And if I may say – what a day to go. He’ll be celebrating New Year’s Eve with a stash of great musicians in heaven. One year on from his last live show. God bless that extraordinary husband of mine who is now in a place of peace.”

Lorna Clarke, BBC Director of Music, also said: “Johnnie was a truly wonderful broadcaster, and a devoted music fan. There was nothing he loved more than introducing new artists, such as The Eagles, Rod Stewart, Lou Reed and Elton John in the early 70s on his Radio 1 show which attracted millions of listeners. We’re incredibly lucky to have had such a unique presenter as Johnnie on the BBC airwaves for so long.”

Tim Davie, BBC Director General, added: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Johnnie’s passing and our thoughts are with his family and friends, as well as everyone at Radio 2.

“Johnnie was a pop radio pioneer and a champion of great music, entertaining millions of beloved listeners on the BBC across decades, most recently hosting two shows on Radio 2. No-one loved the audience as much as Johnnie, and we loved him back.”

Johnnie Walker at work in his studio, September 1970. ( 
Image:
Popperfoto via Getty Images)
And Helen Thomas, Head of BBC Radio 2, noted: “Everyone at Radio 2 is heartbroken about the passing of Johnnie, a much loved broadcasting legend. He made Sounds of the 70s and The Rock Show appointments to listen to, sharing his personal memories and tales each week. He loved radio and inspired a generation of presenters, passionately promoting the artists and music he cared about so deeply.

“Johnnie’s wry sense of humour and his warm, open style of presenting ensured he was adored by his audience. The airwaves simply won’t be the same again. He will be very much missed by Radio 2 presenters, staff and listeners alike, and our thoughts are with his wife Tiggy and his children.”

Fans of Johnnie’s were quick to pay their respects online too, with Twitter/X users sharing messages of condolence. One user penned: “Aw RIP Johnnie Walker. Loved his ‘Sounds Of The 70s’ show a lot,” while another wrote: “Sad news re the death of Johnnie Walker. A communicator that delivered exactly what his audience expected.

“Warm, knowledgeable & never afraid to tell it how it was to those in power that thought they knew how the magic of radio worked. The end of a golden era.”

Ken Bruce also took to the platform to say: “So sorry to hear the news about the great Johnnie Walker. Not only was he a wonderful broadcaster but also a man of great personal strength and kindness.”

Colleague Elaine Paige also wrote: “So very sad to hear my @BBCRadio2 colleague Johnny Walker has died. My deepest condolences to his wife Tiggy and his family. He will be so deeply missed by everyone. RIP dear Johnnie.”

Johnnie was born in Birmingham and left school at the age of 15 to train to become a mechanic, later taking a job as a car salesman. He found an outlet for his passion for music with a Friday night slot as a disco DJ under the name Peter Dee.

Johnnie began his radio career in 1966 on offshore pirate station, Swinging Radio England. He then moved on to Radio Caroline, where he became a household name hosting the hugely popular night-time show. In 1969, he joined BBC Radio 1 and remained there until 1976. He then moved to San Francisco, where he recorded a weekly show broadcast on Radio Luxembourg.

Returning to the UK in the 80s, Johnnie presented Radio 1’s Saturday Stereo Sequence. After working on various BBC stations, he left Radio 1 for good in 1995 and three years later he was offered his own weekly show on Radio 2, before taking over Drivetime.

Radio 2 DJ Johnnie Walker with Sir Elton John in 2004 ( 
Image:
PA Archive/PA Images)He earned a reputation as a DJ who accorded more importance to the records he played than the chat between tracks, with names he pioneered including Lou Reed, Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles.

Johnnie later presented two shows on Radio 2 – Sounds of the 70s, from April 2009, and The Rock Show, which he launched in 2018 with his first guest Ozzy Osbourne.

Johnnie’s last episode of The Rock Show aired on Friday October 25, and his final episode of Sounds of the 70s aired two days later on Sunday October 27. His final words on the show were: “Walk into the future with our heads held high, and happiness in our hearts.”

It wasn’t the first time he had said his goodbyes to listeners, either. He once quit his Radio 1 show after being told he would have to play tracks from the Bay City Rollers – his pet hate. He was also sacked from the BBC’s London radio station GLR after celebrating Margaret Thatcher being forced from No10. And he was also once forced off his US Radio Station after his guests, The Sex Pistols, said the radio’s name, KSAN, sounded like a lavatory cleaner.

In October 2003, Walker underwent chemotherapy and an emergency operation for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Speaking to listeners live on his show, he revealed that he “died” on the operating table three times during surgery to repair his burst intestine. The condition IPF is one “in which the lungs become scarred and breathing becomes increasingly difficult”, according to the NHS.

The NHS website says it is not clear what causes the condition and that treatments can reduce the rate at which it worsens, but that there is “currently no treatment that can stop or reverse the scarring of the lungs”.

Radio 2 has revealed it will be paying tribute to Johnnie today in shows and also in the New Year. A collection of programmes showcasing Johnnie’s life and career will also be made available in BBC Sounds.

EastEnders has finally confirmed Grant Mitchell will be returning to the BBC soap for the 40th anniversary build-up, with actor Ross Kemp teasing ‘explosive’ scenes ahead

An icon is making their way back to EastEnders very soon, as Grant Mitchell is returning to the BBC soap for the 40th anniversary.

The BBC soap has finally confirmed the comeback for the legendary troublemaker, eight years after he was last seen in Walford. Ross Kemp is reprising the role, as the soap celebrates 40 years on air.

Grant has been at the centre of some major storylines across the years since his debut in 1990, also forming the iconic duo the Mitchell brothers with his equally troubled sibling Phil Mitchell. Life has been hard on the family in recent years with tragic losses, characters forced to flee and relatives jailed.

Phil himself is at the centre of a loneliness storyline, with Steve McFadden’s character showing signs of depression while isolating himself from his loved ones. Phil and Grant’s estranged best friend Nigel Bates has just returned too in another epic comeback, with more yet to be revealed about his own struggles.

Now, bosses have revealed Grant heads back to Walford in the lead-up to February’s 40th anniversary episodes. They’re currently keeping quiet on what brings him back amid drama with Phil and Nigel, while it’s been teased the scenes will be “explosive”.

An icon is making their way back to EastEnders very soon, as Grant Mitchell is returning to the BBC soap ( 
Image:
BBC/Kieron McCarron)
Grant has been in Portugal ever since he left back in September 2016 shortly after his mother Peggy Mitchell’s death. Now, Grant is set to return for a “short stint” in the New Year ahead of the big birthday episodes – while an exact timeframe has not been revealed.

Ross has teased his big comeback after rumours emerged earlier this year. Teasing Grant “comes back with a bang”, Ross promised fans there would be some “action” ahead as he shared his excitement to be back in Albert Square.

He spilled: “I’m delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary. EastEnders has always meant so much to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary, is an absolute honour. Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang.”

Soap boss Chris Clenshaw also reacted to the exciting news, promising the anniversary and Grant’s comeback would be “unmissable”. He said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross Kemp back to EastEnders as he reprises the legendary role of Grant Mitchell. Whilst I’m not currently revealing exactly what brings Grant back to Walford, I can say that his return will play a significant part in the show’s 40th anniversary, and will make up many moments of truly unmissable TV.”

Coleen Nolan has opened up about her one worry as she approaches her 60th birthday as she admits she is still planning a small party with her family and friends

Loose Women star Coleen Nolan has opened up about her financial fears as she nears her 60th birthday in March.

Coleen expressed how she feels empowered and confident stepping into a new decade but confessed that money matters are still a source of stress. She divulged: “I’m turning 60 feeling strong and confident, and quite proud of what of what I’ve achieved, especially in the past few years when I’ve achieved it on my own.”

“Of course, I still lie in bed at night worrying about how I’m going to pay the bills, but it gives me the incentive to work hard, and that’s good.”

Coleen Nolan is a regular on Loose Women ( 
Image:
ITV)
With finances in mind, Coleen is opting for a more subdued 60th birthday celebration compared to her lavish 40th and 50th parties. She continued to explain to Closer UK: “My 40th and 50th birthdays were big events, but they cost a lot of money, so this year I just want to be surrounded by friends and family, even they come here for a little party,” as reported by Lancs Live.

A veteran Loose Women panelist since 2000, Coleen cherishes the close relationships with her ITV colleagues, admitting: “We’re good friends, as well as colleagues.” Coleen also admitted the likes of Ruth Langsford, Janet Street-Porter, Brenda Edwards and Christine Lampard will remain “friends forever” outside of the studio.

Celebrating the hit chat show’s 25th anniversary, she reflected on her affection for the programme and addressed the rumoured behind-the-scenes tension, clarifying: “If we hated each other as much some people say we do, we wouldn’t still be going 25 years later.”

Coleen spent her festive period with her sister Linda, who is heartbreakingly living with incurable cancer. During OK!’s exclusive photoshoot, Linda revealed her New Year’s Eve plans with her sisters. She aid: “There’s a big New Year’s Eve party at Coleen’s. She’s booked us all into a hotel up the road, so it should be great fun.”

Linda – who has moved in with her sister Denise and her husband Tom – she continues to live with the disease that also took the life of her beloved sister Bernie in 2013 at the age of 52. “I try to stay positive,” she insisted. “I’ll use jokes and humour as a way to cope, but of course it’s scary. And I have my days where I’m terribly down.” It’s been 50 years since Linda first rose to fame in The Nolans, selling 30 million records with hits such as Attention To Me, Gotta Pull Myself Together and I’m In The Mood For Dancing. It’s clear the support of her siblings has been a huge help to Linda, who lost her husband Brian to liver cancer in 2007.

Popular daytime show Loose Women continues to capture audiences every weekday at 12.30pm on ITV.

Loose Women star Charlene White has made a cheeky revelation about her friend Denise Welch who she says sends her ‘inappropriate’ messages while cameras are rolling on the ITV show

Loose Women’s Charlene White has spilled the beans about a cheeky habit of one her co-stars during live broadcasts of the popular ITV show.

Speaking on Caroline Hirons’ Glad We Had This Chat podcast, Charlene revealed that one of her fellow panellists often passes her ‘secret’ notes while they’re on air. She said: “Denise [Welch] does a really naughty thing, which I adore her for.

“We’ll be having a discussion about something or other and she’ll just be writing something on a piece of paper and slip it over to me live on air.” The contents of these notes, according to Charlene, are usually inappropriate bits of gossip that leave her struggling to maintain her composure.

She added: “I might glance down at it and it will be some inappropriate bit of gossip that she really shouldn’t be telling me, and then I’ve got to keep a straight face and I’m like hmmm, and then carry on talking meanwhile I can see her internally absolutely killing herself laughing.”

Alongside this revelation, Charlene also shared how she made her transition into chat show TV, telling Caroline: “My entire career has sort of been me sat there going ‘what do I want to do? I want to do this’ and then I’ll figure out a way to do it.”

Charlene White has exposed her Loose Women co-star’s cheeky habit ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

The ITV news presenter also shared her journey to becoming a part of Loose Women. She explained: “I have wanted to do Loose Women for a while, and so, I’d been pushing it for a while, and that pushing finally came off four years ago when I was invited in for a meeting and we had a bit of a chat and they liked what I had to say.

“I just think it’s one of the most incredible shows I’ve ever worked on.”

In addition to her roles on Loose Women and presenting ITV news, she made headlines in November 2022 as the first celebrity to be voted out of I’m A Celebrity.