The Royal Family’s Christmas is steeped in tradition and has been shaped by generations of royals who have come before. While King Charles will be joined at the Sandringham Estate by most of his family, it is thought that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as well as their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will be absent.

With a Christmas in the Californian sunshine likely on the cards again this year, a top royal expert has examined how the family may choose to spend the day and what the couple will do to “delight” Archie and Lilibet. “Meghan strikes me as a real home-maker and I’m sure everything in Montecito will be exquisitely tasteful, but also child friendly, because Meghan and Harry focus so much on their children and family life,” former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively told OK!

Referring to how the lead up to Christmas will be even more magical for five-year-old Archie and three-year-old Lilibet, Jennie adds: “Their kids are at one of the most magical stages of childhood when everything is spine-tinglingly new and exciting, and Santa is indisputably real.

“I think there is still a lot of the child in Harry as he was always the playful, mischievous one – and I’m sure he throws himself into Christmas fun with Archie and Lilibet.

“Estranged as Harry and Meghan are from so many members of their respective families, Christmas must be more about friends than family. But Doria is a constant in their lives, and Meghan spoke recently about how she loved having her mum nearby.”

The family are expected to spend Christmas in California again ( 
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HSH Alexi Lubomirski)
As for what fun will be in store on the day and how it will dramatically differ from the festive celebrations Prince Harry will remember from is visits to Sandringham, the expert concludes: “I think they will join forces to create a wonderful, sunny, Christmas Day with fabulous food, maybe some friends and lots of games and music.

“In California, they can provide have a bit of a pool party to work off the food and have some fun – all very informal and very different from the Christmas festivities at Sandringham that Harry will remember.”

While Harry and Meghan will likely be spending the Christmas period in the sun, the rest of the Royal Family will return to Norfolk and enjoy many classic traditions which have been shaped by the generations who have come before them.

Speaking ahead of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, royal expert Robert Jobson mused: “On Christmas Eve when all the clan are together, the Queen’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren put the finishing touches to the 20ft Christmas tree in the White Drawing Room.

“Presents will be opened that day at tea time as the royals still keep to the German practice of opening their gifts on Christmas Eve. Gifts are laid out in the Red Drawing Room on a white linen-covered trestle table, with cards marking exactly where the piles of gifts should be put.

“Once everyone has arrived, the royal guests enjoy a traditional Christmas that includes putting the finishing touches on the Christmas tree and the giving of cheap and humorous gifts.”

In a recent development that has captured widespread attention, Prince Harry made a revealing comment about his father, King Charles, that experts believe sheds light on the ongoing tension between the two.

According to sources, Harry’s remark, which was characterized by a palpable sense of “anger,” reflects the deep-seated frustrations he feels toward his father, as well as the broader strain in their relationship.

The comment came at a time when Harry’s public statements and personal revelations about his life within the royal family have been highly scrutinized.

In particular, the tension between father and son has been magnified by the release of Harry’s memoir Spare, which contains a series of candid and critical assessments of his father’s actions and parenting.

Harry’s recent remark appears to reinforce the perception that, despite King Charles’s role as monarch, the emotional rift

between them remains unresolved, and the wounds Harry has expressed continue to shape his relationship with his family.

Harry’s relationship with his father has long been a complex and evolving one, and the prince’s recent comment illustrates just how unresolved their differences may be. In Spare, Harry detailed instances of feeling sidelined and misunderstood by his father, especially in the wake of his mother, Princess Diana’s death. He also criticized King Charles for being emotionally distant, a trait that Harry perceived as a form of neglect during his formative years. Many royal watchers believe that Harry’s frustrations with his father stem not only from these past grievances but also from the broader dynamics within the royal family. Charles, who ascended to the throne in 2022, represents the continuation of the very system and family structure that Harry has distanced himself from. His public criticisms of the monarchy, as well as his decision to step away from royal duties with his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020, only seem to have widened the gap between father and son, further straining their relationship.

The remark, which was described as being tinged with anger, also sheds light on Harry’s ongoing struggle with his place in the royal family. His anger, according to commentators, is not just directed at King Charles, but at the broader system that Harry feels has failed him and his wife, Meghan. The couple’s decision to step back from royal duties was in large part motivated by their desire to escape the relentless scrutiny and control of the monarchy and the British media. In interviews and media appearances, Harry has spoken at length about feeling trapped in a system that he believes is steeped in outdated traditions and toxic behavior. His anger, therefore, may be a reflection of the broader disillusionment he feels, not just with his father, but with the royal institution as a whole.

Despite the public outpouring of his grievances, Harry has occasionally expressed a desire for reconciliation with his father and his family, though the road to healing appears long and complicated. In recent interviews, Harry has suggested that he would be open to rebuilding his relationship with King Charles, but only under certain conditions. He has emphasized the need for truth and acknowledgment of the pain he and Meghan have endured, particularly in relation to how the family handled their departure from royal life. However, the anger that Harry’s recent remark reveals suggests that, at least in the short term, the relationship remains fraught with unresolved emotions. The lack of significant communication between father and son since Harry’s memoir was published suggests that a meaningful dialogue has yet to occur, and this latest outburst could be seen as a sign that Harry is still seeking an emotional reckoning with his father.

The future of Harry’s relationship with King Charles remains uncertain, and it is clear that the emotional distance between the two is far from being bridged. While Harry continues to speak publicly about his experiences, King Charles has largely remained silent on the matter, focusing on his role as monarch and his duties to the nation. This dynamic—where Harry publicly airs his grievances while Charles maintains a more reserved position—has only intensified the tension, leaving little room for resolution in the immediate future. Harry’s “anger” remark thus represents not only his personal frustrations but also a symbol of the broader challenges the royal family faces as it navigates its public image and internal dynamics. Whether the prince will ever reconcile with his father, or whether the rift will continue to grow, is something only time will tell, but it is clear that Harry’s feelings of anger remain a significant factor in shaping the future of his relationship with King Charles.

Queen Camilla kicked off Christmas with one of her most-loved traditions – and made a heartwrenching comment about 2024 coming to an end amid health battles for King Charles and the Princess of Wales.

The Queen invited a group of terminally and seriously-ill youngsters to a magical morning of festive fun, decorating her Christmas tree and enjoying a sausages and mash lunch. The annual tradition – now in its 19th year – at Clarence House sees children supported by the hospice Helen & Douglas House and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity to spend a morning with her at Clarence House, with a host of special surprises.

The children and young people were overjoyed to be met by Father Christmas before Her Majesty, as patron of both charities, invited them to decorate a Christmas tree in the Library.

 

Queen Camilla enlists her young guests to help her decorate the Clarence House Christmas tree ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
They were also treated to a Christmas performance by the Band and Bugles of the Rifles before joining the Queen for a lunch. Despite the upbeat event, Camilla revealed to one family she was looking forward to an end to 2024, which has proved to be so challenging for the royal family because of the cancer diagnoses for both her husband, the King and Kate.

Marie Verney, 48, who attended with daughters Katie, 17, and Faye, 12, who has complex medical needs, chatted to Her Majesty at length after she had served up plates of sausage and mash in the shape of smiling faces and spooned gravy onto the plates of the eight youngsters invited to her annual festive lunch.

Marie, who was widowed when Faye was a baby, said of Camilla: “She was very understanding and sympathetic of people’s lives. And her life hasn’t been easy this year, has it? She said she’d be glad to get to the end of the year and I think a lot of the families here feel like that as well.

“So there was that mutual understanding, but also, she’s a fun grandma. She talked about her granddaughters herself because they are 17, like Katie. She’s a really down to earth lady and put us at ease.

Camilla greets one young boy to her annual event ( 
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Getty Images)
“To me it was as though she was like a grandma, the concern, but also the fun – she’s mischief. She said to Katie have you got a drink? She had elderflower. She said: ‘Surely you’d like champagne?’ Katie said yes. Next thing you know, she’d gone and got a glass of champagne for Katie and then she talked to Katie about driving and driving lessons, and then more serious stuff.”

 

It’s no secret that Prince William and Prince Harry’s relationship has been pretty icy for some time now, but Queen Camilla’s son has shed fresh light on their troubles.

The brothers were once so close that they seemed to the public totally inseparable – and the challenges both went through together in their young life with the loss of their mother Princess Diana meant that the brothers shared a complete understanding of what growing up in the royal spotlight really meant.

And in a new interview, William and Harry’s stepbrother – Tom Parker Bowles, 49 – opened up about his impressions of the challenges they have faced. Queen Camilla’s told The Telegraph that even though his own experiences with this kind of public scrutiny were far less intense than what William and Harry had dealt with, it gave him a sense of the difficulties they endured, particularly as they were growing up.

Tom – a broadcaster and food writer – is the eldest child of Queen Camilla and her first husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, and saw firsthand the intense public attention that his mother received due to her romantic connection to King Charles during the monarch’s first marriage to Diana.

In his younger years, he got a taste of the constant scrutiny that his stepbrothers William and Harry have been under their entire lives, and called what the brothers have been put through “appalling”.

“I remember being chased at 100mph by paps trying to get a shot. My mother being screamed at to try to get a reaction. Pushing, jostling. It was horrific, and you are protective of your mother. Counting how many paps were at the gates, to see who was watching us and taking photographs: it was all as normal as bacon and eggs in the morning. You didn’t think of it in any other way … [But] it was barbaric.”

While Tom showed some hesitance to speak about his stepbrothers, he could not help but express sympathy for how much worse they have had it. “I learned a long time ago not to put my fat fingers into the world of William and Harry,” the food writer said. “But it was appalling what they went through. I’ve had a billionth of what they’ve had to go through but hell, I sympathise.”

Camilla and Charles were romantically on and off for decades, but it was only in 2005 upon their marriage that William and Harry gained two step-siblings, Tom and Laura, 46

A Royal source has claimed that the King’s ordeal with cancer has had a profound impact on Kensington Palace, hastening preparations for Prince William’s ascent to the throne.

Despite King Charles being in good spirits at 76 following his treatment and recovery process, it seems Kate Middleton is grappling with the prospect of becoming Queen sooner than anticipated, dealing with her own cancer struggle in the past year as well.

Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told People magazine: “Although the King is carrying out his duties with typical determination, he has had to accept limitations during his cancer treatment. As a result William has been taking on more responsibilities, and he and Kate have been preparing for their future roles sooner than they would have expected.”

One palace insider remarked: “There’s a sense of calm before the storm. They are next in line for the biggest job of their lives, and of course, Kate’s health has taken priority, but it’s also allowed everyone to take a step back and figure out what’s important right now.”

 

A YSL beauty icon loved by Kate Middleton is on offer in the Debenhams sale ( 
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Getty Images)

Meanwhile, according to US magazine reports, behind the scenes plans are quietly advancing for the duo’s eventual succession, clarifying that both William and Kate are “increasingly aware” of the impending responsibilities. Notably, William deputised for Charles at Notre Dame Cathedral’s reopening ceremony in Paris on December 7, engaging in a lengthy conversation with then US President-elect Donald Trump.

In his usual straightforward manner, Mr Trump later shared: “I asked him about his wife, and he said she’s doing well. And I asked him about his father, and his father is fighting very hard, and he loves his father, and he loves his wife, so it was sad.”

Royal insiders maintain that succession plans are always ready. “It is something the institution is always mindful of,” a source revealed to People, describing the situation as one of “institutional awareness”.

Friends have stated that Kate and William will not alter their priorities, with their children George, Charlotte and Louis always being their main focus. “Life-threatening illnesses bring a reconsideration of priorities,” one friend noted.

“She and William have always made it clear that family is the most important thing.”

However, it seems evident that there has been a shift in thinking about what the future may entail, according to the Scottish Daily Express. Royal author Robert Hardman commented: “We are being encouraged not to look at this as a chapter that’s over and then it’s back to normal, because cancer doesn’t work like that. The details remain private, but there’s no sense of trying to gloss over the reality that it’s an unpredictable disease.”

 

A magazine once favoured by Meghan Markle has seemingly turned against the Duchess of Sussex with a very scathing review.

The harsh article in The Cut was titled ‘Harry and Meghan’s Projects Can’t Stop Flopping’.

Pop culture news and entertainment writer Danielle Cohen commented on the couple’s “tortured attempts to launch a successful Stateside endeavour” which she wrote “continued this week” with the release of Polo on Netflix. The five-part series about Prince Harry’s favourite sport has been met with poor reviews, leading Cohen to predict: “Seems like this one is bound for the same fate as Markle’s beleaguered jam company.”

This critique comes shortly after The Cut highlighted the struggles faced by Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard “lifestyle brand”, which launched by gifting jars of strawberry jam to celebrities such as Kris Jenner and Chrissy Teigen.

This was followed by allegations that employees were leaving the new company, coupled with a trademark dispute from US food and gift company Harry and David, which sells Royal Riviera Pears. Olivia Craighead, who reports on pop culture and celebrity, wrote: “For Markle’s sake, I hope the next big story about ARO has the headline ‘Meghan Markle finally launches jam, ‘The best I’ve ever had,’ says King Charles.’ Maybe we’ll get a Christmas miracle.”

The CUT magazine cover featuring Meghan Markle ( 
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Campbell Addy / The Cut)
The negative coverage is significant given that The Cut, part of liberal New York Magazine, famously published a cover interview with the 43-year-old Duchess in August 2022, where she made derogatory comments about other members of the Royal family, reports the Scottish Daily Express.

Long before Meghan Markle fell in love with Prince Harry and became the Duchess of Sussex we know today, one former ESPN host has revealed he had hoped to find romance with the star, but things didn’t quite go to plan. Former ESPN host Ryen Russillo once slid into Meghan’s DM’s after running into each other while playing a game of celebrity flag football, but despite his high hopes, Russillo, now 49, revealed that Meghan wasn’t nearly as thrilled about the prospect during Super Bowl weekend 2014, reports UsWeekly.

Recalling their meeting on The Bill Simmons podcast, Ryen revealed: “We played in a celebrity flag football game together and it was all of the [ Sports Illustrated ] swimsuit models. So, nobody was really paying any attention to Markle.”

Sports host Ryen Russillo was snubbed by Meghan back in 2014

The game featured a host of former NFL stars and famous faces including The Vampire Diaries actress Nina Dobrev, Black Panther star Michael B Jordan, and Sports Illustrated models like Chrissy Teigen, Nina Agdal and Hannah Davis, meaning Meghan was in some impressive company for the fun-filled match.

“I was like, ‘That’s my lane. She’s probably doubting herself a little bit right now,’” Russillo remembered. “She’s never been more obtainable.”

The game took place just before Suits season 4 premiered, and was around two years before Meghan first started dating her future husband Prince Harry. Following the conclusion of the game however, Russillo decided to shoot his shot and send the future-Duchess a cheeky DM.

“It was a very soft sell,” Russillo explained. “It was, ‘Hey, I know the new season of Suits is coming out if you ever want to come on the show to promote it.’ It was really professional.”

Meghan Markle and Nina Dobrev participate in DIRECTV’s 8th Annual Celebrity Beach Bowl
Despite the professional sell however, he did admit he had an ulterior motive at play adding: “It was like a gauging of interest,” he said. “Like, if I got an emoji back, who knows?”

Not long after sending the DM, Meghan did respond to the invitation, but it wasn’t quite the warm reception Russillo might have hoped for. “It was ice cold,” Russillo recalled. DM. “It was, ‘Oh, I don’t know anything about sports, but thanks for the offer.’”

Ultimately, Russillo said: “It didn’t work out.”

As the festive season approaches, speculation is growing about who will join King Charles and Queen Camilla for this year’s Royal Family Christmas celebrations.

The royal family traditionally gathers for the holidays at Sandringham, the family’s estate in Norfolk, and it is expected that many members of the family will attend.

While the guest list has yet to be officially confirmed, several key members are anticipated to make the trip. These include Prince William and Kate Middleton,

who are likely to attend with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Their attendance would be in line with previous years, as the family has often been part of the Christmas festivities at Sandringham.

In addition to the Prince and Princess of Wales, other senior members of the royal family, such as Princess Anne and her family, are also expected to be present.

Princess Anne has long been a regular at the Sandringham Christmas celebrations, and her presence is a sign of the close-knit nature of the family during the holiday season.

Similarly, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, are likely to join the King and Queen for the traditional Christmas Day church service at St. Mary Magdalene Church, which has become a hallmark of the royal Christmas tradition.

However, there are several members of the family whose attendance is less certain. Given the ongoing tensions between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the rest of the royal family, it remains unclear whether the couple will join King Charles and Queen Camilla this year. The Sussexes have spent recent holidays in the United States, and although they have been invited in the past, their relationship with the family has been strained in recent years, particularly after the publication of Harry’s memoir and the release of their Netflix documentary. As a result, many are speculating that Harry and Meghan may opt to spend the holiday away from Sandringham once again.

One of the most intriguing questions surrounding the royal Christmas is whether any of the younger members of the royal family, such as Zara Tindall or Mike Tindall, will also be part of the festivities. Zara, the daughter of Princess Anne, has often been seen at Sandringham during the holidays, and her children are expected to take part in the fun. Mike Tindall, Zara’s husband, is also a beloved figure within the family, and his presence is always anticipated during royal events. While their exact involvement in the Christmas celebrations remains to be seen, it is expected that their family will be part of the gathering in some capacity.

While the guest list is still largely unknown, King Charles and Queen Camilla will likely enjoy the company of their closest family members during what is expected to be a more subdued Christmas celebration. The royal family has been adjusting to life without Queen Elizabeth II, and this year’s Christmas may be marked by a quieter, more intimate atmosphere as they reflect on her legacy and continue to adjust to the new reign. Regardless of who attends, the Royal Family’s Christmas celebration at Sandringham is expected to be a significant moment in the royal calendar, with many eyes watching to see how the family comes together during the holiday season.

Viewers of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! Coming Out were left incensed by a tense confrontation between radio DJs Melvin Odoom and Dean McCullough

As viewers got their final I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here fix for this year’s series, they were left fuming over a tense clash.

As the campmates reconnected outside of jungle life, radio presenters Melvin Odoom and Dean McCullough’s reunion was a bit of a frosty one. Dean took Melvin to one side, and squared up to him for ‘upsetting’ him with the infamous ‘Houdini’ nickname on the show.

Fans online let their feelings be known. One furious Twitter /X user ranted: “Dean’s still pulling the “feel sorry for me card” even out of the jungle! Melvin called him Houdini… it was clearly a joke! He really needs to get a grip, #ImACeleb #imacelebrity”

Another added: “Nah im soo sick of dean how are you speaking to melvin like that…. fair enough if there’s no bad blood now but come on if you’re not pulling your weight somethings gonna get said lol #ImACeleb.” A third added a gif of Judge Judge rolling her eyes and commented: “Dean still not taking responsibility. Melvin should not have to ask him. The back lash is because he was a lazy ****** #ImACeleb”

Melvin and Dean discussed the Houdini nickname ( 
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ITV1)

The comments came after Melvin was seen trying to give his reasons for the jibe. As he did, Dean’s stoney look showed the star was less than impressed. Melvin and Dean were teamed up to collect water for the camp during their time on the ITV show, but Dean had plenty of complaints about the task. “It’s an awful job and I hate it and I don’t want to do it anymore… Guys I can’t. It’s not for me,” he moaned.

While Dean didn’t appear to be too upset by the jibes at the time, he confronted Melvin in the reunion show. After seeing their families, the duo bumped into each other. Dean said to his Radio 1 colleague: “I love how the whole Houdini popped off, the memes were brilliant.”

Melvin replied: “I don’t think people realised why that happened, I was busy doing the water thing, I just wanted you to help so I was thinking I’m just gonna drop this line with half the camp there, make everyone laugh.” But things turned as Dean said: “I wish you had told me, that upset me.” Melvin replied: “If I’m trying to give someone a message, I always use humour, that’s my number one way of communicating with people, that’s essentially my weapon, and that’s all that was.”

Melvin nicknamed Dean Houdini ( 
Image:
ITV/REX/Shutterstock)“I saw Bush Telegraphs of you saying, ‘Oh, it’s another chore to ask Dean to do the chores,’” Dean insisted, with Melvin explained: “Me calling you Houdini was my way of telling you I need help, when we said, ‘Let’s do the water’, I came up the steps and you were having a shower, when I came down you were folding your clothes by the bed, by the time I said, ‘Houdini’ that was me saying, ‘I need help’.”

Dean bluntly admitted he felt it would have been better for Melvin to “take him to the side,” with Melvin reiterating that it was no big deal. Dean again hinted however that the moment had upset him.

This Morning’s Christmas party kicks off at James Blunt’s posh pub – but one star is notably absent

The ITV show’s team gathered at James Blunt-owned gastropub The Fox and Pheasant for a cosy celebration in a secluded part of west London – but one star was clearly missing

This Morning’s Christmas party kicked off on Monday

Boozy, raucous festive songs were not on the menu for This Morning’s Christmas party as it quietly kicked off in a posh Chelsea pub on Monday evening.

The ITV show’s team gathered at James Blunt-owned gastropub The Fox and Pheasant for a cosy celebration in a secluded part of west London. There appeared to be an air of sombreness as the evening also marked editor Martin Frizell’s final Christmas with the team before his departure.

Among those pictured trudging to the venue for the three-course festive treat of smoked salmon, turkey and Christmas pudding were hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley. The pair – who were announced as Holly and Phil’s official replacements in February – made their way separately to the pub as they wrapped up warm in wool coats.

Ben, 49, appeared tired as he donned a pair of rectangular glasses and white jeans. While Cat, 48, appeared relaxed in a pair of baggy denim jeans and silk scoop-neck top as she cradled a black bag in the crook of her arm.

Cat Deeley attended the This Morning Christmas party ( 
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Axel/CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)

Ben Shephard appeared tired as he made his way to the bash ( 
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Axel/CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)

Alison Hammond, 49, also made sure to wrap up warm in an ankle-length puffer jacket and appeared to be in good spirits as she hugged her co-star on the way inside. Her Friday co-star Dermot O’Leary, 51, made his way to the bash alongside regular show guest Ashley James, who glittered in a purple sequined gown.

Josie Gibson, 39, appeared to have enjoyed a spot of shopping before the party as she swung a Selfridges bag by her side. Her busy schedule was clear to see as she dragged a suitcase along the pavement on the way to the do.

Dermot O’Leary pictured with Ashley James ( 
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Axel/CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)

This Morning editor Martin Frizell will be leaving the ITV show ( 
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Axel/CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)
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Also in attendance were Vanessa Feltz, Alice Beer and Phil Vickery, but there was one glaring absence – Gino D’Acampo.At the weekend, the Italian chef was accused of inappropriate behaviour towards a woman over five years. The unnamed woman lodged a complaint with ITV bosses last week. She reportedly worked with D’Acampo between 2006 and 2011.

 

Alison Hammond appeared to be in good spirits ( 
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Axel/CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)

The This Morning team gathered at James Blunt’s pub ( 
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Axel/CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)

It is understood the woman decided to speak out amid a raft of allegations against the BBC’s MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace came to light. It comes after reports that Gino, 48, is being slowly sidelined by ITV amid a string of claims about inappropriate behaviour.He has been edged out of Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip after refusing to sign a morality contract clause. Gino has also been put on a language and behavioural course by concerned executives.

 

Josie Gibson appeared as busy as ever ( 
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Axel/CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)

Phil Vickery also attended the party ( 
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Axel/CLICK NEWS AND MEDIA)
A source close to the latest complainant said: “She worked [with Gino] for five years. She has come forward after being spurred on by the Gregg Wallace scandal and the comment he made about his accusers being middle-class women of a certain age,” a source told The Sun newspaper

An ITV source said: “We can’t really comment on anything specific as we have duty of care to any complainant that comes forward”. The Mirror has contacted D’Acampo’s people for comment.