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In her latest Instagram post, Meghan Markle reveals the death of her beloved pet dog Guy in an emotional video montage, featuring snaps and the voices of her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet – and one expert believes this could be a poignant message

Meghan Markle’s emotional video announcing the death of her beloved companion offers a rare glimpse at her children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The Duchess took to her newly launched Instagram page to announce that her beloved pet dog Guy had sadly died in a heartbreaking post. Paying tribute to the family member, who Meghan had rescued from a kill shelter 10 years ago, she posted an emotional video made up of multiple never-before-seen pictures and videos of Guy with her, Prince Harry and their kids.

In one tender moment, Archie, now five, can be seen holding the dog’s lead as he walks alongside dad Harry, while in another he is heard saying: “He’s going to fall” while he sits in the car with his mum and dog before Meghan reassures him that the pup was safe.

Prince Harry with Prince Archie and their beloved pet Guy
Another poignant moment shows Lilibet playing with Guy on a picnic blanket, while the heartwrenching montage ends with the two children singing a sweet song about their dog.

Harry and Meghan have previously been extremely protective of their children’s privacy and opted to closely guard them from the limelight. In addition, the children have had little contact with either Meghan’s father Thomas, who is estranged from his daughter or Harry’s dad King Charles, who reportedly is not speaking to his son.

And body language expert Judi James says the montage’s most poignant moment features the children. She told the Mirror: “Anyone who has lost a pet will understand the kind of grief Meghan is suffering right now and she is coping in her new signature manner by creating this video of the dog that looked set to be a star of her new Netflix show.

“Like the ‘reality’ fan she has now become, she has included some very intimate moments and glimpses of her life here, suggesting an equal easing off the privacy pedal when her new show finally drops.

Meghan and Princess Lililibet play with their beloved pet
“If the reveal of her love of Guy and of his life with the Sussex’s weren’t enough there’s added poignancy in the glimpses here of Archie and Lilibet, which will presumably be devoured by both grandads as well as the fans.

“The children are still shown in back view only and in idyllic settings that include dogs and donkeys. But there is one clip that is a ‘shared experience’, a three-dimensional glimpse rather than a distanced shot from afar, as we are shown the angle Meghan sees as they sit in the back of the car while Harry is driving.

“We don’t see the children but we do hear voices and see one small hand. This is possibly the most poignant moment for anyone craving the family vibe as it involves the kind of proximity and the view any relative might enjoy if they were part of the family group.”

Last year, sources said the King had committed himself to building a relationship with Prince Harry’s children and to be present in their lives. A source revealed at the time: “The King is absolutely committed to being present in all of his grandchildren’s lives. He values family above everything and whatever the course of his ­relationship with his son he would never be content with just seeing his grandchildren on the odd video call.”

Prince Harry with his estranged father King Charles ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)

Ingrid Seward, author of My Mother and I – The Inside Story of the King and Our Late Queen, said: “Family has always been important to the King. He remembers his own somewhat fragmented childhood as his parents were always busy doing their duty. It is a great sadness to him he doesn’t see more of Archie and Lilibet.

“That is why he will never break ties with Harry. He does not want a FaceTime relationship with his son’s children. He wants to know them and be involved with their lives while they are still young enough to be able to learn from his wisdom.. His cancer has made it all the more poignant to him as he knows that he won’t be around forever.”

Meanwhile, Judi added that the video also has many other intimate moments, and their love shines through. She added: “Thanks to this tribute we also see the couple’s bed, complete with a crumpled duvet and a very understated, modest-looking, budget hotel-style headboard.

“We’re shown both Harry and Meghan (separately) lying in bed with Guy and in the shot of them sitting on the floor, poring over Guy like proud and delighted parents, we’re also shown the love between Harry and Meghan themselves as they lean their heads in together in an intensely affectionate ritual as Meghan cradles the dog.

“Fans had already fallen for Guy, who was featured snoring in Meghan’s show trailer. Now he has his own tribute video and presumably a sadly posthumous starring role in Meghan’s new series.”

It is exactly 20 years ago since Prince Harry caused outrage after wearing a Nazi uniform to a fancy dress party – and he later admitted the incident was one of the ‘biggest mistakes’ of his life

Prince Harry once revealed one of the “biggest mistakes” of his life – and admitted it left him “so ashamed”.

Exactly 20 years ago the Duke of Sussex caused outrage when it emerged he wore a Nazi uniform to a fancy dress party. The incident came in 2005 when Harry was 20 and he was invited to the costume bash and wore the soldier’s uniform that had a swastika. He was pictured in the costume while holding a drink and a cigarette.

At the time, his father King Charles’ official office Clarence House was forced to issue a statement, saying Harry had apologised for any offence or embarrassment caused.

Harry talked about feeling ashamed after wearing a Nazi uniform in his Netflix series ( 
Image:
Netflix)
But in his explosive tell-all Netflix series with wife Meghan Markle, Harry addressed the controversy for the first time. He admitted: “It was probably one of the biggest mistakes of my life. I felt so ashamed afterwards. All I wanted to do was make it right.” He also revealed he spoke to the chief rabbi as well as met a Holocaust survivor because he wanted to make it right and learn from it.

He continued: “All I wanted to do was make it right. I sat down and spoke to the Chief Rabbi in London, which had a profound impact on me. I went to Berlin and spoke to a Holocaust survivor. I could have just ignored it and gone on and made the same mistakes over and over again in my life. But I learned from that.”

In the same episode, the Duke of Sussex also addressed the idea of “unconscious bias” in his family, noting that while “it’s actually no one’s fault,” that doesn’t absolve one of responsibility. “Once it’s been pointed out or identified within yourself you then need to make it right,” he said. “It’s education, it’s awareness and it’s a constant work in progress for everyone ― including me.”

Immediately after the 2005 incident, Harry apologised in a statement, saying, “I am very sorry if I caused any offence or embarrassment to anyone. It was a poor choice of costume and I apologise.” The regretful prince added in a later interview: “Maybe it was a sign of my own immaturity. Something like that I will never do again. It was a stupid thing to do.”

Meanwhile, the Board of Deputies of British Jews said at the time that it was “pleased that [Harry has] apologised for … his ill-judged actions.”

“We would now want to concentrate on ensuring that everyone understands the evils and enormity of the Holocaust, and the resonance of the swastika, not only to the Jewish community, but to all in the United Kingdom affected by the Second World War against the Nazis,” the group added.

Meghan Markle’s return to Instagram following a five-year hiatus has been given a brutal verdict by a Royal expert, who admitted she thought the account would have “grown quicker”

A Royal commentator has candidly expressed surprise that Meghan Markle’s fresh Instagram comeback hasn’t made as big of a splash as anticipated, yet speculates it could signal she’s gearing up to share more with the public.

On the latest instalment of Hello! Magazine’s A Right Royal Podcast, Emily Nash and Andrea Caamano chewed over the Duchess of Sussex’s re-emergence on Instagram after a five-year break from the social media scene.

Meghan marked her return by posting about her upcoming Netflix culinary series, With Love, Meghan, and also dedicated a post to her beloved pooch, Guy, who has recently passed away.

The chat quickly veered towards the traction of Meghan’s new handle, @meghan, which Andrea noted hasn’t quite caught up with the frenzy of @sussexroyal, the account Meghan and Prince Harry set up together.

Andrea revealed that the new account hasn’t quite yet reached the levels of @sussexroyal ( 
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(Image: AFP via Getty Images))

Andrea confessed: “I’m going to be honest; I thought it was going to grow quicker. I remember being around when Sussex Royal launched their first Instagram account and that was wild, and it’s still active and it’s still at nine million.”, reports the Express.

She elaborated: “They haven’t posted for five years, and I thought it would replicate. It hasn’t yet, and then the videos have had great watchers. Obviously, the first one was watched by nearly 10 million, but then it’s gone down.

“Obviously, Netflix, I think, had eight million and her last one about Guy, her dog, had around four million.”

Andrea is over the moon about Meghan’s comeback and reckons her touching tribute to her pooch Guy “confirms” she’s game for sharing snippets of her private life.

Caitlin Jardine, PR whizz and social media maestro at Ellis Digital, spilled the beans to Express.co.uk on what Meghan’s admirers are hankering for: they’re keen for her to use the platform to back causes close to her heart, plug her ventures, and forge meaningful connections.

During the episode, the conversation soon turned to Meghan’s traffic ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
She noted: “Her followers would much prefer and appreciate posts that are thoughtful and intentional rather than purely just promotional or overly frequent.”

Before tying the knot with Harry in 2018, Meghan pulled the plug on her personal social channels, although she was no stranger to posting updates before then and even ran a lifestyle blog called The Tig.

Caitlin chimed in: “Whilst she needs to meet the demands that keep her audience engaged, she needs to ensure that she does so without ‘over-doing’ it, without over saturating her feed whereby it seems ingenuine and insincere.”

Telly host and writer Victoria Coren Mitchell has thrown in her two cents about With Love, Meghan, an “inspiring” series set to dish out the delights of cooking complete with “practical how-to’s” and “conversation with friends”.

Victoria penned in the Telegraph: “Unfortunately, that means their performances on screen are inevitably uncomfortable. Nobody ever won a reality TV contest by pretending to be someone they’re not.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been spotted comforting victims of the tragic Los Angeles wildfires which has left thousands of people’s homes completely destroyed

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been spotted consoling victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

Thousands of people have lost their homes in the tragic blazes that have swept the region, including A-listers such as Paris Hilton and Anthony Hopkins. The Sussexes recently revealed they had opened their Montecito home to friends and loved ones who have been forced to evacuate due to the nearby fires to stay with them. The couple are also believed to have donated supplies to people affected by the blazes, including clothing, children’s items, and other essential supplies.

Now, they have been spotted in conversation with victims of the travesty. The duo were seen handing out food parcels on Friday at the Pasadena Convention Centre, which is being used as an evacuation centre. They were seen hugging the founder of World Central Kitchen, Jose Andres, as the organisation distributes meals to victims.

Harry and Meghan made a surprise appearance
Meghan dressed in a light blue shirt and blue baseball cap, while Harry was seen wearing a black baseball cap and black shirt. The duo were also seen taking time to console the Mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo, who praised their appearance and efforts.

He called the former royals “great people” with “great personalities,” before adding: “They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders. We visited the command post at the Rose Bowl and people were very happy to see them.”

Meghan and Harry spoke to people in Pasedena
Their appearance comes as sources close to the Sussexes also said they are ready to go into “crisis mode” if they need to evacuate their home due to the fires. Their security team is said to have been coordinating an evacuation plan while packing essentials for their children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.

A neighbour recently said: “It’s not chaos here yet but the fire is moving fast and we are not taking any chances.” The couple and their neighbours have been given public safety survival kits. In them there is a solar charger, flashlight and protective equipment. There is also ice, water, snacks and safety pamphlets.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were trying to support the LA communityPrior to their appearance, Harry and Meghan had spoke publicly to recommended a list of fire service charities, animal groups and other initiatives to support. In a statement, the couple said: “In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighborhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centers, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life. A state of emergency has been issued. If you feel compelled to help, here are some resources and ideas.”

The couple continued: “If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do. And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating. Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys & clothing, and other essentials. The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.”

The series of major fires in California have killed 10 people so far and ravaged communities. They have also sent thousands of people fleeing their properties, including in areas popular with celebrity homes.

Paris Hilton has continued to update her followers on the devastation after saying she watched her house be destroyed live on TV. In a heartbreaking Instagram upload, the socialite described the fires as looking like “hell” on earth. “Heartbroken to find out what happened to my house by seeing that it was burned to the ground on live TV,” she wrote in a story, which accompanied a clip of the devastation.

“Heartbroken beyond words,” she continued. “Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience.” She added: “This home was where we built so many precious memories. It’s where Phoenix took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a lifetime of memories with London.

“While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family and pets are safe. My heart and prayers are going out to every family affected by these fires.

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Pete Wicks appeared on Channel 4’s hit show Sunday Brunch alongside hosts Tim Love Joy and Simon Rimmer.

Strictly Come Dancing star Pete Wicks made a brutal admission about his time on the BBC talent show. The former star of The Only Way is Essex, 37, appeared on the latest series alongside professional dance partner Jowita Przystal.

At the time, he managed to impress the judges and viewers watching at home as he made it all the way to the semi-final.

However it is clear that the reality star has no plans of stepping back onto the dance floor anytime soon. Pete appeared on Channel 4’s popular show Sunday Brunch today (January 12), alongside host Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer, as well as other celebrity guests.

Pete said “I’m glad it’s over” when asked about his time on Strictly Come Dancing ( 
Image:
Channel 4)
Tim wasted no time quizzing Pete on his latest stint, as he asked: “Pete, how did you enjoy Strictly?” Pete didn’t hesitate, as he admitted: “I’m glad it’s over.”

Everyone chuckled, as Tim went on to say: “No but you were good though. You were good.” Pete didn’t agree, as he replied: “No, I was useless.”

Tim jumped in: “No you weren’t, you made it far.” Pete replied: “I made it far, but I was useless.” Turning his attention to guest Layton Williams, who appeared on Strictly in 2023 alongside pro partner Nikita Kuzmin, Pete continued: “I mean Layton obviously did Strictly and he was amazing. He was unbelievable, but I was rubbish.”

Pete made it to the Strictly semi-final alongside professional dance partner Jowita Przystal ( 
Image:
@p_wicks01/Instagram)
Tim asked: “Did you enjoy the experience?” Pete revealed: “I loved it. I absolutely loved it, because I’ve never seen Strictly before and I thought I would be there for like one or two weeks.”

Talk soon turned to Simon’s time on the show, as Tim pointed out: “When Simon did it he was exhausted.” Simon, who appeared on Strictly back in 2017, explained: “Yes, I was exhausted because I was still doing this show. You know what it’s like, you finish late on a Sunday night then I’d be here at 6 in the morning but it’s such a good experience.”

Pete Wicks appeared on Sunday Brunch alongside hosts Tim and Simon ( 
Image:
Channel 4)

Layton jumped in: “I loved it. I do think it’s hard when people have their other stuff going on and I felt really lucky that I could literally just concentrate on just getting the steps.”

Pete said: “You didn’t really need to concentrate because you are just gifted.” Layton was flattered by the remark, as he added: “Oh stop it. You’re making me blush. You’re to hard on yourself (Pete), you did your thing.”

Claudia Winkleman has long been tipped as a natural successor for much-loved Graham and now she will make her debut as host by fllling in for him

She’s one of the BBC’s biggest stars thanks to her role as host of two of the corporation’s most successful entertainment series.

Now Claudia Winkleman is to stand-in on Graham Norton’s chat show as host for the first time, two years after making a pilot for her own BBC interview series. The presenter, who fronts hit shows The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing, will cover for Graham when he’s away doing his live theatre tour in Australia next month.In tonight’s instalment of The Graham Norton Show Claudia, 52, appears as a guest and when he thanks her for covering for him, she quips: “I apologise in advance!” Graham, 60, is a big star in Australia thanks to his UK chat show being on air over there, but hasn’t visited the country since 1987. He will kick off his Evening with Graham Norton show, in which he tells stories about his long career as a comedian and chat show host, on March 9. It is not yet known who Claudia’s guests will be on February 28 but it will be the last live show of the series. Graham will front a compilation show the following week and then returns in September with a new run.

Graham will miss the final live show of the series while he tours Down Under ( 
Image:
BBC)

Claudia has appeared as a guest on Graham’s show on several occasions ( 
Image:
PA)

She always enjoys herself! ( 
Image:
PA)
The Mirror revealed last January that Claudia had been toying with the idea of becoming a chat-show host, but the idea had been “put on ice” because she is too busy. The BBC pilot she made was with So Television, the TV production company which makes Norton’s long-running BBC1 series.

Speaking to Graham tonight Claudia revealed she had been given treatment for a bad back while filming The Traitors by a physio who specialised in animals. Revealing what happened when she needed a massage during filming, Claudia explains: “I did my back in so asked if I could see a physio. We are in the middle of nowhere so that wasn’t easy. When this chap turned up the producer asked me not to be chatty with him – I thought she meant I was not to talk about what was going on in the production, so I asked him who else he had treated and he said, ‘Two shire horses and a miniature Dachshund’. It turns out they didn’t want me to know he was a vet.”

After filming her chat-show pilot one insider confirmed that it had gone well but added: “Nothing is going to happen with it anytime soon. Claudia is just so busy, for now the timing is all wrong.” In March last year Claudia stood down from the Radio 2 Saturday show she had previously replaced Norton on in 2021, saying she wanted to spend more time with her family.

While the mum-of-three’s two elder children are away at university, her youngest – Arthur – is 13. Announcing her decision to leave, she explained: “The truth is my children are growing up inordinately fast so I have decided to follow them around at home before they leave for good.”

Graham has previously said he was thinking about retiring but is currently busier than ever as host of gameshow Wheel of Fortune on ITV alongside the BBC chat show and his Virgin radio weekend morning shows. He is also a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and hosts the annual Eurovision Song Contest for the BBC.

He said that being unable to work properly during the pandemic had made him realise he wasn’t ready to stop working. “I had this idea that I was going to cut down on my workload, just kind of take my foot off the pedal a bit, and yet the opposite has happened. I’m busier now than I think I’ve ever been,” he explained at the time.

Last year insiders told The Mirror that Claudia was the obvious choice to fill his shoes whenever he finally does decide the time is right to either slow down or step away. Calling it “sensible forward planning” one said: “This is for when Graham decides that he wants to do less. One idea was to keep the chat-show going across the same number of weeks, but have different people hosting it from time to time. So it would be The Graham Norton Show hosted by Claudia Winkleman, for example.”

Olympic medal winning rower Sir Steve Redgrave is getting ready to skate on Dancing on Ice despite health conditions and injuries that could make his time on the show perilous

Sir Steve Redgrave has revealed that his list of injuries continues to grow ahead of Dancing on Ice – with producers worrying whether he’ll make it to the live show.

The retired athlete is the most successful male rower in Olympic history, taking home five gold medals at consecutive games from 1984 to 2000. Hailed as one of Britain’s greatest Olympians ever, the 62-year-old won over 16 golds at World Championships, the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics before retiring in 2000. Despite his sporting achievements, the Marlow-born athlete is struggling with a number of health conditions and injuries as he trains for Dancing on Ice with professional skater Vicky Ogden.

“I have colitis, I’m a diabetic. I have a frozen shoulder,” he said. “I had a fall on the third day, which irritated the shoulder and there were a lot of things we couldn’t do.” Steve also struggles with Dupuytren’s contracture, which causes his fingers to curl towards his palm, and left producers panicking after picking up another injury.

“I pulled a hip flexor so that’s all in the first few weeks,” he explained. “I think the production team got very nervous. They were saying, ‘We’ve got to wrap him up in cotton wool. We’ve got to get him to the show.’ And here we are.” He added: “We’ve been given all the protective gear but no, I haven’t put it on at all.”

Steve has various health issues to consider on the show ( 
Image:
ITV)

Sir Steve learnt that he suffered from ulcerative colitis shortly before winning his third Olympic gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona games. Just five years and another gold medal later, the rower was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, which impacts the sensation in his feet.

Despite his worrying health conditions, the former rower said his family aren’t too concerned by his ice skating antics. “They’re used to me doing nutty things,” said Steve, who shares kids Natalie, Sophie and Zak with wife Lady Ann Redgrave. “They think I’m absolutely crazy doing this but they’re quite excited about it. Some of the other celebs have young kids but my kids have their own kids. My eldest is a plastic surgeon in Swansea – she has an 18-months-old child so I’m not quite sure if she’ll be able to watch me.”

Sir Steve will be competing against EastEnders’ Charlie Brooks, footballer Anton Ferdinand, The Traitors’ Mollie Pearce, TV presenter Michaela Strachan and other stars throughout the series, hosted by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern. However, he admitted that he may become overwhelmed on the ice when he spots his elderly mother Sheila in the Dancing on Ice audience after she cheered him on throughout his rowing career. “My mother is still with us. She’s 93 and we’re trying to get her to one of the shows,” he said.

Steve towers over dance partner Vicky Ogden ( 
Image:
ITV)
“That will be too emotional for me to see her in the crowd from that point of view. She was my greatest supporter when I was rowing and competing. She travelled around the world to watch me.” He added: “I know that she would love to be here, but in some ways, I hope she is watching on TV.”

While Sir Steve is one of Britain’s greatest sportsmen, he is the bookies’ favourite to leave the competition first – but it hasn’t stopped him from dreaming of winning. “I don’t think the bug to win ever leaves you,” he said. “Certainly in my deepest dreams – and it has to be a deepest dream of thinking that I’ve got a chance of winning this.”

“The William Hill odds of a 66/1 win came out last week and they’re at a very different level to where I need to be if we’re going to take the crown. But it’s an entertainment programme and I think that our first routine will put smiles on people’s faces and make them feel good. Hopefully they’ll pick up the phone and vote for me.”

The Olympic medal winner is one of 11 celebrities taking part this year ( 
Image:
PA)Sir Steve is the oldest contestant in this year’s series and the oldest man to compete in the show’s history, but he’s also likely to be the tallest with a height of six foot three. In fact, the ex-rower’s Dancing on Ice partner Vicky, 40, told Sir Steve to let go of her during a lift if he feels unstable – to avoid him falling onto her. “I love lifting. We do lots of lifts off the ice,” he said. “Vicky says, ‘If you feel unstable, let go of me.’” Vicky added: “There is a little bit of a height and weight difference.”

The Dancing on Ice contestant was hoping to shed a few pounds during the competition, but admitted that he’s yet to do so. “I was hoping I would lose weight but that hasn’t happened,” he admitted. “Chrirstopher Dean says, ‘Muscle is heavier than fat.’ I’m not quite sure that is the case.”

“Physically, I haven’t found the competition that demanding. That may show the level that I’m at. I was expecting it to be more physical than it has been but it’s more skills-based. That’s been the struggle.”As for how he feels about sequins and glitter, Steve is ready for a challenge. “Knowing our music and the theme to it, I have an idea of what I might be wearing,” he said. “Hopefully lots of sequins. I want to be out of my comfort zone. I’m certain out of my comfort zone with skates on my feet so let’s make it the full show.”

A moving vigil was held in honour of RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne – whose name was James Lee Williams – in Liverpool on Sunday following their sudden death last week

Family, fans and fellow stars gathered in Liverpool on Sunday evening to pay tribute to RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne – who died earlier this month at the age of 32.

The performer, whose real name was James Lee Williams, passed away at their home last Sunday, 5 January, leaving the entertainment world and those who knew them devastated. A vigil was held on the steps of St George’s Hall to honour and celebrate the TV star – with fellow Drag Race performers and soap stars among those in attendance.

Buildings were lit up in green as a tribute to the performer – who had wowed audiences by playing the Wicked Witch of the West in an acclaimed UK touring production of The Wizard of Oz last year. And balloons were released into the air as those gathered at the ceremony bid the star farewell.

Fans, friends and family of the late star gathered together to celebrate their life ( 
Image:
Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)

A statement written by The Vivienne’s family was read by their friend Bobby Musker, which said: “As a family we are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for James, The Vivienne… From an early age it was evident he was destined for the stage… he was determined to pave his own way in this world.”

The family described the star as a “son, brother, uncle and true icon” and said: “The road was not easy but the dream never, ever changed and James would always tell us that they would make it happen and they did.”

The family said they were “so unbelievably proud of everything they achieved” and added: “We will miss you for an eternity and for an eternity we will all love you.” Danny Beard, who won season four of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, called The Vivienne a “truly larger than life” character who could “never be confined by the ordinary”.

Viv was also known by their name, James Lee Williams ( 
Image:
Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Danny said: “The performances weren’t just acts, they were celebrations of life. They taught us it was OK to live out loud.” Emmerdale actor Liam Fox, who performed alongside The Vivienne in a stage production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, shared their sadness over the loss of the star.

Liam told the Metro: “It was so beautiful. She was so loved by all who knew her which makes it all the more tragic to have lost her so young when there was so much more ahead for her. I loved all the speakers, I loved all the stories from when she was starting out on the drag scene. There was laughter and tears. The balloon release, which happened organically during the song For Good, was particularly beautiful.”

Sunday’s vigil was organised with the help of Sahir House, Liverpool’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity – of which The Vivienne was an ambassador. The Vivienne found international fame after winning season one of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 – going on to compete on the RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2022 and appeared in other shows including Celebrity Hunted and Dancing On Ice.

Mourners turned out in their hundreds on Sunday ( 
Image:
Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)

Buildings were lit up in green in tribute to the star ( 
Image:
Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)They also featured in the 2016 film Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, and even played themself in a special guest role on ITV’s long-running soap Emmerdale in 2021. The Vivienne’s death was announced last weekend as family and friends were left shocked and saddened by the performer’s sudden passing. Publicist Simon Jones broke the news on social media.

He wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend. James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career.”

The statement added: “We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.” Fans and fellow performers have shared their grief in the days since The Vivienne’s shock death. RuPaul Charles was among those leaving a tribute online.

Sharing a photograph of himself with The Vivienne on the famous Drag Race catwalk stage, RuPaul wrote: “With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne—an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being.”

Drag Race judge Michelle Visage also shared her grief over the shock passing of the star. She wrote online: “I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken.”

John Torode revealed his thoughts on MasterChef’s new presenter after co-host Gregg Wallace’s stepped away from the long-running BBC series following allegations over his behaviour

John Torode has spoken after Gregg Wallace’s MasterChef replacement was announced.

It was revealed Grace Dent will take over on the hit cooking show and John, who has presented MasterChef since 2005, said: “I have loved working with Grace on MasterChef over the years. She has been an excellent guest, an inspiring critic and also set some incredible challenges.”

He added: “Expertise is what MasterChef is all about, from the contestants to our wonderful production team, to us as judges. The love of food, the love of MasterChef, and that unquestionable expertise, makes Grace the perfect person to step in alongside me as judge for the forthcoming Celebrity MasterChef series.”

John and Grace will host the next series ( 
Image:
PA)
Grace, 51, had appeared on MasterChef regularly as a guest judge. She will now be a judge on the upcoming series of Celebrity MasterChef after Wallace stepped away from his BBC role amid an investigation into historical allegations of misconduct. Wallace has denied all allegations made against him and is said to be willing to co-operate with any investigation.

Dent also previously took part in a version of MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics. Following the new role announcement, she said: “I’ve been watching MasterChef since I was a girl sitting with my dad on the sofa. My whole family watches it. It’s all about uncovering and championing talent – and to have ended up in this position, is more than a dream to me. I’m so excited that I can’t eat, which is severely detrimental to a restaurant critic. I feel very lucky to be stepping in for the next Celebrity MasterChef.

She added: “I can’t wait to meet the fresh celebrity faces for 2025.”

Grace Dent is taking over hosting duties ( 
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BBC)
The BBC’s head of entertainment, Kalpna Patel-Knight, praised the announcement, saying: “Grace Dent is the perfect choice to step in for the next series of Celebrity MasterChef. Grace is not only an energetic and well-established member of the MasterChef team, but is also a world renowned food critic, so she will certainly keep the next batch of celebrities on their toes.”

Wallace’s exit comes after a number of women came forward to make claims about his actions. Among them were Newsnight star Kirsty Wark. As a result of the allegations, Banijay UK, the show’s production company, confirmed it would be launching an external review looking at historical allegations of misconduct.

Wallace’s lawyers have previously denied the accusations. Speaking to the BBC, they said: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”

John Torode and Gregg Wallace were previously the face of MasterChef ( 
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BBC/Shine TV)
Following the allegations, John had previously said: “The thought of anyone who has appeared on our show not having a brilliant experience is awful to hear.”

He revealed he “fully supports” the investigation and said he “cannot make any further comment at this stage”.

While the most recent series of MasterChef: The Professionals continued to air amid the saga, two of the show’s Christmas specials were pulled from the scheduling. It was confirmed Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off and a Strictly Festive Extravaganza were removed from the festive TV rota.

MasterChef star Gregg Wallace popped up in a TV show over the weekend – leaving fans stunned to see him back on screens after he was suspended by the BBC last November

TV fans were shocked and surprised to see Gregg Wallace back on screens this weekend as part of a weather focused special.

The 60-year-old TV chef stepped back from his work at the BBC pending an investigation into claims he showcased alleged abusive behaviour while working on the hit show MasterChef. While Gregg himself has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, he has been off of screens since the most recent season of MasterChef: The Professionals concluded in December last year.

Christmas specials of his show were also shelved as the investigation was due to get under way – and many fans have been left fearing he will never return to the network due to his circumstances – and the fact he has already been replaced by Grace Dent. Those tuning in to Channel 5 this weekend were therefore surprised to see Gregg back on camera in a documentary about a bitter snap of weather that hit the UK in 2018.

Grace Dent has replaced Gregg as a judge on MasterChef ( 
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PA)
Gregg was featured in an interview segment – with other stars including actress Laila Morse, Countryfile’s Adam Henson and BBC metereologist Tomasz Schafernaker also taking part in the show. The documentary, titled Beast from the East: The Big Freeze of 2018, aired on Channel 5 on Saturday evening at 5pm.

Viewers were stunned to see the star on their TVs again – with one writing on X: “Gregg Wallace on Beast from the East? Bold move. His reputation’s already been through a storm.” While another typed: “Obviously C5 don’t give a f*** about what he’s done.”

Following his suspension from the BBC, Gregg made an attempt to defend himself online – as he blamed “middle-class women of certain age” for complaining about him. In a slammed social media video, he reflected on his decades-long career on TV and said: “Apparently now, I’m reading in the paper, there’s been 13 complaints in that time. I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle-class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef. This isn’t right.”

And in a second clip, he complained: “In 20 years, over 20 years of television, can you imagine how many women, female contestants on MasterChef, have made sexual remarks, or sexual innuendo, can you imagine?” While his lawyers issued a stern denial of the allegations made against him.

In a statement shared by the BBC in November, Gregg’s legal team has said: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.” Following the reports of inappropriate behaviour, Gregg found himself on the receiving end of some choice words from music icon Sir Rod Stewart who claimed the TV chef had reduced his wife, Lady Penny Lancaster, to tears when she appeared on MasterChef in 2021.

The Maggie May singer wrote online: “So Greg Wallace gets fired from Masterchef. Good riddance Wallace… You humiliated my wife when she was on the show but you had that bit cut out didn’t you? You’re a tubby, bald-headed, ill-mannered bully. Karma got ya.”