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Princess Kate is set to mark her 43rd birthday on 9 January – and her husband Prince William has reportedly lobbied his father-in-law King Charles to make a big change to ensure her family celebrations can still go ahead

The Princess of Wales will celebrate her 43rd birthday on Thursday after an incredibly difficult 12 months.

This time last year, Kate was admitted into hospital for abdominal surgery, only to be diagnosed with cancer and forced to undergo gruelling chemotherapy treatment, which she successfully completed in September.

Such an ordeal means that the Princess’s celebrations this week will be all the more special for her and her loved ones. But the date of her big day has meant King Charles had to make a major royal change.

Also taking place on January 9 is the funeral for former American president Jimmy Carter, who died aged 100 on 29 December 2024.

The King has decided to send his youngest brother Prince Edward to represent the UK at the service which is being held at the Washington National Cathedral. And the decision has raised some eyebrows.

It is only the third time a royal has attended the funeral of an American resident, and on both occasions it was Charles in attendance in his capacity as the Prince of Wales; when Ronald Reagan was laid to rest in 2004 and again in 2018 to honour George Bush Snr.

It was therefore expected that Prince William, now the same ranking royal, would have travelled to Washington for the service in honour of the 39th president. But with his focus firmly on his family, he reportedly made it clear that he wanted to be with his wife on her special day to ensure it remains a family affair.

Instead, Edward will attend the service – although he will not be accompanied by his wife Duchess Sophie. Other notable names who will be there to pay their final respects include all five living presidents – Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump.

William, meanwhile, will likely spoil Kate ‘rotten’ on her birthday on Thursday, according to royal expert Jennie Bond. While the celebrations will be held in private, Jennie believes that the Prince will pull out all the stops for his beloved wife.

Jennie told OK!: “This birthday is going to be memorable in so many ways – it will mark the start of a new and hopefully happier year and the end of one that has been brutal for the whole family.

Discussing what William likely has in store for his wife, she added: “For her husband and children, this will be an excuse to spoil her rotten and, even though it falls on a school day, I’m sure that’s exactly what they’ll do.

“I imagine they will shower her with gifts – perhaps some pampering products like luxurious bath oils and scented candles. Maybe William will buy her some silk pyjamas or cashmere jumpers – things that are soft on skin [after] treatment.”

And the future King might even take to the kitchen to spoil his wife. “Even though he says he’s not a very good cook, Catherine did tell Mary Berry that he’s quite good at breakfasts so maybe a tray – complete with a rose – will arrive early for her,” the expert suggested.

One of Prince Harry’s close family members is heading across the Atlantic – weeks after the Sussexes missed out on another royal family Christmas at Sandringham

One of Prince Harry’s close relatives is heading to the States this week and its left fans wondering whether a reunion is on the cards.

The Duke is now all but estranged from the royals following his and Meghan’s repeated criticisms of the monarchy. According to reports, older brother Prince William has completely cut ties with the couple, while Harry’s bond with his father is said to be incredibly fractured.

The 40-year-old is also said to have fallen out of favour with his wider relatives too, including Prince Edward, who will be spending time in America this week.

Edward, who is King Charles’s youngest sibling, will represent the monarch at the funeral service for Jimmy Carter, who died aged 100 on 29 December 2024. The Prince will make a solo appearance at the service at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington D.C. on Thursday. It remains unclear whether Edward will see Harry during his visit.

Other notable names who will be there to pay their final respects to the 39th US President include all five living presidents – Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump.

It comes after Harry and Meghan were once again absent from the royal family’s Christmas at Sandringham, instead spending it at their home in California.

The exact state of Harry’s relationship with his uncle Edward at this time isn’t known – but Edward and his wife Sophie have previously joked about the Sussexes and their criticism of the royals.

In March 2021, Harry and Meghan famously gave a tell-all interview to Oprah Winfrey in which they alleged there were ‘conversations’ about son Archie’s skin colour during their time as working royals. They also claimed that Harry had been financially cut off by his family.

Their bombshell allegations rocked the royals – so much so that Prince William broke his silence to defend the monarchy, firmly stating: “We’re very much not a racist family.”

His uncle Prince Edward and wife Sophie took a different approach, however. When asked about the much-discussed interview by The Telegraph, the Prince simply said, “Oprah, who?” while Sophie added with a laugh, “What interview?” Prior to that, Meghan had reportedly refused Sophie’s help in adjusting to life in the Royal Family.

The Duchess quit her acting career upon marrying Harry in 2018 and pledged to “hit the ground running” on becoming a working royal. But author and friend of the royals, Gyles Brandreth, wrote in his book, Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait: “The Queen (who, of course, had seen it all before) understood that Harry’s girl might find adjusting to Royal life ‘challenging to begin with’ (as she put it). ‘It is very jolty, but you soon get used to it’. That was Her Majesty’s experience going back many years.

“To help Meghan, the Queen suggested that her daughter-in-law, Sophie Wessex, would be an ideal mentor. ‘Sophie can help show you the ropes,’ said the Queen. “Meghan made it clear that she did not feel she needed Sophie’s help. She had Harry.”

In a rare interview, Sophie previously compared her experience of joining the royal family to Meghan’s, telling the Sunday Times: “Remember I’d had five years to adjust [to royal life]. And for our six-month engagement, I was even staying at Buckingham Palace. Not that you necessarily know how it will pan out.”

Speaking about the Sussexes exit from the firm, Sophie said: “I just hope they will be happy.” But she pointedly added that the royals do all they can to try to assist new members to adjust to the life, saying: “We all try to help any new members of the family.”

Reigning Dancing On Ice champion Ryan Thomas was welcomed back to the rink on Sunday night where he was reunited with the show trophy as a new batch of stars set out to win it

Dancing On Ice reigning champion Ryan Thomas returned to the rink on Sunday night to encourage the 2025 cast of contestants.

The 40-year-old soap star won the 2024 contest alongside professional skater Amani Fancy and returned to the show on Sunday night to show the 2025 cast what they were out to win. He appeared on the series wearing a striking, shimmering silver top which complemented the Dancing On Ice trophy – which he waved in front of the cameras.

Handing the trophy to him, host Holly Willoughby declared: “I’m going to hand this back to you. Only for a short while. It feels like only yesterday that you held that up as our winner.” Seeming emotional, Ryan then said: “I just can’t believe that I’m here. I’m so privileged and honoured to be brought back.”

Viewers were also thrilled to see Ryan back on the ice – with one writing on X: “werent expecting to see ryan thomas on my tv tonight!” alongside a flame emoji. Others gushed: “Ryan Thomas was brilliant last year #DancingOnIce” along with a clapping hand emoji and: “How good was it to see Ryan Thomas back on doi.” Another wrote: “Totally forgot Ryan Thomas won last year.”

Ryan Thomas made a triumphant return to Dancing On Ice ( 
Image:
ITV)

Both Holly, 43, and Stephen Mulhern, 47, have returned to host the iconic winter sport reality competition – with a host of celebrities hoping to take home the trophy. For the 2025 season, the celebrities taking part include soap stars, reality stars and more – with the 2025 season the 18th in Dancing On Ice’s history.

EastEnders icon Charlie Brooks – famous for playing Janine Butcher on the BBC soap – is taking part and has been paired with professional skater Eric Radford. However, she’s not the only soap star to be taking part. Coronation Street star Sam Aston – who plays Chesney Brown on the ITV show – is taking part and is partnered with pro skater Molly Lanaghan. And Hollyoaks star Chelsee Healey, famous for playing Goldie McQueen, is partnered with Andy Buchanan.

Former Towie stars Dan Edgar and Ferne McCann are taking part and have been paired with Vanessa James and Brendyn Hatfield respectively – while former Love Island contestant Chris Taylor will be skating alongside professional star Vanessa Bauer. Comedian Josh Jones has been paired with professional skater Tippy Packard, and Olympic icon Steve Redgrave is taking part under the guidance of skater Vicky Ogden.

Football pundit Anton Ferdinand and TV presenter Michaela Strachan complete the line-up and are partnered with Annette Dytrt and Mark Hanretty respectively. Meanwhile, the judging panel is composed of skating icons Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, and TV personalities Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse.

Paralympic hero Dame Sarah Storey had been all set to take part on this year’s Dancing on Ice, but a nasty fall during training led to an abrupt exit. She revealed her fate via social media, writing: “Absolutely gutted to have my Dancing on Ice training interrupted in this way – just as my first routine with @slongchambon was really coming together! An awkward stumble and fall with my left foot stuck on the ice sadly led to me fracturing my left ankle.”

After the first week of performances, Michaela and Mark led via the leaderboard thanks to judges votes. And next weekend will see the final contestants take to the ice – before the two with the lowest votes are forced to dance for survival, with one being booted from the contest.

Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson has announced she is pregnant in a sweet post shared on her social media page

Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson has announced she is pregnant – seemingly with twins.

The X Factor star took to social media this evening to share a snap of herself with her growing bump and told fans: “She’s eating for 3 now.” In the snap, she rocked a white sports bra and camouflage patterned sweatpants as she rubbed her growing baby bump. Her partner Zion Foster stood behind her as they posed for the photo.

Fans quickly flooded the star’s post with messages of congratulations, with some expressing their surprise. One wrote: “Ah baby girl I’m so happy for you , what a wonderful mom your going to be.” Pal Rosie Mac said: “Ah baby girl I’m so happy for you , what a wonderful mom your going to be.”

One fanpage commented: “Congratulations my beautiful baby! That’s my niece or nephew right there. I knew it,” while another user added: “Omg omg she’s a mommy now congratulations can’t wait to see you on your motherhood journey.” One said: “Congratulations my beautiful bestie!!!! I’m so so so so so happy for you and zion! Love you both!!!!!!! Can’t wait to be an uncle!!!!”

Jesy revealed she’s pregnant ( 
Image:
jesynelson/instagram)

The star is welcoming twins with Zion Foster

Her exciting post gained close to 100,000 likes in under 30 minutes. Back in September, it was reported that she and Zion broke up, with him taking to social media to confirm the breakup news. Under a video uploaded on OK!’s official account discussing the duo’s romance, Zion commented: “Beautiful woman inside and out, wish her nothing but the best.”

This touching tribute to Jesy prompted reactions from followers, with one sharing: “I’ve been crying all day since I heard this shocking news.” Another chimed in: “Aww sad looked like a lovely couple.” One particularly disappointed fan wrote: “Noooooo, I was so excited for their tunes.”

Their brief breakup came after the pair’s collaboration on duets, one of which they had teased to their admirers during the summer last year. Speculation about their relationship status had been rife among fans on social media platforms. However, it looks like they managed to patch things up and are looking forward to starting a family together.

The pair became an item in late 2022, united by their mutual passion for music but called time on their nine-month romance in August 2023. Jesy previously dated Love Island’s Chris Hughes, Harry James and Sean Sagar. She also became engaged to Rixton’s Jake Roche in 2015 but they called off their romance in 2016.

She previously opened up about her thoughts on motherhood during a chat with Glamour. At the time, she said that she was not sure if she would take the plunge in the future. She told the magazine: “It’s just not in me. I think as a woman, [motherhood is] either in you or it isn’t.”

She said: “You either have that maternal feeling or you don’t, and I’ve never had that feeling. I think women have to do what is right for them.”

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 ( 
Image:
(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.”