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Drag queen and TV host RuPaul has faced criticism from some fans after sharing a post on social media following a tribute to Drag Race star The Vivienne after their death aged 32

RuPaul’s Drag Race fans have called out show creator and host RuPaul following a post after The Vivienne ‘s tragic death.

The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, was confirmed to have died aged 32 at the weekend. Tributes have poured in for the drag star, including from RuPaul, who said: “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.”

Just a few hours after the tribute, RuPaul shared another post on Instagram wearing a red wig and mimicking a voiceover. The audio said: “[Name] claims you actually tried to run her over in her car. Is that true?” A woman replies: “Yeah,” as the initial person said: “You did?”

RuPaul didn’t add any comment to the post, yet some fans branded it insensitive following the news of The Vivienne’s death. One fan commented: “mama read the room.” Another added: “ONLY 1 DAY WAS GIVEN TO THE VIVIENNE?!!!” Someone else commented: “I thought the same… LOVE Ru but I thought this….”

A fourth shared: “thank u I thought the same..this isn’t the time for this Ru.” Another quipped: “You don’t seem too upset about The Vivienne?? What a let down, I’m disappointed!!,” as a fan said: “Why are we getting this mess and not a proper heart felt statement about the Vivienne.”

RuPaul posted a skit hours after paying tribute to The Vivienne ( 
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INSTAGRAM)

The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star died at the weekend aged 32 ( 
Image:
Getty Images for Empire State Re)
However, others came to RuPaul’s defence as one said: “Scheduled content just posts, and she posted about the vivienne so calm t f down.” Another shared: “What else was supposed to be done? Why do yall expect people to go on a whole week long post a thon? Stop projecting your expectations on others.”

The Vivienne’s death was confirmed on Sunday and shared by publicist and pal Simon Jones. The statement read: “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. 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.” Since The Vivienne’s death, RuPaul’s Drag Race star Tyra Sanchez has been slammed over their disgusting posts.

Amid the outpouring of love, Tyra took to social media within hours to share a string of vile tweets written in response to a 2020 post by The Vivienne. Almost five years ago, The Vivienne had written: “Bet Tyra was fuming when she Realised Netflix Spoiled the win Too. Sorry gal. You Tried though.” Adding a new response, Tyra penned: “Yet it doesn’t compare to the fumes of the crematorium.”

Tyra carried on amid the backlash yesterday, posting a photo of a crematorium with the words ‘songs I would play if I owned a crematorium’ while Alicia Keys’ Girl on Fire played in the background. RuPaul stars have called out the posts and disgusted former friend Kandy Muse fumed: “I’ve defended you for years but now you can absolutely go f**k yourself and if our path were to ever cross it’s absolutely on sight b**ch, it’s not a threat it’s a promise. You disgusting person.”

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Meghan Markle sparked a frenzy after the trailer for her new Netflix show With Love, Meghan dropped ahead of its premiere later this month – and it has seemingly left some viewers and experts alike confused

Meghan Markle’s trailer for her new Netflix show has been branded ‘laughable’ – with viewers also left perplexed by it.

After dramatically returning to Instagram on New Year’s Day, Meghan dropped another bombshell a day later with a teaser promo for her new show called With Love, Meghan. The eight-part series, which launches on January 15, will see Meghan inviting friends and famous guests to a California estate, where she shares cooking, gardening and hosting tips.

In the trailer, she can be seen preparing dishes with pals including actresses Mindy Kaling and Suits star Abigail Spencer, arranging flowers and even beekeeping – known to be a favourite hobby of her estranged sister-in-law the Princess of Wales.

Meghan with pal Abigail Spencer in the trailer for her new Netflix series
But royal historian and expert Dr Tessa Dunlop has warned that the trailer’s picture-perfect image could pose real problems for Meghan. Speaking to the Mirror, she explained: “It is all too easy to mock Meghan and the perfect world she presents in her new Netflix trailer: shiny (slightly) famous friends, effortfully fresh food, Insta-ready images.

“But worry not, apparently this is just what the Duchess does: in her words ‘I have always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it.’ And no, she is not talking about Prince Harry, who this time is lucky enough to make an appearance alongside his influencer wife and her millennial chums. According to chef Roy Choi, ‘they are family now’, which doesn’t bode well given the Sussexes’ track record with their nearest and dearest.

“See, I told you it was easy to mock. I mean, come on, a reality series in which one of the richest women in the world is pretending she can teach us ‘little tips and tricks’. Demonstrating how ‘we can incorporate these practises’ into our domestic lives, as she meanders through her sun-dappled kitchen garden, retro basket in hand, before attending those designer bee hives, dripping with honey. It’s so out-of-reach for the vast majority, it is laughable.”

Meghan’s new show has been confirmed as being called With Love, Meghan ( 
Image:
PA)
Meanwhile, viewers watching the trailer have also been left confused by it, especially as the promo fails to address one of Meghan’s much-hyped lifestyle brands, American Riviera Orchard. Last March, a new website and Instagram page for the brand were unveiled to much fanfare, with a trademark application showing she intended to sell jams, spreads and other homeware goods. But despite the initial announcement, her wares have been shared only with celebrity friends, who showcased her jam on social media in April.

So far, products have not been available yet to buy on the site and in recent months she has faced difficulty in acquiring a trademark. And with the Instagram account yet to share any update and Meghan now starting to post on another account, many have taken to social media to voice their confusion and ask if American Riviera Orchard is still coming.

One enquired on X: “Didn’t she start an IG account under American Riviera Orchard? Or does that not count?” While another pondered: “Why no mention of American Riviera Orchard?” And another asked: “Wasn’t that what her American Riviera Orchard IG account was supposed to be about?”

Meghan will share cooking, gardening, and hosting tips ( 
Image:
PA)
But despite the potential confusion and the so-called ‘perfect’ aesthetic portrayed in the trailer, Tessa also believes it is precisely why the show could actually be a success – but not in the UK. She explained: “Across the Atlantic, they have a very different relationship with perfection. From old-school Dynasty and Dallas flaunting mega-wealth and mega-shoulder pads to the Good Wife and Friends, American on-screen escapism invariably has a successful sheen.

“Meanwhile in Britain, our preference is for soap operas that focus on working folk, from Eastenders ‘ Old Vic to Coronation Street’s northern reality. We are instinctively suspicious of anything too perfect, not so Americans who like their super-stars to have square jaws, perfect smiles and big bucks.

“Meghan fits perfectly into that world with her pastel palette and carefully curated cast. There is Abigail Spencer, a co-star from Suits, Mindy Kaling a comedian already in receipt of American Riveria Orchard Jam, and Polo WAG, Delfina Blaquier, to provide a dash of old-school elegance. Apparently these friends ‘are not in the pursuit of perfection’, (they are already perfect), rather Meghan’s crew ‘are in the pursuit of joy’.

“Meanwhile, beyond Trump-mania and gruesome terror attacks, aspirational Americans are invited to watch on and dream, alongside the Duchess’s very own misfit, poor old Harry. How long the unavoidably British prince will stay in front of the camera remains to be seen.”

Prince Harry makes a fleeting appearance in the trailer

Harry himself also makes a cameo appearance in the trailer and is seen embracing his wife. The Sussexes have rarely been seen together in recent months as they have been concentrating on their separate careers. Sources say Meghan is focusing on her business ventures while Harry concentrates on his charitable work.

However, it hasn’t stopped tongues from wagging, especially as Meghan memorably described her and Harry just two years ago as “salt and pepper” as they always “move together”. And according to body language expert Judi James, this gesture speaks volumes about how Harry views Meghan’s latest project.

She told the Mirror: “Where most influencers talk straight to camera, making the audience their friends, Meghan is friend-flaunting here, inviting us to watch her Montecito ‘family’ and there is a glimpse of Harry hugging her with a facial expression of beaming pride and emotional reward for what she is achieving and who she is.” She continued: “Meghan has swapped fierce feminism for friends, florals and fruit here in this mini-explosion of her personal depiction of love.

“Beneath all the food-worrying this popularity-promo video and possibly the series shows strong hints of messaging how much Meghan loves and is loved. ‘Love’ is the word repeated most in the title and the soundtrack, followed up by ‘friends’ as well as ‘family’ and ‘joy’. She dances, skips and giggles as she is surrounded by loving, admiring faces, including a happily snoring dog.

“‘Gravitating’ towards flowers or showing off how much honey her bees have made might not create an accessible lifestyle reveal and her kitchen image is clearly as far away as possible from the Gordon Ramsay school of shouting and slamming stuff about, but as a PR exercise for Meghan herself it looks like a powerful attempt at a ‘sweet-treat’ re-branding.”

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 ( 
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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.”

Coleen Rooney has revealed her husband Wayne Rooney was getting ‘chants’ about her at football matches while she was on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

The WAG, 38, took part on last year’s series of the ITV show where she finished as runner up to McFlyn’s Danny Jones.

Wayne, 39, was serving as manager of Plymouth Argyle while she was in the jungle although he has since been sacked.

Coleen reflected on life with Wayne in the public eye, saying she reckons he has had  a tougher time of it than her.

Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast, she said: ‘He’s probably struggled more than me. People have hated on him and it’s tough because he’s out there every week.

‘He told me while I was in the jungle he was getting chants about me all the time.’

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Coleen Rooney has revealed her husband Wayne Rooney was getting ‘chants’ about her at football matches while she was on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

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Coleen reflected on life with Wayne in the public eye, saying she reckons he has had a tougher time of it than her

Coleen admitted she was shocked by the reaction from viewers to her stint on the show which draws millions of viewers each night.

She said: ‘The impact from I’m A Celebrity has been massive. I knew it was a big show but I didn’t think people would take that much interest in me.

‘I’ve done stuff in the past but the amount of people who have not got me and my personality… they’ve just taken bits and bobs and not seen me as a person. Being in the public eye, people forget we are just normal people.’

The star admitted she was worried she came across as ‘boring’ in the jungle and asked her mother how she’d come across when she flew to Australia to meet her on the bridge.

Coleen added she has kept in touch with her I’m A Celebrity campmates and their group chat is ‘going off all the time’.

Coleen and Wayne have been together since they were 16 and are parents to sons Kai, 15, Klay, 11, Kit, eight, and Cass, six.

Coleen said: ‘I’ve always been a tough person. I’m not a princess. I’ve always tackled things and got on with it. We [Wayne and I] have helped each other. We’ve gone through everything together.’

The mother-of-four also spoke about her Wagatha Christie court case with Rebekah Vardy who sued Coleen after she accused Rebekah of selling stories on her to the press.

Wayne was serving as manager of Plymouth Argyle while she was in the jungle although he has since been sacked

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The mother-of-four also spoke about her Wagatha Christie court case with Rebekah Vardy who sued Coleen after she accused Rebekah of selling stories on her to the press

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Coleen said: ‘It was the lowest I’ve ever been. I had no control over it and that was hard’ (Rebekah Vardy pictured at the Royal Courts of Justice)

Coleen said: ‘It was the lowest I’ve ever been. I had no control over it and that was hard. I knew what I was saying was right but the fact that someone else took me to court and I had to prove it and say what it was, was tough.

‘It was a long period of time and I couldn’t get away from it. Everyday I’d wake up and think, “Coleen, just get on with your day,” but it kept creeping back.

‘I felt like I wasn’t myself. I was snappy and every Friday the lawyers rang me –  the other team try to ruin your weekend by calling at the last point on Friday.

‘They’d tell me what’s going on and then try and have a nice weekend. I’d go away and start overthinking things and start looking for things he’s asking for.

‘It got to 2am, Wayne would be waiting on the couch to watch something and eventually say, “I’m going to bed.” It put a strain on family life, friends. I wasn’t sociable and it stripped me.’

Lorraine Kelly did not hold back as she called out the “toxic” TV industry, namechecking Gregg Wallace’s “appalling behaviour”.

In a new interview, the Scottish TV presenter discussed an “abuse of power” that “should never happen”.

Speaking to The Mirror, the 65-year-old said: “There are toxic people in telly. We’re going through that at the moment.

“The behaviour of Gregg Wallace and other people that we’ve seen, should it come about as all true, is appalling.”

Her comments echo that of chef Tom Kerridge who recently stated that the allegations against Wallace are “horrific if true”.

In November, Wallace, 60 stepped back from his role co-presenting Masterchef after nearly 20 years, as various allegations surfaced claiming that he had made sexual comments to staff and guests. Wallace has vehemently denied all accusations.

Kelly continued: “There’s an imbalance of power there, and it’s abused. They’re just not right, and it should never happen.

“But how dare the people around them allow and enable them to behave like that?” the TV host questioned. “It’s horrible and it’s toxic and nasty. I’ve got no time for people who abuse their power.”

Lorraine Kelly responds to Gregg Wallace MasterChef scandal. (Lorraine/ITV)
The Independent has contacted a representative of Wallace for comment.

When the allegations first emerged against Wallace, he responded with a claim that the accusations against him came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”.

His comments sparked a furious backlash, provoking criticism from Prime Minister Keir Starmer among others, and he left the BBC in turmoil. Wallace later apologised for any “offence that I caused”.

(Getty Images)
At the time, Kelly spoke out against Wallace’s remarks, stating that she was “astounded” by his response and that the Masterchef star needs to “shut up”.

Wallace faces a string of allegations, including from one woman who claimed that he had touched her bottom after an event. Another has claimed that he pressed his crotch against her during the filming of one of his shows.

He also stands accused of making “inappropriate sexual jokes”, asking for the phone numbers of female members of production staff, and undressing in front of women working on his shows. Read more about the accusations here.

MasterChef’s production company, Banijay UK, has enlisted a “rigorous” law firm to conduct an external review into Wallace’s alleged misconduct.

There have been calls for the BBC to conduct its own investigation, after it emerged that complaints about Wallace’s behaviour were brought to the corporation’s attention as far back as 2017.

Lily Allen and David Harbour’s relationship has been rocked by claims of infidelity, leading to their separation before Christmas amid allegations of Harbour using the Raya app

Lily Allen and David Harbour, who married in 2020 after meeting on the dating app Raya, separated shortly before Christmas.

Reports suggest that Allen discovered Harbour’s active profile on the exclusive dating app Raya, where they initially met in 2019. This revelation has raised concerns about potential infidelity. In a candid discussion on her podcast, Miss Me?, Allen shared that she never shamed her former husband if he was feeling explorative.

Allen said:”I wonder if I kink-shame my husband. Because he quite often asks for things, and I’m like: ‘No, babe, it’s not happening.’ I’m not like: ‘You piece of s***, how dare you ask me to do that!’ I’m just like: ‘Hmm, headache. Little headache, got a bit of a headache – maybe not tonight’.”

Lily Allen and David Harbour’s relationship has been rocked by claims of infidelity, leading to their separation before Christmas ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
In another podcast episode aired back in November, Allen also revealed that during disagreements with Harbour, she resorted to using an AI chatbot to craft her responses. Recounting how she used the AI tool, Allen said: “If me and David have had an argument and I need to articulate it, I’ll be like, ‘Write me a long text message about an argument that started with the dishwasher and ended in an argument about our finances’.”

After receiving a response from ChatGPT, she provided feedback with personal prompts to obtain a more accurate representation of her feelings. Describing how she interacts with ChatGPT, she said: “‘That’s great but can you add in a bit about how I think this is all actually to do with his mum?’ You just copy and paste every single one until you’ve got enough.”

The couple’s journey began when they connected on Raya, with Allen initially mistaking Harbour for a reality TV star due to his profile picture. “It was the first time I’d been on this dating app. I was scrolling through and landed on David’s profile and pressed accept,” Lily confessed on The Jonathan Ross Show. She added, “I didn’t know who he was. I thought he was just like a sexy policeman from a reality TV show.”

Lily explained how David was wearing a policeman’s uniform in his profile picture, which turned out to be a still from Stranger Things. The Hard Out There hitmaker admitted to never having seen the hit Netflix show. She continued: “I don’t even know what I was looking for. It was just something to do on holiday, swiping, it’s a bit of fun.”

Allen revealed she relied on an AI chatbot to help craft her responses during their arguments ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
The singer then added, “When I met him I didn’t think it was going to go anywhere. He was here filming Black Widow. He was only going to be here for a couple of months. And then it did…”

Lily and David swiftly entered into a relationship, leading to both deactivating their Raya profiles. However, things seem to have fallen apart as insiders claimed David secretly reactivated his account. Sources suggest Lily found evidence he’d been using the dating app to meet other women. One source alleged Lily had doubts about David’s online activity, prompting her to use Raya to investigate, targeting women to see if he was active on the app.

“Lily was looking for women that were on Raya and cross-referencing them with women David follows on Instagram to try to figure out who he was seeing,” they claimed. The source added to The Mail on Sunday, “Lily only rejoined Raya to try to figure out whether he was seeing someone.”

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Holly Willoughby is reportedly set for a ‘huge payday’ from ITV, who are said to have offered her three shows in a bid to ensure she stays working for the channel

Holly Willoughby is said to be set for a huge payday this year as ITV have reportedly offered her a trio of new TV shows in a bid to ensure she stays with the channel.

Despite stepping down from This Morning in 2023, Holly has remained with the channel to present Dancing On Ice and, more recently, rebooted show You Bet!.

You Bet! features Holly and Stephen Mulhern as co-hosts and kicked off in December with two specials. And according to The Sun, ITV have given Holly a full series of You Bet! after the two specials, which could lead to the channel giving her another Saturday night entertainment show, with the potential of a third game or quiz show too.

Holly has already kicked off rebooted show You Bet! with co-host Stephen Mulhern, as they fronted two specials in December ( 
Image:
ITV)
A source told the publication: ” ITV chiefs are attempting to future-proof their relationship with Holly, who they very much see as having launched and nurtured her career on the network.

“But they also understand she has earned her place as one of Britain’s biggest TV stars, and inevitably rivals will make her offers — so they feel they have to tempt her to stay. Of course, it’s entirely up to Holly if she takes up ITV’s deal or starts to consider her options elsewhere.” Mirror has contacted representatives of Holly and ITV for comment.

You Bet! started in 1988 hosted by the legendary Bruce Forsyth. During the ’90s, Matthew Kelly and Darren Day also presented the show, which features ordinary people taking on incredible challenges for a large cash prize.

ITV are said to be keen to keep Holly, who has already filmed a show for rival Netflix ( 
Image:
Netflix)
ITV’s reboot has so far seen Holly and Stephen as co-hosts, accompanied by Alison Hammond, Rob Beckett, Harry Redknapp and Rosie Ramsay who along with the audience gamble on the outcomes of the whacky challenges.

While ITV may be keen to hold onto Holly, she has already made the move over to Netflix for one new show; Celebrity Bear Hunt, which features adventurer Bear Grylls chasing a line-up of famous names in the Costa Rican jungle.

The poster features Holly and Bear poised on opposite sides amidst a dense jungle backdrop, complete with trees and birds. Netflix has set the premiere of Celebrity Bear Hunt for February 5.

The caption reads: “Can 12 celebrities survive being hunted in the Costa Rican jungle by Bear Grylls? Hosted by Holly Willoughby, Celebrity Bear Hunt arrives 5 February 2025, only on Netflix.”

While Netflix has yet to confirm the celebrity lineup, there’s been speculation circulating. The Sun reports that the rumoured participants include Spice Girl Mel B, Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas, rugby star Danny Cipriani, tennis icon Boris Becker, designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, and The Saturdays’ Una Healy. Also reportedly bracing themselves for the ultimate trial are The Inbetweeners star Joe Thomas, TV host Steph McGovern, glam model Lottie Moss, culinary wizard Big Zuu, and Ted Lasso’s Kola Bokinni.

The Traitors made sure to keep fans on their toes when a twist was revealed minutes into the first episode as three contestants were forced to leave the game

The Traitors UK’s third series is all about the twists and drama as yet another shocking moment aired on Wednesday night.

When the BBC show returned on New Year’s Day, the BBC made sure to keep fans on their toes when a twist was revealed minutes into the first episode as three contestants were forced to leave the game before the train ever arrived at Ardross Castle in Scotland. The remaining 22 stars got to continue with their journey.

As the contestants journeyed towards their destination, the train suddenly came to a stop. The voice of the show’s host, Claudia, then played over the tannoy, announcing that the contestants would have to oust three people from the train – one from each carriage – in order to progress on the show.

“I’m gifting you £10,000 right now to start your prize pot,” she said. “But as you know, in this game everything comes at a price. Right now there are 25 passengers on this train, but there are only 22 spaces in the game so for three of you, your journey is now over. One person from each carriage will have to disembark the train before the game can start. It’s up to you to decide who that will be.”

The stars were wearing the same clothes as when they were kicked out

Fozia, a 50-year-old outreach manager, was the first to leave the train. She was followed by 24-year-old Jack, a market trader and landscaper. The third to leave was ex British diplomat Alexander, 38, who was the only one in his carriage to reluctantly volunteer, marking the end of his stint on the show.

Four days later, on Wednesday’s (Jan 8) episode of the show, fans were shocked to discover that the three dropped contestants made a surprise return to the show. When the contestants were driven to the woodlands for a challenge, they were lost for words when they saw the three sacked contestants standing in cages waiting to be released.

Claudia revealed only two of the contestants were able to return to the castle. However, viewers were too busy focusing on one small detail. They rushed to social media to share their thoughts, with many noticing they were wearing the same exact outfits as they were in when they were on the train four days before. One person commented: “They’re still wearing the same clothes that they had on on the train…”

Another wrote: “3 days later and they are still in the same clothes.” A viewer added: “Why are they making the returnees act like they’re in The Walking Dead or something and they’re fighting for their lives? Unserious behaviour.” One user said: “MOTHER FOZIA & HOTTIE JACK??? YESSSSS PRODUCERS YESSSS,” while another posted: “They still have the same clothes on.”

Coronation Street is about to lose a fair few characters including some fan favourites, with some cast quitting the ITV soap and others written out of the show in what’s set to be a big year

There’s going to be some big changes to Coronation Street this year, with a number of exits confirmed and rumoured.

Soap boss Kate Brooks warned fans to expect several departures in the coming weeks and months, and now it’s been revealed who is leaving – with more exits no doubt planned. Kate told The Mirror just weeks ago that fans would be surprised by some of the characters leaving, and there would be lots of them.

She did not give away who she was referring to, but since then a number of announcements have been made. In recent weeks we’ve had an icon leave the show for good, and a character killed off in tragic scenes.

Spoilers for the weeks ahead have teased more tragedy and more possible exits, with a stunt looming, a trial and a possible comeuppance. So who has left recently and who else is on their way out? Here’s all the confirmed and rumoured exits, including those who have been written out of the ITV soap.

There’s going to be some big changes to Coronation Street this year ( 
Image:
ITV)

Confirmed exits

Debbie Webster played by Sue Devaney

It was confirmed weeks ago that Debbie would be diagnosed with dementia in a devastating storyline on the ITV soap. While it will be long-running, the storyline is set to end with actress Sue’s departure as Debbie passes away.

It’s not been confirmed when this will happen or when she will be diagnosed. A source recently told The Mirror of Sue’s reaction to the heartbreaking plot: “Sue is a total professional and is already putting her all into what she sees as hugely important long running storyline. She saw the positive impact of the MND storyline and hopes that her dementia story can have the same effect and raise awareness of the condition.”

Craig Tinker played by Colson Smith

Craig Tinker has been written out of the soap after 14 years ( 
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ITV)
Craig has been written out of the soap after 14 years. The news was confirmed by The Mirror, while actor Colson also confirmed his exit on social media this week.

He shared: “Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinker’s time on the Cobbles is to come to an end in 2025. I’ve LOVED every single second of my 14 year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world.

“I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street. I’ve learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I’m excited to play out the exit story for Our Craigy. For me, this is the end of the beginning. I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter two has in store for me. Long live the cobbles!”

Daisy Midgeley played by Charlotte Jordan

Daisy Midgeley will leave Corrie ( 
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The latest departure to be announced was Daisy, played by actress Charlotte, after four years on the cobbles. The news comes amid the character being caught up in a shocking pregnancy twist.

Daisy found out she was expecting her first child over Christmas, with her yet to uncover whether Kit Green or Daniel Osbourne are the father. Daisy’s departure, thought to be airing later this year, was reported on Tuesday with Charlotte revealing: “My time at Coronation Street is something I’ll always cherish. After a brilliant four years for Daisy, it’s time for me to start a new chapter and explore other opportunities.”

A source told The Sun that “Charlotte has loved her time on the cobbles but is young, ambitious and hungry to see what else is out there for her. She told bosses last April that her next contract would be her last, giving them a year to craft an exciting exit storyline. She’s still filming now and her final scenes will play out in early summer. She’s adored by cast and crew and will be hugely missed.”

Eileen Grimshaw played by Sue Cleaver

Eileen Grimshaw, played by Sue Cleaver, is leaving Corrie ( 
Image:
ITV)Another big name reportedly leaving the ITV soap is icon Eileen, played by Sue Cleaver. Sue has had various breaks over recent years, but now she’s leaving for good.

“I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street,” Sue said in a statement shared with the media. She went on say “The door is still firmly open but as I reached my 60th year, I decided it was time to embrace change, look for new adventures and live fearlessly.” Meanwhile, Sue said that she has has “adored” her time on the show, she’s realised it’s time to try new projects.

It’s believed that conversations about her departure first started last summer after she took an extended period of leave from the show to take part in the theatre production of Sister Act as as Mother Superior. The early conversations “gave writers plenty of time to create a strong exit storyline for her, which viewers will love.”

Meanwhile, Corrie boss Kate said in a statement: “We’re sad to bid farewell to the wonderful Sue Cleaver. Over the past twenty five years, Eileen Grimshaw has been at the heart of some of the most memorable and iconic Corrie storylines, and her onscreen rivalry with Gail Platt will undoubtedly go down in Corrie folklore.

“There’s certainly no one quite like Eileen, and her character will be hugely missed on the Cobbles. We wish Sue all the very best as she embarks on her next exciting chapter.”

Bethany Platt played by Lucy Fallon

Bethany Platt actress Lucy Fallon will soon go on maternity leave ( 
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Thought to be a temporary exit, Bethany actress Lucy will soon go on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her second child. In what’s a big time ahead for the Platts and Bethany, spoilers have hinted a move to London for the character and this could be her exit plot.

It’s not thought Lucy is leaving the show for good, but she is likely to be offscreen for a while this year. More information will soon be revealed on the character’s soap future, and how she leaves.

Evelyn Plummer played by Maureen Lipman

Maureen Lipman is taking a break ( 
Image:
ITV)Another character making somewhat of a temporary exit is Evelyn, with actress Maureen taking some time out of the show. When she returns, the character will be a part-time member of the show.

Spoilers for this week revealed the character would be pursuing a law degree at university, with her moving into halls. Maureen had told The Sun about her looming absence: “I’ll be absent for a while and then coming back. I’m not going to die, but then I’ll be in and out of it because I want to have a bit of a life. David and I are thinking of having a bit of a gap year.”

Mason Radcliffe played by Luca Toolan

Mason Radcliffe was killed off ( 
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An exit that aired just this week is Mason, played by actor Luca. He bowed out in devastating scenes on Monday night with the teen killed off in a knife crime storyline.

Breaking his silence on the departure, Luca spilled: “Of course when I first heard there was a mixture of emotions because I was sad that Mason was going to die and that means I would be leaving, but equally I was really excited and honoured to be part of this storyline because it’s an incredibly important issue that needs to be tackled. I feel so privileged to have had this opportunity to start my professional career at Coronation Street and what a great time I’ve had.”

Gail Platt played by Helen Worth

Corrie icon Gail Platt departed the soap for good after 50 years on Christmas Day ( 
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Corrie icon Gail Platt departed the soap for good after 50 years on Christmas Day. Actress Helen Worth decided earlier last year to leave after five decades, announcing her departure later on in June.

Breaking down in tears on her last day on set, Helen revealed: “The reason I’ve been here all these years, and it’s a lot of years – It’s more than I can think about really, Is because of all of you people that have been here for, well, some of you for all of those fifty years and others for half of that time.

“But I couldn’t have done any of it without you. I really couldn’t. You are the most amazing team of people, and I really do say thank you. And as for this lot, who didn’t tell me (about this). Oh God, I love them so much. I don’t quite know what I’m going to do without you. But thank you for everything.”

Rumoured

Lauren Bolton played by Cait Fitton

Lauren Bolton faces trial ( 
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Someone feared to be leaving is Lauren, who awaits trial for the murder of Joel Deering. She killed her abuser in self-defence after he tried to murder her boyfriend Max Turner.

Lauren is currently in prison, and her trial begins next week. With her sharing her fears ahead of her plea, it’s feared the character could be sent to prison for a lengthy sentence if she is found guilty of murder or even manslaughter.

David Platt played by Jack P Shepherd

David Platt faces trouble ( 
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ITV)
Another character teased to be leaving is David, as he’s about to face a “downfall”. Soap boss Kate revealed he would face a comeuppance of some sort after recent behaviour, and we also know he’s set to feature in a massive stunt.

His actions could lead to him losing people or “things” he holds dear, so might he suffer a tragic loss? Could he end up leaving Weatherfield for good?

Logan and Matty Radcliffe played by Harry Lowbridge and Séamus McGoff

Logan and Matty Radcliffe played by Harry Lowbridge and Séamus McGoff ( 
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ITV)
In devastating scenes on Monday night we saw Mason’s brothers Logan and Matty brutally attack and kill the teenager. Logan stabbed the character after Matty beat him, and in upcoming scenes Matty is arrested.

While Logan is still on the loose, it’s thought both brothers will leave the show at some point in the near future. Given their crimes and what they did to Mason, there’s just no way they can stay in Weatherfield.

Audrey Roberts played by Sue Nicholls

Audrey Roberts is a soap icon ( 
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Viewers immediately feared the departure of soap icon Sue, who has played Audrey for almost 50 years, after Gail’s exit. Audrey’s onscreen daughter moved away to France on Christmas Day, and some fans wondered if Audrey would also leave the show with the pair having been onscreen together for decades.

It doesn’t seem this is the case, with Corrie boss Kate recently telling The Mirror that Audrey was still very much a huge part of the Platts. So it seems she is going nowhere for now!

Ken Barlow played by William Roache

Ken Barlow, played by Bill Roache, is Corrie’s longest serving character ( 
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ITV)

Another icon feared to be leaving the show is Ken Barlow, played by Bill Roache. Corrie’s longest serving character is currently at the centre of a shocking drug storyline, with his carer Cassie Plummer.

Cassie has been poisoning Ken in recent weeks, leading to a hospital dash recently. As the plot continues, fans fear it could be the end of Ken who has been on the show since the very first episode back in 1960.

Eamonn Holmes confused fans by ‘disappearing’ live on air during his GB News programme shortly after he admitted the show’s changes had been ‘difficult’

GB News viewers were left concerned after Eamonn Holmes appeared to disappear midway through his own programme.

The presenter, 65, was on screen for his breakfast show alongside his new co-star Ellie Costello, who replaced Isabel Webster prior to Christmas. However, during one segment, fans were confused by Eamonn’s apparent disappearing act.

Earlier in the week, Eamonn took to Instagram to welcome Ellie to the panel. Sharing a snap of the happy looking pair sitting at their desk with their notes and GB News branded cups, he wrote: “A New Year , a new day and a new Breakfast line up on @GBNews . It’s now Eamonn and @EllieCostellotv from 6 to 9.30 . It’s Fresh , bright , different and I hope we have your company on TV , online , on your smartphone , on your Radio and by asking your smart device to play GB News. Please join us and say Hello.”

Eamonn Holmes left Ellie to present alone ( 
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GB News)
Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway was among those liking the post. This morning, Eamonn took to the comments section to offer an update, saying: “Hi Everyone. Changing programme presenters is a difficult thing but thank you for all your support re the new format.”

Shortly after, the presenter sparked concern during the live show as cameras returned following a sports bulletin and Eamonn was nowhere to be seen. His absence left Ellie needing to go solo for the paper review segment. Fans of the show quickly took to social media to share their concern. On X, formerly known as Twitter, one user wrote: “Why do they never say why someone suddenly goes missing?

Another questioned: “Wheres wally? Sorry Eamonn!,” while another inferred: “Eamon was sounding croaky just now – A&E perhaps.” Despite his absence, another said: “Ellie did well there without Eamon dominating.”

While there was confusion, Eamonn was back at his desk shortly after and continued the show without bringing up his brief disappearance. He promptly resumed news duties, jumping into a conversation about Jess Phillips’ reply to Elon Musk’s blast at the government over the controversy surrounding Oldham.

This disappearing act wasn’t the first time Eamonn has been mysteriously absent. Just last month, he was swapped out for Ben Leo during a presenting reshuffle, which saw his former co-star abruptly replaced.

Away from the show, Eamonn made his first public gesture towards Ruth Langsford last month following their shock split months earlier. Eamonn, who has moved on to a new relationship, joined thousands of others in liking one of his ex’s posts about her hopes for a family Christmas. She took to Instagram to share news of a tragic fall that had hospitalised her 93-year-old mother.

Alongside a picture of her mother’s clasped hands and their half-completed crossword, Langsford wrote: “Hospital visit….thank you all so much for your lovely messages and well wishes for my darling Mum. She’ll be in hospital for a bit longer yet, but she’s in pretty good spirits considering and I hope she’ll be home for Christmas.”