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Gavin and Stacey star James Corden has revealed the show was nearly scrapped after the first draft was ‘awful’ and it was named something different before it aired

Gavin and Stacey star James Corden has revealed that the 2019 Christmas cliffhanger episode was very nearly scrapped, after struggling to write it with co-creator Ruth Jones.

Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell covers the series from start to finish, how it became a huge hit and that cliffhanger ending in 2019, as well as featuring an emotional goodbye from some of its stars. Co-creator Ruth also reveals how the beloved comedy was originally called something very different to Gavin and Stacey.

In the behind the scenes BBC documentary, star and co-creator James revealed how the Christmas cliffhanger episode in 2019 very nearly didn’t make it at all. When James and ‘Nessa’ actress and fellow co-creator Ruth Jones came to write it in 2014, their first version was “awful”.

Gavin and Stacey: A Fond Farewell gave viewers a behind the scenes look at the beloved sitcom ( 
Image:
PA)
James recalled: “The 2019 special, I don’t know if people know this, but we gave up on it at one point. We’d written maybe half way through and we read it and we were like ‘this is rubbish, this is awful, it’s terrible’. Like it’s extraordinary how close we were to just…I actually remember saying to each other ‘well thank god we didn’t call the BBC’.”

He added that they ate dinner and then decided to try again, with their next attempt luckily much better. He continued: “I said ‘Look, I think we probably owe it to the show to go back in and talk about why it’s bad and say goodbye to it really.’ We were like two hours from saying goodbye to it and we can never do it again because it isn’t very good.”

Ruth added: “But then we realised – which is true for every episode of Gavin and Stacey – that the reason these people are together is because of Gavin and Stacey, so we realised that the reason it wasn’t working is because there wasn’t anything substantial for them.” James concluded: “And then that night at 11pm is when we came up with the scene of Stacey keeping hold of the matches and it changed everything.”

The documentary revealed Gavin and Stacey was almost known as ‘It’s My Day’ instead ( 
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PA)
The stars also revealed how the idea for the beloved BBC sitcom was thought up and it was named something totally different. Ruth explained: “I said let’s write this treatment so we can send it off, it was called It’s My Day, it literally was just about the wedding with lots of these little vignettes.” James added: “We also wrote, really just for us, a backstory for of who they were.”

After sending it off to the BBC, the response was positive but ultimately there was “no space” for a one hour comedy special, so they were asked to turn it into a series instead. Deciding to explore the backstory of the romance then became Gavin and Stacey, which first hit screens in 2007 and became an instant hit.

The finale episode of Gavin & Stacey aired on Christmas Day, and was watched by 12.5 million viewers who had tuned in. The episode reunited the cast following the last festive special in 2019 and there were some surprise appearances in it too. Despite the Christmas Day episode being the last ever for Gavin & Stacey, there has already been talk of a spin-off with BBC bosses said to be keen. BBC bosses reportedly see it as “madness” to walk away from such a big hit, despite Ruth and James being “adamant” Gavin and Stacey is over. An insider has claimed: “But, when a programme achieves such results, execs will always hope for more. At the end of the day, ratings talk and it would be madness to close the door on such a hit forever when fans loved it so much.”

This week, Traitors viewers will be introduced to contestant Olivia Dean, who has defied all odds after undergoing an incredibly difficult health battle throughout her childhood and teen years

It’s crunch time for 25 new new hopefuls vying to outwit each other and smoke out the Traitors to bag the cash prize. Or, in the case of the traitors, murder all the other players and scheme their way to the final.

This week, viewers will be introduced to one contestant who has defied all odds after undergoing an incredibly difficult health battle throughout her childhood and teen years. Beautician and model Olivia (Livi) Dean, 26, was persuaded to take part by her mum, who’s a huge fan of the show.

“I thought I’ll just apply for it, but I didn’t take it too seriously until I got a bit further in the process,” she admits ahead of the show airing for the first time this evening. “I used to think I’d be amazing as a Traitor, but I’ve thought about it and I’m actually an honest person. I think if I lie, nothing good will happen for me, so I always avoid lying. I do really want to be a Faithful and I think I’d be a good Faithful.”

Liv was just 12 when she went to the opticians with her sister and mum to get sunglasses and have her eyes checked. “My vision was funny, I said, so maybe I needed glasses too,” she told the Telegraph. “Ironically, there was a problem with my eyes, though I’d never clocked that things weren’t totally normal. For as long as I could remember there was this big black ‘floater’ in my vision in my right eye. Because it had always been there, I’d thought that other people must have one as well.”

Olivia Dean was diagnosed with cancer at 12 ( 
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livi.deane/Instagram)

However, when the optician saw the mass in her eye, he told her she needed to go to the hospital to have it checked. He’d believed it was cataracts but considering how young she was, it was also suspicious.

She was referred to St Bart’s – a specialist hospital for heart and cancer care – in London after her local hospital in Horsham struggled to diagnose her condition. Sadly, she was told she had a form of cancer called retinoblastoma in her right eye.

Livi was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital to start chemotherapy straight away. She recalled her mum and nanna bursting into tears as she stared in shock and asked if she was going to die. Livi was told that the worst case scenario would be that she would lose her eye, but that they would try to stop that from happening.

“To this day I’m the oldest person ever to be diagnosed with retinoblastoma in Britain, a form of cancer that’s usually found in children under four – so in reality, no one knew what was going to happen,” she said. “Specsavers saved my life, I know now. Had I not gone for that checkup I would have died.”

Livi underwent chemotherapy for three weeks but said that the “worst thing” was losing her hair. She said: “I knew it was going to happen. It came out of my short brown bob in clumps, when I brushed or washed it. The kids at school were horrible, calling me a boy and making fun of my bald patches. I was gifted a beautiful wig from the Little Princess Trust that saved my self-esteem, and that my mum could never have afforded herself.

She lost hair from all over her body, including her legs, eyebrows, eyelashes and armpits. She recalled her period stopped just a few months after they had started – prior to the diagnosis and treatment – and that she felt like she’d been “held back in childhood”.

She has a prosthetic eye but feels more beautiful without it ( 
Image:
livi.deane/Instagram)

Livi is now a model and beautician ( 
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Getty Images)
Tragically, none of the treatments fully worked so, in a last ditch attempt to save her eye, they became the eleventh person in the world to be offered chemotherapy intravenously through a transfusion into her groin while under general anaesthetic. Thast was able to freeze her tumour and she was in remission.

But, sadly, she was told just before Christmas that her cancer was growing again and that they would have to remove her eye. “I was going to be disfigured, I thought, with a horrible, scary crater in my face,” she said. “What would kids at school think? Later they would call me a cyclops, so I was right about what was coming.”

She underwent the surgery on December 30 and recalled “howling” when she woke up after the removal, admitting it hurt to move her remaining eye around. “The first thing my mum said when I woke up was that I looked beautiful. She was my guiding light through all of this,” she said.

Sadly, her cancer didn’t fully go away despite her eye being removed and she needed another round of chemo for it to go fully into remission. Describing it as a “miracle” she survived, Livi admitted that she was “so resigned to dying that the hospital almost had to call social services to force [her] to come in for treatment”.

Livi went on to have a prosthetic eye designed for her at Moorfields Eye hospital, but says that if she has it in today people think she has a “lazy eye”. She also doesn’t feel like the “real her” when she puts it in and feels more beautiful without it.

Three years ago, while working as a cleaner for her sister’s company, she posted about her eye loss story and shared a photo of herself without her prosthetic. It was from this post she was discovered by Katie Piper, who helped get her signed to a modelling agency. Since then, she’sappeared in Vogue magazine without her prosthetic.

Livi said: “I never got to be a normal teenager, but my illness taught me that there is more to life than the little inconveniences and dramas we all get so wrapped up in.”

Vera’s penultimate episode ended in a shock death this evening as one character bid farewell for good whilst a number of others’ lives were left on the line

Vera’s penultimate episode ended with a shock death – as fans fear for Brenda Blethyn’s character.

Tonight, ITV aired its second to last episode, which saw Vera and her sidekick DI Joe Ashworth (David Leon) tackle a difficult case. The pair ended up tackling two different cases at once when an ex-prisoner’s body was discovered on the banks of the River Tyne.

At the shocking climax of the episode, Joe and Vera rushed to the cliff top where they came face to face with Imogen Langworth, who had killed her mother, and her father Lucas Corbridge, who was wrongly convicted of the murder of his wife Marion.

Brenda Blethyn is donning her infamous green hat one more time ( 
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In huge scenes, Vera desperately tried to talk Imogen down and find out what really happened to her mum, but then Lucas appeared brandishing a bloody rock, which he had used to try and kill DC Kenny Lockhart.

As they all physically fought, Joe nearly ended up falling over the cliff, before Lucas got involved and somehow Imogen ended up falling to her death, leaving Vera and Joe visibly shaken and Lucas devastated to lose his daughter. As Vera criticised Joe for risking his life, she urged him to seek support over his father’s death.

Earlier in the episode, Joe and Vera struggled with their professional relationship as it was revealed that Joe’s family were at loggerheads, keen for him to get some help over the death of his father.

The final ever episode will air tomorrow night ( 
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“There’s something up with Joe at the start of this series. He’s dragging his feet. Vera obviously has a soft spot for Joe. But she doesn’t carry people. Everyone has to pull their weight. And if there is something up, say what it is. Tell her what it is,” Brenda said.

“We filmed a scene involving Vera and Joe on the St Mary’s Island causeway near Whitley Bay which is quite the exchange of words. There’s a history between them. In the very first episode of Vera, Joe scattered her father Hector’s ashes. It had a real impact on Vera. I love working with David. He only left after series four to pursue writing and directing, and no sooner had he done so that his film won an award at the Tribeca Film Festival. But he did return to direct an episode of Vera, Black Ice, series 8 episode 2.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Credit:BBC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ITV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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