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The latest Masked Singer to remove their mask and reveal their identity was Toad in the Hole, but their unmasking was chaotic as they left the stage before they could be revealed

Five more celebrities each took their turn to impress the audience and judges on The Masked Singer on Saturday night.

One contestant had to go home, of course, and as Bear, Pufferfish, Bush, Toad in the Hole and Wolf all sang their hearts out, it was Toad in the Hole who was voted off the show and had to take off their disguise and reveal their true identity. The celebrity turned out to be none other than soul singer Macy Gray.

There was a shocking moment before Toad in the Hole’s identity was revealed, however. When Joel Dommett announced that Toad in the Hole was going home, Macy didn’t stay around for the customary reveal and instead walked off the stage. A source who was at the show recording told The Sun: “This character turned around and shuffled off stage, which was hilarious in their costume obviously, but we were all stunned. We knew something was going on because we saw lots of to-ing and fro-ing with crew before the person eventually came back on stage.” The source said that it added “even more” intrigue to the audience finding out who was behind the mask.

Macy Gray was revealed as Toad in the Hole during Saturday’s episode of The Masked Singer ( 
Image:
ITV)
The outlet added that one source that said bosses behind-the-scenes worked on encouraging Toad in the Hole to finish the show, whilst host Joel Dommett entertained the audience. The source said that the contestant was “basically gutted” to be leaving the contest “so soon” into the new series.

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As usual, during the show the judges had come up with some entertaining suggestions for who this week’s masked singer contestants could be. Bear, who sang the Will Smith song Miami, was suspected to be comic actor Adrian Edmondson, former EastEnder Richard Blackwood or Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe.

Bear was saved by the judges ( 
Image:
ITV)
Next up was Pufferfish, who sang Cyndi Lauper classic Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. The judges suggested it could be Gwen Stefani or Gillian Anderson, but Jonathan Ross took a gamble and decided it had to be TV’s Gino D’acampo. Their performance was followed by Bush, who sang Jess Glynne’s Hold My Hand, and was suspected to be comic actress Diane Morgan, Rivals star Katherine Parkinson or TV personality Kim Woodburn.

The last performer of the night was Wolf, who sang Copacabana, the Barry Manilow classic hit. The judges decided the singer behind Wolf’s mask could be Richard E Grant, Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley or even Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon.

The judges had been largely convinced that Toad in the Hole was Macy Gray, who sang the classic Boney M hit Sunny on the show, and that was why they decided to send her home rather than Bear, who was the other contestant who had to sing twice to save themselves.

The singers who live to see another show are Bush, Pufferfish and Wolf so their identities, along with saved singer Bear, will remain secret for a while longer.

Dancing On Ice is back for another season – with a host of stars lined up to compete for the trophy and with Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern back on hosting duty

Dancing On Ice returned to ITV on Sunday to the joy of fans – however, many had the same complaint when they tuned in to watch the latest batch of celebrities skate for praise.

Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern were both back to host the iconic winter sport reality competition – with football pundit Anton Ferdinand and TV presenter Michaela Strachan among the stars taking to the ice to try and win the trophy. While many were excited to see the show back for its 17th season, some took issue with the “cringe” jokes that host Stephen, 47, cracked.

The TV host showed proved he is still at the top of his light-entertainment game – as he had a running joke where he made mistakes over some of the contestant names and jobs, joking that Anton would need a net, rather than realising his skate partner is called Annette Dytrt. And there was a joke about Michaela being a “naturist” rather than a nature expert.

Many took to X to complain about Stephen’s repertoire, with one writing: “These jokes they’re not even funny #DancingOnIce.” Another typing: “The jokes between Stephen and Holly are soooooo cringe #DancingOnIce.” And a further fan complaining: “Who’s writing the script, the jokes are cringeworthy #DancingOnIce.”

Dancing On Ice fans were thrilled to see the show back for the 2025 season ( 
Image:
ITV)

But many others were thrilled to see Dancing On Ice back on the TV – and to have Stephen back too. One impressed fan wrote: “@StephenMulhern Back on my TV. Love seeing his face. He never ages #DancingOnIce.” And another remarked: “#DancingOnIce love the skating professionals they’re so good at what they do!”

As well as Anton and Michaela, a number of stars have been lined up to skate away over the next couple of months. 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.

Meanwhile, the judging panel is composed of skating icons Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, and TV personalities Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse. However, another star had been due to take part in the series – before injury forced them off.

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.”

Viewers watching Dancing On Ice on Sunday night were disappointed by a short tribute that was delivered on the ITV in honour of late Drag Race UK contestant The Vivienne

Dancing On Ice fans were left disappointed by a tribute to late contestant The Vivienne – who passed away suddenly earlier this month.

The RuPaul’s Drag Race star was a contestant on season 15 of the long-running ITV winter sport contest in 2023 – where they finished in third place alongside professional skater Colin Grafton. A week before the 2025 season of Dancing On Ice began airing, the shocking news that The Vivienne – whose real name was James Lee Williams – had died at the age of 32.

After the opening dance routine on the show on Sunday night, and after welcoming the celebrity contestants and show judges, hosts Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern addressed the cameras to pay tribute to the late drag performer. Holly, 43, said: “Before we move on, like us, many of you have been saddened by the tragedy of The Vivienne’s passing last weekend.

“Now, they were a huge part of the show, making it all the way to the final in 2023 and they’ll be very sorely missed. Our thoughts are with The Vivienne’s loved ones at this sad time. So sad.” Stephen, 47, added: “Absolutely,” before changing tone to say: “Ok, tonight’s we’ll see our first six couples take to the ice – the other six couples will perform next week – so lets crack on with the very first celebrity.”

The Vivienne competed on Dancing On Ice alongside Colin Grafton in 2023 ( 
Image:
Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Many viewers were disappointed by the tribute – and took to social media to suggest the hosts could have done more to celebrate the late star. One viewers took to X to write: “I thought that they might of said/done a little more when it came too paying homage too The Vivienne, showing previous clips and, or a dance routine in memory of perhaps. #DancingOnIce.”

Another agreed there could have been some visuals to accompany the tribute, writing: “Is that it for a tribute to The Vivienne a few words why can’t we at least see some dances etc #DancingOnIce.” While another fan slammed the reality show, writing: “THATS IT!? … Not even a black a white image? Appalling.”

Others felt the showmakers hit the right balance in paying tribute to the late performer, with one writing: “@ITV #dancingonice Brilliant opening sequence! Gets you in the mood. Nice tribute to The Vivienne. And it’s always great to see Jayne and Chris, well backed up by Ashley and Oti. This is going to be a good series.” While another responded to the tribute to type: “The Vivienne” alongside a string of red heart emojis.

Drag Race fans were devastated last weekend when news broke that The Vivienne had died at the age of 32. Responding to the tragic news, Dancing On Ice partner Colin wrote on Instagram: “I can’t believe I’m writing these words. It is with an extraordinarily heavy heart that I say goodbye to my beautiful friend and skating partner, The Vivienne.”

The American skater continued: “Viv was and is a true icon in every sense of the word, and inspired thousands of people far and wide with everything they did and accomplished. They truly brought light into every room they entered, and gave so many people hope where there was none. I am truly heartbroken. What we were able to accomplish together on Dancing On Ice was truly remarkable and I know your bravery and our partnership inspired many people.”

He added: “I will always be so proud of what we accomplished. Viv, your spirit, strength, and kindness will always stay with me and with everyone you touched. I will forever cherish our time together on and off the ice , you will forever be my Mary Poppins. I promise to carry your memory with me in everything I do. You taught me so much about so many things, and I am eternally grateful. Your legacy lives on.”

Macy Gray’s departure from The Masked Singer as Toad In The Hole took an unexpected twist when she stormed off stage after being eliminated. Producers spent nearly an hour convincing the star to return for her unmasking and final performance.

Macy Gray’s appearance on The Masked Singer as Toad In The Hole took an unexpected turn when she stormed off stage after being eliminated.

Fans took to X, formerly Twitter, when they say the singer ‘storm off’. One user wrote: “Macy Gray being angry whilst hanging out of a Yorkshire pudding costume is the greatest thing of 2025 so far.” Whilst another added: “Macy Gray throwing a stop on British TV while dressed as a Toad in the Hole was not on my 2025 bingo card, but here we are.”

A third penned: “Pop culture moment of 2025, Macy Gray storming off stage in a toad outfit after being sent home then coming back and being SALTY AF to the judges who are standing there being BRITISH AF acting like everything’s fine.”

Macy Gray’s departure from The Masked Singer as Toad In The Hole took an unexpected twist when she stormed off stage after being eliminated ( 
Image:
ITV)
Producers spent nearly an hour convincing her to return for the unmasking and final performance. “This has never happened on The Masked Singer before,” a source told The Sun. The source added: “When Macy stormed off stage everyone was frozen in shock but as soon as she reached backstage, crew removed her mask so they could talk her down.

“Macy was almost shellshocked to start with and was basically gutted to be out so early because she really enjoyed being on the American version – when obviously she did brilliantly – so was totally blindsided. It was the shock of it for her as well as the upset and in that moment she had a very raw, human reaction and wanted out. For a professional performer to reach that point shows how badly she felt.

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“Obviously The Masked Singer isn’t a singing competition and is just a bit of fun, so being voted off was no indication of her talent, but no one could believe a global superstar like Macy had lost it like this. It took everyone backstage ages to talk her round and poor Joel was on stage essentially doing a stand-up routine to try and keep things under control.

Producers spent nearly an hour convincing her to return for the unmasking and final performance ( 
Image:
ITV)
“Eventually they managed to persuade Macy to go back on stage and be properly unmasked and sing for the last time. But it was totally wild.” The full incident was not shown on the broadcast, which only depicted host Joel Dommett’s attempt to manage the situation.

There was another moment before Toad in the Hole’s identity was revealed. When Joel Dommett announced that Toad in the Hole was going home, Macy didn’t stay around for the customary reveal and instead walked off the stage. A source who was at the show recording also told the publication: “This character turned around and shuffled off stage, which was hilarious in their costume obviously, but we were all stunned.”

They added: “We knew something was going on because we saw lots of to-ing and fro-ing with crew before the person eventually came back on stage.” The source said that it added “even more” intrigue to the audience finding out who was behind the mask.

Macy is an American singer and actress, best known for her 1999 hit single “I Try.” Born Natalie Renée McIntyre on September 6, 1967, in Canton, Ohio, she has released ten studio albums and received five Grammy Award nominations, winning one. Gray has also appeared in several films, including “Training Day,” “Spider-Man,” and “Scary Movie 3.”

The star showcased her talents on Masked Singer USA back in 2023, as the character Sea Queen. Her performances captivated both the audience and judges, leading her to the finals. In the season finale, she delivered a powerful rendition of Rescue Me by Fontella Bass, which was well-received. Ultimately, Macy Gray was unmasked as Sea Queen, revealing her identity to the viewers.

ITV’s The Masked Singer has got fans guessing the identities of the celebrities behind the masks – and some are convinced they’ve cracked who is behind the Wolf costume

The Masked Singer fans are on the edge of their seats as the guessing game intensifies, with all eyes on one enigmatic character – the Wolf.

Reddit has become a hotbed for viewer theories, and one eagle-eyed fan is putting their money on Wolf being none other than Marti Pellow from Wet Wet Wet because of some compelling evidence. They wrote: “I’m pretty confident that Wolf is Marti Pellow from Wet Wet Wet and here’s clues that prove it.”

The fan went on to list the clues that pointed to Marti. “Pope – did a cover of the folk song called Dante’s Prayer Ship – his great grandfather was a ship builder. Wolf pack – lead singer of pop group Wet Wet Wet. Fairy tale – has starred in pantos including Peter Pan. Has been on west end/Broadway. He was in the Broadway adaption of Jekyll and Hyde, hence the Jekyll and Hyde clue someone mentioned on the thread.”

Fans are convinced Wolf is Marti Pellow from Wet Wet Wet ( 
Image:
ITV)
One commenter agreed with the theory: “It is definitely him. I got the same feeling when Morten Harket did TMS a few years ago, I knew immediately,” reports the Express. Another agreed: “100% Marti Pellow. The most obvious in the history of the show.” However, another fan suggested an alternative identity: “WOLF IS DEFO TONY HADLEY he sings like him and tony hadley sings with a hunched back, leaning forward.”

As speculation mounts, stars such as Kate Garraway, Prue Leith and Macy Gray have already been revealed and bid farewell to the show. Last weekend, Prue Leith was revealed as Pegasus and shared with Capital FM radio that she underwent singing lessons twice a week for six months in preparation for the show. Speaking about her experience, she said: “I just can’t believe it. And now I’m on a mission to anyone who thinks ‘you cannot do it’ but it does take a lot of effort.”

She added: “Because I was going to go on this thing, I thought this was my opportunity to learn how to sing. All musicians always say to you, ‘there’s no such thing as somebody who can’t sing’, ‘there’s no such thing as someone who is tone deaf’, you can learn it all, but you have to make an effort.”

She continued: “The production company who makes The Masked Singer, said “don’t worry we’ll get you a teacher’. But they are not used to people who can’t sing, to the degree that I can’t!” She added: “So, I needed twice a week, for pretty much six months, and so I had a wonderful teacher called Richard Coxon, and he came to the house and in the end, my husband got sick of hearing me belt out ridiculous old songs that I knew. Mostly musicals or hymns, otherwise I didn’t know any. So now he joins me, and we’re going to keep it up, so we’re singing.”

Meghan Markle has been busy over the festive period and the start of 2025 with the launch of her new Instagram page and the trailer for her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, dropping

Meghan Markle has received praise from a PR expert, who believes her high-profile 2025 comeback signifies the duchess embracing her true personality. The Duchess of Sussex kicked off the new year by launching her new Instagram page, @meghan, which she has been regularly updating.

Following the Instagram launch, a trailer for her upcoming Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, was released, and her podcast collaborator, Lemonada Media, hinted at new content on the horizon. Although the trailer for her lifestyle series, set to premiere on January 15, has been met with criticism from some who doubt its appeal to the general public, a PR expert commended Meghan for adopting the influencer archetype and catering to a specific audience.

Renae Smith, founder and director of The Atticism, told the Express, “Meghan’s recent ventures are quite the spectacle – it’s been a great treat to see how they’ve been received.

Meghan Markle’s new show will get released on January 15 ( 
Image:
(Image: Netflix))

“At first glance, the meticulously curated posts (the running on the beach, drawing 2025 in the sand with the giggle at the end) and the show’s polished trailer might seem overly saccharine, perhaps even contrived.”

She added: “However, this alignment with the influencer archetype appears to be Meghan finally embracing her authentic self.After years of striving for a more profound public persona, she’s now presenting a version that resonates with her true inclinations.

“The lavish settings (at a hired mansion), the idealised portrayals of domestic bliss, and the aspirational lifestyle content are not deviations but rather reflections of her genuine brand identity. This approach seems to cater to an audience that views such opulence as the pinnacle of aspiration. For once, it screams on brand.”

Meghan has been embracing her ‘authentic self’ according to one expert ( 
Image:
(Image: GETTY))
Ms Smith observed that Meghan’s choice to embrace her “authentic self” by adopting the influencer lifestyle is a “smart long-term move” because it means her narrative “finally feels aligned with who she truly is”. She elaborated: “From a PR perspective, I actually think this is a smart long-term move for her. In PR, while we can shape narratives and use a bit of smoke and mirrors, working with someone who’s being authentic makes the job infinitely easier.

“Crafting Meghan’s story as a lifestyle aspirational influencer for her target demographic would be one of the easiest parts of this job because it finally feels aligned with who she truly is.”

As the Princess of Wales turns 43 today, she leaves behind a brutal year that saw her face a cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment while raising three young children, and as she dips her toes back into royal life, one expert reveals Kate’s two ‘non-negotiables’

The last 12 months have undoubtedly been the toughest the Princess of Wales has been forced to endure.

Hit by a shocking cancer diagnosis after abdominal surgery in January last year, the news kicked off an incredibly challenging 12 months for Kate and her family, which her husband Prince William branded ‘brutal’.

Adding to their heartache, King Charles was also diagnosed with cancer, leaving brave William to step up and support his beloved wife and father. But it was Kate – who despite enduring six months of preventative chemotherapy – proved yet again what a vital member of the Royal Family she is.

The Princess of Wales turns 43 today ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty)
From the much-needed privacy of her home on the Windsor estate, Kate guided Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis through the confusion of family illness, keeping life as normal as possible for her young brood. Today, she will celebrate her 43rd birthday as she always does – by putting her family first. But former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes she still be line for a surprise or two for husband William and her other royal relatives.

She said: “Her birthday is on a school day, so life will be the usual hectic round of getting everyone up and ready, with school bags packed. But maybe William will find time to give Catherine breakfast in bed before he looks after the kids and the school run. A rose on the breakfast tray and some luxury bath products would not go amiss.”

“I expect she might want to see her parents on her birthday too as they have been such a key part of her recovery. I’m sure something very special will be winging its way towards her from the King for her birthday too. If he needed some help in choosing a gift, I’m sure Camilla would have been only too happy to help. She, too, is undoubtedly full of admiration for Catherine. I expect there will be a video call to wish her a happy birthday and to see the children making a fuss of her.”

Kate proudly walks alongside husband Prince William and their three children ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
Her birthday today falls on the same day as the state funeral of former US president Jimmy Carter. But in a break with tradition, it will be William’s uncle Prince Edward who will be in Washington DC to represent Charles, rather than the heir to the throne. However, as the princess’s recovery continues and she returns to royal life, Jennie believes William will be called upon to step up all the more.

She added: “I imagine that one consolation for the brutal year they’ve had is that they’ve had so much more time for family life. It’s probably going to be quite a sacrifice to re-balance things and resume full time royal work.

“There’s definitely more pressure on William to step up his workload – especially as the King continues his cancer treatment. And we shall clearly be seeing more of him at numerous events. But I think he will endeavour to keep trips away from home as short as possible. The days of lengthy royal tours abroad may now be over.”

The last time Kate was out in public was on Christmas Day when she joined the Royal Family for their annual Christmas Day walk to church. There she was the star attraction with well-wishers all vying to talk to her, handing her countless bouquets of flowers and other gifts.

Kate recieved a rapturous reception at Wimbledon last year ( 
Image:
PA)
But despite her triumphant return, it is believed her resumption of royal work will be slow and steady, with her children and her health her priority. But Jennie says there is no doubt that Kate is absolutely central to the future of the monarchy.

She explained: “She and William are way ahead in the popularity stakes, according to polls, and as we saw on Christmas Day at Sandringham, Catherine is the one who draws the biggest crowds. Everyone wants to see her, to talk to her, to photograph her.

“I think there’s an interesting parallel between the way Charles once put his own future on the line by declaring that his relationship with Camilla was ‘non-negotiable’, and the way Catherine has made it clear that, for the immediate future at least, her undisputed priorities are her family and her health.

“She has shown that she is very much in charge of her own agenda and that’s to be admired. The monarchy has often depended on strong women. like the late Queen and Princess Anne. Catherine takes her rightful place amongst those strong women, and I think both Charles and William believe she has all it takes to be Queen when the time comes.”

In September, Kate issued a deeply personal video update on her health, saying she had finished her chemotherapy but her “path to healing and full recovery is long”, she was taking each day as it came, and was hoping to return to a light programme of public duties.

Kate alongside her beloved father-in-law King Charles ( 
Image:
2024 Karwai Tang)Her words were narrated over stylised footage showing the Waleses and their children enjoying the outdoors, walking through woods, and the couple cuddling as they held hands. During the Remembrance weekend in November, she appeared at the Royal Albert Hall Festival of Remembrance in honour of the nation’s war dead, and at the Cenotaph, where the Duchess of Edinburgh placed a comforting hand on Kate’s back in a show of support.

In December, the princess joined the King and William on Horse Guards Parade to welcome the Emir of Qatar to the UK at a state visit, another step on the road back to her public role. She brought Christmas cheer with her annual carol concert in Westminster Abbey, where she gathered with William and their children, other royals, and celebrities such as Paloma Faith and Richard E Grant.

Kate spoke to Faith of “challenging times” and said she had not anticipated what the past year would bring. The princess planned the service with help from Lady Gabriella Windsor, after inviting the recently-widowed Ella, whose husband, Thomas Kingston, took his own life in February, to contribute.

Louis left a touching message to his Middleton grandparents on a “kindness tree”, writing: “Thank you to granny and grandpa because they have played games with me.” Catherine Elizabeth Middleton was born to Carole and Michael Middleton on January 9 1982. She grew up in Berkshire with siblings Pippa Matthews and James Middleton. Kate met and began dating William at St Andrews University while studying History of Art.

The prince’s long-awaited proposal to his former flatmate came during a romantic holiday to Kenya, when he smuggled his late mother Diana’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring in his backpack to surprise her. The couple married in Westminster Abbey in 2011, with Kate becoming the Duchess of Cambridge and also a future queen.

The bride wore an intricate ivory gown with lace applique floral detail designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen, while the groom, on the strict instructions of his grandmother, Elizabeth II, was dressed in the red tunic of the Irish Guards. The princess has gradually and patiently developed her royal role over the years, focusing on mental health and the early years of childhood.

Prince William paid tribute to his wife Kate by describing her as an ‘incredible’ wife and mother in a special birthday message – and also shared a stunning new photo of the princess

The Prince of Wales appears to have broken tradition with his unprecedented heartfelt birthday statement for wife Kate.

To mark Kate’s 43rd birthday today, William took to social media to issue an emotional statement about the princess following her turbulent year, which saw her diagnosed with cancer and have chemotherapy treatment.

In a public declaration of love, he said: “To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W.”

It was accompanied by a new, unseen black and white picture of Kate taken by Matt Porteous, in Windsor, last summer, showing the princess looking relaxed and smiling with her hands in her jean pockets and wearing a gingham scarf.

The Princess of Wales in a brand new photo released today ( 
Image:
princeandprincessofwales/Instagram)

William and Kate with their family on Christmas Day ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)

It is the first time that William has publicly issued a statement for his wife’s birthday. In fact, over the past few years, no posts to mark her big day have even been made on the official Prince and Princess of Wales account.

The last time was three years ago in 2022 when Kate turned 40 and a series of special portraits were released. Back then, Kate thanked photographer Paolo Roversi and the National Portrait Gallery as well as the public for their kind birthday wishes.

Kate is believed to be spending her birthday at home in Windsor after George, Charlotte and Louis returned to school after the Christmas break yesterday. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes that today, Kate will be putting family first as always, but she still will be in line for a surprise or two from husband William and her other royal relatives.

Kate is spending her birthday at home with her loved ones ( 
Image:
PA)She told the Mirror : “Her birthday is on a school day, so life will be the usual hectic round of getting everyone up and ready, with school bags packed. But maybe William will find time to give Catherine breakfast in bed before he looks after the kids and the school run. A rose on the breakfast tray and some luxury bath products would not go amiss.”

“I expect she might want to see her parents on her birthday too as they have been such a key part of her recovery. I’m sure something very special will be winging its way towards her from the King for her birthday too. If he needed some help in choosing a gift, I’m sure Camilla would have been only too happy to help. She, too, is undoubtedly full of admiration for Catherine. I expect there will be a video call to wish her a happy birthday and to see the children making a fuss of her.”

Next week marks a year since she was admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery on January 16, just seven days after her 42nd birthday.

She spent nearly two weeks in the London Clinic after undergoing the major operation and was recuperating at home when she was told she had cancer and had to begin chemotherapy. The royal family is hoping for a better 2025 after what William described as a ‘brutal’ and probably “the hardest year” of his life, with his father, the King, also diagnosed with the disease.

The princess is expected to continue her gradual return to public duties with more appearances this year. Kate said in September after completing her treatment: “Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”

Prince William publicly hailed his wife Kate as ‘incredible’ in an emotional statement to mark her 43rd birthday today along with releasing a brand new picture of the princess – and one royal expert explains why both the photo and message are “breathtaking”

Prince William’s powerful statement publicly declaring his love for Kate on her birthday shows it’s the end of an era for the Royal Family, according to an expert.

The Princess of Wales turned 43 today and to mark the day, in a rare move, William posted a heartfelt written message on social media after a turbulent past year which saw Kate diagnosed with cancer. It was accompanied by a new, unseen black and white picture of Kate taken by Matt Porteous, in Windsor, last summer, showing the princess looking relaxed and smiling with her hands in her jean pockets and wearing a gingham scarf.

A new photo of the Princess of Wales shared to mark her 43rd birthday ( 
Image:
princeandprincessofwales/Instagram)

Kate with her three children on Christmas Day ( 
Image:
PA)William wrote: “To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W.”

The statement marks one of William’s most personal admissions to date and comes just weeks after he talked about his wish for a more empathetic monarchy. And royal historian Dr Tessa Dunlop told the Mirror the ‘breathtaking’ photo and message is proof that long gone are the days of the royals maintaining a stiff upper lip and avoiding public displays of affection.

She explained: “Black and white, timeless and yet contemporary, the portrait photograph released to celebrate the 43rd birthday of the Princess of Wales is breathtaking, likewise the message that accompanies it. Authored by William, with the tell-tale W sign-off, he shares his great admiration for a ‘most incredible wife.’ And the Prince goes even further, speaking for him and his children, William publicly reaffirms their adoration for Catherine in three simple words: ‘We love you.’

“Statements don’t come much more powerful than that. Gone are the days when royally kept their distance and avoided overtly sentimental displays of affection; William is letting everyone know just how proud he is of his wife, and likewise what they have achieved together. Contrary to monarchy’s reputation in recent years, here is a functional family that can face down adversity together.”

William and Kate last year during the Qatar state visit ( 
Image:
Samir Hussein/WireImage)Tessa added that she believes the photo was deliberately chosen to show an “everyday princess” and speaks a lot about an issue both William and Kate are keen to tackle – mental health. She said: “Released on their Instagram page, the birthday message is intended for wide audience. Deliberately unshowy, a simple photo of Kate in jeans speaks to an everyday version of the princess.

“The family are sharing her inspirational story with us all, as the nation battles unprecedented mental and physical health issues in the year’s bluest month, January. William references ‘the strength’ his wife has shown in the face of cancer treatment, a human reminder that if the right support is there, amazing things can be achieved.”

Not only did William take to social media to mark Kate’s birthday, the King did too. The Royal Family sent its birthday wishes to the princess on the monarchy’s official social media account. The post read: “Happy Birthday to The Princess of Wales!” followed by a birthday cake emoji. It was accompanied by a photo of Kate smiling as she collected bouquets of flowers from wellwishers while attending church in Sandringham on Christmas Day.

Yet to send any wishes are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are estranged from their royal relatives. Kate’s birthday comes just a week before the release of Meghan’s new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. The Waleses and the Sussexes are currently leading very different lives, with William and Kate viewed as the future of the monarchy in the UK, while Harry and Meghan live a more Hollywood life in California.

And according to Tessa, the message and photo lays bare the differences between the couples. She added: “In a month when we are braced for the release of Netflix’s With Love, Meghan, a show-biz reality series with a dollop of California-style domestic bliss, this classy birthday post presents a very British alternative: a sincere short statement of heartfelt love and respect.

“A reminder that while Harry and William come from the same family, they now occupy very different worlds and are married to very different women. But if the brothers remain poles apart, surely today everyone is able to wish the Princess of Wales the happiest of birthdays.”

Loose Women star Judi Love has shared how she deals with the dreaded ‘mum guilt’ while working and parenting her two teenagers, admitting they constantly ‘inspire’ her.

As she juggles life on the Loose Women panel, her career as a comedian and being a mum to two teenagers, Judi Love tells us it’s all about striking a balance. With a 19-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son, both from a previous relationship, Judi isn’t afraid to admit she sometimes suffers from the dreaded “mum guilt”.

“I think we all [have mum guilt] – it’s completely natural as a mum trying to balance a career with spending as much time with your children as possible. I always try to remind myself that as long as I’m doing my best to nurture them and set an example, which we all are, there’s nothing to be guilty about,” says Judi, 44, who is fiercely private when it comes to her children being in the spotlight.

Judi rose to fame in 2011 for her stand up comedy

Adding that she’s never too far from her family, Judi continues, “My sets are often inspired by my children, I talk a lot about them in my shows. That way when I’m missing my children on tour, it’s like I’m bringing a piece of them with me.”

Judi rose to fame in 2011 when she began her stand-up comedy career, and has since become a household
name, making regular appearances on ITV ’s Loose Women since 2020. While she may be flying high now, life hasn’t always been so glamorous for Judi, who grew up in Hackney, east London, and was qualified as a social worker before moving into comedy. “I never take my career for granted,” she says. “I did have those harder times so I’m really grateful for everything I’ve got. I remind myself all the time that it could change any day so you have to be thankful – and continue to work hard to achieve your dreams.”

She continues, “I’ve always had a performing streak, right from being a young child. I’m the youngest of five so I was the joker of the family and always trying to entertain people and make them laugh!”

It seems not much has changed, as Judi still strives to spread laughter now. “I always say, ‘Laughter is healing.’ That’s always been my approach to overcoming life’s obstacles. I try to find humour in the everyday and I’ve seen firsthand in my work the power laughter has to bring people together and help them escape or forget whatever curveballs life may throw at them, even if just for a moment. Life’s too short not to have a laugh.”

She is now a regular member of the Loose Women panel
Now, Judi is living out her dreams and doing just that. Telling us about some career highlights she’s ticked off during her time on Loose Women, she says, “The show has provided me with such a range of wonderful opportunities
in my career and has opened so many doors for me. I had the honour of meeting and interviewing my idol Whoopi Goldberg, I’ve interviewed Naomi Campbell, I’ve interviewed Janet Jackson. Those are all experiences I’ll never forget and total career highlights.”

The show has not only catapulted Judi’s career, but has also acted as a platform for her to break taboos, including opening up about her struggles with endometriosis. Judi was diagnosed with endometriosis almost two decades ago, but says it wasn’t easy to get the diagnosis.

“It took me about five years to get a diagnosis, and the average time is even longer – as long as nine years. For women, our pain is often not always taken seriously, so symptoms are just put down to having ‘bad periods’. At the time, it wasn’t spoken about much, so when I received my diagnosis I honestly didn’t really know what it was, but the effect on my life, my physical and mental health, was sometimes unbearable,” she admits.

“I think it’s so important that people are starting to have more open conversations about endometriosis and the impact it can have, as well as pushing for diagnoses, because not having that pain recognised or acknowledged is really difficult.”

Judi is prioritising her health since hitting 40 ( 
Image:
Mike Marsland/WireImage)

She lives by the ‘health is wealth’ motto ( 
Image:
PA)Passionate about tackling stigmas when it comes to health, Judi is using the new year as a chance to prioritise her wellbeing. “I like to be active, I really enjoy boxing – it makes me feel good,” she says. “One of my big mottos is ‘health is wealth’ – so that’s what I keep in mind when it comes to goals. It’s really worth investing the time in being active. It’s an ongoing thing for me which I work around my schedule, so my plan is to continue those habits for
the rest of 2025.”

Judi says since she hit her forties, she’s also been taking more care with her eating and drinking habits. She adds, “You do have to be more careful as you get older I’ve found, and I’m more mindful of what I’m putting into my body.”

In that same vein, Judi has kicked off 2025 by joining forces with Pink Lady apples for a new campaign. She explains, “I’m so excited to be working with Pink Lady apples – the campaign is all about fear of judgement at lunchtime. According to new research, 81% of office workers admit they wouldn’t eat the same foods at work that they enjoy at home, because they fear being judged by coworkers. The message of the campaign is ‘you do you’ – which is how I try to live my life!”

We wonder, what are lunch breaks like behind the scenes at Loose Women? “We do embrace the food that brings us joy for our lunches – and it’s a real mix.” says Judi. “Sometimes I’ll fancy grabbing something from a café near the studio, and other times I’ll want something warm – like homemade leftovers – which I’ll bring in. One of my go-to office lunches would be homemade curry – that’s a lunch I’d always look forward to!

“My lunch is usually very flavour-packed so it definitely creates some nice smells and probably some food envy too! Although we all get food envy occasionally as there’s generally lots of delicious food around at lunchtime.”

So what else is in store for Judi in 2025?

“My goals are very career focused,” she says. “I love being on stage doing comedy, there’s nothing like it. So I’d love to go back on tour – I’m writing new material and I hope to get back out there again soon.”