Blog

Coleen Rooney shows off art deco bar in £20million home (Coleen Rooney/Instagram)

Fresh out the jungle, Coleen Rooney showed she was truly back in the lap of luxury by giving fans a glimpse into her lavish £20 million mansion.

The I’m A Celeb star unveiled her stunning art-deco-inspired bar inside the Cheshire

The 38-year-old mother-of-four is pulling out all the stops to ready the family home for the festive season. Her bar, a blend of gold accents and a mirrored centrepiece, evokes Old Hollywood glamour.

A frosted Christmas tree stands proudly in front of floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a view of the estate’s sprawling grounds.

Sharing the festive decor with her fans, Coleen, who is famously married to Plymouth Argyle manager and former England star Wayne Rooney, credited Grey Rose Interiors, writing, “All ready for Christmas.”

The WAG’s striking art deco bar (Instagram/ Coleen Rooney)
Another clip showed her chatting with fans in front of a second silver-adorned tree, illuminated by a sleek, contemporary chandelier.

The Rooney estate, dubbed High Lake Manor, sits on an impressive 40 acres of land that includes two fishing lakes, a full-size football pitch complete with changing rooms and showers.

There’s also a cinema room, an indoor swimming pool housed in a glass pavilion overlooking the countryside, and a spa area with a hot tub, plunge pool, steam room, and gym, linked by one of the home’s two lifts.

Coleen’s four sons brought the Christmas cheer at their home (Coleen Ronney/Instagram)The interiors are equally opulent, featuring cream marble floors, soft ambient lighting, and classic high-end furnishings.

The Rooney’s moved into the mansion, in Cheshire’s exclusive “Golden Triangle,” after a burglary attempt at their former Prestbury home in 2016.

Coleen has also revealed she plans to recreate the iconic I’m A Celeb Celebrity Cyclone trial at her £20million Cheshire mansion—and her campmates are invited.

The Liverpudlian, who was runner-up to Danny Jones in the jungle, shared her plans during a chat with Maura Higgins

McCullough, filling in for Greg James, called Rooney alongside Higgins during the segment “Sitting or Standing.”

Danny Jones Crowned King of the Jungle as Coleen was runner-up (ITV)
Reflecting on her jungle experience, Rooney said: “I loved that I got to the final, it was such a fun week. We should have all stayed ’til the end—I missed yous when you left.”

She added, “[The Celebrity] Cyclone was so much fun. I’m definitely going to do a Cyclone in my back garden this summer.”

When Higgins asked if they could join in, Rooney happily replied: “Of course!”

Freddie Flintoff returned to hosting duties for a special Christmas reboot of classic darts gameshow Bullseye and fans flocked to watch the remake

Fans flocked to the reboot of Bullseye with Freddie Flintoff with the show being crowned ITV’s most watched over the weekend.

The remake of the classic darts contest saw former sportsman Fred take to the oche with a new set of contestants. And the Christmas special on Sunday brought in a huge 3.3million viewers, with many praising the cricketer’s talents.

Taking to Twitter/X, one fan pleaded: “This already deserves a new series commissioned. They haven’t messed with the original format whatsoever and it shows. Flintoff absolutely class too. Get it sorted ASAP please ITV.” A second added: “Hopefully they will make a new series out of it.”

Others declared the show a success and labelled Freddie a “great presenter”, while there was also special praise for darts sensation Luke Littler. The teen whizz stunned as he through a perfect three darts with ease.

Fans loved the special Bullseye episode ( 
Image:
ITV)

It’s thought Bullseye’s final viewing figures could double or triple in total when catch up service ITVX’s figures are incorporated. And now, it’s claimed the show’s bosses are under pressure to bring it back permanently.

The game show was originally presented in the 80s and 90s by Jim Bowen. Former Ashes legend Freddie, 46, took over from the late comic’s old role for the one-off Christmas special. However, it’s though bosses are keen it will become a regular series in the future.

When Freddie announced the role, he said: “I love the darts and Bullseye was one of my favourite shows as a kid. I can’t quite believe I’ll get to host this Christmas special,” before repeating one of the former host’s famous catchphrases: “You can’t beat a bit of Bully!”

The role was Freddie’s first TV commission, besides his recent documentary Field of Dreams, since his horrific crash. The former cricketer and TV presenter nearly died during a horror crash in December 2022. The ex-England cricket ace was filming for Top Gear at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey when disaster struck. He suffered serious injuries after the Morgan Super 3 trike he was driving, alongside a member of the film crew, somersaulted and smashed into the track.

His injuries included broken ribs and facial injuries, with the star needing to be airlifted to hospital. He stayed out of the spotlight since the crash but returned to TV in August for his Field of Dreams on Tour, where he helped coach an unlikely cricket team from Preston to tour India.

As Giovanni Pernice makes a brief return to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom, the Mirror takes a look at the Italian dancer’s life now, following the row that saw him walk away from the show

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice parted ways with the show he loved earlier this year after a bitter feud with dance partner Amanda Abbington.

The Italian dancer left Strictly while the BBC probed claims he’d bullied 2023 partner Amanda Abbington. Giovanni, 34, vehemently denied the allegations and was ultimately cleared of nearly all abuse allegations in September after a six-month-long internal BBC investigation.

However, Amanda’s complaints about verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, with the report concluding the dance champion’s language towards his partner could be “belittling”.

In the months since, Giovanni’s life has changed dramatically. He recently emerged victorious from Ballando con le Stelle – the Italian version of Strictly – with a romance blossoming between himself and Bianca Guaccero. Having won Bianca’s family’s approval, talk of proposals is already on the cards, with Gio making his feelings for her abundantly clear.

Meanwhile, after a brief return to the Strictly ballroom for the show’s 20th anniversary, Gio is gearing up for a 2025 tour, which will see him play some of the biggest venues in the UK. Here, the Mirror takes a look at what he’s got going on…

The couple’s ballroom chemistry continued behind the scenes ( 
Image:
Maurizio D’Avanzo/MDPhoto/ipa-agency.net/REX/Shutterstock)
Back in November, Giovanni confirmed his romance with Italian actress and singer Bianca Guaccero, with whom he was partnered on Ballando con le Stelle. The couple wowed on the dance floor, and it soon became evident that their ballroom chemistry continued behind the scenes.

On an episode that aired on Saturday, November 23, Giovanni shared: “Bianca is my priority. She has been my priority from the beginning. She is still my priority today and will be until the end of the show and beyond.” Appearing moved, Bianca replied: “Being someone’s priority is something new for me. I have always been the one taking care of others.”

She continued: ‘It’s an amazing feeling. It’s something I’m discovering at the age of forty-three. Having someone next to me who is proud of me and is happy for my happiness is something new to me. This has never happened to me in my life.”

It’s understood the loved-up couple has already met each other’s families, paying visits to their respective hometowns. In an interview with Italian TV presenter Monica Setta, which aired December 21, Bianca promised to overcome her fears and embrace her future with Giovanni. Addressing her dancer beau, Bianca pledged: “Dear Giovanni, I promise you to leave out all my fears, doubts and closures. The symbolic gift I put under the Christmas tree is to believe in our possibilities.”

She added: “I had a heavy stone on my heart, I had difficulty believing in true love. When I met Giovanni, I felt at home, and I was in London with him and then 24 hours with my parents. I wanted to introduce him to the country and the people I love.”

It would appear that Gio has charmed Bianca’s family during his visit to Puglia, with Bianca’s proud mother Rosa telling The Sun: “My daughter has always been very sensitive, she has faced many challenges with courage and I am proud of the woman she has become. I am very happy that she chose to take part in Ballando con le Stelle because this show has given her and is giving her so much, as a woman.

“Giovanni came down to meet me and my husband in Puglia, and I like him as a person. Bianca has never said it to me explicitly, but love doesn’t need to be announced; you see it, and you feel it, and that is enough.”

Meanwhile, as per the Mail Online, Gio has also made his strong feelings for Bianca known, stating: “After a long time, there is someone who takes care of me and cares about me. A woman like her has been missing from my life”

Marriage vow

Gio promised to ‘seriously consider’ marrying Bianca ( 
Image:
instagram.com/biancaguacceroreal)

The pair have already met each other’s families ( 
Image:
instagram.com/biancaguacceroreal)
Prior to their recent victory, Gio promised to “seriously consider” marrying Bianca, should they end up lifting the trophy together. When asked whether a certain question was on the cards prior to their stunning final performance, Gio cheekily declared: “If we win the show, I’ll seriously think about it.”

And although there’s been no confirmation of a proposal, despite fans’ social media sleuthing attempts, it’s clear the pair were equally overjoyed with their joint win.

Gratitude to fans

Gio recently thanked loyal fans for their support ( 
Image:
BBC)In an Instagram post shared to celebrate his recent win, Gio thanked his fans for their “unbelievable” support over what has proven to be a “difficult year” career-wise.

Gio wrote: “We did it!! WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!! After a difficult year, I’m back. Thank you to each and every one of you who took the time to support Bianca and me over the last few months – it hasn’t gone unnoticed. We have done some incredible dances, and obviously, I’m very proud of what we achieved together!

“To everyone in the UK and Ireland – thank you so much. The constant support I have felt from you all over the last few months has been unbelievable! I see you all, and I’m so grateful to each and every one of you for being there last night and voting when needed – I know it was a lot.”

Strictly plans

The dancer’s Strictly future looks uncertain following the Amanda Abbington row ( 
Image:
BBC)
In the same celebratory post, Gio left fans theorising that he could soon be returning to Strictly, with his telling concluding sign-off of “I can’t wait to see you all again very soon!” leaving followers guessing.

Sparking rumours that he may well “soon” return to the BBC ballroom, Gio continued: “It felt amazing to be in the final again doing what I love – and then to win as well was a dream and definitely something I will never forget! Thank you for being there and being part of that with me. I can’t wait to see you all again very soon!”

Following months of controversy, Giovanni returned to Strictly on December 21, in a special episode celebrating the show’s 20th anniversary. Although there has so far been no confirmation of a Strictly comeback for 2025, fans can catch him on tour, with the dancer kickstarting his Giovanni – The Last Dance tour in mid-January. The nationwide tour will begin in Hayes at the Beck Theatre, finishing up at the London Palladium.

Giovanni has previously confirmed that he’ll be taking a “little break” after this upcoming tour. In a social media statement, he shared: “After performing in front of over half a million people for seven years in a row, I plan to take a little break after next year’s tour.”

Return to British telly

On January 5, Gio will return to our screens in Celebrity Hunted ( 
Image:
ITV)
Giovanni is set to return to British television in early 2025 for Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted. This appearance will see Gio compete in the challenge show in aid of Stand Up To Cancer alongside stars such as Loose Women star Denise Welch and her husband Lincoln Townley, Blue singer Duncan James, and model Christine McGuinness.

The upcoming series, which involves an expert team of hunters tracking down celeb contestants, will air on Channel 4 at 9 pm on January 5. It will also feature former EastEnders star Danielle Harold, Coronation Street actress Kimberly Hart-Simpson, news reporters Simon McCoy and Lucrezia Millarini, podcaster David Whitely, and Celebrity Big Brother icon Zeze Millz.

Director of programmes for Shine TV, Matt Bennett, previously said: “There’s nothing more delicious than watching our much-loved celebrities turn fugitive and go on the run as they attempt to escape the hunters, all in aid of the excellent charity Stand Up To Cancer. This year, we have a stellar lineup who have truly kept the hunters on their toes.

“With dramatic escapes to daring captures, this season of Celebrity Hunted will keep the Channel 4 viewer on the edge of their sofas from one programme to the next. Jason Bourne would be proud of them all.”

Vito Coppola has publicly shown his support for Graziano Di Prima following his dismissal from Strictly Come Dancing. The two were seen together, with Coppola sharing a heartfelt message on social media.

Stirctly star Vito Coppola, has publicly expressed his unwavering support for his former colleague, Graziano Di Prima, following Di Prima’s dismissal from the show. Earlier this evening, the two were seen enjoying a coffee together, with Coppola sharing a heartfelt message on social media: “Amico mio ti voglio bene,” which translates to “My friend, I love you.”

The photo, posted on Di Prima’s Instagram originally, had a lengthy caption from Di Prima himself. About his co-star, Di Prima penned: “How wonderful it was to hug you again, my friend! Our friendship is stronger than anything, remember you’re a special person, with a big heart!! Love you and wish you all the best in everything you do.”

Di Prima was dismissed from Strictly Come Dancing earlier this year after he admitted that he to kicked his 2023 celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, during rehearsals. Di Prima expressed regret over the incident, attributing his actions to his intense passion and determination to win.

Stirctly star Vito Coppola, has publicly expressed his unwavering support for his former colleague, Graziano Di Prima, following Di Prima’s dismissal from the show ( 
Image:
grazianodiprima/Instagram)

This public display of support highlights the close relationship between the two dancers, who have known each other for years and share a common language and cultural background ( 
Image:
vitocoppola/Instagram)
Despite the controversy, Coppola has maintained a strong friendship with Di Prima, emphasizing that their bond remains unshaken. This public display of support highlights the close relationship between the two dancers, who have known each other for years and share a common language and cultural background.

Di Prima enjoyed a glittering career on the BBC’s long-running dance competition – featuring on the line-up from 2018. But earlier this year, the sparkle was washed off to uncover an abusive underside – as Graziano was forced to admit he had kicked his 2023 celebrity partner Zara McDermott while they were working together on Strictly in 2023 and he then dropped out of the show in shame.

Now over four months after his exit, Graziano has teased that time of his return to the spotlight is near – and he is raring to get back on the stage. Taking to social media on Tuesday, the star shared a moody video of himself walking around a brightly lit bridge at night time. Strutting along the wooden boards, he was joined by his wife, Giada Lini – who herself is a professional dancer and a star of the Italian version of Dancing With The Stars.

In a defiant message alongside the footage, Graziano wrote: “Dance has always been the center of my life, my greatest passion, the path I chose and dedicated years of study, sacrifice, and love to. After a period of reflection, I feel stronger than ever and eager to return to what I love most: dancing.”

During his tenure on Strictly, Di Prima partnered with celebrities including Vick Hope, Judi Love, Kym Marsh, and Zara . In 2019, he set a Guinness World Record by performing 90 Botafogo steps in 30 seconds on “Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.”

Burt, a 5.1 metre crocodile that appeared in the 1986 movie Crocodile Dundee, has died “peacefully” in captivity in Darwin, according to his caretakers

The legendary crocodile that starred in the hit film Crocodile Dundee has passed away.

Burt, the massive 5.1-metre croc who featured in the 1986 movie, died “peacefully” in captivity in Darwin, aged “over 90 years old”. Crocosaurus Cove, the crocodile park and aquarium where Burt had been living since 2008, shared the news of his passing.

Burt, who shot to fame as one of the world’s most recognised reptiles due to the international success of Crocodile Dundee – still the top-earning Australian film ever – has an inspiring backstory. The Crocosaurus Cove shared details about how Burt was caught in the early 1980s, prior to his blockbuster appearance with Hogan.

The team at the Cove delivered an emotional homage to Burt on Monday (December 23), saying: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt, the iconic Saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee. Burt passed away peacefully over the weekend, estimated to be over 90 years old, marking the end of an incredible era.”

The Crocodile Dundee star died over the weekend ( 
Image:
Crocosaurus Cove Darwin/ Facebook)

“Burt’s life story is one of strength, resilience, and a personality as bold as the Top End itself. Captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River, Burt became one of the most recognised crocodiles in the world, appearing in Crocodile Dundee and helping to shape Australia’s image as a land of rugged natural beauty and awe-inspiring wildlife.”

They added: “In 2008, Burt made his way to Crocosaurus Cove, where he became a fierce and fascinating ambassador for crocodile conservation. Known for his independent streak, Burt was a confirmed bachelor – a trait he demonstrated during his earlier years at a crocodile farm. His fiery temperament earned him the respect of his caretakers and visitors alike, as he embodied the raw and untamed spirit of the saltwater crocodile.”

The team continued: “Burt was truly one of a kind. He wasn’t just a crocodile; he was a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures. While his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and beloved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years. Visitors from around the globe marvelled at his impressive size and commanding presence, especially at feeding time.

“The team at Crocosaurus Cove would like to thank everyone who visited Burt and helped celebrate his remarkable life. As we mourn his loss, we are reminded of the vital role wildlife plays in our shared history and the importance of preserving it for future generations.”

Minister for Parks and Wildlife Marie-Clare Boothby also paid tribute to Burt, describing the late crocodile as “a true icon of the Territory”. She added: “It’s very sad to hear… I think that Territorians right across the Territory would be feeling quite sad about this.”

Burt was a star in his own right, featuring alongside Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in the original Crocodile Dundee film. He also served as the inspiration for the digital crocodile in the 2007 movie Rogue.

EastEnders fans can expect ‘a classic Christmas episode’ this Christmas Day, as one discovery rocks Walford, while there’s concern for one Albert Square legend

There’s big scenes on the way on EastEnders this Christmas Day, with more than one family facing drama.

The Christmas Day episode of the BBC soap is often chaotic and unmissable, and this year is no different. One big secret explodes, leaving two families in pieces.

Elsewhere, one character’s struggles become apparent, while there’s a love triangle teased – possibly two. A recent returnee causes trouble for one resident too, while the events of Christmas Day will span across two 30-minute episodes.

Kicking off at 7:30pm, the second part will air at the much later time of 10:35pm. So what can viewers expect? The answer is mayhem as Cindy Beale’s affair is exposed to Walford.

Cindy has been cheating on Ian Beale with Junior Knight, the son of her ex-husband George Knight. When the Beales and the Knights sit down for Christmas dinner on the 25th, all hell breaks loose as the truth is revealed in chaotic fashion.

The spoiler line reads: “Secrets and lies are set to throw a wrecking ball into the Beale family festivities this year as the shocking truth about Cindy is revealed in spectacular fashion.” As the families reel over events, they end up turning on each other.

There’s big scenes on the way on EastEnders this Christmas Day ( 
Image:
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Elsewhere, and there’s concern for Phil Mitchell as he continues to isolate himself from his loved ones. With a loneliness and depression storyline reported for the soap icon, we’ll see him struggling this festive period.

As his ex and close friend Sharon Watts heads to his home on Christmas Day, she realises he’s not himself. She wants to give him a present from their son Albie, and soon she is left worried for him.

When Phil joins his extended family for a meal for Christmas Day, he quickly leaves after spotting Sharon getting cosy with Teddy Mitchell. Also in Walford this Christmas, Stacey Slater is annoyed when Ruby Allen arrives at the house to join in with the Slaters’ Christmas meal.

Also this Christmas we will see a love triangle seemingly forming, with Denise Fox torn between two men. After splitting from her husband Jack Branning, she will realise she still has feelings for him this festive period.

But after a moment with former flame Ravi Gulati, Denise clearly has feelings for him too, and Ravi shares those feelings. So who will Denise choose, and which Walford man will be left heartbroken?

The cast of Only Fools And Horses: The Musical were reportedly subjected to vile racist abuse from an audience member.

It comes as the hit musical took to the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, West London. It’s said members of the cast, including Bradley John and Gloria Acquaah-Harrison, who play lorry driver Denzil Tulser and Mrs Obooko, were targeted by with the disgusting heckling on Friday evening.

Sources say some of the show’s stars were left “visibly upset” by the incident, which prompted stage show bosses to issue a statement online to condemn the actions. The statement read: “Here at Only Fools and Horses The Musical we always act with respect and kindness towards ourselves and others. We do expect our audiences to do the same.”

There was reportedly racist abuse at a show of the Only Fools and Horses musical ( 
Image:
Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)
It continued: “Any unkind comments, bullying, discrimination or any form of abuse towards our cast or company members will not be tolerated by the producers or theatres. We expect respect on and off stage.

“We are committed to working closely with the venue teams to ensure that our cast, company and audiences embrace an environment of respect, inclusivity and safety.”

A source who witnessed the abuse told the Sun: “It was a rowdy crowd, with everyone in the Christmas spirit. But this idiot spoiled the performance for those in ear shot. Security were unable to identify the culprit and eject them.”

Katie Paine, Amanda Coutts, Gloria Acquaah-Harrison, Vinnie Jones, Georgina Hagen, and Nicola Munns ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Another added that “cast members were visibly upset” by what was going on. “They couldn’t believe what they were hearing,” they said.

The show stars Paul Whitehouse as Grandad, while it has been guest starring Vinnie Jones during it’s three-week run at the venue.

Last week, Sir David Jason attended the gala performance of the Only Fools and Horses The Musical in London and reminisced about his old friends. The 84-year-old icon, who was best known for his role as Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter on the BBC sitcom between 1981 and 1991 along with a few Christmas specials, said the entire performance was a ‘memory’ for him.

After the show ended, he said: “It’s very, very good. What I did like about it was so much of the original script was used and they did it so well that sometimes it took me by surprise. The whole show was a memory for me of the whole thing – the script, the characters. It was lovely to see them all and everybody was working so well together, very much like we did.”

He sighed before confessing he thought he was going to ‘cry’ as he was touched by the entire production. He added: “I’m going to have a boo now. I’m so moved.”

Amber Heard has broken her silence on the sexual harassment lawsuit Blake Lively filed against her It Ends with Us co-star, Justin Baldoni.

The pair were cast as leads in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel by the same name. Despite their initial mutual admiration in interviews, rumors of a fallout surfaced around the film’s release. Both Blake, 37, and Justin, 40, declined to promote the film together, opting for separate red carpet photos and interviews.Blake has since shocked Hollywood by filing a sexual harassment lawsuit against Justin, alleging inappropriate behavior towards her and other cast and crew members. Justin is reportedly employing PR manager Melissa Nathan, who represented Johnny Depp during his defamation trial with Amber, which resulted in Depp being awarded $10million in compensatory damages and an additional $5million in punitive damages.

The pregnant actress, currently residing in Spain, shared her perspective with NBC News, noting: “Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying ‘A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on.’ I saw this firsthand and up close. It’s as horrifying as it is destructive.”

Blake Lively is suing her co-star Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment ( 
Image:
Sony Pictures)
In the lawsuit, Blake claims he allowed his “friends” to watch her film certain sex scenes and added unapproved sexual scenes to the film.

Justin, a married father of two, has refuted these allegations, labeling the lawsuit a “desperate attempt to ‘fix’ her negative reputation” following backlash over Blake’s own conduct. The actress previously accused the film’s director of sexual harassment, creating a hostile work environment, and attempting to smear her reputation through a targeted social media campaign in an undated complaint submitted to the California Civil Rights Department.

Amber Heard has spoken on the ongoing drama ( 
Image:
No credit)
Blake had been embroiled in controversy over the promotion of her movie, receiving criticism from fans who deemed her “tone deaf” for overlooking the film’s deeper themes of domestic abuse. In a widely shared social media post, she encouraged her followers: “Grab your friends, wear your florals, and head out to see it” a statement that some argued trivialized the film’s serious content.

Amidst the fallout, there were concerns for Blake’s future in the industry. An insider confided to Daily Mail in August: “Blake is definitely saddened by the hate she is getting and is trying not to let it affect her, but it is.”

The insider continued, explaining Blake’s disappointment and fears: “She thought this was her moment to shine, but is now looking at it like the end of her career. She’s fearing no one will want to work with her after this. She really wants to continue producing and directing and acting, but she knows she needs to take a step back for a minute to reassess the future.”

A teenager is desperate to change her name because of its unusual spelling.

Deciding on a name for a new-born baby is a pressured decision; you’ve got to find something both parents agree on, it’s got to suit a sweet little baby, and it also has to grow up with them into adulthood.

In recent years, some parents’ desire to choose something “unique” for their child often leads to invented and overly complex spellings of already established names, despite the pronunciation remaining the same and therefore nullifying the “unique” aspect they crave.

This appears to be the case for one 18-year-old girl whose name is Jennifer, only it’s spelled ‘Giniphyr’. On Reddit, she shared her story under a post titled “My name is like the queen of all tragedeighs”. The butchered spelling of the word ‘tragedy’ is a comedic and popular online nod to the tactic some parents take when adding extra letters or syllables to their child’s name in a bid to make it different.

The teen explained: “I’ve always hated my birth name so much, so I grew up with the nickname, Gigi. Nowadays, I go by a ‘nickname of my nickname’ and everyone just calls me G.

“I just turned 18 last month, so I plan on getting my name legally changed soon. Preferably something that also starts with the letter G.”

In the comments section, people shared their thoughts, as well as their tips for what name she ought to choose. One person simply quipped: “My condolences”.

Another said: “The first thing that came to my mind was also Georgia. Oh, Georgiana, if you like Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice!”

A third commented: “God, 18 years of being a tragedeigh. Baby-naming started going the hell off the deep end in the early 2000s when I was in my early 20s. It was noticeably bad, but we didn’t have big communities to talk about it online yet.”

Someone else replied: “It was earlyish 2000s when the Justin or Jason, and Isabel or Olivia were popular. The ‘creative’ spellings of some of those names made me wince but Auliviya took the cake in about 2012.”

When asked about her relationship with her parents, G replied: “I used to complain all the time to them about my name and how I wanted a new name, but they just kept telling me that it’s ‘special’ and ‘unique’. Currently, my mom doesn’t want me to get my name legally changed because it’s sentimental to her, but I think I’m gonna change it anyways.”

To change your name in the UK, you need to obtain a deed poll, which is a legal document that proves a change of name. You can change any part of your name, add or remove names and hyphens, or change the spelling.

If you’re aged 16 or over, you can make an ‘unenrolled’ deed poll yourself. You can also apply for an ‘enrolled’ deed poll, which means the new name will be on public record.

The parents of a desperately ill baby girl told how Christmas ‘had come early’ after a heart op gave her a vital lifeline.

Penelope Greathead needed a mechanical Berlin heart fitted after suffering a cardiac arrest. She has dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition which enlarges the heart, and ultimately will need a heart transplant.

Her worried mum Hollie Suff, 33, and dad Jordan Greathead, 34, were told there was no bed available at either of the two UK specialist centres able to fit the Berlin heart as she clung to life at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

But they travelled to London’s Great Ormond Street (GOSH) after the Mirror highlighted their plight last week. Fourteen-month-old Penelope was fitted with the mechanical device to keep her alive on Dec 20th.

Fourteen-month-old Penelope Greathead suffered a cardiac arrest

Jordan, a Colour Sgt with the Yorkshire Regiment, said: “It has taken a long time to get here, but it is a step in the right direction. We know it is going to be a long road ahead now. The operation took six and a half hours.

“We went for a walk around London to keep ourselves busy. Our next big challenge will be to wean her off the sedation. She is asleep most of the time but sees us when she wakes for short periods.”

He added: “I like to think our story started a conversation. We were anxious that we did not appear angry. We did not have a bad word to say about the NHS. The doctors and nurses do an unbelievable job. We were put in a position where there was nothing we could do but raise awareness.”

Penelope had previously been on life support in Leeds, before a bed was found for her in London
Penelope had previously been on life support in Leeds, before a bed was found for her in London. The couple received £130,000 in donations to have the Berlin heart fitted privately abroad, after posting about Penelope’s urgent need for help.

That money will now go to Penelope’s Little Heart Foundation, which they will set up to help other families in the same situation. “We had so many messages from people all over the world and we’re immensely touched,” added Jordan.

Penelope could be on the waiting list for up to two years and will now stay in Great Ormond Street. An NHS spokesperson described it as an ‘incredibly difficult situation’ for the families, adding: “The expert capacity to support children who are eligible for heart transplants is inextricably linked to the availability of organs following the tragic loss of another child’s life.

“It remains an extremely challenging decision for families to make the life-saving choice to donate their child’s organs following an unimaginable loss. Any child waiting for a heart transplant is assessed individually and prioritised on the basis of clinical need.”

Penelope was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at 16 days old after suffering a chest infection. Rushed from Scarborough A&E to Leeds, she was stabilised on medication there until the cardiac arrest.

The Dept of Health and Social Care said: “This government inherited a broken NHS and it is totally unacceptable that people, including young children like Penelope, cannot access the care they need, when they need it.

“The £26bn provided for the NHS at the Budget means we can drive improvements across the health service. As part of our 10 Year Health Plan, we’re investing in cutting-edge, specialist technologies to improve access to treatment and drive down waiting times.”

Penelope’s parents urged people to join the organ donor register. Visit