Blog

Prince William’s latest actions seem to deliver a decisive blow to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s aspirations in Hollywood, as royal insiders suggest that the couple may face significant setbacks following this unexpected move.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who stepped down from their royal roles in 2020, ventured into the entertainment industry with high-profile deals and a determination to build a successful brand. Yet, Prince William’s recent steps have reportedly thrown a wrench into their plans, sparking rumors that the Sussexes’ Hollywood journey may be nearing its end.

The Context of William’s “Final Blow”
The reported fallout centers around a series of strategic moves by Prince William that insiders believe were intended to strengthen the image and influence of the core royal family.

While the specifics of this “final blow” remain somewhat guarded, royal watchers speculate that it involves high-level negotiations with media outlets and global organizations, including the same platforms where Harry and Meghan previously found support.

Sources suggest that by securing these valuable alliances, William has effectively limited Harry and Meghan’s access to influential networks, making it more difficult for the Sussexes to maintain their foothold in Hollywood.

One aspect of William’s strategy may include aligning with key Hollywood producers and directors sympathetic to the royal family, thus indirectly placing a cloud over potential projects that the Sussexes might undertake. This quiet, behind-the-scenes maneuvering could make it harder for Meghan and Harry to find top-tier partners for future productions, documentaries, and series.

Harry and Meghan’s Hollywood Aspirations
Since relocating to California, Harry and Meghan have pursued several high-profile ventures. Their deals with major streaming platforms such as Netflix and Spotify initially suggested a promising start, but reports of internal challenges, mixed reception, and stalled projects have plagued their progress. Harry’s recent documentary projects and Meghan’s voiceover work for Disney have kept them in the public eye, yet it seems they haven’t achieved the sustained success they envisioned.

Harry and Meghan’s brand hinges on authenticity, personal storytelling, and a commitment to social causes. Hollywood experts point out, however, that the public may be growing weary of the couple’s narrative, especially as they continue to navigate ongoing controversies with the royal family. Prince William’s latest move could accelerate this fatigue, effectively dampening the couple’s appeal and leading industry insiders to think twice before investing in Sussex-led projects.

Mixed Reactions from the Public
Public opinion remains divided, with many loyal fans expressing sympathy for Harry and Meghan’s struggles and admiration for their efforts to make a difference on their terms. These supporters argue that the couple has faced unfair scrutiny and praise them for courageously sharing their personal journey, despite the backlash. Some fans see William’s actions as a direct attempt to undermine the Sussexes, interpreting his moves as a way of preventing them from achieving financial independence and making an impact outside the monarchy.

However, other viewers see the Sussexes’ Hollywood pursuits as opportunistic, questioning their motives and wondering if their interest in social justice and mental health awareness is as genuine as it seems. This group is less forgiving, viewing the couple’s issues with the royal family as a strategy to stay relevant in a competitive media landscape.

What’s Next for Harry and Meghan?
If William’s reported moves indeed make Hollywood collaborations harder to come by, Harry and Meghan may need to pivot their approach. Some experts suggest that the couple might focus more on their philanthropic foundation, Archewell, or explore roles that allow them to advocate for social causes without relying heavily on Hollywood partnerships. By reinforcing their reputation as advocates rather than entertainers, they may regain some of the credibility they risk losing.

 

Alternatively, Harry and Meghan could choose to step back from the limelight altogether, opting for a quieter life and focusing on smaller-scale, meaningful projects. While this would represent a significant shift from their current high-profile lifestyle, it might allow them to rebuild their image away from the pressures of Hollywood.

The Impact on the Royal Family
For the royal family, William’s moves may signify a strategic effort to reinforce the monarchy’s standing, both within the UK and internationally. By distancing the family from the Sussexes’ controversies and reasserting control over key media relationships, William might be aiming to preserve the institution’s integrity. This decision could set a precedent for how the royals handle future dissent within the family, suggesting that the Firm is prioritizing unity and stability above individual members.

Conclusion: Is This Really the “Final Blow”?
While it’s too soon to say if Prince William’s recent actions will end Harry and Meghan’s Hollywood pursuits, they undeniably add pressure to an already challenging situation. As the Sussexes navigate these new obstacles, the couple may need to reassess their strategy if they hope to remain influential figures in the entertainment world. Whether this “final blow” marks the end of their Hollywood journey or a new beginning will ultimately depend on Harry and Meghan’s resilience—and their willingness to adapt to an ever-evolving landscape.

In early 2018, Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, made it clear to Prince Harry that he was not prepared to fully support him and his soon-to-be wife, Meghan Markle. These revelations, among others, were unveiled in Robert Jobson’s book, “Our King: Charles III — The Man and the Monarch Revealed.” According to reports, Harry grew increasingly frustrated during the conversation as the future King Charles III explained that he couldn’t afford to financially support not only Harry and Meghan but also Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William, Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, and their young family. Prince Charles, as the heir to the throne, received annual earnings from the Duchy of Cornwall, and he did not rely on funding from Queen Elizabeth II’s Sovereign Grant.

These revelations align with complaints that the Duke of Sussex expressed in his memoir, “Spare,” where he wrote about his inability to earn money “to support my family.” The disclosure came shortly after Harry lost his legal battle in the High Court to retain taxpayer-funded security. Documents from the case, decided on February 28, revealed that Harry even demanded to know the specific person who authorized the removal of Sussex’s security four years ago. In early 2020, Harry and Meghan Markle decided to leave the United Kingdom, a move popularly known as “Megxit,” with reasons that have been the subject of ongoing debate among analysts and the couple themselves.

Regardless of the underlying reasons for their departure, government-funded royal security is typically provided only to senior royals who actively work for or receive funding from the annual Sovereign Grant. It is widely understood that members of the monarchy who receive such security reside full-time in Britain and continue to fulfill their public and private duties as representatives of the reigning monarch. Both of these principles were abandoned when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their decision to leave.

In February 2020, the flame-haired prince filed a claim against the British Home Office after their decision to withdraw security, and he released a statement last December defending his choice. Harry expressed that he and the Duchess of Sussex felt compelled to leave the monarchy nearly four years ago.

“With great sadness, my wife and I felt forced to step back from our roles and leave the country in 2020. The U.K. is my home. It is central to the heritage of my children, and I want them to feel at home there, just as they do where they currently reside in the United States,” read Harry’s recent witness statement, underscoring his deep connection to the United Kingdom.

Now, in a significant move, the new Invictus Games Patron, Mike Tindall, has made a bold decision: he’s barred Harry from participating in the 2024 competition in Germany. This move has put the Prince in his place, and let’s unpack this moment that’s sure to stir some emotions.

According to Tindall, this decision wasn’t made lightly. He explained that allowing Harry to attend would risk overshadowing the incredible achievements of the athletes. Tindall, a former rugby player, diplomatically expressed that Harry’s presence could be distracting, emphasizing his commitment to the Invictus Community.Tindall didn’t mince words, suggesting that Harry’s personal issues and public feuds could undermine the event’s purpose. By sidelining Harry, Tindall aims to ensure that the Invictus Games remain focused on honoring military veterans’ resilience and sacrifice, qualities that Harry’s recent actions seem to lack.

The decision has sparked controversy, with Harry’s camp expressing disappointment. His spokesperson highlighted Harry’s connection to the Invictus Community, suggesting the Games provide vital support for wounded veterans. However, critics argue that Harry’s presence could turn the event into a media spectacle rather than a tribute to military service.

Tindall’s decision, supported by his role as a respected member of the royal family, underscores the event’s integrity. It’s seen as a necessary step to preserve the Games’ original vision amidst growing concerns about Harry’s public persona overshadowing their purpose.

In a startling turn of events at Rupert Murdoch’s wedding with Elena Jaava on June 5th, 2024, what was supposed to be a joyous occasion quickly spiraled into chaos and drama when Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, unexpectedly appeared uninvited, attempting to crash the ceremony.

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of pandemonium as Meghan strode into the exclusive chapel where the nuptials were underway. Video footage captured a visibly enraged Murdoch rising from his seat, his face flushed with anger, and marching towards Meghan, shouting, “Get out of here at once! You’re not welcome!” His voice cut through the stunned gasps of the high-society guests present.

Reports indicated Meghan, 42, looked taken aback by Murdoch’s furious reaction but stood her ground, arguing loudly that as a member of the British royal family, she had every right to attend. This only seemed to further enrage Murdoch, 93, who then attempted to physically remove her from the church, grabbing her arm amidst a scuffle that ensued with Meghan’s security team rushing to intervene.

The confrontation caused pandemonium among the guests, with security personnel scrambling to restore order. It took several tense minutes before calm was restored, and a visibly shaken Meghan was escorted off the premises.

The motive behind Meghan’s uninvited appearance remains unclear. Speculation suggests lingering resentment towards Murdoch’s media empire, which has been critical of her and Prince Harry. Others speculate she may have sought attention at a high-profile event. Regardless, Meghan’s disruptive actions drew widespread condemnation.

A spokesperson for Murdoch denounced the incident as an unacceptable privacy violation and disrespect for the sanctity of their wedding celebration. Legal action against Meghan and her security team was being considered.

Despite the disturbance, Murdoch, 93, and Jaava, 39, managed to exchange vows in a subdued ceremony attended by close friends and family. Mrs. Murdoch was seen comforting her visibly shaken husband afterward.

This incident adds to Meghan’s history of controversy since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Her activism and public statements continue to polarize public opinion. Meghan’s uninvited presence at Murdoch’s wedding is expected to fuel further debate and speculation about her actions and potential legal consequences in the aftermath of this dramatic event.

“Make Your Own Kind of Music — Live at Althorp” will be released later this week

Diana, Princess of Wales attending a Gala evening in aid of Cancer Research at Bridgewater House in London and members of the Rock Choir and Charles Spencer at Althorp House on Sept. 20, 2024. Photo: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty ; Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty

Rock Choir is getting ready to release the charitable song “Make Your Own Kind of Music — Live at Althorp,” benefitting The Diana Award
The music video was filmed at Althorp House, the late Princess Diana’s childhood home in Northamptonshire, England
Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, previously shared a peek on social media and sent well-wishes

The U.K.’s award-winning Rock Choir is harmonizing for the 25th anniversary of The Diana Award established in memory of Princess Diana by releasing a special new charity song.

On Oct. 31, Rock Choir will drop the official music video for the song, “Make Your Own Kind of Music — Live at Althorp,” with the tune to debut on Nov. 1. Around 350 members of the contemporary choir convened to record their rendition of “Make Your Own Kind of Music,” originally released by Cass Elliot in 1969, in September at Althorp.

Rock Choir’s rendering is raising money and awareness for The Diana Award during the organization’s 25th anniversary year, a statement said. The Diana Award is the only charity established in memory of Princess Diana, who died following a car accident in Paris in 1997 at age 36. The youth-focused organization is uniquely supported by both of her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, and endeavors to ensure “no young person is left out or left behind.”

Rock Choir at Althorp House on Sept. 20, 2024.Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty

Princess Diana ‘Went Where the Pain Was,’ Says The Diana Award CEO — and Now Her Sons Are Doing the Same (Exclusive)

While fans will have to wait a little bit longer to hear the song, Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, gave a peek into the recording as it happened at Althorp House.

Althorp is the Spencer family’s ancestral home in Northamptonshire, England, and where Princess Diana grew up. Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer, continues to live there today and the late Princess of Wales is buried at Oval Lake.

“What a treat to welcome 350 members of the Rock Choir to ⁦@AlthorpHouse⁩ today — recording a charity single for the wonderful ⁦@DianaAward⁩,” Charles, 60, wrote on X on Sept. 20 below a video of the members of the choir joining their voices. “The Diana Award was set up 25 years ago to continue my sister’s legacy of care and hope among young people all over the world.”

In another message (with video!) about “Take 8” of the Rock Choir singing, Charles added, “Such a lovely sound. I hope the record does really well for ⁦@DianaAward.”

Members of Rock Choir at Althorp House on Sept. 20, 2024.Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty

Prince Harry Says the Younger Generation ‘Give Me Hope’ at Event Tied to Mom Princess Diana

A snippet shared to Instagram showed the Rock Choir singing at the memorial to Princess Diana on the island where she is buried, and in front of Althorp House. Dr. Tessy Ojo CBE, CEO of the Diana Award, also appeared in the video and spoke about why the partnership means much.

“[Princess Diana] was a woman that made her own type of music. It’s our 25th anniversary, and that’s 25 years of driving change for young people,” Ojo said in the video shared to Instagram. “It’s wonderful to be partnering with Rock Choir, who have brought their flair of music to our work! Joining us in amplifying the incredible change that can happen when young people are invested in.”

A Christmas card signed by King Charles III and Princess Diana is being sold on eBay – and it could be yours for £2,000.

The listing for the ‘rare’ royal find, from 1985, features a photo of the couple with their children, Princes William and Harry – then three and one years old.

The sweet family portrait shows their eldest son lifting his little brother up and grinning for the camera – as they sit on a Shetland Pony together.

It reads: ‘To you both, from Charles and Diana.’ There is a family portrait of the royal couple with the Princes William and Harry as youngsters.

The special artefact is all the more rare given royals have for a long time not been allowed to sign autographs due to risk of forgery.

There are only a handful of exceptions, such as visitors’ books or official documents.

The card was once auctioned by RR Auction in 2022 and is now available to purchase on eBay being sold by its current owner, who is based in the US.

It is currently listed for US $2,949.95, or approximately£2,337.89.

+3

A Christmas card signed by King Charles III and Princess Diana is being sold on eBay – and it could be yours for £2,000

‘This is a rare and unique item for any collector or fan of King Charles III, Princess Diana, The United Kingdom and The British Royal Family,’ the site says.

‘The 1985 Holiday Card features a signature from Princess Diana and King Charles III and comes with a certificate of authenticity from RR Auction.

‘The Westminster Collection Ltd & also has been authenticated by Professional Sports Authentication.

‘The card showcases a beautiful design and is in excellent condition, perfect for display or as a special addition to any collection.

‘The historical significance of this item cannot be overstated, and it is a must-have for any serious collector.

‘Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of history.’

It comes as last month, Queen Elizabeth II‘s former housemaid was selling her collection of Christmas cards sent to her from the late monarch to help pay for her care in old age.

June Guerin, now 87,  joined the royal household in the early 1970s after answering an advert in The Lady magazine.

+3

The listing for the ‘rare’ royal find, from 1985, features a photo of the couple with their children, Princes William and Harry – then three and one years old

+3

Charles and Diana pictured on Christmas Day in 1981, after a service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor

She served the Queen and Prince Philip for 22 years and became a senior housemaid at Buckingham Palace.

The Queen was said to be fond of June and she travelled with her and the Duke of Edinburgh, serving at Sandringham, Windsor Castle, Balmoral and on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

She used to regale her family with the story of how she once danced the Gay Gordon Scottish country dance with Prince Philip at a party.

June retired in the mid-1990s and used to live in an apartment on the royal estate at Windsor.

Now suffering from dementia and aged 87, June’s family were selling her royal Christmas cards to help pay for her care.

There were 24 cards in total dating from 1987 to 2018, with some years missing.

Also going under the hammer in October were two personal handwritten cards from Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.

Mimi Connel Lay, of Lay’s Auctioneers of Penzance, Cornwall, said: ‘June’s collection of Christmas cards are a testament to her devotion to the Royal family.

‘Even though she retired from service in the mid-1990s, she still received a Christmas card from the Queen and Prince Philip up until the Queen’s death.

‘It is rare for a phenomenal and personal collection such as this to come onto the market. June now has dementia and is in a care home and her family have made the difficult decision to sell these treasured items to help with her care.

‘Some of the Christmas cards are great from an historic perspective, showing Harry right in the centre and bosom of his family, which is rather poignant given the current rift.’

The card for Christmas 1987 carries a photograph of the Queen and Prince Philip and their four grandchildren at the time, Peter, Zara, William and Harry.

June is originally from Guernsey and never had children.

In recent years she has lived in Cornwall, near her great niece, Michaell Dunne, who is selling the collection.

Mrs Dunne, 45, said: ‘She was very loyal to the Queen who I think cared for the people who were around her every day.

‘Auntie June was always very descreet when it came to the royal family and never gossiped.

‘She did say that her duties included preparing the Queen’s bedroom for bedtime or going in to open the curtains in the morning.

‘June’s favourite story was a New Year’s Eve party where the staff were invited to and she danced the Gay Gordons with Prince Philip, that was her claim to fame.

‘June has lived in a care home in Cornwall for the past six years and has advancing vascular dementia these days. She forgets that the Queen and Prince Philip have passed away and gets upset if reminded.

‘We’d love for June’s collection of cards to be treasured by future generations of people who love the royal family the same way that she does.’

Cruz Beckham and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel channelled a young Posh and Becks in their latest PDA snap.

Cruz, 19, and the singer, 29, looked just like his parents David and Victoria Beckham in the ’90s as they cuddled up in a bedroom.

The youngest Beckham son was the spitting image of his football legend dad as he showed off his arm tattoos and shaved eyebrow while wearing a baggy white T-shirt.

Jackie, meanwhile, bore a striking resemblance to Posh Spice as she posed in a plunging white halterneck top and blue jeans, with her dark hair piled on her head.

The Brazilian singer knelt on the bed with her legs around Cruz and her arm around his neck as he placed his hand on his thigh.

Jackie – who began dating Cruz in June – posted a photo of their Polaroid on her Instagram Story with a tearful face emoji on Friday.

+9

Cruz Beckham, 19, and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, channelled Posh and Becks in their latest PDA snap

+9

They looked just like Cruz’s parents David and Victoria Beckham when they were younger (pictured in 2003)

This isn’t the first time the former girl band member has shared loved-up snaps with Cruz on social media.

Earlier this month, she shared a photo of them passionately kissing with their arms wrapped around each other on Instagram.

Days later, she captured a shirtless Cruz baring his tattoos as he cuddled his parents’ dogs, Simba and Fig.

The songwriter seems to have been accepted into the Beckham clan despite online chatter around her 10-year age gap with Cruz.

Jackie joined Cruz in September in supporting Victoria at her fashion show during Paris Fashion Week.

She was spotted numerous times with the Beckhams during Fashion Week and even wore one of Victoria’s chic dresses to her runway show.

Following the catwalk presentation, she took to Instagram to gush: ‘The most beautiful show and the most beautiful dress. Congratulations @victoriabeckham.’

+9

Jackie and Cruz began dating in June

+9

+9

The Brazilian singer bears a striking resemblance to a young Posh Spice (pictured right in 2000)

Cruz Beckham gets cozy with girlfriend Jackie Apostel in CaliforniaIn October, Cruz whisked Jackie on a trip to Florida to spend time with his famous family.

They were spotted with fashion designer Victoria on a boating trip in Miami.

The pair also put on a smitten display as they watched Inter Miami play the New England Revolution at the Chase Stadium, in support of his football club owner dad, alongside his sister Harper and Victoria.

Cruz recently revealed how smitten he is with Jackie, as he shared a tribute to the singer to celebrate her 29th birthday.

He posted a photo of the brunette beauty waiting to blow out her birthday candles to his Instagram Story.

‘Happy Birthday xx I love you,’ he captioned it.

The teen split last year from his ex Tana Holding after a year of dating.

+9

+9

The Brazilian singer has even been seen wearing similar outfits to a young Victoria (pictured right in 2001)

+9

Cruz recently declared his love for Jackie online while celebrating her 29th birthday

Cruz was previously in a relationship with Bliss Chapman for 18 months, but they parted ways in March 2022.

While his older brother Brooklyn is a budding chef and photographer and Romeo has pursued a career in football, Cruz has chosen to get into singing.

He has been releasing music since 2016 and is now said to be launching a career.

He has reportedly collaborated with Ed Frewett, known for working with Little Mix and One Direction, and producer Fred Ball, who has collaborated with Beyoncé and Rihanna.

Brooklyn Beckham showed off yet another impressive cooking tutorial as he took to his Instagram on Monday.

The son of David and Victoria Beckham, 25, who has been slammed in the past for his ‘out of touch’ recipes whipped up a mouth-watering lobster foldie with American chef Evan Funke.

The aspiring chef began by stretching the dough for the foldie, drizzling it with olive oil, folding it in half, and placing it in the oven.

Next, he prepared a tempura batter for the lobster and deep-fried each piece to perfection.

To accompany the dish, he made a slaw consisting of julienned fennel, carrot, cucumber, and celery.

+7

Brooklyn Beckham showed off yet another impressive cooking tutorial as he took to his Instagram on Monday

+7

The son of David and Victoria Beckham , 25, who has been slammed in the past for his ‘out of touch’ recipes whipped up a mouth-watering lobster foldie with American chef Evan Funke

Brooklyn then dipped the fried lobster into a sauce featuring his own Cloud23 Hot Habanero sauce.

He assembled the dish by tossing the fried lobster in the hot sauce again and layering it with the slaw inside the foldie.

He then plated up his creation, adding a final touch of sauce before digging in.

Brooklyn captioned the clip: ‘Lobster foldie by Evan Funke.

‘We’re bringing Funke’s culinary magic straight to your kitchen. Succulent lobster, perfectly poached and wrapped in a golden, crispy tempura shell, takes center stage. Drizzled with the fiery kick of Cloud23’s Hot Habanero Sauce and nestled in a freshly baked foldie, it’s topped with a vibrant slaw for the perfect crunch. And if you aren’t a lobster lover, sub for chicken or whatever protein calls your name! ENJOY.

‘If you want the full recipe, head to our website at c23.com!’

Brooklyn has been trying his utmost to launch a cooking career and often takes to social media to show off his food creations.

+7

The aspiring chef began by stretching the dough for the foldi, drizzling it with olive oil, folding it in half, and placing it in the oven

+7

To accompany the dish, he made a slaw consisting of julienned fennel, carrot, cucumber, and celery

+7

He plated up his creation, adding a final touch of sauce before digging in

In the video, Brooklyn also appeared to take inspiration from his father with his top, as he sported a red England number seven shirt, which David himself inherited.

In an accompanying caption, he gushed over his love of truffle, which he used generously to make the dish, writing: ‘In my kitchen no such thing as too much truffle.’

According to 2021 estimates, winter black truffle has an average price of $20.49 per ounce, while burgundy black truffle costs $24.93 per ounce and summer black truffle is worth $22.57 per ounce. It is not known what type of truffle Brooklyn used.

In the cookery clip, Brooklyn was seen making a sauce from scratch, using ingredients including flour, grated garlic, oil and cheese.

He then generously added truffle slices to the creamy sauce, which he heated up in a saucepan while boiling his tagliatelle pasta separately.

Brooklyn, who is married to heiress Nicola Peltz, then transferred his sauce to a frying pan, where he added the pasta and stirred them together to combine.

He was then seen serving up his meal in a hand-painted blue bowl, adding more grated cheese and truffle on top to finish.

Brooklyn then tasted his Italian meal and was seen flashing a thumbs-up as he appeared to approve of his final result.

+7

Brooklyn has been trying his utmost to launch a cooking career and often takes to social media to show off his food creations (pictured earlier this year)

Loose Women star Coleen cites her busy lifestyle and juggling work while settling into her home as the reason for the relationship with Michael Jones ending

Coleen Nolan is embracing being single again after splitting from her partner of three years by throwing herself into life on her new farm.

The Loose Women favourite recently parted ways with supermarket logistics worker Michael Jones.

She cites her busy lifestyle, juggling work with settling into her home, was the reason for the relationship ending. And while breaking up was sad for the mum of three, she says the pair ended things on good terms. Coleen, 59, reveals: “We’ve decided that we would rather just stay friends. It’s nothing to do with anyone else, it’s nobody’s fault.

“But I’m really busy and when I’m not really busy with work I’m busy on the farm and I feel personally that I can’t give time to everything. We still get along great and hopefully we can continue to be friends, who knows?” This isn’t the first time Coleen has stayed pals with an ex – she counts former husbands actor Shane Richie and musician Ray Fensome among her best friends.

She tells our sister title OK! magazine: “I think that comes from age and experience. With it being my 60th next year, I think ‘I haven’t got time, life’s too short’. I mean, I hope I have lots of time. But I’m not 20 any more, I don’t want to wait for two years and see what happens. I’m not going to say it wasn’t sad, because of course it was. But I really hope that once that sadness goes away we can continue to be friends.”

Coleen, who found fame in the 1980s singing in the girl group the Nolan Sisters with her siblings Maureen, Anne, Belinda, Linda and Bernie, has no regrets over her romance with Michael, who she met in 2021.

She says: “It was fabulous. Michael came along at just the right time for me and I think over the last three and a half years we’ve helped each other grow. I always choose to focus on the times that were great, not the sad ending. The last two years of both my marriages were probably horrendous, but equally the 10 years before were fantastic.”

Coleen Nolan and daughter Ciara Fensome ( 
Image:
OK! Magazine / David Cummings)
Her new six-acre property in Staffordshire is a rather big focus at present, as is realising her dream of owning a real farm. bColeen recalls: “Even when I was little and I was with my sisters, Dad would say to me, ‘You just need to be on a farm, you need to be with animals’. I can still hear him saying it.”

Now she spends three to four hours a day mucking out and feeding the animals – they have three horses, five dogs, six cats, five ducks, two cockerels, four hens and five pygmy goats – and finds huge freedom in it. She says: “It’s just a wonderful feeling, it really is my happy place. The best thing about it is, the animals don’t care whether I’ve got make-up on, or what I’m wearing. As long as I’m giving them food, letting them out or taking them for a walk, they don’t care about anything else.

“Because I’m in an industry that is fabulous, but also means you’re judged by everything you do, being on the farm where nothing matters and no one is judging me is a wonderful feeling. Coleen shares the farm with her daughter Ciara, 23, and Ciara’s fiance Max, who live in what used to be a separate Airbnb place on the plot.

Coleen and Ciara love being neighbours ( 
Image:
OK! Magazine / David Cummings)
And the star is delighted to have them so close by. She says: “If I had to have neighbours, they’d be the ones I’d want. Although I think they think I’m the local Tesco Express because Ciara will come up and leave with a Tesco bag of whatever she’s found in my fridge. But then she’s like my local restaurant because I’ll go up there for my dinner and then come home again.

“So I can’t really complain when she comes and steals the ingredients.” Coleen has two older children, Shane Jnr, 36, and Jake, 32, from her marriage to her first husband, EastEnders actor Shane, 60, while Ciara’s dad is Coleen’s second husband, Ray. Her daughter also cherishes the farm, saying: “I’m absolutely loving living here. It went from a house to a home within a couple of days.

“We’re actually living my dream life, too, and I’m so grateful. I couldn’t be more proud of her. I look out my window in the morning and can see the horses and it’s the best feeling.” Next year is a big one for Coleen. As well as turning 60 in March, she will also celebrate 25 years of being on Loose Women, as she joined the ITV programme in 2000, during its first year of being on air.

Getting ready for the festive season ( 
Image:
OK! Magazine / David Cummings)The panel show has taught her a lot over that time, she says. She continues: “My whole life has changed since then. I’ve lived my life on Loose Women and equally I’ve learnt a lot and I’ve grown a lot. When I think back to my opinions on certain things 24 years ago compared to my opinions now, they’re so different. I look back sometimes and think, ‘Why would I have ever thought that?’

“But I was in my early 30s when I started, and now I am nearly 60. I’ve had kids who’ve taught me so much, life has changed and the world has changed. I’m so much more confident now in who I am.”

While she wouldn’t change anything about her time, the only thing Coleen doesn’t enjoy so much now is how “restricted” panellists are. She says: “Back then, you could say what you wanted, and while people might not have agreed with you, it didn’t mean you were ‘cancelled’ or never going to work again. Now we have to be really careful, and edit ourselves.”

The star helped support Loose Women pal Ruth Langsford after she split from husband Eamonn Holmes in May, and is “in awe” of how Ruth handled the situation. She says: “She’s such a dignified lady and she looks the best she’s ever looked, in my opinion. bShe’s a trooper, and I’ll always be there for her.”

And although she rules out following Loose Women’s Jane Moore into the I’m a Celebrity jungle, Coleen – who won Celebrity Big Brother All Stars vs New Stars in 2017 – does have a new TV project in mind. She reveals: “I’d much rather do a reality show about life on the farm. That’s the next big dream.”

Barry McGuigan was a huge hit with I’m A Celebrity fans in the jungle and it turns out the former boxer has a famous best friend who was urging fans to vote for him

Former boxer Barry McGuigan was a big hit with I’m A Celeb viewers during his stint in the Aussie jungle this year, before his exit on Thursday. But many viewers didn’t know he boasted a famous fan back home – none other than telly host Eamonn Holmes. Eamonn took to Instagram to root for Barry, posting a snap of the ex-boxer captioned ‘Vote Barry.’ He wrote: “We’ve known each other for 45 years and are best friends. Hope you can help keep my pal Barry in the Jungle.”

This show of camaraderie from Eamonn comes hot on the heels of his ex-spouse Ruth Langsford’s visit to the I’m A Celeb campsite to support her Loose Women colleagues GK Barry and Jane Moore, with the latter being the first to get the boot. Ruth was also there to feature on the spin-off programme, I’m A Celeb Unpacked, joining Joel Dommett, Sam Thompson, and Kemi Rodgers.

Eamonn Holmes has revealed that Barry McGuigan is his best friend ( 
Image:
PA)

During his jungle jaunt, featherweight champ Barry, aged 63, has won over both viewers and fellow campmates with his heartfelt stories and charm. On Tuesday 4 December, the campmates were treated to a night at the Jungle Arms pub, complete with nibbles, drinks, and a karaoke session where Barry’s performance of Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl left everyone in awe.

One admirer exclaimed on X: “One thing about the jungle arms it always makes you realise the least obvious one can sing, Barry I love you man” while another chimed in with “who knew Barry McGuigan could sing so well #imaceleb.”

McFly’s Danny Jones also stunned the crowd with a rendition of Bon Jovi, sparking calls from fans for a potential duet down the line. “When they leave the jungle Barry and Danny need to release a single together,” one viewer penned. Echoing this sentiment, another fan chimed in: “Can Danny and Barry release a song please? Thanks. #ImACeleb”.

Fans are hoping Barry and Danny release a single

Earlier in the series, Barry shared a poignant story about losing his cherished daughter Danika to cancer. She tragically passed away five weeks after being diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2019.

Speaking to his fellow campmates, Barry revealed: “She had leukaemia, when I was making [The Boxer] with Daniel Day Lewis, three weeks from the end I had to leave because she’d been diagnosed with leukaemia, they thought she wasn’t going to get better but she fought back and she won it. She had two years of chemo.”

After overcoming her initial illness and pursuing a career in acting, Nika was sadly diagnosed with cancer again in her early thirties. Barry confided in Jane Moore about Nika’s second cancer diagnosis, revealing that she had been experiencing “pains in her tummy but she was making the movie, she put it off and went to the doctor, called us all in. Stage 4 bowel cancer, 5 weeks, 5 weeks she died.”