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Gavin and Stacey fans were left confused by one moment in the Christmas Day finale but it turns out there was a very good reason why it was included

Gavin and Stacey fans were over the moon when the much-anticipated finale aired on Christmas Day and were treated to an unexpected moment.

The episode, which answered many lingering questions from the previous special and saw the return of beloved characters, is sure to be remembered for years to come. After a five-year wait to find out if Smithy said ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to Nessa’s proposal, the new episode focused on Smithy’s impending wedding to Sonia.

However, viewers were left scratching their heads over one particular moment during the wedding ceremony. As the entire cast – including Gavin and Stacey, Pam and Mick, Pete and Dawn, Gwen, Brynn and Jason, and even ‘Dave Coaches’ – reunited for one last time, Oscar Hartland, who plays Neil the Baby, son of Smithy and Nessa, delivered a touching performance of The Beatles’ hit song, Blackbird.

Oscar has played Neil The Baby throughout the series ( 
Image:
BBC)
Despite fitting perfectly into the episode, many were left wondering why it was included. But, after looking into Oscar’s past TV appearances, it was revealed that the young actor had previously competed in The Voice Kids last year and has an amazing voice. TV critic and broadcaster Scott Bryan explained earlier this week: “Baby Neil, who was actually one of the… babies in Gavin and Stacey when it first debuted, he was in The Voice, and they loved him in The Voice, so that’s why he sings in the film.”

During his stint on the show in 2023, Oscar expressed his desire to be recognized for his talents, saying: “People know me for being Neil the Baby in Gavin and Stacey, which I absolutely love, but now I wanna be known for my music and singing.”, reports OK!. In an interview with The Sun, he discussed his experience on the competition show, stating: “It was weird being on the studio stage without the band, but I thought I’d just do what I do with the boys and hopefully get a result out of it. I went into it wanting Danny to turn, or Ronan. But it was really something.”

Ruth Jones, who plays Nessa, offered her support in a video message, saying: “We knows what’s occurring, you’re on The Voice Kids. Don’t forget you takes after your mother when it comes to music.” She continued in character: “Go out there and you smash it kid alright? Crackin’.”

Oscar’s character was conceived following a one night stand between Nessa and Smithy amid their tumultuous relationship. Neil appeared on screens for the first time in the finale of season two in 2008. He last made an appearance along with the rest of the cast in the 2019 Christmas special.

Oscar was barely recognisable as he walked the red carpet at the Gavin & Stacey: The Finale screening in London in a white T-shirt, baggy jeans and a red star-patterned cardigan. Away from his role as Neil, the star has turned his attention to music. He is the guitarist and co-frontman of South Wales band Redwood City and last year he even competed on The Voice Kids as a solo artist.

BBC Radio 2 host Vernon Kay is presenting the National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash on ITV as 2024 comes to an end but admits that his daughters have ‘banned’ a habit of his

Vernon Kay will be joining Fleur East to host The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash, seeing in 2025 alongside performers including Craig David, Olly Alexander, Perrie, KSI and Ella Henderson in the pre-recorded special. Vernon says viewers can expect a “mind-blowing” show – and a few surprises.

“It’s a big celebration, a big look back, a big rewind – great music and a great atmosphere at the Ovo Arena in Wembley,” he explains. “We’ll also have Cirque du Soleil performers there, which is quite a nice twist. When you see the strength and stamina of those performers, it’s something to behold.”

Vernon Kay is hosting The National Lottery New Year’s Eve Big Bash 2024 with Fleur East ( 
Image:
Getty Images for The National Lo)

After starring in panto in High Wycombe on New Year’s Eve, Vernon will be heading to his Buckinghamshire home to celebrate with his wife, Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly, their daughters Phoebe, 20, and Amber, 15, Vernon’s parents and Tess’s mum. While the presenter is used to choosing the tracks on his BBC Radio 2 show, he says it will be his girls on DJ duty at home on New Year’s Eve.

“The music is well and truly in their control,” says Vernon. “They use my Spotify account but they control the music in our house. They like what we like though, so that’s pretty cool. My daughters have banned fireworks because I spend too much money on them,” he smiles. “I do a firework display like a child.”

Vernon Kay is spending New Year’s Eve with his family – but admits that his daughters have banned him from setting off fireworks this year ( 
Image:
tessdaly / Instagram)
As for New Year’s resolutions, Vernon vows to tackle 2025 with a young mindset. “I wake up every morning and just pretend I’m 19,” he says. “I didn’t have any responsibilities when I was 19. I loved going out, I loved working – and when you wake up with that, ‘Come on, let’s do it,’ mindset, I think it suits you. My personal situation has changed with kids, but if you attack the day like you did when you were 19, you can’t go wrong.”

Earlier this year, Vernon hinted at a potential move away from the UK, telling Annie McManus on her podcast Changes that he would love another shot at making it big in America. “Well, flippantly, I’d like another crack at America because I think I messed up. I did three network shows for America. I wouldn’t say I messed that up. I think looking back, I was inexperienced,” he said.

He added: “I think, knowing, being more confident in myself and the way I work, I’d like another go at a game show in America. That’s a big change.”

Gavin and Stacey creators Ruth Jones and James Corden have answered fan questions about the last ever episode – and have not dismissed the rumour of a character getting killed

Gavin and Stacey creators Ruth Jones and James Corden have confronted rumours a character on the beloved sitcom will be killed off in the last ever episode.

Fans of the long-running BBC show have been tuning in since 2007 to follow the lives of the relatable cast of characters – led by titular stars Mathew Horne and Joanna Page as Gavin and Stacey Shipman. And on Christmas Day the show will reach a definitive climax with the last ever episode.

All of the cast are set to return – with 58-year-old Ruth and 46-year-old James tipped to take on the focus of the story as the 2019 Christmas special ended with them becoming engaged and the final episode expected to feature their nuptials. However, there are also fears that one of the characters could die in a heartbreaking twist.

Ruth and James appeared on Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden on Christmas Eve where they teased details of the 2024 festive special while fielding questions from listeners. One fan calling in to the radio show asked: “Hi James and Ruth, my name is Hannah. I just wanted to ask the question, does everybody make it through the finale? I’ve heard rumours of a funeral. What is going on?”

James previously fuelled rumours a Gavin and Stacey character will be killed off ( 
Image:
Heart FM)

The hit sitcom has been on the air since 2007 ( 
Image:
PA)

Ruth replied: “The thing is, Hannah, I think it would spoil it for you if we told you what’s actually going to happen. I think you’re just going to have to go with the flow and ride those emotions.” While another asked if viewers will finally learn of what happened on the fabled fishing trip between Rob Brydon’s character Uncle Bryn and Robert Wilfort’s character Jason West. But Ruth only teased: “All we can say is it is not illegal in this country.”

Rumours of a character death were spun by Corden himself when he said earlier this year: “What we were editing today was a very moving and emotional scene at Bryn’s funeral. I’m joking, I promise. Or am I?” While cast of the show have promised fans that the last ever episode will be full of emotional scenes.

Mathew revealed earlier this month: “I want to say I was nervous about reading the script as it’s always been Ruth’s (Jones) and James’s (Corden) priority to get the script perfect in the first instance, to tell a story the right way. And I had no evidence to suggest that this final script wouldn’t adhere to those principles and be anything other than brilliant. I did have a nervous compulsion to read it immediately and my expectations were exceeded. It made me laugh, it made me cry and upon completion, I thought it was nothing short of a masterpiece.

“Not just in terms of an episode of Gavin And Stacey, but frankly any script I’ve ever read. I immediately took to our WhatsApp group to say as much. The nerves started upon finishing reading the script in as much as I hoped we could all meet the quality of the script upon shooting it. It hasn’t disappointed.”

Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood opens up about the report that upheld six complaints against Giovanni Pernice in the aftermath of the Amanda Abbington bullying scandal

Judge Craig Revel Horwood has backed Giovanni Pernice in the Strictly sleaze row.

Gio was accused of bullying his partner Amanda Abbington. An internal BBC investigation upheld six of 17 complaints against him but not those of physical aggression.

The Italian professional, 34, later insisted he was a “strict teacher” but was never a bully to the Sherlock star, 50.

And Craig says: “It says a lot that only six minor complaints out of the 17 were upheld in the BBC’s investigation. So, I feel now we can move forward with a fresh approach.”

He also added to Saga: “The good thing to come out of a difficult situation was the introduction of chaperones to Strictly. It’s great that now professionals and celebrities have someone to go to for advice and to resolve issues and conflicts before they become a problem.Striving for gold is never easy but gold is what competitors want, don’t they? At the same time, Strictly’s not the Olympics. It’s a dance show and it’s entertainment. We shouldn’t forget that.”

Craig Revel Horwood speaks his mind on Giovanni Pernice ( 
Image:
DIGITAL/EROTEME.CO.UK)
Pernice has previously denied being a bully. He said after the findings of the report: ““Bully is a big word and there’s a difference between being a bully and caring about what you do.

“I’m glad 11 allegations have been thrown out. At the beginning there were very serious allegations, for instance threatening her or abusing her, and all of this has been taken out.

“I’m a strict teacher. I said it myself. I care about my job. I’m very competitive.

Craig also said it was going to be a double celebration when he celebrates his 60th birthday next year – as his mum has beaten cancer for the second time. He said: “My mum recently came through six months of chemo. She beat cancer the first time ten years ago, and she’s been given the all-clear again. She’s in very high spirits about that fact, as we all are.”

Made in Chelsea star Emily Blackwell has given birth to her first child 10 weeks early as she admitted she’s had the ‘hardest time of her life’ as her baby went into intensive care

Emily Blackwell has revealed she has welcomed her first child 10 weeks early and admitted it has been the “hardest time of her life”.

The Made in Chelsea star, 28, gave birth almost two months ago and opened up to fans about spending 53 gruelling days in intensive care. She welcomed her daughter Eva June Oldershaw on November 3, who had to spend weeks in an incubator. Emily and fiancé Jordan Oldershaw admitted they felt “totally out of control”.

The reality TV star shared a montage of moments from Eva’s time in hospital from being supported by medical equipment to being well enough to go home. She emotionally shared: “Hello world Eva June Oldershaw born 03.11.2024. After 53 days in the NICU our little miracle is finally home. Eva was born over 10 weeks early.

“To say the last few months have been the hardest times of our lives, would be an understatement. Not being able to take our baby home for 2 months, feeling totally out of control, sitting for hours staring at monitors, listening to the bleeping and alarms going off, not knowing what each day will bring.”

Emily and Jordan have opened up on the ‘hardest time of their lives’ ( 
Image:
TikTok / @emily__blackwell)

The TV star welcomed her baby 10 weeks early ( 
Image:
TikTok / @emily__blackwell)

She continued: “Staring at Eva through an incubator with wires everywhere and feeling totally helpless, asking the nurses to help us hold our baby. This is not how I imagined it…However, Eva is one tough cookie and I’m so incredibly grateful she’s now here with us at home and healthy.

“I can’t thank the NHS enough and in particular, the Chelsea Westminster Hospital. The midwives, doctors and nurses are ABSOLUTE angels, who we will forever be indebted to. Even though this was not what I had planned, I’m still so grateful for the journey we been on. We have had 10 extra weeks with our baby girl and watched her conquer so much. She is one strong little lady.

“Now it’s time to adjust and enjoy life as a family of 3 and soak up every single moment in our newborn bubble. Jordan, you have been mine and Eva’s rock through all of this. There’s no way could we have done this without you. Juggling all this whilst running a business is no joke and everyday I’m so proud of you. (A bit soppy, I know) butttt watching the way you have been with our daughter has made me love you even more.”

Emily’s followers rushed to share their support as Made In Chelsea star Lucy Watson said: “Oh my gosh. She is a little fighter. So pleased you get to bring your girl home. congratulations to you both xxx.” Jazz Saunders added: “Eva is a tough cookie like her mama sending you so much love.”

The TV star announced her pregnancy just weeks after Jordan had popped the question after two years together while on holiday in Florence. In a snap posted on social media, Emily was seen smiling from ear to ear as Jordan was stood behind her, as he gently placed his hands either side of her baby bump. She captioned the post: “It’s giving Mum and Dad all we’ve ever dreamed of and more.”

Danny Jones posed with Sam Thompson outside of the This Morning studios on Monday.

The McFly singer, 38, won the latest series of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! and Made In Chelsea star Sam, 32, was crowned King of the Jungle himself  in 2023.

The meeting appeared to be a one of surprise as the pair left the building in White City, and the pair wasted no time in throwing their arms around each other.

Since his jungle success, Sam has become a regular on ITV‘s flagship magazine show, and features as a showbiz correspondent and competition presenter.

Sam helped judge the show’s most viral moment of 2024, and it was decreed that Sarah Jossel brushing her hair with tin foil had been pulled in over 30 million views.

Meanwhile, Danny was on the famous sofa to give his first interview as victor and opened up about how the whole experience took him by surprise.

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Danny Jones posed with Sam Thompson outside of the This Morning studios on Monday after his victory in the jungle

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The McFly singer, 38, won the latest series of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! and Made In Chelsea star Sam, 32, was crowned King of the Jungle himself in 2023

He told hosts Craig Doyle and Sian Welby: ‘It was amazing, everyone was so lovely. they had good hearts and were good people.

‘When you were down, they comforted you, and everyone was up for a laugh as well.

‘I had that guitar in there, because I play guitar every day, and that was the highlight for me just seeing people’s reactions.

‘For people to vote for me, probably hungry and tired, I am so thankful because you’ve got no perspective of how you’re doing in there. It’s really real in there, we talk about deep stuff.

‘You have the lowest of lows and the highest of highs, and I never thought that it would be like that. I was vulnerable.

‘As men, we say we’re going for a pint and we go ‘Good man, yeah!’ talk about the football or the rugby or whatever but we don’t get that quality time to go down to a deeper level.

‘And that’s what we did in the jungle because we had no distraction of phones or anything. It was just a beautiful stream, an amazing jungle, campmates to talk to.

‘And you get deep.’

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Since his jungle success, Sam has become a regular on ITV’s flagship magazine show, and features as a showbiz correspondent and competition presenter

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Danny was on the famous sofa to give his first interview as victor and opened up about how the whole experience took him by surprise

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He told hosts Craig Doyle and Sian Welby: ‘It was amazing, everyone was so lovely. they had good hearts and were good people…’

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Danny is best known as part of McFly alongside Tom Fletcher , Harry Judd , and Dougie Poynter and the group have achieved huge success since their debut in 2004

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But during his appearance on This Morning, he admitted during his This Morning appearance that he is ‘so humbled’ that viewers accepted him for himself away from the band

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The All About You singer was overcome with emotion as he discussed his mental health with his campmates, and ad one point admitted he has had therapy since he was 19 years old

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Sam  was crowned King of the Jungle in 2023, exactly a decade after he first found fame as part of Made in Chelsea

Danny is best known as part of McFly alongside Tom Fletcher, Harry Judd, and Dougie Poynter – who was crowned King of the Jungle himself in 2011 – and admitted that he is ‘so humbled’ that viewers accepted him for himself away from the band.

He said: ‘I didn’t have the band to hide behind, I didn’t have the voice to hide behind. They were voting for just me, and that’s a different thing.

‘Just me being me. And I am so thankful for that, because I’m normally hiding behind the guitar and all of that.

‘Even 21 years later, to have that, I feel so humbled.’

Caroline Flack’s friends are ‘devastated’ after the late star’s mother had some harrowing questions about the night the TV presenter died

Caroline Flack’s friends are ‘devastated’ after the late star’s mother had some harrowing questions about the night the TV presenter died.

With the fifth anniversary of the death of the beloved TV presenter on the horizon, a new documentary will be aired on Disney+ in which Caroline’s mother, Christine Flack, has questioned the events of the her daughter’s last 24 hours and the fateful night, and has asked whether has death could have been prevented.

Christine is questioning why Louise Teasdale and Mollie Grosberg, Caroline’s closest friends, left her alone in her flat on the night she took her own life, just a day after they raised concerns about the TV star’s welfare following a suicide attempt previously.

Caroline Flack with close friend Lou Teasdale
The questions raised by Christine in the documentary has prompted anger, reports MailOnline, and friends of Caroline have asked why it was “down to them” to look after Caroline. According to the report, a close friend of Louise said: “Why was it down to Caroline’s friends to look after her? Where was her family? Louise had to get back to her young daughter, she couldn’t stay any longer.”

The friend continued: “They had been with Caroline for hours and hours and they tried to get her to go to hospital but she wouldn’t. They remained at her flat to make sure she was OK but they couldn’t stay there indefinitely, so they went. It is devastating that they now have Caroline’s mother blaming them. Christine was once so close to Lou but not any more.”

Mollie Grosberg and Caroline Flack ( 
Image:
Instagram)
Caroline’s friend Mollie, has openly said that was would never get over the events of that night. The source told MailOnline: “She was a good friend to Caroline. She would have done anything for her.”

The Mirror has contacted Mollie, Louise and Christine’s representatives for comment.

Christine’s tireless campaigning to get to the truth took a step closer after the Independent Office of Police Conduct urged the Met to reopen its investigation into the case against the tragic TV star. The watchdog has recommended the force’s Directorate of Professional Standards interview an officer who was at Caroline’s 2019 arrest, shortly before she killed herself.

Caroline Flack and her mum Christine ( 
Image:
Internet Unknown)

He was said to have been involved in the move to ­overrule the CPS decision to only issue the Love Island host with a caution for attacking Lewis Burton. But the unnamed officer was not compelled to give evidence for initial reviews into police conduct as he had left the force. He has since returned to duty.

Christine was told last month the officer about the development. She said last night: “We won’t stop until we get the truth.” The Met last year apologised to Caroline’s family after admitting officers did not record why they appealed against the CPS caution.

Christine added: “Something very unusual happened to Carrie at the police station that night, but no one kept a proper record explaining why. I have now made a complaint to compel the officer to give the ­statement we think he should have given four years ago. As a family, we have been left with important ­unanswered questions.”

*If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch.

John Torode’s wife Lisa Faulkner announced the couple’s plans after MasterChef host Gregg Wallace has stepped back from the BBC show

In the wake of the Gregg Wallace scandal, Lisa Faulkner was the bookies’ favourite to replace him on MasterChef, however, it has since been announced the coveted role has gone to popular food critic Grace Dent.

Gregg stepped back from the BBC show in late November while allegations of historical misconduct against him were investigated – he has vehemently denied the allegations.

Now, Lisa has confirmed her plans with husband and MasterChef host John Torode, who is set to return to the BBC show in the new year.

The TV couple, who front their Sunday morning show John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen, will be back in 2025.

In a candid new interview, Lisa, 52, explained, “We have a new series of John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen coming out. It’s so much fun, and we have such a great team.

John Torode and his wife Lisa Faulkner host a cooking show (Image: GETTY)“I am also in a dram [Netflix’s Missing You] that’s out in January, so all exciting things.”

The on-screen star shared she also hoped to have some more exciting shows in the pipeline alongside her husband John, 59.

“John and I love working together,” Lisa told Bella magazine. “We don’t do it all the time – people think we do but we don’t!”

She went on: “It’s really nice when we get to do filming, so I’d love to carry on doing our cooking show, maybe another book…

Gregg Wallace has been replaced on BBC MasterChef (Image: Getty)

“We’d love to do another travel show too, we’re thinking about where we could go.”

Meanwhile, Grace is set to host the next series of Celebrity MasterChef, after Gregg stepped back from presenting the show after allegations against him.

The author and podcaster has appeared regularly as a guest on MasterChef, and last year was a contestant on MasterChef: Battle Of The Critics.

In a statement, Grace said hosting the show was “more than a dream to me” and said she felt “very lucky” to be taking the reins.

John, who will remain on the show and host alongside Grace, said he had “loved” working with her over the years, describing her as an “excellent guest and inspiring critic”.

Josie starred in the 2024 Christmas special

Josie Gibson has apologised to fans following her appearance on The Masked Singer Christmas special.

The This Morning presenter, 39, was unmasked on last night’s festive special (December 26). She performed as Cracker!

Sharing the surprise news on her Instagram following the show, Josie admitted feeling nervous over the stint.

Josie unveiled as Cracker on The Masked Singer festive special (Credit: ITV)

Josie Gibson on The Masked Singer Christmas special

The star wrote: “Sorry for making your ears bleed tonight… the voice of a werewolf I know…. she’s been unmasked.

“@maskedsingeruk thank you for having me… what an experience… I’ve never been so nervous in my life.”

Meanwhile, Josie then shared a video of her son Reggie’s shocked reaction to the unmasking.

Sorry for making your ears bleed tonight… the voice of a werewolf I know…. she’s been unmasked.

In the clip, Reggie looked fixated on the TV screen as the audience chanted the iconic “take it off”. He then exclaimed “Mum!” as he jumped up and down over Josie’s appearance.

Josie wrote: “Apparently, I’m not allowed to prank him again…. @maskedsingeruk on @itvxofficial Christmas special.

Viewers appeared stunned by Josie’s voice (Credit: ITV)
“I can’t believe who the star is… you absolute hero… and what a voice!!!!” referring to Davina McCall, who was behind the Star costume.

Viewers loved to see Josie behind the mask. One person said: “Omg! You were brilliant! What a voice! You are a very talented women go Josie, we love you.”

Another gushed: “YOU WERE STUNNING. Don’t be so hard on yourself! I actually was surprised that you had such a good voice!”

A third added: “I literally watch you all the time and never guessed it was you, you were and are fabulous.”

Davina swapped roles on the Christmas special (Credit: ITV)

The Masked Singer Christmas special winner

Although Josie performed amazingly, she didn’t win the Christmas special. Frankie Goes to Hollywood star Holly Johnson won the show as Nutcracker.

Meanwhile, Davina featured on The Masked Singer Christmas special as Star.

 

She usually judges on the show. But this year, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan returned to the panel alongside newbies Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.

Davina was unveiled as Star, and fans appeared in awe at her voice. One gushed: “Wow, who’d have thought Davina could sing.”

You can watch The Masked Singer Christmas special on ITVX. 

Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood opens up about the report that upheld six complaints against Giovanni Pernice in the aftermath of the Amanda Abbington bullying scandal

Judge Craig Revel Horwood has backed Giovanni Pernice in the Strictly sleaze row.

Gio was accused of bullying his partner Amanda Abbington. An internal BBC investigation upheld six of 17 complaints against him but not those of physical aggression.

The Italian professional, 34, later insisted he was a “strict teacher” but was never a bully to the Sherlock star, 50.

And Craig says: “It says a lot that only six minor complaints out of the 17 were upheld in the BBC’s investigation. So, I feel now we can move forward with a fresh approach.”

He also added to Saga: “The good thing to come out of a difficult situation was the introduction of chaperones to Strictly. It’s great that now professionals and celebrities have someone to go to for advice and to resolve issues and conflicts before they become a problem.Striving for gold is never easy but gold is what competitors want, don’t they? At the same time, Strictly’s not the Olympics. It’s a dance show and it’s entertainment. We shouldn’t forget that.”

Craig Revel Horwood speaks his mind on Giovanni Pernice ( 
Image:
DIGITAL/EROTEME.CO.UK)
Pernice has previously denied being a bully. He said after the findings of the report: ““Bully is a big word and there’s a difference between being a bully and caring about what you do.

“I’m glad 11 allegations have been thrown out. At the beginning there were very serious allegations, for instance threatening her or abusing her, and all of this has been taken out.

“I’m a strict teacher. I said it myself. I care about my job. I’m very competitive.

Craig also said it was going to be a double celebration when he celebrates his 60th birthday next year – as his mum has beaten cancer for the second time. He said: “My mum recently came through six months of chemo. She beat cancer the first time ten years ago, and she’s been given the all-clear again. She’s in very high spirits about that fact, as we all are.”