Blog

Prince William, also known as Prince of Wales, smiled and waved despite the fierce boos from ardent students at the Ulster University campus in Belfast city centre

Prince William faced boos and jeers as he left a university campus on Thursday afternoon.

Video shared on X, previously known as Twitter, shows the Prince of Wales smile and wave despite the yells of ardent students at the Ulster University campus in Belfast city centre.

One reporter at the scene said William faced a “less than warm reaction” as he made his way to a car. Shouts also appeared to demand more action from the future King on “Palestine and Gaza”, with the social media clip finishing to chants of “Free Palestine”.

In February, the Prince called for an end to the fighting in Gaza in an unprecedented royal intervention, writing that the “terrible human cost” of the conflict had seen “too many killed”. He said: “I, like so many others, want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible.”

He also highlighted the desperate need for more humanitarian support for the civilians of Gaza and called on Hamas to release its remaining Israeli hostages. The heir’s exit appeared to be a contrast from earlier scenes during his visit to the university, which saw William swarmed by adoring crowds.

In one instance, a student asked the Prince to film a video message for a friend who couldn’t be there for his visit. Elsewhere, reports said that the royal laughed at cheers and whistles directed at him.

William had a jam-packed schedule during his trip to Northern Ireland. In the afternoon, he visited Ulster University’s Belfast City Campus Centre to meet pupils who are learning about visual production, and visited its state of the art studio.

The studio is part of a Ulster University drive to train up the next generation of experts in the creative sector, which is estimated to contribute £1.4bn to the local economy and employs more than 24,000 people.

The Prince joined an Ulster Screen Academy training workshop, in which mentors were paired with young people from two local community groups to learn how to operate the software used in the creation of games, animation and virtual production.

 

Because she so obviously was! She said things that were simply untrue. Critically, she knew they were untrue. Therefore she was lying. No other explanation is possible. Frankly, if you cannot see that, you are lacking in experience and / or basic intellectual perception.

 

 

It was not an interview as most would understand the term. A Markle publicity act / Winfrey money maker double act where Winfrey constantly steps in with a word to keep Markle on script. There were so many clues.

For instance –
Archie not being made a prince – “which went against protocol” She then mentioned the actual protocol which directly specifies why not – FIRST Son or Grandson. Therefore she knew why not and the “complaint” was groundless

She had closely followed Diana’s story (reading the books etc.) Confessed she wanted an English man and one that was famous. A (probably ex) personal friend stated how she was obsessed with Diana. Yet we are supposed to believe she did not know who Harry was! Or search for him on the net! Why lie so blatantly? Does she think even her sugars are so dim?

What nonsense about having married 3 days earlier, which, as well as being a slap in the face for the public who partly paid for the charade, was patently untrue without witnesses. Even in California! She had previous experience so must have known it was untrue. I.E. A lie! Or perhaps put in by a scriptwriter who lived in a state that did not!
More disingenuous absurdity about having her passport taken. Which of course would be the same for any other in the Family (apart from the Queen). P.A. or similar, who arrange the travel and documents, must have access. It’s to safeguard it nor steal it. As I’m sure she knew! But that does not fit the poor little victim scenario. Yet she also had, how many, foreign trips?

Having her driving license taken – complains about lack of security AND expects to be able to tootle off for a drive whenever the fancy takes? The woman is not a complete fool so must have known these petty complaints were absurd. Winfrey, as usual, said nothing. Because? “does not fit the poor little victim scenario.”
And many more. Problem with telling porkies is that you have to remember them!

Harry – could not ask a member of the “family” about mental health – YET in 2017 — “It was my brother who encouraged me to seek professional help”! Which resulted in William AND Harry becoming patrons of Heads Together – a mental health charity!

He claims he never had a bike ride with his father like WIlliam YET there are several images of Charlie, Diana, William on their bikes with Harry on the back with Charles.

Cut off without a penny? Except for the £15 million from Diana, £10 million from Great Grannie AND Charles paying his “wages”, out of his own pocket, for a year. Ingrates!

On and on and on. One slice of innuendo and false nonsense after another. Not a trace of evidence or proof to spoil the flow. All supported and encouraged by a self serving Winfrey. A cynically created bit of rehearsed and (poorly) edited theatre by a person who has built her career (and fortune) on appealing to an specific uncritical audience she knows very well. Like selling highly dubious products to the desperate.

Truth and integrity are irrelevant in the Winfrey world. Money is all.

Falsus in Uno – Falsus in Omnibus. Get caught in a lie once and the rest in not believed.

Analysis by body language experts.

Interesting post by a Police Phycologist, which confirms the suspicion.

 

Doria Ragland breaks down in tears while discussing her daughter Meghan Markle’s suicidal thoughts in “Harry & Meghan.”

 

 

In new episodes released Thursday, the 66-year-old recalls the “Suits” alum telling her that “she had wanted to take her own life.”

Ragland remembers, “That really broke my heart because I knew that it was bad. … That’s not an easy one for a mom to hear.”

The former yoga instructor notes that both she and Markle’s husband, Prince Harry, couldn’t “protect” the former actress from the media hate she received amid her relationship with the royal.

She was] just constantly be picked at by these vultures just picking away at her spirit,” Ragland says of Markle, 41, “actually think[ing] of not wanting to be here.”

Ragland’s emotional interview comes nearly two years after the “Deal or No Deal” alum publicly shared her battle with suicidal thoughts for the first time.

“I just didn’t want to be alive anymore,” Markle told Oprah Winfrey during a bombshell March 2021 interview. “I knew that if I didn’t say it that I would do it. And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought.”

Prince Harry, Doria Ragland, Meghan Markle and Archie
“That’s not an easy one for a mom to hear,” Ragland said on “Harry & Meghan.”
Netflix
The Duchess of Sussex explained that while she was pregnant with her son, Archie, in January 2019, she told Harry that she couldn’t “be left alone” ahead of an event at Royal Albert Hall.
If you zoom in, you can see how tightly his knuckles are gripped around mine,” Markle said. “You can see the whites of our knuckles, because we are smiling and doing our job, but we’re both just trying to hold on.”

Harry, 38, admits in the Netflix show that he “hates” himself for how he reacted to his wife’s confession.

“I didn’t deal with it particularly well,” the former military pilot recalls. “What she needed from me was so much more than i was able to give.”

As for Markle, she says, “I wanted to go somewhere to get help, but I wasn’t allowed to. They were concerned about how that would look for the institution.”

What do you think? Post a comment.
The couple left England in January 2020 and now live in Montecito, Calif., with Archie, 3, and their 1-year-old daughter, Lilibet.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

The Duchess of Sussex was pictured supporting business pals without Harry at a new haircare line launch in California.

Meghan Markle with Kadi Lee (centre) co-founder of Highbrow Hippie (Image: Getty)

Meghan Markle attended a glitzy haircare line launch without Prince Harry and supported friends in the beauty industry at a glamorous party in California.

Leaving her husband at home, Duchess Meghan was spotted celebrating the launch of a new haircare line by the brand Highbrow Hippie, which she has invested in and is co-founded by her friend, Kadi Lee.

The two pals posed for a picture alongside hairstylist Serge Normant, who famously styled the Duchess’s signature messy-look updo for her wedding day on May 19, 2018.

Dressed in an all-black strapless ensemble, Meghan’s top featured a sweetheart neckline and she opted for a gold set of earrings, a dainty matching necklace and several rings. Sporting a glamorous makeup look, Meghan also styled her hair into curls.

Meghan was been spotted letting her hair down at a glamorous party (Image: Getty)

Speaking about her investment in the company Highbrow Hippie, the Duchess of Sussex previously told Instyle: “I am so proud to invest in [Kadi] as a friend and as a female founder. Kadi has a mastery of hair health, and her Highbrow Hippie collection is a perfect reflection of that.”

The hairdresser has a salon in Los Angeles boasts several famous clients, such as actors Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt.

Highbrow Hippie, founded by Kadi Lee and Myka Harris states its haircare mission on its website: “Our intention is to refocus on self care, community and experience. What works best for our customers is always top of mind and we hope that people will leave feeling inspired, connected, grounded and maybe having learned something new..”

News of the investment comes just months after it was revealed Meghan had also invested money into a female-run handbag company called Cesta Collective, which specialises in hand-woven bags.

In December 2020, the Duchess of Sussex invested an undisclosed sum in ethical wellness brand Clevr Blends, which sells a range of lattes in powder form. Meghan and Harry have invested in a number of other companies too.

The hairdresser has a salon in Los Angeles boasts several famous clients, such as actors Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt.

Highbrow Hippie, founded by Kadi Lee and Myka Harris states its haircare mission on its website: “Our intention is to refocus on self care, community and experience. What works best for our customers is always top of mind and we hope that people will leave feeling inspired, connected, grounded and maybe having learned something new..”

News of the investment comes just months after it was revealed Meghan had also invested money into a female-run handbag company called Cesta Collective, which specialises in hand-woven bags.

In December 2020, the Duchess of Sussex invested an undisclosed sum in ethical wellness brand Clevr Blends, which sells a range of lattes in powder form. Meghan and Harry have invested in a number of other companies too.

Despite Meghan attending alone, Meghan’s appearance at last night’s bash comes a week after she and Harry appeared in a video message where they talked about prioritising children’s safety online, which was played at a United Nations conference in Colombia on ending violence against children.

It was the first time the pair have been seen together publicly in several months since their highly-publicised tour of Colombia back in August. Since then the pair have made a string of solo appearances.

Prince Harry visited New York to conduct a series of engagements for his patronages and philanthropic initiatives and then he visited the UK for the WellChild Awards and also conducted an impactful trip to Lesotho, where he focused on Sentebale’s efforts to support vulnerable children and young adults.

Meanwhile, Meghan appeared at a charity gala for LA Children’s hospital and also attended a digital wellness event in LA for young girls.

However, according to a source close to the couple, the reason for the solo appearance is down to a shift in their ventures. They told People: “The Duke and Duchess have now hit their stride as individuals – not just as a couple. The Duke appears focused on his patronage work, and the Duchess focused on her entrepreneurial track.”

The Duke of Sussex gave up a much-loved possession estimated to be worth around £50,000 shortly after his wedding.

Much has changed for Prince Harry following his marriage to Meghan Markle- from stepping down from his royal duties to moving to California.

But there were smaller changes too for the Duke of Sussex following their fairytale nuptials as a short while after their wedding in 2018 he reportedly gave up a prized possession his new wife reportedly did not approve of.

Once an enthusiastic hunter, having been photographed with a water buffalo he had killed in 2005, Harry made an ethical decision to give up hunting and sold a pair of handmade hunting rifles, estimated to be worth £50,000, in a private deal back in 2020.

The Sun reported that the Duke of Sussex parted with the much-loved gift in 2020 and the hunting rifles were handed to the new owner in a private deal, who was oblivious to the fact that the newly bought Purdey firearms bore a royal connection.

Founded in 1814, James Purdey & Sons, or simply Purdey, are renowned for bespoke sporting shotguns and rifles.

As reported in the outlet, a source said: “He bought them because he wanted them, not because they belonged to Harry, but he was quite chuffed when he found out.”

Harry owned handmade hunting rifles estimated to be worth £50,000 (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry gave up hunting and ultimately sold his handmade Purdey rifles (Image: Getty)

The insider further added the new possessor is “very pleased with them but he’s not the sort of person who wants to boast about the royal connection.”

The sale took place before Meghan and Harry left the UK for Canada, and subsequently moved to Montecito, California.

In April 2020, British primatologist Dr Jane Goodall said she believed Harry would give up hunting for good as a result of Meghan’s influence.

Dr Goodall was asked on Radio Times if Prince Harry and Prince William are champions of the natural world, “Yes – except they hunt and shoot,” she claimed.

“But I think Harry will stop because Meghan doesn’t like hunting, so I suspect that is over for him.”

Prince Harry, like his brother, William, has been very passionate about his work to protect animal wildlife and his focus on conservation efforts. He has spent a whole lot of time in Africa over the years specifically dedicated to helping preserve endangered species and combatting illegal poaching.

Experts say Harry and Meghan have become synonymous with one another. (Image: Getty)

Harry and Meghan’s relationship, however, has come under the spotlight just recently with the couple choosing to make a number of solo public appearances, rather than stepping out together over recent months.

A friend of the Sussex couple claimed that the new string of solo appearances is part of their new plan, which will see them focus on their individual projects and attend more events separately.

The insider told People: “The Duke and Duchess have now hit their stride as individuals – not just as a couple.

“The Duke appears focused on his patronage work, and the Duchess focused on her entrepreneurial track.”

They added: “It’s clear that a twin-track approach is evolving.”

There is a glamorous threat posed by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle who have a knack for bringing showbiz flair claims royal author.

Prince Harry and Meghan bring ‘glitz and glamour’ claims royal expert (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have a “glamorous knack” for combining showbiz with “do-gooding” and are “waiting in the wings” to fill in a potential gap created by the Royal Family, an expert has claimed.

It comes as King Charles was forced to attend the star-studded event royal premiere of Gladiator 2 alone as Queen Camilla recovers from a chest infection. However, still looking “handsome” on the red carpet, fans praised the King’s appearance as he mingled with A-list stars on November 13.

Royal historian and expert Dr Tessa Dunlop claims there was “no retro glamour, no tinsel, no tiaras” on the red carpet, which she believed is missing and which could be filled by two royals.

She told the Mirror: “The Royal Family might think they are above such glitzy gimmicks. That would be a mistake. After all, waiting in the wings are ex-royals the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Instinctively glamourous with bundles of razzmatazz, the Californian couple have an effortless knack for combining showbiz-gloss and public do-gooding.”

The expert added: “There is a vacuum at the top and the problem with vacuums is that they invite all sorts of unwanted intruders. The royal machine has clearly decided that they can compensate for a depleted public presence with relentless philanthropy on ITV.”

The expert referred to royal charity initiatives including Prince William’s homelessness documentary, claiming “the public will tolerate a bit of charitable hectoring but only if accompanied with a large dollop of fairytale glamour”.

Speaking of previous red carpet appearances by the royals, the expert believes glamour was missing: “That fabulous ‘No Time to Die’ Bond premiere when Camilla and Kate waltzed out in a haze of designer sequins felt like a world away.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down as working royals in 2020, and since King Charles and Princess Kate stepped back from public duties to recover, there was speculation other royals could be brought into the royal fold.

Meghan Markle stepped out in LA for a glitzy launch party and royal fans had one thing to say.

Meghan Markle had a fun solo night out on Thursday (Image: Instagram/@mayabrenner)

Meghan Markle attended a glitzy LA party on Thursday night without her husband, Prince Harry, and royal fans all said the same thing.

The Duchess of Sussex looked chic in an all black enseble as she stepped out in California to celebrate a new haircare line by the brand Highbrow Hippie, which she has invested in and is co-founded by her friend, Kadi Lee.

Meghan oozed elegance as she was snapped dancing in a black wool strapless top by Khaite (£660) which featured a sweetheart neckline, a pair of black wide-leg trousers and black strappy heeled sandals.

For jewellery, the duchess opted for a gold pendant necklace, which she paired with a pair of gold stud earrings, her wedding ring stack, her Lorraine Schwartz emerald cut diamond pinky ring, her beloved gold Tank Française watch by Cartier (£28,200) and the same brand’s yellow gold Love bracelet (£7,050).

Royal fans were impressed with Meghan’s look and took to social media to express their adoration.

Meghan Markle wore an all-black ensemble for the glitzy event (Image: Getty)

One wrote on Instagram: “She looks amazing.”

Another agreed: “She looks gorgeous as usual.”

A third said: “Looks like it was a smashing event. Meghan believes in and invests in women.”

Meanwhile, another commented on X: “Meghan Markle is the epitome of great style!”

Meghan Markle was all smiles during the event (Image: Instagram/@mayabrenner)

The Duchess of Sussex was snapped dancing and cheering during her solo appearance (Image: Instagram/@mayabrenner)

A fifth said: “Meghan looks happy and healthy both mentally and physically. She is in a good space right now.”

While a sixth added: “Seeing Meghan Markle happy literally brings me happiness.”

The Duchess spoke about her investment in the company Highbrow Hippie, previously telling Instyle: “I am so proud to invest in [Kadi] as a friend and as a female founder.

“Kadi has a mastery of hair health, and her Highbrow Hippie collection is a perfect reflection of that.”

Birmingham City dismantled Wrexham 3-1 on Monday night in front of Tom Brady and David Beckham

Birmingham City players celebrate Tomoki Iwata’s goal against Wrexham

Birmingham City finally showed their teeth in the League One promotion race – after Wrexham striker Paul Mullin insisted he didn’t show his to Alex Cochrane.

Melee aside, or ‘nonsense’ as Blues manager Chris Davies put it post-match, Blues came from behind to beat Wrexham 3-1 in convincing fashion. Record signing Jay Stansfield was at the double and Tomoki Iwata added the third on his league debut for Blues.

Blues moved up to second in the League One table, level on points with leaders Wrexham having played a game less. It was a performance to match all the razzmatazz in the stands where former England captain David Beckham was seated alongside NFL icon Tom Brady.

Here are our findings from a memorable night at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park…

Lift off, at last

Davies dubbed it Blues’ best performance of the season and it’s hard to disagree with him. Once the nerves had settled in the opening 10 minutes, Blues took complete control.

It is easy to disagree with Davies’ opposite number Phil Parkinson who thought they were dominant before Blues’ equaliser. The statistics don’t lie in this case and Blues, with 68 percent of the ball and twice as many shots on target as Wrexham, thoroughly deserved their three points.

We finally got the performance that Blues’ quality has been threatening.

Two negatives

It wasn’t perfect. Bailey Peacock-Farrell should have done better for Jack Marriott’s opening goal. The goalkeeper has come in for criticism due to errors against Leyton Orient and Wigan and he did little to silence his doubters. Peacock-Farrell flapped at a right-wing corner and Marriott punished him with a clinical finish.

Rotherham boss Steve Evans was watching and you can guarantee an aerial bombardment awaits Peacock-Farrell at the New York Stadium. With the capable Ryan Allsop waiting in the wings, Peacock-Farrell has to improve.

Peacock-Farrell’s cause won’t be helped by Krystian Bielik’s suspension. A rush of blood saw Bielik dismissed for two quickfire yellow cards late on and he will now miss the trip to Rotherham.

Blues will miss his leadership skills but, arguably more importantly, his presence on set pieces. The pressure will be on Peacock-Farrell – if Davies persists with him – Christoph Klarer and Willum Willumsson to command their box in Bielik’s absence.

Birmingham City captain Krystian Bielik was sent off against Wrexham
Bend it like Cochrane

It was quite fitting that we were all left purring over a cross with Beckham in the house. Beckham is arguably the greatest crosser of a ball English football has seen and Blues left-back Alex Cochrane gave his best impression when he curled a ball onto Stansfield’s head for Blues’ second goal.

Cochrane has been asked to perform a defensive role in Blues’ set-up, in and out of possession, meaning we haven’t seen much of his ability going forward. He arrived from Hearts in the summer with a reputation for scoring goals and providing assists, and we have now seen how dangerous he can be in the final third.

Strike it like Iwata

The signing of Stansfield ensured the deadline day arrival of Iwata went under the radar, yet the Japanese midfielder is arguably the most decorated and proven player in the Blues squad. This time last year Iwata was playing in the Champions League with Celtic.

He joined Blues to reach the Premier League and Iwata showed he has what it takes to compete at the top-end of the Championship with a dynamic display against Wrexham. The 27-year-old was defensively dominant and decisive when the chance presented itself in the 59th minute.

We shouldn’t overlook the part Paik Seung-ho played in Iwata’s goal with an exquisite touch. Japan international Iwata and South Korea star Paik dovetailed sublimely.

“I thought he was very solid in there with Paik,” Davies said of Iwata’s performance. “He’s physically strong, keeps it simple, moves it quick, and he stepped in, saw the space in front of him and had a shot. I had a great view of it, it was a hell of a strike.”

It should be easy to sell this in America

On a night where Blues rolled out the blue carpet for the A-Listers, played in front of an American audience and had multiple filmmakers capturing footage, the atmosphere of St Andrew’s was palpable.

All of those watching must have sensed that St Andrew’s is a bit special on nights like this. The rendition of Keep Right On shortly before the players emerged was spine-tingling.

Knighthead want to sell Blues to an American audience and it’s only a matter of time before the club ventures stateside – Tom Wagner and Brady mooted Las Vegas pre-match. The people making a racket in the stands are essential to the product Knighthead are creating.

Beckham, who was arguably the biggest name on a star-studded guest list, should tell his friends over in the States about his St Andrew’s experience.

The Loose Women studio erupted in chaos today as Charlene White and Janet Street Porter clashed over racism at the Ukrainian borders, as people desperately try to flee what’s happening at the hands of Russia

Loose Women panellists Charlene White and Janet Street Porter clashed over racism at the Ukrainian borders on the ITV show today.

The duo appeared on the lunchtime programme on Tuesday, where they were joined by Katie Piper and Coleen Nolan, as they discussed the big news stories of the day.

Understandably, top of the list, was the conflict in Ukraine, with Charlene raising awareness of the devastating stories shared by some people from the border who say they are not being allowed to pass through because of the colour of their skin.

Discussing it, Charlene told her fellow panellists: “But there is one thing that has really shone a light on where I’m concerned, that has really stuck out to me, is that in the midst of all of this, the midst of people trying to flee from their homes, the midst of them trying to dodge bullets and bombs, they still have time for racism.

Charlene spoke of some people’s experience of racism at the Ukraine border ( 
Image:
ITV)

“Because you’ve got thousands of Black, Asian, Syrian, Arab students and workers who have also been trying to get out of Ukraine and have been prevented from doing so due to the incessant racism that they have experienced. They’ve not been allowed to go through the border into Poland from example, where they’ve been pushed back.”

She added: “There are posters up saying no black … It really does shine a light on the fact that it doesn’t matter how devastated someone is, how scared somebody is, it seems like there’s always time for one of the worst traits of society.”

She clashed with Janet over it ( 
Image:
ITV)
Charlene was then interrupted by Janet, who said: “I hear what you saying, and I completely understand it and on the news last night, they did show some of the students talking about how bad they were treated and the effort it had taken for them to actually get on the train and get across the border. But I also think Poland, for example, has exceeded all expectations in accepting 150,000 refugees.”

Charlene put heads in hands as she says: “Oh my goodness! I understand that – but if you have thousands of refugees, you can’t stand there and say oh you 50 people come in, you 4 people with darker skin sorry.”

At one point, Charlene had her head in her hands ( 
Image:
ITV)The pair continued to speak over one another, as Janet said: “This isn’t a surprise for anyone or any asylum seeker who has moved across Europe has met this in Hungary,” before being interrupted again.

Charlene then added: “For a lot of people, it will come as a surprise. It didn’t come as a surprise to me because I am a black woman who has travelled through Europe.

I’m A Celebrity returns on Sunday for its latest series and the Mirror was given a tour of the new look camp this week ahead of stars like Coleen Rooney and Oti Mabuse moving in

This year’s I’m A Celebrity will kick off with a huge competition challenge and a new look camp as part of a series revamp.

Executive producer Olly Nash gave the Mirror a guided tour of camp which now has a Leaders Lodge complete with bed and rocking chairs as well as shelter from rain. A pair of celebs will be joint leaders in the camp after winning an opening competition – dubbed Snakes And Leaders – which is a race to the finish line once the famous faces choose teams.

It’s a huge makeover as the show normally starts with a Walk The Plank style opening on top of a building in the Gold Coast. But Olly explained: “Every year, we try and create something new, and try and create a better or different race to camp or different journey to camp.

“This year we’re going out for an ultra competitive series, you’ve got a really positive cast, everybody’s really happy and up for it, very few sort of nerves. Everybody’s terrified, but can’t wait to get in. So the advantage with all of them, is that faced with the competition from the very beginning will hopefully lead on to healthy competitions throughout the run.”

The Mirror’s Mark Jefferies had a tour of this year’s I’m A Celebrity camp, including the Leaders Lodge ( 
Image:
James Gourley/Publishd)

Amongst those pairing up will be WAG Coleen Rooney, singer Tulisa Contostavlos, Coronation Street star Alan Halsall and McFly ‘s Danny Jones. After heading into camp, exec Olly showed off it’s new area and added: “There is a new building that is called the Leaders Lodge that will have wonderfully comfy beds sheltered from the rain, nice plush pillows and big duvets, or doonas, as they call them, in Australia, which will keep them nice and snug and warm. As opposed to everyone out here who’s exposed and sleeping in Swags.

“The reason why there’s a leader chair for two and the Leaders Lodge is because this year, our walk in, our journey to camp is an epic race. All the celebrities will be pairing up into pairs, and those five pairs will go head to head in a number of challenges.

Leaders Lodge offers two campmates beds, rocking chairs ands shelter from rain ( 
Image:
James Gourley/Publishd)
“The winners will become the first leaders of camp, exempt from all chores, and live in the leaders Lodge, and they’ll be running camp, setting up the way they want and the way they like for the first few days. There is a twist coming, which will give them more power than they expected before. So there’s more stuff to come, and there are additional perks that they don’t get. I would imagine they will be leaders at least until the end of that first week.”

The new look camp and lodge also got the thumbs up from last year’s King of the jungle Sam Thompson who is back in Australia for an ITV2 spin off show running alongside the main series from Sunday night. After being shown the lodge, Sam said: “We never had this! This is going to be the most amazing sleep that they’ve ever had. What I think is quite interesting is, we’re bringing this in at the start, and I think it’s going to be great because you’re going to get people seeing how the other half live in the camp.

A host of celebrities will be living in the camp for the new series of the ITV show, which launches on Sunday ( 
Image:
James Gourley/Publishd)
“For this year, it’s going to be really interesting how people cope, because there’s a lot of strong characters in this year. I’m kind of going against myself here… I think this is one of the best years, in terms of lineups, that we’ve ever had.”

There have been other small tweaks to the camp, with a pair of people required to pump water in order to get a hot bath. A red Leaders chair also has pride of place by the fire whilst the other campmates will have to make do with logs for seats.

Filming for the new series is expected to start Thursday with the ten celebrities which also include former Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse and podcaster GK Barry. I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! starts this Sunday November 17, on ITV1 and ITVX.

Sam Thompson predicts 2024 winner

Reigning I’m A Celebrity winner Sam Thompson says he thinks he will lose his crown as the king of jungle to a queen.

Last year’s ITV king Sam, 32, is co-hosting the new ITV2 spin off show I’m A Celebrity…Unpacked with comedian Joel Dommett and radio presenter Kemi Rodgers. Sam said: “Who’s gonna win? You can’t ask me that! I have a top three who I think are going to win it, not who I want to win it. I will say this: I think this year there are a lot of strong women, really strong personalities which I think is going to be fascinating to watch. I think it will be a queen.”

Asked the best way to win or go far on I’m A Celebrity, he said: “Everyone has up days, everyone has down days. Happy or sad it is about being yourself… It’s such a boring answer, but there are people who will come in here who are like, ‘ooh, if I do this, if I do that, maybe if I get a trial I can do this, and airtime’.

“It goes straight out the window. You get found out immediately if you have a game plan. You cannot be in a place like this and not be yourself. You just can’t.

“I would say to anyone who’s going to go far, it will be the person who just lives the experience. The best part about the jungle is the sounds, the routine of traipsing up and down there to get water, going out there and going into the Bush Telegraph, making friends.”

Sam also admitted he is hoping the recent storms around the Gold Coast continue so the new camp doesn’t have things too nice or easy. He said: “The best part about the jungle is the sounds, the routine of traipsing up and down there to get water, going out there and going into the Bush Telegraph, making friends.

“The worst part… when it rains, it sucks a little bit. So I kind of hope it rains a bit, because now I’m working as a viewer, I kind of want to see people struggling a little bit.”

‘I tried despicable I’m A Celebrity 2024 eating trial and made one grave error’

The Mirror’s Mark Jefferies has tried out the Bushtucker trials ( 
Image:
James Gourley/Publishd)After successfully completing many challenges in the past I saw red when it came to eating a bull’s penis. The Trials team told me we were guinea pigs for the day trying out a new trial dubbed Davy Jones Cocker.

I had 60 seconds to eat food from the treasure chest and win a star, but if I failed I would be dropped into water below. But it wasn’t just any water. It contained 75 kilos of fish guts and I got a kilo thrown over my head for good measure.

But first I could try to avoid that by eating a chunk of boiled bull on a cocktail stick. I made a huge error by nibbling a small piece instead of putting it in my mouth whole as many celebs do. The texture was rubber but then the revolting taste took over. My nose was also picking up on the smell of the fish guts below and I began to retch. I love my job but even I have my limits. I used the sick bucket but only to spit some out and I gamely tried one more bite before I gave up. It had been like eating a car tyre and with no water swallowing seemed impossible.

As I was dropped into the water I thought the celebrities had a lot more guts than me, except at that moment when I had an abundance fish guts stuck on my legs and my shoulders. The trials will come thick and fast this series and they are working on a number of new ones they told me. The good news is I won’t be the only one to suffer like this as they have another 600 kilos of fish guts on order. Insects and other creepy crawlies and grim foodstuffs await this year’s camp. I was glad to get me out of there before it all starts.

This year’s camp will see the likes of Coleen Rooney, GK Barry and Barry McGuigan take on the trials. Rumours had suggested former WAG Coleen, who is married to ex-Manchester United manager Wayne Rooney, would be exempt from a number of the tasks in camp. However, she was adamant that wouldn’t be the case and was prepared to throw herself into the whole experience.

She said in a video on social media: “I’m looking forward to doing the trials. There’s been a lot of news saying that I can’t do trials because of certain illnesses and that, but I can confirm I can do every trial. So I am not excluded from any that was just a load of rubbish, and I am, yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”