RUSSELL BRAND SPEAKS OUT  After being hit with new ʀaթe & seҳual assault charges, Russell Brand has broken his silence — and his response is raising eyebrows worldwide. What did he actually say?

Russell Brand has been charged with two new offences, as reported by the Metropolitan Police.

The actor and comedian, 50, is facing two additional charges, one count of rape and one count of sexual assault, from two women.

Brand will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on January 20, 2026, in relation to these two additional charges.

Details about these charges have not been released, but they are two additional charges from two women who are not involved in Brand’s other charges from April 2025.

Lionel Idan, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, confirmed that these were also historic incidents taking place around 16 years ago.

‘These new charges relate to separate reports of non-recent offences in 2009, involving two additional women.’

Brand has now spoken out in a video shared on social media, in which he addressed recent ‘time of great darkness’ and that he was looking forward to speaking about the ‘truth’.

Russell Brand is facing two new charges (Picture: AP)
In a video taken while he was driving in his car, Brand said: ‘You’re all aware of that, a time of confusion and dispute and conflict, but I’ve learned in my own life that attack can bring about grace.’

‘I’m so grateful for the opportunity in my own life that I get to participate in change and transformation and growth and love, and I feel so blessed that I have the opportunity to atone for the many things over the years that I did wrong, and the opportunity to ensure that people understand the truth of my situation and scenario,’ he said.

He then spoke about the media, stating that the UK ‘appears to be using bureaucracy increasingly to legitimise authority’, and then addressed those he had ‘harmed’.

‘I pray Lord, that anyone that I’ve harmed or hurt in my years of mindlessness in sin would be healed. Lord, I pray for infinite light and wonderful healing for them, and I pray, Lord, for the absolute truth of who I am to be abundantly revealed.’

He concluded: ‘There are going to be big staged…I don’t want to say battles, trials, is what I’m going to call them trials. But as it says in James, we consider it great joy when we face trials of any kind.’

He then wished his followers a Merry Christmas.

The comic is facing several charges (Picture: Brian Cahn/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock)
The previous five charges, involving four women, include two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault.

Brand pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault earlier this year when facing these five previous charges, with a trial scheduled to begin at Southwark Crown Court on June 16, 2026.

Detectives began investigating in September 2023 after several allegations from alleged victims.

Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times then alleged several offences taking place between the late 90s and early noughties.

The charges against him, as heard in court earlier this year, include allegedly raping a woman in a hotel room when she attended a Labour Party conference in 1999. Another woman accused Brand of indecent assault after being allegedly grabbed by her forearm by him as he tried to drag her into a male toilet at a television station in 2001.

The court heard from a third person, who was a TV worker Brand met in Soho 21 years ago. He is accused of grabbing her breasts before allegedly orally raping her after pulling her into a toilet.

The fourth complainant is a radio station worker who met Brand during his time working for Channel 4’s Big Brother’s Big Mouth between 2004 and 2005.

Brand is now facing a total of seven charges from six women (Picture: Lucy North/PA Wire)
Brand has maintained his innocence when it comes to previous charges, and claimed that any encounters were ‘consensual’, while declaring he was ‘never was a rapist’.

In a video posted on X, the comedian said: ‘I am now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.’

He said in the clip: ‘I’ve always told you guys that when I was young and single before I had a wife and family, who are there just out of shot. I was a fool, man, I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord.

‘I was a drug addict, a sex addict, and an imbecile but what I never was, was a rapist.’

The actor and comic has denied other allegations (Picture: REUTERS)

Detective Chief Inspector Tariq Farooqi from the Metropolitan Police, who is leading the investigation, said in a statement to the press on December 23: ‘The women who have made reports, including those connected to the two new charges, continue to receive support from specially trained officers.

‘The Met’s investigation remains ongoing, and detectives urge anyone affected by this case, or anyone with information, to come forward and speak with police.

‘A dedicated team of investigators can be reached via email at [email protected].

 SHOCK HEALTH REVEAL! EMMA WILLIS BREAKS SILENCE AFTER SECRET HEART SURGERY — DOCTORS FIND A HOLE SHE NEVER KNEW SHE HAD  Fans thought they knew everything about Emma Willis. But behind the TV smiles and red carpets, she was quietly living with a secret that could have changed everything. Now, she’s finally telling the truth — and it’s left many stunned. Click now to read Emma’s emotional message — and see why this story is touching hearts everywhere

SHOCK HEALTH REVEAL! EMMA WILLIS BREAKS SILENCE AFTER SECRET HEART SURGERY — DOCTORS FIND A HOLE SHE NEVER KNEW SHE HAD

Emma Willis has revealed she underwent keyhole heart surgery after doctors found a hole in her heart

Emma Willis has revealed she recently underwent keyhole heart surgery after  doctors discovered she had been living with a hole in her heart since birth — a diagnosis that came as a complete shock.

The TV presenter, 49, took to Instagram on Wednesday and shared several photos of herself taken in hospital following the procedure (pictured with husband Matt)
The former Big Brother host told fans she discovered she has had a hole in her heart since she was born and so had surgery at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London

The 49-year-old  TV presenter shared the news with fans in a deeply emotional Instagram post on Wednesday, alongside a series of hospital photos taken in the aftermath of the procedure.

Emma explained that following medical investigations last year, doctors confirmed the congenital condition — leading to surgery at Royal Brompton Hospital.

‘It feels strange even saying it out loud’

Keyhole heart surgery involves making small incisions in the chest as opposed to the breastbone as in traditonal open heart surgery

In her candid message, the former Big Brother host admitted the experience still feels surreal.

“A few weeks ago, I had keyhole heart surgery — which feels very strange to write, and even stranger when I say it out loud,” she wrote.

The surgeon accesses the heart through the incisions, allowing for a less invasive approach with fewer complications and a faster recovery time

She praised the hospital team who guided her from diagnosis through to surgery, describing them as “absolutely incredible,” before paying a heartfelt tribute to her husband, Matt Willis, who she said “never left my side.”

Living for decades without knowing

In a lengthy post, Emma thanked her husband Matt and the staff at the Royal Brompton Hospital who looked after her

Emma revealed she had unknowingly lived with the condition for nearly five decades.

“Turns out I’ve been pottering around for 48 years blissfully unaware I had a hole in my heart,” she said.
“Isn’t it bonkers what’s happening in our bodies that we have no idea about?”

She went on to express awe at modern medicine — and the professionals behind it.

Emma and Matt have been together for more than 20 years and they have three children together – Isabelle, 15, Ace, 13, and Trixie, eight (pictured in 2024)

“What blows my mind even more is the wonders of modern medicine, and the spectacular people who save, fix and help us every single day,” she added.
“They are the real superstars.”

‘A spectacular pair of hands’

Emma named and thanked several members of her medical team, singling out her surgeon, Dr Ee Ling Heng, in particular.

“She was recommended to me as ‘a spectacular pair of hands’ — but my God, she’s that and so much more,” Emma wrote.

“She made me feel instantly comfortable while being incredibly professional and informative. I ask a million questions — and she answered them with the patience of a saint.”

Emma added that she knew immediately she was in safe hands.

“I knew as soon as we met that she was the woman I wanted poking around in my heart,” she said.
“Thank you Ee Ling — you’re one in a trillion.”

What is keyhole heart surgery?

Keyhole heart surgery involves small incisions in the chest rather than opening the breastbone, making it a far less invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgery.

Surgeons access the heart through these incisions, reducing complications and significantly shortening recovery time — an option increasingly used for congenital heart conditions.

A marriage tested — and strengthened

Emma and Matt Willis have been together for more than 20 years and share three children: Isabelle, 15, Ace, 13, and Trixie, eight. The couple married in 2008 and are approaching their 20th wedding anniversary.

Over the years, they have been open about facing challenges, including Matt’s past struggles with drug and alcohol addiction.

More recently, Matt has spoken publicly about how couples therapy helped transform their marriage after they began counselling in 2020.

“We weren’t in trouble,” Matt previously explained. “We just had certain things we couldn’t get past.”

He admitted Emma was initially reluctant but later agreed therapy had been “transformative,” helping them better understand one another and strengthen their bond.

An outpouring of support

Following Emma’s announcement, fans flooded her comments with messages of love, admiration and well wishes — praising her honesty, courage and positivity.

As she continues her recovery, Emma’s story has resonated deeply, reminding many that even the most familiar faces can be quietly fighting unseen battles — and that strength often lies in trust, gratitude and love.

Merry Christmas from the Wales Family – As celebrations begin, a breaking update from Sandringham is drawing quiet attention.

The King and Queen will be spending Christmas in Sandringham.

The King and Queen have been issued with the warning (Image: Getty)

King Charles and Queen Camilla will soon be heading to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk to celebrate the Christmas period with their family. But, even after a very difficult year for the Royal Family, there could be another spanner in the works as union bosses are threatening to deprive the region of fuel supplies over Christmas and New Year.

Drivers have announced their plan to walk out for 15 days between December 22 and January 25 in a dispute over pay.

Also heading to Sandringham are expected to be the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who stay at their home, Anmer Hall.

Article continues below

And while he looks set to spend Christmas at Royal Lodge in Windsor, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s next residence – widely reported to be Marsh Farm – is also located on the Estate.

As well as disrupting supplies to Sandringham, the drivers’ strike will also affect schools, Royal Mail refuelling sites, military establishments and hundreds of Gulf Oil petrol stations, the union said.

The King and Queen will spend Christmas at Sandringham (Image: Getty)

As for how the family are expected to celebrate the big day, the Royal Family website reads: “On Christmas Eve, The Royal Family lay out their presents on trestle tables and will exchange their gifts at teatime.”

Speaking to The Express before, royal expert Robert Jobson explained: “On Christmas Eve when all the clan are together, the Queen’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren put the finishing touches to the 20ft Christmas tree in the White Drawing Room. Presents will be opened that day at teatime as the royals still keep to the German practice of opening their gifts on Christmas Eve.

“Gifts are laid out in the Red Drawing Room on a white linen-covered trestle table, with cards marking exactly where the piles of gifts should be put.”

Mr Jobson went on to say that once “everyone has arrived” the family enjoy “a traditional Christmas” which involves the gifting of “cheap and humorous gifts.” He added that the gifts are “unlikely to be pricey”.

A Certas Energy spokesperson said: “Contrary to some inaccurate press reports, Certas Energy confirms that drivers have been offered a generous, above inflation, pay and conditions offer.

“The offer was made in recognition of the important role our fuel delivery drivers play in delivering to our customers across the country. Certas Energy remain engaged with Unite to achieve a swift resolution.

“Customers should be reassured that in the event of industrial strike action, Certas Energy has steps in place to mitigate impact and to minimise any potential disruption to customers.”

Aspect of royal Christmas tradition Prince William could ‘axe’ when he’s king

Prince William could reportedly get rid of a Christmas tradition that he’s “never really taken to” when he becomes king.

According to reports, the royal family likes to exchange joke gifts at Christmas. However, there’s one aspect of it that William isn’t a big fan of.

William wants to change some royal Christmas traditions, reports claim (Credit: Cover Images)

The royal family’s joke gift tradition

The royal family apparently has a tradition of giving each other joke gifts each Christmas that dates back decades.

Princess Diana was reportedly left mortified when given a toilet paper holder as a gift by Princess Anne during her first Christmas with the royals in the early 1980s.

Diana reportedly felt “mortified on Christmas Eve, when she discovered that the royal family only gave each other silly gag gifts”.

She soon got into the swing of the tradition, however. One year, she apparently gifted Sarah Ferguson a “leopard-print bath mat”.

Another iconic gift from the royals reportedly included a white leather toilet seat for Charles from Anne. The queen received a shower cap from grandson Prince Harry that read “Ain’t Life a B****” one year, apparently.

In his pre-Meghan days, Harry was even reportedly once gifted a “Grow Your Own Girlfriend” kit by his sister-in-law, Princess Kate.

William wants to make some changes (Credit: Cover Images)

Prince William to ‘do away’ with joke gift tradition at Christmas

Part of the tradition is that the monarch reportedly hands out the joke gifts to royals in hierarchical order.

This means that if Charles hands out the presents this year, William and family would get theirs first.

However, William is believed to be keen to do away with the hierarchical aspect of the tradition when he becomes king.

“While William’s mind is on much bigger changes than just the trestle table, it’s well known to be one of those antiquated traditions that he’s never really taken to,” a source once told the Daily Mail.

William and Kate prefer the laid-back Middleton approach to Christmas (Credit: Cover Images)

‘One of the first things to go’

“You can expect that to be one of the first things to go when he eventually hosts his first Sandringham Christmas.”

Royals also apparently pick up their gifts in hierarchical order. This apparently means much-loved members like William’s cousin Zara Tindall are left until last.

Read more: King Charles named ‘hardest-working royal’ of 2025 as he ‘beats’ Princess Anne

“William adores Zara, he would hate that the practice of leaving her to the back of a queue. It’s just not William’s way of doing things at home and he has apparently quipped in the past that he wouldn’t continue any of that stuff, though he appreciates his father does it for the nostalgia and as a way to remember the Queen,” the source then added.

Reps for the Prince of Wales have been contacted for comment.

What do you think? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix. 

‘If She Only Knew the Truth’: Coleen Nolan’s Son Says He Has Still Been Barred From Seeing His Daughter for Nearly Seven Years Amid an Increasingly Toxic Family Feud

Coleen Nolan’s son Shane has claimed he is still not allowed to see his daughter, revealing the heartbreaking situation in a fresh social media post amid an increasingly toxic war of words with his ex-partner.

The painful family rift has also meant that Coleen, 60, has not seen her granddaughter Amelia Rose for almost seven years. A source previously close to the situation said there has been no contact at all between the young girl and the Nolan family.

Now Shane has shared a tender new photograph of his blended family on Facebook, featuring his mortgage manager partner Kimberley Sallis, her 12-year-old daughter, and their five-week-old son Cruz-Carter. But despite the happy image, Shane admitted one person was painfully missing.

Alongside the photo, he wrote that his “little family” was incomplete without his daughter, adding that one day she would be in the picture too. He said it broke his heart that she does not even know she has siblings.

When a follower commented that there are “two sides to every story,” Shane hit back by insisting the truth would eventually come out, hinting that he believes his side has yet to be fully heard.

Shane shares Amelia with his former partner Emma Kivell, whom he met while working as Bluecoats at a holiday resort. Amelia was born in 2016, with Coleen present at the birth.

The dispute has played out publicly in recent months. In September, Shane was accused online of ignoring his daughter during a live show, a claim that left him furious. He responded by saying he had no idea she was there and accused the commenter of spreading damaging claims based on one-sided information.

Shane has also previously insisted that he has continued to pay child maintenance, even increasing payments after struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic. He told followers he would never walk away from his responsibilities and said he and his family desperately miss Amelia.

However, Emma has fiercely disputed his account. In a scathing online statement, she accused Shane of making no real effort to be involved in their daughter’s life, claiming there were long periods without contact or financial support. She described her daughter waiting for a father who often did not show up and insisted that speaking out did not make her the villain.

Emma also directly criticised the Nolan family, saying her daughter did not need what she described as “pettiness” and “toxicity,” adding that Amelia already has a strong and loving support system.

Shane, who found love again with Kimberley last summer, welcomed baby son Cruz-Carter in November. Yet despite starting a new chapter, the long-running family feud shows no sign of easing, with both sides standing firmly by their version of events.

Strictly Fans ‘Sobbing’ as George Clarke Breaks Down Ahead of Final — and Admits ‘This Is Awful’ as He Fights to Make His Mum Proud During Her Breast Cancer Battle

Strictly Come Dancing finalist George Clarke left viewers in tears as he struggled to contain his emotions during a moving interview on It Takes Two, just hours before the grand final tonight (Saturday, December 20).

George and Alexis discussed the final (Credit: BBC)

Fans were in tears too (Credit: BBC)
George Clarke and dance partner Alexis Warr (pictured) are hoping to emerge victorious in Saturday’s finale of Strictly Come Dancing

YouTuber George Clarke has become the people’s favourite in this year’s Strictly for both his impassioned dancefloor performance and the way he dedicated his routine as a ‘love letter’ to his family, specifically his adored mother Nicky – who is currently fighting breast cancer

The 26-year-old TikTok sensation, joined by pro partner Alexis Warr, was overcome when shown heartfelt messages of support from his family during the show on Friday evening. Unable to continue, George wiped away tears and apologised, admitting: “Sorry… this is awful of me,” as he reflected on the journey that has brought him to the verge of the Glitterball Trophy.

It’s all too easy to see why Strictly bosses hope that privately-educated George’s popularity with savvy online youngsters may revitalise what has become an increasingly toxic and tired television brand

George explained that he’d tried not to think about the final in order to stay present, saying the experience has already given him “imposter syndrome,” but also acknowledging how difficult the aftermath of the competition may feel once the whirlwind ends.

Fans watching at home were visibly moved, taking to social media to share their own tears and praise his humility and vulnerability. Messages poured in: “I’m emotional for George,” “Don’t cry, you’ll set me off,” and “He is so loved.”

Despite being a strong favourite among the public, bookmakers currently place him behind Karen Carney in the odds. But George’s journey has resonated far deeper than scores or rankings — driven not by fame, but by love and a desperate desire to make his mother proud.

In week eight, his emotional rhumba dedicated to his mum Nicky — who is bravely battling breast cancer — earned widespread admiration. The routine, described as a “love letter,” left both George and his family in tears and marked the moment when the wider Strictly audience embraced him.

George spoke candidly about his mother’s diagnosis, admitting that she has endured more than most: “Nobody deserves what she has gone through, least of all her.” Her illness now dominates family life, and George has been open about how the news has affected him.

The YouTuber, known for his massive online following — 2.4 million TikTok fans, nearly a million across Instagram and YouTube — has captured attention beyond his digital audience. Strictly bosses reportedly hope his popularity with younger viewers may breathe new life into the long-running show.

Unlike his rivals, George has no professional dance background. Friends say the only dancing he ever did before Strictly was at university socials, making his progress even more remarkable. Meanwhile, fellow finalists Amber Davies and Karen Carney have sparked debate due to their extensive dance experience.

George’s journey is also tied to a quieter family story. His mother’s resilience isn’t new — she previously battled encephalitis when he was 16, leaving George traumatised after witnessing her seizure. Yet he describes her as selfless and strong, apologising to the family even after her recovery.

Supporting him from the audience is his girlfriend, model Yasmin Bennett, credited by George as believing in him “more than I did.” His upbringing in Bristol, private education, and university degree paint a picture of a grounded young man who chose effort over shortcuts — despite his father’s senior role at Aardman Animations.

Amber Davies, meanwhile, has faced backlash from viewers because of her stage background and will not participate in the Strictly tour due to prior commitments to the musical Legally Blonde.

George’s growing public profile, however, seems set to extend beyond Strictly, with new TV opportunities reportedly emerging. Insiders say he may be on the verge of becoming a breakout star — not just online, but across mainstream media.

And should he lift the Glitterball Trophy tonight, no supporter will be cheering louder than his mother — the woman whose courage inspired his every step on the Strictly dancefloor.

Chris Rea’s family reveal gut-wrenching pain after the legendary Driving Home for Christmas singer becomes the third sibling to die in just months…

Chris Rea’s family reveal pain after he becomes third sibling to die in a few months

Chris Rea’s death marks a third devastating loss for his family this year (Picture: Michael Stephens/PA Wire)
Chris Rea’s family has opened up about their heartache following the legendary musician’s death shortly before Christmas.

The rock and blues singer-songwriter – world-famous for his festive hit Driving Home for Christmas – died on December 22, with a spokesperson confirming he died in hospital following a short illness.

Now, his sister has revealed he was the third sibling to die in the space of just three months, leaving the family ‘in shock’.

Rea hailed from a large brood of seven children, born to an Italian father (who died in 2010) and an Irish mother (who died in 1983).

His older sister, Camille Whitaker, has revealed that youngest sibling Nicholas died in October at the age of 66 from brain cancer.

Mere days after his funeral, Whitaker’s twin sister, Geraldine Milward, died suddenly.

The musician died on December 22, making him the third of his siblings to die in three months (Picture: Bernd Muller/Redferns)
Reflecting on suffering three devastating losses at the end of this year, the 79-year-old has described her grief as ‘an awful pain’.

‘It is gut-wrenching what happened. The family has been quite shocked by it,’ she told the Daily Mail.

‘It is tragic. We can’t sort of get around it.’

Whitaker went on to say that while she hadn’t seen Rea for almost two years, they would speak on the phone, their last conversation being just six days ago.

‘He was very quiet; he was not a great person on the phone, but I enjoyed our conversations,’ she added.

Whitaker revealed that, in the time she has not seen Rea, he was ‘home-ridden’ due to illness.

He is survived by his wife, Joan, and their two daughters, Josephine and Julia (Picture: Alamy Stock Photo)
‘Christopher had terrible, terrible health and has been unwell for some time before he died,’ she explained, saying he ‘hid away from most people’.

Fortunately, he was able to experience some personal joy before he died, as one of his daughters gave birth to a son.

‘He lived with his wife and children in Buckinghamshire. He always kept very close to his family,’ Whitaker said.

‘He has two daughters, and he recently became a grandfather to a boy; he was very, very pleased.

‘That was wonderful. His eldest, Josephine, inspired one of his songs.

‘And Julia, his second daughter, she is the lady who got married and had a baby.’

Rea, pictured here in 1975, grew up in Middlesbrough as one of seven children (Picture: George Wilkes/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
She added that they will be ‘completely wrecked’ by his death.

However, Whitaker is finding personal comfort in the outpouring of love she has witnessed from fans of her late brother.

‘It is sad, and it will be for a while. I’m pleased for him that he is getting a lot of coverage in the press.’

She added that it’s been ‘amazing’ to see ‘what is being said about him’, not quite realising how popular his music was around Christmastime.

‘What I am quite moved about is the amount of press that he has got.’

Following Rea’s death, his wife confirmed he had died surrounded by his family.

He recently became a grandfather after his daughter welcomed a baby boy (Picture: Frank Hoensch/Redferns)
Rea met Joan Lesley when they were teenagers growing up in Middlesbrough, and they had been childhood sweethearts.

It’s said that his wife of almost six decades was even a muse behind Driving Home for Christmas, as inspiration struck him for the tune after a recording session in December 1978, when he was travelling back up north.

He later created the feel-good melody almost by accident while playing around on the piano.

Driving Home for Christmas was then initially released as a B-side to his 1986 single Hello Friend, but Rea decided to re-record it after listeners loved it so much.

Each year, it climbs back up the charts, having peaked at number 10 in 2021.

It would go on to become one of the most iconic Christmas hits, with Rea’s annual royalties thought to be around £200,000, meaning he’s made approximately £7million since its release.

He is thought to have made £7million from his Christmas tune Driving Home for Christmas (Picture: Ian West/PA Wire)
The beloved musician previously shared that he gave Joan an incredible gift when he was told he had cancer.

During his final TV appearance on the Christmas special of BBC’s Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing, he explained: ‘I was in hospital, and the pancreatic cancer nurse comes in and tells me, “It’s not grade three cancer; phone your wife!”

‘So I phone my wife, and she pulled the car over and burst into tears.’

‘I gave her all the money, all the rights to all the songs,’ he quipped, laughing: ‘And now she won’t give them back.’

A Christmas They Waited Years For: Liz McClarnon Shares First Festive Glimpse as a Family of Three. After IVF, Miscarriages and Fear… Liz McClarnon Finally Gets the Christmas She Dreamed Of

Liz McClarnon and her husband Peter Cho have offered fans a tender glimpse into their very first Christmas as parents, after welcoming their baby boy earlier than expected.

The Atomic Kitten star, 44, announced last month that she had finally become a mum following a gruelling fertility journey that spanned years. While the birth came sooner than planned — and was, in her words, “a bit scary” — Liz reassured fans everything turned out well, sharing a hospital-bed selfie giving a brave thumbs up.

As Christmas approaches, Liz took to Instagram to mark the moment she and Peter will never forget: their first festive season as a family of three. The couple posed in matching pyjamas with their newborn — his face kept private — standing proudly in front of their Christmas tree.

“Ready for Christmas wearing our @alderhey pyjamas,” Liz wrote, capturing a moment filled with warmth, relief and quiet joy.

Last month, Liz also shared the first images of her son in a touching black-and-white series posted on what was meant to be his due date. The photos showed her cradling her newborn in hospital moments after birth, Peter carrying him home in a baby carrier, and Liz cuddling her son in a personalised cardigan reading “Baby McCho” — a sweet blend of their surnames.

Opening up candidly, Liz admitted the birth had been overwhelming. She revealed her waters broke unexpectedly at 4am, and things became frightening when her baby’s heart rate dropped. But she praised NHS staff for acting swiftly and professionally, saying they “blew us away” with their care and compassion.

The emotional milestone comes after an incredibly difficult road to parenthood. Liz and Peter began IVF early in their relationship, aware of her age when they met. After three failed embryo transfers in 2023 and two miscarriages the following year, Liz previously admitted the process took a heavy toll both physically and mentally.

She recalled how each failed cycle chipped away at her hope, explaining that by her third attempt she found herself in a “dark hole”, struggling with illness, weight gain and the fear of IVF becoming her entire identity.

Earlier this year, Liz documented her treatments and side effects on social media, before finally sharing the news she had dreamed of for years. In an emotional video filmed on a park bench, she revealed her pregnancy to fans, admitting she had stayed away from social media because “sometimes it was hard to smile”.

“After years of sometimes quite painful IVF and dark times, I’m pregnant,” she said at the time. “We feel like we’ve been given the world.”

Now, with their baby boy safely in their arms, Liz and Peter are preparing for a Christmas that once felt impossibly far away — one filled with gratitude, healing, and the quiet magic of new beginnings.

“WE’RE BACK!” KELVIN FLETCHER & WIFE LIZ DROP HUGE UPDATE — FANS GO WILD

Kelvin Fletcher and his family have been living away from their farm after a fire broke out in the farmhouse.

Kelvin Fletcher and his wife Liz have faced challenging times following a “devastating” fire, but they’ve now shared a significant update.

Last October, the family-of-six were enjoying a break away from their farm when they received news from a neighbour about a blaze at their farmhouse.

The fire rendered their home uninhabitable, forcing them to seek temporary lodgings. However, over a year later, they’ve made their return to the farm they hold dear.

In the season three finale of ITV’s Fletchers’ Family Farm, Kelvin Fletcher announced: “As far as big days go, this one’s huge.

“We’re taking delivery of our new lodge, the final step in getting us back living on the farm after a year of renting following a fire in the farmhouse.”

Fletchers’ Family Farm star Kelvin Fletcher, his wife Liz and their four children. (Image: ITV)

Kelvin Fletcher and his wife Liz were “devastated” when there was a fire at their farmhouse home last year. (Image: ITV)

Upon the arrival of the first part of their new temporary home, Liz reflected on the aftermath of the fire.

She revealed: “These things, dealing with the fire, it takes so much longer than you can ever imagine.

“It’s a full-time job trying to go through the whole process, the surveys, everything that needs to be done.

“As well as then, we haven’t even started the point of clearing the house out and actually making a start on that building work.

“So this just feels, although it’s temporary, feels like it will help us make those steps a bit more efficiently, a bit more not having to be in two places at the same time.”

Kelvin added: “After everything we’ve been through this year, the hardest part has been feeling so disconnected as a family.

“Being back on the farm brings us back together again and we couldn’t be happier.”

Kelvin Fletcher and wife Liz give ‘huge’ emotional update after ‘upsetting’ year (Image: ITV)

Liz light-heartedly referred to their current abode as a “posh caravan”, expressing relief and a sense of “a weight is lifting” with this significant move.

“The thought of being back at the farm 24/7, it just feels like the best feeling.”

In a voiceover, Kelvin acknowledged the “challenge” that lies ahead in this next phase of their adventure.

“It’s been a long road but our dream of returning to the farm is finally taking shape.

“But before we dig in, we’ve got to adapt to lodge living and with four kids in tow, that’s a whole new kind of challenge.”

Liz concurred: “It’s not your average caravan but there’s six of us.”

She then enthusiastically concluded: “It’ll just take the edge off of the upset of the fire I think and when we do the renovation, we’re here, we’re on site, we’re back. We’re back on the farm.”

BREAKING: After 26 YEARS, Richard Gaisford has quietly signed off from Good Morning Britain — and the reaction says it all. Why is he really leaving ITV now… and what happens next?

Richard Gaisford was supported after the Good Morning Britain star waved goodbye to ITV today (December 24) after 26 years.

The journalist, who joined ITV in 2000, appeared on Wednesday’s episode of GMB for the last time, where the show paid tribute to him.
GMB paid tribute to Richard Gaisford (Credit: ITV)

Good Morning Britain star Richard Gaisford leaves after 26 years

Last night (December 23), Richard informed his followers on Instagram that today would be his final day at ITV.

“Counting down to my final @gmb broadcast. My last ever scheduled programme is tomorrow, after nearly 26 years. See you in the morning!” he wrote.

On GMB, host Charlotte Hawkins and Ed Balls spoke to Richard, who was presenting live at Downing Street.

Charlotte said: “I want to take this moment, actually, to say goodbye and thank you to Richard Gaisford who was here on ITV Breakfast for 26 years! Now, he is a much-loved member of our team.”

Charlotte described Richard as an “exceptional journalist”, declaring him as “the best”, which then Ed explained he had “learned a lot” from Richard.
Richard was supported after his last-ever broadcast with ITV (Credit: ITV)
Overwhelmed by their words, Richard said it has been a “privilege” to work at ITV, describing it as the “best job in television”.

“I will miss all of you immensely and wish you the best of luck with what happens next year. I’m out there looking for some new adventures!”

Following today’s GMB episode, Richard took to Instagram once again, writing: “End of an era,” as he documented his very last broadcast.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Richard Gaisford (@richardgaisford)

‘You will be missed’

Many of Richard’s followers rushed to the comments to share their support.

“You are the best Richard – thank you for your calm, authoritative, knowledgeable and fearless reporting. New adventures beckon – excited to see where you go and the stories you cover,” GMB host Susanna Reid wrote.

“You will be really missed on our screens – good luck for your future adventures x,” another person shared.

“You will be missed,” a third remarked.

Meanwhile, a fourth echoed: “A broadcasting legend! So many brilliant memories working with you over the years Richard, thank you for teaching me so much!”

Read more: Ant & Dec ‘absolutely delighted’ as they extend deal with ITV for three years

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