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Affaire Kendji Girac : la conclusion de l’enquête enfin connue, le procureur catégorique
24 juin 2024

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© BestImage, Tiziano Da Silva – Cyril Moreau / Bestimage
En avril dernier, une enquête était ouverte après que Kendji Girac a été blessé par balle au niveau de la poitrine Exclusif – Kendji Girac – Enregistrement de l’émission “La grande soirée du 31 à Fontainebleau” au Château de Fontainebleau, diffusée sur France 2 © Tiziano Da Silva-Cyril Moreau / Bestimage Pour clore cette année en beauté, France Télévisions, fidèle à son engagement en faveur du patrimoine, offre à son public une soirée de réveillon populaire et festive au château de Fontainebleau, animée par S.Bern. France Télévisions marque une fois encore, au travers de cette soirée exceptionnelle, l’engagement du service public en faveur du spectacle vivant, de la musique et du patrimoine. Les équipes de France Télévisions, d’Electron Libre/Kisayang et de France 2 se sont installées au château de Fontainebleau pour organiser cet événement musical aussi populaire qu’éclectique. C’est ici, au coeur de la salle de Bal, de la galerie François Ier, du grand Escalier ou la cour d’Honneur, que nous allons faire la fête, chanter et danser sur des rythmes disco. Un endroit étonnant, sublimé pour cette soirée, orchestrée par S.Bern entouré de chanteurs, d’artistes aux multiples talents et des danseurs de la troupe du Paradis Latin, sous la direction artistique de K.Ouali ! Les troupes du Paradis Latin, Moulin Rouge, le Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione, le Cirque Phénix et les Folies Gruss, enchanteront ce réveillon avec des visuels magiques au château de Fontainebleau. Pour accueillir le passage à la nouvelle année, un feu d’artifice exceptionnel, d’une dizaine de minutes, sera tiré des jardins du château de Fontainebleau et retransmis sur France 2 et dans plusieurs pays à travers le monde. Ce feu sera spécialement conçu pour les téléspectateurs de France 2 par D.Proteau, directeur artistique de Ruggieri, sur une bande originale créée par le duo de DJs Ofenbach. Quand l’électro rencontre le patrimoine, le résultat est incroyable ! Ofenbach, le duo électro Made In France qui met le feu aux plus grandes scènes internationales avec ses mix, a même été classé par le magazine Vanity Fair en 2018 parmi les 50 Français les plus influents au monde ! Fontainebleau en quelques mots… Haut lieu de l’histoire de France, et joyaux du patrimoine français, classé au Patrimoine mondial de l’Unesco, le château de Fontainebleau a été l’une des demeures emblématique des souverains français de François Ier à Napoléon III. À la fois de style Renaissance, et classique, le château de Fontainebleau témoigne de la rencontre entre l’art italien et la tradition française exprimée tant dans son architecture que dans ses décors intérieurs. L’émission sera diffusée sur TV5 Monde. Evénement en partenariat avec Spotify et France Bleu qui diffusera la soirée en simultané sur son antenne.

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© BestImage, COADIC GUIREC / BESTIMAGE
Le chanteur affirmait être le seul auteur du tir, pensant que l’arme qu’il avait retourné contre lui n’était pas chargée Kendji Girac – Les personnalités se mobilisent lors de la 37ème édition du Téléthon sur le plateau de France 2, avec pour parrain Vianney. Cette année, 80,6 millions de dons ont été promis. Le 9 décembre 2023. © Coadic Guirec / Bestimage

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© BestImage, JACOVIDES-MOREAU / BESTIMAGE
Si Kendji Girac s’en est miraculeusement bien sorti comparé aux nombreux risques encourus, l’enquête suivait son cours Kendji Girac – Montée des marches du film ” Firebrand (Le jeu de la reine) ” lors du 76ème Festival International du Film de Cannes, au Palais des Festivals à Cannes. Le 21 mai 2023 © Jacovides-Moreau / Bestimage

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© BestImage, Sandrine Thesillat / Panoramic / Bestimage
Le procureur Olivier Jeanson a confirmé que le chanteur était bel et bien l’auteur du tir dans un communiqué Le chanteur Kendji Girac sur la scène du Rugby Music Live devant 8000 spectateurs qui ont fait un don pour 3 associations : MBM (Manifestation de Bienveillance pour enfants Malade), les Zèbres (Moments de réconfort pour les enfants hospitalisés) et la fondation OVE ((enfants orphelins et démunis) à Lyon, le 13/05/2023. © Sandrine Thesillat / Panoramic / Bestimage

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© BestImage, COADIC GUIREC / BESTIMAGE
Il exclut l’intervention d’un tiers. L’enquête est donc terminée. Kendji Girac – Les personnalités se mobilisent lors de la 37ème édition du Téléthon sur le plateau de France 2, avec pour parrain Vianney. Cette année, 80,6 millions de dons ont été promis. Le 9 décembre 2023. © Coadic Guirec / Bestimage

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© BestImage, Sandrine Thesillat / Panoramic / Bestimage
“Les investigations, qui ont pu se poursuivre depuis sereinement, sont désormais achevées”, a précisé le parquet. Le chanteur Kendji Girac sur la scène du Rugby Music Live devant 8000 spectateurs qui ont fait un don pour 3 associations : MBM (Manifestation de Bienveillance pour enfants Malade), les Zèbres (Moments de réconfort pour les enfants hospitalisés) et la fondation OVE ((enfants orphelins et démunis) à Lyon, le 13/05/2023. © Sandrine Thesillat / Panoramic / Bestimage

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© BestImage, COADIC GUIREC / BESTIMAGE
Kendji Girac – Les personnalités se mobilisent lors de la 37ème édition du Téléthon sur le plateau de France 2, avec pour parrain Vianney. Cette année, 80,6 millions de dons ont été promis. Le 9 décembre 2023. © Coadic Guirec / Bestimage

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© BestImage, Christophe Clovis / Bestimage
Exclusif – Kendji Girac, l’Avvinta – Concert “Corsu Mezu Mezu” à la Défense Arena à Paris, France. Le 28 octobre 2023. © Christophe Clovis / Bestimage “La Corse débarque à Paris ! ” a eu lieu samedi 28 octobre 2023 à Paris La Défense Arena. Ce spectacle est l’aboutissement de ce projet qui a vu naître des duos majestueux entre les plus belles voix de Corse et du continent sur des chansons incontournables du répertoire insulaire. Des liens chaleureux, une culture partagée, plus de 600 000 albums vendus. Cette soirée chargée d’émotion restera à jamais unique et inoubliable pour ceux qui l’ont vécu sur scène comme dans la salle.

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© BestImage, Christophe Clovis / Bestimage
Exclusif – Kendji Girac – Célébration des 10 ans du centre commercial Beaugrenelle à Paris, France. Le 12 octobre 2023. © Christophe Clovis / Bestimage

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© BestImage, Christophe Clovis / Bestimage
Exclusif – Kendji Girac – Célébration des 10 ans du centre commercial Beaugrenelle à Paris, France. Le 12 octobre 2023. © Christophe Clovis / Bestimage

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© BestImage, Christophe Clovis / Bestimage
Exclusif – Kendji Girac – Célébration des 10 ans du centre commercial Beaugrenelle à Paris, France. Le 12 octobre 2023. © Christophe Clovis / Bestimage

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© BestImage, JACOVIDES-MOREAU / BESTIMAGE
Kendji Girac – Montée des marches du film ” Firebrand (Le jeu de la reine) ” lors du 76ème Festival International du Film de Cannes, au Palais des Festivals à Cannes. Le 21 mai 2023 © Jacovides-Moreau / Bestimage

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© BestImage, G.Gaffiot-J.Tribeca / Bestimage
Exclusif – Kendji Girac – Backstage – Enregistrement de l’émission “Ce soir on chante pour l’Unicef, pour chaque enfant” à La Seine Musicale, diffusée le 25 avril sur W9. Le 13 mars 2023. W9 vous propose une soirée musicale exceptionnelle, “Ce soir on chante pour l’UNICEF, pour chaque enfant”,au profit du fond d’urgence de l’UNICEF. Depuis plus de 75 ans, l’UNICEF se bat pour les enfants et leurs familles au coeur des crises humanitaires, que ce soit actuellement sur le front de la guerre en Ukraine, dans les ruines du séisme en Turquie et en Syrie ou au coeur d’une sècheresse dévastatrice dans la corne de l’Afrique,les enfants sont toujours les premières victimes.Aux côtés de nombreux artistes, E.Gossuin et J.Anthony vous donnent rendez-vous pour se mobiliser, pour chaque enfant. Chacun des artistes partagera un duo unique avec un enfant, des moments de partages émouvants et inédits. Symbole de notre solidarité avec les enfants du monde, ces jeunes chanteurs feront leurs premiers pas sur scène. S’ils ont un peu le trac, ils sont surtout bourrés de talents et très fiers de s’impliquer pour l’UNICEF. À leurs côtés, des artistes que vous adorez : M.Pokora, K.Girac, A.Bent, Yanns, Anisha Louis et Enola, Nej, mais aussi P.Bruel, C.Badi, T.Arena, C.Capéo, et bien d’autres. C’est une soirée musicale exceptionnelle qui vous attend ! © G.Gaffiot-J.Tribeca / Bestimage

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© BestImage, RACHID BELLAK / BESTIMAGE
Kendji Girac au photocall de la 24ème édition des “NRJ Music Awards (NMA)” au Palais des Festivals à Cannes le 18 novembre 2022. © Rahid Bellak / Bestimage

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© BestImage, Christophe Clovis / Bestimage
Exclusif – Kendji Girac chante son tube “Eva” – Enregistrement de l’émission “Les 20 chansons préférées 2022”, diffusée le 5 janvier 2023 sur M6 © Christophe Clovis / Bestimage É.Gossuin vous invite à un grand show musical inédit au coeur du Dôme de Paris. Grâce à un grand sondage IFOP, découvrez le classement des 20 chansons de l’année préférées des Français. 20 chansons qui sont déjà devenues des tubes incontournables et que vous avez le plus plébiscitées en 2022 ! Au programme de cette soirée évènement, des prestations live exclusives et de nombreuses images qui retraceront une année riche en tubes. Retrouvez toutes les stars et toutes les chansons qui ont marqué l’année musicale ! Alors, quelle chanson avez-vous élue comme étant votre chanson préférée de l’année ?

In 1995, Princess Diana and John F. Kennedy Jr. were two of the most closely-watched people on the planet – so organizing a secret meeting between the two of them was no easy feat.

But that is exactly what their respective staffers managed to orchestrate during a brief trip that Diana made to New York City, the details of which have been kept largely under wraps. Until now.

The meeting was initially arranged at the behest of JFK Jr. who had hoped to convince the newly-separated Diana to appear on the cover of his magazine, George. However a new biography detailing the life of the political scion has now revealed that her real reasons for agreeing to the meet-up may have been far less formal.

‘It was never made public so that made it quite fun, actually,’ Diana’s private secretary, Patrick Jephson, recalls in the pages of JFK Jr: An Intimate Oral Biography, written by RoseMarie Terenzio, Kennedy’s former executive assistant, and Liz McNeil.

‘Diana wanted it to be discreet because it had all the makings of a great gossip story, didn’t it? World’s most eligible bachelor… and she had just got unmarried or was in the process of getting unmarried. It would’ve been a rather intriguing thing to dream about.

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A new JFK Jr. biography is lifting the lid on the truth behind a secret meeting that he held with Princess Diana back in 1995

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The political scion requested a meeting with Diana in New York City in the hopes of persuading her to appear on the cover of his magazine, George, an offer she ultimately turned down

‘She didn’t want that, but she was curious to meet him. Partly, I think, because Sarah Ferguson had the hots for him and Diana wanted to, I think, do one up on her.’

RoseMarie, Kennedy’s former executive assistant and chief of staff at George, writes that Diana was due to be staying at the Carlyle hotel, and she’d arranged for a meeting with the princess on a weekday afternoon to discuss the potential cover.

‘There was all this worry,’ she recalls. ‘Should he go in the front door? Should he wear a disguise: because won’t there be rumors that he’s having an affair with her? … They were the two most famous people on the planet.’

In the end, he walked right through the front door without being noticed, avoiding the paparazzi who were waiting around the side for Diana.

Jephson met Kennedy outside the hotel’s Bemelmans Bar in a ‘rather dark passageway’ and took him up to the penthouse, where Diana was staying.

‘He was smart. And she was smart,’ he recalls. ‘It was a working meeting. Business attire.’

However, Jephson says Kennedy seemed in awe of the beautiful woman sitting opposite him, explaining that he was ‘not uncomfortable but he certainly seemed to be on his best behavior.

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The meeting between the world’s most eligible bachelor and the princess had all the makings of a great gossip story – and the pair’s staff went to great lengths to keep it hidden

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The pair met in Diana’s penthouse suite at the Carlyle – and stayed in touch afterwards

‘He rather sat on the edge of his chair and looked nervously at her,’ he continues.

‘She was very cool – and jolly, you know, and smiley and welcoming.’

He made his pitch for the cover and Diana respectfully declined, with Cindy Crawford ultimately going on to serve as Kennedy’s cover star, but the pair continued talking until their allotted time was over.

‘I can’t remember the words,’ says Jephson, ‘but there was a degree of sympathy. I think she might have spoken about the famous picture of him as a little boy.

‘And she had sympathy for him growing up with the name and being the object of public fascination. These were things that she could relate to.

‘She didn’t see him as the rest of the world saw him. As this big, famous, handsome guy. She saw him, I think, as rather vulnerable because he had grown up in public.

‘She saw in him a fellow victim… of life in the public eye and difficulty knowing who to trust. And I think that that did create a connection between them.’

Terenzio reveals that Diana and JFK Jr stayed in touch, and he asked her again for an interview two years later.

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Diana’s former secretary Patrick Jephson believes that Diana agreed to the meeting in order to ‘one up’ Sarah Ferguson whom she knew had a crush on JFK Jr.

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She saw Kennedy as vulnerable because he had grown up in the public eye

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John Kennedy Jr dancing with the author, RoseMarie Terenzio, to Prince at George’s Christmas party in 1999

‘On February 3, 1997, she wrote John a note from Kensington Palace. I still have a copy of it,’ she writes

‘She said “regrettably” she must decline his offer and that she would get back in touch when the time was right. At the end, she wrote: “I hope” – and she underlined “hope” – ‘the media are leaving both you and Carolyn alone. I know how difficult it is, but believe it or not, the worst paparazzi are here in Europe.’

Matt Berman, the creative director of George, reflected on the deep irony of that first meeting at the Carlyle: ‘I sent him over with a bunch of covers. I would draw sketches – Magic Marker on tracing paper.

‘I did one of her in a limousine with paparazzi flash bulbs – it was her in the back with the windows half up.

‘How weird is that? They were both not gonna be around in the next few years. Who would’ve called that one?’

JFK Jr: An Intimate Oral Biography by RoseMarie Terenzio and Liz McNeil, is published by Gallery Books

INTER MIAMI’S addition to the Club World Cup has left Major League Soccer rivals furious with Fifa.

Gianni Infantino, the Fifa president, announced this week that David Beckham’s MLS franchise will take the America host nation spot for next summer’s controversial tournament.

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Inter Miami’s Club World Cup qualification has seen Fifa criticisedCredit: AP

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Fifa chef Gianni Infantino gave a speech as Inter Miami lifted the Supporters ShieldCredit: Reuters
Infantino pointed to Inter Miami winning the Supporters Shield, awarded to the club who perform the best over the regular season, as the reason for their qualification.

The actual MLS champion is decided through the play-offs.

But with the reason for Miami’s inclusion not given before they lifted the trophy, their rivals have accused Fifa of having no clear qualification criteria.

And they claim they have jumped the gun simply to ensure that Lionel Messi is involved in the revamped 32-team tournament.

Seattle Sounders are the other team from the US involved and they booked their spot having won the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2022.

Fifa had been in discussions with MLS over criteria this season, before deciding on the Supporters Shield winner at their Council meeting on October 3 – the day after Miami sealed the title.

MLS insist all decision-making around the final slot was dealt with by the world governing body.

Not only have Beckham’s boys been given the host nation spot, but they will also play in the curtain raiser in Miami on June 15.

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Other clubs have always felt that Miami have had special treatment from the league due to their high profile stars – something which has always been denied.

Four ex-Barcelona legends are in the squad – Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

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Inside David and Victoria Beckham’s stunning new £60m Miami mansion with spa, pool, rooftop bar overlooking Biscayne Bay
Their success on the pitch this season, setting a points record for the regular season, gives officials a simple answer when questions are asked.

Elite European sides like Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, PSG, Inter Milan, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are all in the Club World Cup.

Former This Morning co-stars Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes announced their separation in a shock statement in May after almost 15 years of marriage and now she is returning to Loose Women

When television’s golden couple Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes announced their separation in May, it sent shockwaves through the industry.

With a marriage deemed to be ‘rock solid’ and one of the strongest in showbiz, the news the couple were seeking a divorce after 14 years of marriage hit hard. The TV presenters, who are both 64, met in 1997 through their mutual friend, television presenter, Sally Meen and quickly fell in love.

The bombshell two months ago left everyone searching for answers, and it has since been alleged that Ruth found messages between her husband and another woman on a laptop. Friends close to the Loose Women presenter – who has returning today after taking time away from the ITV show to deal with the breakdown of her marriage – revealed that there is no going back for the couple.

She has been left “hurt” after finding out her husband is being consoled by another woman with whom he’s been on a string of outings. Katie Alexander struck up a friendship with Eamonn over the past couple of years and he is said to have taken her to a safari park, a Manchester United game and a Beyonce gig.

In May it emerged Eamonn and Ruth have split after 14 years of marriage and are to divorce ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

The relationship counsellor, 42, has accompanied the GB News presenter on several outings over the past year and has been photographed at his home. Ruth was largely unaware of their friendship – and Katie’s pasl are at pains to point out that their friendship has only grown close once the stars’ marriage was over.

A friend of Ruth said: “Ruth was hurt when she learned about Eamonn’s friendship with another woman but she is strong and she will be back soon with a smile on her face, putting her best foot forward, as she always does. She needs a bit of time to regroup after everything that’s gone on, which is understandable, but she plans to return to Loose Women, with renewed vigour, in July.”

A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Ruth was completely taken by surprise when she saw the messages. She had no idea what had been going on between them. She was devastated. Not only was she very upset but she was also angry.” This, coupled with reports of explosive rows, along with Ruth admitting Eamonn’s ill health was “testing” for their family, lead many to think the pair had secretly split weeks before their announcement.

He has been seen with Katie Alexander who is ‘helping Eamonn through the tough time’
Speaking in the wake of their separation, one insider said: “It’s a very sorry tale. They are both so loved by the British public, they won over so many people on This Morning which they hosted for more than a decade. They were as close to Richard Madeley and Judy Finnegan as you could get,” reports MailOnline.

It’s believed that both Eamonn and Ruth are keen to finalise their divorce soon, but there’s still a lot to sort out behind the scenes. Insiders claim Ruth is set to “barely mention” the breakup when she makes her comeback on Loose Women. At last month’s TRIC awards, a candid Eamonn shared: “I’m not OK. This is not a good time at all.” When quizzed about the future of his relationship with Ruth, Eamonn said: “It’s too early to say but I hope we can still be friends.”

Eamonn and Ruth’s romance began in 1997 after being introduced by friends, leading to over a decade of dating before Eamonn proposed. The couple tied the knot in 2010, but they hadn’t been seen together publicly for two years prior to their split and in May they stunned fans by confirming it is all over in a statement.

Loose Women’s Andrea McLean was on the reserve list for Strictly Come Dancing, but says she was ‘relieved’ when she wasn’t needed after hours of ‘scary’ practicing

Former Loose Women host, Andrea McLean, has admitted she was “relieved” when Strictly Come Dancing bosses told her she wouldn’t be on the show.

The seasoned presenter, 54, was on the reserves list for the BBC staple, which has just announced chaperones will be present in the training rooms for all future series after Graziano Di Prima is alleged to have mistreated last year’s contestant Zara McDermott.

Despite not making it onto the show, Andrea says she still had to practice, which she says she found “so scary”. Speaking about the experience in a interview before Graziano was axed from the show following the misconduct claims, she said: “I think I was the only celebrity who was relieved when they were told they weren’t needed.”

Loose Women’s Andrea McLean was on the reserve list for Strictly Come Dancing ( 
Image:
Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Im)

Graziano Di Prima has been sacked from the show following allegations about his behaviour ( 
Image:
Mike Marsland/WireImage)
She continued in Woman’s Own: “Even just practicing was so scary, so when I came home, I thought to myself: ‘Thank God, now I can just watch it.’”

The beloved BBC show has been hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons recently. Just weeks after it was revealed Giovanni Pernice 33, had been axed from the new series of Strictly after the broadcaster launched an investigation into his ‘bullying’ behaviour in the training room with Amanda Abbington – which the Sicilian denies – Graziano, has also been dropped after claims he behaved inappropriately towards Love Island star, Zara.

Following the bombshell news, Graziano took to his Instagram page to share a statement and said he “deeply regrets the events that led to my departure”. He also added: “When the time is right, I will share my story.” Giovanni, meanwhile, has always strenuously denied the allegations against him.

Zara broke her silence on Tuesday, saying she has been “wrestling with the fear of opening up” in a poignant post on Instagram. Stating the Strictly call was a “dream come true” having wanted to be on the show since she was a “little girl”, she shared: “Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents, which are incredibly distressing to watch.

Following her statement, the BBC made one of its own, confirming it would be making changes ahead of the new series, predominantly to rehearsals. They wrote: “The BBC is today announcing additional steps to strengthen welfare and support on Strictly Come Dancing. Concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals.

“The actions we announce today are designed to address that. We have taken the decision to introduce the following additional practical steps. Going forward, we will have a production team member present during training room rehearsals at all times; increase existing support with the addition of two new roles on the show dedicated to welfare support – a Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer; and deliver further training for the production team and crew.”

Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, added: “Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act. Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals. The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved.”

Antiques Roadshow guest was left in disbelief when a sculpture he had been using as a doorstop turned out to be a rare piece by celebrated Nigerian artist Ben Enwonwu

An Antiques Roadshow punter was gobsmacked during Sunday’s episode when a quirky car boot bargain sculpture he had been using as a doorstop turned out to be a rare treasure worth a small fortune.

Broadcast from the picturesque Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey, Fiona Bruce and her team dug up some gems, including what might be an original Winnie the Pooh edition, a dazzling ballerina brooch and a quirky wooden chair by the legendary ‘Mouseman’, Robert Thompson.

Stealing the show though, was one visitor’s peculiar piece, which he confessed puzzled him, remarking: “I’ve always been perplexed by it, wondering what it is.”

He amusingly added: “It’s been my doorstop for the last 12 months,” mentioning he snagged it for a mere £50 at a local car boot sale in Anglesey three years earlier. Clueless about its background, he mused: “Someone mentioned it could be African; I don’t know.”

Expert John Foster then delivered the shocker – revealing the sculpture as the creation of Ben Enwonwu, a giant in Nigerian art history.

The guest purchased the rare art piece at a car boot sale ( 
Image:
BBC)
Foster painted a picture of Enwonwu’s prestigious journey, a man who flawlessly fused Nigerian and Western art techniques, gaining recognition in the 1940s thanks to the Zwemmer Gallery, before spreading his influence through exhibits from New York to London and Milan. Foster continued, “The sculptor Ben Enwonwu [is] one of Nigeria’s most celebrated sculptors. He was born in Nigeria in 1917 and died in the sort of mid-90s.”, reports the Express.

Expounding on the artist’s reputation, notably with bronze and stone, Foster speculated that the carved stone work likely hailed from the 1970s.

The expert revealed: “He was the first pioneer in mixing Nigerian art with Western art. Known really as a sculptor in bronze and stone, and this being in carved stone style-wise I thought it sort of dates from the 1970s. He was picked up by a gallery in the 40s and it was a gallery called the Zwemmer Gallery. And that, literally from there, skyrocketed him to having shows in New York, London and Milan.”

John Foster valued the piece as worth £10,000 to £15,000 at auction ( 
Image:
BBC)
He then valued the sculpture between £10,000 and £15,000. The guest was stunned, exclaiming: “You’re joking! I could cry. I had no inclination that it was going to be worth so much money. It’s shocked me.”

As the true value of his £50 find sank in, he added with a smile: “I thought it might be £100.”

As her new food travel show hits ITV this week, comedian Judi Love opens up about love, her mental health, juggling work and teens and her next goal

Judi Love’s lifelong mantra is that laughter is healing – so it’s perhaps no surprise that the comedian now plans to do a PhD on the subject.

The 44-year-old Loose Women presenter, who already has two university degrees under her belt, says her future goals are not limited to the world of entertainment. Although she would like to be the next Cilla Black. “I’d love to reboot Blind Date,” she laughs, with that unmistakable cackle. “Let’s manifest it, I’m going to put that on my vision board.”

With her brand new ITV foodie travel show on screens this week, Judi Love’s Culinary Cruise, a stand-up tour in the works, not to mention regular appearances on Loose Women and comedy panel shows, Judi is at the top of her game. But it hasn’t always been easy, coming from a working class background in London, raising two children as a single mum and facing discrimination as a black woman. She says: “There were many days I remember, being in my council property and fretting, being nervous, thinking, ‘How am I going to get through this week? What am I going to do?’ There’s something creative in me and I just want people to feel some kind of joy. That was my thing.

Sweet like honey: Judi Love gets to grips with bee keeping on her new TV show ( 
Image:
ITV)
“I’ve done degrees, I’ve raised kids by myself, so even if it’s not entertainment, if people have that moment, thinking ‘How do I balance teenagers?’ or ‘How do I go back to uni?’ or ‘How do I be plus size but still try to keep myself fit?’ I don’t see myself as a role model, but if someone can see themselves in me, then that makes me feel purposeful.”

Judi Love tries some surprising new foods on Judi Love’s Culinary Cruise ( 
Image:
ITV)

She adds: “People shouldn’t limit themselves to what people expect you to do. I want to get back on the road and do my comedy tour. I’d love to do more writing, producing and directing. I want to go back to university and do a PhD. I’d like to study how laughter affects your mental health. Otherwise I’d study something connected to women’s health.”

Judi admits that as a woman, especially as a black woman, there have definitely been difficulties. She says: “As a woman, it’s what we have to carry. And it’s challenging, because women, we get paid less. You can be on a comedy show and there are five acts, and back in the day, there would only be one female – and it might not be a female of colour. So then I’ve got those two things against me. TV was always very middle class. People went to uni or you knew someone who knew somebody. I never knew anybody that worked in TV when I was young. I knew people who had been on TV, but the ones who made the decisions? Never. But I think things have changed, from agents opening up their pool of talent, to people in certain positions. I created my own audience, which enabled me to get seen a lot more. They’re from all backgrounds and cultures, so it’s hard to deny it then really.”

Judi also believes that coming to show business a bit later in life, at the age of 36, has helped her to deal with the industry and her career in the public eye. She says: “My advice to anyone coming into the industry is to work on your craft, find your unique selling point, what makes you different, and don’t come into it too young. I got into it at a later stage and I’m really grateful for that. I’m glad that I knew myself, who I was as a person. I had children, I had bills. I’d worked in the normal world and that really grounded me a lot more. It’s a very demanding industry and so many people suffer with anxiety. You’re exposed. You’re meeting so many different people and your circle changes, you’re not seeing your friends and family as much. You need a really good support network.”

Judi tries out traditional costume on her travels on Judi Love’s Culinary Cruise ( 
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ITV)
When it comes to her mental health, Judi is careful to take time out when she needs it. I always take a break from social media if I need it,” she says. “I try to put in boundaries if I’m feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes I think I need to take time off from it if it’s been busy. I ignore trolls as much as I can, but no one can say that trolling doesn’t get you. Of course it does, I try to ignore it. I don’t really respond, but it’s never nice when you get abusive messages.”

She adds: “The hardest thing about entertainment is not having the structure. It’s never the same day twice. If you’re used to routine, this is where mental health issues can slip in, especially if you’re away from family. I try to take breaks and I’m very much about ‘What am I doing this for?’ I need to do things that make me fulfilled, not just because they are there for me to do.”

Looking after her health is important but Judi laughs that it gets tougher when you hit 40. She says: “I go to the gym, I exercise. I try to eat good food, I don’t limit myself. I’m definitely cutting down the alcohol. In the entertainment business, you find you’ve gone to a networking or an event and you suddenly realise you’ve had a drink four or five times in the week. Then you might have a drink at home because you think ‘I’m gonna wind down, I’m off today’. I’m being more mindful and I think that’s really important, especially being over 40, your body changes with what you can tolerate. I definitely can’t tolerate bread that much anymore. I don’t have to drink to have a good time.”

Judi says she brought joy and laughter to her travels on her new ITV show ( 
Image:
ITV)Life is certainly hectic and non-stop, with life, kids and career a constant juggle. While she’s talking, she’s on the way to take her 15-year-old son to an orthodontist appointment, while her 19-year-old daughter is at home, having been poorly with a tummy bug the day before. She says: “I’ve got filming to get to later as well. It’s a juggle, but it’s one that I’m really grateful and blessed to have.” It’s little wonder there might not be much time for dating. She says: “I’m not dating at the moment, I would say I am dating myself. Although I’m always open to it, I meet beautiful people all the time, so let’s see.”

Having won the 2021 Celebrity MasterChef Christmas special, Judi’s flair for food has been harnessed for her latest project, which sees her travel around Montenegro, Greece and the Greek islands on a culinary tour on a luxury yacht. Judi says: I’m got to commend other people who do travelogues, because it’s hard work, but it’s so rewarding. Never in my life did I imagine I could travel, explore, meet people, embrace someone’s culture, eat the most fabulous food and then get to cook and learn people’s traditions. I loved spreading my joy and laughter around food and travel. There were so many funny moments, like once I was engrossed in a conversation with the Captain of our yacht and then I said ‘Who’s driving the boat?’ In Montenegro, this lady became obsessed with me. She kept calling me, ‘Juicy woman, juicy, juicy beautiful woman’. It was a lot of fun.”

Judi has always embraced her Jamaican heritage and was blown away by the similarities in cooking and traditions on her travels. She says: “Seeing how much we have in common around the world is really beautiful. Even being British, food is at the centre, whether it’s a Sunday roast or that auntie who makes the best potatoes. Traditions were so deeply embedded in Greece and you could see generations being taught and recipes being passed on. It really makes you think about the legacy and how important it is to pass those things on. In my family, my mum was known as the cook. Everyone wanted her rice and peas or curried goat, or cakes. My daughter cooks now and she’s incredible, those skills have been brought down the generations and that’s really what legacy is about.” Judi adds: “Looking back at my career, I do have pinch-me moments. What a crazy, beautiful privilege to be in this kind of world.”

Former X Factor contestants Jedward were among the guests at the MTV EMAs 2024 on Sunday, where they spoke on the red carpet about the late One Direction member Liam Payne

Former X Factor contestants Jedward spoke about the late Liam Payne whilst at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

The duo, 33, were at the awards ceremony – known as the MTV EMAs – at Co-op Live in Manchester together on Sunday. The pair shared that they anticipated it to be an emotional evening due to rumours of a tribute to Liam, as reported by the Manchester Evening News (M.E.N.)

It was announced last month that Liam – known for having been in One Direction – passed away, aged 31, after falling from a balcony of hotel in Argentina. Rita Ora, 33 – who is hosting the MTV EMAs for the third consecutive year – had previously dueted with him on the song For You, released in 2018. Following the news of his passing, she was visibly emotional during a performance last month and remembered him as ‘the kindest soul’.

Whilst speaking to the M.E.N on the red carpet of the awards ceremony, John Grimes and Edward Grimes – known collectively as Jedward – said: “Tonight will be upsetting for Rita Ora because she did a song with Liam. There is going to be a tribute, so I think there will be a lot of tears.” They added: “The fact that we all came from the same show… it’s like we all went to school together. You can’t describe the experience.”

Jedward are among the guests at the MTV EMAs 2024 in Manchester ( 
Image:
Ian West/PA Wire)

They spoke about the late Liam Payne (right) whilst at the event, which is being hosted by Rita Ora (left) ( 
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Recalling their reaction to the news of his death, they said: “When we heard the news, everything dropped. We couldn’t sleep that night. We met him in 2017. That was the last EMA’s we were at and honestly, who would’ve thought?”

Liam had auditioned for the X Factor initially in 2008 but he didn’t make it to the live shows that year. He however later returned in 2010 and was put into One Direction, who ended up placing third in the final that year. Jedward had competed on the ITV singing contest in 2009 and placed fifth.

Manchester has welcomed a host of acts to the city for the MTV EMAs this weekend. The event has been described as one of the biggest TV broadcasts across Europe outside of the Eurovision Song Contest. It’s set to feature performances from the likes of Raye, Pet Shop Boys, Le Sserafim, Shawn Mendes and Benson Boone. Meanwhile, a host of celebrities are expected to make appearances to present awards.

Paying tribute to Liam last month, Rita wrote on Instagram: “I’m devastated. He had the kindest soul. I will never forget. I loved working with him mso much – he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage. This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P”

Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel was called out for digging up old comments Labour politicians had made about Donald Trump but seemingly not wanting to confront her own words

Dame Priti Patel was tied in knots after being grilled about her past comments appearing to accuse Donald Trump of stoking violence ahead of the January 6 insurrection.

The former Home Secretary, who has been appointed Kemi Badenoch’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, was called out for digging up old comments from Labour politicians but seemingly not wanting to confront her own words. Dame Priti told Laura Kuenssberg that there was “no point fast forwarding now and taking quotes into the modern context” despite hitting out at Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s previous comments about President-elect Mr Trump.

In a tense exchange, the BBC presenter told the Tory politician: “You said several times that you think this government has to work really, really hard to make to make good, maybe to make peace, with Donald Trump in order to move forward. I just wonder, after the Capitol riots back on January 6… you yourself said that Donald Trump’s comments directly led to violence, and he did very little to deescalate the situation. Do you want to apologise to him for saying that, as you’re urging Labour politicians to do?”

Dame Priti Patel said there was ‘no point fast forwarding now and taking quotes into the modern context’ yet criticised Labour politician’s old comments
Dame Priti said the 2021 insurrection was “a major, major situation”. “I was Home Secretary at the time then and we were obviously working with our US counterparts on security issues. No one wants to see violence after elections,” she said.

After being repeatedly pressed on whether she stood by the comments, she said: “I think those comments, in light of what happened, were absolutely right and fair and relevant. The crucial thing right now, Laura, is that you’ve asked me about previous comments, and previous comments of our chief diplomat [Mr Lammy] were much more personal – much more personal – and undiplomatic to the President-elect of the United States.

BBC presenter Laura Kuenssberg grilled Dame Priti Patel on whether she stood by her old comments about Donald Trump
“And let me just add one other thing, our relationships and I have worked with the previous Trump administration, I’ve had a very strong working relationship on security issues, law enforcement issues… That relationship is built on trust and respect. This government, I suspect will have to work that much harder to regain trust and respect.”

Asked whether she still held that view that Mr Trump was, in that moment, a threat to democracy, Dame Priti said: “At that particular time… Let me just put this into context. There’s no point fast forwarding now and taking quotes into the modern context.”

Mr Lammy has dismissed comments he made branding Mr Trump “deluded, dishonest, xenophobic, narcissistic” as “old news” – and he said the pair got on well at a recent dinner. “You will struggle to find any politician. And that’s not just Labour politicians, because the last Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, had some pretty ripe things to say about Donald Trump,” the Foreign Secretary told BBC Newscast on Thursday.

Denise Welch has spoken about her secret battle with numbers, which led to her getting into financial difficulties – but she’s now speaking out about it to help others

Denise Welch, beloved Loose Women panellist, mental health advocate and acclaimed actress, has publicly battled many life challenges – from depression to alcohol addiction. Thankfully, she overcame these struggles years ago with the support of her husband, artist Lincoln Townley. However, one battle Denise hasn’t extensively discussed is her secret struggle with numbers, which led to financial difficulties.

Now, as an ambassador for National Numeracy, Denise is tackling this issue head-on and sharing her journey, says OK!. And she wants people to know two things: struggling doesn’t make you “thick”, and help is available. The candid 66 year old star, who shares sons Louis, 23, an actor, and The 1975 frontman Matty, 35, with ex-husband and fellow actor Tim Healy, is known for her brutal honesty. Happily, she tells us, she’s in a great place right now, both professionally and personally.

Denise has struggled with numbers her entire life, she says ( 
Image:
Instagram)

The star always ignored bills – and got herself into financial hot waterAfter years of mental health struggles culminating in a breakdown in 2019, she’s never felt better. , reports OK!. “If I could bottle how I’m feeling right now, I’d be a billionaire,” she chuckles, speaking to us from her Loose Women dressing room at ITV. “I always knew the origin of my illness was hormonal, probably triggered by childbirth – it took 20 years to get anyone to accept that. I’ve been shouting from the rooftops about our mental health since 1991.”

“In 2019, I had what we used to call a ‘breakdown’ – I get tingling in my hands, the colour drains from my life, I can feel it coming on. And I decided for the first time to chronicle that episode, in real time. I did just that for three days and when I came out of bed days later, it had gone viral. I’d even been on News At 10. It resonated.”

That incident gave rise to Denise’s book, The Unwelcome Visitor, and she’s since felt a significant shift, which she thinks may be connected to becoming post-menopausal. “I haven’t had an episode since. I’ll never, ever say it’s ‘gone’. All I know is for the first time in 35 years, I don’t wake up frightened of my illness. Something righted itself. I don’t wake up with a subconscious dread, the constant narrative, ‘Do I feel OK? S**t, it’s dark today, how’s that going to affect me…’ That’s gone.”

Denise is also clearly smitten with her hubby of more than a decade, Lincoln. She gushes that despite sounding “corny”, at 51, he’s the “bedrock” of her world. “I feel so fortunate to have met him later in life. He’s my best friend, we make each other laugh and we’ve got each other’s backs. The only thing I can thank alcohol for is that we met each other in a club late at night.”

Denise says Loose Women has seen her through the ‘good, the bad and the ugly’ ( 
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INSTAGRAM)

She says she didn’t expect the ‘outpouring of love’ she felt when she became a ‘nana’ ( 
Image:
Denise Welch)

Denise Welch has spoken up about the challenges she and her partner Lincoln Townley have faced, including overcoming negative media scrutiny and the loss of her mother. “We overcame all the negative press we got, the loss of my mother early on in our relationship could have set me back drinking again, but with the strength of Lincoln it didn’t. We live a life we love. Life is good. I’m filming two new TV shows at the minute. I have a beautiful family, including my grandson. Lincoln and I are each other’s anchors.”

Denise gushes with pride when talking about her children’s professional strides, mentioning Louis stepping into the role for the Stranger Things West End play and Matty finding success as The 1975’s frontman whilst working on his sixth album. She reflects, “Yes, Matty’s taking his foot off the gas of touring for a couple of years,” and shares her joy of spending time in LA, where he resides: “He’s based in LA, which is great as we love LA.”

As for being a grandmother to baby Theo, Denise can’t help but express her deep affection: “Theo is just this joyful child who we are totally besotted with. You don’t expect the outpouring of love you’ll feel for a grandchild. This tiny little dot who’s only been around for a year has changed our lives and I’ve never seen anything like how Lincoln is with him. When you’re a blended family, you have to share the little one out quite a lot, so it’s like, ‘We’ll have him! ‘”.

When she’s not doting on her grandson, Denise is still flexing her acting muscles and sharing her candid views on Loose Women. What keeps her coming back to the show? It’s the love and respect she receives from the team, according to Denise. She also feels like she’s matured a lot while being on-air. ” Loose Women has honestly seen me through the good, the bad and the very ugly, and now the good again. I’m very grateful for the platform it’s given me. Not many older women have a voice – this is one of the only shows in the country which reveres them. We have women from 24 to 84 – where else do you get that range of opinion and life experience? ” Denise revealed.

The Loose Women favourite says hubby Lincoln has been her ‘rock’ through thick and thin ( 
Image:
Loose Women’s Denise Welch/Instagram)
In addition to working on two hush-hush TV projects, former Corrie star Denise has been unveiled as the new ambassador for National Numeracy – a cause that resonates with her, having struggled with numbers all her life. The charity reached out to Denise after watching her discuss the issue on Loose Women. “I’m no authority, but I just share my own experience,” she admits. “I’ve always been terrified of maths and numbers. It’s plagued my life, my normal life. It renders me fearful to this day and got me into very sticky situations with money. I feel very strongly about National Numeracy trying to take the ‘fear’ out of maths, so if I can help by sharing my story, I will.”

Denise’s struggles began in the classroom. As a child, she was a “speed reading champion” with a passion for English, but maths terrified her. She recalls that seeing double maths on her timetable would make her “go and vomit in the toilets, just at the thought of it”. Denise also had an unkind teacher who, she says, would “prey on those who were vulnerable”.

“I hated it. My dad found numbers easy, so he wasn’t forceful, but I remember him saying, ‘Denise, if X equals Z, how can you not see? ‘ It felt like someone speaking in a foreign language. But these things weren’t discussed back then. I lost a lovely job at a pub when I was 18 because we had to do mental maths. They loved me, but I took too long at the till, so they had to let me go.”

As she grew older and entered the world of showbiz, Denise would only appear on quiz shows where she wouldn’t be asked anything mathematical. Her fear of numbers started to impact her life. “There were mortgages, taxes, bills. I got myself into trouble early in my career, by burying my head in the sand.” She acknowledges her fortune in having Lincoln, who excels in the area she struggles with, but confesses to previous feelings of shame. However, she’s adamant that support is available for those facing similar challenges.

“Contact National Numeracy and they’ll help you with basic skills,” she advises. “Don’t be ashamed if you’re no good with numbers, because believe me, it ain’t just you! And it doesn’t mean you’re not incredibly clever, which is what I used to think. Ask for help, because those bills won’t go away, they’ll just pile up.” Now juggling a successful career and a happy home life, Denise has conquered her personal “elephant in the room” – her past embarrassment. Beaming with joy, she shares, “I’m happy. Life is good! ” and reflects, “Isn’t that all anyone can ask for?”.