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  • David Beckham Invites You Inside His Sexiest Man Alive Photo Shoot

    David Beckham Invites You Inside His Sexiest Man Alive Photo Shoot

    Kate Hogan is Director of Digital Specials and Features at PEOPLE, as well as the editor of Stories to Make You Smile. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2008.

    People Editorial Guidelines

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    Good morning from the Sexiest Man Alive, David Beckham.

    The retired soccer star, husband and father of four is gracing our annual cover this week, and above, you can get a sneak preview of what you’ll be seeing in the issue (we’ll break it down for you: lots of extreme sexiness).

    In case you got too lost in the 40-year-old’s eyes to listen to the clip, here’s a quick recap:

    Wife Victoria “was pretty pleased” when she heard the news, Beckham says, adding, “I would hope she’d think that anyway.”

    But the H&M intimates model’s son Brooklyn, 16, is the one giving him the hardest time about the title. “He didn’t really believe it at first,” Beckham says. “But I’ve kind of been pushing it to him a little bit more just to let him know that’s still up and running.”

    Of seeing their dad on huge billboards wearing nothing but his skivvies, “it kind of slightly embarrassed them at the time,” Beckham shares. But these days, his brood – which in addition to Brooklyn, includes sons Romeo, 13, and Cruz, 10, and daughter Harper, 4 – “stands and takes selfies next to their dad in his underwear. It’s funny.”

    For more with Beckham, stay tuned to PEOPLE.com and pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday. And tune in to Lifetime at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday night for the television special PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive 2015: 30 Years of Sexy.

  • David Beckham and Kevin Hart Team Up Again for H&M and More Celebrity Ads You Need to See

    David Beckham and Kevin Hart Team Up Again for H&M and More Celebrity Ads You Need to See

    Your daily style download

    hart-beckham-wp

    Photo: H&M

    New York Fashion Week is winding down, but fall campaigns are just picking up. Just in time for the new season, brands are introducing new collaborations, videos and campaigns. First up? David Beckham and Kevin Hart, who wear Beckham’s new H&M Modern Essentials line.

    “I loved shooting the first campaign with Kevin for H&M so much that we just had to do a sequel,” Beckham says of the previous campaign, in which Hart pretended to play Beckham for a movie role. “This time we’ve pushed the story even further. I hope everyone likes it — we certainly enjoyed filming it.”

    And that’s not all for the brand. H&M is also teaming up with Kenzo to create a Kenzo x H&M collection, launching November 3rd. The campaign, which will launch on October 17, was shot by photographer Jean-Paul Goude and stars famous faces including Iman, Chloë Sevigny, Rosario Dawson, Chance The Rapper and more stars. Plus, they’ve also created Kenzo-themed GIFs ike the one below.

    Courtesy H&M

    Moving to footwear, you can now find Sarah Jessica Parker‘s SJP shoe collection on Amazon Fashion! The actress and designer released a fun video to go along with the new collaboration, in which she embarks on her first day on the job at Amazon and hands out shoes to her very lucky fellow employees. Watch it all unfold here.

    For Marc Jacobs’ Fall 2016 campaign, the designer teamed up with music video director Hype Williams, to create a neon-yet-dark masterpiece starring Cara Delevingne, Kendall Jenner, Missy Elliot, Susan Sarandon and more stars.

    Zosia Mamet stars in a video for Kate Spade‘s new #missadventure series in order to support the brand’s new see-now-buy-now collection. The pieces are all worn throughout the video short and are available for purchase now.

    Jimmy Choo celebrated its 20th Anniversary during New York Fashion Week! Jasmine Tookes, Taylor Hill, and more stars helped the iconic label spice up the occasion in the music video below.

    Shinola is giving us a look inside the brand’s factory, with the help of actor Luke Wilson and Facebook. The actor walks through the factory with a 360 degree camera, making sure viewers can catch every detail. Catch the tour here.

    rfx_shinola-05850

    Courtesy Shionla

    And last but not least, beauty store Cos Bar is turning 40, and industry pros like Bobbi Brown, Deborah Lippmann and more are proudly helping the brand celebrate in the video below.

    Which campaign are you most excited about? Sound off below.

  • David Beckham Sits Front Row at Victoria’s Fashion Week Show with Their Kids: ‘Proud of Mummy’

    David Beckham Sits Front Row at Victoria’s Fashion Week Show with Their Kids: ‘Proud of Mummy’

    After the models hit the catwalk, Victoria Beckham greeted the crowd in a chic all-black ensemble and made sure to give each of her family members a quick kiss

    Victoria Beckham‘s show at New York Fashion Week was a family affair.

    David Beckham and three of the couple’s kids – Romeo, 15, Cruz, 12, and Harper, 6 – sat in the front row at the James Burden Mansion on Manhattan’s Upper East Side as the fashion mogul presented her Autumn/Winter 2018 show on Sunday morning.

    After the models hit the catwalk, Victoria greeted the crowd in a chic all-black ensemble and made sure to give each of her family members a quick kiss.

    victoria-beckham-b

    Victoria Beckham/Instagram

    The entire family put on a stylish display, with the athlete — who recently launched a soccer team in Miami — opting for a classic black suit and tie, and the couple’s two sons wearing long coats. Daughter Harper has clearly inherited her mom’s passion for fashion, wearing a sweet white dress and burgundy coat, and her hair in two French braids.

    victoria-beckham-a

    JP Yim/Getty Images

    Victoria Beckham and family

    Noticeably missing? The pair’s son Brooklyn, 18, who moved to N.Y.C. to attend college and study photography. Despite his absence, both mom and dad made sure to give him a shout out on their social media pages.

    RELATED VIDEO: Victoria Beckham Regrets ‘Messing With’ Breast Implants

    “Kisses x #VBAW18 love u @davidbeckham @romeobeckham@cruzbeckham #harper,” the Spice Girl captioned a black and white still featuring her family. “x miss u @brooklynbeckham #NYFW”

    David shared a selfie with his three kids on Instagram and wrote, “Show day… Proud of mummy @victoriabeckham@romeobeckham @cruzbeckham#harperseven we miss you @brooklynbeckham”

    But Brooklyn is still a big supporter – he most recently joined his dad in September as Victoria debuted her Spring/Summer 2018 line at Fashion Week in the Big Apple.

    He also made a more permanent tribute to his mom, getting inked in her honor and showing the tat off on Sunday.

    This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the popular fashion brand, but Victoria is keeping a sense of humor.

    “Show break!” she captioned a silly pic showing her legs peek out from the bottom of a bathroom stall where she’s donning white slippers.

    Are you loving this fashionable show of family support? Let us know in the comments.

  • David Beckham Jokes That Son Romeo Copied His Platinum Buzz Cut: ‘Nice Hair’

    David Beckham Jokes That Son Romeo Copied His Platinum Buzz Cut: ‘Nice Hair’

    Romeo Beckham has an uncanny resemblance to his dad David thanks to his new platinum blonde hue

    Romeo Beckham/Instagram; David Beckham

    Photo: Romeo Beckham/Instagram; Getty

    Romeo Beckham looks practically identical to dad David after dyeing his hair platinum blonde — and the former soccer star couldn’t help but troll him about it!

    Romeo, 18, has rocked long, flowing golden blonde hair for quite some time. But he just recently buzzed it off and bleached it to an icier shade reminiscent of the platinum hue his dad David, 46, had in the 2000s.

    The budding model debuted the bright blonde switch-up on Instagram and thanked colorist Josh Wood for the look. “Here’s to expressing yourself through colour & a transformational cut 💛,” Wood wrote.

    Romeo’s mom Victoria Beckham gave the style her stamp of approval. “Wow!!!! Love!!!!” she wrote on her son’s post.

    Romeo shared another photo of his fresh hairstyle and David left a lighthearted comment about his son’s inspiration for the cut and color.

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    “Nice hair ❤️ @romeobeckham,” David said. “I wonder where u got that idea from 😂.”

    Nowadays David is sporting a slightly longer style in his natural brown color, but rocked the blonde hue in 2008 (pictured above).

    Fans spotted the resemblance right away. “@davidbeckham Beckham, I can tell he has surely copied this hair from you. Beckham you had the best hairstyles ever, and you still have.This hairstyle was when you joined the LA Galaxy in 2007, Beckham, so amazing!!!!! #Beckham ❤️🙏🏻,” one person commented. Someone else wrote, “@davidbeckham Like his dad in the 90’s/00s 😅😅.”

    Romeo has started to make his own mark on the fashion industry as he’s grown up, most notably landing his first magazine cover for L’Uomo Vogue‘s Generation Issue in January. And he’s gotten nothing but support from his famous family.

    “incredible!! 🔥,” said Romeo’s soon-to-be sister-in-law Nicola Peltz, who got engaged to the model’s older brother Brooklyn Beckham, 22, in July 2020.

    David posted the magazine cover on his own Instagram feed and congratulated his son on the accomplishment. He wrote: “So proud of you @romeobeckham ❤️ What an incredible first cover for @luomovogue.”

  • David and Victoria Beckham ‘So Proud’ of Son Brooklyn as He Launches Hot Sauce Line in U.K.

    David and Victoria Beckham ‘So Proud’ of Son Brooklyn as He Launches Hot Sauce Line in U.K.

    David Beckham

    David Beckham Oct. 4, 2024 Instagram Story.DAVID BECKHAM/INSTAGRAM

    David and Victoria Beckham’s 4 Kids: All About Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper

    “You have worked so hard and passionately on this mate 🩷💙,” he wrote in the Story. He also added a sweet selfie alongside Brooklyn in front of the same display.

    David also posted an Instagram carousel of photos of the family posing together, including one snap of David, Victoria, Brooklyn and Brooklyn’s wife, Nicola Peltz.

    “Amazing to celebrate the launch of @cloud23 at @wholefoodsuk …you’ve worked so hard on this Brooklyn ❤️. we are all really proud of you mate… 🌶️ 🔥👌🏼. @brooklynpeltzbeckham @nicolaannepeltzbeckham @victoriabeckham @romeobeckham @willpeltz @sandra_beckham49 @jo_jo_beckham_,” David captioned his Instagram carousel.

    David and Victoria Beckham ‘So Proud’ of Son Brooklyn as He Launches Hot Sauce Line in UK https://www.instagram.com/p/DAtear6oCDi/

    Nicola Beckham’s Oct. 4, 2024 Instagram Story.NICOLE ANNE PELTZ BECKHAM/INSTAGRAM

    Victoria also posted a series of photos and videos of her son during the launch event. In one Instagram Story, she posed with David, Brooklyn, Nicola, and younger sons Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 19. She followed it up with a solo shot beside her son, with a caption that read: “So proud of you  @brooklynpeltzbeckham. This hot sauce is amazing!!”

    The former Spice Girl added two videos of Brooklyn smiling and standing in front of the display. “So, we’re here at Whole Foods. It looks so good. I gotta be honest. This is an amazing hot sauce. So proud of you!” And Brooklyn sweetly replies, “Thank you, Mum.”

    In the second video, she can be heard saying, “We’re here at Whole Foods,” before David jumps into the frame, telling the camera he’s also there. We’ve got David, Nicola, and Romeo,” she adds.

    To her profile, she posted the same photo as David of her and her husband with Nicola and Brooklyn.

    “So so proud of you @brooklynpeltzbeckham for making @cloud23 adream come true!! You’ve put so much of yourself into this…,” she wrote in the caption. Adding, “Congratulations on your amazing @wholefoodsuk launch, I am officially obsessed! 🔥🌶️ 💃 . Kisses @davidbeckham @romeobeckham @nicolaannepeltzbeckham @willpeltz xx.”

    David Beckham Jokes His Kids Need Photo Approval Ahead of Victoria’s Fashion Show in Paris

    Nicola Beckham

    Nicola Beckham Oct. 4, 2024 Instagram Story.NICOLE ANNE PELTZ BECKHAM/INSTAGRAM

    Brooklyn’s wife also shared a series of Instagram Stories and a post. “You have put your heart into @cloud23 i am so so excited for people to try it 🥹☁️🤍🪽 please go taste the yummiest hot sauce everrrr at @wholefoods i love you @brooklynpeltzbeckham,” she wrote in the caption.

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    Cloud 23 is exclusively available at Whole Foods Market U.K. and on c23.com. When he announced the brand on Sept. 24, he explained that “this hot sauce is more than just a condiment—it’s my invitation to you to celebrate every meal.”

  • David Beckham Sports New ‘Posh’ Tattoo in Honor of Wife Victoria

    David Beckham Sports New ‘Posh’ Tattoo in Honor of Wife Victoria

    The soccer star’s son Cruz also has “Posh” ink in a sweet nod to his mom

    By
    Celeste McCauley

    Celeste McCauley
    Celeste McCauley has more than two decades interviewing some of Hollywood’s biggest names and covering human interest stories.

    People Editorial Guidelines

    david beckham victoria beckham

    David Beckham got a new “Posh” tattoo to honor his wife, Victoria Beckham. Photo: Darren Gerrish/WireImage;Shutterstock

    David Beckham is honoring his wife Victoria Beckham with some new ink.

    “I’ve just had ‘Posh’ done … any of the tattoos I’ve got are of the family,” he told The Sun in a story published Friday. A recent close-up photo of the soccer star’s hand revealed the word “Posh” written in cursive on the lower part of his middle finger, right next to the finger on which he wears a gold wedding band.

    The new tattoo is of course a nod to Victoria’s pop star past as Posh Spice of the girl band Spice Girls. David may have been inspired by his son Cruz, who got his own “Posh” tattoo on his arm in February to honor his mom, 49. On Sept. 3, the tattoo artist Certified Letter Boy shared black-and-white photos on his Instagram showing the 18-year-old’s forearm with the word “Posh” written in cursive.

    Cruz Beckham and David Beckham

    David Beckham has a new “Posh” tattoo on his finger in honor of his wife, Victoria Beckham. John Salangsang/Shutterstock

    David, 48, already has a “Victoria” tattoo on his arm as a tribute to his wife, plus the names of the four children he and the fashion designer share: Brooklyn, 24, Romeo, 21, Cruz and Harper, 12.

    David and Victoria Beckham’s 4 Kids: All About Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper

    David has numerous tattoos on his chest, arms and fingers which are visible in the upcoming ad for his new fragrance where he is shown shirtless. On Thursday, the Inter Miami co-owner shared a behind-the-scenes clip on social media of the making of the commercial. “Behind the scenes with @cotyinc…Always fun shooting with @cassblackbird. Exciting things coming with #DavidBeckhamFragrances,” he teased.

    The new fragrance will join the retired athlete’s other scents, which include David Beckham Homme, David Beckham Instinct, Intimately Beckham, and a his-and-hers collection with Victoria.

    Victoria Beckham and Kids Celebrate David Beckham on Father’s Day: ‘Our Everything’

    In 2017, the soccer star shared with PEOPLE some of the motivational phrases he has inked on his body including, “Dream big, be unrealistic,” “In the face of adversity,” and “Let them hate as long as they fear,” among many more. Several of his tattoo designs were even hand drawn by Harper.

    Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

    When David was named “Sexiest Man Alive” by PEOPLE in 2015, he explained more about the placement and meaning of some of his tattoos.

    The doting dad said that on his left shoulder there is a reclining angel with the motto “in the face of adversity.” He had Brooklyn’s name tattooed on his lower back after his eldest child’s 1999 birth. The names Romeo and Cruz bracket a large angel, and Harper’s name is tattooed on his neck.

    David also addressed concerns about how he would look with all that ink as he grew older. “Many people have said to me, ‘When you’re 60, how is it gonna look?’ ” he said to PEOPLE at the time. “I’m not even worried about it.”

  • Meghan and Harry ‘SCREAM’ as chef José Andrés turns down their invitation, even calling Meghan’s cooking a ‘TASTE DISASTER’

    Meghan and Harry ‘SCREAM’ as chef José Andrés turns down their invitation, even calling Meghan’s cooking a ‘TASTE DISASTER’

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Outraged as Chef José Andrés Joins Prince William for Major Public Embarrassment


    It looks like Chef José Andrés, known for his humanitarian work, has officially distanced himself from Harry and Meghan, opting instead to align with a more prominent royal figure: Prince William. Andrés, who was once close with the Sussexes, has now joined Prince William’s Earthshot Prize board. Previously, Andrés was seen as the Sussexes’ golden boy, with their support pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into his organization, World Central Kitchen. The relationship was once celebrated with the enthusiasm of a high school romance, with Harry and Meghan praising him as a long-time friend and partner, and Andrés referring to them as dear friends who bring hope and empathy to every community. It all seemed very idealistic—until now.

    Now, the celebrity chef is standing alongside Prince William and Sir David Attenborough for Earthshot, a prestigious initiative that awards $5 million prizes to innovators addressing climate change. This move comes in contrast to Harry’s previous dismissal of Earthshot in 2020, when he mocked small-scale awards and claimed they made little impact. Ironically, this is the same Harry who has accepted awards himself for relatively minor achievements, while Harry and Meghan have been lauded for their own award-giving efforts, which may or may not be effective.

    William’s Earthshot Prize is making real strides in saving the planet, unlike the Sussexes’ more symbolic gestures, such as distributing drums to a school in Colombia. Earthshot is empowering genuine innovators with tangible solutions, and Andrés has clearly chosen to be part of this impactful endeavor.

    So, what does this shift mean for Harry and Meghan? In a word: humiliation. A reputation management consultant suggests that Andrés’s defection highlights the shifting power dynamics between the two royal brothers. While Harry and Meghan struggle to maintain relevance, William is securing prestigious allies. This change stings especially since Andrés was heavily promoted by the Sussexes during the pandemic. Faced with the choice between staying with Harry and Meghan in California or teaming up with the future King of England, Andrés chose the more promising option.

    Chef Andrés, known for his hands-on approach and dedication to real results, contrasts sharply with the often performative philanthropy of the Sussexes. Despite their public displays of support for Andrés’s projects, there’s little evidence of their behind-the-scenes involvement. Andrés clearly values alignment with Earthshot, which promises meaningful environmental change, over the Sussexes’ more superficial efforts.

     

     

    Ultimately, Andrés has made a smart and calculated move, aligning with a program that reflects his own values and is likely to generate positive publicity for both his organization and William’s cause. Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan are left scrambling for new allies as yet another friend departs for greener and more royal pastures.

  • Exclusive: Giovanni Pernice plots BBC Strictly Come Dancing return despite bombshell Amanda Abbington claims

    Exclusive: Giovanni Pernice plots BBC Strictly Come Dancing return despite bombshell Amanda Abbington claims

    The BBC have issued an apology to Amanda Abbington, after upholding a series of her bullying claims. Amanda is now expected to sue over her treatment

    Giovanni Pernice has told pals he hopes to return to Strictly Come Dancing next year in spite of the findings of this week’s BBC report, sources say.

    The long-awaited BBC report cleared the former star of violence, but issued an apology to Amanda Abbington after upholding a series of her bullying claims. Amanda is now expected to sue over her treatment.

    But sources close to the pro dancer said he has not given up hope of returning to the Strictly stage next year despite signing up for the Italian version of the BBC show. Giovanni, 34, told friends he has only signed for one series of Ballando Con Le Stelle, and has “unfinished business” on the UK version.

    One source said: “Giovanni has not given up on appearing on the Strictly stage. As far as he is concerned, he has been cleared and there is no reason why he couldn’t return. He has told his pals he is hoping to be back next year and is keen to speak to the BBC about it. He still feels very much part of the fold, and has a massive fan base who would no doubt welcome him back. But of course the final decision will be made by BBC bosses.” A spokesperson for Giovanni last night declined to comment.

    Speaking in a bombshell interview on Newnight on Wednesday night, Amanda said she has “no regrets” about lodging complaints against Giovanni, despite receiving “hundreds” of death and rape threats. “It’s been one of the worst years of my life,” she shared on the BBC show. “I’ve been through a lot, women go through a lot, but it has been a very unpleasant, turbulent, relentless time in my life. I’ve had to deal with a myriad of horrible things.”

    Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington
    The actress didn’t enjoy her Strictly Come Dancing experience
    The 50-year-old said that, in the last eight months, the number of threats she has received had “gone into the hundreds”. In August, the Metropolitan Police confirmed they were investigating after they were called to the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park to an alleged death threat sent to Amanda, who was starring in When It Happens To You.

    “I had a credible death threat sent to my place of work, a theatre that I was working at, which was credible and the police had to be called,” the Sherlock actress told host Victoria Derbyshire. “I had a bomb threat sent to my place of work, threatening to blow the building up because I was pursuing this.I’ve had death threats sent to me, my family.

    “I’ve had rape threats sent to my 15-year-old daughter, saying ‘I’m just laughing at the moment thinking about you having to watch your daughter get raped for what you’ve done to Giovanni Pernice’ They were every day I’d be getting those and I have screenshots that have been handed over to the Met Police.”

    Amanda also revealed she is seeking daily legal advice amid the fallout from the Strictly Come Dancing bullying investigation. In her first public remarks since the investigation concluded, Amanda indicated she’s contemplating legal action. Discussing her current stance, Amanda told Newsnight host Victoria that she’s “taking guidance from my lawyer on a day to day basis”. Amanda shed light on the complexity of the situation: “There’s a 30-page report that me and my lawyers are still digesting. There are still things in there that are unresolved.”

    A spokesman for Giovanni said: “It’s disappointing that Ms Abbington would knowingly mislead the outcome of the report in order to further attempt to damage Giovanni’s reputation. While Ms Abbington may not like the outcome of the six-month investigation, she should not seek to spread false and defamatory claims.” Giovanni has denied the allegations against him.

  • Prince Harry insists Meghan Markle has a lot in common with his mother. At the same time, he is DISAPPOINTED that his family cannot see the SIMILARITIES between Meghan and Princess Diana

    Prince Harry insists Meghan Markle has a lot in common with his mother. At the same time, he is DISAPPOINTED that his family cannot see the SIMILARITIES between Meghan and Princess Diana

    Prince Harry Insists Meghan Markle Has a Lot in Common with His Mother, Disappointed by Family’s Inability to See Similarities with Princess Diana

    Prince Harry has often drawn parallels between his wife, Meghan Markle, and his late mother, Princess Diana. Despite his deep conviction about their similarities, Harry has expressed disappointment that his family cannot see the connections he believes are so evident.

    Harry’s admiration for Meghan and his comparison of her to Diana have been a recurring theme since their relationship became public. He has spoken about the shared traits between the two women, highlighting their compassion, resilience, and commitment to charitable causes. In numerous interviews, Harry has underscored Meghan’s ability to connect with people, her empathy, and her dedication to making a positive impact—qualities he cherished in his mother.

    “From the moment I met Meghan, I saw so much of my mother in her,” Harry has said. “Her warmth, her kindness, her confidence—it reminded me of the way my mother conducted herself and the way she interacted with people.”

     

     

    However, Harry’s family appears to have a different perspective. Reports suggest that the senior royals, including Prince William and Prince Charles, have not embraced the comparisons between Meghan and Diana as warmly as Harry has. This divergence in views has reportedly been a source of frustration and disappointment for Harry, who feels that his family’s inability to see the similarities is a missed opportunity for unity and understanding.

    The parallels Harry draws between Meghan and Diana are not just limited to their personal qualities but also extend to their experiences within the royal family. Both women faced intense media scrutiny and public pressure, often feeling isolated and unsupported by the institution. Harry has been vocal about the negative impact of the relentless media attention on both Meghan and Diana, citing it as a significant factor in his decision to step back from royal duties.

     

     

     

    Harry’s disappointment is compounded by his belief that recognizing the similarities between Meghan and Diana could foster a deeper appreciation and support for Meghan within the royal family. He has often pointed out that just as Diana revolutionized the royal approach to charity and public engagement, Meghan too has brought a modern and dynamic touch to her royal duties.

    The lack of recognition from his family has strained relationships, particularly with his brother William. The once-close brothers have reportedly had heated discussions over Harry’s views, with William remaining unconvinced about the parallels Harry sees.

     

  • Denise Welch’s stalker scrawled ‘witch’ and ‘pimp’ on her gate after starting fire

    Denise Welch’s stalker scrawled ‘witch’ and ‘pimp’ on her gate after starting fire

    Denise Welch’s stalker, Toraq Wyngard, was jailed for more than seven years on Thursday after leaving the Loose Women star ‘terrified’ after he started a fire in her driveway back in 2020

    Denise Welch’s stalker scrawled the words “witch” and “pimp” along with an upside down cross on her front gate, just months after starting a fire in her driveway, a court heard on Thursday.

    Toraq Wyngard, 64, was jailed for seven years and seven months on April 7, after the Coronation Street actress described the emotional toll the horrifying experience had on her.

    “It has changed my life. I have a wonderful life and this man has permanently scarred it,” the Loose Women star told Chester Crown Court via video-link from America.

    The 63-year-old and her husband now spend £2,000 on additional security, the court also heard.

    Denise Welch spoke to Chester Crown Court on video link
    Denise Welch spoke to Chester Crown Court on video link 
    Image:
    WireImage,)

    Denise Welch
    Toraq Wyngard has been jailed for seven years and seven months 
    Image:
    PA)

    Just before 11pm on September 19 2020, Wyngard started a fire in a skip outside the home Denise shares with her husband, Lincoln Townley, in Wilmslow, Cheshire, the court heard.

    Denise, wearing pink-rimmed glasses, pink lipstick and a yellow top, said she was alerted to the fire by her husband’s “piercing scream” when a member of the public knocked on their door after spotting the flames.

    Some £4,285 of damage was caused by the blaze, which spread to the garage attached to the couple’s house.

    Panellists Charlene White, Denise Welch, Jane Moore and Kelle Bryan discussed the rise of selfies and TikTok clips at funerals
    Denise and her husband found the words “witch” and “pimp” scrawled on their front gate 
    Image:
    ITV)
    Gareth Bellis, prosecuting, said CCTV showed a man in a distinctive baseball cap looking around the property before appearing to pour an accelerant into the skip and set it alight.

    Wyngard was later arrested nearby wearing the cap, covered in metallic pin badges, and police discovered a 4in (10cm) kitchen knife in his rucksack.

    He claimed to be a press photographer and police found two cameras in his bag.

    Officers also found a number of cameras, both normal and covert, and binoculars during a search of his home address.

    Denise Welch
    The actress is known for her appearances on Loose Women 
    Image:
    ITV)Several months after, on February 10 2021, while Wyngard was released under investigation, Denise and her husband discovered the words “Witch” and “Pimp” along with an upside-down cross had been scrawled on their front gate in blue marker pen, the court was told.

    CCTV showed Wyngard writing the graffiti and he was captured on CCTV at a nearby shop buying the pen.

    Mr Bellis said: “These actions caused serious alarm and distress and had a substantial adverse affect on the Townleys and their day-to-day activities.”

    Denise told the court: “This whole experience terrified me and continues to do so.”

    Denise with her husband Lincoln Townley
    Denise with her husband Lincoln Townley 
    Image:
    Getty Images)

    Denise Welch said her life had been "permanently scarred" by her stalker
    Denise Welch said her life had been “permanently scarred” by her stalker 
    Image:
    WireImage)
    Wyngard, of Cannon Street in Salford, Greater Manchester, pleaded guilty at a hearing last September to stalking, causing serious alarm or distress, between September 18 2020 and February 11 2021.

    He also admitted charges of possession of a knife, criminal damage, and arson.

    His sentencing was delayed after he later attempted to change his pleas, claiming he had been “pressured” into admitting the offences, the court heard.

    His application to change his pleas was rejected but Louise Cowen, defending, said Wyngard maintained he was not guilty.

    Denise Welch has appeared on Hollyoaks and Coronation Street
    Denise Welch has appeared on Hollyoaks and Coronation Street

    She said he suffered from bipolar affective disorder and had been failing to take his medication.

    Sentencing Wyngard, Judge Michael Leeming said: “It is not clear to me, given your attitude to this case, your attempt to vacate your guilty pleas without any proper foundation, and your repeated, continued denials of any criminality, when the risk you pose to Mr and Mrs Townley might reduce to such an extent that the order is no longer required.”

    He also made Wyngard subject to a restraining order, with conditions including not to enter Wilmslow.