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Stacey Solomon sparks speculation she’s quit Loose Women for good as she’s not included in anniversary picture

STACEY Solomon has sparked speculation that she’s quit Loose Women for good after not being included in an anniversary picture.

Stacey, 34, was a regular panellist but she stepped back from the ITV daytime show as she prepared to give birth to her daughter Belle.

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Stacey Solomon has sparked speculation that she’s quit Loose WomenCredit: Rex

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Stacey was nowhere to be seen in the anniversary snap
She’s since made a fleeting return to Loose Women for a couple of appearances but has otherwise been AWOL.

Now, Loose Women have marked their 25^th anniversary with a portrait showing 18 of the show’s panellists for the first time.

The beautiful photo sees the panellists dazzling in an array of silver outfits, while rocking glam hair and makeup looks against a silver backdrop.

The caption reads: “This September, Loose Women celebrates 25 years on TV!

“To mark the occasion, 18 panellists got together for a stunning Silver Jubilee photoshoot, and to share what the show means to them. Here the final image can be seen for the first time.”

But Stacey is nowhere to be seen, which is something fans of the show immediately picked up on.

“Where’s Stacey,” wrote one person, while another added: “Where’s Stacey gone?!”

A third said: “Bit awkward when you miss so many others off though,” and someone else wrote: “This would have been better with Stacey,” followed by a crying emoji.

In the group photo, Christine Lampard, Judi Love, Katie Piper, Kelle Bryan, Frankie Bridge, Dame Kelly Holmes, Charlene White, Sunetra Sarker and Olivia Attwood-Dack can all be seen in shot.

As well as four of the original panellists, Jane Moore, Kaye Adams, Nadia Sawalha and Ruth Langsford.

And regular panellists Denise Welch, Linda Robson, Coleen Nolan, Janet Street-Porter and Brenda Edwards in the photo.

Stars of Loose Women dazzle in a behind the scenes view
 

 

Earlier this year, it was revealed by Stacey’s Loose Women co-star Linda Robson that she was ‘too busy’ to return to the panel.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Birds Of A Feather legend Linda said: “She’s not going to be a regular anymore? I don’t think so, but you never know.

“I would love her to come back, she’s a really good Loose Woman – she’s really honest. But I think she’s got too much on.

“She’s got her own series and her and Joe are out in their little house. She’s still really welcome but she’s just so busy.”

Stacey first joined the Loose Women panel in 2016 and she quickly became a firm favourite among fans.

But in December 2022, she decided to bow out and take a break.

Stacey and her husband Joe Swash’s youngest child, Belle, arrived two months later and her diary was already brimming with other work commitments.

In the first year of Belle’s life, Stacey found herself travelling around the country to film her two TV shows – Sort Your Life Out for the BBC and Renovation Rescue on Channel 4.

In November last year, Stacey made a brief return to Loose Women for one episode and explained her absence to viewers.

She said: “It’s been crazy because Belle was a wonderful surprise, but what that meant was that I had to fit my filming schedule into a very short period of time.

 

” I’ve just been up and down the country with Sort Your Life Out and filming another show so I haven’t been able to even get into town.”

Stacey also told her co-stars Kaye Adams, Judi Love and Katie Piper that she was “so happy” to be back on the show and that it had been like “therapy” for her.

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Stacey first joined the Loose Women panel in 2016 and quickly became a firm favourite among fansCredit: Rex

Hollyoaks actress Kelle Bryan spoke to the Mirror about appearing on Loose Women’s first ever all-black panel

Loose Women star Kelle Bryan was bombarded with nasty racist abuse after taking part in the very first all-black panel in the ITV show’s 21-year history.

Hollyoaks actress Kelle, 47, appeared on the panel alongside Charlene White, Judi Love and Brenda Edwards for the very first time at the height of the pandemic in October 2020.

The episode had been branded “refreshing and inspiring” by viewers and had even earned them an RTS Award for Daytime Programme.

However, unfortunately, the show’s stars were also hit with nasty online comments afterwards.

Speaking to the Mirror at the British Soap Awards last weekend, Kelle said of the online reaction to the episode: “There were lots of positive comments [afterwards] but, unbelievably, there was lots of racism, lots of racist comments. Like, ‘I switched off, who do they think they are?’ ‘As soon as I saw them…’ There was still lots of that kind of stuff.

Kelle Bryan opened up to the Mirror ( 
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Getty Images)

She spoke about Loose Women’s ‘monumental’ episode ( 
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Brett D. Cove / SplashNews.com)
“We have a really good team at Loose who protect us from that and also the digital team are amazing at scanning and ensuring that we’re as protected as possible. But it’s still there, but that’s what we’re challenging. We’re challenging old-fashioned, out-dated mindsets that need to be challenged.

“So if they come out of the woodworks, we can have a conversation and go, ‘Really?! Why would you say that?’ It wasn’t even us that needed to jump on them – everybody else on Twitter was bashing them. So I was like, ‘Oh, good luck with that!’”

Kelle also said that all of the panellists were incredibly emotional after the episode and “sobbed” after filming finished.

She appeared on Loose Women’s first all-black panel ( 
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ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
“Black Lives Matter has really forced people to look at themselves and the institutions and look at ways that we could improve,” she explained. “I am quite forthright in what I say so whatever environment I’m in, if any kind of discrimination is going on, I will say.

“I am that kind of person. I like to give an institution or an organisation a chance to change because I think by having those conversations, that’s what’s important. Having those open conversations and hoping that people will hear you, listen and take those things on board.

“Winning RTS for the first ever all-black panel of Loose Women was incredible. It just felt like validation because we all sobbed at the end of the show, we were crying our eyes out when they were like, ‘Three, two, one and we’re off air!’

“We all just cried because it was such a monumental moment for all of us who have been in the industry for such a long time. So to have been able to achieve that, it made the world.’”

Loose Women stars Charlene White and Jane Moore clashed on today’s episode of the ITV lunchtime show, as they discussed the government’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda

Charlene White and Jane Moore clashed over the government’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda on Loose Women today.

The pair were joined by Frankie Bridge and Linda Robson on the ITV show this lunchtime, where they debated the UK government’s decision to trial sending migrants to Rwanda to have their papers processed.

During the chat, Charlene admitted she felt different sectors of migrants were being “treated differently” as she questioned why the government appeared to welcome Ukrainian families into the country, but acted differently with others.

She said: “It feels as though not all migrants are the same. We treat one sector migrants slightly different from another.”

Charlene clashed with Jane over the government’s plans ( 
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ITV)

However, Jane quickly jumped in, insisting that it was different because not all came from war torn countries.

“But not all of them come from a war torn country, a lot of them are coming – and I don’t blame them. Listen, if I lived in a country that was economically much more substandard than this one and I wanted a better life, I’d absolutely try and get into those countries,” she said, “But a lot of them are not coming from war torn countries, they’re coming to get a better life, and I can’t blame them for that.

“But if that better life is to the detriment of people already living here -”

They had a debate about the controversial scheme on Loose Women today ( 
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ITV)
She was cut off by Charlene, who began to speak, before Jane finished off her point.

“People already here, if that’s to the detriment of their lives,” she added.

Charlene said: “But I think it’s really to easy blame to those who have the quietest voices. It’s easy to blame them for the ills of society. Yes we are in a cost of living crisis, all those things, but it isn’t really the fault of the 28,000 people who arrived by boat last year.”

Jane quickly then stepped in to say: “I’m not saying that – I’m asking what is the solution?”

During the debate, the group discussed the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, which has seen many people from the war torn country enter the UK to live in homes up and down the entire UK.

After Annie Kilner’s sister was revealed to have had an affair of her own, Lauryn Goodman took to Instagram to share her perspective and issued a brutal statement.

Lauryn Goodman had harsh words for Annie Kilner’s sister Sian, after she was exposed for her own affair with a married man.

Recent reports have claimed that Sian has given birth to a baby boy, following a secret fling with a father-of-four. This triggered a huge row between the young mother and her sister Annie Kilner, whose own marriage with Kyle Walker was threatened by his affair with Lauryn Goodman.

The Celebs Go Dating star shares two children with football player Kyle Walker, Kinara and Kairo, and critics have been harsh towards her due to the nature of their relationship. However, after Sian’s own affair was exposed to the world, Lauryn was having the last laugh.

Taking to Instagram this Saturday, September 28, 2024, Lauryn first shared a quote in her story, reading: “People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.” But she let loose in a later story post and even dedicated a new jibe to Kyle Walker.

Lauryn Goodman took to Instagram after learning Annie Kilner’s sister had given birth to a child after her own affair

The Celebs Go Dating star took the opportunity to issue a savage swipe as she took aim at Kyle Walker

“All jokes aside”, she first penned as she directed her Instagram admirers towards an article from The Daily Mail, “Congratulations Sian. I would @ you but you seem to have disappeared from the face of the earth after being very nasty & vocal whilst knowing very little about my situation.”

She then continued, seemingly extending an olive branch to Sian: “But from one mother to another who’s been through the trenches… If you need help or if you’d like some advice let me know. I know more than anyone how hard it is to be left alone at a really hard time. Life isn’t always perfect… is it? But now you’re a mother you’ll realise how much you’ll go to war for your little one.”

In another brutal swipe, she sent a message to England’s Vice Captain: “Kyle don’t try using this to your advantage like you do with everything else. You’re on another scale with your manipulation and I feel sorry for the people believing your (bin emoji). maybe we should invite Sian on? Sending positive thoughts to all those involved.”

As mentioned, Annie Kilner is less pleased with the situation, particularly as she tries to save her own long-standing marriage with her football player husband in the aftermath of his fling with Lauryn Goodman. Annie and Sian have allegedly been at loggerheads over recent months, exchanging heated messages resulting in Annie refusing to see her sister’s baby after she gave birth last week.

Speaking to the Mail, Sian, 26, admitted: “This is a sensitive situation for Annie, she absolutely doesn’t condone my behaviour and is appalled at the upset it may cause. I sincerely apologise for any pain I have caused to the families involved, including my own.”

Loose Women fans as they claimed she had double standards on Monday’s episode – which celebrated the show’s 25th anniversary. 

The former Love Islander, 33, was branded ‘hypocritical and sexist’ as she chatted to her fellow panelists, Jayne Moore, Ruth Langsford, and Coleen Nolan, about sexism in the workplace.

But as Olivia revealed to her fellow stars that she is okay with older men referring to her as ‘darling’, she does not like it when men her own age call her it.

This revelation was met with rage from viewers, who branded her hypocritical for hosting a TV show called Bad Boyfriends.

Bad Boyfriends is a show which sees eight unsuspecting boyfriends – from serial cheaters to commitment-phobes – flown out to a Greek island under the premise of filming a series about manhood and bromance on a lads’ holiday.

But their girlfriends make a shock arrival after Olivia announces their wild partying days are on hold to reveal they are on a show designed to whip them into better boyfriend shape.

Adding to the topic of conversation, Olivia said: ‘I do give a free pass to men, not with everything, but with older men when its like a love or a darling over a certain age just because I don’t believe there is harmful intent with that language.’

She then added: ‘Weirdly, I don’t like it if a man a similar age to me calls me doll or babe or whatever from a clothing store. I’m a bit like urgh’.

When quizzed by Ruth if she would tell the men her age to not call her that, she confessed that she would just pull a face rather than say anything.

But her candid admission sent viewers into a frenzy as they branded the TV personality a ‘hypocrite’ for having ‘double standards’.

Take to X, formerly known as Twitter, one penned: ‘#loosewomen So, these women want to change men? Can you imagine the cries of misogyny if there was a similar programme but where men wanted to change women?’

‘When’s Bad Girlfriends on? Or is #Loosewomen the equivalent…?’

‘Double standards #loosewomen’

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This revelation was met with rage from viewers, who branded her hypocritical for hosting a TV show called Bad Boyfriends

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Adding to the topic of conversation, Olivia said: ‘I do give a free pass to men, not with everything, but with older men when its like a love or a darling over a certain age just because I don’t believe there is harmful intent with that language’

‘#loosewomen That bird who just said “toxic masculinity” – does she not realise just how sexist THAT is? It just washed over her completely!’

‘#LooseWomen So isn’t this, once again, confusing for men to know what’s ‘acceptable’ and what isn’t? The ladies just said they’re OK with men/people over a certain age calling them love/darling/babe but not those younger than themselves’

‘Cos ‘reforming a bad boyfriend’ isn’t controlling or coercive behaviour at all is it’

Despite the backlash from Loose Women, Bad Boyfriends viewers have said that they’re ‘hooked’ and are ‘binge watching’ the new show which kicked off earlier this month.

Fans are loving it – taking to X to share their positive reviews on the concept of the show.

They penned: ‘Love Olivia Attwood, she genuinely makes any show a binge watch #badboyfriends.’,

‘Omg 3 episodes into #badboyfriends and I am HOOKED.’,

‘Enjoyed watching @BadBoyfriendsTV and that @oliviajade_att looking gorgeous on it #badboyfriends.’,

‘The undercover nightclub honeytrap task is OUTSTANDING reality television. Was like watching a thriller film #BadBoyfriends.’,

‘This is gonna be soooo good @oliviajade_att #BadBoyfriends’,

Since coming third place with her ex-partner Chris Hughes on Love Island in 2017, Olivia has stuck by ITV and become one of the most successful contestants from the dating show with various spin-offs including Chris and Olivia: Crackin’ On and Olivia Meets Her Match.

In 2022 she crossed the veil from reality television star to fronting serious documentaries from an investigation into Gen Z’s obsession with cosmetic surgery – going under the knife herself – to meeting her trolls face-to-face.

She is also a recurring panellist on Loose Women but it was in May that the Mail revealed Olivia had landed her biggest job yet – host of a new dating show, Bad Boyfriends.

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Despite the backlash from Loose Women, Bad Boyfriends viewers have said that they’re ‘hooked’ and are ‘binge watching’ the new show which kicked off earlier this month

In the space of six years, she had gone from contestant to presenter and has reportedly been offered a six-figure deal to front the series which wrapped filming in Greece earlier in the summer.

Confirming the news to her 2.2million Instagram followers, the London-born reality star said: ‘Guys… I have been keeping a really big secret. BTS from my brand-new ITV reality show, you’re not ready [I don’t actually think I am].’

Last June she married her footballer boyfriend, Bradley Dack, in a lavish £200,000 wedding and she also told the Mail on Sunday that he was ‘ready’ for kids but she wants to concentrate on work.

When Olivia was forced to exit the I’m a Celebrity jungle in 2022 after less than 24 hours on the show she was devastated.

After being misdiagnosed as anaemic during a routine check-up on the first day she was ruled a health risk and flown back to the UK.

The star’s early departure was a blow for I’m A Celeb as the Love Island star – known for her no-nonsense demeanour – was to be a sure hit with fans as she was set to challenge the disgraced former politician, Matt Hancock, who eventually placed third that year.

Meanwhile, Olivia was left feeling ‘frustrated’ and instead focused on fronting documentaries for ITV and has now reached such a level of success she is hosting her own show, Bad Boyfriends.

Sources told MailOnline: ‘Olivia was in talks to go in [to the jungle] last year but it was ruled out literally because of scheduling issues and she is in talks again this year.’

But the reality star set speculations surrounding her return straight and said: ‘The jungle will be getting finished. One thousand percent. I can’t rest until I’ve finished it.

‘But from a purely logistical point of view, it would be almost impossible in my mind right now.’

Lauryn Goodman has addressed the news that Annie Kilner’s sister Sian Kilner has welcomed a child through an ‘affair,’ following Lauryn welcoming two kids with Kyle Walker

Reality TV star Lauryn Goodman has addressed the news that Annie Kilner’s sister Sian Kilner has welcomed a child through an “affair”.

It was reported on Saturday that Sian, 26, had welcomed a baby through an affair with a father-of-four who’s in a relationship with someone else. Annie, 31, reportedly said that Sian is “doing a Lauryn Goodman,” in reference to Annie’s husband Kyle Walker, 34, having fathered two children with Lauryn, 33.

Lauryn – who spoke about her relationship with Kyle on the latest series of Celebs Go Dating – took to her Instagram Story following the news to address the situation. She assured fans that she’s not involved in response to a particular headline. The headline, posted by another outlet, read: “”Revealed: Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner is embroiled in a furious row with her younger sister Sian for ‘doing a Lauryn Goodman’ – and giving birth to a baby during secret affair with a father-of-four.” Sharing her response, Lauryn wrote over a screenshot of the article: “Not sure why I’m in the headline … it’s not my baby … or is it for the clicks? For those who are asking who Sian is.”

It’s been reported that Sian Kilner (left), the sister of Annie Kilner (right), has welcomed a child through an ‘affair’ ( 
Image:
Instagram)

The news has prompted reaction from Lauryn Goodman, pictured, who had children with Annie’s now-husband Kyle Walker ( 
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Instagram)
She had already posted about Sian shortly beforehand, writing: “All jokes aside. Congratulations Sian. I would @ you but you seem to have disappeared from the face of the earth after being very nasty & vocal whilst knowing very little about my situation. But from one mother to another who’s been through the trenches… If you need help or if you’d like some advice let me know. I know more than anyone how hard it is to be left alone at a really hard time. Life isn’t always perfect … is it? But now you’re a mother you’ll realise how much you’ll go to war for your little one.”

Lauryn claimed that the “affair has been common knowledge for months” and appeared to take a swipe at Kyle, saying in a message for him: “Don’t try using this to your advantage like you do with everything else. You’re on another scale with your manipulation and I feel sorry for the people believing your (bin emoji). […] Sending positive thoughts to all those involved.”

The posts come after it was reported that there’s been tension between Annie and her sister Sian for months over the circumstance’s around the latter welcoming her baby, who was born last week. Speaking to the Mail, Sian, admitted: “This is a sensitive situation for Annie, she absolutely doesn’t condone my behaviour and is appalled at the upset it may cause. I sincerely apologise for any pain I have caused to the families involved, including my own.”

A source told the outlet that Annie is still in “a lot of pain over what’s gone on” in her own marriage and was “shocked” to discover what Sian was doing. It’s also alleged that Kyle doesn’t want “anything to do” with Sian, who reportedly previously criticised him over his situation with Lauryn. A source also told the outlet that the situation with Sian hasn’t helped Annie and Kyle’s marriage, saying that whenever there’s an argument about him allegedly cheating, he tells his wife: “Look what’s gone on in your own family before you have a go at me.”

Kyle, pictured, fathered two children with Lauryn and has four kids with his wife Annie ( 
Image:
Getty Images)Annie has been married to Manchester City footballer Kyle for two years and they have four children together. They are parents to sons Roman, 11, Riaan, eight, Reign, five, and five-month-old Rezon together. Kyle is also the father of children Kairo, four, and Kinara, one, with Lauryn.

Following the news that Kyle had fathered a second child with Lauryn, it was announced earlier this year that Annie was taking “some time away” from Kyle, but they are thought to have reconciled more recently. She however appeared to snub him in a post this week. Their marriage has attracted attention in recent years over the situation. During an appearance on Celebs Go Dating, Lauryn recalled getting pregnant by Kyle for the first time when he was on a break from his now-wife Annie in 2019. Kyle later reconciled with Annie, and they got married, but Lauryn went on to give birth to her second child with the footballer last year after seeing him again.

Earlier this month, Lauryn shared a screenshot of a message that she purportedly sent to Annie in December informing her Kyle had fathered a second child with her. The news reportedly left Annie, who was pregnant at the time, devastated. It was announced in January that Annie had split from Kyle, though they are thought to have since got back together and put on a united front whilst at this year’s Euros over the summer.

Amanda Holden issues warning about Loose Women presenters after ‘dig’

Jason King, who is currently standing in for Jamie Theakston, was issued a stark warning by the Britain’s Got Talent judge as the Heart Radio team discussed Loose Women’s 25th anniversary

Amanda Holden issued the warning to Heart FM host Jason King (JK) (
Image: Mike Marsland/Getty Images for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home)

Amanda Holden issued a warning to her radio co-host this morning after he inadvertently aimed a cheeky dig at the Loose Women presenters.

In her showbiz segment on Heart Radio this morning (September 30), Ashley Roberts revealed that the ITV panel show Loose Women recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Co-host Jason King (JK), however, may have been slightly too quick in his response and conceded that it “didn’t sound right”.

JK quipped: “Hang on a second. They don’t look it. No, in a good way. I realised that that sounds hard. It didn’t sound right.”

After the others burst into laughter, Amanda warned: “You don’t wanna get on the wrong end of them, J.” And the rest of the studio agreed, replying “you do not”.

In honour of its silver jubilee, Loose Women recently released a photo with 18 of its iconic panellists, featuring original stars Jane Moore, Kaye Adams, Nadia Sawalha and Ruth Langsford.

However, there was one presenter notably missing from the line-up, Stacey Solomon, with eagle-eyed fans soon spotting her absence. One wrote: “Where’s Stacey gone?!” Another said: “This would have been better with Stacey,” alongside a crying emoji.

Included in the photo were Judi Love, Katie Piper, Christine Lampard, Kelle Bryan, Frankie Bridge, Dame Kelly Holmes, Charlene White, Sunetra Sarker, Olivia Attwood-Dack, Denise Welch, Linda Robson, Coleen Nolan, Janet Street-Porter and Brenda Edwards.

In August, Kaye appeared on James Martin’s Saturday Morning, where she opened up about the first episode of the show in 1999. She said it was initially a month’s pilot, but she thought they “might be onto something”.

In its 25-year span, Loose Women has become a household favourite, with the much-loved panellists tackling a raft of topics, as well some subjects “not openly discussed” on TV.

Sally Shelford, the editor of Loose Women, explained: “Over the last 25 years, Loose Women has tackled taboos and talked about issues not openly discussed on television, including domestic abuse, menopause, miscarriage and grief.

“Our incredible audience – in the studio and at home – have always been the fifth Loose Woman, and we promise to keep talking, sharing and shining a light on important subjects like these for our amazing viewers.”

Loose Women’s Judi Love weighed into the debate about playing the field after Love Island’s Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu shared secret trysts with Jay Younger behind Davide Sanclimenti’s back

Loose Women’s Judi Love said Love Island star Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu went “too far” during Thursday’s instalment of the ITV2 dating show as she snuck away for secret trysts.

The Turkish actress was seen crawling on her hands and knees out onto the Love Island villa terrace to exchange secret snogs with Jay Younger, despite being coupled up with Davide Sanclimenti.

On Loose Women’s half-hour show on Friday, the panel discussed whether there was anything wrong with playing the field off the back of the episode.

Judi joked that Ekin-Su’s head “turns before it turns” and is now “spinning” after the secret smooches.

She said of the Islander: “She’s playing the game, she’s doing what Love Island does.

Judi joked that Ekin-Su’s head “turns before it turns” ( 
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ITV)
“If she wasn’t, it wouldn’t be as entertaining. That’s what we want.

“But when you actually see it and see it from a woman, you’re like, ‘man, she’s not playing’.”

Host Kaye Adams then asked Judi whether there was anything “wrong” with her behaviour, to which Judi replied “each to their own”.

She added: “I think you should be able to date a multitude of people and find out who you like.”

ITV2 viewers were left thinking ‘front door’ could be a code for something else ( 
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However she then continued: “But when people’s feelings are involved and you’re getting physical, it takes it to another level. That’s where the disrespect has come from.”

Joking with the Loose Women panel, Judi said: “Listen girls, she crawled on the floor to kiss another man. You’ve gone too far.

“Your knees should not go on the floor to go and kiss no man, when you’ve got another one downstairs. Slow down.”

Fellow panellist Stacey Solomon replied: “I feel like you’re open, you’re single, you have the freedom to do whatever you want and be upfront about it.”

“Listen girls, she crawled on the floor to kiss another man. You’ve gone too far. ( 
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Judi concluded Ekin-Su’a actions were “game-playing”, adding: “I think what you have to establish is, what is somebody else’s ‘getting to know you’.

“Because my getting to know you might be ‘where are you from’, her getting to know you is ‘I want to taste what the back of your throat tastes like’.

“Those things need to be clarified at the beginning, however, it is Love Island.”

Judi concluded Ekin-Su’a actions were “game-playing” ( 
Image:
ITV)This comes as Love Island spoilers have revealed that Davide dumps Ekin-Su in explosive scenes on tonight’s instalment.

ITV spoilers for tonight’s episode have revealed that Davide brands Ekin-Su a ‘liar and an actress’ as her undercover smooches with Jay are exposed to the villa, ending their brief summer romance.

As Phillip Schofield appears to take aim at former best pal Holly Willoughby, the Mirror takes a look back at the pair’s reported fall out, from brutal mocking to secret meetings

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were once the closest of friends, with Phil even once describing his This Morning co-host as ‘the sister he never had’.

However, the former co-presenters’ relationship is now a far cry from what it was, with Phillip, 62, recently appearing to take a swipe at Holly in a furious tirade about his time with ITV. Once one of daytime telly’s most well-liked duos, the pair haven’t been seen together since Phillip’s explosive exit from This Morning, and it doesn’t appear as though any fences will be mended anytime soon.

As Phillip prepares to return to our screens in Channel 5’s Cast Away, evidence would suggest that Holly would be the last person he’d be keen to share a deserted island with. Here, the Mirror takes a look at the fractured double-act’s allegedly bitter feud…

‘Jealousy’

It was reported that Phil was ‘jealous’ of Holly on I’m A CelebBack in 2019, their working relationship was said to have become ‘strained’ amid claims that Phil was ‘jealous’ when Holly replaced Ant McPartlin on the 2018 series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here and won a BAFTA for it.

Sources alleged that Phil banned Holly from speaking about her victory on the show, and claimed he wasn’t happy about a photo spread in a weekend newspaper that had focused on Holly and not him. The source told The Sun: “Phillip was furious. He didn’t want Holly mentioning her triumph when they reunited on This Morning.

Sources alleged that Phil banned Holly from speaking about her victory on the show, and claimed he wasn’t happy about a photo spread in a weekend newspaper that had focused on Holly and not him. The source told The Sun: “Phillip was furious. He didn’t want Holly mentioning her triumph when they reunited on This Morning.

“It felt very petty and bitter for someone who is his close friend. But it felt like he was jealous.” Tensions were also said to have increased when Holly allegedly wanted Phil to stop posting videos of her boozing on social media but used their joint management company to deliver her request.

This Morning bosses hit back at the claims and said Phillip and Holly had a “genuine friendship”. A spokesperson said: “We have the smartest viewers watching telly and believe me they would be the first to notice any issues – they haven’t because there are none.”

Holly and Phil were incredibly close off-screen and even holidayed together ( 
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Instagram)
ITV also refuted any unrest, saying in a full statement: “It’s deeply disappointing and unfair for Phillip to be the target of this sort of malicious gossip. “Phillip is a much-respected broadcaster and colleague and this is absolutely not a description of This Morning that we recognise.

“Holly and Phil are great friends both on and off screen and are popular among viewers and colleagues alike.” Finally addressing the rumours in 2021, Holly told pal Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast that she couldn’t deal with people having the wrong idea.

She said: “I was watching from afar when you’ve got every person in the press saying that you and Phillip are having a tough time. Meanwhile, you’re great friends and there were no arguments. “That was a particularly difficult time. But I remember having a conversation with Phil and it was like, ‘But we know’.”

Holly added: “I have to believe that, as long as you know inside, and you know the truth – you know your truth – then everything is ok.”

Queue-gate drama

The pair found themselves at the centre of a social media backlash in September after being falsely accused of jumping the queue to visit the Queen lying in state.

An insider said ‘big cracks’ started to show after the Queue-gate dramaThis Morning and the presenters later issued a statement clarifying the issue, but public anger continued to rise – with over 75,000 signing a petition to axe Holly and Phil from the ITV show. A source told OK! that the atmosphere in the studio was “awful” and the Queue-gate drama has made their relationship “extremely awkward”.

You could cut the tension in the room with a knife,” the insider said. “The fact that the audience are now noticing it too indicates that big cracks are starting to show.” At the time, Phil and Holly told viewers: “Like hundreds of accredited broadcasters and journalists we were given official permission to access the hall.

Holly and Phil explained that they were given official permission to attend ( 
Image:
ITV)
“It was strictly for the purpose of reporting on the event for millions of people in the UK who haven’t been able to visit Westminster in person. The rules were that we would be quickly escorted around the edges to a platform at the back. In contrast those paying respects walked along a carpeted area beside the coffin and were given time to pause.

“None of the broadcasters and journalists took anyone’s places in the queue and no one filed past the Queen. We of course respected those rules however we realised that it may have looked like something else and therefore we totally understand the reaction. Please know that we would never jump a queue.”

Kept in the dark

Despite their closeness, Phillip is said to have kept Holly in the dark over his brother Timothy’s trial for child sex offences. Timothy was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing a teenage boy.

It is claimed Phillip didn’t tell Holly about his brother’s trial for child sex offences ( 
Image:
Instagram/ Phillip Schofield)
During the hearing, Phil – who has since publicly rejected his brother – took three weeks off work from This Morning, and fans were surprised when, on his return, Holly took a week off sick with shingles. An insider told the Daily Mail: “Holly had to find out from someone else, which must have been awful for her. She has been so loyal to him.”

Distancing herself

Eagle-eyed fans noticed 42-year-old Holly has seemingly wiped Phillip from her social media. In her Twitter bio she had previously written: “I was introduced to this by a Twitter legend,” before tagging her presenting partner.

Her Twitter bio now reads: “Broadcaster, Founder of Wyldemoon, Brand ambassador for Marks & Spencer and Garnier, Author of Reflections” – something that didn’t slip past her and Phil’s viewers.

Before Phillip announced his immediate leave from This Morning, Holly had reportedly been pushing for ITV to make a decision, so she could rebrand herself as a “woman’s woman”.

It has been said that Holly is attempting to rebrand herself away from Phil
At the time, a source told the Mirror: “Holly was considering her position on the show earlier this year, as she couldn’t see Phil being ousted. But that is now a real possibility and she wants to see a decision made on both of their futures quickly.

“That is what is behind Holly asking her team to reach out to ITV – she is trying to move things forward. There has been no bloodbath meeting yet, but that could well be to come. The sooner it happens, the sooner she can rebrand herself.”

Shock statement

In a statement to The Sun, Phillip shut down any suggestion that his friendship with Holly had suffered. Describing her as his ‘rock’, he said: “The last few weeks haven’t been easy for either of us. My family went through a real ordeal.

Phillip denied any dispute in an interview that Holly wasn’t aware of ( 
Image:
ITV)
“And Holly’s support throughout meant the world to me, as did the support of my bosses at ITV, my editor Martin Frizell and the whole This Morning family, including our amazing viewers.” Phillip explained that Holly had been his pal through “thick and thin”.

But Holly is said to have been ‘ blindsided’ and ‘deeply upset’ by the statement as she had no idea Phil was going to speak publicly about their rumoured rift. A source claimed it was “desperate stuff” from Phillip given the current state of their relationship. There was no public reply from Holly.

Missing tribute

Phillip announced he was stepping down as host of This Morning with immediate effect in May 2023 – but his statement failed to address his co-host of over 13 years.

The TV stalwart said: “I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.

Phillip Schofield’s statement in full

Holly’s post
“Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind. I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.

“So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month.”

Many fans took to social media after noticing there was no mention of Holly, who at that point remained as a presenter on the show, with one viewer commenting: “Working with someone that long and no mention of them in your statement…”.

Meanwhile, Holly shared a sweet tribute to her former co-host on Instagram. She wrote: “Hi everyone…It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour. The sofa won’t feel the same without him.”

Phillip shared his statement on Instagram but once again did not mention Holly. Shortly afterwards, it was announced that Holly would be taking a break over the school holidays, with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary stepping in

Explaining Holly’s absence at the time, Dermot said: “Holly is taking a break over half term, she’ll be back in the studio in two weeks.”

In October of that year, Holly also stepped down from This Morning, following a terrifying kidnap plot. In a statement, Holly told fans: “It’s been an honour to just be part of its story and I know this story has many chaptes left to go. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much.”

Apparant ‘mockery’

In episode two of Phillip Schofield : Cast Away, Phillip could be seen appearing to mock Holly as he asked his family “If you’re okay, then we’re okay and I’m Okay. Are you okay?” Holly famously asked this question ‘Are you OK’ of viewers after Phillip quit This Morning last year, with some viewers slamming the intro as awkward and cringey.

‘Fake friends’ comment

In another Cast Away scene, Phillip could be seen ranting about the lack of support he received following his This Morning exit. He remarked: “When what happened to me happened to me, it screwed up my favourite building in the world, and it pretty well blew away all those happy memories, and suddenly the place became hostile to me, and that was heartbreaking.

“And the people who did it to me, know, they know how important that building was to me. They know that when you throw someone under a bus, you’ve got to have a really bloody good reason to do it. Brand, ambition is not good enough. It’s not a good enough reason to throw someone under a bus.”

In a comment some believe to be directed at Holly, Phillip said: “People just went who I thought were my friends and they just went. And that’s like ‘what the hell?’.” He continued: “It is hard to come to terms with the fact that the people you thought you knew were not the people that you knew. They had completely different agendas.” Phillip then went on to declare that he doesn’t need ‘200 fake friends’, adding that he now has 10 to 15 pals he ‘would die for’.

Secret meeting

This follows reports that Phillip’s daughter Molly Schofield, 30, allegedly attended a secret meeting with ITV bosses, who she allegedly asked to apologise to her father for forcing him from his This Morning post. The Times reports that Molly, who acts as a publicist for her dad, also demanded to know whether or not Phillip had been ‘blacklisted’ in the aftermath of his affair with a younger colleague.

Molly was reportedly informed that Phillip had not been blacklisted – but no apology would be issued as Phillip makes his TV comeback. One source told the publication: “There’s a lot of people who happily basked in Phillip’s glory for many years and then just ditched him.”

Taking a different view, however, another said: “This Morning is happier without him. You always felt like you were walking on eggshells when he was there. He had an almost oppressive hold on the show.”

Jane McDonald is a much-loved TV presenter and singer, who has sold out tours and won a Bafta – but she has also faced some incredibly tough times during her career

Upon arrival at a plush London hotel, we’re instantly swept up in the whirlwind that is Jane McDonald. Radiant, audacious, and brimming with life, it’s not hard to fathom why this award-winning singer and telly host is often dubbed a national treasure. Jane couples modesty with a self-deprecating wit and remains truly anchored to her working-class origins.

“I’m definitely not posh,” she chuckles, her Yorkshire twang shining through. Today’s purpose? To delve into the life and times of Jane, 61, as reflected in her fresh-off-the-press memoir ‘Let The Light In’, laying bare for the first time the agonising loss of her fiance Eddie Rothe to lung cancer last year.

Jane opened on the tragic loss of her partner Eddie ( 
Image:
Pal Hansen)

Her latest book sharing its name with her 2021 album sees Jane disarming us with the kind of truthful reflection on what she calls her “life failures” she tells OK! “There have been many,” she admits. “And that’s exactly what they are failures and mistakes.”

The conversation navigates to a particularly grim chapter back in 2002. Despite being at the peak of her early stardom and setting up home in Florida with then-husband and manager Henrik Brixen, she hit rock bottom and “lost absolutely everything”. After years of performing sellout tours, including a stint in Las Vegas, and with the promise of a new album and a BBC documentary on the horizon, Jane “felt sick” when she discovered she had no money to show for any of it. Blaming the inexperience of her husband as her manager, but also herself for not having an eye on the books, Jane fired Henrik. It spelled the end of their five-year marriage and she found herself back home in Wakefield living with her mother at the age of 40.

She’s lived quite a life ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

“I’ve had a few sticky moments and I’ve taken a lot of risks in my life, but I don’t do fear any more,” she declares. “I’ve been there, I’ve seen it, I’ve done it. I’ve got the T-shirt, I’ve washed it, I’ve dried it and then I’ve got another. [Back then] I thought, ‘I’ve had a chance at this [career] and it’s gone, but I’ll get it back.’”

True to her word, Jane bounced back with remarkable resilience. She joined Loose Women as a panellist in 2004, returned to music, and by 2010 was performing at the London Palladium again. The following year saw her headlining her own tour. Her travel shows, including the Bafta-winning ‘Cruising With Jane McDonald’ and ‘Jane McDonald And Friends’, further cemented her comeback.

She wants a house by the sea ( 
Image:
Viacom Studios UK All Rights Reserved)
Despite the odds, Jane climbed another peak in her career and was gearing up for a serene retirement with her partner Eddie when tragedy struck. The loss of her mother Jean in 2018 and the “sudden and shocking” death of Eddie shortly thereafter marked profound moments of grief in her life.

Jane described the period of loss as “the lowest point in my life,” sharing, “The two guiding lights in my life were Ed and my mother and I suppose losing both of them so quickly together was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. But I’ve joined a club of so many people who were in my position. I say to anybody now, ‘Don’t wallow for too long.’ [Grief] takes a while and it will creep up on you when you least expect it, but if you can chase joy as much as you can, it’s allowed. You don’t have to feel guilt if you’re laughing. Because we do. We think, ‘I can’t possibly feel happy because I’ve lost them,’ but we have to live the life that they wanted for us. Otherwise, what was the point? “.

“So I’ve taken every bit of wisdom from my mother and she had lots of it and all the love and all that fantastic relationship I had with Ed and I celebrate it now, I take them with me. It’s a way of accepting that you cannot change what’s happened, but taking all that with you and moving forward. Not moving on, because that means you’re leaving them behind, but moving forward with them in your heart.”

After experiencing numerous ups and downs including seeking help from a PTSD specialist when she found herself unable to leave the house and face the day Jane didn’t find writing a book about her past errors and recent sorrows therapeutic at all. In fact, it was quite the contrary.

“I didn’t find it cathartic at all,” she confesses. “I thought it was awful. I hated every minute of it because I’m not good at going back. I’m really not good at going back. I’m really not good at saying, ‘Oh, I failed at that and I failed at this.’ But I suppose what is good is that I can say I did fail massively at this, but this is what I did to get out of it. My world fell apart so many times, but this is what I did instead. I really hope it’s going to help others, especially those coming into the industry.”

She acknowledges that grief has profoundly affected her, although it has offered a new perspective on life as well.

“It changes who you are,” she declares. “It changes your life. It changes your plans. It robs you of every future you planned. But now I’ve got a different future and I intend to make it the best I possibly can.”

Reflecting on the fast pace of her li

ife, she notes: “I’m at that pace now where I’m 110 miles an hour, but I intend to slow down because life’s gone like that [clicks her fingers]. You know, it’s a big shock, losing Ed as quickly as I did, and it made me think, ‘How many summers have I got left?”

Eddie passed away after a battle with lung cancer ( 
Image:
Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
She has lots of career plans in the pipeline ( 
Image:
Pal Hansen)
Discussing her desires for the future, she says: “I want a house by the sea, I want to sit on a deck and watch the waves, or go for a walk on a beach, or sit with a scarf around me and drink a cup of tea. I want all of that. I’ve now got this chance to have an amazing life with Ed in [my heart] and I intend to do that.”

Jane isn’t hitting the brakes anytime soon, boasting a schedule that’s jam-packed with excitement. She is gearing up for a 25-date UK arena tour followed by a dazzling role in the London Palladium’s December panto.

Next year, the beloved “Queen of Cruise” will set sail yet again on her Cruise With Jane McDonald tour, this time exploring the scenic waterways of the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. But there’s even more in store.

“I do have something in the pipeline, which I can’t talk about right now, but it is hugely exciting,” she says with a grin. “Put it this way, I don’t think my travel days are over!”

She’s detailed her life story in new autobiography Let The Light In ( 
Image:
No credit)
However, fans hoping to see her back on the Loose Women panel might want to temper their expectations.

“There’s nothing I like better than going and visiting the girls when I get a chance, it’s like a comfort blanket, but my life is just packed,” explains Jane, who pops up on Celebrity Gogglebox too. “A bit like writing this book, I’m not very good at going back, I’m always looking for the next thing.”

So, does that mean we can count her out from hosting next year’s British Soap Awards? [She stepped into the role last year amid the Phillip Schofield scandal, while the awards take a break this year. ].

“Oh, I’d be absolutely thrilled to bits to do that,” she says. “I mean, if I get asked again, yes, I would love to. It’s just such a fancy night and I get to see all my mates from the soaps. They work so hard. People don’t understand how busy their schedules are, they are completely off the scale. So for me, to be able to say ‘Come and get your award,’ it’s really special. It’s a night for them and they all truly deserve celebrating.”