Loose Women star Stacey Solomon might have only recently welcomed her fifth child into the world – but she’s already said to be keen to add a sixth member to their clan

Stacey Solomon has only just recently welcomed her fifth child, Belle, into the world – but it seems she might already be ‘broody for her sixth child’.

The 33-year-old Loose Women star announced that she had given birth to the adorable newborn earlier this month with sweet pictures of herself and husband Joe Swash holding their youngest daughter.

“Our beautiful, daughter born at home with all of your brothers and sister ready to snuggle you forever and ever. You literally flew into our world,” she gushed.

In a recent update on Instagram, Stacey revealed her new daughter’s name, telling fans: “Belle, our little Belle.

Stacey Solomon is already ‘broody’ after welcoming baby Belle into the world ( 
Image:
Stacey Solomon/Instagram)

“Our beautiful, delicate baby girl. Who will forever remind us of the bluebells that are about to bloom as you bring the spring with you into the world…

“And a little special connection to your Rose. To the moon and back Belle. Forever and always.”

Now that the birth of her newest daughter turns into a precious memory, the media personality might be considering adding a sixth child to her brood.

The 33-year-old Loose Women star announced she gave birth to the adorable newborn last week ( 
Image:
Stacey Solomon/Instagram)

She might be keen to add another baby to her family ( 
Image:
Instagram/staceysolomon)
A source close to the star said: “Stacey knows people will think she’s mad for even thinking this, but having her fifth child has only made her more broody.

“She absolutely thrives in the chaos at home, so long as it’s all good spirits and none of the kids are fighting,” the source told Heat magazine , referring to 14-year-old Zachary and 10-year-old Leighton, as well as her youngest children, three-year-old Rex, 16-month-old Rose and newborn Belle.

Stacey has ‘reassured’ husband Joe that another baby would ‘bring them closer’ ( 
Image:
Copyright unknown)

Their last pregnancy was a ‘huge surprise’Meanwhile, 41-year-old Joe – whom alongside Stacey was ‘surprised’ when they found out they were expecting Belle – is shocked that she’s already considering growing their family.

“Stacey has reassured him that if – and that’s a big if – they did have another baby, it would only bring them closer… Joe knows he would be doing a disservice to his wife if he wasn’t listening to what she wants out of life, as she knows Stacey would do the same for him,” the source said to the outlet.

The Mirror has contacted a representative of Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash for a comment on the matter.

Noughties hitmaker and former Loose Women star Jamelia is set to make a TV return, as she’s reportedly taking part in the next series of BBC’s Celebrity MasterChef

Former Loose Women star Jamelia will be back on our TV screens as she’s reportedly signed up for Celebrity MasterChef.

The popstar, 41, who left Loose Women in 2017, is said to be excited about the BBC show, after she gave birth to her fourth daughter in October.

Since her chart topping days in the early noughties, Jamelia has gone on to have a career in TV, appearing on Strictly, Doctors and most recently Sky Kids drama Little Darlings, with fellow singer Lemar.

She has also fronted documentaries including The House That Made Me and Shame About Single Mums.

And it appears her next project will put her cooking skills to the test, as she competes against other famous faces, with judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode watching on.

Jamelia is a former Loose Women panellist ( 
Image:
ITV)
A source told The Sun: “Jamelia is excited about Celebrity MasterChef and she’s more than ready to step back into the public eye after giving birth in October.

“Of course it was nerve-wracking cooking for Gregg [Wallace] and John [Torode] but Jamelia was more than up for the challenge – she had a great time.”

Jamelia was a regular panellist on Loose Women but wasn’t invited back in 2017 after a backlash against her comments about plus-sized clothes.

 

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Former Loose Women star to return to TV as she ‘signs up to Celebrity MasterChef’

Noughties hitmaker and former Loose Women star Jamelia is set to make a TV return, as she’s reportedly taking part in the next series of BBC’s Celebrity MasterChef

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By
Katherine HeslopShowbiz Reporter

20:45, 22 Feb 2023
Updated20:48, 22 Feb 2023

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Former Loose Women star Jamelia will be back on our TV screens as she’s reportedly signed up for Celebrity MasterChef.

The popstar, 41, who left Loose Women in 2017, is said to be excited about the BBC show, after she gave birth to her fourth daughter in October.

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Since her chart topping days in the early noughties, Jamelia has gone on to have a career in TV, appearing on Strictly, Doctors and most recently Sky Kids drama Little Darlings, with fellow singer Lemar.

She has also fronted documentaries including The House That Made Me and Shame About Single Mums.

And it appears her next project will put her cooking skills to the test, as she competes against other famous faces, with judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode watching on.

Strictly’s Dianne Buswell ‘signs for major TV show’ and follows in co-stars footsteps

Jamelia is a former Loose Women panellist ( 
Image:
ITV)
A source told The Sun: “Jamelia is excited about Celebrity MasterChef and she’s more than ready to step back into the public eye after giving birth in October.

“Of course it was nerve-wracking cooking for Gregg [Wallace] and John [Torode] but Jamelia was more than up for the challenge – she had a great time.”

Jamelia was a regular panellist on Loose Women but wasn’t invited back in 2017 after a backlash against her comments about plus-sized clothes.

Jamelia at the MOBO Awards in 2021 ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

The singer and TV star is reportedly set to appear in Celebrity MasterChef ( 
Image:
WireImage)
Last year, she opened up about the ‘traumatic’ early arrival of her fourth child after her baby’s heart rate dropped forcing her to undergo an emergency C-section.

Jamelia told how it was ‘so scary’ when her waters broke at just 32 weeks pregnant but was told ‘to hold on’ to her baby for as long as possible and spent a month under close monitoring.

But she said when checks showed her baby’s heart rate had dropped dangerously low she was rushed for an emergency C-section at Birmingham Women’s Hospital.

The former Strictly star gave birth to a baby girl but found it ‘incredibly traumatic’.

She told Hello magazine: “I’d only ever seen a C-section on the telly, and thought, ‘Oh well, at least it’s going to be straightforward and I’ll be out in five minutes.’”

She said there was nothing ‘easier’ about recovering from major surgery while looking after a newborn.

But she was thrilled to share her baby girl’s arrival with her older children 17-year-old daughter Tiani – who had tossed a coin with her big sister Teja, 21, to see who would be the birthing partner.

She said there was nothing ‘easier’ about recovering from major surgery while looking after a newborn.

Jamelia is mum to four girls, giving birth to her youngest in October ( 
Image:
Offical Jamelia/Instagram)But she was thrilled to share her baby girl’s arrival with her older children 17-year-old daughter Tiani – who had tossed a coin with her big sister Teja, 21, to see who would be the birthing partner.

Her husband, who has stayed out of the spotlight, stayed at home to look after their four-year-old daughter True.

A representative for Celebrity Masterchef said the show doesn’t comment on line-up speculation. The Mirror has approached Jamelia for comment.

 

Loose Women fans took aim at the ITV panel show after disagreeing with a particular debate topic discussed on this week’s show

Loose Women fans were not happy with the ITV programme earlier this week as the panel discussed topics including whether they’d be willing to pay for an expensive funeral.

Jane Moore hosted the debate while Linda Robson, Sophie Morgan and Gloria Hunniford joined the panel.

The Loose Women panel welcomed Dragon’s Den entrepreneur Deborah Meaden in the studio and discussed topics including the song they’d like played at their funeral and EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy’s admission that she had once gone three days without a shower

However, ITV viewers felt it was time the programme took a break and blasted the funeral discussion as “miserable”.

Jane and the panel welcomed Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

One tweeted: “Miserable talk or WHAT??? @loosewomen #loosewomen #itv REPORTED TO OFCOM @Ofcom,” while another wrote: “SURELY its time for ITV to drop #LooseWomen after nearly 25 years A LOT OF PEOPLE INCLUDING ME find it to be sexist and dated it should be replaced with a show that welcomes hosts and guests whether straight LGBT men woman in short from ALL backgrounds.”

“Daily I’m reading stories about cast falling out it’s time ITV drop this programme and save thousands of pounds. #LooseWomen,” a third added and another shared: “This Dreadful Show need to stop airing on our Television screens it’s passed the expiration date #LooseWomen.”

Elsewhere, on this week’s Loose Women, panellist Brenda Edwards broke down in tears as the ITV show paid tribute to her late son Jamal Edwards a year after his death.

Jane Moore, Linda Robson, Sophie Morgan and Gloria Hunniford made up Wednesday’s panel ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
On Thursday, Brenda was left in tears after a video of her and her daughter Tanisha was shown about them talking about Jamal and their plans to continue his legacy.

In the clip, Brenda said: “This last year has been one big massive rollercoaster ride and considering I don’t really like rollercoasters, I have to be honest, with all the support I’ve had, everything has been bittersweet.

“I don’t think you can really put it into words. It’s good to have Tanesha here and have her around because we’re going through it together. I try my best not to show her my upset, she tries her best not to show me but then there’s times when we’re both upset together.”

The panel all wore blue in honour of Jamal as Brenda explained her son was a Chelsea supporter and a “true blue”.

The Loose Women panellists – Nadia Sawalha, Kaye Adams, Carol McGiffin and Jane Moore – ended their show today with a tribute to Donna May, who is leaving the programme after two decades

The Loose Women stars bid an emotional farewell to their co-star today, who is departing the programme after 20 years.

During today’s segment, Nadia Sawalha, Kaye Adams, Carol McGiffin and Jane Moore all presented the show, where they were joined by Jordan North and EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw to talk about their projects.

However, at the end of the episode, the camera panned over to Ruth Langsford who was sat next to Donna May Clitheroe, who is departing the programme after two decades working on the show.

Ruth sat alongside Donna May and said it was a privilege to be working with her all these years, as they all thanked her for helping them look the best every day with her makeup artist skills.

Donna has been working on the show for 20 years ( 
Image:
ITV)

Speaking at the end of the show, Kaye said: “Before we go, we have to say after 20 years, this is the last day of our dear friend Donna May. The heart of our make up room. She’s sat there with Ruth, I don’t think Ruth’s going to let her go.”

Donna then revealed she would be making the leap to work on her business full time, as Ruth told her: “Look at those four gorgeous women there, you do that,” as Kaye told her: “You are and will continue to be a wonderful friend to us all.”

The panellists wished their friend the best of luck ( 
Image:
ITV)
On her website, Donna May previously shared how she works on her own business whilst leading the ITV team too.

“I’m Head of Makeup for ITV’S Loose Women and Lorraine – I’ve been at ITV for 21 years– so three to four days a week I’m at the studios. It’s a four hour round trip on the train so I take my laptop and use this time to work on DML,” she said.

“The other days are either filled with having meetings regarding DML or working on photo shoots, product development, trips to my factories in China (one to two times a year) and various beauty exhibitions. Seriously, I never have a day off … the business is 24/7!”

She got emotional as she bid her farewells ( 
Image:
ITV)Donna May’s business is now her full focus, but she admits it can be tough sometimes.

She added: “Deciding to really make a go of DML as a serious business! The first year was kinda fun – me playing on my own, making the products myself and having no real pressure to sell.

“Moving into year two though, I either had to up my game and take on a partner or quit as it was becoming too big to run alone. Taking that leap to say, ‘sod it … what’s the worst that can happen?’ is my mantra!”

She concluded: “I leapt and I survived – and every day is a continuous survival act!!!”

Loose Women panellist Nadia Sawalha has shared the truth about her relationship with her ITV co-stars and admitted people ‘always expect’ them to argue behind closed doors

Nadia Sawalha has slammed claims the Loose Women panellists are caught up in a “feud” and admitted she actually has “intense” relationships with her co-stars.

The 58-year-old TV host said they all get on “so, so well” behind the scenes, but agreed things can seem “a bit heated” when they’re on the daytime show.

The ITV show often sees the panellists clash over a wide range of topics and reports of infighting between the stars have surfaced throughout the years.

Nadia has now aimed to squash the rumours as she said: “There is no feud – I think it’s that thing where people always expect women must be arguing, we honestly get on so well.”

Nadia has said there is no feud between the Loose Women stars ( 
Image:
S Meddle/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

“When the audience are there and they see it get a bit heated, they will see us literally finish a topic and then go into the commercial break and then go, ‘Can I have one of your crisps?, we just laugh it off backstage.”

The actress insisted that she loves being part of the Loose Women panel and said it’s nice to form “intense relationships” with her co-stars.

“I have great friends and I just love my job so much, I always say they have to take me out in a box in Loose Women,” Nadia told The Sun.

She said the stars have intense friendships ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
She also went on to gush over her co-stars and said it’s been great to have been given the chance to “get to know them so well”.

Nadia isn’t the first Loose Women panellist to comment on feud rumours.

Denise Welch broke her silence on the speculation earlier this month, denying any bad feelings between the stars.

However, she did admit that she’s not afraid to be passionate during fiery debates.

Nadia isn’t the only one who has addressed speculation ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Denise said they’re al great friends ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)“I’m not afraid to be passionate and committed about something, we all have different views, we’re great friends,” she told The Sun.

“I do get upset that people are trying to make out that we’re always in some backstage feud.”

The former Dancing on Ice star added: “I haven’t fallen out with any of them in 20 years – but we have very feisty debates.”

Since walking away from her lucrative gig on Loose Women in 2021, Andrea McLean has thrown herself into her business with second husband alongside juggling health battles and worries about her finances

Andrea McLean ‘s life since quitting Loose Women hasn’t always been smooth sailing.

The broadcaster decided to walk away from the ITV panel show after 13 years after experiencing a nervous breakdown and living through a global pandemic forced her to reconsider her priorities.

Earlier this week, the 53-year-old issued a health update to her fans as she admitted her illnesses have left her bedridden for days at a time after pushing her ‘tired body’.

Fans praised Andrea for speaking openly about her health struggles on Instagram, but this isn’t the first time the Scottish star has been candid about the harder aspects of her life.

The former Loose Women panelist has been through a lot since she last appeared on the ITV show ( 
Image:
ITV)

Money struggles

Last year, Andrea admitted quitting Loose Women severely impacted her bank balance – with the star missing out on just more than a salary from ITV.

She explained that although she had factored in the loss of her anchor salary as the ‘breadwinner’ she suffered an unexpected financial setback when the plug was pulled on cash she earned from brand endorsement deals.

Speaking on the Secure The Insecure With Johnny Seifert podcast, she said: ‘When I made the announcement I was leaving TV to follow my heart and dreams, go all in on This Girl is On Fire, obviously we put a lot of planning into this moment because obviously it’s a huge jump.

Andrea has some tough conversations with her husband before quitting Loose Women ( 
Image:
INSTAGRAM)

The mum-of-two lost multiple brand deals just weeks after quitting
“I was the breadwinner and this was the job that was paying the bills but everyone in TV does jobs as well.”

Andrea then revealed that she and husband Nick Feeney discussed in depth the logistics of her huge career change as she pursued her own path penning a motivational book about her experiences.

She said: “I had enough corporate work lined up that was going to keep the funds coming in before I wrote This Girl’s On Fire and get traction so it was a calculated decision.

Andrea was the breadwinner in her household before quitting Loose Women

The TV star saw brand deals ‘disappear overnight’ after her last appearance on the ITV show ( 
Image:
WireImage)
”On the day that I announced I was leaving, every brand dropped me… so I went from, ‘OK I knew I had this amount of money coming in and this much work that will see me through to the next six to eight months,’ it disappeared overnight.

”That’s how big a deal moving away from TV is. It was financially like a punch in the stomach, my safety net was gone. I was like, “Oh my god I only have my savings. I can’t turn back and change my mind. I have no over income.”

House sale

One month on from quitting Loose Women in 2021, Andrea revealed how hard the decision had been for her and admitted she agonised over the decision for months.

In an interview with OK! Magazine she explained how she and husband Nick prepared for the worst before she broke the news she was walking away from the ITV panel show.

Andrea’s big career change caused some worries for the star and her family ( 
Image:
ITV)
“It took months of thinking about it. We were preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. Nick and I sat down and wrote what we needed to prepare for,” Andrea recalled in 2021.

“Worst case – we would have to sell the house. Best, the This Girl Is On Fire membership and website we’ve set up works and we’re successful with that.”

Andrea and Nick now both work full time on their joint venture, with Nick’s daughter also on board.

Third marriage

Andrea is now happily married to Nick, with the pair even running a successful business together, but the broadcaster was once embarrassed about the fact her current beau is her third husband.

The mum-of-two was previously married to BBC producer Nick Green, with whom she shares son Finlay with, but the pair called it quits when Andrea found love with fellow Our House presenter Steve Toms.

Steve and Andrea welcomed daughter Amy into the world November 2006 but split in 2012, just three years on from tying the knot.

Andrea and Nick became husband and wife in 2018 ( 
Image:
Instagram/staceysolomon)

The pair are still happy and even business partners ( 
Image:
Instagram/iamsairakhan)
Andrea tied the knot for a third time with current husband Nick in 2018 after four years of dating – with the former Loose Women confessing she didn’t expect to find love again.

“I never thought I’d feel like this again, that I’d fall in love and get the chance to start a new life,” she told HELLO! magazine shortly after marrying Nick.

“It’s been a revelation to him too. And because we make each other so happy, it’s changed our lives. So many people have commented on how much more positive I’ve become since I met him. Thanks to Nick, I’m no longer looking backwards, I’m looking forwards.”

Health battles

In a lengthy post shared on Instagram this week, Andrea candidly told how her health woes have left her bedridden over recent days as she updated her 301,000 followers.

Andrea confessed that she has been left suffering with exhaustion and is awaiting test results.

Alongside a selection of images of her and husband Nick, another picture with her mum and a final snap of her beloved dog, Andrea penned: “Things I did to fill my cup this week, that weren’t to do with work…

Andrea shares a series of snaps as she opened up about her health woes ( 
Image:
Instagram)

The TV star mused it was an ‘episode of one step forward, three steps back’ ( 
Image:
Instagram)
“1. I went out with @nickfeeneycoach to support my lovely friend @brendaedwardsglobal on the one year anniversary of the passing of her son Jamal. It was a beautiful, poignant evening.

“Unfortunately, I ended up poorly in bed for three days afterwards. I had pushed myself at the gym that day, which was too much for my tired body.

“So, another episode of one step forward, three steps back.

“I am now awaiting blood tests to see why I have been poorly for so long now – it’s over three months of absolute exhaustion. The thinking is that it is Covid/autoimmune related. It’s a nuisance!

Fans sent Andrea love as she shared the update on Instagram ( 
Image:
WireImage)
“2. I was luckily well enough to get dressed up and take my mum out on Friday for a pamper day as a belated Christmas present. So nails done and to our local Ivy for a late lunch. It was really lovely.

“3. We went round to mum and dads for another late lunch yesterday, with them and joint friends. It was lots of fun – and crossed three decades, we are in our 50s, our friends are in their 60s, mum and dad are in their 70s! How did that happen?

“4. We took @teddymcfeen for a walk, our usual Sunday thing. Here’s to a happy, healthy week ahead. What did you do to fill your cup this week?”

Andrea’s fans and celebrity pals rushed to the comments section to send their messages of support.

The Scottish presenter, 53, decided to walk away from Loose Women after 13 years following a nervous breakdown and the global pandemic which forced her to reconsider her priorities. She’s now issued a health update as she awaits the results of a blood test

Andrea McLean has confessed she’s been bedridden for days as she discloses health woes to fans.

The 53-year-old former Loose Women presenter revealed she recently went to support her famous pal and ex co-star Brenda Edwards at an event on the anniversary of her son Jamal Edwards ‘ death, but ended up getting “poorly” after it.

The former Loose Women presenter was a staple on the ITV daytime show between 2007 and 2020. Prior to that, she had featured on GMTV for 11 years from 1997.

The Scottish presenter, 53, decided to walk away from Loose Women after 13 years following a nervous breakdown and the global pandemic which forced her to reconsider her priorities.

And in a lengthy Instagram post, Andrea has candidly told how health woes have left her bedridden in recent days as she updated her 301,000 followers.

Andrea and husband Nick Feeney ( 
Image:
Instagram)

Andrea posted a snap with her mum ( 
Image:
Instagram)Andrea confessed that she has been left suffering with exhaustion and is awaiting test results.

Alongside a selection of images of her and husband Nick Feeney, another picture with her mum and a final snap of her beloved dog, Andrea penned: “Things I did to fill my cup this week, that weren’t to do with work…

“1. I went out with @nickfeeneycoach to support my lovely friend @brendaedwardsglobal on the one year anniversary of the passing of her son Jamal. It was a beautiful, poignant evening.

“Unfortunately, I ended up poorly in bed for three days afterwards. I had pushed myself at the gym that day, which was too much for my tired body.

“So, another episode of one step forward, three steps back.

“I am now awaiting blood tests to see why I have been poorly for so long now – it’s over three months of absolute exhaustion. The thinking is that it is Covid/autoimmune related. It’s a nuisance!

Andrea decided to walk away from Loose Women after 13 years following a nervous breakdown ( 
Image:
WireImage)
“2. I was luckily well enough to get dressed up and take my mum out on Friday for a pamper day as a belated Christmas present. So nails done and to our local Ivy for a late lunch. It was really lovely.

“3. We went round to mum and dads for another late lunch yesterday, with them and joint friends. It was lots of fun – and crossed three decades, we are in our 50s, our friends are in their 60s, mum and dad are in their 70s! How did that happen?

“4. We took @teddymcfeen for a walk, our usual Sunday thing. Here’s to a happy, healthy week ahead. What did you do to fill your cup this week?”

The telly favourites fans rushed to the comments section to send their messages of support.

The former Loose Women presenter was a staple on the ITV daytime show between 2007 and 2020 ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)One wrote: “Hope you feel better soon, take it from me who was a fitness fanatic (71 now) it’s affected me so much so please don’t overdo it life is precious.”

A second penned: “You [and] your mum are so alike. Hope you get answers from your blood test soon.”

Another added: “Hope the blood tests help show what’s going on. Sounds so frustrating! Hang on in there.”

A fourth commented: “I’m not a doctor by any stretch of the imagination, but like you after Covid, I just never got my energy levels back. Since being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome by a rheumatologist. You may have the same.”

PEOPLE confirmed earlier this week that Prince Harry and the King would not meet this week due to the sovereign’s schedule

King Charles visits the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre as he resumes forward-facing duties on April 30, 2024 in London; David Beckham at the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024 at The Royal Festival Hall on Feb. 18, 2024 in London; Prince Harry leaves the Invictus Games Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral on May 8, 2024 in London. Photo: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty; John Phillips/Getty; Samir Hussein/WireImage

King Charles reportedly had a private meeting with David Beckham after being unable to meet with his son Prince Harry during his visit to the U.K. earlier in the week.

According to The Times, the former England football captain, 49, met the King, 75, for a “private meeting” on Friday.

“Beckham is understood to have visited Charles to learn more about his charity, the King’s Foundation,” the outlet added.

PEOPLE understands that the Duke of Sussex invited his father, King Charles, his brother, Prince William and his sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, to his celebratory Invictus Games event on Wednesday, May 8, which they did not attend. The Princess of Wales, 42, is outside of the public eye while receiving cancer treatment, while Prince William, 41, conducted investitures at Windsor Castle on May 8.

King Charles recently resumed forward-facing duties while receiving cancer treatment, and hosted the first garden party of the season at Buckingham Palace on May 8. The party coincided with the Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London for the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games, which Prince Harry launched in London in 2014.

It emerged earlier this week that Prince Harry, 39, wouldn’t be able to meet with his father the King during his time in the U.K. due to the monarch’s “full” schedule.

“In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the U.K. this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program. The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon,” a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex said on May 7.

David Beckham leaves Westminster Hall, at the Palace of Westminster, in London on Sept. 16, 2022 after paying his respects to the coffin of Queen Elizabeth. LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP via Getty
King Charles Jokes He’s Glad to Be ‘Out of My Cage’ on First Solo Outing amid Cancer Treatment

The timing could have aligned for Beckham and the King to meet at his Highgrove home, as the monarch was seen leaving Windsor Castle en route to Highgrove, Gloucestershire on May 10. The area is home to the King’s beloved country home Highgrove House, which has been a respite for the royal since he bought it in 1980.

Beckham received his OBE from Queen Elizabeth for services to soccer in 2003 and has socially known the royal family for years, having attended the royal weddings of both Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011 and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 with his wife, Victoria Beckham. Like many Brits, Beckham stood in line for 12 hours in London to pay respects to the late Queen Elizabeth when her coffin laid in state at Westminster Hall following her death in September 2022.

King Charles leaves Windsor Castle en route to Highgrove, Gloucestershire on May 10, 2024.TheImageDirect.com

Why the Royal Family Did Not Attend Prince Harry’s Invictus Games Service in London

On May 9, King Charles made his first solo engagement since resuming his royal duties at the Royal School of Military Engineering.

Before his Invictus-related trip, which was highlighted by a panel on May 7 and the Service of Thanksgiving on May 8, Prince Harry was most recently in the U.K. to visit his father following Buckingham Palace’s announcement of the sovereign’s cancer diagnosis in February.

The Duke of Sussex then traveled to Canada for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025’s One Year to Go celebration with his wife Meghan Markle, and revealed in an interview there that he hoped to see his father as much as possible.

Prince Harry arrives to attend the Invictus Games Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral on May 8, 2024.JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty

When Good Morning America’s Will Reeve asked Harry about how he first learned of his father’s cancer diagnosis, he replied, “I spoke to him. I jumped on a plane and went to go see him as soon as I could.”

“Look, I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go and see him and spend any time with him, I’m grateful for that,” Prince Harry said. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocated to her home state of California after stepping back from their royal roles in 2020, and live there with their children Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 2.

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As for whether King Charles’ diagnosis could have a “reunifying effect” on the royal family, Harry, who spent time with Invictus Games competitors and their families at the countdown kickoff, said: “Absolutely. Yeah, I’m sure. Throughout all these families, I see it on a day-to-day basis, the strength of the family unit coming together.”

Following the Duke of Sussex’s solo trip to the U.K. for the Invictus Games anniversary, he and Meghan arrived in Nigeria on May 10 for their first international tour since stepping back from their royal roles.

The couple are in the country at the invitation of the Chief of Defense Staff, Nigeria’s highest-ranking military official, and the busy itinerary highlighting Invictus continues on May 11 and May 12.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit Nigeria: Unconquered in Abuja, Nigeria on May 11, 2024.KOLA SULAIMON/AFP via Getty

The Inter Miami FC co-owner officially welcomed the Argentine legend to his team in July this year

By Stephanie Sengwe

David Beckham hugs Lionel Messi. Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

David Beckham, 48, managed to bring one of the biggest international athletes stateside, and the magnitude of that feat is hardly lost on him.

In July, the former soccer player and co-owner of Inter Miami FC officially welcomed Lionel Messi, 36, to the South Florida-based soccer club, and he’s been on cloud nine since. Of course, getting a player of Messi’s caliber to sign didn’t come easy, as the Argentine soccer legend was in high demand.

“We always knew there would be competition,” Beckham told The Times of London. “The time I got a bit worried was when Barcelona showed interest. The club obviously pulls on his heartstrings and he never really got to say the goodbye he deserved there,” he said of Messi, who played for Barça for 17 seasons.

‘Emotional’ David Beckham Welcomes Lionel Messi to His Inter Miami FC Team: ‘Truly a Dream’

However, the stiff competition didn’t dissuade Beckham, who managed to snag the soccer superstar for just over $20.4 million, per CBS News. “It still gives me goosebumps,” he told The Times of London of the moment he found out Messi would be coming to Inter Miami.

David Beckham with Lionel Messi.CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty

Though soccer (known elsewhere as football) is massively popular globally, it’s only recently rose to prominence in the U.S. Beckham and Thierry Henry are some of the noted international players who have signed to Major League Soccer teams in an effort to bring more visibility to U.S.-based teams. So, onboarding a player as prolific as Messi was also a strategic move for the Inter Miami owner.

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“I said, ‘How many elite athletes have had the opportunity to change a sport in a country?’ It is transformational for the sport in the United States,” Beckham told The Times of his initial pitch. “This is just the beginning. His presence, medium to long-term, will prove that this league belongs among the world’s best leagues over time.”

This is hardly the first time Beckham has been open about his reverence for Messi.

David Beckham Praises Lionel Messi in Trailer for New Messi Meets America Docuseries — Watch!

In July, when the superstar officially joined the Inter Miami team, Beckham introduced Messi to a sold-out crowd at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida — and called Messi’s arrival a “dream come true.”

Lionel Messi with Inter Miami FC owners.CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty

“Ten years ago, I started my journey to build a new MLS team,” Beckham said, per ESPN. “I said then, I dreamt of bringing the best players in the world to South Florida and to the great city of Miami. Players who shared our ambition to grow soccer in this country … We are so happy that you are all here to celebrate this incredible moment.”

He continued, “So please forgive me for feeling a little bit emotional tonight. It truly is a dream come true to welcome Lionel Messi to Inter Miami … Bienvenido a La Familia.”

Beckham was also seen singing the soccer player’s praises in the trailer for Messi Meets America — an Apple TV+ docu-series that gives an “inside look” at the latest chapter of Messi’s life and career. “This is one of the greatest players in the world,” Beckhman states.

Midsomer Murders replaced in ITV schedules by another crime drama – despite star’s plea to bosses

ITV has announced a scheduling shake-up, much to the disappointment of Midsomer Murders fans.

The latest series of the popular murder mystery show concluded on Tuesday night.

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Another season of Midsomer Murders has wrapped upCredit: ITV

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ITV crime drama Vera will be replacing its slot on the scheduleCredit: Rex
The final episode followed the strange case of a bakery which was selling bread that turned out to be poisoned.

With the bakers pleading their innocence, DCI John Barnaby and DS Jamie Winter were left struggling to track down the person responsible for the lethal loaves.

It has now been confirmed that another ITV crime drama will fill Midsomer Murders’ slot in the TV schedule.

Vera, starring Brenda Blethyn as DCI Stanhope and Kenny Doughty as her former sidekick Aiden Healy, will be aired next Tuesday night instead.

The upcoming installment is a set to be a repeat episode that was screened earlier this year.

It sees the beloved Detective Chief Inspector called to investigate the death of a young woman whose body washed up on the banks of the River Tyne.

Her murder was a shock to the local community, as the victim was popular in her workplace, and loved by friends and family.

Vera has to untangle a web of lies and learn about secret betrayals to discover the woman’s killer.

Midsomer Murders star Neil Dudgeon, who plays leading man DCI Barnaby, previously begged show bosses to release more than one episode of the crime drama at a time.

He warned that the series is bound to lose viewers if big gaps are left between each installment, pointing out that no show is bulletproof.
ITV slammed by viewers after slapping Midsomer Murders with a trigger warning
Neil added: “Some years ago, ITV decided to schedule single episodes, or just two episodes from a series, so that Midsomer could take on rival shows on the other side.

“I think this is a shame. For an audience with any programme, they like to know when their show is going to be on, say, for the next four weeks. But they stopped doing this some time ago.

“It would be nice if it went out as a series again.”

Crime dramas on ITVX

Crime drama buffs have a wide selection of choices on ITVX – here is a selection of some of the programmes available to binge.

Professor T: Based on a Belgian TV series of the same name, former Death in Paradise lead Ben Miller plays the title character. Professor Jasper Tempest is a criminologist with OCD who helps the police solve crimes. The cast also includes Emma Naomi, Barney White and Andy Gathergood.
The Beast Must Die: This series follows a mother’s grief for her son, who was killed in an accident. Nicholas Blake’s novel of the same name has been adapted for the programme. Stars include Cush Jumbo, Jared Harris, Billy Howle and Geraldine James.
Red Eye: Starring Richard Armitage, Jing Lusi and Lesley Sharp star in this six-part thriller, which mostly takes place  during an all-night flight between London and Beijing. With dead bodies piling up and a mystery to unravel, the heroes must work fast to get to the truth.
The Twelve: This Australian drama originally aired as a miniseries in 2022, with the episodes dropping in the UK in February 2023. Four months later, the show was renewed for a second season. Jurassic Park star Sam Neill stars in the leading role of barrister Brett Colby.
Manhunt: Martin Clunes stars in this drama based on true murder investigations. Series one focused on the death of Amélie Delagrange, which took place in 2004, while the second depicted the search for serial rapist Delroy Grant.