Blog

  • ITV Loose Women viewers blast ‘disgusting’ Janet Street-Porter comment to co-star

    ITV Loose Women viewers blast ‘disgusting’ Janet Street-Porter comment to co-star

    Loose Women viewers were left fuming at Janet Street-Porter for her “disgusting” comment to Denise Welch during a conversation about education on Tuesday’s episode

    Loose Women ‘s Janet Street-Porter sparked a stir among ITV’s daytime viewers after a cheeky dig at co-star Denise Welch during Tuesday’s episode. The panel, which included Brenda Edwards and host Christine Lampard, were in the midst of a heated discussion on whether or not parents should bribe their kids for exam success when Janet couldn’t resist flaunting her 11 ‘O’ levels.

    Denise, the former Corrie actress, shared her own school days tale: “When I was doing my ‘O’ Levels, my mum and dad could have offered me the world and I would have still climbed down the drainpipe to go and be with my boyfriend. I was awful as regards revising and studying and it just wasn’t for me.” After revealing she bagged five ‘O’ Levels, Janet quipped, “Is that all? ” leading Denise to reveal her exams took two goes because she had to resit Needlework, reports OK!

    READ MORE: ITV Love Island star kicked out of villa 24 hours after show starts

    Janet, ever the provocateur, made sure to highlight that out of Denise’s five ‘O’ Levels, one was in Needlework, followed by a laugh. Denise quickly clapped back with, “And we’re all on the same show, thank you very much! “.

    Janet Street Porter
    Loose Women panellist Janet Street-Porter 
    Image:
    Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

    Despite Denise brushing off Janet’s jibe with good humour, fans watching at home didn’t take too kindly to Janet’s sharp banter with her colleague.

    A viewer rallied around Denise stating: “I must say I was cross with JSP boasting about how many O’Levels she achieved and belittling Denise for achieving 5 O’ Levels and one being for needlework. How disgusting. Who does she think she is. I was impressed with Denise’s responses to the digs JSP made.”

    If you can’t see the poll, click here

    A second echoed these sentiments, stating: “Janet is so rude.”

    Earlier in the show, the two also bumped heads during a conversation about infidelity. The women openly confessed to past indiscretions, hence their reluctance to pass judgement on others.

    Denise Welch
    Denise Welch regularly shares her views on Loose Women 
    Image:
    Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
    Denise reflected, “Back in the day, I wouldn’t, no. If I was in that situation, I wouldn’t have judged someone if they had possibly cheated. I always think that there’s not excuses for things, but there are reasons for things.”

    Contributing her viewpoint, Janet started off by saying: “Like Denise, I was a compulsive cheater…” But Denise was quick to correct her, interjecting firmly with, “I wasn’t compulsive,” which invoked laughter from the audience, as the panellists moved on with their discussion sans further bickering.

  • Loose Women fans say Stacey Solomon ‘wiped floor’ with Denise Welch in tense clash

    Loose Women fans say Stacey Solomon ‘wiped floor’ with Denise Welch in tense clash

    Stacey Solomon returned to the ITV Loose Women panel on Monday and clashed with Denise Welch over a number of topics

    Stacey Solomon made a triumphant return to the Loose Women panel on Monday after enjoying some time with her family.

    And the doting mum, 34, didn’t hold back when it came to her opinions on the day’s topics. Stacey clashed with fellow panellist Denise Welch on two occasions and one fan said the former “wiped the floor” with the latter.

    First, Stacey and Denise disagreed over Melania Trump’s decision to stay with Donald Trump after his guilty verdict for falsifying records, and then over the concept of working from home.

    The debate began with a chat about Sydnie Christmas’ victory on Britain’s Got Talent and whether personality is as important as talent in such competitions. Then, when the conversation shifted to former model Melania’s loyalty to her husband post-verdict, Stacey won the audience over with her passionate outburst.

    “Why is the focus on his wife?” she said. “It should be about him and his disgraceful acts.” Later, the topic turned to stay-at-home husbands and remote working. Mum-of five-Stacey argued that flexible working arrangements have been a godsend for many families, especially those with children, according to OK!.

    Denise, however, lamented the lack of available staff in businesses, suggesting “the country is collapsing” because everyone is working from home.

    Stacey Solomon and Denise Welch with other panellists on Loose Women
    First, Stacey and Denise disagreed over Melania Trump’s decision to stay with Donald Trump after his guilty verdict 
    Image:
    ITV)
    In response, Stacey asked her fellow panellist if they genuinely thought that telecommuting was to blame for the staffing issues as opposed to challenges faced by employees on zero-hour contracts, particularly nurses. “So it has nothing to do with the fact that a nurse is grafting hard on a zero hours contract, struggling to pay childcare? No wonder people aren’t signing up to do these jobs, they just aren’t paid enough to do them.”

    As the debate intensified, viewers flocked to social media platforms to applaud the returning star’s viewpoints. One viewer posted on X (formerly known as Twitter ): “I don’t usually watch #loosewomen but today I am, I totally agree with Stacey Solomon.” Another supporter echoed the sentiments: “@StaceySolomon talking sense on #LooseWomen #workingfromhome.”

    Another fan expressed their support: “Stacey absolutely wiping the floor with Densy [clapping hand emojis] #LooseWomen.” A fourth fan said: “What a shame Stacey is stepping back from TV, she’s the only redeeming feature of #LooseWomen.”

    Stacey recently disclosed that her ambition is to become a full-time mother, managing her household with five children in tow, including three she shares with partner Joe Swash. Speaking to beauty entrepreneur Caroline Hirons on her Glad We Had This Chat podcast, Stacey shared: “Every year I have a team meeting with my agent and everyone on the team to say, ‘What’s your plan? What’s your goal? ‘ And this year when they asked me my five-year goal, I was like, I want to be a stay-at-home mum. That is my dream, it’s my ultimate dream. I just want to be with my kids.”

  • Eamonn Holmes seen enjoying meal with presenter Hayley Sparkes after Ruth Langsford split

    Eamonn Holmes seen enjoying meal with presenter Hayley Sparkes after Ruth Langsford split

    Loose Women’s Ruth Langsford and GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes shocked fans when their split was announced last month

    Eamonn Holmes distracted himself from his split from Ruth Langsford by enjoying an afternoon tea with presenter Hayley Sparkes.

    The 64-year-old and Loose Women panellist Ruth, also 64, sent shockwaves through the showbiz industry when they revealed they were calling time on their 14-year marriage and heading for divorce. Ruth hadn’t publicly commented on the split but Eamonn thanked fans for their support while presenting on GB News.

    At the time, he said: “So here we are on this Tuesday morning and a lot of politics. Just before we move on I would just like to thank people for your support for Ruth and I over the last few days as to the news of our separation. Your support for both of us is very much appreciated.” Ruth, however, simply shared small glimpses into her life on social media with fans.

    On Monday, presenter Hayley took to her Instagram page to share snaps from her afternoon tea with Eamonn as they filmed a segment for travel agency Not Just Travel at the Down Hall Hotel in Bishop’s Stortford. In one photo, the duo sat side by side as they posed for the camera.

    Eamonn Holmes
    Eamonn joined Hayley for an afternoon tea in between filming for her show 
    Image:
    Instagram/ @hayleysparkestv)

    Eamonn Holmes
    She shared a few snaps of them on social media 
    Image:
    Instagram/ @hayleysparkestv)

    Eamonn rocked his classic blue suit while Hayley stunned in a summery dress. She also shared pictures of the food they enjoyed, which included macarons, cake, finger sandwiches and tarts. One photo had Hayley smiling at the camera as she prepared to film in front of the hotel.

    “What a great start to the week- filming at the stunning Down Hall Hotel and Spa for Not Just Travel,” the presenter captioned the carousel of photos. “Thank you so much to the lovely team at Down Hall for looking after all of us so well and for the delicious afternoon tea!”

    Ruth and Eamonn Holmes on This Morning
    Eamonn and Ruth shocked fans when their split was announced last month 
    Image:
    Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)“Eamonn and Ruth’s relationship changed when they left This Morning. They started moving in different directions in their careers and their priorities started to change”, the insider said. “Eamonn was desperate to return to Belfast, which he thinks of as home, but Ruth would never move. It became a bone of contention.”

    “As her ITV career continued, Eamonn went down another path and they became ships in the night. For the past two years, they had led separate lives, professionally and personally.”

  • Exclusive: Real reason Ruth Langsford ended Eamonn Holmes marriage as she’s left ‘hurt’ over discovery

    Exclusive: Real reason Ruth Langsford ended Eamonn Holmes marriage as she’s left ‘hurt’ over discovery

    Loose Women star Ruth Langsford has been left ‘hurt’ by a discovery following her split from husband of 14 years Eamonn Holmes as pals insist there’s ‘no way back’ for them

    Ruth Langsford has been left “hurt” by a discovery following her split from Eamonn Holmes, pals say.

    The Loose Women star shocked fans when she split from her broadcaster husband following 14 years of marriage last month. However, friends close to the presenter have insisted there is “no way back” for their marriage. Eamonn has returned to work on his GB News show, while Ruth is taking an extended break from her ITV presenting duties.

    She is taking the rest of the month off work and has been left “hurt” after finding out her husband is being consoled by another woman with whom he’s been on a string of outings. Ruth was left reeling after finding out Eamonn has been meeting up with a woman in her forties.

    The pair struck up a friendship over the past couple of years and he is said to have taken her out to venues including a trip in February to a safari park, plus a Manchester United game and a Beyonce gig. Eamonn is said to have grown close to the woman over the past year.

     

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

    On the prospect of a reconciliation, the friend insisted: “No chance whatsoever.” Eamonn and the woman are believed to have made contact through social media having been loosely connected by a mental health charity. The woman is said to volunteer for a charity which Eamonn became involved with following the death of Ruth’s sister, Julia Johnson, who had suffered with depression.

    Ruth and Eamonn on This Morning
    Ruth and Eamonn were married for 14 years 
    Image:
    Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
    A friend has shared how Ruth has been left “deeply upset” over suggestions she walked away from their marriage because of Eamonn’s health woes. The former This Morning host, who shares 22-year-old son Jack with Ruth, had back surgery and suffered a broken shoulder after falling down the stairs of their Surrey home.

    “The thing that deeply upsets and frustrates her is the notion that she’s ditching him because of his ongoing health issues,” one pal said. “That is not true. She’s always been there for him. But she has struggled with the knowledge that he’s not always been honest with her.”

    A spokesperson for Ruth has said: “Ruth had holiday time booked from Loose Women and has extended her leave. She’s looking forward to returning to the show in due course.” Eamonn headed back to work just a matter of days after news of their split emerged. Speaking to viewers on his morning programme, Eamonn said: “So here we are on this Tuesday morning and a lot of politics.

    “Just before we move on I would just like to thank people for your support for Ruth and I over the last few days as to the news of our separation. Your support for both of us is very much appreciated.” Ruth has shared updates on social media as she stays off Loose Women, and shared that she underwent a divorce makeover. A joint statement issued last month said simply: ”Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing.” Eamonn has since moved out of their family home.

  • Eamonn Holmes posts about Irish romance as Ruth Langsford’s pals hit out

    Eamonn Holmes posts about Irish romance as Ruth Langsford’s pals hit out

    Eamonn Holmes, 64, is appearing to ignore recent comments made by Ruth Langsford’s friends regarding her hurt over his friendship with another woman

    Eamonn Holmes has brushed off comments from Ruth Langsford’s pals about her “hurt” over his friendship with another woman by posting about his favourite Irish romance.

    It comes as Ruth, 64, is set to take a break from ITV’s Loose Women for the rest of the month as she struggles with the split and fallout. She is said to be upset over the discovery that, in the wake of their separation, her husband Eamonn, 64, is being consoled by another woman with whom he’s been on a string of outings.

    Taking to Instagram, Eamonn posted a photo from 1952 classic The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. He wrote: “Probably my favourite film ever. A Romantic view of Ireland. Amazingly released 72 years ago.”

    His followers quickly took to their comments to share their appreciation of the film, with one writing: “They just don’t make films like that anymore . I’ve read that Maureen was his favourite leading lady and I can see why.” While another commented: “Grew up watching this with my grandparents and still watch it to this day. ‘When I drink whiskey, I drink whiskey; and when I drink water, I drink water’ Michaleen.”

    It comes after Eamonn and Ruth’s relationship was dubbed unmendable by pals, who say that there is “no chance” of the pair reconciling. It has been suggested that a large part of the reason is the revelation that Eamonn, 64, is being consoled by a blonde divorcee in her 40s.

    Eamonn and his lady friend are believed to have met while she was working as a relationship counsellor and have struck up a friendship over the past couple of years. He is said to have taken her out to a number of venues including a trip in February to a safari park, plus a Manchester United game, Centre Parcs and a Beyonce gig. Eamonn is said to have grown close to the woman over the past year.

    An insider close to Eamonn said earlier this month that the woman is “bowled over by being lavished with attention and kindness from him”.

    Ruth is believed to have not known about their day trips until recently and it has been described as a key factor in their decision to call time on their relationship. She has also been left “deeply upset” over suggestions that she’s walked away from her marriage because of Eamonn’s ongoing health woes.

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

  • David Bowie’s pal recalls poignant last meeting with ‘modest’ music icon

    David Bowie’s pal recalls poignant last meeting with ‘modest’ music icon

    Music PR Alan Edwards was welcomed on Loose Women this Friday as he spoke about his close bond with David Bowie and revealed the star had performed some good deeds.

    His work is considered a monument in music history but according to Alan Edwards, David Bowie also had a string of kind acts he could have been proud of.

    The music mogul chatted to the Loose Women panel this Friday, June 7, as he promoted his new book I Was There: Dispatches from a Life in Rock and Roll, a memoir in which he recalls his biggest career moments.

    Although some ITV viewers took to X to point they had “no idea” who Alan was his stellar list of clients includes names fans have definitely encountered in the past as he has worked for the likes of the Rolling Stones, the Spice Girls, Blondie, Prince, Britney Spears, Robbie Williams, David Beckham, Naomi Campbell and even Amy Winehouse.

    But by cosying up to some of the world’s biggest stars, Alan was able to notice moments admirers had no way of knowing about as he told Kaye Adams all about his last moments with David Bowie.

    Alan Edwards shared years of friendship with David Bowie, catching him in unguarded moments, miles away from his eccentric public persona
    Alan Edwards shared years of friendship with David Bowie, catching him in unguarded moments, miles away from his eccentric public persona 
    Image:
    ITV)

    Alan, the founder and CEO of public relations firm The Outside Organisation, recalled how he and the Starman hitmaker shared an outing before eventually parting ways.

    “In the street, he gave me a hug”, Alan remembered, “and it was really nice but I didn’t realise how he really was.” The devastating news of David Bowie’s death, which took place on January 10 (two days after his 61st birthday) 2016, was shared a month after the pals last saw one another.

    Looking back on their last encounter, Alan admitted he realised what the embrace really mean: “he was consciously saying goodbye to me.”

    After claiming his famous friend was “very self-effacing, very modest”, Alan recalled how David Bowie had an obliging streak as he remembered a time the late hitmaker had taken care of him and his co-workers.

    David would casually make his way to Alan’s office on Tottenham Court Road, with Alan remembering: “he’d sometimes just rock up, no body guards.” Once on location, “he’d come up in the office some days and he’d make tea and coffee for everyone. That’s what kind of a man he was.”

    The star’s guitarist made similar revelations, relayed by The Daily Mirror. Earl Slick exposed David Bowie’s sweet tooth and penchant for espresso coffee in his later years, after fighting off his addictions. Earl and David worked together for the singer’s 25th studio album, The Next Day.

  • Loose Women’s Linda Robson ‘not allowed to drive’ after racking up £3k in car fines

    Loose Women’s Linda Robson ‘not allowed to drive’ after racking up £3k in car fines

    Loose Women’s Linda Robson has been banned from driving by her children after she racked up £3,000 worth of parking tickets – and she’s not allowed to park her car anymore

    Linda Robson has confessed to amassing a whopping £3,000 in parking fines.

    The 66-year-old Loose Women star revealed her penchant for ignoring parking rules, believing her status as a “national treasure” gave her the freedom to park “anywhere [she] likes”. Revealing all on Good Morning Britain, she told presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls: “I’ve just paid £3,000 worth of parking tickets.”

    Linda also shared that her children, including daughter Lauren from her marriage to ex Tony Tyler, and Louis and Roberta with former spouse Mark Dunford, have confiscated her car keys due to her reckless parking habits. She explained: “They’ve taken my car keys off of me, my kids, they’re taking control of my money and my car. So I’m not allowed to drive anymore because I just go, ‘Well, I’m a national treasure – I can park wherever I like’.”

    The former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! contestant also admitted to being put on an allowance, receiving “pocket money” twice weekly because she’s not to be trusted with her own finances. She disclosed: “I get pocket money on a Monday and a Friday because I can’t be trusted with my money either!”

    When quizzed about her spending habits, Linda revealed her weakness for “expensive candles” and her love for “treating her family”. She elaborated: “I like candles, so I buy expensive candles. And I like treating my family, my kids and my sisters.” The Birds of a Feather actress left fans even more gobsmacked when she disclosed that former EastEnders star Joe Swash had his first sexual encounter in her home.

    Linda Robson
    Linda is no longer able to drive thanks to her family 
    Image:
    Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
    She elaborated: “Joe lived, like, opposite me. Joe actually lost his virginity in my house!” Linda has previously shared how her family have helped her with mental health struggles in the past and organising her finances. She credited her Loose Women co-stars with helping her when she struggled with an alcohol addiction.

    Appearing on Lorraine earlier this year, Linda’s daughter Lauren shared: “She’s always been really bad with money. She used to get store cards and just spend on them, it’s like she didn’t think you had to pay them at the end of the month.” Host Ranvir Singh then went on to say how generous Linda was with other people as Lauren said that her mum used to buy everything for her friends.She explained: “She used to buy everyone everything, pay for everyone to go on holiday, pay for us to go places, so it’s not like she just goes out shopping and spends everything on herself.” Linda then interjected saying: “I love buying presents for people.” Lauren said: “When she lost all of her money and went bankrupt she was in a terrible state so we never want that to happen to her again. I have her money, it goes into an account that I have access to and then I give her money on a Monday and a Friday.”

    Linda’s daughter Bobby used to be in charge of her money before Lauren took on the job. She explained that Lauren tends to be stricter with her. The TV star explained: “(Bobby) was easier, I used to be able to get money off Bobby easier, but now Lauren’s got it she’s quite strict.”

  • Robbie Williams’ wife Ayda says he deserves OBE after Soccer Aid success

    Robbie Williams’ wife Ayda says he deserves OBE after Soccer Aid success

    Former Take That star Robbie Williams’ wife Ayda Field has called for the singer to receive an OBE following his work with Soccer Aid for the past 18 years

    Ayda Field has called for her husband Robbie Williams to receive an OBE for his work on Soccer Aid.

    The American actress, 45, joined the Loose Women panel on Wednesday as she reflected on Robbie’s hard work at the charity event. Soccer Aid took place on Sunday night as stars took to the pitch to raise money for Unicef. A host of celebrities and former football stars descended on Stamford Bridge for the annual event.

    Since kickstarting in 2006, the match has raised an impressive £90 million for the charity, helping those in need in countries across the world. Robbie, 50, was joined by Paddy McGuinness, Erin Doherty, Danny Dyer and Bobby Brazier taking part for the England team.

    Meanwhile, Roman Kemp, Usain Bolt, Tommy Fury, Martin Compston and Lee Mack featured on the World XI team. Robbie helped to come up with Soccer Aid after meeting football agent Kenneth Shepherd at a charity game. The Take That star started working with children’s charity Unicef in 1998 and two years later became an ambassador.

    His former bandmate Gary Barlow was awarded an OBE in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his “services to the Entertainment Industry and to Charity”. Ayda was asked by Loose Women co-star Denise Welch why Robbie hasn’t been given one yet, to which she replied: “Well Denise I don’t know how to answer that on live TV.

    Robbie Williams and Ayda Field
    Ayda has called for her husband to get an OBE 
    Image:
    Dave Benett/Getty Images)

    The Let Me Entertain You hitmaker was seen sporting a grey mohawk-style hairdo and stylish black glasses
    The Let Me Entertain You hitmaker helped create Soccer Aid 
    Image:
    Mike Marsland/WireImage)
    “All I can say in the Williams household, there is an OBE. We gave it to the dog, we figured it was about time there was one in the house. He is called Mr Showbiz OBE.” She then added: “I’m rooting for a knighthood, but listen Rob never set out for any accolades when he started this 20 years ago. That has actually helped people in a really powerful way.”

    Speaking of this year’s event on Sunday, Ayda commented: “I was really impressed, I had a real proud wife moment when he came home.” Back in 2019 a decision to award former Take That star Robbie an OBE was overturned after it was deemed he had used a controversial investment scheme. The senior HMRC civil servant who informed the honours committee of its decision suggested the star only had himself to blame.

    “If you do not pay your dues to the Athenaeum you cannot expect to enjoy the benefits,” the official reportedly said. In the same year, Robbie joked about his lack on an OBE while on the Jonathan Ross show with David Walliams. They discussed visiting Buckingham Palace as David said he’d been “many, many, many, many, times” and added: “But you only see bits of it.” Robbie interjected: “I’ve seen all of it.”

    David asked: “Did you get an award or something?” Which prompted Robbie to reply: “Yeah no, no awards. Gary Barlow OBE, Robbie Williams, nothing.” Former Britain’s Got Talent judge David then teased: “Why do you think that is, why do you think the Queen hates you?” Robbie quipped: “Obviously not flavour of the day. You organise a jubilee for her on the roundabout outside the house, OBE straight away. Robbie Williams, no.”

  • Race Across The World’s Betty in tears as she recalls James asking cameraman for hug

    Race Across The World’s Betty in tears as she recalls James asking cameraman for hug

    Race Across The World stars Betty and James reflected on their time on the BBC show and their conversation which has been dubbed the ‘most moving TV moment of the year’

    Race Across The World stars Betty and James have opened up on their heartbreaking moment from the show that left viewers in tears.

    The brother and sister duo came third on the BBC race through Eastern Asia. They competed against four other pairs on the epic race through countries without planes, smartphones and credit cards in the hopes of winning £20,000. Despite not taking home the cash prize, Betty and James wowed fans with their bond that grew over the series.They admitted to not being close with each other before taking part in the show. While on the race, 25-year-old Betty heartbreakingly shared her health battle as she does not have a uterus, womb and only one kidney. She was diagnosed with MRKH at the age of 16, which is a rare congenital disorder that affects the female reproductive system.

    Betty decided to open up on the fact she cannot have children to James. After their chat, he broke down while talking to the camera and begged the cameraman for a hug. They both appeared on Loose Women, where they opened up on the moment. Betty said: “Everything that you see on screen is exactly how that conversation would have gone because the producers said ‘we are not producing this, just have this conversation naturally’.

    “We just sat and chatted. When I got diagnosed, James was 11. I was born without a uterus and I have one kidney. Your little brother doesn’t need to know about that when he is little. It was just a conversation that didn’t come up at home. It was a difficult conversation to have.” She then broke down and told the panel: “I feel like the first time I am free, I finally belong where ever I am.”

    James shared his thoughts on the emotional moment as he said: “We saw that on the show, everything was raw and natural. That was just how I felt at the time, that raw emotion just came out. Kudos from our cameraman who was there to step in and give me a hug when I really needed it.”

    Loose Women Race across the world's Betty
    Betty broke down as she recalled their conversation 
    Image:
    ITV)
    He added: “My motto was everything happens for a reason, Betty for obvious reasons can’t see that. That conversation it opened doors to understand each other as adults.” Their mum was sat in the Loose Women audience and explained: “It was very hard, it still makes me hard even now just seeing the way they were both able to open up about their emotions when in society we don’t do that. It just makes me really proud of them.”

    Viewers were touched by the moment on Race Across The World as one said: “Omg Betty and James each week make me love them even more, as if I was their parent. Bizarre to say I know. They are fun, the loveliest, kindest, strongest siblings. Emotionally there for each other… I hope they win this.”

    Another added: “This will be the most moving TV moment of the year I feel.” Someone else commented: “How brave of Betty to tell everyone about her health. Oh and James asking the cameraman for a hug.” A fourth wrote: “Can someone just come and hug me please [crying emojis] James and Betty are my winners.”

  • Loose Women’s Brenda Edwards reveals she snubbed Taylor Swift for sweet reason

    Loose Women’s Brenda Edwards reveals she snubbed Taylor Swift for sweet reason

    Loose Women panellist Brenda Edwards has confessed to snubbing pop star Taylor Swift at a star-studded wedding for a very touching reason

    Loose Women’s Brenda Edwards revealed she once snubbed pop star Taylor Swift at a wedding for a touching reason.

    The TV star, 55, recalled her encounter with the pop star while on the ITV daytime show on Friday. She shared how their paths crossed when she attended a wedding with her late son Jamal Edwards. Brenda didn’t disclose whose wedding it was, but many viewers believed it could have been Ed Sheeran’s 2019 ceremony with Cherry Seaborn.

    Ed was close friends with Jamal and has a tight bond with Taylor. Jamal sadly died at the age of 31 in 2022 following a cardiac arrest. Opening up on the experience with Taylor, Brenda shared: “The reception time had come and we came into the room and everybody found a seat and sat down.

    “I thought to myself Jamal’s brought me here so I am going to sit and not say anything and keep my eyes down, which I did. Which is very out of the ordinary for me.” She continued: “So I sat there and after about half an hour she was sat talking and I could hear the conversation but its not my conversation. And then she says to me ”hi, would you like to come and sit with us?’ and I said, ‘no thank you’ and afterwards I was like ‘ugh!’.

    “I spoke to Jamal after and he said ‘mum you should gone and spoke to her, don’t be so awkward’ and I said ‘I was trying not to embarrass you and say something stupid, like I normally would!’ But she was very lovely and she was very down to earth, and you could feel her aura about her that was so calm and pleasant.”

    Brenda Edwards and son Jamal Edwards
    Brenda attended the wedding with son Jamal 
    Image:
    jamaledwards/Instagram)

    Taylor Swift (L) and Ed Sheeran
    It is believed to have been Ed Sheeran’s wedding as he’s pals with Taylor Swift 
    Image:
    Getty Images North America)
    Brenda’s son Jamal founded the music platform SBTV in 2006 which helped launch Ed’s career. Ed, who used to take drugs twice a day, said that it would be disrespectful to ever play around with substances again after Jamal’s tragic death. The pop star confessed that he first started taking them in his mid-20s, and then gradually became hooked.

    Last year, Ed broke down in tears as he was performing an intimate show with Apple Music Live at the Eventim Apollo in London. During the performance Ed admitted he ‘wanted the world to stop’ as he dedicated two songs to Jamal. Ed shared his grief and admitted to the audience: “I’m still not over it, I don’t want to be.”

    He told the audience, according to the Daily Mail: “The last time I was in this venue was with my friend Jamal, to see a comedy show, and I’ve not been here since. The first time I ever played this song, I cried when I introduced it, I cried at the start, I cried at the end and… I’m going to cry now.”

    Brenda previously shared how Ed comforted her following Jamal’s death as he “was literally at my house for a week, just looking after us”. “There wasn’t anything that he wasn’t sorting out and doing if we needed anything, and everybody has been so so wonderful and so supportive,” she shared on Good Morning Britain.