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  • Tana Ramsay turns 50! Husband Gordon and the Beckhams lead the birthday wishes for the mother-of-six

    Tana Ramsay turns 50! Husband Gordon and the Beckhams lead the birthday wishes for the mother-of-six

    Tana Ramsay turned 50 on Friday and her husband Gordon Ramsay and their close friends David and Victoria Beckham led the birthday wishes for the mother-of-six.

    Sharing a photo of Tana and her youngest son Jesse, 9 months, to his Instagram feed, Gordon wrote: ‘Happy birthday to this amazing woman.

    ‘Mother Wife and my best friend thank you have a great day lots of love Gxxx @tanaramsay.’

    Victoria Beckhamwho turned 50 in April, shared a photo of herself and Tana to her  Instagram Story and wrote: ‘Happy birthday @tanaramsay!! We love you1! Kisses xx.’

    David Beckham, 49, shared a photo of himself, Tana, Victoria, and Gordon to his Story and wrote ‘Happy 50th Birthday Tana’ with several hearts.

    Tana Ramsay turned 50 on Friday and her husband Gordon Ramsay and their close friends The Beckhams led the birthday wishes for the mother-of-six
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    Tana Ramsay turned 50 on Friday and her husband Gordon Ramsay and their close friends The Beckhams led the birthday wishes for the mother-of-six


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    Sharing a photo of Tana and her youngest son Jesse, 9 months, to his Instagram feed, Gordon wrote: 'Happy birthday to this amazing woman'

    Sharing a photo of Tana and her youngest son Jesse, 9 months, to his Instagram feed, Gordon wrote: ‘Happy birthday to this amazing woman’

    Victoria Beckham , who turned 50 in April , shared a photo of herself and Tana to her Instagram Story and wrote: 'Happy birthday @tanaramsay!! We love you1! Kisses xx'
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    Victoria Beckham , who turned 50 in April , shared a photo of herself and Tana to her Instagram Story and wrote: ‘Happy birthday @tanaramsay!! We love you1! Kisses xx’

    Tana’s second daughter Holly, 23, shared two photos of her mother to her Instagram Story.

    The first was a throwback photo of Tana cuddling a baby Holly with Holly’s sister Megan, now 25, just out of the frame.

    The second was a recent photo of Tana on a boat looking stylish in a sunhat, sunglasses, and a pink floral jumpsuit.

    Holly wrote on the first photo: ‘Happy happy birthday mama @tanaramsay’; and on the second: ‘I love you so much @tanaramsay.’

    Tana’s youngest daughter Tilly, 22, shared a photo to her Story of Tana at a restaurant and wrote with it: ‘Happy birthday to my best friend @tanaramsay.

    ‘You are the best mum in the world and I love you so much.’

    Holly’s twin brother Jack is not active on social media as is the case for her eldest child Megan. Tana is also mother to Oscar, 5.

    Also wishing Tana a happy birthday was English actor and musician Max Beesley, 53, who shared a glam shot of Tana to his Instagram Story.

    He wrote with it: ‘Happy birthday lovely lady. Love the Beesley’s xxx @tanaramsay (sic).’

    Tana's second daughter Holly, 23, shared two photos of her mother to her Instagram Story. The first was a throwback photo of Tana cuddling a baby Holly
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    Tana’s second daughter Holly, 23, shared two photos of her mother to her Instagram Story. The first was a throwback photo of Tana cuddling a baby Holly

    She wrote on the photos 'Happy happy birthday mama @tanaramsay' and 'I love you so much @tanaramsay'
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    She wrote on the photos ‘Happy happy birthday mama @tanaramsay’ and ‘I love you so much @tanaramsay’

    Tana's youngest daughter Tilly, 22, shared a photo to her Story of Tana at a restaurant and wrote with it: 'Happy birthday to my best friend @tanaramsay'
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    Tana’s youngest daughter Tilly, 22, shared a photo to her Story of Tana at a restaurant and wrote with it: ‘Happy birthday to my best friend @tanaramsay’

    Also wishing Tana a happy birthday was English actor and musician Max Beesley, 53, who shared a glam shot of Tana to his Instagram Story
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    Also wishing Tana a happy birthday was English actor and musician Max Beesley, 53, who shared a glam shot of Tana to his Instagram Story

    Gordon Ramsay’s wife Tana shows how her beautifully wedding dress

    Tana’s birthday comes after Netflix confirmed that Gordon will be getting his own documentary series, following in the footsteps of his close friend David.

    Announcing the news, an article on Netflix‘s Tudum site wrote: ‘Over the last two decades, Gordon Ramsay has made a name for himself in the kitchen and on TV screens.

    ‘The multi-Michelin-starred chef has trained with some of the world’s best cooks and run successful kitchens of all ages, all over the world.

    ‘Announced on Aug. 21, Gordon will star at the center of a new documentary series that follows the lead-up to his biggest restaurant venture to date: the opening of five culinary experiences in London’s second tallest building, 22 Bishopsgate.

    ‘Taking place over nine months, the series will provide exclusive access to the Ramsay family, as Gordon balances his various work commitments and life as a husband to his wife, Tana, and father to their six children.

    ‘This project is produced by Studio Ramsay Global, a FOX Entertainment Company. It is directed by Dionne Bromfield, with executive producers Amanda Westwood, Deborah Sargeant, and Lisa Edwards and production executive Jess Holder.’

    A source told The Sun: ‘Gordon isn’t exactly a shy and retiring type so this will be a no-holds-barred, warts ‘n’ all series.

    ‘You can expect more than the odd swear word, but essentially cameras will trail him in and out of the kitchen ahead of his latest restaurant launch early next year.

    ‘His wife, Tana, and the kids are expected to make cameos. People will get to see a whole new side to Gordon.’

    The source added that those involved thought now was a good time to strike, given the mega success of kitchen-based series The Bear.

    Tana's six children. L-R: Megan, 25, Jesse, 9 months, Tilly, 22, Holly, 23, Oscar, 5, and Jack, 23 (all pictured in 2023)
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    Tana’s six children. L-R: Megan, 25, Jesse, 9 months, Tilly, 22, Holly, 23, Oscar, 5, and Jack, 23 (all pictured in 2023)

  • AI expert who made David Beckham speak nine languages and conjured sports presenters out of thin air says ‘in three years you’ll be able to produce a Hollywood film from behind your desk’

    AI expert who made David Beckham speak nine languages and conjured sports presenters out of thin air says ‘in three years you’ll be able to produce a Hollywood film from behind your desk’

    An AI expert who has made David Beckham speak nine languages claims people will be able to make a Hollywood movie from ‘behind your desk’ within three years.

    Victor Riparbelli, 32, is co-founder of the company Synthesia which uses artificial intelligence to create lifelike human faces and speech that are almost indistinguishable from real video.

    The young entrepreneur provides high-quality, low-cost films aimed at corporate clients for training, marketing and communications.

    Synthesia’s technology has been used for adverts such as making David Beckham speak nine languages to raise awareness of malaria.

    A screenshot of a malaria campaign using an AI of David Beckham who spoke in nine different languages
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    A screenshot of a malaria campaign using an AI of David Beckham who spoke in nine different languages

    The company also made a virtual sports journalist for Reuters who reads out match summaries in a video
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    The company also made a virtual sports journalist for Reuters who reads out match summaries in a video

    Victor Riparbelli (pictured) is co-founder of the company Synthesia which uses artificial intelligence to create lifelike human faces and speech
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    Victor Riparbelli (pictured) is co-founder of the company Synthesia which uses artificial intelligence to create lifelike human faces and speech

    Deep fake sports presenter who can deliver video match reports

    It also repurposed Snoop Dogg‘s Just Eat advert to make the rapper say ‘Menulog’, which is the name of the company in Australia.

    The company also made a virtual sports journalist for Reuters who reads out match summaries in a video, using photography and reports. It requires no scripting, editing or production.

    The AI journalist is modelled on Ossian Shine, the Reuters’ global sports editor.

    Speaking to The Times, Mr Riparbelli said: ‘These technologies are going to get better and better.

    Just Eat advert in Australia uses the name Menulog instead

    Mr Riparbelli said: 'It is so important to think about safety from day one.' (Pictured, Victor Riparbell on Centre Stage during day two of Web Summit 2019 at the Altice Arena in Lisbon)
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    Mr Riparbelli said: ‘It is so important to think about safety from day one.’ (Pictured, Victor Riparbell on Centre Stage during day two of Web Summit 2019 at the Altice Arena in Lisbon)

    ‘They’re still far from being able to produce a Spielberg film, but they’ll get good enough that at some point, all the world’s YouTube creators who today are limited to filming themselves, talking to the camera, making a prank video outside, they’re going to be able to get way better tools for storytelling.

    ‘In three years, you’re going to be able to produce a Hollywood film from behind your desk without really anything else, just your imagination.’

    But Hollywood unions representing writers and actors have recently led long strikes over studios’ use of AI and the potential impact on jobs.

    ‘I don’t think that we’re going to move into a world where everything is just going to be completely AI-generated content,’ Mr Riparbelli continued, ‘I think we’ll value real human content more. People are not going to want to watch just super-crappy movies made with AI, just because they’re made with AI.’

    There are also well-founded fears about deepfakes and misinformation.

    James Cleverly says ‘how powerful’ AI is after meeting his clone

    Mr Riparbelli and his co-founders initially funded the company through money invested in cryptocurrencies. (Mr Riparbelli during a Bloomberg Television interview in London)
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    Mr Riparbelli and his co-founders initially funded the company through money invested in cryptocurrencies. (Mr Riparbelli during a Bloomberg Television interview in London)

    Deepfakes are AI-generated media that mimic human voices, images, and videos that can be mistaken as real
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    Deepfakes are AI-generated media that mimic human voices, images, and videos that can be mistaken as real

    Should AI stay out of the creative arts?

    Earlier this year, more than 400 AI experts, celebrities, politicians, and activists signed an open letter demanding lawmakers to take action against deepfake technology.

    The letter argued that the growing number of AI-generated videos are a threat to society due to the involvement of sexual images, child pornography, fraud, and political disinformation.

    Deepfakes are AI-generated media that mimic human voices, images, and videos that can be mistaken as real.

    Mr Riparbelli said: ‘It is so important to think about safety from day one.

    ‘We have a very ethical framework that we take very seriously. But there’s also an element of, like, no truly transformative technology has not gone through that.

    ‘Eighty years ago radio novellas was the thing parents were very scared about, teenagers being in their rooms, listening to the radio, listening to stupid content.

    ‘When I was young, I remember playing video games. The fear was if you play too many of these video games, you’re going to end up like a school shooter or a criminal.

    ‘I think it’s very important to have that perspective with these things. But that’s not an excuse to not take it very seriously.’

    Mr Riparbelli and his co-founders initially funded the company through money invested in cryptocurrencies.

    Mr Riparbelli said: 'Video today is a linear medium and it's a product of the constraints you have in the production process'
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    Mr Riparbelli said: ‘Video today is a linear medium and it’s a product of the constraints you have in the production process’

    The AI expert has predicted that within just a few years, people will be able to make their own Hollywood movies
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    The AI expert has predicted that within just a few years, people will be able to make their own Hollywood movies

    At first, they struggled to get any interest from investors. They sent a ‘cold email’ to American billionaire Mark Cuban, who appears on the American Version of Dragons’ Den, Shark Tank.

    He replied within four minutes and after 14 hours of back and forth he agreed to put in $1 million.

    Now Mr Riparbelli and his co-investors have raised $150 million since the company was established in 2017.

    Synthesia is valued at over $1 billion and employs 400 people in the UK, the US and Denmark.

    Mr Riparbelli said the lightbulb moment came when he met Professor Matthias Niessner, one of his co-founders.

    He had written a research paper showing AI producing hyper-realistic videos.

    Mr Riparbelli added: ‘It felt like I saw magic for the first time.

    ‘I have a very obsessive personality. It’s one of my strengths and my weaknesses. I just got obsessed with this idea.’

    The company developed two theories to form its basis.

    Firstly, the technology they use will make the marginal cost of creating content to go to zero, not just in cash but in time and skill.

    The second is that as the world increasingly uses content with code instead of having to physically record it, then what we know as video today is going to change completely.

    Mr Riparbelli said: ‘Video today is a linear medium and it’s a product of the constraints you have in the production process.

    ‘You have to film things with a camera, you put it onto your computer, then you can’t change it. And if you want to shoot something else, you need to go out in the real world and shoot it.

    ‘It’s very different from most of our other digital experiences, with text, for example. Video or whatever it’s going to evolve into, I think, is going to be very different.’

  • Meghan Markle hopes to receive an apology from the British Royal Family

    Meghan Markle hopes to receive an apology from the British Royal Family

    Meghan Markle hopes to receive an apology from the British Royal Family

    According to experts on the British Royal Family, Meghan Markle is reportedly “pushing” for an apology from senior members of the British Royal Family before she agrees to visit England with her husband, Prince Harry. Sources indicate that the Duchess of Sussex has declined an invitation to visit England next month, despite being asked to bring their two children.

    Meghan has had strained relationships with several senior royals and has openly discussed these tensions in interviews and the couple’s documentary. Prince Harry, on the other hand, seems intent on reconciling with his family during his upcoming visit to London. However, experts suggest that peace between Harry, Meghan, and the rest of the Royal Family is unlikely unless Meghan receives an apology.

    Expert Charlotte Griffiths revealed that while Meghan has been asking for an apology for a long time, the Royal Family appears unwilling to offer one. Griffiths noted, “Meghan has been asking for an apology for a long time. However, I don’t think she will stop Harry from seeing his family. Harry went to visit his dad when he heard he was sick and we know that he will return in May.”

    Expert Tom Quinn added that Prince Harry desires reconciliation but also respects his wife’s feelings. He is caught in the middle, needing both sides to show humility and move past their grievances. Quinn mentioned, “There has been a change since Kate Middleton got sick. Harry and Meghan also feel they should reconcile but Meghan’s grievances are still preventing this from happening. At Kensington Palace, there is hope that Kate’s illness can bring the warring relatives closer together.”

    Harry is expected to leave California to return to England on May 8 to attend the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. However, it remains unclear whether Meghan will accompany him on this trip.

  • Kate Middleton is hailed as the ideal Royal model, while Meghan Markle is slammed as the “wh0re” of the British Royal Family.

    Kate Middleton is hailed as the ideal Royal model, while Meghan Markle is slammed as the “wh0re” of the British Royal Family.

    Kate Middleton is hailed as the ideal Royal model, while Meghan Markle is slammed as the “wh0re” of the British Royal Family.

    Princess Kate has been named as a style inspiration in a hit Netflix show, just as Meghan Markle recently suffered a blow from the streaming giant.

    The fourth season of Emily in Paris was just released on Netflix, with the main character referring to the Princess of Wales early on.

    Emily in Paris is known for its outlandish wardrobe, with costume designer Marylin Fitoussi frequently pushing boundaries.

    Characters Emily, played by Lily Collins, and Mindy, played by Ashley Park, referred to the Princess of Wales in the first episode.

    Characters Emily, played by Lily Collins, and Mindy, played by Ashley Park, referred to the Princess of Wales in the first episode.

     

     

    When Mindy’s boyfriend Nico gave her an outfit from JVMA, Emily described the look as “a little more Kate Middleton” than Mindy usually wears.

    Kate’s reference in the hit Netflix show comes as her sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, is gearing up to executive produce a new cooking and lifestyle series for the streaming giant.

    However, the Duchess of Sussex’s show is set to be released in 2025 as Meghan grapples with trademark issues.

    These global trademark issues may have contributed to Netflix’s decision to schedule Meghan’s new show for 2025.

    he duchess’s lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, will be linked to her upcoming cooking show.

    The programme, which so far does not have a title, has been pencilled in for a release date of mid-2025, according to The Mail.

    Meghan has sought to trademark the name of her brand for international use ahead of a full-scale launch.

    Records showed that in July, some four months after requesting to register it, there were several “irregularities” which needed to be “corrected”.

    The Sussexes’ lawyers were notified by the US Patents and Trademarks Office of various issues, including incorrect classification of yoga blankets, picnic baskets and recipe books.

    The agency said that fees were due to various bodies around the world to register the trademark, totalling $11,382 (nearly £9,000).

    While details about the new series are still scarce, it has been revealed that it will focus on home, garden, and general lifestyle content.

    This includes strawberry jam, jars of which were sent to 50 influencers to taste test who shared the product with their followers online.

    Princess Kate’s influence in the fashion world continues to make waves, even in popular TV shows like Netflix’s Emily in Paris. The show’s fourth season just dropped, and already there are references to the elegant style of the Princess of Wales. Costume designer Marylin Fitoussi is known for her bold and boundary-pushing wardrobe choices for the characters on the show, especially Emily and Mindy. In the first episode, when Mindy’s boyfriend Nico gifts her an outfit from JVMA, Emily describes it as “a little more Kate Middleton” than Mindy’s usual style.

    Meanwhile, Meghan Markle, Kate’s sister-in-law, is facing some challenges with her upcoming show on Netflix. Set to be released in 2025, Meghan’s cooking and lifestyle series has run into some trademark issues. Her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, will be tied to the new show which is scheduled for a mid-2025 release. Meghan has been working on trademarking her brand for international use, but there have been some hiccups along the way.

    The US Patents and Trademarks Office flagged some “irregularities” in the registration process, including misclassifications and outstanding fees totaling over $11,000. Despite these setbacks, Meghan’s new series is expected to focus on home, garden, and general lifestyle content. The show has already generated buzz with influencers receiving jars of strawberry jam to taste test and share with their followers. As more details emerge about the series, fans are eager to see how Meghan’s vision will come to life on screen. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting project and more news on the latest trends and entertainment updates.

  • David Beckham, 49, sends fans into a frenzy as he shows off his very buff physique in shirtless workout

    David Beckham, 49, sends fans into a frenzy as he shows off his very buff physique in shirtless workout

    David Beckham sent fans in to a frenzy as he shared a shirtless snap on his social media on Saturday.

    The former footballer, 49, shocked fans when he posted a picture to reveal his gruelling workout routine, plus the reason for his chosen activewear – or lack of.

    David showed off his ripped physique whilst in the middle of a weighted set when he was caught on camera, an orange T-shirt tucked into his shorts.

    He captioned the post: ‘My wife said my Orange vest was too bright so I took it off judging my workout clothes @victoriabeckham you know u love it really sorry @mrbobbyrich not my best form this was the 6th set’.

    Fans couldn’t help but gush over David’s toned body, with many thanking Victoria – a renowned fashion designer – for her fashion advice.

    David Beckham sent fans in to a frenzy as he shared a shirtless snap on his social media on Saturday.
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    David Beckham sent fans in to a frenzy as he shared a shirtless snap on his social media on Saturday.

    Flocking to the comment section they wrote: ‘Thank you for doing the lords work, Victoria!’…’Thanks @victoriabeckham for this great advice’….’She just wanted you to take it off and on behalf of all women thank you @victoriabeckham’ and ‘Gold bless you @victoriabeckham you kweeen lol’.

    This isn’t the first time this week fans have been left shocked by the former footballer’s appearance.

    On Thursday the former England footballer showed off his youthful appearance while on set film a new advert for Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 earbuds.

    In a behind the scenes Instagram video on Thursday David cut a dapper figure in a black high necked jumper which he tucked into a pair of smart trousers and wore a coordinated long coat.

    The Inter Miami FC owner seemed in good spirits as he shared clips from behind the scenes as he walked on a treadmill in his socks while listening to music.

    Fans were quick to the comments of the video to joke that the father-of-four just ‘doesn’t age’ and questioned how he is getting ‘more and more handsome’.

    It comes after David’s son Romeo managed to beat him at a game of padel.

    Romeo, 21, took to Instagram earlier this month to rub in his victory, sharing a snap of a defeated David laughing in the background.


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    Talking about why he was shirtless, David revealed that Victoria said orange was too bright on him so it was best if he took it off

    Talking about why he was shirtless, David revealed that Victoria said orange was too bright on him so it was best if he took it off

    The couple who have been married since 1999 often work out together with Victoria showing fans her admiration for her husband by sharing cheeky pictures and videos of him
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    The couple who have been married since 1999 often work out together with Victoria showing fans her admiration for her husband by sharing cheeky pictures and videos of him

    Fans were very grateful for the advice that Victoria gave David with many thanking her on social media for being in the know when it comes to fashion choices

    Fans were very grateful for the advice that Victoria gave David with many thanking her on social media for being in the know when it comes to fashion choices

    The Brentwood FC forward held his hand up in an L to signify his dad was a ‘loser’ as David, 49, wearing an orange tank top and white Adidas shorts, shook his head and chuckled.

    The pair took on Argentinian tennis star Deigo Schwartzman for the game of padel in the sunshine.

    Padel is a racket sport, similar to tennis played in pairs on small, enclosed courts  and first popularised in Mexico in the 1960s.

    The intense sport was no doubt ideal for the tennis ace who went head to head with David and Romeo.

    The trio took to their Instagram to share the results of the gruelling matches.

    Gloating over his victory, David and Victoria Beckham’s second son wrote: ‘Don’t think there’s a better feeling than beating your dad’ with a strong arm and a laughing emoji while tagging his footballer father.

    But the former England player didn’t seem to take his loss too badly as he re-posted Romeo’s picture, adding his own caption: ‘Had to let you win one game at least’

    It's not the first time David left fans shocked this week when he showed off his youthful appearance in his latest behind the scenes Instagram video on Thursday
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    It’s not the first time David left fans shocked this week when he showed off his youthful appearance in his latest behind the scenes Instagram video on Thursday

    The former England footballer, 49, showed off his smooth complexion while on set film a new advert for Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 earbuds
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    The former England footballer, 49, showed off his smooth complexion while on set film a new advert for Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 earbuds

    He cut a dapper figure in a black high necked jumper which he tucked into a pair of smart trousers and wore a coordinated long coat
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    He cut a dapper figure in a black high necked jumper which he tucked into a pair of smart trousers and wore a coordinated long coat

    David Beckham shocks fan with youthful appearance in headphone ad

    Romeo took to Instagram last week to tease his famous father David after beating him at padel and he gloated over his victory to his  four million followers
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    Romeo took to Instagram last week to tease his famous father David after beating him at padel and he gloated over his victory to his  four million followers

    The former England player didn't seem to take his loss too badly as he re-posted Romeo's picture, adding his own caption: 'Had to let you win one game at least'
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    The former England player didn’t seem to take his loss too badly as he re-posted Romeo’s picture, adding his own caption: ‘Had to let you win one game at least’

    In the photo, David was grinning as he sported a green Adidas tank top and a white cap while Romeo peeked over his shoulder.

    Diego went topless for the photo and looked red-faced after a day of playing.

    The Argentinian player, 31, also took to his Instagram to share his fun day with fans.

    He posted a selfie for his 715,000 followers alongside Romeo as the two caught their breath in the shade.

    Romeo was spotted wearing a backwards Nike cap and matching white tank top as he showed off his tattoo – looking the spitting image of his father.

    He also joined in on David and his son’s rivalry and added his own comment to David’s snap, telling the pair ‘revenge coming soon’ with two laughing emojis.

  • Exclusive: Linda Robson on comeback: I’m getting lots of work because producers want older Birds again

    Exclusive: Linda Robson on comeback: I’m getting lots of work because producers want older Birds again

    The 57-year-old actress is busier than ever 26 years after finding fame as bubbly Essex blonde Tracey Stubbs in hit sitcom Birds Of A Feather

    From Bird to Woman, Linda Robson has much to crow about over the course of her 30-year TV career.

    Now 57 – and busy juggling two prime-time jobs – the actress is busier than ever and credits a new “reverse ageism” for her lot.

    Twenty-six years after finding fame as bubbly Essex blonde Tracey Stubbs in the hit BBC sitcom Birds Of A Feather, Linda is now an ITV Loose Woman.

    She has also reprised her Birds role – alongside cast originals Pauline Quirke and Lesley Joseph – on the newly ­recommissioned series for ITV.

    It comes after a “quiet period” that lasted some seven years, during which time she struggled to find work.

    So why the change in fortunes?

    “I think the tide is changing now, I really do,” Linda explains.

    “Films like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, with absolutely brilliant people like Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith and Judi Dench, have helped changed the perception of older people on TV.

    “It’s a weird thing because when we approached the BBC with the new Birds script, they said we needed to bring some young blood into it. They didn’t think three middle-aged women would be able to keep an audience.

    “But research ITV has done now has shown that’s not the case – people just want to see the three women really. They’re not as interested in the younger ones.”

    Lesley Joseph as Dorien, Pauline Quirke as Sharon and Linda Robson as Tracey in Birds of a Feather
    Hit: Lesley, Pauline and Linda on show 
    Image:
    ITV)
    Linda adds: “I’m not sure why, but it seems fashionable to be older now. Everyone’s got a mum, everyone’s got a nan – people can all identify.

    “I think people like that they can see their mums or their nans in us, and that’s a good thing.

    “I had a few years when I was quiet because nothing was coming in work-wise and then, all of a sudden, it did.

    “Now it’s really, really busy. In fact, I’m trying to not take on any more work so I can have a holiday with the family.”

    A keen campaigner for the presence of older women on screen, Linda has been quick to ensure a more realistic perception of the over 50s.

    She says: “The producers are really good, and listen to what we have to say in script meetings.

    “Quite often we’ll have ideas for storylines which they’ll implement.

    “For example, it was my idea for Tracey to have a cancer scare because cancer affects one in three people, especially women of a certain age. Also, in the set, everywhere you go there’s a pair of glasses, HRT patches lying around or a pair of tweezers.

    “One scene saw me plucking my chin because every woman plucks their chin in middle age but it’s not something that ever gets spoken about.

    “In my house it’s just part of my everyday routine. It was ­important to all three of us that we got these little things right in the show.”

    Linda Robson as Tracey, Lesley Joseph as Dorien and Pauline Quirke as Sharon in Birds of a Feather
    Then: Birds of a Feather in 1989 
    Image:
    BBC)
    While her character may have had a recent health scare, Linda has never been fitter. She recently lost three stone, inspired by her co-star Pauline’s own incredible shrinking woman act, which saw the 55-year-old shed more than 8½ stone on the Lighter Life programme.

    So North London-born Linda signed up and was soon back to her fighting weight. She has also upped her exercise regime after signing up to scale Ben Nevis at the end of the month.

    Linda is doing the hike to raising money for charity Children With Cancer, for whom she is an ambassador.

    “Women of a certain age, we go through times of putting on a little bit of weight and then losing it,” she says.

    “Pauline and I are healthy eaters now – we’ve both completely changed our diets. But while Pauline has always liked fish, I’ve had to make myself like it.

    “So we have quite a lot of salmon, cod or dover sole now – anything that doesn’t look too fishy.

    “I never have any fried food now, I don’t eat red meat and I have loads of vegetables – my only downfall is good bread, which I love.”

    After starting her acting career as a child – paying 10p a lesson for drama lessons with a family friend – Linda first arrived on our TV screens in 1976.

    She was, briefly, in the second series of the original BBC Survivors drama, before landing a part in ITV’s The Crezz, co-starring Bob Hoskins, Peter Bowles and Joss Ackland.

    Minor roles followed for Linda, including parts in Crossroads and IRA drama Harry’s Game.

    But it was in Birds Of A Feather – which originally ran for nine years and, at its peak, secured 26 million viewers – that she shot to fame.

    The mum-of-three is, by her own admission, “not educated, not well read, but street-wise”.

    And Linda is happy to wax lyrical about basically anything from, well, waxing to white wine on the goss-fest that is Loose Woman.

    Affectionately known as Baggy Mouth on the show, her indiscretions regularly land her in hot water.

    She laughs: “I never know what I’m going to say – it’s literally just the first thing that comes into my head.

    “I have been in trouble so many times, though. I mentioned that my husband, Mark, has his back waxed. He wasn’t too happy about that.”

    While the Women are currently doing their bit for literacy rates across the UK with their inaugural book club, Loose Books, Linda regularly finds herself featuring in another kind of tome – women’s magazines.

    She sighs: “The other week I mentioned how I wouldn’t have Botox, but that the only bit of me I didn’t really like was the droopy bits over my eyes.

    “The next week, across a magazine cover, it was something ridiculous like ‘Linda’s secret cosmetic surgery’.

    “I’ve not had anything done – the only procedure I’ve had is both lenses in my eyes replaced.

    “It cost £3,000 per eye but was so worth it. Before, my whole life revolved around glasses but now I have 20:20 vision. It’s amazing.”

    Linda will discuss her chosen book with the panel today on Loose Women at 12.30pm on ITV.

    Show’s book club has been an instant success story

    Coleen Nolan
    Coleen Nolan with her choice 
    Image:
    ITV)
    Loose Books has become a huge hit with viewers since its introduction last month.

    Each panellist picks a title every month and Coleen Nolan’s choice – Paula Hawkins’ The Girl On The Train – went to No1 in the book charts days after the show aired.

    Linda’s selection – We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler – will be discussed on today’s show.
    Linda says: “I usually go for biographies so this isn’t my usual kind of book, but my son put me on to it. And it’s great.”

    Next up will be David Nicholl’s bestseller Us, the choice of Andrea McLean.

    She says: “It makes you cringe in places as the outsider looking in from above.”

  • TV star Linda Robson’s nephew jailed for £3million smash and grab burkha raids

    TV star Linda Robson’s nephew jailed for £3million smash and grab burkha raids

    Reece Dunford was the ringleader of a violent gang who used axes and sledgehammers to crack open display cabinets and make off with watches, gems, handbags and shoes

    The nephew of TV star Linda Robson has been jailed over a string of smash and grab raids on luxury stores.

    Reece Dunford was the ringleader of a violent gang who used axes and sledgehammers to crack open display cabinets and make off with watches, gems, handbags and shoes.

    In one raid, the mob dressed in burkas to attack Selfridges jewellery department in Central London.

    Birds of a Feather actress Linda wrote a character reference for Dunford, 31, who admitted 10 raids.

    In one, the gang fled with £300,000 of Rolex watches from a store in the City of London after threatening terrified staff with sledgehammers.

    Linda Robson
    TV star Linda Robson: His aunt wrote a character reference from Reece Dunford 
    Image:
    WENN)
    Dunford’s model ­girlfriend Hollie Dowding, 25, sold on stolen designer gear including Prada ­handbags and Jimmy Choo shoes.

    Judge Elaine Coello told Dunford: “You are the link between the defendants. For all intents and purposes this was Dunford and Co, although this ­business was deeply criminal.”

    Dunford, of Waltham Abbey, Essex – and said to suffer depression – was jailed for 12 years.

    Hollie Dowding
    Girlfriend: Hollie Dowding sold on designer shoes and handbags 
    Image:
    CENTRAL NEWS)
    Hatton Garden jeweller Yair Cohen, 71, also flogged gems passed on to him by the crook.

    Yair Cohen
    Yair Cohen: Hatton Garden jeweller, who sold on gems for Dunford 
    Image:
    CENTRAL NEWS)

  • How embarrassing! Loose Women reveal how they told their children about SEX

    How embarrassing! Loose Women reveal how they told their children about SEX

    We’re not so sure their kids will be happy about their mums getting so candid about the birds and the bees live on telly

    No topic is off limits on Loose Women and that includes embarrassing the hell out of their children.

    The panel revealed just how they approached the awkward birds and the bees chat – that private moment between parent and child – live on air and with thousands of viewers watching.

    Presenter Ruth Langsford admitted she was gearing herself up for the big talk with her son Jack, 13, because husband Eamonn Holmes doesn’t like “smutty talk”.

    Discussing how children are more likely to practise safe sex if the mother gives that all important chat, Ruth shared: “Well in my house I say thank goodness for me, because honestly if Eamonn said ‘willy’ he’d go bright red.


    Ruth said she was ready for the birds and the bees

    “He can’t cope. Any sort of smutty talk as he calls it, he starts tutting like an old man. I know it will have to be me.”

    She added: “I have practised my non-shocked face. Because what they know now at 13, and 14, is unbelievable.”

    Birds of a Feather actress Linda Robson even went on to reveal the moment she took her own daughter to the doctors for contraception.

    Linda said she knew when her daughter Lauren, who is now 31 and a mother herself, was going to have sex and prepared her accordingly.


    Linda said she prepared her daughter
    “I knew when Lauren had had a boyfriend for quite a while at about 16 or 17 that I knew something was probably going to happen. So I had that conversation with her and took her to get the pill, and the same with Louis as well.”

    And of course Janet Street Porter had her own tale to tell of losing her virginity, explaining: “I was desperate to lose my virginity and on the night I lost my virginity my mum was in hospital and I went to see her later on and she knew. She gave me that look, they can tell.”

    Coleen Nolan even confessed that her kids had taught HER about the birds and the bees saying, “they know more than me”.

  • Linda Robson breaks down on Loose Women as she thanks viewers for support following sister’s cancer diagnosis

    Linda Robson breaks down on Loose Women as she thanks viewers for support following sister’s cancer diagnosis

    Birds of a Feather star Linda became emotional on the show as she talked about her sister’s tough few years

    Linda Robson broke down as she thanked viewers for their support since her sister’s cancer diagnosis.

    The Birds of a Feather actress began Friday’s Loose Women with a special message of thanks to viewers who had taken the time to send well-wishes to her sister who had recently been diagnosed with cancer.

    Emotional Linda said: “I’d just like to say thank you to everyone for all the tweets I’ve had about my sister Tina.

    “She lost her husband 18 months ago, he had a heart attack and died in front of her and then a year later she got diagnosed with breast cancer.


    Linda thanked viewers for sending their well-wishes for her sister


    Linda’s co-hosts piled on the hugs when Linda was overcome with emotion

    “So just when you think things can’t get worse, they get even worse,” she added as she began to choke up.

    “But anyway, it’s grade two and she’s had her chemo and she’s had a lumpectomy and she’s now having radiotherapy and it’s all looking really really good.

    “So thank you very much to everyone who’s tweeted and sent support for her and everything. Thank you.”

    Linda’s fellow Loose Women then rallied around their friend and gave her a massive hug and the show went to a break.

    Lesley Joseph as Dorien, Pauline Quirke as Sharon and Linda Robson as Tracey in Birds of a Feather
    Linda with her Birds co-stars Lesley Joseph and Pauline Quirke 
    Image:
    ITV)
    She spoke about cancer earlier this year when she appeared on TV to talk about her late mum Rita who passed away two-and-a-half years ago after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.

    She discussed the impossible decision her family faced after doctors recommended Rita, who weighed just 6-stone and had symptoms of dementia, didn’t have any treatment because she was too frail to have surgery or chemotherapy.

    Linda explained: “The doctors told us she was simply too frail for an operation or chemo.


    Linda has been a vocal supporter of cancer charities since her mum’s death from the illness

    “She never stopped recognising us, thank God. But she just wouldn’t eat in the end, all she’d agree to eat was sweets or strawberry milkshake.

    “She was in the Marie Curie Hospice in Hampstead for the last few months, and she hated the staff washing her – she was a private person.

    “We’d arrive to find her yelling at the nurses who were trying to help her bathe. The staff never once lost their patience, and always treated us and our mum with such respect.”

  • Jeremy Kyle AND Eamonn Holmes set to present Loose Women as Linda Robson lets secret slip

    Jeremy Kyle AND Eamonn Holmes set to present Loose Women as Linda Robson lets secret slip

    After the success of Peter Andre and Craig Revel-Horwood earlier this month the two popular daytime hosts are set to appear on the show

    Jeremy Kyle and Eamonn Holmes are set to take their seat on the Loose Women panel.

    Regular presenter Linda Robson let the secret slip when she revealed at an event that they had both been asked and said yes.

    After the success of the special which saw Peter Andre and Craig Revel-Horwood join the ladies , the two outspoken daytime hosts have been lined up.

    The Bird of a Feather actress said at an awards do: “I think Eamonn Holmes and Jeremy Kyle will be joining Loose Women. I hope I don’t get into trouble for saying that!


    Jeremy Kyle was apparently asked by Linda if he would join the panel 
    Image:
    Rex)

    Loose Women
    Eamonn turned up to surprise his wife Ruth 
    Image:
    ITV)

    “While we were interviewing Kyle last week I was asked by producers to ask him if he’d be a Loose Man, and he said yes,” she told Digital Spy.

    Well looks like the secret’s out now, and we can imagine Eamonn will be dying to dish all on his wife Ruth Langsford.

    Jeremy was on the show last week when he was told by Katie Price that he helped ‘save her marriage’.

    Linda Robson let the secret slip

    He was dismayed to hear Katie broadcast all the personal details of her marriage breakdown but admitted he was glad he’d been able to help.

    The host of the Jeremy Kyle Show hit it off so much with Katie that there was rumours he was flirting with the mum-of-five.

    She shot down those rumours on Loose Women today when she explained that she had just been enjoying a drink with the TV host at the National Television Awards.

    Eamonn is very familiar with the show as his wife Ruth regularly anchors the panel.

    He has popped up a couple of times to surprise his wife and even turned up on set and brought her flowers a few weeks ago.