Blog

  • Lady Colin Campbell STATES: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s “ungainly” behavior would have “appalled” the late Princess Diana.

    Lady Colin Campbell STATES: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s “ungainly” behavior would have “appalled” the late Princess Diana.

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s ‘graceless’ antics ‘would have appalled Princess Diana’, controversial Lady Colin Campbell claims

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s “graceless” behaviour would have “appalled” the late Princess Diana according to Lady Colin Campbell.

    The controversial writer, 69, accused the Duke and Duchess of Sussex of “trotting out the charm when it suits them” in an explosive new interview.

     Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been accused of being "graceless" by Lady Colin Campbell
    3

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been accused of being “graceless” by Lady Colin CampbellCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Speaking to Woman magazine she said: “Diana would be appalled, she had enough nous to know when to put on a show.

    “She was very aware of how important it was to be gracious, while Meghan – and Harry to an extent – trot out the charm when it suits them, but otherwise are graceless.

    “Her behaviour shows a lack of understanding and appreciation of what being royal is. I’m not sure who she thinks she is behaving this way.”

    The outspoken author, who has published three books on the royals, went on to say that she thinks Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are “depriving” fans by being “pretentious.”

     The controversial author said Diana "would have been appalled" by their behaviour
    3

    The controversial author said Diana “would have been appalled” by their behaviourCredit: Splash News

     She says that "Diana knew when to put on a show"
    3

    She says that “Diana knew when to put on a show”Credit: Getty – Contributor
    It comes just days after Lady Colin warned Meghan “to be a lady not a hustler” on Good Morning Britain.

    She said Meghan Markle, 38, needs to “change her act” from being an actress to royal.

    Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Lady Colin said: “I have an awful feeling that Meghan needs to understand things that she doesn’t yet understand.

    “Like there’s a massive difference between being a celebrity hustling your way from the bottom to the top – and she was a very proud hustler, she used to use the word hustle for herself and her first husband very proudly – and being a lady or being a royal.

    “You don’t hustle, the values, the embodiment is completely different.”

    Last month she urged Meghan Markle to stop acting like a celebrity and branded her “cheap and vulgar” in an explosive interview.

    Speaking to Closer magazine she said: “She was never an A-lister, so she needs to stop acting like one.

    “Royalty do not behave like celebrities do. It’s cheap, vulgar and irresponsible.”

    In other royal news, a royal commentator has claimed that the Queen has made an “unusual” effort to welcome Meghan as she doesn’t want her to feel alienated like Princess Diana.

    And we told you how the Queen “will gift Meghan and Harry a holiday home” according to a royal expert.

    Meghan Markle described herself as a ‘hustler’ when she was an actress said Lady Colin Campbell, now she’s a royal ‘she needs a new act’

  • SHOCK : Meghan Markle is eyeing a famous celebrity to help rebuild her reputation

    SHOCK : Meghan Markle is eyeing a famous celebrity to help rebuild her reputation

    Meghan Markle Is Eyeing 1 High-Profile Celebrity to Help Rebuild Her Reputation, Expert Claims

    Meghan Markle is preparing to launch a new podcast with a new media company after her Spotify partnership failed — and one expert thinks she will lean into one high-profile celebrity to help give her a boost.

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been living a new kind of life in the United States since they cut their royal ties back in 2020. Ever since moving here, the two have had a number of business ventures and projects, but not everything has gone according to plan.

    Meghan’s podcast, Archetypes, wasn’t as successful as was initially thought, and she ended up parting ways with Spotify in 2023. But now, she’s onto the next version of her podcast, and some think she’s looking toward one famous friend to help her out.

    Meghan MarkleMeghan Markle | Ben Birchall/WPA Pool/Getty Images

    Meghan Markle’s new podcast will reportedly contain interviews with celebrities

    Meghan Markle’s Archetypes spent time discussing the various stereotypes that plague women; she had famous women on the show, and her new podcast with Lemonada Media will likely be a similar version to the work she previously did. However, now that her first podcast wasn’t as successful as was anticipated, there is a little more pressure on the duchess to deliver this time around. And one expert thinks she’s looking to a famous friend to help her out: actor Priyanka Chopra.

    PR expert Kayley Cornelius told Express, “Initially, we might expect her to call in favors from her remaining friends and work through their networks.” Cornelius continued, “For instance, long-term friend Priyanka Chopra, who did not feature on ‘Archetypes,’ could be among the first names Meghan considers.”

    Priyanka Chopra is a famous actor; she also happens to be married to famous musician Nick Jonas. Priyanka and Meghan have been friends for years. “Other potential guests could include friends from her ‘Suits’ days, such as Abigail Spencer and Wendell Pierce, who likely remain accessible points of contact for Meghan,” Cornelius said.

    Meghan Markle’s new podcast is just one of several business ventures

    Harry and Meghan have been busy finding their footing ever since relocating to the United States in 2020. The two have dabbled in all kinds of fields, from public speaking to charitable work, documentaries, books, and even Meghan’s new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. Although Harry and Meghan have found success in a number of projects, it still remains a bit unclear what their actual brand is.

    The relaunch of Meghan’s podcast could be a good way for her to nail down a greater identity for her brand, but of course, that is contingent on its success. It’s unclear yet what kind of guests she will have on her show, though people likely wouldn’t be surprised to see longtime friends like Priyanka make an appearance.

  • Lady Colin Campbell once again criticized Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for causing a stir at the royal family

    Lady Colin Campbell once again criticized Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for causing a stir at the royal family

    ‘WE DEPLORE THEM’: LADY COLIN CAMPBELL SHREDS MEGHAN MARKLE AND PRINCE HARRY OVER LATEST SUSSEX NAME ‘HIJACKING’

    prince harry

    SOURCE: MEGALady Colin Campbell has criticized Harry and Meghan’s use of ‘Sussex.’

    Lady Colin Campbell has once again roasted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and this time over their Sussex.com website.

    “It is not only an imposition to the people of Sussex but is also an impertinence, in that their website has nothing to do with the county, but the domain name gives the misleading impression that it does,” the aristocrat dished.

    prince harry

    SOURCE: MEGAThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex are accused of ‘assuming’ the name Sussex, which is part of a ducal title.

    “The geographic assignment of their title might share a name with the county, but they are not representatives of the county, nor do many of its residents share their values,” she added. “In fact, many deplore what they represent, and it would surely have been more appropriate for them to have had a domain name along the lines of dukeandduchessofsussex.co.uk.”

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s revamped website is causing more headaches than initially thought for the royals, and certain actions on it may even be against the law.

    “When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex scooted off first to Canada and then to California, which was probably always her intended destination, it was made clear to them that although they would retain the honorific titles Her Royal Highness and His Royal Highness, Their Royal Highnesses, they were not allowed to use those letters,” royal journalist Michael Cole explained when pointing out the new drama.

    prince harry

    SOURCE: MEGAPrince Harry and Meghan Markle at a film premiere, January 23, 2024.

    Harry and Meghan’s new digital landing pages display their royal coat of arms, styles and titles, amidst their business endeavors for private gain, which Cole claims would be “illegal” if they did. Senior or junior British royals are not allowed to use their regal status as a means to make money, which the late Queen Elizabeth II reportedly made “crystal clear” to the couple. The veteran reporter also highlighted how the name “Sussex” is not to be used as a surname.

    “In fact, it’s not correct to say that Sussex is their surname,” he added. “Sussex is two rather lovely counties in this country, West Sussex and East Sussex. But Prince Harry’s birth name was Mountbatten Windsor. That’s the family name of the royal family of this country. It’s the House of Windsor, but the actual name the children are born into is Mountbatten Windsor.”

    When asked about how the royals would react to the latest breach of protocol by the California transplants, Cole reiterated how much of the palace response is always a matter of watch and see.

    prince harry

    SOURCE: MEGAPrince Harry and Meghan Markle’s latest actions regarding their title are said to have King Charles III and Queen Camilla ‘livid.’

    “This is going to cause some annoyance at Buckingham Palace,” he continued. “Whether they will formally reprimand them, ask them to cease using it, cease and desist remains to be seen, but it is not a good look and it will not endear them to anybody within the royal family in this country.”

    prince harry

    SOURCE: MEGAThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex in Vancouver, Canada, on Valentine’s Day 2024.

  • Lady Colin Campbell brutally mocks Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s new house hunt

    Lady Colin Campbell brutally mocks Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s new house hunt

    Lady Colin Campbell brutally mocks Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s new house hunt: ‘We should be so lucky’

    Lady Colin Campbell brutally mocks Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's new house hunt: 'We should be so lucky'

    Lady Colin Campbell and Phil Dampier discuss Meghan and Harry’s house sunt

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were brutally mocked by royal commentator Lady Colin Campbell after suggestions the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are house hunting in the UK.

    Appearing on GB News, Lady C discussed the chances of a return to Britain by the couple.

     

    According to reports in Heat Magazine, Harry was considering moving to New York, but Meghan “could not imagine leaving”.

    Later reports suggested the Duke actually wanted to return home.

    Lady Colin Campbell

    Lady Colin Campbell launches scathing attack on Meghan

    PA

    Lady Colin joked to Patrick Christys: “We should be so lucky!” while laughing.

    She added: “You know, anybody who believes all of this pap has no clue at all.

    “A few weeks ago it was Malibu, a few months ago they were moving to Montecito, then it was New York.

    “They keep on changing where it’s going to be.”

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

    Prince Harry could move back to London

    The commentator added: “If they move, Harry will be staying here sometimes because it suits him in terms of his status as a counsellor of state and a possible regent should anything happen to William in the future.

    “But I think it’s all a load of [nonsense].”

    Lady Colin was asked about what impact this would have on the relationship between Harry and Meghan.

    She commented: “I suspect that Harry knows his place as it’s very much head under Meghan’s heel.

  • Meghan Markle reflects on ‘sudden sadness’ over Archie and Lilibet ahead of ‘big’ decision

    Meghan Markle reflects on ‘sudden sadness’ over Archie and Lilibet ahead of ‘big’ decision

    Meghan Markle reflects on ‘sudden sadness’ over Archie and Lilibet ahead of ‘big’ decision

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been left feeling ‘sad’ as their daughter Lilibet turns three this week – as the couple are believed to be contemplating expanding their family.

    Photo showing one-year-old Archie sat on mum Meghan Markle's lap
    Meghan Markle suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage following the birth of son Archie (Image: (Image: Getty))

    It must be a nostalgic rollercoaster for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as their daughter, Lilibet, celebrates her third birthday this week.

    It feels like only yesterday that they were marking Archie’s fifth birthday, with the pair no doubt sensing that time is flying by. During an earlier visit to Nigeria, which fell on US Mother’s Day, Meghan, now 42, who identifies as 43% Nigerian, spoke of missing her children.

    She declared, reports the Mirror: “Today is Mother’s Day,” and “So it feels appropriate that although of course we are missing our children, I’m missing my babies, it feels very appropriate to be in the motherland and amongst family.”

    Insider reports suggest Meghan struggles with being apart from her youngsters, expressing: “Meghan doesn’t like being away from her children as she doesn’t want to miss a thing with them growing up so fast. With Lili turning three, it’s really got Meghan and Harry thinking about their future and how quickly the children are growing up. Meghan especially feels that her babies are no longer babies and like most mums, it makes her slightly sad and wistful that the baby years have come to an end.”

    The transition from babies to school-age children is a challenge that Meghan, like many parents, may be grappling with. Parenting expert Amanda Jenner told OK! magazine: “For many parents, it really is a mix of emotions when you think your children are growing up so fast; it can leave parents feeling anxious about how fast time is going but it is completely natural. It’s perfectly normal that Meghan is feeling that sudden sadness and it’s important to find the positive. This can also be a time for parents to find themselves again as a person.

    Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, ITV, 9pm 20/10/19.
Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle being interviewed by Tom Badby for his ITV documentary.
TX Date - 20/10/2019

    Meghan Markle will be feeling sad as a key stage comes to an end (Image: Harry & Meghan: An African Journey)
    “When you first have a baby it’s completely overwhelming and you can feel like you lose your identity, so this can be the perfect time to reconnect with yourself and find something you love to do. When they reach school age this can be a time when you as a parent will have separation anxiety, which you are entitled to feel. So connect with other parents and talk about your feelings. On the plus side you may make a new circle of friends within school life and you can share this journey together.”

    Speculation is mounting over whether Harry and Meghan, who made their big move from the UK to California in 2020, are considering expanding their family. The rumour mill has been buzzing with suggestions that the couple is eager to have another child, particularly since Meghan has previously expressed her desire for siblings during her own upbringing.

    Meghan, who has two half-siblings from her father’s first marriage, remarked in 2021: “I grew up as an only child, which everyone who grew up around me knows, and I wished I had siblings.”

    Despite her past wishes, it seems the Sussexes are content with their family of four. Harry has made it clear that they are not planning to expand their brood, citing environmental reasons as a key consideration.

    In a candid 2019 interview, he famously declared: “Two, maximum!” He further explained his stance by reflecting on our responsibility to the planet, stating: “I’ve always thought: this place is borrowed. And, surely, being as intelligent as we all are, or as evolved as we all are supposed to be, we should be able to leave something better behind for the next generation.”

    This July will mark the fourth anniversary of Meghan’s miscarriage, a devastating event she has spoken about openly with the aim of offering comfort to others who have gone through similar experiences. In 2020, following the birth of Archie, Meghan suffered a miscarriage.

    She later penned an emotional essay detailing the moment she felt a severe cramp while looking after Archie, leading to her hospitalisation.

    Reflecting on the harrowing experience of loss, she shared: “Hours later, I lay in a hospital bed, holding my husband’s hand. I felt the clamminess of his palm and kissed his knuckles, wet from both our tears. Staring at the cold white walls, my eyes glazed over. I tried to imagine how we’d heal. Losing a child means carrying an almost unbearable grief.”

    As the anniversary of this profound sorrow approaches, it is said that Meghan harbours a natural melancholy during this period yet finds solace in her family. “She feels so blessed to have Archie and Lili and the family she and Harry have created. But naturally, as the anniversary of her miscarriage approaches, she does have sadness. The date is very poignant for her,” a source disclosed.

    Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.

  • Denise Welch sizzles in swimwear but can only go outside for three minutes a day

    Denise Welch sizzles in swimwear but can only go outside for three minutes a day

    Denise Welch of Loose Women has revealed that she can only sunbathe for three minutes a day on her Malta vacation with husband Lincoln because of the blisteringly high temperatures

    Denise Welch is making the most of her sun-kissed holiday in Malta, but her usual sunbathing routine has been marred by blistering heat.

    The Loose Women panelist took to Instagram on Wednesday to share her holiday woes on the Mediterranean island, which is currently experiencing temperatures of up to 38C.

    “There’s only time for 3 minutes a day sunbathing as it’s soooo f…..g hot!!!” she captioned the summery post.

    In the accompanying photo, Denise looks effortlessly stylish in a multicolored swimming costume by Tesco ‘s F&F clothing brand and a pair of beige wedges. The 65-year-old has teamed the beachy look with her signature blonde cropped hair, black eye makeup and a swipe of coral lipstick.

    As for her pose, Denise is hiding under the shade of a large plant while she perches on a small table covered by the shirt of her husband, painter Lincoln Townley.

    Denise Welch says it's too hot to sunbathe in Malta
    Denise Welch says it’s too hot to sunbathe in Malta 
    Image:
    Denise Welch Instagram)

    Denise Welch is currently on vacation in Malta with her husband
    Denise Welch is currently on vacation in Malta with her husband 
    Image:
    Denise Welch Instagram)
    Always one to look on the bright side, the TV personality isn’t about to let the blistering heat spoil her getaway.

    “We’re in a beautiful boutique hotel and it’s a great excuse to do nothing but lie around, get massages, read and eat!!” she said, before summarising the experience as, “Bliss.”

    Denise and her husband are living it up at The Village Boutique Hotel in Naxxar, Malta, which is located in the northern region of the idyllic island.

    The former Coronation Street star also revealed beneath her Instagram post that she is reading The Honeymoon by Rona Halsall.

    Denise’s followers were quick to share their reactions to her update, with many taking to comment section to send their kind messages.

    “Love the lipstick vibe with your cossie,” one person wrote, while another said, “You look incredible.”

    The Celebrity Big Brother winner also received gushing praise from some of her famous friends, including Coronation Street actress, Sally Dynevor, who wrote, “Sooo hot.” Countdown star Carol Vorderman echoed this sentiment, commenting, “Whit whoo,” beneath the photo.

    Denise received criticism for her comments on the heatwave that gripped the UK in the summer of 2022.

    While the author acknowledged that the nation was unable to “deal with any extremes”, she wasn’t too happy with the sensational language used by newspapers to report on the severe weather conditions.

    Denise Welch criticised the media's coverage of the heatwave last year
    Denise Welch criticised the media’s coverage of the heatwave last year 
    Image:
    S Meddle/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)“But the two headlines every year in one particular tabloid is usually, ‘Phew what a scorcher’ when temperatures are above 70 degrees and, ‘Brrrritain freezes’ when two drops of snow fall in the winter!” she said on Loose Women last July.

    “This is obviously more extreme than that but what gets me is the media’s obsession with words like ‘deadly’, ‘killer’, or we’re basically all going to die if we go outside.” She also admitted that she wishes headlines would be more ‘informative’ and ‘encouraging’, before adding, “There’s a bit of enjoyment in hot weather.”

    Denise’s rant quickly prompted backlash from viewers, many of whom took to Twitter to voice their disagreements.

    “Tell Denise people do die from the heat,” one person wrote. “And a lot of people are likely to die at 40c in this country because we don’t have the infrastructure to deal with it. Where is the care for people who have any health conditions?”

  • Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan shares cancer diagnosis after sisters’ heartbreaking battle

    Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan shares cancer diagnosis after sisters’ heartbreaking battle

    Coleen Nolan opened up about her skin cancer diagnosis on Monday’s Loose Women, revealing she had been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma on her shoulder and melanoma on her face

    Coleen Nolan bravely opened up about her skin cancer diagnosis on Monday’s Loose Women.

    The presenter, 58, revealed that she had been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma on her shoulder and melanoma on her face.

    Coleen recalled that she had found this “tiny” bit of skin on her shoulder that was quite red and wouldn’t go, which she thought was eczema.

    It was by chance that the star attended a dermatologist appointment six to seven months ago for a different problem, where she decided to get her shoulder checked out.

    The dermatologist then diagnosed her with basal cell carcinoma after taking a look at the red skin on her shoulder.

    Coleen Nolan bravely opened up about her skin cancer diagnosis on Monday's Loose Women
    Coleen Nolan bravely opened up about her skin cancer diagnosis on Monday’s Loose Women 
    Image:
    ITV)
    Coleen said she was told it was “nothing to worry about” as it’s typically a cancer that doesn’t spread but she underwent treatment with a chemo cream.

    After six weeks of treatment, which was successful as it meant the skin didn’t need to be cut out, the star decided to get a tiny mark and piece of skin on her nose examined.

    To which she was later diagnosed with melanoma with the doctor saying: “If you don’t treat them, later on in life that will spread and become skin cancer.”

    Coleen revealed they are going to try the chemo cream again on her face to treat the melanoma.

    Recalling the “shocking” moment she was told she had skin cancer, the star said: “My first instinct, typical me, was to laugh hysterically because I just thought that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard anybody say.

    “I’m sick of cancer and I also my first instinct was, I’m not telling anybody in my family because this, that I’ve got at the moment, seems nothing compared to what my sisters have been though.

    Linda Nolan revealed that her cancer has spread to her brain in a devastating health update earlier this year
    Linda Nolan revealed that her cancer has spread to her brain in a devastating health update earlier this year 
    Image:
    STV)
    “And now, what Linda is going through, where it has gone to her brain and she’s having chemo. It just seemed so pathetic for some reason to go back and go: ‘Oh yeah, I’ve got a carcinoma’.”

    Coleen added that she feels a “bit dramatic” as she “hasn’t been ill” with the skin cancer diagnosis.

    To which co-star, Ruth Langsford, pointed out that it isn’t at all as it’s raising awareness, which could help viewers watching the ITV show.

    Coleen added that due to her work with ITV’s The Real Full Monty, which raises awareness and money for cancer, she had to follow her own advice and get her skin checked.

    Only recently, Coleeen’s sister, Linda, revealed that her cancer has spread to her brain in a devastating health update.

    Coleen revealed she had been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma on her shoulder and melanoma on her face
    Coleen revealed she had been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma on her shoulder and melanoma on her face 
    Image:
    ITV)Linda, 64, who found fame as one fifth of The Nolans – one of the most successful girl groups of all time, selling over 30 million records worldwide – first learned she had breast cancer in 2006. Her devastating diagnosis came six years after her older sister Anne’s and four years before sister Bernie’s.

    Bernie tragically died from the disease in 2013, aged just 52, while Anne, 72, has since received the all-clear. Linda, who recently celebrated her 64th birthday, has incurable secondary cancer which has spread from her hip to her liver. In March, she tragically revealed it has spread to her brain.

    Speaking in a new interview with the Mirror recently, Linda opened up about experiencing hair loss for the fourth time in her life.

    She said: “People say, ‘Well you know you look great’, but inside I’m screaming ‘I just don’t want to lose my hair again!’ I was devastated at losing it.

    “I have two lovely wigs, blonde, short, wigs, I will get them out – but I hate them. I check it’s on straight all the time, or if it’s warm I’m boiling. It’s been easier to wear the baseball cap.”

  • EXCLUSIVE: Loose Women star Brenda Edwards ‘lined up for Strictly’ and is ‘a dream signing’

    EXCLUSIVE: Loose Women star Brenda Edwards ‘lined up for Strictly’ and is ‘a dream signing’

    Brenda Edwards has a huge fanbase from Loose Women and will be ‘a dream signing’ on Strictly Come Dancing, a source has said. The BBC contest usually kicks off in September

    Loose Women’s Brenda Edwards is being lined up for Strictly Come Dancing. The star has wowed in West End shows such as Chicago and Sister Act, and will finish her run as Killer Queen in We Will Rock You in August – so she will be free for the BBC contest, which usually kicks off in September.

    A source said: “Brenda is a dream signing. She has a huge fanbase from Loose Women and the talent to go all the way. She also has a very emotional backstory – the nation adores Brenda.”Brenda, 54, has thrown herself into her work since son Jamal, 31, died last year. She once said: “I believe Jamal is watching, saying, ‘You can do this’.”

  • Byker Grove star stuns fans with rare TV appearance after 20 years out of the limelight

    Byker Grove star stuns fans with rare TV appearance after 20 years out of the limelight

    Byker Grove is being revived by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, and the duo revealed it would simply be called ‘Byker’ and would focus on the lives of ‘young adults today’

    A legendary TV star looked unrecognisable in a rare appearance after almost 25 years out of the limelight.

    Billy Fane, who played youth club leader Geoff in the hit CBBC show Byker Grove, appeared alongside two of his former co-stars – Lyndyann Barrass and Denise Welch – on Loose Women on Thursday.

    The 77-year-old still sported his iconic handlebar moustache and beard, although nowadays it’s grey rather than a deep shade of brown, and Billy fondly recalled his days on the kids’ TV show, which is being revived by former stars of the series, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly.

    Billy played Geoff on Byker Grove for 10 years, until his character was killed off in a gas explosion, and has kept out of the spotlight for the last 23 years to focus on teaching in prisons.

    Billy appeared alongside his former Byker Grove co-stars Lyndyann Barrass and Denise Welch
    Billy appeared alongside his former Byker Grove co-stars Lyndyann Barrass and Denise Welch 
    Image:
    Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

    The actor, whose real name is Malcolm Collins, told the Loose Women panel that he trained as a teacher for dyslexic adults in his 50s, and went to university at the age of 58.

    He now runs a teaching programme across six prisons in the north of England, and spoke about his decision to retrain later in life.

    “I went to teach in a young offenders institution. I then did a masters degree in Special Educational Needs and Intuitive Learning and the college I was working for had the contract for delivering education in prisons and young offenders insinuations and prisons across the country,” he explained.

    He played youth club leader Geoff for 10 years
    He played youth club leader Geoff for 10 years 
    Image:
    BBC)
    Since leaving Byker Grove, he had small roles in movies such as Young Hearts Run Free and Billy Elliot, and reunited with Ant and Dec on their Saturday Night Takeaway show back in 2014.

    Byker Grove was a huge success in the 1990s, and attracted audiences of up to 11 million viewers during its peak.

    After running for 18 series and launching the careers of Jill Halfpenny, Donna Air, Charlie Hunnam and Ant and Dec, the final episode aired in December 2006.

    The TV presenting powerhouse duo announced last month that they would be rebooting the Newcastle-based childrens’ drama alongside production company Fulwell 73, and wanted to “engage with a new generation of teenagers”.

  • Stacey Solomon is taking a break from work after ‘struggling’ to be a good parent

    Stacey Solomon is taking a break from work after ‘struggling’ to be a good parent

    Loose Women star Stacey Solomon has announced she is taking a break from work for a while after she admitted she and her husband Joe Swash were ‘struggling’ to be good parents

    Stacey Solomon has revealed she is taking a break from work after she felt she was “struggling” to be a good parent. The Loose Women star is set to spend some quality time with her five children and husband Joe Swash.

    The singer, 33, is jetting off on a 10-day break with her family and has even had some pre-holiday pampering. Stacey took to her social media to show off her spray tan and a new manicure. She also shared: “I finished work – well for 10 days. Now I get to spend 10 days with you. If you’re wondering why I look so tropical compared to these two, it’s because I’ve had a spray tan and I got my nails done.

    “I let loose in the nail shop because I’m going on holiday. I’ve lost all sense of what nails should be and I went back to my 11-year-old self. I’ll show you, I love them so much, full mermaid vibes. So excited to take these nails off on a summer adventure with my babies.” Stacey is a proud mum to sons Zachary, 15, and Leighton, 11, as well as son Rex, four, Rose, 22 months, and baby Belle, five months, who she shares with Joe.

    Stacey Solomon
    Stacey and Joe share six children between them 
    Image:
    Stacey Solomon/Instagram)

    Stacey Solomon
    The couple are ready to take a break on holiday 
    Image:
    Instagram)
    Hubby Joe, who tied the knot with Stacey last year, also has son Harry, 16, with his former partner Emma Sophocleous. The family holiday comes after Stacey ruled out having any more children because the newlyweds have been “struggling to be good parents” to their six kids.

    During an Instagram live with her 5.7million followers, Stacey had a candid chat with her fans. She revealed that there were no plans to add to their family right now, but it would be the couple’s “dream to foster”. Stacey explained: “Me and Joe spoke about it when we had one night away. We could not have any more kids.

    “At this point we are struggling, to say the least, to be good parents and try and work and do everything else in between. So no not right now. But when we’re older. Because when we went away we were a little bit like ‘Oh god, one day this will be us, just us two’, and we’ve got such a massive family the house is never quiet and we are never on our own.

    “And we did say: ‘Oh it will be sad when it’s just us two and all the kids are gone’ so I think I would love to. Joe’s mum fosters, and I would love to one day foster as well when we are older and all the kids are grown up and moved out, that would be our dream.” Joe echoed Stacey’s opinions on the matter as he told The Netmums podcast: “I’m pretty sure that this is it, we can’t go there again which is really sad, we love kids, we love the baby stage, and the toddler stage, and the baby stage goes by really fast, so it is a little bit sad but I think this will be it.

    “Fostering is something that me and Stacey have talked about and would love to do. We’d love to foster, we’d love to give something back, you know?It is something that we definitely want to do, when our kids get old enough that they’re not as reliant on us.”

    The couple have been getting into the holiday spirit as they showed off their bronzed faces as they poked fun at their hilarious fake tan fail. Showing off their bronzed skin, Stacey joked that Joe’s orange-tinted skin now blended into his ginger beard. Stacey told the camera: “Me, Joe and Zach are up packing. We both had a spray tan and we’re going to end up paler when we come home,” as Joe exclaimed: “Look how white my teeth are!” She replied: “Look at mine! My teeth aren’t my real teeth so they really glow! Your skin tone now matches your ginger beard.”