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  • Meghan Markle ‘irritated Victoria Beckham had considerably more wealth before falling out’

    Meghan Markle ‘irritated Victoria Beckham had considerably more wealth before falling out’

    Meghan Markle was “irritated” when she found out Victoria Beckham is richer than her, a new biography says.

    Tom Bower’s new book – The House of Beckham: Money, Sex and Power – sheds light on the relationship between the Beckhams and the Sussexes – and where it all went wrong. The former journalist says that the Duchess of Sussex was annoyed when she found out the Beckhams had “considerably more wealth” than herself.

    Meghan thought she ranked above the BeckhamsBut in reality, Posh and Becks had "considerably more wealth"

    Cracks started to show in the relationship between the famous families in 2018, according to Bower who says that although the Beckhams did secure an invite to Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding, they were not invited to the wedding dinner. He also says in spring last year, it became clear that the friendship between the couples was on the rocks when the Sussexes were not on the guest list for Brooklyn Beckham’s wedding – but Prince William and Kate Middleton were.

    Things soured between the women after a report leaked that Victoria had offered Meghan makeup advice

    In the biography – which was released June 20 – Bower says that Meghan had ranked herself above the Beckhams in the social pecking order, and was fuming when she discovered that, despite her place in the Royal Family, Victoria actually scored higher in terms of wealth and fame. He explains: “In Meghan’s celebrity world, ranking depended on wealth and fame. As a seasoned operator, Meghan deluded herself that her status in the Royal family placed her above Victoria in the social pecking order.”

    Bower continues: “She was irritated to discover that the Beckhams had considerably more wealth than herself. They owned five homes, had constant access to private jets, invitations to sail on yachts and much more money. And she was soon to be a duchess.”

    Things soured between the women after a report leaked that Victoria had offered Meghan makeup advice, the book says 

    Bower describes how Victoria made considerable effort to be friends with Meghan – despite the fact the Suits star “put on airs” when they first met – because of the longstanding relationship between the Beckhams, Prince Harry and Prince William.

    According to the biography, Victoria kindly offered Meghan tips on where to find the best beauty spots in London – but the relationship between the two women soured when The Sun reported that Victoria had given Meghan makeup advice and the Duchess accused the former Spice Girl of leaking the story.

  • Meghan Markle goes viral with one heartbreaking plea after Royal Family split

    Meghan Markle goes viral with one heartbreaking plea after Royal Family split

    Meghan Markle goes viral with one heartbreaking plea after Royal Family split

    A video of Meghan Markle describing how she pleaded with the Royal Family for help has gone viral on social media.

    Meghan Markle

    Meghan Markle’s pleas to Buckingham Palace have gone viral on TikTok (Image: Getty)

    Meghan Marke’s revelation of how she pleaded to Buckingham Palace for help regarding her mental health during her infamous Oprah Winfrey interview in 2021 has gone viral on social media.

    The Duchess of Sussex opened up about the impact certain negative stories in the media had on her mental health with claims the Palace rejected her pleas, while she also alleged about how she was “silenced” by the institution.

    In the viral clip, a segment from the interview shows Meghan claiming how the Palace refused to help her with negative stories in the press, saying: “I did anything they told me to do – of course I did because it was also through the lens of, ‘And we’ll protect you.’”

    She added: “So, even as things started to roll out in the media that I didn’t see – but my friends would call me and say, ‘Meg, this is really bad’—because I didn’t see it, I’d go, ‘Don’t worry. I’m being protected.’”

    The segment followed Oprah’s question to Meghan about whether she had been “silenced” during her time working for the Royal Family.

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    @harry.nd.meghan Meghan describes not getting help from the institution for her mental crisis while pregnant due to “not being a paid member of the institution” She did all this for free. ???????????? #meghanmarkle #meghanmarkleedit #princeharry #princeharryandmeghan #harryandmeghanedit #princeharryandmeghanmarkle #royalfamily #britishpress #meghanandprinceharry ♬ original sound – Harry and Meghan

    She asked: “Were you silent? Or were you silenced? with Meghan replying “The latter”.

    Oprah said: “So, how does that work? Were you told by the comms people or the – I don’t know – the institution, were you told to keep silent? Were you told to say nothing?”

    The Duchess of Sussex said: “Everyone from my world was given very clear directive from the moment the world knew Harry and I were dating to always say ‘No comment.’”

    Another one of the interview segments was shown in the viral clip, this time with Meghan talking about how she was refused help regarding her mental health during her time as a working royal.

    Meghan said in the clip: “It was all happening just because I was breathing. I went to the institution, and I said that I needed to go somewhere to get help.

     

  • House of Beckham bombshells – six of David and Victoria Beckham’s biggest secrets revealed

    House of Beckham bombshells – six of David and Victoria Beckham’s biggest secrets revealed

    In Tom Bower’s latest book, The House of Beckham: Money, Sex and Power, serialised by the Mirror over the weekend, the focus is on David and Victoria Beckham’s enduring marriage, offering jaw-dropping claims about their relationship.

    From why David’s former PA Rebecca Loos went public with her affair claims to the time Posh and Becks slugged it out in a media war and supposedly leaked negative stories about each other, Bower’s book probably won’t be taking pride of place on the Beckham family bookshelf.

    The juicy title also makes explosive claims about Posh and Becks’ relationship with the Royal family, particularly their deteriorating bond with Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle. Here are the biggest bombshells from The House of Beckham.

    Why Rebecca Loos sold her story

    The recent Netflix documentary about the Beckhams, produced by David’s team, was dominated by an allegation that shook their relationship to its core. Rebecca Loos’ public claims of an affair with David in 2004 led Victoria to describe the aftermath as the “hardest period” for both of them.

    Now, 24 years on from first claiming she had an affair with the former England captain, Rebecca has been thrust back into the spotlight. In The House of Beckham, it’s claimed Rebecca, who now lives a quiet life in Norway with her husband and their sons, decided to break her silence about her alleged affair with the former England captain after being disgusted by David’s behaviour towards a waitress.

    Bower’s book suggests this seemingly minor incident was the catalyst for the biggest challenge in the Beckham’s nearly 25-year-long marriage. He writes: “The turning-point for Loos was realising Beckham’s double standards. After a meal for SFX employees at Madrid’s Hard Rock Cafe, Beckham did not leave a tip.”

    England and Real Madrid football player David Beckham and wife Victoria pose at "The David Beckham Academy" launch party at Creative Artists Agency on June 3, 2005 in Beverly Hills, California.
    David Beckham’s move to Spain put a strain on his marriage to Victoria Beckham 
    Image:
    Getty Images)

    Rebecca Loos arrives for the UK premiere of new film Kill Bill - Volume 2
    Rebecca Loos claims she had an affair with Becks during his Real Madrid era 
    Image:
    Press Association)
    The following day, the waitress handed Loos a note for Beckham, expressing her outrage that someone so famous and wealthy could be so tight-fisted. She explained that she depended on tips to make ends meet. Bowers writes that David was taken aback after reading the note and handed over a hefty amount of euros, saying, “‘Give her this”. He adds: “Reflecting in February about how Beckham had played her and lied to her, Loos was angry.”

    Mulling over how her boss David had deceived and lied to her, Rebecca was livid. After being let go by Beckham’s agency SFX, Rebecca sold her story to the now defunct News of the World newspaper, alleging an affair behind Posh Spice’s back with the the Real Madrid footballer.

    Furious Posh slapped Becks

    In the days that followed Rebecca’s story dominating headlines across the world, the Beckham’s PR team orchestrated an image of unity at the snowy Courchevel ski resort to safeguard Brand Beckham’s image. “In a bravura performance the couple clung to each other she with an iron grip on his hand. Then they performed a piggy-back and smiled,” notes Bower in his book.

    However, their closed-door affairs weren’t as picture-perfect. “Once the show was over they disappeared into their chalet….as everyone drifted off, one journalist looked through the Beckhams’ chalet window. Posh was slapping Beckham hard on his face. Beckham, famous for his ‘short fuse’, did not retaliate.”

    Victoria’s transition to Spain wasn’t comfortable, making her life there quite disagreeable. “Her life in Madrid was lonely and unhappy. Although she had everything money could buy she was isolated. With few friends, she was unwilling to learn Spanish. Her diet, rigorous exercise and chain-smoking reflected her anxieties.”

    Disastrous Vogue shoot

    Victoria and David Beckham were reportedly battling to keep their marriage afloat years after the Rebecca Loos scandal, according to The House of Beckham. Despite overcoming that hurdle, the Beckhams faced renewed gossip about their relationship 14 years after Rebecca’s bombshell.

    Amidst wild speculation of an impending divorce, Victoria and her PR mastermind opted for a bold Vogue interview and photoshoot to quash the whispers. “That would be an ideal platform to crush rumours of a split,” Bower writes, adding: “The interview would be accompanied with photographs of the Happy Beckham Family. David returned specially to London for the photoshoot….the entire Beckham family was to be photographed sitting as a harmonious group in a wooden rowing boat on a pond, which was to be shot as if it were a lake.

    “But soon there was tension over whether David would appear in the shoot, with the footballer’s publicist adamant that he would not take part. Not mentioned was Beckham’s new opinion that his children should not be exploited for the brand,” Bower claims. “Unspoken was his apparent fury with Victoria’s endless self-promotion campaigns.”

    PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 30: (L-R) Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Romeo Beckham, Edward Enninful, Harper Beckham, David Beckham and Anna Wintour attend the Victoria Beckham Spring/summer 2023 Runway show in Val-de-Grace
    Victoria’s kids at one of her fashion shows, alongside Vogue editors Edward Enninful and Anna Wintour 
    Image:
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    He added: “The wrangling was followed by an outburst between Beckham and Victoria. Beckham relented. Finally, the family was shuffled on to the boat.” But what ensued could only be described as farcical. “Unexpectedly, once the six were afloat, Beckham insisted that his cocker spaniel Olive should feature in the shot too. The dog had 71,000 Instagram followers. Gingerly, the boat was pushed from the shore. Suddenly, Olive jumped into the water.

    “Beckham was about to follow and rescue his pet. Screaming ‘No’, worried that his clothes would get soaked, several assistants plunged into the water to grab the dog. Victoria’s face turned to thunder. Another argument blew up. A sulk descended. Plans for the family photo were ditched.”

    He goes on: “Victoria posed only with the children and the spaniel. In the aftermath, Beckham and Victoria posed as a twosome, separate and looking rather severe. But they were, as ever, consummate actors. No one looking at the perfect images could have imagined the dramas over the proceedings. The cover photograph would be of Victoria, and only with her four children.”

    Posh’s Glasto scavenger hunt

    David Beckham’s 2017 Glastonbury adventure didn’t quite pan out as expected, thanks to an unexpected appearance by his wife Victoria at Worthy Farm. While the couple admitted to being “against each other” in David’s Netflix series last year, they only briefly discussed their struggle to save their marriage in the early 00s when David was accused of having an affair with his former PA Rebecca Loos.

    However, The House of Beckham suggests that the couple faced additional challenges years later – with the parents-of-four even engaging in a media battle through rival PR managers. Another low point for the Beckhams, as mentioned in the book, occurred in 2017 when Victoria gate-crashed David’s Glastonbury fun. Initially, David and a small group of friends, including his best mate Dave Gardner, attended the renowned British festival without Victoria, who was due to arrive later from New York.

    READ MORE

    The House of Beckham by Tom Bower

    David and Victoria Beckham

    Posh’s part in David’s knighthood blow

    David Beckham looks on

    How David avoided paying tax for years

    David’s sassy response to leaked emails

    Sir David Beckham may never happen

    The night before Victoria’s arrival, the group – which included married Lady Mary Charteris and a “glamorous Australian bikini model” – partied until 5am. The celebrations resumed at lunchtime the next day, only to be interrupted by a phone call announcing Victoria’s arrival.

    “There was no hassle and a great mood until she landed,’ moaned one of the group,” Bower pens in The House of Beckham. “With her entourage, she zoomed off in a golf buggy through the scruffy campers to the VIP zone. She was livid that her husband hadn’t responded to her phone calls and had sent out a search party. Eventually, David showed up. Within seconds, they were caught up in a heated argument…. ‘They looked quite miserable,’ observed one onlooker, ‘but they managed to pose for the cameras’.”

    Swipe at ‘desperate’ Geri Halliwell

    Victoria reportedly “couldn’t stand” her former Spice Girls bandmate, Geri Horner, according to investigative journalist Tom Bower’s new book, The House of Beckham: Money, Sex and Power. Bower’s book reveals that during the height of the Spice Girls’ fame, while everyone loved David Beckham, “Victoria was different”. He quotes her as saying: “‘I can’t stand Geri,’ she said about her former best friend. ‘She is one of the most disloyal people I’ve ever known’.”

    The book also alleges that Victoria ridiculed Geri for dating DJ Chris Evans in 1999. According to Bower, Victoria said: “Twisting the knife, she even scoffed at Geri for going out with DJ Chris Evans. ‘She’ll do anything to get publicity. Geri doesn’t care what she does as long as she gets in the paper’.”

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s snub

    In addition to looking back on Victoria’s Spice Girls feud, The House of Beckham also examines Posh and Becks’ relationship with the Royal family, particularly their strained bond with Harry and Meghan Markle. The former England captain, 49, and Posh Spice, 50, attended both William’s 2011 wedding to Kate Middleton and Harry and Meghan’s nuptials in 2018. But according to journalist Bower, David’s friendship with both brothers didn’t sit well with Meghan.

    Bower writes that ahead of their wedding, Meghan and Harry were irritated by David’s close bond with William, which had blossomed during the UK’s World Cup bid in 2010. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, already feeling insecure about their perceived lower status and wealth compared to the Cambridges, reportedly found Becks’ camaraderie with William annoying.

    “Meghan appeared to want to punish the Beckhams,” Bower claims, adding: “Television pictures of the couple arriving at St George’s Chapel for the wedding showed Victoria stony-faced and David chewing gum. Meghan had not invited them to the wedding dinner. Her veto was an insult.”

    He remarks: “After all, many guests such as George Clooney and other Hollywood stars invited that evening did not even know Meghan. Victoria’s sour expression also reflected her anger about David’s behaviour at a Soho House party the previous night. He had been buying drinks for a brunette while Victoria sat silently thunderous nearby. Worse still, that very morning the woman had posted photos of herself and Beckham on the web.”

    The Mirror has previously contacted representatives for the Beckhams and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for comment.

  • Meghan Markle’s dad reveals one decision Prince Harry made that ‘never made sense’ to him

    Meghan Markle’s dad reveals one decision Prince Harry made that ‘never made sense’ to him

    Meghan Markle’s dad reveals one decision Prince Harry made that ‘never made sense’ to him

    Thomas Markle has spoken out as he approaches his 80th birthday.

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Visit Nigeria

    Prince Harry and Meghan live just 250 miles from her estranged father (Image: Getty)

    Prince Harry’s ongoing troubled relationship with his father the King and brother Prince William is well known – but the relationship between wife Meghan Markle and her father is also strained.

    The Duchess of Sussex and her father, Thomas Markle, has been estranged from his daughter since 2018 and there has reportedly been no contact since.

    Mr Markle has never met his daughter’s husband.

    The 79-year-old, who turns 80 in July, has also never met his two grandchildren – five-year-old Archie and three-year-old Lilibet.

    The retired lighting director now lives in Mexico, just 250 miles from his daughter’s home in California, and said he is baffled by this.

    The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniverary

    Prince Harry has never met his father-in-law (Image: Getty)

    Speaking to the Mail Online, he said: ” When I reflect back on my life, as you do when you are approaching 80, that’s one of the questions I cannot find an answer for

    “Why didn’t Harry ever come to meet me? He has the resources to fly around the world – and does – but why didn’t he come to see me, particularly when people in the royal household like Jason Knauf [Harry and Meghan’s former communications secretary] were urging him to do so?

    “That has never made sense to me.”

    NIGERIA-BRITAIN-ROYALS-INVICTUS-GAMES

    Meghan is estranged from her father (Image: Getty)

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    Mr Markle, who has previously given a number of interviews to the press about his relationship with his daughter, said he felt empathy for King Charles, who has rarely seen Harry’s children since his younger son moved to the US.

    He told the Mail: “He [The King] is going through cancer treatment and I’m not in the best of health. I’m not afraid of dying. It is what it is.

    “I have so many questions I’d like to ask Meghan and Harry. The main one being, why have they treated not only me but the Royal Family and the King so badly?”

     

  • Prince Harry and Meghan Markle LIVE: Duchess’s family gives up all hope of reconciliation

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle LIVE: Duchess’s family gives up all hope of reconciliation

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle LIVE: Duchess’s family gives up all hope of reconciliation

    Meghan Markle has been effectively estranged from her father’s side of the family since shortly after she married Prince Harry in 2018.

    meghan markle thomas markle close up

    Thomas Markle has been urged to give up on the toxic Duchess of Sussex (Image: Getty•7 News)

    Meghan Markle’s family has given up all hope they might be able to reconcile with the Duchess of Sussex, a commentator has claimed.

    The Duchess hasn’t seen her father in person since before her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018. Thomas Markle has appealed to his youngest daughter to speak to him and allow him to meet his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

    However, Mr Markle and his eldest children, Thomas Markle Jr and Samantha Markle, have repeatedly spoken to the press about their history with Meghan – accusing her of not caring about them or their health.

    He has since admitted he has give up hopes of ever burying the hatchet with Meghan.

    Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield told TalkTV: “I really feel like Meghan Markle considers her father long gone. I don’t think reconciliation is even on her agenda whatsoever.

    “The reality is Meghan was always going to be ashamed and embarrassed of her family. And she was always going to hide them from the press, she did not want her half-brother and half-sister at her wedding. I think they were an embarrassment to her.”

  • Royal Family in ‘unprecedented crisis’ and King Charles must avoid making ‘unwise’ move

    Royal Family in ‘unprecedented crisis’ and King Charles must avoid making ‘unwise’ move

    Royal Family in ‘unprecedented crisis’ and King Charles must avoid making ‘unwise’ move

    It has been inspiring to see how King Charles, a workaholic by nature, who is also battling cancer, has carried out so many royal engagements recently, writes royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams.

    Trooping The Colour 2024

    King Charles has been warned about his slimmed-down monarcy (Image: Getty)

    A selfie, which will become iconic, was taken by one of the world’s most successful artists, Taylor Swift, on her Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium.

    It featured Prince William, George, Charlotte and her American footballer boyfriend Travis Kelce. It has, predictably, gone viral.

    She posted it online with the message “Happy Bday, M8! London shows are off to a splendid start””, M8 is text-speak for “mate”. There was no better way to celebrate William’s 42nd birthday.

    He had earlier been captured on social media dancing to her irresistibly catchy songs, this is surely proof that he is a Swiftie, like many millions of others worldwide!

    The photograph taken by Catherine to celebrate his birthday was proof of her skill as a photographer. It showed William and all three of their children jumping over a sand dune on a Norfolk beach.

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    There is an exhilarating informality about it, their mid-air exuberance symbolises the freedom William was always determined to give to his family.

    A week earlier, a photograph of the same group, unusually taken from behind on the same beach, had commemorated Father’s Day. It also contained the first publicly released message from George, Charlotte and Louis on social media to their father, which delighted fans and was a novel touch.

    As President of the Football Association, William has been attending matches, sometimes taking George, who is now 10, which has also been popular.

    These are morale boosting activities at a truly stressful and difficult time as Catherine undergoes preventative chemotherapy in her battle against cancer. It was particularly good to see Michael and Carole Middleton at Royal Ascot, their first public sighting since her cancer diagnosis and undoubtedly the unsung heroes helping her in her battle against this malign disease.

    The Emperor And Empress Of Japan State Visit To The United Kingdom – Day 1

    King Charles speaking at last night’s state banquet (Image: Getty)

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    It has been inspiring to see how King Charles, a workaholic by nature, who is also battling cancer, has carried out so many royal engagements recently including Cartier Queen’s Cup polo, the Garter Ceremony at St George’s Chapel, Windsor as well as attending four days of Royal Ascot, this magnificently organised event was blessed with perfect weather throughout. A busy Royal Week in Scotland is planned too in early July.

    This period will, above all, be remembered for the appearance of Catherine at Trooping the Colour, which celebrates the sovereign’s birthday. It had been expected climactically, on the Buckingham Palace Balcony, but, in a most welcome surprise, she was also able to view the ceremony from an office in Horse Guards, wearing a mesmerizingly gorgeous outfit.

    It was an appearance to remember, especially as, in a moving statement released the day before, she described how she was affected by chemotherapy. She and King Charles have taken every opportunity to connect with fellow sufferers and no one can do this more effectively than members of the British royal family.

    Catherine hopes to attend some events in the summer. Hopefully, as she is famously keen on tennis, and is Patron of the All England Club, she will appear during the Wimbledon fortnight.

    Trooping The Colour 2024

    Princess Kate was able to attend Trooping the Colour (Image: Getty)

    The State visit of the Emperor and Empress of Japan, postponed because of Covid, has begun with the customary magnificent ceremonial this week, both are Oxford-educated Anglophiles and this is greatly to be welcomed. However, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which takes place in Samoa this year in October, was to have been followed by the King and Queen touring the Antipodes and Fiji. Already there have been reports that this will be too taxing and that the potentially exhausting itinerary is being rearranged.

    We have no idea when Wiliam and Catherine will be able to tour abroad next. Their next tour will, when it happens, be a major event.

    It was also a positive move for the King to appoint David Beckham as an Ambassador for the King’s Foundation, which focuses on promoting community harmony. Beckham, both in his sporting career and in his charity work, is a unique national figure. Their meeting caused much comment as it took place during the period Harry was in London for the St Paul’s Service to commemorate ten years of the Invictus Games, which is his creation. What was extraordinary was that, for whatever reason, father and son did not meet.

    Though they continue to attract enormous press attention and went on what was termed a faux-royal tour of Nigeria, the Sussexes rift with the royal family appears to be as deep as ever. Their work for Netflix and Meghan’s lifestyle brand are currently the focus of their attention.

    Royal Ascot 2024 - Thursday

    Princess Anne was injured by a horse on Sunday night (Image: Getty)

    A good deal of press speculation surrounds the King’s relationship with the disgraced Duke of York. However, he has a 75-year lease on Royal Lodge, where he and his devoted ex-wife Sarah Ferguson currently live, and is reportedly resisting pressure from the monarch to relocate to somewhere smaller. I doubt he will do so willingly, his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie might also be involved. However, he remains without a role and without a future.

    This is a time of unprecedented crisis with the King and Princess of Wales seriously ill and Princess Anne, one of the most popular and hardest working members of the royal family, has been admitted to hospital with minor injuries and concussion, though she is expected to make a swift recovery. All this demonstrates that the idea of a “slimmed down monarchy” is most unwise, as she recently pointed out with her customary forcefulness.

    The recent mixture of the ceremonial and the informal have given us some unforgettable royal memories and images. The royals have also been helping others, despite their afflictions. The world is watching and wishes them well.

    Richard Fitzwilliams is a royal commentator, film critic and public relations consultant who has given over 1,500 television interviews. He was Editor of The International Who’s Who, the standard work of its type, from 1975 to 2001.

  • Loose Women star Judi Love shares her thoughts on Alison Hammond’s Bake Off debut

    Loose Women star Judi Love shares her thoughts on Alison Hammond’s Bake Off debut

    The Loose Women star has said that Alison took to her new presenting role like ‘a duck to water’ after she replaced Matt Lucas on the Channel 4 show

    Judi Love has sung the praises of Alison Hammond following her debut co-presenting The Great British Bake Off. Alison took to screens alongside Noel Fielding as a new bunch of budding bakers took on a set of challenges.

    The second episode of the new series is set to hit Channel 4 tomorrow (Tuesday, October 3) as the contestants battle it out over biscuits. They will each attempt to win the converted role of Star Baker – and maybe even a handshake from Paul Hollywood himself.

    And one person who will be tuning in is Bake Off fan and Loose Women star, Judi Love. The 42-year-old is friends with Alison, and has praised her performance so far on the show.

    She said that the This Morning presenter has taken to it “like a duck to water.” In her OK! column, Judi wrote: “It was a joy to see Alison Hammond taking to her new presenting position like a duck to water – she looked as though she was having the time of her life!”

    Judi Love has praised Alison Hammond over her GBBO debut
    Judi Love has praised Alison Hammond over her GBBO debut

    Alison previously said that she got the ‘VIP treatment’ from Paul Hollywood when she stepped into the famous Bake Off tent for the first time. She made the claims during an appearance on BBC’s The One Show on Friday, September 29.

    She explained to presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp: “So on the first day he asked ‘Do you want a lift to the hotel?’ so I said ‘Yeah, great’ and he’s got a really nice car – a little bit of a Lamborghini – and I’ve never been in one of them before.”

    Noel said: “It was like Batman’s car wasn’t it?” Laughing, Alison continued: “It was like Batman’s car. I mean it was a struggle for me to get in first of all. I had to get myself into the car first, it’s like it’s on the floor. So unlady-like, my legs were wide open.

    “I finally got in and I said ‘Where shall I put my bag? I’ve got my bag with me’ and he just got someone else to take it. So I got into the car, let’s just say I’m never going to do it again, it was the most frightening ride I’ve ever had in my entire life. It was so scary.”

    Alison took over the presenting role from Little Britain star Matt Lucas after he quit over work conflicts. He previously shared on X, formerly Twitter: “Farewell Bake Off! It’s been a delicious experience and I can’t imagine a more fun way of spending my summers. But it’s become clear to me that I can’t present both Fantasy Football League and Bake Off alongside all my other projects. So, after three series and 51 episodes, I am cheerfully passing the baguette on to someone else.

    “I would like to give my warmest thanks and gratitude to everyone at Love Productions and Channel 4 and to Noelipops, Paul, Dame Prue, the crew and, of course, the wonderful bakers for welcoming me into the tent. I wish whoever takes over the very best and I can’t wait to tune into the next series without already knowing who won!”

  • Louise Redknapp gushes over hunky new boyfriend: “I’ve been on my own a long time”

    Louise Redknapp gushes over hunky new boyfriend: “I’ve been on my own a long time”

    Lousie Redknapp opened up on finding love again after divorcing ex-husband Jamie Redknapp as she discussed her new relationship with beau Drew Michael on Wednesday’s Loose Women

    Louise Redknapp gushed over her new beau Drew Michael as she admitted she had been on her “own for a long time” during an appearance Loose Women.

    She said: “I’m very happy, he’s great and lovely. It’s really nice, it’s been a really long time for me. I’ve been on my own for a long time and it’s lovely to have met someone who makes me so happy.”

    Louise debuted her new romance after a night out in London last week. The Naked hitmaker looked coy as she left The Groucho Club with her boyfriend, as the duo had just been celebrating comedian Jimmy Carr’s 51st birthday. The pair kept their distance but it was later confirmed they are in a relationship, and it is the first time the singer has gone public with a romance since divorcing Jamie Redknapp in 2017.

    Speaking exclusively with the Mirror a few hours after being spotted publicly with Drew for the first time, Louise smiled as she addressed the new romance in her love life. “It’s so difficult with your personal life… it’s all good,” the mum-of-two said, before adding: “Yeah, I’ve got nothing else to say on it, everything about it has already been written.”

    Louise recently confirmed her romance with Drew
    Louise recently confirmed her romance with Drew 
    Image:
    Bob Grey / BACKGRID)

    Louise Redknapp opens up about her new romance
    Louise Redknapp opens up about her new romance 
    Image:
    Dave Benett/Getty Images for Space NK)

    Drew, whose full name is Andrew Michael, is a businessman and the Chief Executive Officer at Overwatch Group, also known as Overwatch Aerospace Ltd. According to MailOnline, he worked as a Platoon Commander and a Fire Support Group Commander for the Armed Forces, and in 2010, he was given a Mention in Despatches for his work with the Rifles – an infantry regiment of the British Army – as part of the Operational Honours and Awards List.

    Louise previously admitted she wasn’t actively looking for love following her divorce from former footballer Jamie, with whom she shares two sons, Charley and Beau. Earlier this year, the Eternal singer admitted she was “open to what may happen”, but finding love wasn’t her “number one goal in life”. “But, if it goes that way and I met somebody who swept me off my feet and was amazing and kind and great, then I’d be so open to exploring that, but no, I’m not downloading apps, well, not at the minute,” she added.

    Meanwhile, it was reported Louise was warned against her new boyfriend after the “painful” end of Drew’s last relationship. A source told Closer magzine: “Drew didn’t behave in the best way in a former relationship – he left one girl in particular feeling hurt. It’s good news that he’s happy dating Louise, but there is a worry she could end up heartbroken.”

  • Meghan Markle ‘wanted free handbags and clothes from Victoria Beckham’ before ‘snub’

    Meghan Markle ‘wanted free handbags and clothes from Victoria Beckham’ before ‘snub’

    Meghan Markle is said to have wanted “free handbags from Victoria Beckham before snubbing her”, according to a new biography.

    Tom Bower’s new book – The House of Beckham: Money, Sex and Power – sheds light on the relationship between the Beckhams and the Sussexes and where it all went wrong. The former journalist says that the Duchess of Sussex longed to be like the fashionista.

    According to the book, Meghan allegedly asked the Spice Girls star for free clothes and handbags while engaged to Prince Harry. But the request was “vetoed by the Palace for being against their rules,” Tom claimed.

    Meghan Markle 'wanted free handbags and clothes from Victoria Beckam' before 'snubbing her'
    Meghan Markle ‘wanted free handbags and clothes from Victoria Beckam’ before ‘snubbing her’ 
    Image:
    Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation)

    A new book has laid bare their 'feud'
    A new book has laid bare their ‘feud’ 
    Image:
    Dave Benett/Getty Images)
    The explosive book also claimed Meghan was “irritated” when she found out Victoria is richer than she is. It said she was annoyed when she found out the Beckhams had “considerably more wealth” than herself.

    Cracks started to show in the relationship between the famous families in 2018, according to Bower who said that although the Beckhams did secure an invite to Harry and Meghan’s wedding, they were not invited to the wedding dinner. He also said that in spring last year, it became clear that the friendship between the couples was on the rocks when the Sussexes were not on the guest list for Brooklyn Beckham’s wedding – but Prince William and Kate Middleton were.

    In the biography – which was released on June 20 – Bower said that Meghan had ranked herself above the Beckhams in the social pecking order and was fuming when she discovered that, despite her place in the Royal Family, Victoria actually scored higher in terms of wealth and fame. He claimed: “In Meghan’s celebrity world, ranking depended on wealth and fame. As a seasoned operator, Meghan deluded herself that her status in the Royal Family placed her above Victoria in the social pecking order.”

    Bower continued: “She was irritated to discover that the Beckhams had considerably more wealth than herself. They owned five homes, had constant access to private jets, invitations to sail on yachts and much more money. And she was soon to be a duchess.”

    According to the biography, Victoria kindly offered Meghan tips on where to find the best beauty spots in London – but the relationship between the two women soured when The Sun reported that Victoria had given Meghan makeup advice and the Duchess accused the former Spice Girl of leaking the story.

  • Elton John’s brutal nickname for David and Victoria Beckham revealed in new book

    Elton John’s brutal nickname for David and Victoria Beckham revealed in new book

    Elton John reportedly came up with a savage nickname for David and Victoria Beckham after learning about their alleged behaviour on his yacht.

    In Tom Bower’s new book, The House of Beckham, the couple’s marriage and David’s alleged affair are explored along with explosive claims about Posh and Becks’ relationship with the Royal family, particularly their deteriorating bond with Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle.

    Rebecca Loos, who famously claimed she had an affair with the footballer in 2004, reportedly wanted to break her silence about the alleged affair after being disgusted by David’s behaviour towards a waitress. Sir Elton also made jokes about David and Victoria after their treatment of his staff on his yacht.

    It was claimed the iconic singer branded the couple “Takeums” after they failed to tip his staff when they joined him on his yacht. Last month, the Sunday Times Rich list put the couple’s net worth at £455 million ($575 million). The Mirror have contacted David and Elton’s reps for comment.

    Elton John and Victoria Beckham
    Elton John reportedly had a savage nickname for them 
    Image:
    Internet Unknown)

    David and Victoria Beckham
    Posh and Becks’ relationship was explored in the new book 
    Image:
    Dave Benett/Getty Images)

    Elton has been close friends with Posh Spice for three decades and famously made a quick cameo in the 1997 Spice World movie. Victoria once revealed she was inspired to leave the Spice Girls by Elton in an emotional letter she wrote to her future self, stating watching him made her realise singing and dancing wasn’t for her.

    Posh Spice wrote: “Remember years ago, watching your dear friend Elton John on stage in Las Vegas? He performed ‘Tiny Dancer’, as if it were the first time, and you realised this was like oxygen for him. It was a life-changing moment — while singing and dancing was fun for you, it wasn’t your passion. That day, you started your quest to uncover your own dreams. It was time to step away from being a Spice Girl.”

    In fact, the pals are so close and Elton has enjoyed many holidays with the Beckham family. The Beckham children even refer to the Rocket Man singer as Uncle Elton – with David once jokingly warning ‘Watch out uncle’ while sharing a video of son Cruz’s impressive piano-playing skills.

    Meanwhile, the new book, written by Tom Bower, claimed Rebecca’s annoyance at David’s behaviour towards the waitress was the catalyst for the biggest challenge in the Beckham’s nearly 25-year-long marriage. He writes: “The turning point for Loos was realising Beckham’s double standards. After a meal for SFX employees at Madrid’s Hard Rock Cafe, Beckham did not leave a tip.”

    The following day, the waitress handed Loos a note for Beckham, expressing her outrage that someone so famous and wealthy could be so tight-fisted. She explained that she depended on tips to make ends meet. Bowers writes that David was taken aback after reading the note and handed over a hefty amount of euros, saying, “‘Give her this”. He adds: “Reflecting in February about how Beckham had played her and lied to her, Loos was angry.”