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  • Coleen Nolan reveals she almost quit her TV career after Kim Woodburn feud

    Coleen Nolan reveals she almost quit her TV career after Kim Woodburn feud

    Loose Women’s panellist Coleen Nolan opened up about her famous feud with Kim Woodburn – which saw the latter storm off the ITV talk show after an intense row

    Coleen Nolan revealed she almost quit her entire television career following her famous feud with Kim Woodburn.

    The 59-year-old presenter and singer was on Celebrity Big Brother with icon Kim in 2017. During their stint on the programme, Kim claimed Loose Women panellist Coleen had ganged up on her with seven other housemates to bully her – which Coleen vehemently denied. Kim was later invited to appear on Loose Women to put the drama behind but things quickly turned sour.

    But despite her best intentions, hopes of a friendly reunion went down the drain when Kim lost her cool and called Coleen “trash” among other things, while Coleen calmly sat on the panel next to her sister Linda. Her co-star Janet Street-Porter sat in between the warring pair wearing a judge’s robes and a gavel, as the strapline ‘Can Coleen and Kim end their feud?’ ran across the bottom of the screen.

    After a heated back and forth, Kim stormed off set while Linda told her: “You’re showing your true colours, Kim.” And now, Coleen has opened up about the shocking row during a Q&A session at her Naked Tour in Sunderland. The presenter said she knew the interview would turn to shambles.

    Kim Woodburn
    Kim famously stormed off the Loose Women set 
    Image:
    TV Grab)

    “It was exactly how I thought it was going to be and I told them that’s what she was gonna do but no one listened to me,” Coleen explained. “And then I can honestly say it was the worst time of my life. I very nearly threw the towel in and thought I couldn’t do it anymore. And then I thought…’I’m not going to let Kim Woodburn finish my career…she’s a cleaning lady!’”

    While in the Big Brother house, Kim frequently bickered with her housemates who she claimed ‘bullied’ her – Coleen included, who she later described as “two-faced”. After leaving the show, Kim said in an interview: “How that woman won, when Jedward were sitting there, I have no idea. Public, I don’t know how you could let that boring fag ash Lil (win), with what I now know to be a rotten mouth. She shouldn’t have won that show. I’m a bit tired of all these people on Loose Women winning.”

    When producers finally got Kim on Loose Women to discuss her feud with Coleen, all hell broke loose. As their war of words heated up, Coleen said her biggest mistake was not telling “antagonistic” Kim “how vile she was from day one” and that she “wanted to go at people all the time”.
    “I was very upset in that house and I pretended I wasn’t,” Kym spat back, her voice wobbling as she fought to keep her emotions in check. I was terribly upset; they picked on me. This one [pointing to Coleen], ‘cup of tea Kim, cup of tea?’ everyday and behind my back they were slagging me off”I don’t want to draw a line under it…I will never forget what the likes of this one and seven others put me through…I will never forget it because it was sad, awful and it was bloody cruel!” She was quick to storm off set while Coleen remained in her sit as her colleagues defended her.

  • Jemele Hill Unleashes Furious Rant Claiming Caitlin Clark Receives Different Treatment From Media Compared To Black Players

    Jemele Hill Unleashes Furious Rant Claiming Caitlin Clark Receives Different Treatment From Media Compared To Black Players

    Jemele Hill Unleashes Furious Rant Claiming Caitlin Clark Receives Different Treatment From Media Compared To Black Players

     

    Jemele Hill posing and Caitlin Clark in uniform

    Jemele and Caitlin Clark (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images) (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

    Jemele Hill has a serious issue with Caitlin Clark, but it’s not from something she did or said, but from the media who covers her.

    Caitlin Clark, the Iowa Hawkeyes superstar, is the biggest name in women’s college basketball over the past few years and it’s not even close. She has been billed as the female Stephen Curry and draws eyes to her just like him.

    Not only do fans flock to see her, but the media coverage of her is insane, which is a problem for Jemele Hill.

    The former ESPN host is arguing that the media covers white players like Caitlin Clark much more differently than they do with Black players.

    “Everything about this sport has been trending up for years now. It did not just start with Caitlin Clark,” Hill said in an interview with Uproxx.

    “A study I cited recently for a piece I wrote in The Atlantic [found that] when you compare [the coverage] of, say, someone like (Paige) Bueckers, Sabrina Ionescu, or Caitlin Clark to A’ja Wilson, who has dominated basketball at every single level. She’s probably the best player in the world right now. And I’m not trying to act like she gets no coverage, but the coverage that sometimes non-white women get, or specifically Black women get, is not even close. It’s two-to-one,” Hill added.

    Hill further added that A’ja Wilson, arguably the best player in the world, deserved more coverage than what Caitlin Clark is getting right now.

     

    “I mean, Aliyah Boston was the best player in college just a couple of years ago. And she did not get even a 10th of this media coverage that Caitlin Clark did. Now, some people would say, ‘Oh, it’s her game.’ But I don’t think it was that. She’s tremendous on television, and I’m thinking, What a missed opportunity for the national media to really elevate who she was as a person. Caitlin Clark seems to be a great personality, but it is not like Caitlin Clark is walking around saying crazy stuff. They’re just covering her excellence, and that’s good enough. Whereas it feels like for Black athletes to get the same amount of coverage or even fair coverage, there has to be something extra [beyond basketball].”

    Clark is having a fabulous run with the No. 1-seeded Iowa in her senior year. The superstar guard has broken several NCAA records as she looks to add a National Championship to her resume before she departs to the WNBA after the year.

    Despite what Jemele Hill may think, Clark will not only be etched in college basketball history for her incredible scoring feats but also for her overall impact on the women’s game.

    Caitlin Clark Has The Superstar Power To Take The WNBA To New Heights

    Caitlin Clark (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

    Caitlin Clark is a ratings and attendance darling in college, and she can bring that excitement surrounding her to the WNBA and that is a good thing for everyone.

     

    Not only can she be a draw for her home fans, but also for other fan bases on the road. The WNA is already trending upward and Clark will only help it go to even bigger heights with her presence.

    Everyone should be rooting that she turns out to be the WNBA version of Stephen Curry.

  • Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘risk losing £12m Montecito home’

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘risk losing £12m Montecito home’

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be at risk of losing their £12 million mansion in Montecito, California as the legal row surrounding the Duke of Sussex’s US visa rumbles on

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the 2023 Invictus Games in Dusseldorf
    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be at risk of losing their £12 million mansion in Montecito, California as the legal row surrounding the Duke of Sussex’s US visa rumbles on (Image: (Image: Getty))

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are caught up in a legal tussle that could see them lose their lavish £12 million Montecito home, as the controversy over the Duke of Sussex’s US visa intensifies.

    In a bold move last year, the Heritage Foundation filed a lawsuit demanding that the Biden administration disclose Harry’s US visa records, particularly to clarify if his self-confessed drug use was ever mentioned.

    Harry’s candid revelations about his past drug experiences in his explosive memoir ‘Spare’, released in January 2023, have sparked speculation about whether these admissions were reflected in his visa application.

    Harry at the Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service

    Harry was open about his past drug use in his 2023 memoir, Spare (Image: (Image: Getty))
    Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams spoke to The Sun about the potential PR nightmare this could spell for Prince Harry.

    He commented: “The fact of the matter is that it will be very embarrassing, or may be very embarrassing.”, reports the Express.

    “Harry may have included drug use on his application form. If he hasn’t, it will unquestionably make headlines, and that will not be beneficial so far as the Sussexes are concerned.”

    Fitzwilliams also pointed out that the Sussexes’ vocal criticism of the Royal Family might backfire, with accusations of hypocrisy looming over them.

    Prince Harry's house

    The Sussexes purchased their sprawling Montecito estate in 2020 (Image: (Image: SANATABARBARASLUXURYHOMES.COM))
    He continued: “If you attack an institution, supporters of that institution, or those who believe that you’ve been very unwise and very foolish, believe that there are double standards.”

    Should the visa issue escalate, Prince Harry faces the stark possibility of deportation from the US, which would mean abandoning the couple’s £12m dream house in California, where they live with their children Archie and Lilibet.

    Drug use can lead to the rejection of non-immigrant and immigrant visa applications, although immigration officers have the discretion to make the final call, considering various factors.

    Harry and Meghan at an event in Abuja

    If Harry has not declared his drug use on his visa application, he could be deported from the US and forced the sell the California home (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

    A US judge is currently examining the case, with a verdict expected in the coming weeks.

    The Department of Homeland Security has insisted that this information should be kept confidential and stated it will not be disclosed during President Biden’s tenure.

    A spokesperson for the Sussexes has been contacted for a comment by OK!.

  • Lilibet looks ‘100%’ like Princess Diana in sweet birthday photo, royal fans gush

    Lilibet looks ‘100%’ like Princess Diana in sweet birthday photo, royal fans gush

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle marked daughter Lilibet’s birthday earlier this week and royal fans have joined in the celebrations – with some claiming the young royal is the spitting image of a late relative

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with their children Archie and Lilibet outdoors in a previously unseen black and white image shared to the Netflix documentery
    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pictured with their children, Archie and Lilibet (Image: Netflix)

    Prince Harry and Megan Markle celebrated daughter Lilibet’s birthday earlier this week with a private party.

    The youngster was born on June 4, 2021, California, US, and named after her late great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II. Her parents also honoured Harry’s late mother by giving her the middle name, Diana.

    While this years’ celebrations were a low-key affair, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex gave fans an insight into their private life after they shared a clip of one of their daughter’s previous birthdays. The clip was taken during festivities at Frogmore Cottage and share in their Netflix docuseries and fans couldn’t help notice how much Lilibet looks like one Royal Family member.

    Princess Lilibet on her first birthday with her parents

    Princess Lilibet pictured with Harry and Meghan on her first birthday (Image: Netflix)
    On X, one royal fan said they noticed from her pictures how much she looks like her late grandmother. They said: “Happy Birthday Princess Lilli. You look so much like your grandmother, Princess Diana.”

    Others on X agreed, as one added: “I am convinced Lilibet will grow up to look just like Diana.” Another commented: “Lilibet looks 100% like her grandma (Princess Diana).”

    Meghan Markle smiling as she holds Princess Lilibet

    Fans reckon Lilibet looks just like Princess Diana

    “Archie looks like Meghan and Lilibet looks like Diana’s family,” another added. One other said: “The only granddaughter that resembles the late Princess Diana is Princess Lilibet of Sussex. Princess Lilibet inherited her grandmother blue eyes, face shape and smile.”

    Megan provided a sweet insight into Lilibet’s personality during a visit to the Lightway Academy in Abuja, ahead of the little one’s birthday. Taking part in a conversation about mental health, the Duchess of Sussex said: “Our daughter, Lili, she’s much, much tinier than you guys. She’s about to turn three.

    “And a few weeks ago she looked at me and she would just see the reflection in my eyes. And she said ‘Mama, I see me in you’. Oh, now she was talking really, literally. But I hung onto those words in a very different way. And I thought, yes, I do see me and you, and you see me and you, but as I look around this room, I see myself in all of you as well.”

  • Inside Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s daughter Lilibet’s third birthday at Montecito mansion

    Inside Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s daughter Lilibet’s third birthday at Montecito mansion

    To celebrate their daughter Princess Lilibet turning three, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly threw a pre-birthday bash which was attended by close friends and family

    Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently celebrated their daughter’s third birthday (Image: Phil Noble – Pool/Getty Images)

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been celebrating a very special occasion as their daughter Princess Lilibet turned three last month on Tuesday, 4 June. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are also parents to five year old son Prince Archie, reportedly threw an intimate pre-birthday bash for their little one at their stunning Montecito home.

    According to People magazine, the family kicked off celebrations early and enjoyed a pre-birthday bash the weekend prior to the big day surrounded by close friends and family as well as some of Lilibet’s pals.

    Prince Harry and Meghan have called California their home since moving to the US in 2020 with their son Archie, who was a year old at the time. Lilibet however was born in the US, with her doting parents revealing that they were “blessed” at her arrival.

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with their children

    Princess Lillibet celebrated her third birthday last month (Image: Netflix)
    A message from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their Archewell website read: “On June 4th, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili.

    “She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we’ve felt from across the globe. Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family.”

    Meanwhile, speaking to OK!, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond explained a few possibilities regarding how Lilibet could have spent her day.

    Lilibet Diana

    Meghan and Harry reportedly threw a pre-birthday party for their daughter (Image: Netflix)
    “Three-year-old birthday parties are all about bouncy castles and little girls in princess dresses,” she said. “Of course Lilibet is already a princess, but I’m sure her mum will still want to dress her up for her big day. After all, that’s half the fun of having a little girl.

    “If Lilibet is anything like my three-year-old granddaughter, now is the time that she will be pining for a pet to cuddle…and a make up bag full of child friendly (and washable) lipsticks and nail varnish. So I hope Harry is ready for guinea pig cage cleaning duties!”

    Meghan Markle and daughter Lilibet

    Lilibet was born on 4th June in 2021 (Image: Netflix)
    As for what the day itself, Jennie added: “I expect her birthday will be full of sunshine, squabbles with her brother, fun games with her toddler friends and some delicious home cooking from her mum.

    “It will no doubt be in all American affair at their Montecito mansion and I would expect to see a sprinkling of celebrities and a laid-back party, which hopefully will include some other toddlers.

    “It would be nice to think the day might include a video call to Lilibet’s grandfather, King Charles and hopefully some sort of gift has been arranged and will be delivered to Montecito for her birthday.”

  • ITV Loose Women mark milestone but viewers are left ‘cringing’

    ITV Loose Women mark milestone but viewers are left ‘cringing’

    ITV Loose Women mark milestone but viewers are left ‘cringing’

    Loose Women fans were left divided as they watched the show on Monday as the panel celebrated a huge milestone with long-serving panellist Janet Street-Porter

    Loose Women: Stephen Flynn says he won’t support England

    ITV’s Loose Women had viewers cringing as veteran panellist Janet Street-Porter marked a milestone with her 1000th episode on the show.

    The celebration kicked off on Monday, July 8, with host Christine Lampard leading the tribute alongside Coleen Nolan and Linda Robinson. They took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing over Janet’s unforgettable moments since she joined the panel in 2011.

    Janet’s colourful history of four marriages, which she often shares with viewers, her beloved pooch Badger, and her penchant for quality time with her canine companion were all hot topics. However, it was the recollection of Janet donning a hot dog costume that really caught everyone’s attention.

    Janet didn’t hold back, revealing her disdain for the outfit and her general aversion to dressing up. Despite her protests, her fellow panellists insisted she revisit the hot dog look from years gone by.

    The Loose Women panel dressed as hot dogs to celebrate Janet Street Porter

    The Loose Women panel dressed as hot dogs to celebrate Janet Street Porter (Image: ITV)

    Post-ad break, the audience was taken aback to see all four women sporting hot dog costumes in a show of solidarity with Janet. Christine Lampard declared, amidst laughter, “We’re doing this for you, Janet because we love you! “, reports the Mirror.

    Nonetheless, the antics didn’t end there. An Elton John tribute was even hired to serenade Janet towards the show’s culmination.

    However, amidst all the revelry, some viewers were less than pleased. Taking to social media platform, one viewer stated: “Hot dog panel. All time low. Cringe to the max.”

    Janet celebrated her 1000th episode

    Janet celebrated her 1000th episode (Image: ITV)

    Another bewildered viewer enquired: “What the fresh hell is this? ” A third one included a gif with the word “embarrassing” outrightly displayed on it.

    One disgruntled viewer added: “The show has been dumbed down for over a decade with poor content and scripted unexciting women. Same old, same old. The show needs to move up and not treat lunchtime viewings as dumbed-down television.”

    Yet, despite the criticism, some fans appreciated the lively content on offer. One enthusiast exclaimed: “Elton John impersonator TERRIFIC! “.

    Another advised: “Stop complaining about the people on loose women and what they say. Just deal with it.”

  • Laura Kuenssberg’s ‘disgraceful’ Ed Davey dig leaves BBC viewers demanding axe

    Laura Kuenssberg’s ‘disgraceful’ Ed Davey dig leaves BBC viewers demanding axe

    Laura Kuenssberg’s ‘disgraceful’ Ed Davey dig leaves BBC viewers demanding axe

    BBC viewers expressed their dismay over Laura Kuenssberg’s ‘diabolical’ introduction of Sir Ed Davey during her weekend interview with him.

    Ed Davey quizzed on post office scandal by Laura Kuenssberg

    Carol Vorderman has joined a raft of critics laying into Laura Kuenssberg after the BBC politics presenter allegedy made sly dig towards the Liberal Democrat leader.

    The 47-year-old BBC host interviewed Sir Ed Davey and began by explaining how the party had “ruthlessly targeted seats where the Conservatives had held them”.

    During her Sunday politics show, she added: “This election made history for all sorts of reasons, and when you put the votes together, the smaller parties got their highest ever share of the votes.

    “Maybe it was the bungee jumping, or maybe given that the Liberal Democrats want to change the voting system, ironically, perhaps they just learned how to play it better by ruthlessly targeting seats where the Conservatives had held them.”

    A video was then shown of Sir Ed and his party having a good time singing Sweet Caroline in a pub.

    BBC viewers have expressed their upset over Laura Kuenssberg

    Carol Vorderman is among many to publicly oppose Laura Kuenssberg’s comment (Image: BBC)

    Introducing him, she said: “Well, there he is, Ed Davey, the happiest man in Britain.

    “He looked like he was there, celebrating winning more than 70 seats, and he joined us this morning from south-west London.

    “Ed Davey, congratulations, I suppose, on your more than 70 seats.”

    Former Countdown star Carol, along with many fans, was irritated by Kuenssberg’s use of “I suppose” in her introduction.

    A video was shown of Ed and his party having a good time.

    Sir Ed Davey was interviewed on Laura Kuenssberg’s Sunday morning politics show (Image: BBC)

    They called for her to be replaced by Victoria Derbyshire. One fan even branded Kuenssberg “opinionated and often downright rude”.

    Vorderman tweeted: “Time for #bbclaurak to become #bbcVictoriaD don’t you think? @vicderbyshire Quite extraordinary. Vic D is exceptional and gives them all a hard time if that is what’s needed.

    “She knows her details and cuts through with any bias. BBC is lucky to have her.”

    Meanwhile, another viewer replied: “Diabolic introduction to her interview with Ed Davey from BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.

    “No spoilers, but pay close attention to the end of the clip. Can’t see anything to justify it.”

    Another added: “If I were Ed Davey, I’d have said: ‘What do you mean? It was a great achievement for us, and our strategy has worked wonders.’ The challenge goes both ways.”

    A fourth said: “‘Congratulations…I suppose.’ I think this sort of nonsense will be curtailed in coming months. I can’t see the Tory donor/grandee cabal that’s currently throttling the corporation retaining its influence for much longer. ”

    A fifth agreed: “I missed this bit of the programme this morning. Absolutely disgraceful from #LauraKuenssberg … she’s practically snarling as she says ‘Ed Davey, congratulations – I suppose’ … get rid of her.”

    Another chimed in with: “Dear @BBCNews. Please replace Laura Kuenssberg and Fiona Bruce with Victoria Derbyshire immediately. Kind regards, the British viewers.”

  • Emmerdale Mandy’s explosive secret ‘revealed’ – and fiancé Paddy will be heartbroken

    Emmerdale Mandy’s explosive secret ‘revealed’ – and fiancé Paddy will be heartbroken

    Emmerdale Mandy’s explosive secret ‘revealed’ – and fiancé Paddy will be heartbroken

    Emmerdale viewers have ‘worked out’ Mandy Dingle’s life-changing secret amid her engagement to Paddy Kirk

    Paddy and Mandy on Emmerdale

    Fans reckon Mandy is hiding something (Image: ITV)

    Emmerdale fans reckon Mandy Dingle is hiding a major secret – and it’s bad news for her fiancé Paddy Kirk.

    Soap legend Mandy (Lisa Riley) is a favourite on the ITV soap – making her debut way back in 1995. Since then, she’s played a part in several dramatic storylines.

    Over in the famous dales recently, she got engaged to former flame Paddy (Dominic Brunt), after resolving things following Paddy’s kids with estranged wife Chas (Lucy Pargeter).

    But during episodes from last week, fans noticed a huge change in Mandy. She was at first, on cloud nine when she got engaged, but recently she has appeared a little distracted.

    READ MORE: Emmerdale’s Samson prison exit twist, Matty in danger and Jai heartbreak

    Mandy on Emmerdale

    Mandy has been acting differently according to fans (Image: ITV)

    After a bad day work at work, Paddy suggested they spend an afternoon doing wedding prep – but Mandy wasn’t keen. He even asked her out right if she still wanted to get married.

    Looking sheepish, Mandy said yes, but pointed out she wants to enjoy the feeling of being engaged for a little while longer. However, fans of the soap reckon something more dramatic is on the cards for beloved couple Mandy and Paddy.

    Online, fans have shared their fears that “something is going on” with Mandy as she is “not interested” in Paddy anymore. On X, formerly known as Twitter, one person said: “what’s going on with Mandy? doesn’t she want to marry Paddy anymore? weird.”

    Mandy Dingle on Emmerdale

    Fans have ‘rumbled’ Mandy’s secret (Image: ITV)

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    A second also spoke out and claimed the character could be potentially set for a shock exit. They wrote: “Looks to me that Mandy is going through a mid-life crisis. Getting bored easily, wanting to do random exciting activities and not wanting to set a date to get married. Only a matter of time until she wants to leave the village.”

    Meanwhile, over on a Facebook fan page, other fans claimed they have ‘worked out’ her secret, and what exactly is wrong with her. One fan commented: “Why does Mandy not seem interested anymore?”

    A second replied: “I wonder if she’s married to someone?!” A third penned: “I was thinking the same.” Another replied: “This would be devastating for Paddy.”

  • Prince Harry and Meghan Markle put Royal gloom behind them with megabucks island holiday and ‘summer of fun’ at Disney

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle put Royal gloom behind them with megabucks island holiday and ‘summer of fun’ at Disney

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are planning a summer break away from the family drama which includes a special trip with their kids – and a stay on a remote island

    Meghan Markle smiling as she holds Princess Lilibet
    Meghan and Harry both want quality time with their children after a difficult few months (Image: No credit)

    After her father’s sad claims about the state of his relationship with his Duchess daughter, Meghan Markle is said to be waving goodbye to the drama and seeking sanctuary on a “remote island” with her family.

    According to our source, Meghan, 42, and Prince Harry, 39, are gearing up for a summer of “relaxing and having fun” with their two little ones. The Duke and Duchess have endured what probably feels like a fairly relentless run of negative attention this year, including the drama surrounding Harry’s flying visit to the UK in May, and the ongoing stories of strife with Prince William, 42, and Kate Middleton.

    Our source claimed the California-based couple wiped their family-drama slate clean, so to speak, on Independence Day (Thursday, 4 June), and are now only focussing on the positive things in their life – in particular their children, Prince Archie, five, and three-year-old Princess Lilibet.

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with kids Archie and Lilibet and, right, Meghan's dad Thomas Markle

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle want a summer of family and fun, our source says (Image: alexilubomirski/Instagram)
    “As usual her and Harry celebrated with the kids but she wants to use the next couple of months relaxing and having fun after a stressful year so far,” they told us.

    “Meghan wants to get away with Harry and the kids to a remote island so they can just have fun as a family without any outside pressure and be in complete luxury.”

    The couple have undertaken a number of high-profile events and trips this year, including their diary-filled joint visit to Nigeria, which came just a few days after Harry’s solo stay in the UK for his Invictus Games anniversary. His London visit was at risk of being overshadowed by the fact he failed to meet with his father, King Charles, who has been receiving treatment for his cancer.

    The first six months of the year also saw Meghan launch her own lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which hasn’t always attracted the attention she was likely hoping for.

    Meghan released a collection of jams as the first product from her new brand

    Meghan launched her American Riviera Brand back in March (Image: No credit)
    When she announced the brand in March – kicking it off with a special-edition and very limited production run of jam – it received very mixed reviews from both the public and some royal watchers, some of which reportedly left Meghan “in tears”.

    Given all this, our source said the mum of two is now dead set on stepping away from the headlines and focusing on making happy memories with her children and her husband – who is said to be planning a surprise for her 43rd birthday in August.

    “Archie and Lilibet are at that age now where they can do more adventurous stuff and Meghan has even talked about a trip to Disneyland as she knows they will be well looked after there and how much the children would love it,” they claimed.

    “Lili is very into Disney princesses right now and would be in her element.”

    The mansion is also home to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet

    Our source says Meghan is looking forward to some quality time with Archie and Lilibet (Image: Netflix)
    Meghan has also reportedly been relying heavily on her close circle of friends, especially in the fallout from her dad’s bombshell interview last month in which he revealed his sadness over his estrangement from her, and regret over having never met Prince Harry in person. At the time, Meghan was reportedly seeking support from her friends in Montecito, as well as her mum, Doria Ragland.

    Our source said her friends are another of Meghan’s priority this summer, and she’s planning a number of trips with them to help reset after a busy and stressful few months.

    “As much as family time is the priority, Meghan also wants to spend more time with her friends and do some girly trips away and have a pampering weekend,” they told us. “She’d also like her and her friends to also go on a trip somewhere with the kids, maybe a bit of glamping in one of the National Parks.”

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex skiing

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are both fans of the great outdoors (Image: WireImage)
    Despite American Riviera Orchard launching its website and social media back in March, the products – which include dog biscuits, jams, nut butters and oils – are still not available to buy. Meghan’s team has sent out a number of limited-edition products to their celebrity friends, including Harry’s polo player friend Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Figueras, and her former Suits co-star and BFF Abigail Spencer, and it’s rumoured to be rolling-out on a bigger scale after the summer.

    “She knows she’s got a busy autumn coming up with lots of new work commitments so she just wants to concentrate on family and friends this summer as she won’t have as much time for it in the run up to the end of the year,” our source said.

    “Plus it’s her birthday in August but she’s letting Harry arrange that and surprise her with something as he has always done.”

  • Kym Marsh hits out after critics slam star, 48, dating new man who is same age as her son

    Kym Marsh hits out after critics slam star, 48, dating new man who is same age as her son

    Kym Marsh hits out after critics slam star, 48, dating new man who is same age as her son

    Former Coronation Street star Kym Marsh and her new beau have hit back at trolls who have criticised their 21-year age gap, just hours after announcing that they are in a relationship.

    Kym

    Kym Marsh pictured with her son Dave Cunliffe as they attend The British Soap Awards (Image: WireImage)

    Kym Marsh went public with her new beau, who is nearly twenty years her junior, and clapped back at online trolls criticising their blossoming romance. The former Coronation Street star, 48, revealed her new relationship over the weekend with a public display of affection-filled post on social media. The post featured a romantic snapshot of her sharing a kiss with Samuel Thomas, her co-star in 101 Dalmatians: The Musical.

    “Met the most amazing man ever! Sometimes the most unexpected things happen at the most unexpected times. @samuelthomasuk I love you #beautiful #soulmate #loveyou,” she wrote alongside the loved-up photo shared with her followers.

    Many fans were quick to congratulate Kym on her new relationship. One fan wrote: “So pleased for you.”

    Another added: “I’m so happy for you Kym! You deserve all the happiness.”

    However, not everyone was as thrilled for the former Corrie actress and her new partner. One troll harshly commented: “Jesus… another amazing man… 5 minute wonder… he looks like your son.”

    Kym

    Kym Marsh attends the Royal Television Society Programme Awards (Image: Getty Images)

    To which Kym retorted: “Do one.”

    Another troll asked: “Did she just get married? Literally can’t keep up.”

    While a third remarked: “You said that about the last bloke the other year.”

    A fourth troll commented: “He looks like your son! Kym I like you but keep it private ffs.”

    Kym

    Kym Marsh’s went public with her new beau Samuel Thomas (Image: Kym Marsh Instagram)

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    In response to the trolling, Kym shot back with the words “do one” at her critics, while her boyfriend Samuel also stepped in, questioning: “I wonder what’s missing from your life that you need to comment on others. Sad really.”

    The mother-of-three, 48, had previously confirmed her romance with fellow actor Samuel, a co-star in her touring production of 101 Dalmatians, in a social media post. Kym portrays the notorious Cruella de Vil in the show, while he performs as Tom Dearly.

    At 29, Scott – who she refers to as “the most amazing man ever” – is the same age as her eldest child, David Cunliffe.

    On his personal Instagram page, Samuel shared a touching monochrome image of him and his new love interest, captioning the photograph: “I didn’t expect you, but here you are. I love you,” accompanied by a heart emoji. In response, Kym commented: “Ditto. The best things happen unexpectedly. Love you too.”

    Samuel

    Actor Samuel Thomas is starring in a musical alongside Kym Marsh (Image: Instagram Samuel Thomas)

    Kym is a parent to son David, 29, and daughter Emilie, 27, from a former relationship with builder David Cunliffe.

    The couple, who met in a Lancashire pub, separated in 1999, shortly after she found fame on TV talent show Popstars.

    Two years later Kym met Jack Ryder, a household name at the time thanks to his role as Jamie Mitchell in EastEnders. They wed in 2002 but divorced seven years later.

    The Weatherfield actress dated actor Jamie Lomas four months after her separation from Jack

    Kym Marsh and her new man are slamming harsh critics

    Kym Marsh and her new man are slamming harsh critics (Image: Getty Images)

    They went on to welcome their daughter Polly in 2011 and the following year tied the knot. The couple divorced in 2014.

    She remarried for a third time to Scott Ratcliff back in 2021 but the pair split 13 months following their wedding.