Gemma Atkinson and her fiancé Gorka Marquez have opened up about how their daughter, Mia, copes with their long-distance relationship.

Ever since they met on the 2017 series of Strictly Come Dancing, Gemma and Gorka have been forced to spend a lot of time apart for their careers.

And now, six years after they started dating, they seem to have found a system that works for them. But that doesn’t mean it is without its difficulties.

Gemma and Gorka have been in a lon-distance romance since the start of their relationship (Credit: Brett D. Cove / SplashNews.com)

Gemma Atkinson on long-distance impact on daughter Mia

Speaking to Heat Magazine, Gemma and Gorka opened up on how their relationship works for them.

When asked how they “navigate” long-distance, Gorka admitted by this point both of them are “used to it”.

He explained: “Some relationships, the couple are always together. So, when they have to go away for a job, or separate for a period of time, it’s harder. But for us, we did long-distance from the beginning.”

Gemma admitted they found it “difficult” and “tough” when Gorka was away for months during the pandemic, as the Strictly cast had to be in a bubble together, and their daughter, Mia, was only one.

Speaking about how Mia, now six, copes while Gorka is away, Gemma admitted that they Facetime a lot, but it was “easier” when she was younger. The couple also have a young son, Thiago, who is two years old.

Gemma said: “It was easier when Mia was younger because I could take her to rehearsals. Now, though, it’s restricted because she is in school. I can’t just nip her out for a week to go and see him.”

The couple have now revealed that when Gorka only has a day or two off, he doesn’t head home now. This is so that he doesn’t cause more distress for Mia. The dancer, who has been working on the Spanish version of Strictly this year, explained: “This time, I didn’t come home every week. And actually it was easier for Mia.”

Gemma agreed: “If he comes and then goes, it is harder for her. For him to be back for a week, then leave, then come back, it’s the whole saying goodbye every time. We mark on the calendar when he is home and she can count down.”

Gemma has a countdown for Mia (Credit: SplashNews.com)

When are Gemma and Gorka getting married?

Back in 2021, Gemma and Gorka made the beautiful announcement that they were engaged. But four years later, they aren’t married yet.

However, Gemma has been very open about why that hasn’t happened yet, as she initially didn’t want to lose the connection to her dad, who died when she was 17 years old.

But in recent months, Gemma has revealed that the pair are starting to think more about it.

Just a few weeks ago, while at Pride of Britain, Gemma sparked rumours she and Gorka had gotten married as many believed she wore a ‘wedding dress’. But after the backlash, Gorka even hit out in Gemma’s defence against the trolls.

Tom Fletcher and his 11-year-old son Buzz delivered one of the most emotional moments of this year’s Children In Need, stunning millions of viewers with a father-son duet so moving that social media erupted into tears.

Buzz, often jokingly dubbed a “nepo baby”, proved he needed no such label tonight as he stepped onto the BBC stage alongside his McFly star dad and sang Thread of Hope with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

The song, written by Tom especially for Pudsey and the new 25-minute animated CBeebies film Thread of Hope, became the emotional centrepiece of the night. And as soon as the final note faded, Buzz couldn’t hide his pride. Beaming, he said that performing with his dad at Children In Need felt “absolutely incredible” and admitted he had always wanted to follow in Tom’s footsteps after watching him on stage with McFly.

Fans flocked to X in floods of emotion. One viewer wrote that they were “sobbing at Tom Fletcher and his kid”, while another declared the duet “everything and more”.

Tom shares Buzz, Buddy, and Max with his wife, author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher. Earlier this year, Buzz made headlines when he landed a role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical Starlight Express.

The telethon continued delivering unforgettable moments — none more jaw-dropping than Sara Cox’s live revelation that her brutal 135-mile marathon challenge raised an extraordinary £9,523,028. Stunned and visibly shaking, Sara gasped and covered her mouth as Paddy McGuinness announced the total. Fighting tears, she told viewers, “A massive thank you, I could not have done it without you… there’s a lot of bad things going on in the world, but Children In Need reminds you there is more good.”

Prince William also recorded a heartfelt video message, praising her strength and telling her the nation was proud.

Elsewhere, Lewis Capaldi unveiled his brand-new single The Day That I Die, while EastEnders fans were sent into hysterics by a sketch featuring mini versions of Kat Slater, Billy Mitchell, and Phil Mitchell storming through the Queen Vic. One viewer joked that the kids were “better actors than the adults”.

Strictly Come Dancing’s Neil Jones showed courage of a different kind as he returned to the stage for a charity workout — just one day after announcing the heartbreaking death of his father David. Despite the grief, Neil smiled for the cameras, sparkling in his competition outfit as he joined Mel Giedroyc and Joe Wicks.

Rochelle Humes stunned in a strapless burgundy gown, while hosts Vernon Kay, Paddy McGuinness, Lenny Rush, Big Zuu and Mel Giedroyc kept the energy soaring during the telethon’s Simpsons-themed opening and surprise celebrity appearances.

By the end of the night, Children In Need 2025 had achieved the unthinkable: an astronomical £45 million, powered by music, laughter, and moments that united the country.

Charlene White has revealed she has been left in tears over ‘horrific abuse’ from online trolls.

The Loose Women presenter, 40, told how she has been targeted by vicious social media users in the past, including some who started a petition to try and get her fired from ITV which they called the ‘Sack the S**g campaign’.

She said: ‘I do get some horrific abuse. But it’s the weird dynamic that because it happens so often, I’m very used to it – which I shouldn’t have to be. I’m a black woman in the public eye, so for a lot of people I’m fair game.

‘It all came to a head when a member of the EDL [English Defence League] said, “I’ve heard there’s a black girl on ITV that doesn’t wear a poppy” and told his followers to abuse me in any way they could find me.

Charlene said she received several thousand comments along with the petition to try and get her sacked from ITV, describing the abuse as ‘overwhelming’.

She said: ‘As long as it doesn’t get as bad as that, it’s manageable. But that upset me a lot. It takes a lot to make me cry, but it got to a point where it was really overwhelming and really did make me cry. It’s never been to that particular level since.’

Charlene added she gets online abuse anytime she speaks publicly about race, which she thinks is down to a lack of education.

The broadcaster is co-hosting a new documentary called Trevor McDonald & Charlene White: Has George Floyd Changed Britain?

The show looks at Britain’s response to race in the aftermath of George Floyd’s killing and whether there has been change since.

Charlene said she hopes the documentary will inspire conversations ‘by the coffee machine’ among co-workers.

The star likened the conversation around race to that previously had around sexism, saying she would like racism to be called out the same way discrimination against women is.

Charlene White has revealed she has been left in tears over ‘horrific abuse’ from online trolls.

The Loose Women presenter, 40, told how she has been targeted by vicious social media users in the past, including some who started a petition to try and get her fired from ITV which they called the ‘Sack the S**g campaign’.

Speaking to Love Sunday magazine, Charlene said she believes a lot of trolls think she is ‘fair game’ because she is a ‘black woman in the public eye’.

She said: ‘I do get some horrific abuse. But it’s the weird dynamic that because it happens so often, I’m very used to it – which I shouldn’t have to be. I’m a black woman in the public eye, so for a lot of people I’m fair game.

‘It all came to a head when a member of the EDL [English Defence League] said, “I’ve heard there’s a black girl on ITV that doesn’t wear a poppy” and told his followers to abuse me in any way they could find me.

Charlene said she received several thousand comments along with the petition to try and get her sacked from ITV, describing the abuse as ‘overwhelming’.

She said: ‘As long as it doesn’t get as bad as that, it’s manageable. But that upset me a lot. It takes a lot to make me cry, but it got to a point where it was really overwhelming and really did make me cry. It’s never been to that particular level since.’

Charlene added she gets online abuse anytime she speaks publicly about race, which she thinks is down to a lack of education.

The broadcaster is co-hosting a new documentary called Trevor McDonald & Charlene White: Has George Floyd Changed Britain?

The show looks at Britain’s response to race in the aftermath of George Floyd’s killing and whether there has been change since.

Charlene said she hopes the documentary will inspire conversations ‘by the coffee machine’ among co-workers.

The star likened the conversation around race to that previously had around sexism, saying she would like racism to be called out the same way discrimination against women is.

According to The Sun, Alex, best known for fronting The One Show for 15 years, is “in talks” to co-host the BBC dance competition alongside The Chase favourite Bradley Walsh. Insiders say the pairing is seen as “a perfect balance,” combining Bradley’s humour and Alex’s calm professionalism.

“Tess and Claudia’s exit plan has been known for a while,” a source revealed. “Bradley and Alex are both accomplished broadcasters. He brings the wisecracks, and she’s the steady hand who thrives under live TV pressure. Alex is also a huge Strictly fan — this would be her dream gig.”

BBC bosses are reportedly keen to “refresh” the series with a new logo and updated energy but have reassured fans that the studio, theme music, and judging panel will remain unchanged.

Alex is no stranger to the Strictly ballroom — she previously competed on the show in 2011, making it all the way to the semi-finals with professional partner James Jordan.

The shake-up comes after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman jointly confirmed in September that they would be leaving at the end of this season. Their heartfelt statement read: “Hosting Strictly together has been an absolute dream. We always said we’d leave together — and now feels like the right time.”

While Claudia is rumoured to be developing her own chat show, Tess is reportedly considering a move to the US. PR expert Mark Borkowski told The Mirror that Tess’s decision “feels strategic,” adding: “This could be her Madonna reinvention phase — same warmth, new edge. She has the polish to slide into glossy American TV without missing a beat.”

With potential replacements including Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Fleur East, and Hannah Waddingham, the BBC appears to be carefully shaping a new era for its Saturday night juggernaut — one that could see Alex Jones stepping firmly into the spotlight once again.

The emotional revelation turned an ordinary broadcast into a raw and deeply human moment that left listeners in tears.

 “It’s Been One Blow After Another”

Health update: Broadcaster Chris Evans has revealed he’s been diagnosed with skin cancer

Speaking with a trembling voice, Chris shared the painful truth with his audience:

“It feels like life has thrown everything at us lately… Dad’s gone, Mum’s still in treatment, and now this. But I’m trying to stay hopeful — because I know how lucky I am that mine was caught early.”

Family man: Chris has three sons and one daughter with professional golfer and part-time model Natasha, 38

The much-loved presenter explained that doctors diagnosed him with melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, but assured listeners that it was detected at an extremely early stage, giving him strong chances of a full recovery.

 “An Angel Saved My Life”

The running enthusiast jokingly added : ‘I can’t run for a month afterwards so I’m going to do nothing but run until then. Is that OK?’

Chris credited a simple act of kindness for saving his life.
He told listeners how his massage therapist — whom he described as “an angel sent from heaven” — noticed an unusual freckle on his leg during a routine session.

Fame and fortune: Chris became a household name thanks to his wild lifestyle and TV show, TFI Friday – pictured with Billie Piper in the 2000s who he later married and divorced

Doctors later confirmed that the freckle was an early-stage melanoma. Chris said his treatment is scheduled for September 14, adding that he would be taking a short break from running, one of his greatest passions.

 “Dad Would Want Me to Keep Fighting”

Step back in time: The couple were married from 2001 – 2007 and famously went on one long booze bender together

Chris then opened up about the pain of losing his father earlier this summer — a loss that came just as his mother was beginning a new round of chemotherapy.

“Dad’s passing broke us. He was always the strong one, the funny one. And now, seeing Mum fight every day — it’s hard. But if they can be that brave, so can I.”

Tying the knot: Billie and Chris married in a secret Las Vegas ceremony at the Little Church of the West for which she wore flips flops and a sarong, with the groom in an open-necked shirt (pictured on their wedding day in 2001)
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Colleagues and fans were quick to send messages of love and strength. One co-host described the moment as “heartbreaking but inspiring,” while listeners flooded social media with messages like “We’re with you, Chris. Keep fighting — for yourself and your family.”

 “Caught Early — That’s the Miracle”

Chris emphasised the importance of early detection, urging listeners to pay attention to any changes in their skin:

“If you see something that doesn’t look right — a freckle, a mole, anything — get it checked. That’s what saved me.”

He went on to explain that his cancer was classified as Stage 0, one of the earliest and most treatable stages possible.

“It’s a miracle they caught it this early. I’m grateful — for the doctors, for my family, for that one person who cared enough to say something.”

 A Message of Hope

TFI Friday: Chris had all the greats on his hugely popular talk show in the 90s and 00s – pictured with Noel Fielding
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Despite enduring unimaginable pain — losing his father, watching his mother fight for her life, and now facing his own diagnosis — Chris Evans remains a symbol of courage and optimism.

“We’ve been through hell as a family,” he admitted. “But even now, we laugh, we talk, we remember the good days. That’s what keeps us going.”

His honesty and vulnerability have sparked an outpouring of compassion from fans and colleagues across the country. Many called his live revelation “one of the bravest moments in British radio.”

Coronation Street legend and Loose Women star Sue Cleaver addresses the ‘depressing’ talk of co-star feuds, as well as her Corrie exit and search for new horizons

Sue has a strong opinion on all the talk of the Loose Women ‘feuds'(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Sue Cleaver is looking forward to a summer of countryside strolls and new experiences after walking out of Weatherfield for the final time. The Hertfordshire-born actress’s final scenes as Coronation Street ’s Eileen Grimshaw aired on 6 June and, as she’s quick to tell Love Sunday during our exclusive chat, she is very much about “embracing change and living fearlessly”.

Now 61, and after 25 years on Corrie , the Loose Women regular is on a mission to learn – or to be more specific, learn about herself. “I’ve made massive decisions to reinvent myself and embrace change. This is the time of life when society wants you to just go away quietly,” says Sue.

Sue was part of the Coronation Street cast for an incredible 25 years(Image: ITV)

She continues, “But this is the period, for a lot of women who have put themselves second – because they’ve brought up families, had mortgages, etcetera – when we hit an age and think, ‘What now? Who am I?’

“Everything I’ve done in the last year has been about reinvention and discovery. I’d like to say I’m one of life’s learners, and I never stop learning. I’m just getting really interested in me, and challenging all the beliefs I had about myself.”

Her next professional reinvention will be from screen to stage, as she takes on a new role in Theatr Clwyd and Bolton Octagon’s co-production of Snake In The Grass later this summer. It’s especially exciting, she explains, because it’s a “full circle” moment.

“The Octagon Theatre in Bolton is where I got my first equity card. I must’ve been in eight or nine plays there. So to be going back there at this stage in my life feels sort of full circle, it’s quite lovely.”

Sue is a regular on the daily ITV panel show(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Of course, we also see the star as an occasional panellist on Loose Women , which is set for some big changes – including losing the studio audience – come January, amid a raft of ITV cuts.

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“I love that show. It’s brilliant. I’ve known all the girls for years, so, yeah,” she says, when we ask if she’s hoping for more appearances now that her work calendar is less full. And what of the speculation about women at war and in-fighting?

“They always like to say ‘catfights’, but they only say that about women, don’t they? They wouldn’t dream of saying that when it’s blokes presenting something. Actually we’re very tight. But it happens a lot when Denise [Welch] and I are on together.

“We’ve known each other for 25 years – we’re close friends and have a sort of shorthand in the way we communicate. The press will say ‘massive fallout’, but I’ve never fallen out with Denise in my life! It’s quite awful, we’ve still got so far to go that it’s depressing.”

Sue says she finds the talk of the Loose Women feuding depressing(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Off-screen, Sue’s been fighting her own quiet health battle. She has lived with Type 2 diabetes for 29 years, and describes its effect on her as running “a mental marathon, every single day”.

In the last three years, she’s relieved some of the mental load by wearing a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor, which provides automatic glucose readings without the need for a finger prick.

“I can’t explain the mental fatigue you get, it’s like an app running in the background of your brain, a constant noise of ‘What’s my sugar? Did I take my meds? What can I eat to avoid a spike?’

“It’s like constant brain drain from making decisions, and the stress affects people because, unlike a diet, diabetes management is lifelong and that decision fatigue manifests in skipped medications and poor food choices. It’s not about being lazy, people get totally overwhelmed and I really relate to that.”

Sue says access to accurate readings taken every few minutes means she doesn’t have to constantly debate her eating habits and activity levels.

She also praises recent Race Across The World competitor, teenager Fin Gough, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes aged 11 and navigated his way from northeastern China to southern India with girlfriend Sioned Cray.

Fin took part in Race Across the World with a CGM to manage his diabetes(Image: BBC/Studio Lambert)

“One of the biggest things for me was when I was about to do a live performance, go on a chat show or on stage, the inner stress and cortisol running through my body would have an impact on my sugars. So, I’d be thinking, ‘God, are my sugar levels enough to get me through this without having a hypo [hypoglycemic event]?’

“I’d have to get out my blood test kit and check I was going to be able to get through the first half without having to top up. That noise is dialled down now. I can get on with what I’m supposed to be doing.”

Another unwelcome side effect of her diabetes – and also of being on television – has been the spotlight on her appearance, more specifically, her weight. Sue has become the subject of many “body transformation” headlines, especially in recent years, as she lost significant weight.

What does she make of all the talk? “I tend to refuse to get involved in those conversations because I don’t like anybody to look to me for advice. The reality is I was very ill a few years ago, it’s had huge ramifications on my body and I’ve made huge changes in my life.

“I gave up drinking for two years, I try to go to the gym every day during the week, I’ve changed how I view the world. I always thought I hated the gym – then I realised that was just a thought. I don’t hate the gym, I just thought I did.”

Sue has a theory; that fear is the biggest barrier to change, which is why she’s “very much about living fearlessly”.

One of her greatest demonstrations of this was agreeing to take part in the 22nd series of I’m A  Celebrity in 2022, with Boy George, Matt Hancock, Mike Tindall and eventual winner, Jill Scott.

Sue finally said yes to joining the jungle(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

“I’d been asked several times and always said no,” she laughs. “Then I thought, ‘Why am I saying no?’ And my reason was fear. I was terrified. I decided that wasn’t a good enough excuse.

“And when I got there, I couldn’t believe I might’ve missed it because I was frightened of taking a chance. I had the best experience and I’m thrilled I did it. There were great people in the group, we bonded really well and we all behaved like grown-ups.”

Now, one could argue that leaving Coronation Street after a quarter of a century was a huge decision – but it’s one she’s equally pleased about.

Unusually, although maybe not surprising given her status as a Weatherfield legend, Sue was invited to be involved in the conversations about Eileen’s exit, which essentially started with a question of life or death.

“They said, ‘What kind of exit would you like? Dramatic? Do you want a final death?’ And I said I didn’t. I said I really wanted Eileen’s son, Jason, to come back, and for it to mirror what I’m doing in my own life. For Eileen to get out there, live fearlessly, live bravely.”

Sue didn’t want a grisly end, so Eileen left the Cobbles for bigger and better things(Image: ITV)

She filmed her final scenes with her on-screen son Ryan Thomas at the end of May and after a post-work celebratory meal with cast and crew, bid her final farewell to the Manchester set the following day.

An early train to London, she explains, meant she didn’t have time to sit and mope, and with her husband Brian Owen still working behind-the-scenes on the show, it’s certainly not a permanent goodbye.

“That show’s always been about the people, the sense of family and community, and I don’t feel I’ve lost that. I had absolutely no doubt I was doing the right thing, and I’m not somebody who dwells on the past. Past thoughts are dead thoughts, I try to live in the present and enjoy every single moment.”

Within hours, hashtags like #StandWithRylan and #YoureNotAloneRylan swept through social media, as thousands of people sent him words of encouragement. One fan wrote that Rylan had “given us years of joy — now it’s our turn to give that back,” while another reminded, “Behind the smile, he’s human. Stay strong, Rylan — we love you.”

Celebrities have joined the chorus of support too. Rob Rinder called him “a man of resilience and kindness who deserves the world’s support,” and Strictly Come Dancing’s Giovanni Pernice shared a heartfelt message: “Brother, you’ve carried so many others. Let us carry you now.”

Despite facing public scrutiny — including backlash over his comments on This Morning — Rylan remains one of the most sought-after names in British entertainment. Insiders from both the BBC and Channel 4 revealed that producers continue to see him as “a face of honesty and connection” in television.

Rylan has long been open about heartbreak, mental health struggles, and the pressures of fame — the very honesty that has made audiences love him. As one media analyst put it: “People don’t just watch Rylan — they feel connected to him. That’s why the words ‘You’re not alone’ strike such a deep chord.”

Those close to Rylan say the immense wave of love has moved him to tears and reignited his determination to keep going. One fan summed up the sentiment perfectly: “He’s lifted us with joy for years. Now it’s our turn to lift him. Rylan, you’re not alone — not today, not ever.”

Strictly Come Dancing‘s Ellie Goldstein has revealed she is dancing to K-Pop Demon Hunters’ biggest hit this weekend.

Model and actress Ellie and her professional partner, Vito Coppola, have been given the smash-hit tune Golden for their next dance.

It comes just a week after social media star George Clarke and Alexis Warr performed a Couple’s Choice to K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Soda Pop. And viewers have expressed concerns for Ellie over the decision to dance another K-Pop Couple’s Choice so soon after George and Alexis’…
Ellie Goldstein is dancing to K-Pop Demon Hunters’ biggest hit on Strictly Come Dancing this weekend (Credit: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing: Ellie’s K-Pop Demon Hunters reveal

Ellie and Vito revealed their song choice on Monday night’s Strictly: It Takes Two (October 13). As Golden began playing in the studio, the pair danced in their seats.

Host Fleur East then asked for a sneak peek at their routine. The only trouble was, Ellie began giving too much away and Vito had to step in!

Vito told Fleur: “It’s going to be an Ellie celebration. We are going to celebrate Ellie. Can we give away some steps?” Vito and Ellie then proceeded to show Fleur their ‘Snake Step’ and our ‘Peacock Step’. But as Ellie continued showing more movements with her arms, Vito wrapped his own arms around her and said: “No, we don’t want to give it away all the choreography!”

Ellie then told Fleur they have some “twerking moments”, before standing up and proceeding to twerk. Vito exclaimed: “We don’t want to give it away!” Ellie added: “It’s not a spoiler, just a dance move that I know!”

More K-Pop Demon Hunters?!

However, Strictly fans expressed their worries for Ellie, sharing concerns that her Couple’s Choice will be directly compared to George’s, given that she too is dancing to a K-Pop Demon Hunters song. One said: “Two K-Pop songs is a row is a massive risk.”

Others complained that the BBC needs to stop pushing the film on the show…

“Two weeks running now a Couple’s Choice has been done to this K-Pop Demons Hunters thing (which alot of people don’t know). #Strictly needs to stop trying to push it down our throats,” said one. “Maybe they should just rename Couple’s Choice K-Pop Demon Hunters,” said another.

“I’m sorry but why are we having Couple’s Choices to songs from K-Pop Demon Hunters two weeks running?” another asked. “Wait so Ellie and Vito are doing a Couple’s Choice to a K-Pop Demon Hunters song the week after george and alexis did Couple’s Choice to K-Pop Demon Hunters?!” said another.
Vito had to stop Ellie from revealing too much of their Couples’ Choice dance (Credit: BBC)

Ellie’s top score yet

Last Saturday, Ellie and Vito took on a Samba. Their dance was inspired by the Barbie Movie and they received their best score yet. They finished the leaderboard with 27 points, which placed them eighth from the top out of 13. Ellie said: “We cannot believe it!” Vito added: “We were pinching ourselves.”

When asked how much more they have to give, Vito added: “There is so much potential. We are working on so many skills Ellie has.” He added: “We are hiding some of it. We want to slowly, slowly give…but not too much away. We are like a blossoming flower and slowly showing out beautiful colours.”

Stefan confirms his return

Monday’s Strictly: It Takes Two also featured an appearance from Stefan Dennis and his pro partner, Dianne Buswell. Stefan was forced to pull out of Movie Week after falling ill. But he has now confirmed he will be back in the ballroom this Saturday.

The Neighbours legend told viewers in a video message: “We’re back in the training room and, if all goes well – which it will – I’m going to be back on the floor with the lovely Dianne this Saturday. I’m looking forward to it.”

Stefan and Dianne confirmed they will be doing the Charleston, but they did not reveal their song choice.

FOUR iconic Strictly celebrities will return to the show for a spectacular Blackpool group dance next week.

Former Strictly champion and The Wanted star Jay McGuiness, 35, will be returning to the dancefloor, 10 years after he lifted the Glitterball Trophy.

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Strictly welcomes back FOUR iconic celebrities to the show next weekCredit: PA
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The iconic stars will return to the show for a spectacular Blackpool group danceCredit: Getty
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Strictly champ Jay McGuiness will return to the dancefloorCredit: PA
While not one but THREE finalists will also be making a comeback.

Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts, ex-Hollyoaks’ Danny Mac and former Waterloo Road star Layton Williams will join forces with the Strictly pros for a dazzling routine at The Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

It will see them each revisit one of their most famous Strictly moments.

Jay McGuiness was crowned Strictly champion in 2015, with Danny Mac and Ashley Roberts reaching the finals of their Strictly series in 2016 and 2018 respectively, and Layton becoming a Strictly finalist most recently, in 2023.

All four danced in Blackpool as part of their series.

The new routine will feature elements of Jay and Ashley’s iconic Jives, Danny’s famous Samba, and Layton’s showstopping Quickstep.

Strictly Come Dancing‘s 2025 Blackpool specials will air on the weekend of 22-23 November.

Blackpool’s Saturday live show will open with a huge performance from Steps of their biggest hits, accompanied by the pros, celebrities and the four judges.

The returning finalists’ routine, choreographed by Jason Gilkinson, will air as part of Blackpool’s Sunday results show, which will also feature a very special performance from Lewis Capaldi.

On returning to Strictly, Ashley Roberts said: “I’m so excited and grateful to be back on the shiny floor in Blackpool again. Nearly a decade later, let’s see if these jive legs can still do their thing! Sequins always help, I’m sure.”

Danny Mac shared: “Dancing in Blackpool was an absolute highlight of my time on Strictly. To be heading back up to The Tower Ballroom once again is as thrilling as it is terrifying, but I can’t wait to be reunited with all the wonderful people who make this show.”

Jay McGuiness said: “I feel extremely lucky to be part of the Strictly alumni that are going to shake our booties again. I’m ready to have some fun with the old gang and the new gang.”

Layton Williams added: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be back on THE most iconic dance floor there is. Blackpool brings back so many fab memories and it’s a true honour to be invited back… Let’s hope I’ve still got it, eh?!”

Strictly Come Dancing continues this weekend on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, where the eight remaining couples will fight for their place in Blackpool.

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Layton Williams is also set to dazzle on the dancefloor once againCredit: PA
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Ex-Hollyoaks’ Danny Mac will also be returningCredit: PA
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Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts will be performing in the group numberCredit: PA

THE MAN WHO MAKES BRITAIN LAUGH
Every evening, millions of viewers switch on The Chase for one reason — Bradley Walsh.

His warmth, his mischief, his unstoppable laughter — they’ve made him a national treasure. He’s the man who can turn a simple quiz question into a comedy routine, the TV host whose laugh feels like a hug from a friend

But behind that laugh is a truth few have ever seen: a man fighting a relentless, private battle with pain.

And now, that secret has quietly surfaced — not from Bradley himself, but from someone who loves him most.

“Dad’s condition is really bad,” his son confessed. “He hides it from the cameras… but not from me.”

BEHIND THE SMILE — A DAILY BATTLE
To the public, Bradley Walsh is unstoppable — always smiling, always shining. But off-screen, he has been living with blepharitis, a chronic eye condition that causes constant burning, swelling, and pain.

What fans thought was tiredness or age has, in truth, been years of silent suffering.

“People don’t realise how much he endures,” his son revealed. “He takes medication every day. If he misses even one dose, the swelling gets so bad he can barely open his eyes.”

And yet, every morning, he wakes up, takes his medicine, and walks onto the studio floor — ready to make Britain laugh.

“HE COMES HOME, RUBS HIS EYES… AND SAYS NOTHING”
Behind the laughter lies a man of quiet endurance.

“He comes home late,” his son shared. “He sits down, rubs his eyes, and tries to hide the pain. Then he’ll joke, ‘Not bad for an old bloke falling apart, eh?’ Everyone laughs — but I can see how much it hurts.”

To millions, he’s the life of the show. To his family, he’s the man who keeps smiling through agony — not for fame, but out of love for his audience.

“He’s old-school,” an ITV colleague explained. “He believes the show must go on. Pain, age, exhaustion — none of it stops him. That’s Bradley.”

THE HEART OF A WORKING-CLASS HERO
Born in Watford, Bradley grew up in a modest home. Before fame, he was a footballer, then a factory worker, before finding his calling in comedy. Every laugh he earned came from grit, not glamour.

“He’s proud,” his son said. “He never wants pity. He just wants to make people smile. He always says, ‘There are worse things in the world, son. I’m lucky.’”

Doctors have warned that surgery may soon be needed, but he shrugs it off.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” he tells friends, ever the optimist.

“HE REFUSES TO LET THE PAIN WIN”
For years, colleagues have noticed the signs.

“Some days, his eyes were red and sore under the lights,” one crew member recalled. “We’d ask if he was okay, and he’d laugh — ‘Bit tired, mate!’ Then he’d step in front of the camera and light up the room.”

That resilience — that refusal to let pain define him — has become his signature.

“He doesn’t want people to feel sorry for him,” another insider said. “He wants to be remembered for the joy he gives, not the pain he hides.”

And thanks to his son’s quiet confession, the world now sees that joy in a new light.

“HE’S MY HERO — EVEN WHEN HE CAN BARELY SEE”
Perhaps the most touching words came from his son:

“He’s my hero. Even when he’s in pain, he still makes everyone laugh. I’ve watched him sit there with ice on his eyes before filming — then walk out and give 100%. He’s tougher than anyone realises.”

The family’s love for him runs deep — part pride, part heartbreak.

“He’d rather suffer in silence than make anyone worry,” his son admitted. “He hides it from the world, but not from us.”

A NATION’S OUTPOURING OF LOVE
Since the revelation, fans have flooded social media with messages of support.

“Bradley Walsh has given us years of laughter — now it’s our turn to send love back,” one fan wrote.
“He makes millions smile through pain — that’s real courage,” another said.

Celebrities have also reached out privately. Lorraine Kelly, Ruth Langsford, and Eamonn Holmes sent heartfelt messages, calling him “the kindest man in television.”

Even his Chasers co-stars shared tributes. Mark Labbett — “The Beast” — wrote, “You’re the heart of the show, mate. Don’t push yourself too hard.”

A FATHER’S LOVE, A SON’S FAITH
Their father-son bond has always been adored — especially through their travel series Breaking Dad. But now, fans see something deeper: two men bound by laughter, strength, and love.

“Dad doesn’t realise how much he inspires people,” his son said softly. “He shows up, even when it hurts. That’s what strength really looks like.”

“I tell him I’m proud,” he added. “He’ll just laugh and say, ‘Don’t get soppy, boy.’ But I know he feels it.”

THE FEAR HE WON’T ADMIT
Behind closed doors, though, there’s fear.

“He worries he won’t be able to keep doing what he loves,” his son revealed. “He’s scared one day his eyes won’t let him continue — but he never says it out loud.”

Doctors warn he needs rest. But rest, for Bradley, means simply less work — never none.

“His idea of slowing down is doing two shows instead of three,” one friend joked. “He’s unstoppable.”

BRITAIN’S GENTLE GIANT
Bradley Walsh isn’t just a presenter — he’s a reminder of what it means to be human.

He’s humble. He’s kind. And he’s quietly enduring more than most people know — not out of pride, but out of love for others.

“He always says humour is healing,” one producer said. “And maybe it’s true — because he never stops laughing, no matter how much it hurts.”

That laughter, once seen as entertainment, now feels like something sacred — a symbol of strength wrapped in warmth.

THE SHOW GOES ON
When filming ends and the studio empties, Bradley often lingers a moment — rubbing his eyes before standing up.

Someone will call, “Great show, Brad!”
He’ll grin, reply, “Not bad for a bloke falling apart!” — and everyone bursts out laughing.

It’s classic Bradley: turning pain into punchlines, hardship into heart.

Because for him, laughter isn’t just his job.
It’s his way of fighting back.

“HE HIDES IT FROM THE CAMERAS… BUT NOT FROM ME.”
Those words, spoken quietly by his son, have now become a national echo — a reminder that even the brightest smiles can hide the deepest struggles.

To the world, he’s an entertainer.
To his family, he’s a fighter.
To all of us, he’s proof that courage doesn’t always roar — sometimes, it simply smiles.