Blog

Loose Women was full of surprises on Wednesday’s episode as it celebrated the 40th anniversary of Cilla Black’s hit show, Surprise Surprise, which first aired in May 1984

Loose Women descended into chaos on Wednesday as the show was full of surprises.

During the latest instalment, the hit ITV chat show celebrated the 40th anniversary of Cilla Black’s hit show, Surprise Surprise, which first aired in May 1984. As such, the hour-long show had plenty of surprises in store for the panellists, audience and viewers at home. Throughout the episode, host Christine Lampard revealed that a former Loose Women star would be surprising everyone on air with some news and kept dropping hints – with Andrea McLean eventually revealed.

Prior to this, Christine, 45, had plenty of surprises in store for her co-stars Brenda Edwards, Judi Love and Nadia Sawalha. At first, Brenda, 55, was surprised by her daughter Tanisha live on air, which reduced the presenter to tears over the sweet surprise especially when Tanisha kept praising how “great” and “inspirational” her mum is, adding: “She’s literally like the best mum” before jokingly adding: “Don’t cry!” as Brenda was left sobbing over the reveal.

Loose Women descended into chaos on Wednesday as the show was full of surprises ( 
Image:
ITV)
Next up, Judi, 43, was surprised as her best friend, Francesca, appeared via video as she said: “I’m so proud of you”, adding she always knew even from school she would go far and be famous. Ending the video, she said: “I just want to remind you, your mum and your dad are definitely looking over you, beaming with joy and pride, especially over how much of an amazing mother you are. I love you, see you soon and take care.” Judi broke down in tears over the sweet message, wiping away tears, with her co-stars also visibly emotional.

Last up, it was Nadia’s, 59, turn for a surprise as she spoke about her friendship group before they appeared live in the studio. Nadia was left in tears over the surprise before dropping a hilarious swear word, where she had to apologise for the blunder. Recalling how they met and their friendship, Nadia then revealed her nickname for one of her friends as she said: “It’s so weird the way you keep calling her Helen because we only call her t**s!”

This resulted in loud gasps in the studio as Nadia suddenly realised her error as she covered her mouth in shock while her amused friends added: “You can’t say that, you’re going to be in trouble!” as they all apologised.

The Loose Women panellist Janet Street-Porter told the PM that retirees had come out worse under the Tories after economists warned older people were the biggest losers at the Spring Budget

Rishi Sunak has been asked why he “hates pensioners” as he was grilled on ITV’s Loose Women by Janet Street-Porter.

The Loose Women panellist told the PM that retirees had come out worse under the Tories after economists warned older people were the biggest losers at the Spring Budget.

Ms Street-Porter told the PM that he is a “decent man” with his “heart in the right place”. But to an applause from the audience, she then asked Mr Sunak: “Why do you hate pensioners?” She added: “That is the only conclusion that I can come to as a result of the Spring Budget. So you lowered national insurance by 4p – big deal, pensioners don’t pay NI.”

Ms Street-Porter went on: “So many pensioners are living in poverty – I think about two million. I think most poverty stricken pensioners are living in private accommodation – one in three. There’s an argument that pensioners have come out worse under the Tories or worse under you, your supervision.

The PM was told pensioners have come out worse under the Tories ( 
Image:
ITV)

“I would say as a pensioner that what I see is a lot of pensioners take extra jobs to make ends meet, to buy little treats, to go out once a month… but if they earn any money – more than £1,000 a year – they are going to be paying tax. Does that seem right?”

In response, the PM insisted he cared “deeply” about pensioners and highlighted the Tories’ commitment to keep the triple lock on state pensions. He added: “Lots of people criticise us for that [triple lock]. But we’ve protected it and that means the state pension right now has just gone up by £900.”

In March the Resolution Foundation said that all eight million pensioners would see their taxes increase by an average of £1,000 by 2027/28 due to frozen income tax thresholds.

Janet Street-Porter asked the PM why he ‘hates pensioners’ ( 
Image:
ITV)
Mr Sunak was also asked by panellist Jane Moore whether he would resign as an MP if The Tories lose the general election later this year. But he insisted he would stay on, saying: “Of course I’m staying. I love being an MP. I love my constituents, I love my home in North Yorkshire.” He hinted the election would be in the autumn, telling the panel it could be “good for your holiday”.

Alison McGovern, Labour’s Acting Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, said: “The Tories have failed pensioners.
“They crashed the economy, broke the Triple Lock during a cost-of-living crisis and put pensioners’ living standards on the line with an unfunded £46 billion black hole.”

Meghan Markle would never have joined her husband Prince Harry on a trip back to the UK, had the royal decided to attend his good friend, the Duke of Westminster’s wedding on Friday for one key reason, a royal commentator has claimed.

 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be absent from today’s lavish ceremony in Chester, where Hugh Grosvenor will be marrying Olivia Henson, despite having been invited.

Around 400 guests will be in attendance, including Harry’s older brother, Prince William, who will be an usher during the service.

Harry and William share a close relationship with Hugh – named Britain’s richest person under 40 – with both of the brothers making him godfather to their sons, Prince Archie and Prince George.

But while sources claimed Harry and Hugh reached a “mutual agreement” that it would be best for him not to attend, it has become clear that had he chosen to do otherwise, Meghan wouldn’t have travelled with him due to concerns regarding their security in the country.

 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle need to arrange key thing before their return to the UK (Image: Getty)

The Telegraph’s royal editor Hannah Furness recently told Hello!’s A Right Royal Podcast: “There is quite a heavy narrative that Meghan and the children won’t be coming back until they can resolve this security issue to their liking.

“But he [Harry] will certainly be coming and going.”

The Duke of Sussex took legal action against the Home Office over the February 2020 decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) that he should receive a different degree of taxpayer-funded protection when in the country.

Ravec’s decision came as a result of a change in the duke’s “status” after he stopped being a “full-time working member of the Royal Family”, a judge was told.

Hugh Grosvenor will be marrying Olivia Henson on Friday (Image: Getty)
 

In a judgment in February, retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane rejected the duke’s case in a 52-page ruling and concluded Ravec’s approach was not irrational nor procedurally unfair.

Harry previously expressed during a hearing for the case through a written statement: “It was with great sadness for both of us that my wife and I felt forced to step back from this role and leave the country in 2020. The UK is my home.

“The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home, as much as where they live at the moment in the United States. That cannot happen if it’s not possible to keep them safe when they are on UK soil.

“I cannot put my wife in danger like that and, given my experiences in life, I am reluctant to unnecessarily put myself in harm’s way too.”

 

The Duchess of York hailed the Princess of Wales as brave and courageous

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle received a subtle message from the Duchess of York on Wednesday.

Sarah Ferguson appeared on Loose Women to spread awareness regarding skin cancer after she was diagnosed with malignant melanoma earlier this year.

The royal was also asked for an update regarding the Princess of Wales and King Charles.

Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles had been diagnosed with a form of cancer in February.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle received a subtle message from the Duchess of York on Wednesday.

Getty

The monarch returned to public-facing duties in late April with an engagement at the Macmillan Cancer Centre in London and discussed the treatment he was receiving.

In March, the Princess of Wales announced that cancer was found in tests following a significant abdominal surgery earlier this year.

Princess Kate released a video message confirming the diagnosis and revealing she had undergone preventative chemotherapy.

The Princess of Wales has not returned to public duties as she continues to focus on her health following the diagnosis.

Princess Kate released a video message confirming the diagnosis and revealing she had undergone preventative chemotherapy.

Sarah Ferguson said regarding Kate and the King: “The great example they have set is that they have spoken about it themselves.

“Princess Catherine was so brave and courageous.

“[Kate is] such a wonderful mother and an inspiration to all of us.”

The Duchess of York also stressed the importance of family unity amid the ongoing feud between senior royals and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Sarah Ferguson was asked for an update regarding the Princess of Wales and King Charles.

Getty

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not been invited to the Trooping the Colour event on June 15 for the second year in a row.

Getty

Ferguson said: “Family unity is key, we should all unite in order to really feel better.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not been invited to the Trooping the Colour event on June 15 for the second year in a row.

The couple will also miss the Duke of Westminster’s wedding on Friday, June 7 despite Hugh Grosvenor being their son’s godfather.

Harry and Meghan declined an invite to the wedding to avoid an awkward reunion with Prince William, who will be an usher at the event.

 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were left off the Trooping the Colour invite list for the second year in a row, People reported Tuesday.

The annual event — which celebrates the official birthday of the British sovereign, King Charles III — is scheduled to take place on June 15.

Page Six has reached out to reps for the Sussexes and Charles but did not immediately hear back.

8
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were not invited to the 2024 Trooping the Colour, according to People.Getty Images

8
The royal event celebrates the British sovereign’s birthday.Getty Images
Although Harry, 39, and Markle, 42, quit their roles as senior members of the royal family in 2020, Queen Elizabeth II still allowed the couple to make a subtle appearance at the 2022 Trooping the Colour parade.

The “Suits” alum and “Spare” author were photographed at the time chatting in the Major General’s Office at Buckingham Palace during the kick-off event for the Queen’s four-day Platinum Jubilee celebration.

However, Harry and Markle were noticeably missing from the Buckingham Palace balcony photos that year, and the Queen was instead joined by then-Prince Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince William, Kate Middleton and their three children.

8
Harry and Markle attended the Trooping the Colour when they were working members of the royal family.Samir Hussein/WireImage

8
However, Queen Elizabeth II let the couple attend the festivities in 2022 despite them quitting their roles.AFP via Getty Images
Sources told The Post at the time that royal courtiers were allegedly worried that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would steal the monarch’s thunder if they were present for the photo-op.

Ever since Charles took over his mother’s royal duties after her passing in September 2022, he has seemingly taken an even firmer stance on Harry and Markle’s involvement in royal affairs.

 

The King decided to not invite the Sussexes to his first Trooping the Colour, which took place last year.

Then in March, Charles ordered that Harry and Markle’s bios be wiped from the royal family’s website.

8
King Charles III is the current British sovereign, and who will be celebrated on June 15.Getty Images

8
The King has seemingly taken a firmer stance on Harry and Markle’s involvement — or lack thereof — at royal events.Chris Jackson-Getty/POOL supplied by Splash News / SplashNews.com
“As announced in January 2020, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have stepped back as working members of The Royal Family,” a description directly after an image of disgraced Prince Andrew reads.

“The couple married in St George’s Chapel, Windsor on 19 May 2018 and have two children: Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.”

In February, Harry briefly flew to the UK to visit his father after he had been diagnosed with cancer, but the two have not been able to see much of each other lately because Charles has reportedly been “too busy.”

Kate isn’t the only celebrity with a ‘mum hunch’

WHILE Kate Middleton is always the picture of elegance and has impeccable posture during engagements – but that wasn’t always the case.

The royal parent-of-three used to have a “mum hunch” posture, according to experts, but she has managed to correct this over the years.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

7

Royal fans have praised Kate for her impeccable posture. Seen here at her Together at Christmas carol service this monthCredit: Getty

7

The Princess of Wales always looks flawless, even when displayed hunched shoulders in 2018Credit: Rex
We recently saw the Princess of Wales dazzle as she hosted her Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, which is airing on ITV on Christmas Eve.

During the festive event, Kate, 41, looked angelic in a sleek white ensemble and appeared regal and polished with how she presented herself.

Royal fans have been quick to comment on Kate’s poise – not just at the carol concert but with all her recent appearances.

One said: “Kate seriously has the most regal posture. Kate literally commands the entire room. So much poise and class.”

Another added: “Princess Kate has really fantastic posture.”

Kate’s old ‘mum hunch’

However, experts pointed out back in 2019 how Kate sometimes showcased “rounded shoulders, a stooped back and a tilted pelvis” – a stance that is very common among women who’ve had kids.

James Turgis, physiotherapist and director of Mummy’s Physio, explained that a “mum hunch” can develop during pregnancy.

He told Fabulous: “The more the baby grows, the more the gravity centre of the mother is going forward.

“To compensate, the mum will start to arch her lower back.”

“To keep her eyes on the horizon, she will roll her shoulders and will also use a different back muscle to adapt.

“When your body has adapted to that posture – which you’ve had for nine months during pregnancy –  you tend to keep this posture for a while.”

With three adorable kids – Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, – and running around it was no wonder Kate appeared to have fallen victim.

Famous hunchers

And the royal mum isn’t the only parent to have developed it, with the likes of Katie Holmes, Angelina Jolie, Victoria Beckham and Tana Ramsay also displaying similar postures.

James also explained how carrying babies and toddlers, even after birth – can have an impact, too.

He said: “The fact that you’ve had a certain posture for nine months means some of your muscles will be weaker, so if you increase the use of certain muscles that aren’t yet strong enough by carrying a baby on your front or on your hip, or if you arch your back when feeding, you’ll maintain this posture.”

However, Kate seems to have beaten the hunch and now has a poker straight posture.

This could be down to her well-known love of exercise and staying active.

Kate’s “magic” fitness secrets

After giving birth to Prince George, Kate enlisted personal trainers to help get in shape, including ‘figure magician’ Louise Parker, according to the Mail.

Louise Parker Method encourages clients to see weight loss as a lifestyle change rather than a diet and favours Mediterranean ingredients.

Louise says in her book: “I loathe dieting. I’m actually on a mission to end it.”

Kate is said to exercise every day and used to be a member of the pricey £325-a-month Harbour Club in Chelsea, when she lived in London.

The club which was a favourite of Princess Diana’s and also commands a £1,555 joining fee for adults, totalling £5,780 a year.

The mum-of-three likes to mix up her sports – favouring yoga and CrossFit, but also tennis and skiing with the family.

Speaking to Mike Tindall, Kate said on his podcast: “I really, genuinely love all sports. Personally, I love swimming wherever I can.

“Cold swimming – the colder, the better. I absolutely love it. Slightly to the point where William‘s [saying], ‘You’re crazy’ and it’s dark and it’s raining.

“I will go and seek out cold water. I love it.”

Good posture not only helps Kate to look polished, but could also keep her calm too with deep breathing.

 

David Wiener of health and wellbeing app Freeletics told Hello!: “Research shows that poor posture negatively affects your ability to breathe deeply and fill your lungs.

“Slouching shortens the muscles at the front of your body and reduces your ability to breathe in fully.”

7

Kate had a ‘mum hunch’ in Dublin in 2019, according to expertsCredit: Getty – Contributor

7

The Princess of Wales was the picture of poise at the Together at Christmas carol serviceCredit: Getty

7

Kate has corrected her posture over the yearsCredit: The Mega Agency

7

Victoria Beckham has previously displayed a similar poseCredit: Splash News

7

Glamorous Katie Holmes has also been seen with hunched shouldersCredit: Mega

Omid Scobie identified the King and Princess Kate as those alleged to have asked Meghan and Harry what colour Archie’s skin might be

THE Duchess of Sussex could be questioned under oath about the identity of the so-called “royal racists”.

Lawyers want to quiz Meghan over “family matters” as part of sister Samantha Markle’s libel action against her in the US.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

3

Meghan Markle could be questioned under oath about the identity of the so-called ‘royal racists’Credit: Mega

3

Meghan’s sister Samantha is taking legal action against the Duchess of SussexCredit: Tim Stewart
And Peter Ticktin, for Samantha, said the Royal Family racism accusations “need to be explored”.

In the Dutch translation of his book Endgame, writer Omid Scobie identified King Charles and Princess Kate as those alleged to have asked Meghan and Prince Harry what colour their son Archie’s skin might be.

Samantha claims she has been subjected to “worldwide hatred, contempt, and ridicule” as a result of Meghan and Harry’s comments in their Netflix series and in the 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Her lawsuit alleges Meghan’s claim she grew up an only child and half-sister Samantha only changed her name back to Markle after she began dating Prince Harry made her look like a “liar for profit and fame”.

Samantha’s Florida-based lawyer Mr Ticktin told The Sun on Sunday he will demand the Sussexes submit to a deposition — a formal interview under oath as part of a US lawsuit.

Mr Ticktin said: “The royal racists issue needs to be explored.

“There’s reasons why she abandoned her family and turned on her family.

“This is a person who wants to be able to say horrible things and not really care if she destroyed the lives of people in her family

“She doesn’t care if she destroys the monarchy.”

Mr Ticktin said Meghan’s lawyers were “stonewalling” their requests for information in the case in the hope that a judge would dismiss it.

But he said he will file a motion with the court next month demanding they hand documents over.

Meghan and Harry were approached for comment.

3

Writer Omid Scobie identified King Charles and Princess Kate as those alleged to have been the royals Meghan referred toCredit: Getty – Pool

THIS is the adorable moment an “affectionate” King Charles kisses Prince Louis in a new documentary – after Prince Harry claimed he “never gives hugs”.

Fly-on-the-wall doc Charles III: The Coronation Year will air at 6.50pm tonight on BBC One.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

4

King Charles hugs and kisses Prince Louis in a new documentaryCredit: BBC

4

He also embraces Prince GeorgeCredit: BBC

4

Prince Harry claimed Charles ‘never gives hugs’Credit: Reuters

4

Princess Kate and her family followed Charles into a Christmas service yesterdayCredit: Rex
It gives royal fans a sneak peek of rehearsals for the Westminster Abbey ceremony in May.

At one rehearsal, Charles is seen bending over to hug and kiss Prince George and Prince Louis.

Louis is dressed in a blazer and smart shorts for the rehearsal, while Prince George wears a suit.

The King also embraces Princess Charlotte, who curtseys in homage to him and wears a pale blue patterned dress with a white cardigan.

Charles also laughed as he and Prince William practised the kiss of homage, a key part of the Coronation ceremony.

Bishop of Hereford Richard Jackson told the Telegraph: “I think what struck me particularly was how extraordinarily affectionate they are.

“They’re clearly a very close family, all the generations.

“In a sense you felt you’re part of a family occasion as well as a royal occasion and a national occasion.”

It comes after Prince Harry accused Charles of “never giving hugs” in his memoir Spare.

Harry wrote: “The older generation maintained a nearly zero-tolerance prohibition on all physical contact.

“No hugs, no kisses, no pats. Now and then, maybe a light touching of cheeks – on special occasions.

“No matter how much you might love someone, you could never cross that chasm between, say, monarch and child. Or Heir and Spare.”

Buckingham Palace and Prince Harry’s Archewell foundation have been contacted for comment.

Yesterday Princess Kate and her family followed King Charles into a Christmas service – with the shamed Prince Andrew hanging awkwardly to one side.

And royal fans spotted the adorable moment Prince George sweetly corrected Prince William in a newly released documentary

PRINCE William’s “awful” gift for Princess Kate has been revealed, and “she’ll never let him forget it”.

Kate Middleton has undoubtedly been treated to some incredible gifts over the years from her husband, but one present in particular did not go down too well.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

2

Prince William revealed the “awful” gift he once got Princess KateCredit: Reuters

2

Prince William, Princess Kate, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte attend Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in SandringhamCredit: Splash
There’s no doubt that the Prince of Wales picked out something special for Kate this festive season.

But William said that he once got Kate a present she would “never let him forget”, with the bizarre gift leaving his wife completely baffled.

Whilst making an appearance on former England striker Peter Crouch’s podcast on BBC Radio Five Live, Wills sheepishly admitted that he previously gave Kate “a pair of binoculars”.

After Peter confessed to giving his own wife Abbey Clancy a raincoat for her birthday three years in a row, a chuckling William said: “I did get my wife a pair of binoculars once – she’s never let me forget that.

“That was early on in the courtship that was – I think that sealed the deal.

“It didn’t go well. Honestly, I have no idea why I bought her a pair of binoculars, it seemed like a good idea at the time.”

It’s well known that members of the royal family prefer gifting one another light-hearted joke presents instead of expensive presents at Christmas time.

They also follow some unique traditions which include exchanging presents on Christmas Eve.

Some of the more memorable gifts exchanged over the years have included a bath hat given to the late Queen by her grandson Prince Harry that read: “Ain’t life a b*tch”.

Meanwhile Kate made a witty quip to her brother-in-law Harry one Christmas when she handed him a “grow-your-own-girlfriend kit” – after he’d made headlines with a string of high-profile romances.

It comes as royal fans spotted the adorable moment Prince George sweetly corrected Prince William as they practised for the Coronation in newly-released scenes.

In a new BBC documentary, the 10-year-old prince joined his parents and siblings at Westminster Abbey and they went through plans for King Charles’s May ceremony.

The fly-on-the-wall doc aired on BBC One on Tuesday (Boxing Day).

Fans also spotted the heartwarming moment an “affectionate” King Charles kisses Prince Louis, five, – after Prince Harry claimed he “never gives hugs”.

During the rehearsal, Charles is seen bending over to hug and kiss Prince George and Prince Louis.

Louis is dressed in a blazer and smart shorts for the rehearsal, while Prince George wears a suit.

The King also embraces Princess Charlotte, eight, who curtseys in homage to him and wears a pale blue patterned dress with a white cardigan.

Tom also claimed Meghan is ‘desperate for an endorsement from Dior’

MEGHAN Markle “wants to be the Queen” and “Kate Middleton has everything she wants”, according to a royal author.

Tom Bower claimed that the Princess of Wales is proving highly successful in her new role, which is what the Duchess of Sussex wanted for herself.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

3

Royal author Tom Bower claimed that Meghan Markle wants what Kate Middleton hasCredit: Getty

3

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been carving out a new life for themselves after stepping down as senior royalsCredit: Getty
Speaking to Closer, Tom claimed: “Kate is glowing, Kate is successful, Kate is popular – everything that Meghan wanted.

“Meghan wants to be the Queen – and she doesn’t want to be five in the succession [with Harry].”

The royal author claims that after Meghan married Prince Harry and joined the royal family she only wanted to do things “her way”.

He added: “There’s only one way and that’s the royal way.”

Since stepping down as senior royals in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been carving out a life for themselves in California with their two kids, Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two.

In order to become “financially independent”, the couple have signed some lucrative deals – one with Netflix rumoured to be worth £100m and another with Spotify believed to be worth about £30m, which has since ended.

But Tom claims Meghan has “undermined her status” and she is fighting a losing battle.

He said: “Meghan could never trump Kate – absolutely not at all.

“Everything she tries undermines her status and instead of going back to the privacy she said she needed – and why she had to leave Britain – every time she steps out into the spotlight, she loses a bit more. She just cannot win.”

Tom also claimed Meghan is ”desperate for an endorsement from Dior” and is “disappointed she hasn’t had one contract.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are hoping for a “year of redemption” after a tough 2023, sources have claimed.

The couple were slammed for their whiny Netflix documentary” and Harry’s “whiny biography” and donations to their Archewell Foundation dropped almost £9million in a year.

Meanwhile, the couple’s various attacks on the Royal Family and their own waning popularity have already resulted in a string of woes.

But the pair are looking at a fresh start for 2024 – with rumours Meg may get back into acting.

A source told US Weekly: “Harry and Meghan think 2024 will be the year of redemption’ – with Meghan apparently turning down offers of work left, right and centre and Harry also in ‘extremely high demand’.

And Meg has enlisted Beverly Hills talent agency William Morris Endeavour ahead of her long-planned relaunch in the New Year.

The source added: “They’ve actually been shocked by how popular she is. Her team has never seen anything like it.”

They claim she is being approached about everything from film roles to multimillion-dollar endorsement deals with major brands.It comes after the duchess appeared in a playful Instagram ad for a coffee company, a firm she holds shares in.

3

Tom Bower claimed Meghan didn’t want to be fifth in line to the throneCredit: Splash