Young people under the age of 25 will be offered a paid military ‘gap year’ from March under a new Government scheme designed to boost Britain’s beleaguered armed forces.

The initiative will initially enrol approximately 150 participants before scaling up to recruit more than 1,000 participants annually.

Placements will last up to two years, offering young Britons an introduction to life in the British Army, Royal Navy and RAF without requiring a long-term commitment.

Those taking part will not be sent on active operations and salary expectations are yet to be disclosed.

The Ministry of Defence hopes the programme will attract a wider range of people into military careers, whilst also equipping participants with transferable skills in leadership, teamwork and problem-solving regardless of whether they ultimately choose to enlist.

Participants joining through the Army will undertake 13 weeks of basic training as part of their two-year placement.

The Royal Navy’s offering differs, providing a 12-month programme with what has been described as “profession agnostic” training for sailors.

Plans for the RAF remain at an earlier stage, with the service currently exploring its options for the scheme.

The Government has set out plans for a military ‘gap year’ to boost recruitment for Britain’s beleaguered armed forces

 

The initiative draws inspiration from Australia’s Defence Force gap year programme, which has operated for over a decade and allows those aged 17 to 24 to experience military life.

In 2023, some 664 young Australians enrolled in that scheme, with slightly more than half subsequently taking up permanent roles in the country’s armed forces.

Defence Secretary John Healey described the initiative as marking “a new era for Defence” that would create fresh pathways for young people to engage with the armed forces.

“This gap year scheme will give Britain’s young people a taste of the incredible skills and training on offer across the Army, Royal Navy and RAF,” he stated.

Defence Secretary John Healey described the initiative as marking ‘a new era for Defence

“It’s part of our determination to reconnect society with our forces, and drive a whole of society approach to our nation’s defence.”

Mr Healy hoped the announcement of the scheme would inspire Britain’s youth over the festive period.

“As families come together at this time of year, and young people think about their futures, I want the outstanding opportunities on offer in our Armed Forces to be part of that conversation in homes across the UK,” he said.

However, Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge dismissed the programme as insufficient, arguing that Labour’s rhetoric failed to match reality.

“A scheme involving just 150 participants is barely a pilot, let alone the ‘whole of society’ response they claim to be delivering,” he said.

Mr Cartlidge acknowledged the merits of the Australian model, but maintained “these tiny numbers do nothing for our war readiness, and expose the harsh reality that Labour is prioritising higher welfare spending over a proper increase in the defence budget”.

He criticised Labour’s Defence Investment Plan as running months behind schedule, questioning when ministers intended to reach their 3 per cent of GDP defence spending target.

The Tories, he argued, were more “serious about defending our country”.

The state of Britain’s armed forces has come under intense scrutiny in recent years

Mr Cartlidge highlighted his party’s proposed Sovereign Defence Fund, which he told the BBC would raise an additional £50billion for defence capabilities.

In November, a dammning Commons Defence Committee concluded the Government is moving at a “glacial” speed in strengthening Britain’s armed forces.

The 11-month-long inquiry said that Britain was struggling to meet its defence obligations under Nato Article 3, which requires member states to “maintain and develop individual and collective capacity to resist armed attack”.

It found that the UK had “next to nothing” with its integrated air and missile defence systems and “lacks a plan for defending the homeland and overseas territories”.

Kym Marsh has shared the most joyful festive surprise after revealing her daughter Emilie Cunliffe gave birth to her second child on Christmas Day – following an astonishingly short 10-minute labour.

The Coronation Street star, 49, announced the news on Instagram on Boxing Day, confirming she has officially become a grandmother for the fourth time. Emilie, 28, welcomed a baby boy on 25 December, turning Christmas morning into a moment the family will never forget.

Sharing a series of heart-melting photos, Kym proudly introduced her newborn grandson to the world, writing that this was “what a wonderful Christmas gift”, before revealing his strikingly unusual name: Bobby Saint Mykola Hoszowskyj. She added that her daughter was “a warrior” and praised son-in-law Michael Hoszowskyj for being her rock during the whirlwind birth, saying the entire family was completely in love.

Emilie later revealed just how dramatic the day had been, explaining that after arriving at hospital at 10:25am, her “perfect Christmas present” was born only ten minutes later at 10:35am. The snap arrival stunned fans, with many calling it a true Christmas miracle.

Photos shared by the proud grandmother showed baby Bobby dressed in festive outfits, including an adorable Santa costume, as well as sweet moments with his older siblings – Emilie’s son Teddy, six, and Michael’s daughter Polly, nine – both beaming as they cuddled their new brother in matching red velvet pyjamas. Other intimate images captured Bobby resting in a hospital cot beside a teddy bear in a Christmas hat, and Michael carrying his newborn son through the hospital corridor in a baby carrier.

Despite the dramatic birth, the family still managed to honour Christmas traditions, with pictures revealing roast dinners and crackers laid out in the hospital room as they celebrated the most unforgettable Christmas Day imaginable.

Jesy Nelson never imagined that this Christmas would look the way it does now.

Just months ago, the former Little Mix star was lying in a hospital bed, terrified for the lives of her unborn babies after a series of frightening pregnancy complications. Her twin girls arrived far earlier than planned, born at just 31 weeks and rushed into neonatal care while Jesy and her partner, Zion Foster, braced themselves for the hardest chapter of their lives.

This winter, the scene is very different.

For the first time, Jesy and Zion are celebrating Christmas at home with their identical twin daughters — tiny hands wrapped in festive blankets, soft fairy lights glowing around a tree that now feels less like decoration and more like a symbol of survival.

Friends close to the couple say this isn’t a glamorous celebrity Christmas. There are no lavish parties, no red carpets, no studio deadlines. Just bottles warming on the kitchen counter, half-drunk mugs of tea, and two exhausted parents who keep stopping to stare at their babies in disbelief.

After everything they endured, Zion has become Jesy’s rock. During the long weeks of hospital appointments and anxious waiting rooms, he was the one who slept in chairs beside her bed, whispered jokes when she was scared, and held her hand through the silence when there were no words left.

Now, as the twins finally sleep safely in their own home, Zion is just as present — pacing the living room at 3am, singing softly to settle them, making Jesy laugh when the tiredness hits too hard

“She used to worry she might never get this moment,” a family friend shared. “Now she’s living inside it.”

Jesy has kept much of her recovery private, but those closest to her say motherhood has changed everything. After years of public scrutiny, mental health battles, and heartbreak, she has found a new kind of peace — one that doesn’t come from chart positions or applause, but from two tiny faces staring back at her from a crib.

Their Christmas is quieter than past years, but infinitely richer.

No stage lights.
No microphones.
Just a family that fought for every breath — now finally able to exhale together.

For Jesy and Zion, this isn’t just their first Christmas as parents.

It’s their miracle season. 

Kelvin Fletcher ɑnd Wife Liz Shɑre Mɑgicɑl News: Bɑby Number Five Is On the Wɑy — And Fɑns Cɑn’t Stop Smiling

Kelvin Fletcher ɑnd his wife Liz hɑve sent sociɑl mediɑ into ɑ spirɑl of joy ɑfter reveɑling thɑt they ɑre expecting their fifth child — ɑ twist so heɑrtwɑrming it feels pulled strɑight from ɑ storybook. The former Emmerdɑle stɑr ɑnd his much-loved wife, ɑdored for their cɑndid fɑmily moments ɑnd their chɑrming fɑrming show, shɑred the news with the kind of glowing delight thɑt instɑntly wins heɑrts.

For loyɑl followers, the ɑnnouncement feels both intimɑte ɑnd celebrɑtory — ɑnother luminous milestone in ɑ journey thɑt hɑs inspired thousɑnds.

A Fɑrmhouse Full of Love

Life on the Fletcher fɑrm hɑs never been quiet, especiɑlly since their ɑdorɑble twins, Mɑteusz ɑnd Vɑlentinɑ, ɑrrived ɑnd trɑnsformed their fɑmily of four into ɑ bustling, joy-filled household. Between muddy boots, bottle feeds, filming schedules ɑnd ɑn endless list of fɑrm chores, Kelvin ɑnd Liz long ɑgo mɑstered the ɑrt of juggling chɑos with ɑffection.

A close friend reveɑled thɑt their life is “busy, loud, unpredictɑble… but they ɑbsolutely embrɑce it,” ɑdding thɑt this new bɑby ɑlreɑdy feels like “ɑ gift they didn’t know they needed.”

Fɑns Melt All Over Agɑin

The moment Kelvin ɑnd Liz hinted thɑt bɑby number five wɑs on the wɑy, fɑns rushed to congrɑtulɑte them. Messɑges poured in — some tender, some teɑsing ɑbout the fɑrm growing even wilder.

One fɑn sɑid the fɑmily “grows more beɑutiful every yeɑr,” while ɑnother insisted thɑt “if ɑny home deserves ɑnother little mirɑcle, it’s theirs.”

A  TV Fɑvourite — With ɑ New Chɑpter Aheɑd

Their hit series documenting their move from city life to rurɑl chɑos hɑs become ɑ surprise fɑvourite ɑmong viewers, celebrɑted for its humour ɑnd heɑrt. With bɑby number five on the wɑy, excitement is building over whɑt fɑns might witness next.

Rumours hɑve even begun swirling thɑt the couple mɑy soon ɑnnounce something mɑjor tied to the show — though the Fletchers themselves remɑin quiet, letting the ɑnticipɑtion simmer.

A New Beginning, Rooted in Grɑtitude

Through every twist, from sleepless nights to unexpected triumphs, Kelvin ɑnd Liz hɑve shown ɑ rɑre sincerity thɑt resonɑtes deeply with ɑuɗιences.

Now, ɑs they prepɑre to welcome ɑnother child, it’s cleɑr their story is still unfolding.

This new bɑby isn’t just ɑnother ɑddition — it’s ɑ symbol of resilience, ɑ celebrɑtion of love, ɑnd the stɑrt of yet ɑnother extrɑordinɑry chɑpter.

One thing is certɑin:
the Fletcher fɑrmhouse is ɑbout to grow even fuller — ɑnd even more mɑgicɑl.

GB News star slammed as he brands King Charles’ Christmas speech ‘pointless’

Patrick Christys sparked the ire of GB News fans as he branded King Charles’ speech a “meaningless word salad”.

Patrick Christys risked the ire of GB News fans (Image: GB News)

GB News fans were up in arms as anchor Patrick Christys took aim at King Charles after his Christmas Day speech. The star – who is married to fellow GB News host Emily Carver – took to X yesterday (December 25) but risked the ire of his regular supporters as he hit out at the monarch’s “meaningless word salad”.

Christys wrote: “Bit of a meaningless word salad from King Charles there. Liked the bit about remembering veterans, but found the rest of his Christmas message a bit pointless. What do you think?” His fellow GB News colleague Adam Brooks seemed to agree, writing: “Didn’t watch the King’s speech, I’m really not a fan tbh.

“And I definitely didn’t watch the loony Green Party leader call for MORE asylum seekers either. I’ve had a nice day without politics or watching/reading those that seek to destroy our country.”

Fans weren’t happy, however, as one fumed in the replies section: “Despite his best efforts, poor Patrick can’t find anything specific in the speech to cry about, so ‘a bit pointless’ will have to do.”

Someone else said: “Nothing says Merry Christmas like going on Twitter to slag off the annual speech from our monarch.”

King Charles made his annual Christmas speech (Image: Getty)

“Bloke fighting cancer tries to give a message of hope, unity and belief to his divided and unhappy country and you chose to come to Twitter to slag him off, rather than spend time with your child on their very first Christmas. Stay classy Christys,” another snapped.

However, others seemed to agree with Christys, as one said: “Pointless is correct… time for William and Kate to lead the Royal Family.”

Another said: “I miss Queen Elizabeth II.”

“Much ado about nothing. No message really,” a third echoed.

In an explosive session that sent shockwaves through the political landscape, David Lammy, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, was ruthlessly dismantled during a fiery debate in the House of Commons. With tensions running high and tempers flaring, Lammy found himself under siege as government MPs unleashed a barrage of criticism against a backdrop of fierce partisan rivalry.

The atmosphere in the Commons was electric as Lammy rose to speak, aiming to bolster the Labour Party’s stance on international affairs amidst ongoing geopolitical turmoil. However, as he attempted to project authority and command the room, he was met with pointed interruptions and incisive remarks that quickly escalated the exchange into a full-blown confrontation.

Leading the charge was Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, whose sharp retorts and thorough questioning laid bare the vulnerabilities in Lammy’s arguments. Cleverly, armed with a wealth of statistics and a focused narrative, highlighted what he described as “flawed judgments and misguided foreign policies” propagated by Lammy and his party—accusations that elicited gasps and murmurs from the packed chamber.

As Lammy struggled to maintain his composure, it became evident that he was grappling not only with the intensity of the opposition but with the weight of expectations upon him as a key figure in the Labour movement. The stakes were high; the government’s credibility on foreign relations was under scrutiny, and Lammy was expected to deliver a compelling counter-narrative. Instead, however, he appeared caught off guard, struggling to provide satisfactory responses to the barrage of questions aimed at exposing the inadequacies of his own party’s foreign policy proposals.

The confrontation reached a boiling point when Cleverly challenged Lammy on his stance regarding national security amidst rising threats from abroad. “You can’t lead without a clear vision, Mr. Lammy! What are your plans to protect British interests on the global stage?” Cleverly’s words echoed through the chamber, leaving Lammy momentarily speechless and drawing sympathetic glances from his fellow Labour MPs seated behind him.

With parliamentary decorum rapidly melting away, Lammy attempted to regain the upper hand, diverting the conversation towards domestic challenges. However, the shifting focus did little to mitigate the onslaught he was enduring. “Your record speaks for itself, and people are not buying your distractions!” Cleverly retorted, driving home the point that Lammy’s evasive strategies wouldn’t suffice under the bright lights of accountability that demanded clarity and direction.

The urgency of the moment was palpable. Political analysts and commentators alike noted that this confrontation could have far-reaching implications for Lammy’s political future and the Labour Party’s overall strategy heading into the next general election. If Lammy is perceived as weak or indecisive in the face of serious scrutiny, it could jeopardize Labour’s prospects and hand an advantage to the ruling Conservative party, which has long been accused of mismanaging international relations.

As the session progressed, opposition MPs weighed in, some seizing the opportunity to join the fray and further dismantle Lammy’s credibility. Each attack was punctuated by raucous laughter and jeers from the Conservative benches, amplifying the feeling that the Labour leader was being thoroughly and publicly dismantled. One prominent Tory MP quipped, “If you want to see chaos on the world stage, just look at Labour’s blueprint for foreign affairs!” This remark was met with uproarious approval, underscoring the growing effectiveness of Cleverly’s strategy.

For Lammy, the day began as an opportunity to project strength but unfolded into a cautionary tale about the perils of political warfare. With each passing moment, the pressure mounted. The fixed cameras captured the flicker of defeat in his eyes as he contended with a chorus of detractors, realizing that he was not just defending a position but navigating the treacherous waters of political survival.

British vigilantes slash small migrant boats on French coastline

Britons have been filming themselves travelling to beaches in France and ‘destroying’ small boats – gaining thousands of views in the process

Sanya Burgess is an award-winning journalist whose investigations have included revealing Deliveroo was not paying the living wage to all riders, despite the company’s pledge to do so. She has also tracked disinformation and far right hate speech in the UK during the Southport riots, conspiracy theories about the attempted shooting of Donald Trump and revealed that Elon Musk was paying some of Tommy Robinson’s legal fees. She has also worked on issues relating to Big Tech and underage gambling, as well as uncovering war crimes and human rights abuses in Iran, Myanmar and the UAE – including the ‘hostage’ tapes of the detained Dubai Princess Latifa.
British vigilantes who spearheaded efforts to fly England flags across the country have launched a new anti-migrant protest – attempting to block illegal Channel crossings.

Using the term “Operation Stop The Boats”, members of the group have been filming themselves slashing small boats before they are used by migrants to cross the English Channel from France.

Posts on social media show members calling for other British men to join them in France, including making a direct appeal to football hooligans, saying “we need to make a stand”.

In one video message shared this week by a member of the Raise the Colours group – the grassroots movement that has seen flags fixed to lampposts, motorway bridges and roundabouts across England – two men are seen evoking military language and the spirit of the British fight against the Nazis in the Second World War.

Claiming to be recording from the northern French coast, one said: “Just like in the 1940s, we must take a stand, and it starts with the men of England and Britain.”

Making an appeal to “firms” – a phrase that refers to football hooligan groups – the other man added: “Our country is doing nothing. Weak government, weaker borders.

“They are doing nothing, so we need to make a stand, boys. Get the lads together, get your firms together, get the lads in the pub, get the lads down the bars, if you’re talking about it and you agree with what we are doing, give us a hand.”
The Government is under pressure to act after more than 36,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats (Photo: raisethecolours.org.uk/Instagram)
The Government is under pressure to tackle the issue of migration amid a record number of asylum applications, surging small boat crossings and protests at hotels housing asylum seekers.

On Monday, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood set out a package of reforms to asylum policies aimed at tackling illegal migration, telling MPs the current situation is “out of control and unfair”.

The latest videos shared by those linked to the Raise the Colours group have separately been referred to as “Operation Overlord”.

Earlier clips showed two men saying they were taking matters of illegal migration into their own hands and filming themselves stamping on and smashing a small boat’s engine.

In the clips, they refer to themselves as “patriots” and make a number of claims without evidence, such as that they are stopping “rapists and murderers” from “coming to a town near you”.
One video shared by the group (Photo: raisethecolours.org.uk/nstagram)
The flag-raising group, who have a combined 100,000 followers on X and Instagram, also posted a plea on X for donations last week, writing that they are: “STOPPING The Boats, whether the migrants or government like it or not!”

Two videos from the group have recently been shared to the 1.7 million X followers of Tommy Robinson. The far-right figure and former leader of the English Defence League, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has previously been accused of mobilising football hooligan firms in an attempt to launch anti-Muslim rallies across the country.

Separately, French media reports that the Dunkirk Public Prosecutor’s office has opened a preliminary investigation into “aggravated violence” against migrants by suspected British far-right figures.

One of the details being examined by the French prosecutor is the claim that in September, four men waving British and UK flags verbally and physically attacked migrants on the French coast. It is alleged that they told the migrants they were not welcome in England and proceeded to steal some of their belongings.

The men are not the first anti-migrant figures to travel to France in a bid to take matters into their own hands.

In September, Ukip, Nigel Farage’s former political party, posted a video to their X account showing what appeared to be sleeping migrants in France being woken by people flashing strobe lights in their faces and shouting at them.

Nick Tenconi, Ukip’s current leader, also posted a video captioned: “In Calais hunting for illegal invaders trying to cross into Britain.”

The night before the biggest performance of his life, George Clarke wasn’t thinking about trophies, scores or headlines. He was trying — and failing — to hold himself together.

The 26-year-old finalist broke down during a deeply moving appearance on It Takes Two, just hours before the Strictly Come Dancing grand final. Sitting alongside professional partner Alexis Warr, George became visibly overwhelmed after producers played messages from his family — a moment that stripped away any remaining sense of showbiz polish.

Unable to speak, he wiped away tears and quietly apologised. “Sorry… this is awful of me,” he said, his voice breaking — not from nerves, but from the weight of everything the journey has carried.

George admitted he has deliberately avoided thinking about the final, explaining that the scale of the moment has triggered a sense of imposter syndrome. For him, reaching this point already feels surreal — and he’s openly worried about the emotional crash that may come once the Strictly bubble bursts.

Viewers felt it instantly. Social media flooded with raw reactions as fans confessed they were crying along with him, praising his honesty, humility and vulnerability. “I’m emotional for George,” one wrote. Another added: “Please don’t cry — I can’t cope.” A third summed it up simply: “He is so loved.”

While bookmakers have tipped Karen Carney as the likely winner, George’s impact has long surpassed odds and leaderboards. His journey has been fuelled not by ambition, but by something far more personal: a promise to make his mother proud.

That devotion became unmistakable in week eight, when George performed an emotional rhumba dedicated to his mum, Nicky, who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The routine — described by many as a “love letter in motion” — reduced George and his family to tears and marked the moment the wider Strictly audience truly embraced him.

Speaking candidly, George has never hidden how deeply his mother’s diagnosis has affected him. He admits her illness now dominates family life, describing her as someone who has endured far more than she ever deserved. And this isn’t the first time she’s fought her way back — when George was just 16, she survived encephalitis after suffering a seizure, an experience that left him traumatised but in awe of her resilience.

Despite his growing fame, George’s path to the final has been anything but conventional. With no professional dance background, friends say his only previous dancing took place at university socials. That lack of training has only heightened admiration for his progress — especially as fellow finalists have faced criticism for their prior stage or performance experience.

Outside the ballroom, George boasts a vast online following — 2.4 million on TikTok and close to a million across Instagram and YouTube — and Strictly insiders believe his appeal to younger audiences could mark a turning point for the long-running show. But those closest to him say his grounded nature comes from upbringing, not algorithms.

Raised in Bristol, privately educated and university-trained, George has often chosen effort over shortcuts — even with a father in a senior role at Aardman Animations. Supporting him every step of the way is his girlfriend, model Yasmin Bennett, whom George credits with believing in him “more than I ever believed in myself.”

As for what comes next, industry whispers suggest this may only be the beginning. New television opportunities are already being discussed, and many believe George is on the cusp of becoming a breakout star beyond social media.

But on this night, none of that mattered.

Because whether or not he lifts the Glitterball, George Clarke has already won something far more meaningful — the hearts of the public, and the pride of the woman whose courage inspired every step he took on the Strictly dancefloor.

Tess Daly appeared on The One Show ahead of her Strictly exit

Strictly Come Dancing star Tess Daly had to fight tears after receiving a surprise message from her husband Vernon Kay just days before her exit from the BBC dancing competition.

On Saturday night (December 20) Tess and Claudia Winkleman will mark their final time presenting the main Strictly show together after they announced their departures in October. No replacement for the duo have been revealed as the likes of Holly Willoughby, Bradley Walsh and Alison Hammond have been linked to the roles.

Announcing their exit news, Tess and Claudia said in a joint statement at the time: “We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.

“We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show. They’re the most brilliant team and we’ll miss them every day. We will cry when we say the last ‘keep dancing’ but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza.”

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However, Tess and Claudia’s final Strictly outing will arrive on Christmas Day for the annual pre-recorded Christmas special. Taking part on it this year is Gogglebox’s Scarlett Moffatt, All Saints singer Melanie Blatt, Gladiator Jodie Ounsley, EastEnders actor Nicholas Bailey, comedian Babatunde Aléshé and Westlife’s Brian McFadden.

On Wednesday evening (December 17), Tess appeared on The One Show to speak to Alex Jones and Clara Amfo about how she feels to be leaving the programme she’s been a part of since its debut year all the way back in 2004, when she was joined by the late Bruce Forsyth

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Vernon Kay paid tribute to his wife Tess Daly on The One Show

“It was so special, I was pinching myself to even be in the same room with him, I could barely make eye contact, I was so intimidated by this legend that I grew up watching on telly. To work with him was so special because he was generous.

“He’d share his stories and teach me about live television, he’d say ‘don’t worry darling, they’ll forgive you, it’s live telly, just embrace it’. He was just so kind, wise and wonderful to work with,” she noted.

Having her say on Claudia, Tess stated: “We’re on the Christmas Day show, but we pre-recorded it. We’ll both be thinking about that moment [the final link]. It can be mayhem when you’re finding out who’s the winner…

“It’s about them, but if I catch Claudia’s eye I might go because it’s the last time. I love to bits and we had the best time. It’s just been wonderful.”

Alex then revealed that Claudia sent in a special message for Tess, in it she said: “What do I love most about working with you, everything. We laugh, you just have my back and I’m so lucky I got to work on the best Saturday night show with you. You’re my friend for life. I will be less orange, but we will still be together.”

Already feeling emotional by Claudia’s video, Alex went on to reveal that Tess’ husband Vernon had also sent in a message. Prior to playing it, Alex teased that he was ‘very hard to track down’.

“21 years as the host of Strictly Come Dancing. It’s been quite the ride. We started off with Sir Bruce Forsyth and we finished with Claudia Winkleman MBE. It’s given us so much joy and two kids, let’s not forget that.

“Congratulations on everything you’ve done on the show. You really have embedded yourself in the hearts of the nation. There have been some spectacular moments, you have been an absolute joy. It does genuinely feel like we’re losing a very, very close friend. I have no doubt that you and I will keep dancing,” Vernon said.

Becoming teary-eyed, Tess proceeded to explain how her and Vernon’s relationship has changed in the two decades she’s hosted Strictly. Their first child Phoebe was born in 2004, the year Strictly started, while Amber was welcomed into the world in 2009.

“It’s all they’ve known their whole life. It has been like another family, over a third of the year they’ve lost me to Strictly for the weekend. They haven’t minded because they’ve loved the show and they feel like they’re a part of it…

“It will be different for them too, it’s all they’ve ever known. They’re excited to come along and see it, it will be special having them there. It will be a full circle moment for me because I was pregnant in series one and here we are in the final together. If I catch Phoebe’s eye, I’m going to go. It will be quite emotional because they’ve been part of it,” she said.

By the sofa where Britain first fell in love with them, Steve Sheehan now sits with a very different weight in his heart.

For years, he and his wife Sue have been the easy laughter of Gogglebox — the couple whose warmth made millions feel like family. But behind the familiar armchairs and quick jokes, Steve has been fighting a battle no camera ever captured.

The moment Sue’s smile began to fade, everything changed.

“When Bell’s palsy arrived, it didn’t knock politely,” Steve says quietly. “It just took a part of her away overnight. The woman who never stopped smiling suddenly couldn’t recognise herself in the mirror. And there was nothing I could do to fix it.”

Except stay.

Steve doesn’t talk about heroics. He talks about mornings. About learning new routines, brushing past his own fear so Sue wouldn’t see it in his eyes. About sitting in hospital waiting rooms pretending to read leaflets he’d already memorised, just so she wouldn’t feel watched or pitied.

“There were days she’d say, ‘I don’t look like me anymore,’” he recalls. “And all I could think was, how do I make her feel beautiful when she can’t see it herself?”

So he did the only thing he knew how to do.

He made tea she didn’t ask for. He cracked the same tired jokes he’s told for decades. He held her face gently when she didn’t want to look in the mirror — not to make her change, but to remind her that the woman he married was still right there.

“I wasn’t scared of the illness,” Steve admits. “I was scared of her feeling alone in it.”

Friends say Steve became Sue’s shadow — driving her to appointments, keeping the house light when the days were heavy, pretending recovery was a series of tiny wins rather than a long road he couldn’t see the end of.

But Steve never frames it as sacrifice.

“This is marriage,” he shrugs. “It’s not the vows. It’s the Tuesday mornings when your heart is breaking and you still have to make someone laugh.”

Now, as Sue takes each day as it comes, Steve remains on the same sofa, same seat, same promise.

“I don’t need her to be better tomorrow,” he says softly. “I just need her to know she’s not walking through this by herself. If I can be the one thing that doesn’t change for her, then I’ve done my job.”

In a world obsessed with grand gestures, Steve Sheehan’s love is quieter than most.

But it’s also unbreakable.