What began as an easy friendship has quietly transformed into something far deeper — and now Rob Rinder and Rylan Clark have taken a bold step together that has left fans stunned, emotional and celebrating across social media.

In a late-night Instagram Live that quickly went viral, Rob, 46, appeared visibly moved as he addressed his bond with Rylan, admitting: “I honestly can’t believe I’ve done this.” What fans initially thought was another playful update soon turned into a bombshell confession.

The duo, who became inseparable after filming the BBC travel series Rob & Rylan’s Grand Tour in 2023, revealed they have jointly bought a countryside home in the Cotswolds — not as a romantic couple, but as chosen family, creative partners and emotional anchors for one another after years of personal upheaval.

Rob, clutching a mug of tea, explained that both men had endured their own storms — from painful divorces to mental-health struggles — and that their friendship became a lifeline.
“We’ve walked through heartbreak separately,” he said. “What started with banter in Italy turned into something that keeps me grounded. Rylan sees me beyond the TV persona.”

Rylan, 37, joined mid-stream with his trademark humour:
“This isn’t shacking up — it’s levelling up. We’ve argued like an old married couple for years without the perks, so we figured… why not actually build something together?”

The pair laughed as Rob admitted Rylan was already redesigning rooms in what he jokingly called “maximalist chaos”.

Within minutes, #RinderClarkForever was trending, with fans praising the pair for redefining modern friendship. Celebrities rushed in with support — Davina McCall posted hearts, Alison Hammond joked about offering cleaning services, and even Piers Morgan chimed in.

Insiders say the six-bed Georgian home — reportedly worth around £2.5 million — includes a studio space for future BBC projects, a library for Rob’s legal tomes and room for future fostering, something both have hinted they want to explore.

Then came the second shock.

The pair confirmed they’ve planned a major house-warming fundraiser next month, dubbed “Grand Tour: Home Edition”, with proceeds supporting LGBTQ+ youth charities. The star-studded November event sold out almost instantly, crashing the ticketing page overnight.

Fans were floored not only by the home purchase but by the future plans teased: a joint podcast in 2026, new travel series ideas and even conversations about parenthood.

As Rob later wrote beside a photo of the pair clinking glasses:
“I still can’t believe we’ve done this — but with you, I’d tour the world or build a home. Here’s to the next chapter.”

Their story isn’t about romance — it’s about resilience, chosen family and rebuilding life after loss. And judging by the reaction, this “new step” has struck a powerful chord with people everywhere.

Fiona Phillips’ husband, Martin Frizell, has shared a deeply emotional glimpse into life with the former GMTV star as her battle with Alzheimer’s continues.

Fiona, 64, was diagnosed with the disease in 2022 at the age of 61, and since then Martin, 66, has stepped back from his career to care for her. The couple’s memoir, Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer’s, recently reached the top of the Sunday Times bestsellers list, giving Fiona a surge of pride and joy.

Martin posted a touching update on Instagram, writing that Fiona wanted to thank “everyone who has shown interest in her story” as it had “really lifted her mood.” Alongside the message, he shared a treasured photograph of Fiona smiling on a TV location shoot, describing it as showing “what a force of life and vitality she had.”

He also revealed that one of their favourite pastimes is looking through old photo albums together while listening to music. “We enjoy Sting’s essential collection now – he’s replaced The Stylistics,” Martin said.

In their book, the couple bravely detail how Fiona’s illness has reshaped their lives. Martin described the daily demands of caregiving, from helping her shower and brush her teeth to washing her hair. He admitted Fiona often resists, as she “doesn’t like being told what to do,” but said it’s necessary to protect her health.

He added that he now helps Fiona get dressed each day, as she sometimes puts clothes on the wrong way round. While he lays outfits out for her in the mornings, Fiona often becomes attached to certain items and wants to wear them repeatedly.

Through all of this, Martin continues to highlight Fiona’s resilience and spirit, while candidly showing the quiet heroism behind caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

From the outside,  Ravenseat Farm still looks like the picture of rural resilience — a windswept outpost high in the Yorkshire Dales where laughter, livestock and family life somehow coexist in glorious chaos.

Family games

But behind the familiar smiles of Our Yorkshire Farm, Amanda Owen has been living a very different story.

Now, for the first time, the Yorkshire Shepherdess is revealing just how close she came to losing everything — including her life — in the devastating aftermath of her split from husband Clive.

“I Just Shut Down”

Christmas is approaching, and once again Amanda, 51, and Clive, 70, will gather at Ravenseat with their nine children. They no longer share a home, but they still share the land, the work, and the unbreakable responsibility of raising a large family together.

On screen, their new series Our Farm Next Door presents a picture of pragmatic cooperation. Off screen, the journey to this uneasy peace was brutal.

In the darkest months following their 2022 separation, Amanda suffered a severe eating disorder — part of what she now describes as a “cataclysmic collapse.”

“I just shut down,” she says quietly.
“Anxiety, depression, paranoia, agoraphobia — and an eating disorder — all merged into one.”

At her lowest point, the family feared she might not survive.

A Breakdown in Full View of the World

The collapse came after a brief relationship with web designer Rob Davies, which ended when relentless media scrutiny became overwhelming. At the same time, online trolls began targeting Amanda’s appearance as her weight dropped alarmingly.

“I was called a bag of bones,” she says. “I still get trolled now.”

Her teenage daughter Edith quietly deletes the worst of it before Amanda ever sees it.

There were nights Amanda hid alone in sheep pens in the dark — overwhelmed, frightened, and exhausted.

“It’s like having a post-mortem before you’re dead,” she says.

“The Scariest Time”

Clive remembers those months vividly.

“There were nights I genuinely feared I wouldn’t see her the next morning,” he admits.

On one Valentine’s night, Amanda collapsed after vomiting blood. On other occasions, she blacked out while gathering sheep and had to be rescued.

“I always had issues with food,” Amanda explains. “But after nine pregnancies, stress amplifies everything. I lost control.”

Medical intervention, hospital visits, and finally accepting help slowly pulled her back.

“I’m out of the woods now,” she says. “But it nearly took me.”

Life After the Marriage

Today, Amanda lives in a nearby cottage while Clive remains at Ravenseat. The children — aged nine to 24 — move freely between homes. There are no handovers, no rigid schedules, no artificial normality.

“Space saved us,” Amanda admits.
“The tension is gone. Living apart was actually a blessing.”

They still bicker constantly — over toilet rolls, Fairy Liquid, and household chaos — but beneath the banter lies something sturdier.

“We’ll always have each other’s backs,” Clive says.

Strong Women, Strong Children

Their nine children remain the centre of everything.

Reuben runs his own machinery business. Raven is an academic specialist. Edith balances farm life with part-time work. The younger children pitch in with animals, cooking and chores — not out of obligation, but instinct.

“The children witnessed everything,” Amanda says.
“It taught them resilience.”

A Different Kind of Happy Ending

Amanda is not dating. Clive is — and she jokes she even buys his girlfriend’s Christmas presents for him.

But for Amanda, happiness now looks quieter.

“I’ve turned a corner,” she says. “I almost feel better armed having survived it.”

This Christmas, there will be chaos as usual. A turkey bought last-minute at auction. Not enough chairs. Children feeding animals before opening presents. Someone sitting on a milk churn.

And Amanda — still fragile, still healing — but very much alive.

“We’re not perfect,” she smiles.
“But we’re here. And that’s everything.”

Lewis Cope’s girlfriend breaks silence on his Strictly exit ‘the pressure you carried’

Lewis Cope’s girlfriend has shared a heartfelt and lengthy post to her partner after his shock Strictly Come Dancing exit

Lewis Cope’s girlfriend has shared a heartfelt and lengthy post to her partner after his shock Strictly Come Dancing exit(Image: Instagram )

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left utterly gobsmacked over the weekend when Lewis Cope and pro dancer Katya Jones became the latest duo to be eliminated.

Lewis, 30, who had topped the leaderboard most weeks and scored the show’s first 40, and pro Katya, 36, found themselves in the dreaded dance-off against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin.

Taking to Instagram to show support for both Lewis and Katya, former Emmerdale star Lewis’ girlfriend Rach Lopez, who had been supporting the duo in the live audience each week, shared a lengthy and heartfelt post.

Lewis Cope pictured with his girlfriend in the Strictly ballroom (Image: Instagram )

“Every time you stepped onto that floor, I saw a little more of your soul shine through. You danced with truth, with kindness, with a depth that can’t be taught – it can only be lived.

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“The way you turned the competition into a celebration of your phenomenal partner Kat, your family and Hartlepool – rather than yourself, has reminded me day after day why I love you – your selflessness isn’t an act, it’s who you are.

“Week after week, you showed up with heart, courage and so much vulnerability. What most people never saw was the pressure you carried, especially with everyone assuming you’d walk in as a trained dancer (which you absolutely weren’t!) But you handled those expectations with such grace and gave everything you had, every single day.

“Lewis Cope you are a man who loves fiercely, gives generously and carries the weight of expectations with quiet strength. Seeing you open up in ways even you didn’t know you could has been the most beautiful journey to witness.

Former Emmerdale star Lewis Cope has become the latest celebrity eliminated from BBC One competition show Strictly Come Dancing(Image: Instagram )

“You may not be bringing home the Glitterball, but you’re bringing home something far more meaningful – strength, confidence, and a whole new part of yourself. And that is what truly matters.

“It has been an honour watching everything you and Katya created. What you have is so rare and precious. Your energy paired with Katya’s was pure light and passion. The nation was left speechless every week.”

Rach signed off her sweet post with: “I love you, and everyone around you loves you always. Thank you for being beautifully authentically you. I have loved watching you fall in love with life & dance xxx.”

Responding to the post, Lewis wrote: “And this is why I love you so much” followed by heart emojis.

Rach also posted a sweet message to “the incredible” Katya(Image: Instagram )

Rach also posted a sweet message to “the incredible” Katya, saying: “To the incredible Katya – thank you. What you gave him on this journey was so much more than choreography.

“You created a place where he felt safe, supported, and truly seen – a space where he could open up, lean in, and rediscover parts of himself.”

Rach ended the lengthy post with: “Thank you for being the extraordinary woman you are.”

Emmerdale actor Michael Parr has hinted that his fan-favourite character, Ross Barton, could soon unleash chaos in the Dales as he becomes entangled in April Windsor’s harrowing storyline.

The long-running plot surrounding April’s manipulation at the hands of Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) and Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths) has horrified viewers, and now it seems Ross might be the one to bring them down — in classic Barton style.

Though Ross has only appeared briefly in the current storyline, Michael Parr revealed on Inside Soap’s Soap Scoop podcast that his involvement is set to escalate soon.

“I think that is starting to be released in the scripts soon,” Parr teased. “So I don’t know exactly what’s going on with it, but we’ve always had a connection.”

The actor spoke fondly about his co-star Amelia Flanagan, who has played April since childhood, praising her transformation from a talented four-year-old into one of Emmerdale’s most powerful young performers.

“She’s basically the face of the show now,” he added. “I’m just grateful to be part of her storylines again. She’s an amazing actress and a very thoughtful young woman.”

Ross has a violent history in Emmerdale, and Parr hinted that the character’s darker instincts could resurface once he learns the full extent of April’s abuse and manipulation.

“I imagine when Ross does find out, there’s going to be hell to pay,” he warned. “Ross has shot people, so he’s not one to be trifled with.”

Describing Ross as both “physically violent” and “a good fighter,” Parr suggested that while Ray and Celia might be clever, their smarts won’t help them if Ross gets his hands on them.

“Those two are smart but not physically imposing,” he said. “If they get caught in the wrong part of the farm, and there’s no one around, they’re going to come off much worse. So it’s a good mix of brain versus brawn, I think.”

Ross’s return to the Dales has already stirred up old emotions and rivalries — and Parr hinted that this new arc could see him straddle the line between revenge and redemption.

He’s bonded with Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) in recent episodes, but his loyalty and moral code remain unpredictable. If he decides to take justice into his own hands, Emmerdale could be heading toward one of its most explosive confrontations yet.

Viewers have watched in horror as Ray and Celia’s coercive tactics pushed April to breaking point. With Ross now poised to intervene, fans are bracing for the inevitable showdown — one that could finally give April the justice she deserves.

Tom Read Wilson may have missed out on being crowned King of the Jungle —
but just 72 hours after stepping out of camp, he has secured something even bigger:
a brand-new presenting role on ITV’s This Morning.

And according to insiders, ITV bosses didn’t just invite him…
they chased him.

 A New Star Is Born on Daytime TV

Viewers fell in love with Tom’s warmth, poetic charm and soothing voice during I’m A Celebrity 2025, and now ITV has snapped him up faster than any finalist this season — even faster than new Jungle King AngryGinge.

On Thursday morning, Tom appeared on This Morning’s famous sofa, not as a guest… but in his debut as the show’s new “Agony Uncle”, answering viewers’ dilemmas in the emotional run-up to Christmas.

And he absolutely nailed it.

Ben Shephard told him:
“In camp, you were the person everyone went to. You were born for this.”

Tom blushed — then proved them right.

 Tom’s Advice Goes Viral

When a viewer asked whether he should confess a crush at the office Christmas party, Tom delivered a line that instantly trended on X:

“Sow the seeds before the wine does it for you.”

Cat and Ben burst out laughing — and then offered him the job on air.

“Would you come back?”
Tom didn’t hesitate.
“I would absolutely love to.”

Just like that… a new daytime star was made.

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I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Finalist Tom Read Wilson has landed a brand new role on ITV’s This Morning just days after leaving the jungle

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The TV presenter, 39, was reportedly headhunted by ITV bosses shortly after finishing as runner-up behind new King of the Jungle AngryGinge (L-R Tom, AngryGinge, and Shona McGarty)

 From Late Arrival to Final Two: The Tom Effect

Tom entered the jungle as a late arrival, an unknown quantity among fan favourites — but within days, he became one of the most popular campmates of the entire season.

His gentle nature.
His ability to listen.
His hilarious turns of phrase (“I try to be a shoulder… and a bosom”).
His emotional honesty.

He didn’t just compete.
He connected.

And fans reacted — HARD.

The finale received over 13 million votes, the highest in at least a decade, with many insisting Tom was the true winner.

 Fans Are Still Furious He Didn’t Win

Social media hasn’t calmed down since:

“Tom should’ve won. Full stop.”

“Ginge has TikTok fans — Tom had the nation.”

“I’m not watching next year. Justice for Tom.”

But while the Jungle crown went elsewhere, the careers crown is clearly Tom’s.

“I Shared More in That Jungle Than I Have in Years”

Speaking on ITV2’s Unpacked, Tom opened up about the intensity of camp life:

“If you add up the waking hours, I spent more time with these people than with my own loved ones this year.”

And in true Tom fashion, he described himself as:

“Disbosoming everything — I surprised even myself.”

 The Future Looks Golden for Tom Read Wilson

He may have walked out of the jungle without a crown,
but he walked straight into a primetime job, a national fanbase,
and a brand-new chapter on one of the UK’s biggest TV shows.

Sometimes you don’t need to win the game
to win the nation.

Strictly’s Dianne Buswell shows off growing baby bump after fearing pregnancy would ‘stress her out’

It comes as Dianne and boyfriend Joe recently revealed their ‘unique’ name for their baby

STRICTLY’S Dianne Buswell was seen showing off her growing baby bump after fearing pregnancy would “stress her out’”.

In September, Dianne, 36, and her boyfriend Joe Sugg, 34, announced they were set to welcome their first child,

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Strictly’s Dianne Buswell showed off her blooming baby bumpCredit: Instagram

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The star is welcoming her first child with boyfriend Joe SuggCredit: Instagram

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Dianne shared a slew of sweet snaps in her latest Instagram postCredit: Instagram

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The couple announced their happy news in SeptemberCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
The pair, who fell in love after they were paired on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, have been thrilling fans with regular updates on their pregnancy journey.

In her latest Instagram post, Dianne gave fans an update on how she was feeling.

She also shared a slew of pictures of her baby bump, plus photos from her day-to-day life.

Writing next to the sweet snaps, Dianne opened up about how her pregnancy was coming along.

Strictly’s Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg reveal ‘unique’ chosen name for baby boy

In a long list of what she had been up to, she wrote: “I genuinely thought the body changing would really stress me out but it’s really magical.”

Fans rushed to compliment her on he new pics, with one saying: “You are looking amazing!”

Another added: “Gorgeous photos!”

This one said: “What wonderful pictures!”

‘UNIQUE NAME’

It comes after Dianne and partner Joe recently revealed their name for their baby..

Posting on YouTube, Joe said: “The name that we’ve come up with, we’re not going to share it. We can’t really give any clues to it other than I don’t really see this name really anywhere.”

“I know some people who have it as their surname but it’s also the sort of name that can be shortened. I’d say it’s quite a unique name but it’s not unique as in-,” Joe said, with Dianne interjecting: “Apple or pear.

“It’s kind of like Joe, isn’t it? Cute when you’re little, you can call yourself Joseph when you’re older.”

Joe continued: “Or it could be a good sportsperson name. I’ve purposefully not said it out lout at all whereas Diane keeps calling him by that name.

“I do feel like between now and our due date, which is another thing I don’t think we’re going to share, I worry that we might end up revealing it by accident. From now on, he’s called Derek.”

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Dianne is bets known for being a pro dancer on StrictlyCredit: Getty
The pair also shared their excitement in announcing their happy news, although Dianne admitted her nerves when telling her parents.

Answering fans questions, she said: “It was the most nervous I’d ever been. I was so nervous to tell people, I don’t know why. I almost put it off.”

“I think it was because it was such a big life moment,” Joe added, agreeing with his Aussie partner.

Talking to the camera, he continued: “I was way more nervous to tell friends and family than I was to tell you lot.”

Dianne then joked about how Joe would cry after mentioning their baby news to anyone new.

BABY JOY

The pair announced their pregnancy publicly with an Instagram post back in September.

Maya Jama looks incredible in gold mini dress ahead of Love Island All Stars

In it, the pair drew stick versions of themselves along with a little one on a canvas, with 2026 written in large numbers.

The couple wrote on the joint post: “Our little baby boy [heart emoji] we cannot wait to meet you”.

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Joe and Dianne fell in love on StrictlyCredit: BBC

Emmerdale – Mary Breaks Down When Confronted by Ray and Celia

Emmerdale delivered one of its most emotionally devastating and suspense-laden episodes yet as Mary Goskirk returned to the village, only to find herself pulled into a nightmare far darker than she could ever have imagined. What began as a warm homecoming quickly unravelled into a chilling chain of events that left families fractured, secrets exposed, and Mary face-to-face with the very villains her instincts had warned her about.

Mary’s arrival at the cottage was framed as a burst of light against suffocating darkness. Fresh from Cornwall, cheeks flushed and arms laden with gifts, she radiated warmth and maternal affection. Her joy, however, was met with a brittle welcome. Rona, visibly strained and barely holding herself together, tried to maintain the illusion that everything was normal. But Mary, ever perceptive, immediately sensed the undercurrent of fear and tension humming beneath the surface.

As she chatted brightly about her trip and unpacked her bags, Mary’s keen eye picked up on what words could not disguise. The cottage felt wrong. It wasn’t cluttered or messy—it was heavy, thick with unspoken dread. Her concern sharpened when April’s name was mentioned. Rona’s deflections only deepened Mary’s unease, and it wasn’t long before she gently but firmly pressed for the truth.

What followed was one of the episode’s most heartbreaking scenes. Sitting across from each other at the kitchen table, tea growing cold between them, Rona made a desperate and cruel decision. Believing she was protecting her mother from imminent danger, Rona told Mary she needed to move out. The words were delivered with calculated harshness, each one designed to wound deeply enough to drive Mary away for good.

Rona claimed Mary was “too much”—too present, too observant, too suffocating. She insisted the family needed space and admitted that Mary’s absence had felt like a relief. The cruelty of the confession shattered Mary. Years of reconciliation and hard-won trust disintegrated in seconds. Yet Mary didn’t argue. She didn’t rage. Instead, she quietly accepted the rejection, her dignity intact even as her heart broke.

But Mary’s heartbreak was only the beginning.

Unbeknownst to Rona, her performance achieved the opposite of what she intended. Rather than driving Mary away, it ignited her suspicions. Mary knew her daughter too well to believe such sudden hostility was genuine. Beneath the pain, her sharp intellect went to work, piecing together fragments that didn’t add up—April’s withdrawal, Dylan’s accident, whispered fears, and now Rona’s frantic insistence that she leave.

Meanwhile, the wider stakes were revealed at the hospital, where Marlon and Rona kept a relentless vigil over Dylan, the teenage boy whose testimony could bring Ray Walters down. Dylan’s awakening represented their last hope of exposing Ray as a violent criminal capable of running down a child to protect his secrets. But fear had already claimed another victim.

April, terrified and far more aware of Ray and Celia’s reach than the adults realised, took matters into her own hands. Believing the police could not protect them, she slipped into Dylan’s hospital room and begged him to stay silent. In a scene brimming with tragic maturity, April convinced Dylan that telling the truth would only bring death to those he loved.

When Dylan finally spoke to police, his denial crushed Marlon and Rona’s hopes. Their sole witness was gone, and with it, any illusion of safety. That sense of doom was cemented moments later when Celia Daniels arrived at the hospital, her presence as chilling as it was calculated. Presenting Dylan with an envelope of cash, she made it brutally clear that his silence had been noticed—and rewarded. The message was unmistakable: Ray and Celia were watching, and they were in control.

Back in the village, Mary continued her quiet investigation. Rather than packing her bags, she listened. At the Woolpack, she absorbed hushed conversations and fearful glances, gradually tracing them all back to one name: Ray Walters. Her maternal instinct sharpened into resolve. Whatever Rona was hiding, Mary was determined to protect her family—even if it meant putting herself in danger.

Her search for answers led her back to the cottage late that night, where a seemingly mundane discovery changed everything. Hidden beneath Marlon’s van, Mary found a burner phone. Powering it on, she saw an unsent message that confirmed her worst fears: a direct, chilling threat. This wasn’t paranoia. This was real.

But Mary’s courage came at a cost.

As she turned to run back to the house, ready to alert Rona and contact the police, she was stopped cold. Emerging from the shadows were Ray Walters and Celia Daniels together—calm, composed, and utterly terrifying. In that moment, the full weight of Mary’s danger came crashing down on her.

Ray’s voice was low and controlled as he demanded the phone, mocking Mary’s intelligence while warning her of its consequences. Celia stood beside him, her silence more menacing than words, eyes fixed on Mary with predatory calm. Surrounded and trapped, Mary’s composure finally cracked. The fearless mother and amateur detective was replaced by a frightened woman confronted with the reality of evil standing inches away.

As the pair closed in, Mary broke down, fear and heartbreak colliding as she realised just how deep the threat ran—and how alone she truly was. The episode faded to black with Mary cornered, the danger no longer theoretical but immediate and deadly.

With this explosive instalment, Emmerdale raised the stakes to devastating new heights. Mary’s bravery, Rona’s sacrifice, April’s tragic choice, and the chilling dominance of Ray and Celia combined to deliver an hour of television that was as emotionally wrenching as it was gripping. As viewers are left wondering whether Mary will escape and whether the family can survive what’s coming next, one thing is certain: the fire has been lit, and no one will emerge unscathed.

The final Strictly results show of the season has aired – also hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s last – and we now know who will dance in the 2025 final.

Tonight’s Strictly results show (December 14) saw Balvinder Sopal and Amber Davies forced into the dance-off.

And, after both couples had danced again – Balvinder danced her Salsa and Amber performed her Couple’s Choice – it was over to the judges…
Balvinder and Julian and Amber and Nikita were in the Strictly dance-off tonight (Credit: BBC)

Strictly results – who left tonight?

Sadly, the curtain has come down on Balvinder’s time in the competition. The judges voted unanimously to save Amber, sending Balvinder and her partner Julian Caillon home.

As a result, the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 finalists are Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, George Clarke and Alexis Warr, and Karen Carney and Carlos Gu.
Dance-off queen Balvinder’s luck has finally run out (Credit: BBC)

‘Adored every minute’

Speaking to Tess Daly after her elimination, dance-off queen Balvinder said: “I’ve absolutely adored every single minute. All the dance-offs, all the challenges… But just more than anything, just being in this building and dancing on this floor with such an amazing human being.

“It was my Yes Year, and I said yes to Strictly. My family, we’ve had some hard times, but they’ve been here.”
We now know who’ll dance in the Strictly final (Credit: BBC)

Bal’s sweet tribute to Strictly hosts Tess and Claudia

As a Strictly superfan, Balvinder continued: “Everyone’s been brilliant. The minute you walk into this building, it’s like a massive hug. It’s such a wonderful place to work. ”

She then added: “Claudia and Tess, I’m grateful that I got to be on the show on your last moment here as well. Because you, for me, are what Strictly is about. You’re the era of Len Goodman and Bruce Forsyth, and that’s when I started watching it. And that, for me, is really special.

“This year, it’s been full of so many serendipitous moments. I’m so lucky, and I’m really, very happy.”

Fans react to Strictly results

Viewers were pretty mixed over Balvinder’s exit. Some fans of the show said that viewers had got the two stars in the dance-off wrong. They thought George should’ve been in the bottom two dancing against Amber.

“Absolutely the wrong decision. Should have been George and Amber in the dance-off,” said one. “Bal is literally what this competition is all about.”  “I agree. But I knew it would be what happened,” said another sadly.

Although sad that Balvinder has been eliminated, other Strictly fans admitted it was “probably” the right result. It came after Bal survived five dance-offs.

One commented: “That’s probably the correct result. I’ll be voting for the only non dancer in the final: the fabulous George.” “I am gutted for Bal but she should be so proud of her journey,” said another.

“What a journey it’s been for Bal,” said a third. A fourth added: “Sadly her time was up. She should be so proud of herself for all that she’s achieved.”

Australian actress Rachael Carpani has died aged 45 (Picture: Ben Mark Holzberg/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
Australian soap star Rachael Carpani has passed away at age 45 after ‘a long battle with chronic illness’, it has been announced.

The Home and Away actress died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’, according to a statement from her parents, posted to Instagram by Rachael’s sister, Georgia.

‘It is with great sadness that Tony and Gael Carpani announce that their beautiful daughter, beloved Australian actress Rachael Carpani, unexpectedly but peacefully passed away after a long battle with chronic illness,’ it said.

‘The family requests privacy at this very difficult time and will be making no further statements.’

They added that Rachael’s funeral has been arranged, and will be a private event for close family and friends.

In 2024, Claudia joined the cast of Home and Away as the villainous Claudia Salini. She had previously appeared in two episodes in 2001 as Miranda, a server in a diner.

Rachael made her first appearance as Claudia on August 29, in 2024. The star was attracted to the role after learning the character of Claudia was created by script executive Louise Bowes, who worked as a scriptwriter on McLeod’s Daughters.

Claudia was a businesswoman, who got stuck in Summer Bay as a result of being in a car accident.

Claudia blamed Justin Morgan (James Stewart) and Theo Poulos (Matt Evans) for the crash, as the two men serviced the car. The new face claimed that the brakes were faulty, and intended to sue Justin for negligence.

Outside of the soap, Rachael was best known for her role as Jodi Fountain in the series McLeod’s Daughters, which aired in the early 00s.

Rachael played Claudia Salini in Home and Away (Picture: Seven)
She featured in the show from 2001-2009, and secured two Logie nominations for her performance. In 2007, Rachael was nominated for the Silver Logie in the category Most Popular Actress and also the biggest award, the Gold Logie.

Some of Jodi’s major stories saw her discover the identity of her biological father, enter witness protection after her death was faked, and being pregnant.

Rachael’s co-star Bridie Carter, who played on-screen half-sister Tess in the series, took to Instagram to pay tribute to her friend.

Alongside the statement from Rachael’s parents, Bridie wrote: ‘This is the most difficult post….. In love and respect, for our beautiful Rach, in prayer and with the deepest sorrow and profound sympathy for the Carpani family…..

Rachael had ‘a long battle with chronic illness'(Picture: Instagram)
‘Rest In Peace our beautiful girl….the “baby” of our MD family…. We love you, we cherish you….. This is the wrong order of things. We are better people for having the privilege of sharing time with you.

‘We know Rach will not only be missed immeasurably by her family, by us, but she is loved and will be missed by you all, around the world.

‘We love you Carpani. We miss you Rach. May your blessed spirit, so vivid, so full of life, laughter, joy, generosity, unique talent, energy, fervour, intelligence, resilience, courage and great humour, and a gentle humility, may you rest in peace….. Love you Rach.’

Rachael has also appeared in a variety of films, including The Very Excellent Mr Dundee, The Way Back and Hating Alison Ashley.