“I JUST WANT TO WALK AGAIN…” Thomɑs Mɑrkle is wɑiting for ɑ prosthetic leg — hoping for one lɑst chɑnce ɑt independence… while still estrɑnged from Meghɑn Mɑrkle

Meghan Markle‘s estranged father Thomas had ‘much to celebrate’ this Christmas as he successfully began the arduous journey towards walking again.

Mr Markle, 81, had his left leg amputated below the knee earlier this month and was in intensive care for five days after suffering a massive blood clot which cut off circulation to his left foot.

But as he celebrated Christmas this week from his hospital bed in the Philippines, Mr Markle said: ‘I have much to celebrate. I am doing well and would like to thank all the people from around the world who have sent well-wishes.

‘I’m doing physiotherapy every day and have managed to sit on the side of the bed and even stood on my one remaining leg with the help of a nurse and a walking frame. That was a wonderful Christmas present. There is a long way to go but I am so grateful to the wonderful doctors and nurses who are taking such good care of me.’

Mr Markle is now in a hospital rehabilitation unit in the Philippine city of Cebu where he moved with his son Tom Jr. at this start of this year.

Tom Jr. celebrated Christmas at his father’s bedside alongside his girlfriend of nearly a year Rose, 28, and Mr Markle’s private nurse Christine.

He said: ‘Dad’s doing remarkably well considering what he’s been through. Rose and I visited him for Christmas and took him a card with tinsel and a few sweets taped to the inside. He’s on a special diet and has had to drastically cut back on sugar but the doctors said he could have a couple of candies to celebrated Christmas.

‘He was able to get out of bed and was taken by a wheelchair to a recreation room where he enjoyed food and entertainment with some of the other rehab patients. He’s in good spirits, grateful to be alive and working really hard to get better. He a brave man and is determined to walk again with the aid of a prosthetic leg.’

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Mr Markle has been doing daily physiotherapy in hospital to build up his strength

Thomas Markle and Caroline Graham in Mexico in 2019

Mr Markle (pictured here with his daughter in 2011) famously fell out with Meghan on the eve of her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry

Mr Markle famously fell out with his daughter on the eve of her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.

He had posed for some paparazzi pictures in the misguided view they would help improve his public image and then suffered two heart attacks which prevented him walking his daughter down the aisle at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.

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Meghan walked herself down the aisle part of the way but was escorted up to the alter by King Charles, an act Mr Markle called ‘extremely kind and generous.’

He said: ‘I will always regret not being able to walk Meghan down the aisle but King Charles stepped in and I shall be forever grateful to him. It was an extremely kind and generous thing for him to do.’

Mr Markle claims he received an ‘angry’ phone call from his daughter and Prince Harry as he recovered from the second heart attack – which led to their estrangement.

When he suffered a massive stroke in 2022 he did not hear from his daughter.

After his leg was amputated earlier this month she sent him a letter via the local US consulate which was presented to him in the presence of a lawyer who videotaped it being handed over.

Mr Markle has repeatedly said he would love to reconcile with his daughter and meet his grandchildren Archie, six and four-year-old Lilibet.

He has never met his son-in-law Prince Harry.

He is expected to remain in the rehab facility for at least three months as he learns to stand upright again, first with the aid of a walking frame and then with crutches. Doctors then hope to fit him with a prosthetic leg.

Tom Jr said: ‘There’s a long way to go but we had a lot to celebrate this Christmas.’

ICON GONE  𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐎𝐓 𝐃.𝐄.𝐀.𝐃 AT 91 France’s original “𝙨.𝙚.𝙭 𝙠𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣”, Brigitte Bardot, who stunned the world in And God Created Woman, has passed away aged 91.

Brigitte Bardot, the French actor and singer who became an international sex symbol before turning to animal rights activism, has passed away aged 91.

Bardot had been ill in hospital in Toulon, according to local media. The star’s animal rights charity announced her passing on Sunday morning with a statement.

‘The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announces with immense sadness the death of its founder and president, Madame Brigitte Bardot, a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare and her foundation,’ it said.

The organisation did not specify the time or place where Bardot died.

Known as the original ‘Sex Kitten’, Bardot shot to international notoriety with her role in 1956 film And God Created Woman, which was directed by her first husband Roger Vadim.

That turn as a voluptuous, hedonistic orphan made her an object of edgy fascination for millions, even though the film itself got a mixed reaction from critics.

Described by Time magazine as France‘s ‘most ogled export’, Bardot’s sex appeal was further fuelled by her outings as a model.

The star, who married and divorced three times before settling with her fourth husband Bernard d’Ormale in 1992, retired from acting in 1973 to focus on her passionate animal rights activism.

Brigitte Bardot has passed away aged 91. Above: The star in 2023, one of the last times she was pictured out and about

Known as the original ‘Sex Kitten’, Bardot shot to international notoriety with her role in 1956 film And God Created Woman, which was directed by her first husband Roger Vadim

But she drew controversy with her engagement in far-right politics, which saw her endorse National Rally leader Marine Le Pen and be fined six times for inciting racial hatred.

The star was reclusive in her final years, instead preferring to remain out of the spotlight at her secluded and very private property in Saint Tropez.

Born on September 28, 1934, in Paris, Bardot initially trained as a ballet dancer at the National Superior Conservatory of Paris for Music and Dance.

At 15, she had already appeared on the front cover of France’s Elle magazine and began to establish herself as a model.

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Her acting career began in 1952 when she starred in a series of small roles, but she soon began to turn heads at the Cannes Film Festival in 1953 when she frolicked on the beach in a skimpy bikini.

Brardot said: ‘Yes, I knew I was ugly as a child. I said to myself: “Well, I am ugly, so I must at least be bright and funny and have other things to compensate.”

‘I knew I had to be the best at something, otherwise I would be nothing. I knew I wanted the world to know about Brigitte Bardot.’

And the world certainly did.

Over the course of her career she starred in 47 films and recorded more than 70 songs.

Bardot’s willingness to be part of steamy on-screen scenes made her controversial.  And her personal life was no different.

Brigitte Bardot leaves the Elysee Palace on crutches after meeting Brigitte Macron, July 2018

In 1992 Bardot married her husband Bernard d’Ormale, a former adviser to Jean-Marie Le Pen of the Front National

Pictured: Playboy Roger Vadim with Bardot on set. After meeting the model, the French film producer helped her become a star

Bardot’s parents did not initially approve of her union with Vadim but agreed to her marriage after she attempted suicide. Above: Being walked down the aisle by her father, December 19, 1952

Brigitte with her second husband, Jacques Charrier, with whom she had a son, Nicolas

Bardot had little to do with her son Nicolas during his childhood after she gave Charrier custody of him when they divorced

Bardot’s third husband was German industrialist Gunter Sachs. The couple were married between 1966 and 1969

Despite her parents’ fierce opposition, she married Vadim in 1952. The couple’s relationship lasted just five years.

After their divorce in 1957, Bardot became ensconced with actor Jacques Charrier.

By the time they married in 1959, she was already heavily pregnant with her first and only child.

Nicolas-Jacques Charrier was born on January 11, 1960. Bardot would later say: ‘I’m not made to be a mother.

‘I don’t know why I think this because I adore animals and I adore children, but I’m not adult enough – I know it’s horrible to have to admit that, but I’m not adult enough to take care of a child.

‘I need somebody to take care of me. I’m sad to have had that baby. What will be his life? People who are making babies and families now are mad. It is such a bad world.’

In 1962, Bardot’s union with Charrier ended in divorce.

She went on to marry German millionaire playboy Gunter Sachs in 1966. But that relationship was similarly short-lived. By 1969, they had divorced.

Brigitte was born into a wealthy family in Paris and began ballet lessons from a young age after her mother enrolled her for classes

A very young Bardot (pictured in 1951) began her modelling career sporting relatively conservative fashion

Brigitte, pictured in 1955, began modelling before her film career took off when she met her first husband, Roger Vadim

Brigitte Bardot pictured smoking a cigarette after arriving in London, April 1959

Brigitte Bardot on the beach in Saint Tropez, 1984

Brigitte Bardot and James Bond star Sean Connery pose for a publicity shot during their first meeting in France before filming Shalako, 1968

Bardot pictured in 1970 at her home, La Madrague, in Saint Tropez

Bardot became known for her beehive hair, statement fringe – and for having a cigarette in her hand

Brigitte Bardot and French Academician Marcel Achard flanked by photographers attend the French artists Union Gala event at the Cirque d’Hiver in Paris on March 9, 1962

Brigitte Bardot in a scene from the film Les Femmes, 1969

La Madrague, the Saint Tropez home of Brigitte Bardot

Although she went on to have a string of other relationships, Bardot did not marry again until 1992, when she tied the knot with businessman Bernard d’Ormale, who had advised the far-right Front National.

Through the course of her life she attempted suicide four different times, including once at just 16.

At the peak of her fame, and after another suicide attempt, fans broke into her property to claim bloodstained curtains and bathroom tiles as mementoes.

After quitting acting in 1973, Bardot took her life in a different direction.

She said: ‘I gave my youth and my beauty to men, I am now giving and my experience, the best of myself, to animals.’

Setting up the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986, she was a dedicated vegetarian and regularly campaigned for the rights of animals.

In 2013 she threatened to request Russian citizenship and leave France after a pair of 42-year-old elephants were refused treatment for tuberculosis in a Lyon zoo.

She referred to France as a ‘graveyard for animals’ but ultimately won the case and saved the two former circus animals.

Bardot became an animal rights activist. Above: Attending the international feline exhibition in Saint-Tropex, France, June 1977

Bardot visiting her dog refuge in Paris, 2001

In 2001 she also donated $140,000 over two years to sterilise and adopt 300,000 of Bucharest’s stray dogs.

Not all of her activism work since quitting acting was quite so well received.

In 2004 she was convicted by a French court and fined £4,000 for ‘inciting racial hatred’ in her book A Scream in the Silence.

She was a keen supporter of the far-right Marine Le Pen. At the 2017 French elections, she told people not to vote for Emmanuel Macron because he had a ‘coldness’ in his ‘steel eyes’.

She lived out the final years of her life in a secluded property in Saint Tropez, a vacation hotspot she allegedly made famous, with her husband.

Bardot will live on through her style and her modelling years.

Never one for tradition, she posed for a nude spread in Playboy to celebrate her 40th birthday.

She created the Bardot pose, where she sat with her legs crossed in just a pair of black stockings, and the Bardot neckline was named after her because she made the style famous.

Her bouffant hair routinely makes a comeback, and her effortless style will continue to draw in fans, long after her death.

Hɑrry Redknɑpp’s wife Sɑndrɑ hɑs once ɑgɑin been ɑdmitted to hospitɑl, ɑfter only ɑ short time since ITV4 presenter Mɑtt Chɑpmɑn reveɑled during ɑ live broɑdcɑst thɑt she wɑs ɑlreɑdy receiving treɑtment.

During coverɑge from Greɑt Yɑrmouth Rɑcecourse, Chɑpmɑn told viewers thɑt Hɑrry wɑs following his horse King of Beɑrs while supporting Sɑndrɑ in hospitɑl. He even joked thɑt Sɑndrɑ might hɑve preferred wɑtching Emmerdɑle, but Hɑrry insisted on tuning into the rɑce.

Now, ɑfter ɑ brief period since thɑt revelɑtion, Sɑndrɑ hɑs returned to hospitɑl. While the reɑson for her lɑtest ɑdmission hɑs not yet been confirmed, reports stɑte thɑt Hɑrry is continuing to remɑin ɑt her bedside, offering constɑnt support.

The Redknɑpps’ love story, which begɑn when they were just 17, hɑs long been cherished by fɑns. Sɑndrɑ’s heɑlth hɑs been ɑ recurring chɑllenge: in 2018, she ɑlmost lost her life to sepsis, leɑving Hɑrry in teɑrs when she lɑter surprised him on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! cɑmp.

In 2022, she spoke cɑndidly ɑbout the terrifying ɑfter-effects of long COVID, explɑining, “The shortness of breɑth wɑs very difficult. My voice would vibrɑte ɑnd wɑs very weɑk.” Sɑndrɑ hɑs ɑlso survived ovɑriɑn cɑпcer ɑnd vocɑl cord dɑmɑge, while Hɑrry himself hɑs bɑttled ɑ kidney cɑпcer scɑre ɑnd undergone ɑ heɑrt stent procedure.

Despite everything, Hɑrry hɑs never considered slowing down. “Not ɑ chɑnce,” he previously ɑdmitted. “It drives Sɑndrɑ mɑd, but I cɑn’t sɑy no to things.”

As Sɑndrɑ returns to hospitɑl once ɑgɑin, with Hɑrry steɑdfɑstly by her side, their unshɑkɑble bond ɑnd resilience ɑre being tested ɑnew, reminding fɑns why their story is one of the most moving in British showbiz.

There are television presenters, and then there are people who quietly become part of a nation’s emotional landscape.
Monty Don belongs firmly to the latter.

For more than two decades, he hasn’t just fronted Gardeners’ World — he has offered Britain something far rarer than expertise: permission to slow down. And now, as Monty gently hints that he may not want to do the show “forever,” viewers are confronting a feeling they didn’t expect — resistance.

Not anger. Not panic.
But a quiet, collective not yet.

A Voice That Arrived When People Needed One

Monty Don’s rise wasn’t loud. It wasn’t manufactured. It happened because, at a time when television was growing shinier and more frantic, he stood still.

He spoke calmly.
He made mistakes openly.
He treated gardening not as performance, but as patience.

For millions, especially during periods of uncertainty — recessions, lockdowns, personal loss — Monty became something closer to a companion than a presenter. Friday nights didn’t feel instructional. They felt grounding.

The Man Who Never Pretended It Was Easy

Part of Monty’s enduring power lies in his honesty. He never sold gardening as a cure-all. He openly discussed depression, anxiety, exhaustion, and the physical toll of working outdoors year after year.

More recently, he has spoken candidly about age and limits — about listening to his body, about not wanting to continue simply out of obligation.

“I want to stop while I still love it,” he has said.

That sentence landed softly — and heavily.

Because it wasn’t a farewell.
It was a boundary.

Why Viewers Aren’t Ready

Britain’s reluctance to imagine Gardeners’ World without Monty isn’t about resistance to change. It’s about loss of tone.

In an era dominated by hot takes, conflict, and spectacle, Monty represents a vanishing presence: a man who does not rush, does not shout, and does not demand attention — yet commands it entirely.

He doesn’t compete for relevance.
He doesn’t chase youth.
He doesn’t frame his work as legacy.

And that makes him irreplaceable.

Longmeadow, Not the Spotlight

Away from the cameras, Monty’s life at Longmeadow reflects the same values he brings to screen — routine, restraint, and reflection. His social media presence remains gentle and unpolished, focused on plants, seasons, and small observations rather than performance.

In many ways, he already lives as though he’s preparing for a quieter chapter — even if the audience isn’t.

Not a Goodbye — Just Gratitude

Monty Don has never promised forever. And perhaps that is why the idea of him stepping back feels so personal. He taught viewers to respect cycles — growth, rest, renewal. Now, he may be applying the same wisdom to himself.

Britain isn’t ready to say goodbye because Monty represents something we fear losing: calm authority without ego, knowledge without noise, and kindness without agenda.

Whether he stays a little longer or eventually steps away, his impact is already rooted deeply.

Like the best gardens, it was never about how long it lasted —
but how it made people feel while it grew.

Alison Hammond has fuelled speculation that she may be stepping into the iconic hosting roles left behind by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing, after she addressed the rumours head-on during an appearance on Loose Women. The This Morning presenter, who has long been a favourite among viewers for her warmth, humour, and chaotic charm, did little to quiet the conversation surrounding the show’s next chapter — in fact, she seemed to amplify it.

During her interview, Alison openly admitted that taking over as host on Strictly would be a “dream job,” making it clear she would absolutely be interested in standing under the glittering lights of the ballroom once again. At one point, she playfully leaned into the speculation by looking straight into the camera and joking, “Let’s announce it now, I am the new host of Strictly Come Dancing!” The studio immediately erupted into laughter and applause as she added, “The BBC don’t even know it yet,” leaning fully into the humorous moment while simultaneously making her ambitions unmistakably clear.

She went on to reflect on Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s decision to step down, acknowledging the enormous legacy they leave behind after more than a decade co-hosting one of Britain’s most beloved TV programmes. “Whoever gets that job – what an amazing job to get,” Alison said sincerely. Then, with her signature comedic timing, she added, “It is the dream job – I’d absolutely do it.”

But Alison didn’t stop there. Still joking yet seemingly hinting at her genuine interest, she remarked, “Let’s be honest, they’d be silly not to have me. Anybody who does that job, I wish them the best, but you’ll always be thinking, ‘If it’s not me, it should be Alison,’ so they might as well just give it me.” The blend of humour and confidence resonated strongly with viewers who have been vocal on social media about wanting to see her take on the role.

Her history with the show adds to the intrigue. Alison competed on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2014, partnered with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec. She was the sixth celebrity to be eliminated, but her sense of fun made her a memorable contestant. Her experience on the show, her popularity with audiences, and her strong rapport with fellow presenters all make her a compelling candidate in the eyes of viewers and bookmakers alike.

Meanwhile, attention remains fixed on Tess and Claudia’s emotional departure after 11 years at the helm. Ahead of the announcement of their replacements, it was revealed by The Sun that the pair will be dancing together for the very first time on their final episode. This farewell performance, prepared alongside the show’s professional dancers, will feature in the upcoming Christmas special.

A TV insider described the decision as a heartfelt tribute to their time on the series. “Both hosts are the first to admit they’re not natural movers, certainly not compared to the pros they’re surrounded by every week,” the insider shared. “But they know this is a special occasion, and this special routine is as much an opportunity for everyone on the show to say goodbye to Tess and Claudia as it is for the viewers at home. What better way to bid farewell to Britain’s biggest dance show than with a good dance?”

After more than a decade of laughter, emotional backstage moments, dramatic live shows, and countless sequins, the partnership between Tess and Claudia has become iconic in British television. Their chemistry, friendship, and very different presenting styles have created a balance cherished by fans. Replacing them will not be easy — something Alison acknowledged even as she expressed excitement at the idea of stepping into the role.

Her comments on Loose Women came as part of a wider conversation about her busy year and recent experience appearing on I’m A Celebrity. Viewers have seen Alison bring her trademark unfiltered humour to every project she touches, and many believe that energy would translate seamlessly to the Strictly ballroom, bringing a fresh dynamic while still honouring the show’s classic format.

Speculation has continued to grow online, with fans debating who could possibly fill the void left by Tess and Claudia. Besides Alison, other names such as Rylan Clark and Alex Scott have also circulated in rumours, prompting lively discussion among Strictly loyalists. Still, Alison’s bold remarks have placed her squarely at the centre of attention.

For now, no official announcements have been made by the BBC. The network has remained fully focused on giving Tess and Claudia their well-deserved send-off, while fans await confirmation about what the next era of Strictly Come Dancing will look like. In the meantime, Alison’s cheeky declaration — “I am the new host of Strictly Come Dancing!” — has only added fuel to an already burning fire.

Whether she was simply having fun with the rumours or subtly signalling interest in taking over one of the most coveted roles in British entertainment, one thing is clear: Alison Hammond has captured the audience’s imagination. And until the BBC confirms otherwise, many viewers will continue to hope that she may one day step back into the ballroom — not as a contestant this time, but as the face of the show’s next chapter.

They raced across Central America, missed victory by seconds, slept among spiders, and endured a storm violent enough to overturn a boat. But now, with the cameras finally switched off, Roman and Harleymoon Kemp are opening up about the moments viewers never saw on Celebrity Race Across the World — the fear, the illness, the arguments, and the near-disasters that never made it to air.

Crowned surprise champions of the 2025 series, the siblings insist that what aired on BBC One barely hinted at how chaotic and dangerous the journey truly was.

According to Harleymoon, some of the most frightening moments were left on the cutting-room floor.

A win they never believed was theirs

The Kemps only won one leg of the entire race — the final one — and even that came down to a matter of seconds. Harleymoon admits she never thought victory was possible, particularly after the opening night.

She believed Roman might not even make it through the first few days.

Roman, meanwhile, recognised the feeling all too well, likening it to his early days on I’m A Celebrity. For him, the first nights were simply about survival.

In a revealing twist, Roman also confessed that had the final sprint been against Dylan Llewellyn and his mother Jackie, he might have stepped aside. He described it as a moral dilemma he is still unsure he could have lived with — simply because of how close they had all become.

Nights filled with fear, not comfort

One of the most unsettling experiences came early in Guatemala, when the pair stayed at what appeared on screen to be a peaceful ecolodge.

In reality, it was anything but.

Harleymoon described it as little more than a makeshift shed deep in the jungle, with beds crawling with insects and spiders everywhere. A tarantula was spotted just outside their door.

Roman said the experience surpassed even the horrors of I’m A Celebrity, claiming they were not just nearby — they were in the beds themselves.

The storm that changed everything

As the teams travelled toward Colombia, the dangerous Darien Gap was off limits, forcing them onto a nearly ten-hour boat journey through open water.

What followed was one of the most frightening moments of Roman’s life.

Caught in a violent storm, he said the conditions were more dangerous than anything he had experienced before — including skydiving and bungee jumping. Throughout the journey, he held onto Harleymoon’s life jacket, quietly preparing himself to keep her afloat if the boat went down.

Arguments, breakdowns and moments of rage

Despite their strong bond, the siblings were not immune to stress. One unseen incident involved a bus that broke down before leaving a car park, followed by a ticket clerk who refused a refund.

Roman recalls Harleymoon being close to losing her temper — and admits he understood exactly why.

Another tense moment occurred while they were desperately searching for a checkpoint, only to be asked by a stranger what it was “worth” to them to get directions. Roman admits that although he kept calm, the pressure pushed him to the brink.

The medical emergency no one saw

Perhaps the most alarming moment never shown took place on a remote island in Guna Yala, inhabited by just one family.

During the night, Harleymoon experienced intense pain so severe that she temporarily lost her vision. She spent hours crawling on the floor searching for a medic, enduring the episode until morning.

Viewers never saw it — but it explained her sudden absence in the following scenes.

A final decided by six seconds

At the last checkpoint, Tyler West and Molly Rainford were ahead — boarding a boat just six seconds before the Kemps.

Then everything changed.

Their engine stalled.

Roman and Harleymoon sprinted up a rocky path and signed the check-in book moments before their rivals appeared behind them. The race was over in an instant.

What the race left behind

Since returning home, Harleymoon has switched off completely — no social media, no notifications, no noise.

She says the race grounded her in a way nothing else ever has.

Roman agrees. For him, the journey stripped life back to its essentials, revealing how much energy is spent on things that do not matter — and how many forms of happiness people forget exist.

Despite the danger, illness, arguments and fear, one truth remains for both siblings.

They want to stay closer.

Because for Roman and Harleymoon Kemp, the finish line was never the end of the journey — it was just where something else began.

Kelvin Fletcher Hits Back at ‘Clarkson’s Farm Copy’ Claims: “I Don’t Need to Imitate Anyone — Comparing Me to Clarkson Is Unfair and a Bit Random”

Kelvin Fletcher has firmly shut down claims that he copied Jeremy Clarkson’s hit Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm, insisting his own farming show is “completely different” and rooted in his family’s real-life journey.

The former Emmerdale star and his wife Liz bought a 120-acre farm in the Peak District in 2020, despite having no prior farming experience. Parents to four children, the couple have since opened up their new rural life to viewers through several TV projects.

One of those was the BBC series Kelvin’s Big Farming Adventure, which aired in 2022 and followed the family as they navigated the steep learning curve of farm life. But when the show hit screens, some viewers accused Kelvin of “ripping off” Jeremy Clarkson’s hugely popular Diddly Squat Farm series.

Kelvin, who is back on screens today (December 14) alongside Liz in Fletchers’ Country Workshop, was quick to respond to the backlash and made it clear he felt the comparisons were unfair.

At the time, social media critics were blunt. One viewer wrote on X: “On BBC1 right now is a @PrimeVideo Jeremy Clarkson farm rip-off with Kelvin Fletcher.” Another added: “Great work from the BBC ripping off Clarkson’s Farm.”

Speaking on the Netmums podcast Sweat, Snot & Tears, Kelvin defended his programme and rejected the idea that it was modelled on Clarkson’s show. He said it was “a bit unfair” to single him out, adding that there are “a whole host of that type of show” already on TV.

“To be compared exclusively to Clarkson I think is a little random,” he explained. “As people can see, it’s a completely different show.”

Kelvin also addressed the timeline, pointing out that his series was already well underway before Clarkson’s Farm even aired. He said they were three months into production when Clarkson’s programme was released, stressing that TV shows go through lengthy pitching and commissioning processes long before filming begins.

“So to suggest that we’ve just ripped it off or copycatted it doesn’t really stack up,” he said, noting that development alone can take three to four months.

Despite the criticism, Kelvin made it clear there was no bad blood. He admitted he and Liz are fans of Clarkson’s Farm, revealing: “We love the show, we binged watched it.”

But he ended with a defiant message to critics, saying: “I’m not copying anyone, I’ve got no need to. I’m confident in who we are, as a family, what we represent. It’s just us.

“All we are doing is being ourselves. Watch our show and make your own conclusions. If you love it, great. If not, watch something else.”

Peter Andre has opened up about the strict parenting rule he now follows when raising his youngest children, explaining that his approach has changed significantly over the years as he has become more aware of the risks facing children online. The singer, now 52, said his perspective on social media and public exposure has evolved with experience, leading him and his wife, Emily, to make firm decisions about privacy and safety within their family.

Peter shares three young children with his wife Emily, who is an NHS doctor. Their children include Amelia, who is 11, Theodore, nine, and Arabella, who is just eight months old. He is also father to Junior, 20, and Princess, 18, from his previous marriage to Katie Price. While Junior and Princess grew up largely in the public eye, Peter and Emily have chosen a very different path for their younger children, deliberately keeping them out of the spotlight as much as possible.

One of the most noticeable differences in their parenting approach is their decision not to show the faces of their youngest children in photographs shared publicly. Peter has been clear that this is a conscious choice rooted in what he now understands about the long-term impact of online exposure. Reflecting on the early days of social media, he admitted that he and many other parents simply did not know what the consequences might be.

In his latest column for new! magazine, Peter explained that when Junior and Princess were younger, social media was still relatively new territory. Parents, celebrities included, were navigating an unfamiliar digital landscape without fully understanding the potential pitfalls. At the time, sharing family moments online felt harmless, and few people could have predicted how powerful and far-reaching social platforms would eventually become.

Peter said that now, with advancements in technology and artificial intelligence, the risks are far clearer. He believes parents today are in a very different position, armed with more knowledge about how images can be used, altered, and distributed. This awareness has been central to his decision to keep his youngest children off social media entirely.

His comments came as Australia implemented a landmark social media ban for children under the age of 16. The law, which is the first of its kind, has drawn international attention and sparked debate across the globe. Peter, who is English with Cypriot roots but spent much of his childhood growing up in Australia, was quick to voice his support for the government’s move.

He described the ban as a positive and necessary step, saying it was reassuring to see a country take such decisive action to protect young people. While he acknowledged that the restriction is not what children under 16 want to hear, he firmly believes it will ultimately benefit them. According to Peter, the long-term wellbeing of children should always come before short-term gratification or online popularity.

In his column, he addressed critics who accuse him of hypocrisy for previously sharing his older children on social media. Peter countered this by stressing the importance of context, reminding readers that social media was a completely different environment when it first emerged. Parents were learning in real time, and the dangers were not yet fully understood.

He went on to explain that today’s digital world, particularly with the rapid development of AI, poses risks that simply did not exist years ago. This, he said, is precisely why he and Emily have drawn firm boundaries around their youngest children’s online presence. He concluded by expressing hope that other countries will follow Australia’s lead, emphasizing that the dangers facing children online are very real and should not be underestimated.

While Peter is now fiercely protective of his younger children’s privacy, the experience of raising Junior and Princess was markedly different. Both grew up with media attention surrounding their famous parents, and Princess in particular has continued to build a public profile of her own. Recently, Peter shared updates about Princess’s life, including her career ambitions and personal experiences, which have been playing out in the public domain.

Princess has been open about her love life and her professional goals, particularly through her ITV2 reality show The Princess Diaries. The show, which offers a candid look into her life, has been renewed for two additional series, a sign of its popularity and commercial success. Princess herself has spoken confidently about the program, even suggesting that it deserves recognition at the National Television Awards.

In a recent interview, Princess addressed rumors about her romantic life, confirming that she had split from her boyfriend of two years. She did not reveal his name, choosing to keep that part of her life private, but explained that her busy schedule and focus on her career left little room for a relationship. According to reports, the couple had grown apart, leading to their eventual separation.

Despite the breakup, Princess has made it clear that she is not closed off to the idea of love. She has said she is currently prioritizing her work and enjoying her independence, but if she were to meet someone naturally, she would be open about it. She also suggested that any future relationship might feature on her reality show, allowing viewers to follow that part of her journey as well.

Princess has spoken candidly about the challenges of dating while in the public eye, noting that it can be difficult to meet someone when your life is constantly scrutinized. She admitted she has not given much thought to whether a future partner might come from within the entertainment industry, acknowledging that it is hard to predict how such things will unfold.

Her confidence and openness stand in contrast to the strict privacy Peter now enforces for his youngest children, highlighting how his parenting philosophy has adapted over time. While Junior and Princess have grown into adulthood navigating fame and public attention, Peter is determined to offer his younger children a quieter upbringing, shielded from the pressures of online exposure for as long as possible.

For Peter, these decisions are not about control but about protection. He believes that childhood should be a time of innocence, free from the judgment and permanence of the digital world. By setting firm boundaries now, he hopes to give his youngest children the freedom to grow up without the added burden of an online footprint they did not choose for themselves.

As conversations about children’s safety online continue to gain momentum worldwide, Peter’s stance reflects a growing shift among parents, especially those in the public eye. His support for Australia’s under-16 social media ban underscores his belief that meaningful change is needed and that safeguarding children must take priority. Drawing from his own experiences, Peter has made it clear that if he could do things differently in the past, he would—and that insight is now shaping the way he raises the next generation of his family.

After undergoing more than 250 surgeries following an acid attack, Katie Piper bravely donned a blue bikini to show off her toned body. Seventeen long years after the pain, Katie Piper proves that true beauty can never be extinguished

Katie Piper has left fans stunned after sharing breathtaking bikini snaps from her sun-drenched family holiday—nearly two decades after surviving a horrific acid attack that changed her life forever.

The Loose Women star, now 41, looked radiant in a blue strapless bikini while paddleboarding during her trip to Gibraltar with husband Richie and their daughters Belle, 11, and Penelope, 7. Her toned abs, powerful smile, and glowing skin didn’t just draw praise—they told a story of strength and survival.

The photos, posted on July 20, revealed moments of joy, from beachside fun to sweet cuddles with her children. But one shot in particular—a close-up of her bikini top—sent fans into overdrive.

One follower commented: “Looks like a fab holiday… your body Katie… THOSE boobs!!!!!!!!” while another wrote, “If there was one woman you would choose to inspire this generation and the next—it would be you. Your strength, resilience, and courage need to be applauded.”

Katie has undergone more than 250 operations since ex-boyfriend Daniel Lynch arranged the attack in March 2008, where an accomplice threw acid on her, blinding her in one eye and leaving extensive burns on her face, neck, chest, and arms. Lynch was sentenced to life with a minimum of 16 years, and the attacker, Stefan Sylvestre, was released on licence in 2018.

Despite it all, Katie chose to waive her right to anonymity and has used her platform to raise awareness about burn survivors. Her bikini snaps, more than a display of beauty, are a testament to survival, motherhood, and unshakable confidence.

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Coronation Street’s Jacob Roberts sent a heartfelt message to his co-star Joe Layton. The Mick Michaelis actor took to social media to share a goodbye message and issue a “thank you” to fans. The actor first arrived on the cobbles earlier this year and has received overwhelming praise for his powerful portrayal of Weatherfield’s newest villain.

Since arriving on the street, Mick has made a name for himself as a real danger to other residents, killing Craig Tinker and most recently, stabbing Kit Green. With the character behind bars on the soap, the actor took the time to share a post on social media to signal his departure.

He posted a chaotic video montage of his time on the cobbles, from his problematic relationship with Lou (Farrel Hegarty) to his whirlwind history with Kit Green (Jacob Roberts).

Joe captioned the post on Instagram: “What a six months! From the front desk to floor runners, canteen to costume department, @coronationstreet is full of brilliant people who made me feel at home from the moment I walked in. Big thanks to @thekatebrooks for putting your trust in me!

“Feel very lucky to have worked alongside so many brilliant cast but special mentions must go to @farrelhegarty @_jacob.roberts @jane_hazlegrove and of course @colsonjsmith who I had such a fantastic time with under the brilliant Duncan Foster.

“It was genuinely a privilege to walk the cobbles, and doing it in Mick’s dodgy steel-toe-cap trainers was the icing on the cake. Finally…big thanks to all the lovely fans who have messaged and commented supporting me.

“Your support and love for the show is overwhelming and so appreciated…I’ll be watching alongside you now! (Also thanks @thismorning for the edit!!!)”

Some of Joe’s Coronation Street co-stars added to the comments on the post. Jacob Roberts, who plays Kit Green wrote: “I’ll miss you bro” with a red love heart emoji. Jay responded “Miss you too mate! Keep smashing it!”

Gareth Pierce who plays Todd Grimshaw said: “Top man! Bossed it.” The official Coronation Street account also added: “Great villain and top bloke! Best of luck Joe.”

Savanna Pennington, who recently arrived on the soap as Mick and Lou’s daughter Joanie, said: “Pleasure working with you xxx.” Joe responded with a heartwarming reply to the young actress as he said: “Keep lighting up that screen Savanna!”

Fans of the soap also added to the comments on Instagram to wish the actor good luck in his next venture. One said: “Loved all of these scenes. You are an amazing actor. I’m looking forward to seeing what you do next.”

A second wrote: “Mick was a brilliant Corrie villain and one of my favourites. Good luck, looking forward to seeing what’s next!” A third said: “You played Mick brilliantly, Mick. Very best of luck for what’s next and beyond.”

A fourth also added: “Brilliant acting and I’m already missing your character. Looking forward to watching you in something else in the future!”

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