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Steph is loved-up and has a little girl

Steph McGovern is a TV favourite – but who is her mystery partner?

The journalist and presenter, 43, has been a staple on screens for years. From stints on BBC Breakfast to her own chat show, Steph’s Packed Lunch, Steph has remained booked and busy.

Away from the TV shows though, Steph – who is on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? today (June 14) – is loved-up with her mystery girlfriend.

But what is her partner’s job? How many children do they have? And what is their relationship ‘rule’? Here, ED! is taking a look inside Steph’s romance with her girlfriend.

Steph has kept her partner out of the spotlight (Credit: Channel 4)

Steph McGovern on keeping partner out of spotlight

Presenter Steph McGovern usually keeps her relationship and personal life out of the public eye, so her girlfriend’s name is not known.

However, it is known that Steph’s partner works as TV executive. Going from strength to strength to strength, in 2019, Steph gave birth to their daughter.

My daughter has no choice and my partner’s not in the public eye, so I wouldn’t want to subject them to the opinions of others.

Steph has previously spoken about why she keeps her family out of the spotlight.

She told The Express: “I would just get too mad if I started reading negative things about them. My daughter has no choice and my partner’s not in the public eye, so I wouldn’t want to subject them to the opinions of others.”

She previously shared the rule she and her girlfriend stick to (Credit: Comedy Central UK/YouTube)

Steph and partner’s relationship ‘rule’

Recently, Steph revealed a strict rule that she and her girlfriend ensure that they always stick to.

“What I’ve learned about relationships is you have to put in the effort,” she told Yours magazine earlier this year.

“It’s about listening. For example, if I’m ill, I like to be left alone to get on with it – no fuss. Whereas my partner likes to be taken care of.”

Steph and her partner have a “brilliant rule”, she added, “where, if we’re miffed about something, we have 24 hours in which to voice it. It means we have some cracking rows, but we solve things fairly quickly.”

“It might be over something small like the dishwasher, but that’s the reason why you’ve got 24 hours to make your point… so it doesn’t grow into a massive collection of things one of us has done.”

Why Steph McGovern on feeling ‘left out’

In 2020, Celebrity Bear Hunt star Steph gave a rare insight into her relationship when she spoke about her girlfriend’s “obsession” with utensils. According to Steph, her partner had recently bought a brand-new BBQ – but Steph wasn’t allowed anywhere near it.

“Do you think she’s one of those people who fancies inanimate objects?” Steph asked producer Geoff and childhood friend Claire on their podcast Not Bad for a Monday.

Geoff replied: “I think she might be. I have noticed in the past she’s given the eye to a hob oven.”

Revealing she feels “left out”, Steph added: “She is obsessed with her utensils and bits of kit for cooking in a way that makes me feel left out, I’ll be honest with you.”

Steph gave birth in 2019 (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Steph on if she wants more children

Steph and her mystery partner welcomed their first child, a daughter, in November 2019 – who Steph also keeps out of the spotlight. And it seems Steph is not in a rush to expand her brood.

She told Woman & Home magazine in 2022: “I don’t think more children are on the cards.

“It’s a bit like the Strictly question,” she added, referring to her own uncertainty over whether she would take part in the BBC One show. Steph continued: “It feels like a no, but I’m not going to say a definite no because you don’t know.”

Big brother mode activated!

Prince George attended Trooping the Colour on Saturday and he had a request for brother Louis on the palace balcony.

Members of the royal family were out in sunny London today (June 14) for King Charles’ official birthday parade – aka Trooping the Colour.

The event happens every June and has marked the official birthday of the monarch for more than 260 years.

It’s also an opportunity for fans and spectators to catch a glimpse of the royals, especially the younger members of the monarchy who aren’t seen as much.
George appeared to be in big brother mode with Louis, who excitedly waved to the crowds (Credit: Photo by Victoria Jones/Shutterstock)

What did Prince George say to Louis on the balcony at Trooping the Colour?

Speaking to Royal Insider, lip reader Nicola Hickling claimed that George asked Louis: “Can you stop doing that?”

Louis reportedly said to his older brother: “I’m waving.”

Even King Charles found his grandson amusing, apparently saying to Queen Camilla as he pointed at Louis: “Look at him.”

Can you stop doing that?

George then nudged Louis’ hand down and reportedly said: “Stop.”

Royal fans watching also picked up on the moment. Sharing their thoughts on X, one person said: “Prince Louis delighting the crowd with some waves and Prince George telling him to stop,” followed by a laughing face emoji.

Another wrote: “Prince George holding Prince Louis’ arm,” also followed by a laughing face emoji.

Someone else added: “Wonder what Prince Louis was about to pull since Prince George has his hand on Louis’ arm seemingly holding it down.”

The royals marked Trooping the Colour on Saturday in sunny London (Credit: Photo by Victoria Jones/Shutterstock)

Prince George’s height at king’s birthday parade distracts fans

Elsewhere, Prince George distracted royal fans for another reason during Trooping the Colour.

The young prince’s height caught the attention of fans, with some making a prediction.

While George’s height hasn’t been confirmed, he seems to be catching up with his mum Kate, Princess of Wales, who is reportedly 5 foot 7.

After seeing George on the Buckingham Palace balcony today, one royal fan speculated: “Once on the balcony, did anyone else notice that Princess of Wales is only about a head taller than Prince George? Plus she’s wearing heels.

“He has got so tall! Next year, he’ll match her height.”

Elsewhere, the Princess of Wales sweetly matched with her daughter Charlotte. They both sported blue outfits for the occasion, with Kate looking stunning in a turquoise Catherine Walker dress.

Alex and Charlie have three children together

Alex Jones has opened up about her husband’s health battle, revealing he’s “in a way better place” compared to where he was a year ago. 

The One Show host, 48, married insurance broker Charlie Thompson in 2015. Since exchanging vows,  the pair have welcomed three children – sons Teddy and Kit and daughter Annie.  

However, Alex – who is on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh today (June 15) – previously disclosed that Charlie “suffers with his mental health”.

And this month, presenter Alex offered an update on her husband’s struggles.

Alex and Charlie share three children (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Alex Jones on husband’s struggles

Alex recently made an appearance on Gabby Logan’s podcast The MidPoint. 

Touching on Charlie’s struggles last year, Alex shared that he “wasn’t very well”. Gabby then inquired: “How is he now?”

Alex replied: “He’s good, yes. He’s in a way better place now to where we were a year ago but diet has played a huge part in that. We always eat relatively well but he’s quite into nutrition.

“I think it was a way for him as well to fill his days in a sense when he wasn’t feeling well. And he decided to take on this kind of role, right, well, we’ve got the medication, but I’m going to see what else I can do to help myself.

“He used to be a chef so cooking and food is very much something he loves and it brings him a lot of joy.”

Alex Jones says husband became a ‘shadow of himself’

In 2024, Alex spoke out about Charlie’s during an appearance on the How to Fail podcast.

She explained that, at the time, Charlie had been going through a lot, dealing with Lyme Disease followed by viral meningitis, and she watched him “fall apart”.

I found myself at a loss thinking, oh my God, I don’t know what to do here?

“It’s my husband’s own story to tell, so I won’t go into detail, but he suffers with his mental health and we’ve just been through a really bad period where, bless him, he had Lyme Disease and then he had viral meningitis. Lots of things happened recently.

“Charlie’s super fun, but he became a shadow of himself. He was so ill; he really went downhill fast mentally,” she said.

“And again, I found myself at a loss thinking, oh my God, I don’t know what to do here? We all talk a good game, but do we actually know how to help people?”

Alex admitted she felt ‘pressure’ while Charlie was unwell (Credit: Splashnews.com)

‘I thought I was losing him’

While her husband came out the other side, Alex feared that she was “losing him”.

“I thought I was losing him, as in not actually losing him. But I thought, oh my God, where is he? I can’t see him,” she explained. “I was looking at him and I’m thinking, I’m looking and hearing somebody who’s not my husband.”

Alex has admitted that she doesn’t always understand Charlie’s mental health problems. However, she is happy to have open conversations with him about it. She said she listens to “lots of podcasts where depression is discussed at length” to further help her understand.

Alex also confessed that she felt pressure to balance everything while her husband was unwell as she revealed the impact it had on their young family.

She said: “You feel the pressure because suddenly you’re the breadwinner, you’re the parent who is functioning. Just life admin is now your responsibility, plus the person you love most is falling apart in front of you and you’re trying to piece them together without proper understanding of how best to go about that.

“I think it’s worth sharing because it knocks you for six as a family – not just the person going through it, but the person that then has to deal with the fallout of the whole thing. It’s full-on.”

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A post shared by Alex Jones (@alexjonesthomson)

Charlie’s treatment

Alex admitted that the couple are “lucky” as they were able to seek help for Charlie more quickly by paying to go private.

She shared: “I think the only way to approach it is professional. I said: ‘What I found is, probably the first step is we need to go to the GP. Then these are the people, I’ve got three options for you, do you think you want to ring any of these people and have an initial chat??’”

“And he was like: ‘Well this person sounds a bit more like somebody I could open up to.’ And me taking the legwork out of it for him is what saved it in the end,” she added.

Lulu has enjoyed a career in entertainment for over 60 years

During last night’s The One Show, viewers were distracted by iconic singer Lulu’s youthful look.

The Relight My Fire hitmaker, 76, appeared on the BBC evening show on Friday (June 6) alongside former TOWIE star Pete Wicks and singer Olly Alexander.

Regular hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp served as hosts, while their guests joined them on the famous green couch.

Lulu appeared on the show alongside Pete Wicks and Olly Alexander (Credit: BBC)

Lulu on The One Show

During her appearance on the show, Lulu promoted her new book and tour, If Only You Knew.

With a career spanning over six decades, the chart-topper admitted the book delves deep into her life. “People think they know Lulu, but no one knows you. I’ve always been very careful, very private and chatty, but I keep a lot of things to myself. Now I’m talking about everything, and this is because the landscape has changed,” she said.

“When I was younger, everything was a secret, and there was a lot of shame because you didn’t talk about things, but today people talk about things, and I think it’s healthy. I’ve had an amazing life, but there are certain things in my life that I’ve never discussed.”

She continued: “I had to go to therapy because it was difficult not to unravel the things that I’ve been told not to say and the things I was assumed of. Once you’ve spoken about the things you’re assumed of.”

“I have mental health issues, I’ve come through a lot, my family, and it’s things that I didn’t want to talk about, but I reveal it in the book, which is kind of like being let out of jail.”

Fans praised Lulu’s youthful look (Credit: BBC)

‘Looking as beautiful as ever’

Despite discussing some heavy topics, viewers were in awe of how young Lulu looked. Pairing white trousers with a basic white tee, she wrapped herself up in a stylish blue jacket and opted for comfy trainers to complete her ensemble.

“Lulu looks great for 76,” one user wrote on X.

“#TheOneShow Lulu looks amazing! She looks so young. Love her!” another person shared.

“Lulu was sensational on The One Show!! And she looked stunningly lovely,” a third remarked on Facebook.

“Looking as beautiful as ever,” a fourth said.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have marked Father’s Day today by taking to social media to share a lovely “before and after” tribute with their children pictured in happy poses

The Princess of Wales has marked Father’s Day with a heartwarming tribute to William, their children’s “Papa” with touching “before and after” pictures.

Sharing two pictures of Prince William surrounded by his children in Norfolk, the heartfelt caption read: “Happy Father’s Day, Papa (before and after!) We love you! G, C & L.”

The lovely pictures were taken in Norfolk earlier this year by Josh Shinner, according to the tribute posted on X.

Father’s Day today is all a world away from last year, when Kate was still undergoing her chemotherapy treatment following her cancer diagnosis. Months earlier, Kate was admitted to hospital for major abdominal surgery and William immediately cleared his diary to be there for not just his wife, but his three children too.

The Princess of Wales posted a delightful Father’s Day tribute ( 
Image:
Twitter/@KensingtonRoyal)

He later opened up on a trip to South Africa saying it had been a ‘brutal’ year for the family and one of the hardest of his life as he also dealt with his father, the King’s cancer diagnosis. But 12 months on, and the Waleses are in a very different place, and former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond tells the Mirror that this Father’s Day will be one where Kate will especially want to show her appreciation for her husband for all he does as a dad.

She explained: “I’m sure Catherine will want to make a real fuss of William after the year and a half they’ve been through. The truth is, though, that they’ll probably both be rather knackered because Trooping the Colour was the day before! So they’ll probably be spending Father’s Day at home in Windsor – or very possibly with Catherine’s family in Berkshire.

“Last year Catherine posted a beautiful Father’s Day picture of William and the children with their backs to the camera, on a Norfolk beach, staring out to sea.

“It was a touching portrait of a dad with protective arms around his children and I’m sure it represented how grateful the princess was for the rock-solid support and love that William has given her throughout their marriage – but particularly through the emotional turmoil of cancer treatment.”

When it comes to bringing up their children, it has become clear this is more important than anything else to William and Kate. Family nearly always comes first and this was no more so evident than at Easter when the couple decided to skip the traditional Easter Sunday church service with the King and Queen at Windsor to spend precious family time together – all with the King’s blessing.

The pair are also very hands-on with their children, doing the school run and ferrying the kids to their various afterschool sports clubs and activities.

On many royal engagements, William and Kate talk about George’s love of football, Charlotte’s interest in dancing and Louis’ lessons in learning to play the drums. And Jennie believes Kate in particular appreciates how different William is from most royal parents of the past.

She said: “Both he and Harry learned from their mother that parents can be fun and funny, loving and tactile, hands-on and cuddly. Charles was some of these things too, but he was always extremely busy with his work. From the off, though, William has been very obviously hands-on – helping to strap newborn George into the car seat all those years ago (with some trepidation) and sharing all the fun and sleep deprivation of life with a tiny baby.

“Diana once told me that the country was very lucky to have William. I think Catherine is very lucky to have him as well. I think they have put on a united front about their priorities at this stage of their lives: family comes first and sometimes duty has to be put on a bit of a back burner.”

The tight-knit family life that William and Kate have managed to create with their children at their Adelaide Cottage home in Windsor has come all with the blessing of the King. He too has also had to endure receiving his own cancer diagnosis and is still receiving weekly treatment for his condition.

His diagnosis came after he underwent a procedure for an enlarged prostate at the beginning of 2024 and he spent time at the London Clinic at the same time as Kate recovered from her major surgery. As their stays in hospital overlapped, sources revealed the King would ‘toddle’ down the hospital corridors to check in on his recovering daughter-in-law to offer encouragement and support.

And Jennie said: “In this, they have both had the full support of King Charles – and I think Catherine has very much appreciated this attitude from her father-in-law. Their shared cancer journey has also brought them closer together and I think there’s genuine affection between them.

“He refers to her as his beloved daughter-in-law and, in some ways, I think she is the daughter he always wanted. I remember Diana telling me about how much Charles had hoped their second child would be a girl.”

Gemma Collins was forced to call in the protection of the police after she was sent a threatening letter to her home address from a stranger who expressed his dislike of her

Gemma Collins calls in police after letter from stalker(Image: Getty Images )

TOWIE star Gemma Collins has been left terrified and forced to call in the help of the police after receiving a threatening and abusive letter from a stalker. The reality TV star, 44, was sent the letter to her home address.

On the back of receiving the shocking mail, she also took the drastic step of upping her personal security level.

A source close to the reality star told The Sun: “Gemma was left shaken and very scared for her safety after she received a threatening and abusive letter from a man expressing his extreme dislike for her and using menacing language.”

The added: “It was really nasty and made reference to tracking her down, so she called the police straight away. It was alarming that this man knew her home address, but she already upped security and has round-the-clock guard dogs and has cameras onsite.”

Gemma Collins pictured with her fiance Rami

The source continued: “She is always incredibly friendly with all her fans and happy to stop for pictures and a chat so to have someone send such an unpleasant letter has really shocked her.”

The insider told the publication that her case is now an ongoing investigation and she is said to be “grateful” to the police.

The source said: “She thought about what had happened to Holly Willoughby and her kidnap threat ordeal so didn’t want to take any chances.”

Unfortunately, this is not the first time Gemma has experienced stalking behaviour. According to the star, she has had people arrive at her Essex home as well as being sent through threatening letters.

Gemma Collins has been battling to recover from pneumonia(Image: gemmacollins/Instagram)

And this was the reason why she refused to be present at her Essex boutique.

Speaking on the Daily Mail’s Everything I Know About Me podcast, she explained: “No one would believe the bl**dy crap I’ve had to deal with. I’ve had a woman stalker that wrote me a letter in white gloves and wanted to kill me.”

She added: “You know, people would wish me dead. I’d get all sorts turn up at the shop. Weird. People are weird. And that’s why in a way I came away from my shop in the end.”

Back in 2019, Gemma was forced to move home following another terrifying experience with a stalker. At the time, a removal van was pictured outside her Essex home.

As if that was not bad enough, Gemma was recently struck down with pneumonia, which explained her lack of posts on social media.

Speaking to the Mirror, she revealed: “It’s shocking, I’ve had it now for over three weeks and I had steroids given to me by my doctor. It was DJ Fat Tony’s wedding and I had to take them to get through that.”

She added: “But I’m off them now and the sickness is really kicking back in. It’s so frustrating because I normally have so much energy and I’m always loving life, but now I get really breathless really quickly and I feel like I’m dying.”

Loose Women legend Linda Robson has opened up about her love life following her split from husband Mark Dunford after 33 years of marriage as she talks online dating

Linda Robson has opened up about her romantic prospects on Loose Women following her split from hubby Mark Dunford.

The 67-year-old star, known for her role in Birds of a Feather, parted ways with her husband of 33 years in 2023, with whom she shares two adult children, Louis and Roberta. Linda also has another daughter, Lauren, from a previous relationship.

Joining the Loose Women panel with Kaye Adams, Nadia Sawalha, and Jane Moore on Friday (May 23), the conversation turned to the complexities of modern relationships.

During the chat, Linda expressed her scepticism about online dating, highlighting that men often don’t resemble their profile pictures.

Linda Robson has opened up about her romantic prospects on Loose Women following her split from hubby Mark Dunford (Image: ITV)

When Kaye quizzed her about using dating apps, Linda responded: “I have only ever had two partners. I’m not a lover of this online dating as well because they could be a serial killer when you go and meet them.”

She continued, “But also, they never look like what they do in their photograph, do they? They look gorgeous in their photograph and you turn up and it’s like ‘oh my god, that’s not him is it’.”, reports Belfast Live.

Kaye’s curiosity peaked, asking: “Have you been on there?” To which Linda answered: “What online dating? No, I’m past all that now. I’m not interested in all of that.”

Linda further shared her concerns about the unpredictability of online dating, saying: “I do worry about the online one because you don’t know who you’re seeing until you get there and then they never look the same anyway.”

Linda and Mark were together 33 years
Reflecting on her marriage breakdown, Linda previously mentioned that she and Mark had grown apart due to having different interests.

The “Birds of a Feather” star opened up to OK! Magazine saying, “We never had that much in common. I’m very sociable. Mark never enjoyed that side of things.”

Linda also shared that their mutual devotion to their pair of kids was the glue in their long-standing marriage, and applauded her former partner: “an amazing dad”.

The couple announced their split in 2023 (Image: Getty Images Europe)
Linda admitted her feelings about the separation: “I’ve been sad about it, of course I have,” but swiftly continued, “But we had two lovely children together. But they’re all grown up, living their own lives now. Now, it’s me and Dolly the dog. [But] I’m in a really good place. Work’s good.”

Post-split, Linda has endured extra sorrow with her mate Pauline Quirke’s dementia ordeal and the loss of Hollyoaks actor Paul Danan.

Amid such challenging circumstances, Linda remarked it’s “been nice to get out of the house” and optimistically noted: “Hopefully things will get better.”

Coleen Rooney is famously proud of her brood of boys – and a source claims a feud the likes of which Victoria Beckham and her family are experiencing would be her ‘worst nightmare’

A source claims the Beckham feud has been food for thought for Coleen(Image: Getty Images)

As Kai Rooney steps into the spotlight with a promising football career and a girlfriend by his side, a source has claimed that mum Coleen is worried that he could grow apart from her – like Victoria Beckham and her eldest son Brooklyn. Coleen has always worn her heart on her sleeve when it comes to her boys, but the source tells OK! that the I’m A Celebrity star is fearing what every mother dreads – falling out with one of her children and losing that close bond, as it appears designer Victoria has.

WAG-turned-wellness entrepreneur Coleen, 39, who has four sons with former England captain Wayne Rooney, also 39, is said to be feeling “emotional” about eldest son Kai, 15, carving out his own path. And, according to our source, recent headlines about the Beckhams’ strained relationship with Brooklyn and a family “feud” have struck a chord with Coleen – also a devoted mother from a footballing dynasty.

Coleen is famously tight with her children

Anyone who saw Coleen speak fondly of her children around the jungle campfire – and witnessed her tearful reunion with her boys down under, will know how much their bond means to her.

“Coleen’s life is her family, she’s made no secret of how much she adores all her boys. She has been following the Beckhams’ feud and wants to make sure nothing like that ever happens to her family. It’s only natural for a mother to worry, especially as her kids get older and their circle widens,” says the source.

“She loves Victoria – who has been her role model and inspiration. It would be Coleen’s worst nightmare if this happened to her with one of her children. Seeing it happen to Victoria is utterly heartbreaking for her. Her boys are her world. She was a young mum and they’re all very close. Kai is the eldest and she’ll surely have thought about him and be fearful about the future.”

Kai is following in his dad’s footsteps both on and off the pitch. Not only is he a rising football star, playing as a striker like Wayne, but he’s also got his first girlfriend and is clearly growing up fast.

Just last month, proud parents Coleen and Wayne watched their teenage son score the winning goal in a youth tournament final at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium. Sharing the moment on social media, they wrote, “Winning goal!!” and “An extra time winner always special” – but behind the scenes, we’re told the milestone was bittersweet.

A source claims the Beckham feud has had Coleen worrying about the prospect of a fallout with one of her sons(Image: INSTAGRAM)

For Coleen, the idea of one of her sons drifting away would be a “nightmare”, claims the source. As well as Kai, she’s mum to Klay, 12, Kit, nine, and Cass, seven, and has always put family first – often juggling her own career around the boys’ school runs, sports matches and holidays.

Our source goes on to say, “It’s the worry of being in the public eye – having that stardom where everyone knows who you are. Girls that perhaps want to be with you for the wrong reasons. “Boys are very close to their mums – but if they meet a girl that steals their heart, they can be as dedicated to that person, and it’s a mother’s worst nightmare to be caught in any feud with her son because of it. Coleen’s really feeling for Victoria at the moment – it really is food for thought.”

And while that inevitable “flying the nest” moment looms, as it does with every mum, Coleen will be doing her best to cherish every second she still has with her eldest at home.

It’s no surprise that Coleen’s concerns have been heightened by the ongoing speculation surrounding Victoria and David Beckham’s relationship with son Brooklyn – they grew up in similar worlds after all. Ever since Brooklyn, 26, tied the knot with American actress and heiress Nicola Peltz, 30, in April 2022, fans have noticed a distance between him and his famous family.

Coleen spoke glowingly about her family in the Im A Celeb jungle(Image: James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shutters​tock)

While the Beckhams have remained tight-lipped about the reported rift, there’s been speculation about tension, especially between Nicola and Victoria. And while Brooklyn now lives in the US full time, fans have pointed out he’s been absent from key Beckham family events, including David’s 50th birthday last month.

Brooklyn remained silent on social media on both his mother Victoria’s birthday in April and dad David’s. In fact, he skipped Victoria’s birthday entirely to be at Coachella with Nicola.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn and Romeo, 22, are allegedly no longer on speaking terms over Romeo’s romantic involvement with Kim Turnbull, which is now said to be over. DJ Kim was linked to Brooklyn a few years ago – but apparently this isn’t the source of their feud.

The brothers, once extremely close and known for doting on their younger siblings Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13, have grown apart, the source added. “Things have been terrible for a long time. It has upset their mum and dad so much. All they ever wanted was a big, happy family.”

Stacey Solomon said she had taken oldest child Zach Pokemon hunting in Paris as a special mother and son treat for his 17th birthday

Stacey spent some rare alone time with oldest son Zach (Image: Instagram )

Stacey Solomon revealed she had spent some rare alone time with oldest son Zach weeks after they had a blazing row on telly.

The Sort Your life Out star, 35, and her 17-year-old appeared to have patched things up as they spent two days on holiday together in Paris. Mum and son were in the French capital to go Pokemon hunting as a birthday treat for Zach.

Posting a series of happy snaps with her firstborn in front of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, Stacey wrote in an emotional post: “2 days with my Zach. Why are these the best pics ever? they make me so happy! Me & you Zachy.”

She continued: “We went Pokemon hunting yesterday & today, it’s something we’ve done for years & have never been to a proper city Go Fest. So for his birthday this year we got tickets & we have been counting down the days. Having a young adult son like Zach is just the absolute dream & spending time with just us two doesn’t happen often but when it does my soul regenerates. To the moon & back Zach! BEST POKEMON TRIP EVER!”

Mum and son went Pokemon hunting in Paris as a treat for Zach’s 17th birthday (Image: Instagram )

Fans were quick to comment underneath the post, with one writing: “Aww! I love this! Hope you caught em all.” Another commented: “Awww lots of beautiful memories made both of you. Looks like fun to happy birthday to your zach.”

A third posted: “Such special quality time with Zach, omg how tall he is now!” A fourth said: “What a beautiful young man he’s turning into so down to earth and just lovely.” A fifth fan chimed in: “Used to love mum and son days out and trips but then they go and get married and have their own kids and you miss those days so much.”

While a sixth suggested: “Stacey you and Zack should do Celebrity Race Across The World. You would have a ball.” More of Stacey’s six million Instagram followers seemed to agree and replied: “YES. BEST RECOMMENDATION EVER!”

Stacey said she was ‘so happy’ to have 2 days with firstborn child Zach (Image: Instagram )

The trip comes weeks after Stacey and Zach clashed in scenes aired on her new BBC reality show, Stacey & Joe, back in April. In the opening episode, mum Stacey is seen waking Zach up the day after she allowed him to throw a party for his pals that went on well into the early hours.

But it turned into an intense argument when the teenager lost his temper with mum Stacey and swore at her on camera. Stacey told Zach she would wake his friends up if he didn’t help with the clean up operation and take the rubbish out and said: “Right, it’s not cool and it’s not clever. I am happy you had a great time but the party is over!” She then asked: “Shall I let the boys [Zach’s friends] know that they are ready for their chores too?”

Zach – who had previously promised to be up by 11am to do it – hit back: “No! What are you doing – you’re p***ing me off!”. This made Stacey lose her cool as she fumed: “If you swear at me one more time Zach. No, I’m not joking!” She added: “Just because there are people here doesn’t mean I won’t have that argument with you.”

Stacey gave birth to Zach when she was 17 before she found fame on The X Factor. She is also mum to 12-year-old son Leighton from a previous relationship. After meeting husband Joe Swash on the set of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – which she won in 2010 – she went on to have three more children.

Son Rex turned six in May. In an emotional Instagram post Stacey wrote: “Rex is 6. I can’t even cope how fast that went. Swipe for how it started. Rexy you are such a special boy. You fill the house with happiness. You make us laugh every day. And your smile has always and continues to light up our days. Keep growing into the most amazing little man Rexy. To the moon & back again darling.”

The couple also share daughters Rose, three, and two-year-old Belle. While Joe has an older son called Harry who isn’t in the show, who is nearly 18. Though their home Pickle Cottage is full to the brim with kids, dogs and their pet ducks, Stacey says Joe would like even more kids – but she isn’t so keen.

She shared: “Joe would like me to be a baby machine! I quit! I quit. My pelvic floor is a shambles. The whole of my back is screaming at me. I can’t do it again.” But Stacey hasn’t ruled out having more kids in the future, adding: “I would love to, maybe when they’re a bit older, and they’re all independent. If we’re lucky enough and if we were privileged enough to have a baby then, that’s when I would consider it. But right now, I’m finally feeling like I’m recovering from three consecutive births. It’s a lot.”

The dancer is on the lookout for famous faces to join the BBC show and reveals which pair he’s tried to sign up

Gorka Marquez is using his Soccer Aid debut to line up celebs for Strictly(Image: PA)

Gorka Marquez is using his Soccer Aid debut to recruit celebrities for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing – and has two big names in his sights. The professional dancer takes to the pitch for the charity match tonight at Old Trafford and admits he’s being scouting for talent in the process.

Tapping up marathon legend Sir Mo Farah, 42, and presenter Big Zuu, 29, Gorka reckons they’d both be perfect additions to the BBC show. “I should be the new casting director,” laughed Gorka, 34. “I was saying to Mo Farah he should do it. The nation loves him. He is such a great inspiration for us. So him on Strictly, such a legend, and I think because he has the stamina, he’s light on his feet, he’d be brilliant. Big Zuu too. I said to him a few months ago, and today I said it again, ‘You would win Strictly,” I said, ‘and I’ll dance with you.’ He’s hilarious and he can move. He’s very good.”

Gorka Marquez is using his Soccer Aid opportunity to tap up potential celebrities for Strictly(Image: ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures)

Gorka lines up for the World XI FC team tonight as they take on England in the Soccer Aid for UNICEF match. England took the crown last summer and fan favourites including Lioness Jill Scott and singer Tom Grennan will be back as well new signings including boxer Tyson Fury and former England goalkeeper Joe Hart. One Direction star Louis Tomlinson returns as does Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney.

Gorka says he won’t be shirking from the tough tackles – even with Strictly just one month away. “Dancers are so robust,” he said. “We get injured and we carry on dancing, you know? We’re used to having injuries and niggles so I will be fine. I mean, I touch wood. No one gets injured. I don’t get injured. In a month of time, I’m starting Strictly so I’d hopefully be careful.”

Gorka has been impressed with Sir Mo Farah’s fancy footwork on the pitch and thinks he’d be a great on Strictly(Image: PA)

Competitive Gorka says he the celebs might be pals off the pitch, but they won’t be on it. “I’m going in,” vowed Gorka. “We wanna win, you know? We’re friends now but there’s no friends on Sunday.” Taking no prisoners, Gorka says he won’t be afraid to take on his idols. “For example, if I have to tackle Paul Scholes, I’d tackle him, then I will go, ‘I’m so sorry. Big fan!” he laughed.

Speaking at the team’s training session at Champneys in Tring, Herts, Spanish dancer Gorka said he’s was loving being involved and helping a worthwhile cause in the process. “I just feel like a bit like an imposter syndrome being here,” he admits.

“There are so many people that I admired growing up, professional footballers and celebrities like Steven Bartlett, I listen to his podcast every day. I’m very privileged and it’s so for such a great cause, raising money for children so they can have the basic things that we take for granted.”

Big Zuu has also been tapped up by Gorka (Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Dad-of-two Gorka says he could pass for a footballer with his skills and look. “When I was growing up, I was playing football until I was 14 and then I choose dancing,” he explained. “A lot of people said I could have been a footballer. They say I look more like one than a dancer because of my tattoos. With dancing, you have to have co coordination. You have to change your rhythms, have speed, stamina, so it pays off on the pitch.”

Gorka says fiance Gemma and kid Mia and Thiago will be watching his Soccer Aid debut from home(Image: UKTV/Mark Forrer)

But he says don’t bet on him scoring any goals. “When I’m in front of the goalkeeper, I might have the wrong foot to score, because I’m like a penguin!” laughed Gorka, who says fiancé Gemma Atkinson, 40, and their two children Mia, five, and Thiago, one, will be watching from home.

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 will take place on Sunday 15th June at Old Trafford, Manchester and will be shown live exclusively on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player. Donate to UNICEF ahead of the match at socceraid.org.uk/donate. This year, thanks to the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, every donation you make to Soccer Aid for UNICEF will be doubled – up to £5 million.