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Meghan’s video went viral on social media last week

Meghan Markle has been defended after she received immense backlash over her hospital dancing video.

Meghan, 43, posted a video of her and Prince Harry twerking and dancing to the Baby Mama dance – a common trend at the time. In the video she was about to give birth to her daughter Princess Lilibet, and she shared the footage to celebrate her daughter’s fourth birthday on June 4.

But the duchess was hit by immense backlash and rumours circulating social media. Now a social media analyst has defended her, hitting back at the trolls.

Meghan was accused of faking her pregnancy by trolls (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Meghan Markle defended over hospital dancing video

One of the main sources of criticism was from people accusing Meghan of faking her pregnancy. The bizarre and baseless conspiracy theories came as social media users insisted her baby bump looked “fake” in the dance video.

But now, those claims have been hit out at by someone who knows Meghan and Prince Harry. He slammed them as “ridiculous lies”.

Christopher Bouzy, who featured on Meghan and Harry’s 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, told Newsweek: “It would be easy to laugh at such absurdity if it weren’t so destructive. Over the years these ridiculous lies have cascaded into a full-blown harassment campaign against Meghan and her family.”

Christopher went on to explain we “can’t ignore” the impact those rumours would have on Meghan. He believes she had “the happiest and most vulnerable moments” of her life “turned into ammunition for hate”.

Meghan defended over ‘sickening’ rumours

He continued: “Every maternity dress and every baby video becomes ‘evidence’ for strangers obsessively trying to prove your pregnancies were a sham. It is sickening and cruel.”

He, along with his social media analysis company Bot Sentinel, even investigated the trolling of Meghan by dedicated social media accounts. He was interviewed about it for Meghan and Harry’s Netflix series back in 2022.

Christopher explained: “Meghan has spoken about how she had suicidal thoughts at the height of the abuse; one doesn’t have to stretch to see a link between that despair and the ceaseless torrent of vilification she endured.”

But he believes it goes further than just Meghan and Harry. He said the wild conspiracy theories help many lose “grasp on reality and decency”.
Both Meghan and Harry have had a hit to their popularity (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Meghan Markle popularity decline

The defence of Meghan’s dance video comes as data shows Meghan’s popularity is at an all-time low.

Data from YouGov shows that her popularity rating is at 17% – the lowest it has been since she first appeared on the site in October 2020.

The site uses how “well known” the person is, and if there is a positive, negative or neutral opinion of them.

These ridiculous lies have cascaded into a full-blown harassment campaign against Meghan and her family.

Initially, 25% of people had a “neutral” opinion of Meghan. But after hers and Harry’s tell-all Oprah interview in 2021, it decreased to 15%.

Whereas her “positive” rating has dipped from the high of 31% to 17%. But her “negative” rating is at an all-time high with 57%.

However, Prince Harry also faced a blow in the stats as he – and Meghan – sit in the top three least-liked members of the royal family. And there is only Prince Andrew below them.

They first met in 2017

Strictly star Gorka Marquez has spoke about his wedding to fiancée Gemma Atkinson, and why it’s on hold for now.

Former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale star Gemma, 40, and Strictly Come Dancing superstar Gorka, 34, got engaged in 2021.

The couple share two children together Mia, six, and Thiago, two.

But despite being a happy little family, last year, Gemma and Gorka addressed why their nuptials were being pushed back for another year. Now, more than a year later, Gorka has revealed their wedding day is still on hold…

Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez have been engaged for a couple of years but are yet to marry (Credit: YouTube)

Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez news

Speaking to OK! magazine last spring, Gemma explained why they still hadn’t set a date for their big day.

Originally, she hinted they had envisioned getting wed when Mia was old enough to be part of the celebrations. But then she said that they wanted to wait until Thiago could be involved.

“We’d like Thiago to be involved now so we’re going to have to wait another year or so,” Gemma said in April 2024.

We’d like Thiago to be involved now so we’re going to have to wait another year or so.

“When we first got engaged we said we’ll get Mia walking down the aisle and then Thiago came along… and there’s no time!”

‘It doesn’t matter’

However, fast forward to June 2025, and still no wedding date is in the diary for the pair. Gorka – on Soccer Aid this Sunday (June 15) – explained why to Hello! earlier this week.

He said: “It will be nice, but we wanted to get married before, but then we had Mia. Then Covid happened. Then after Covid we got pregnant with Thiago. [Gemma] was like: ‘I’m not going to have a wedding pregnant and after the pregnancy she’s like I need to get in shape.’

“And also Thiago now is still not independent so we say when they are old enough they both can walk and be independent. Imagine being on your wedding and he’s crying and just wants Mummy.”

Gorka also revealed that when the time does come, his little ones will have a special role on the wedding day. He said “they can bring the flowers and the rings and everything”. He also said they could “do a little dance with us”.

Despite wanting to tie the knot with Gemma, Gorka added: “The thing is that we are going to get married, but we are happy how we are, we have two children. It doesn’t matter if we sign a document or not.”

What kind of wedding could Gorka and Gemma have? (Credit: YouTube)

‘Toying with just going to a registry office’

Additionally, it seems Gemma and Gorka haven’t settled on what kind of wedding they’d be most happy with. For Gemma, family considerations are at the front of her mind.

That’s despite the couple considering having a quiet do. But, as is often the case with family occasions, how others fit in is paramount.

Gemma continued: “We were toying with just going to a registry office and then having a big party after. But I think my mum would like to see me walk down the aisle so no plans yet but one day it will happen.”

They were together for decades

Hugh Bonneville’s wife was reportedly left heartbroken when the actor abruptly told her their 25-year marriage was over.

Actor Hugh – who is currently appearing in the second series of The Gold – and Lulu Williams tied the knot back in 1998. The pair share a son together Felix, 25.

However, in October 2023, it was reported that Hugh and Lulu’s marriage had ended.

The couple had a 25-year marriage (Credit: Splash News)

Hugh Bonneville in split from wife

In 2023, it was claimed that Lulu spoke about the breakdown of their marriage with pals at a pub near their home in West Sussex.

An emotional Lulu allegedly told friends that Hugh sat her down in July that year on an evening, and said their marriage was over.

A source told MailOnline: “She got incredibly emotional talking about the break-up.” Meanwhile, another person said: “It’s clear that Lulu feels as if 20-odd years of marriage counts for nothing.”

The publication also reports how a spokesperson for Hugh confirmed that the couple had separated.

Hugh’s wife was said to be in tears (Credit: SplashNews.com)

‘I’m completely indebted to her’

Hugh married Lucinda ‘Lulu’ Williams in 1998. The pair, who first met as teenagers, reunited in their thirties with the help of Hugh’s mother Patricia.

Hugh previously told the Radio Times that Lulu was “a bedrock for Felix [their son] and me and I’m completely indebted to her”.

In 2018, they renewed their vows in Las Vegas after 20 years together, before going on to split five years later.

Hugh and new girlfriend

In March 2024, Hugh was linked to actress Claire Rankin. Claire is a Canadian actress who stars in the Canadian comedy series Son of a Critch.

Hugh and Claire were spotted on various dates in London and seemed to be smitten with one another. The Sun reported that Hugh even took Claire to Buckingham Palace for an event hosted by Queen Camilla in February 2024.

However, it clearly wasn’t to be and, by July, he was spotted with vegan influencer Heidi Kadlecova. They confirmed their romance in October 2024, before their first public appearance together just a few months later, in February this year.

One insider even shared that he brought Heidi onto the set of his movie Go Away! last summer. They told the Mail: “Hugh and Heidi seemed really loved up and excited to be in each other’s company.” The source then added: “He introduced her to everybody connected with the project and they came across as a really sweet pair, like a couple of lovebirds.”

Brooklyn is reportedly feuding with his family

Amid the reported ongoing family feud, Victoria Beckham has shared a video showing happier times between husband David and son Brooklyn.

Brooklyn, 26, and his wife, Nicola Peltz, have reportedly fallen out with David, Victoria, and family in recent months.

Victoria Beckham shares snaps and video of Brooklyn and David

In a post for her 32.9 million followers to see, Victoria shared an old video and a string of snaps of David to celebrate Father’s Day today (Sunday, June 15).

“Happy Father’s Day to the best daddy there is! You always lead with love and our four beautiful children are a reflection of that. We all love you so so much!” she captioned the post, before tagging all three of her sons (and giving Harper her own hashtag).

The video the post opens with shows David, Harper, Brooklyn, and Cruz can be seen sitting on the sofa, singing The Four Season’s Sherry.

At one point during the song, David sings in a low voice, drawing a laugh from Brooklyn. It’s unclear when the video was filmed.

Other snaps show David posing for affectionate photos with his kids in various settings and events.

There are photos of the Beckham boys in tuxedos, David, Brooklyn, and Romeo with their arms around each other, sharing a laugh, and Brooklyn and David at a party.

Victoria shared several snaps of David and Brooklyn (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Fans gush over Victoria’s ‘olive branch’

Another photo shows David with his hand on Brooklyn’s knee as they laugh together. There are plenty of pictures of David with Romeo and Cruz, too, as well as some sweet snaps of himself and his youngest, Harper.

Fans were loving the snaps and the fact that Victoria had included Brooklyn in them.

“Such a beautiful and loving family! Lead with love!” one fan commented.

“You’re a great mother, Victoria. This is how she protects Brooklyn from the hate,” another said.

“No matter what is happening with Brooklyn, you will still protect him at all cost! Nothing but respect for you,” a third wrote.

“Our families are our world – nothing better great work knitting yours together so beautifully,” another added.

Another fan believed Victoria’s post was an “olive branch” to Brooklyn. “Here’s hoping Brooklyn takes it,” they added.

Brooklyn and Nicola have fallen out with the Beckhams (Credit: CoverImages.com)

The Beckham feud

Over the past few months, it’s been reported that Brooklyn and Nicola have fallen out with the Beckhams.

Two key incidents are being cited as the reasoning behind the feud.

Some reports claim that the fallout happened when Romeo began dating  Kim Turnbull, a reported ex-girlfriend of Brooklyn. The relationship reportedly led to Romeo and Brooklyn no longer speaking. However, Romeo and Kim have since broken up.

It’s also been claimed that Victoria “found it difficult” to take a “backseat” in the lead up to Nicola and Brooklyn’s wedding. This allegedly caused tension, as did the fact that the wedding took place in Miami.

Brooklyn and Nicola have reportedly spent less time with the Beckhams since, even missing David’s 50th last month.

Donna is a celeb in her own right and the driving force behind his career

The Chase presenter Bradley Walsh previously opened up about the sacrifices behind his successful career, including a period of separation from his wife, Donna Derby.

The couple married in 1997 and have built a strong partnership.

The presenter – who returns with The Chase this weekend (June 15) – reflected on how his wife has supported his career over the years.

Bradley is best known for his presenting role on The Chase (Credit: ITV)

TV host Bradley Walsh met his wife three decades ago

Bradley and Donna Walsh first met in 1992 and tied the knot five years later.

In 2004, Bradley’s career took a major leap when he was cast as Danny Baldwin in Coronation Street.

The role required him to film in Salford, while Donna and their young son Barney remained at their home in the south.

Reflecting on that period, Bradley shared with The Mirror: “I wouldn’t swap my missus for the world. Donna isn’t just beautiful; she’s the most fantastic wife and mother.

“It’s because of her I signed with Coronation Street. She’s the one who recognised what it could do for me, even though it would mean being apart.”

Despite the distance, the couple’s bond remained strong. While Bradley was forging his path on-screen, Donna also had her moment in the spotlight. As a choreographer and former dancer, she famously appeared in Robert Palmer’s 1988 music video for Simply Irresistible.

Their son Barney has also dipped his toe into the entertainment industry.

Bradley often credits Donna with keeping him grounded. In a 2016 interview with Huffington Post, he claimed that he offers “love, stability, and reliability” while she keeps him in check.

Bradley and Donna have been together since 1992 (Credit: SplashNews)

Bradley made an offer that was refused

The Walsh family lives in a £2.5 million barn conversion in Epping, Essex.

Recalling how they found their dream home, Bradley opened up to The Telegraph: “My wife Donna and I were out house hunting one day in Chigwell, Essex.

“She liked the look of a house that wasn’t on the market, so we put a note through the door to ask if the owners were considering selling.

“They later contacted us and said no, but they knew of a similar house that was for sale, so we saw it and bought it. I know it is a good investment and legacy for my family.”

Bradley’s entertainment career has spanned decades, from roles in Doctor Who spin-off The Sarah Jane Adventures to Law and Order UK and his long-running success with The Chase.

Throughout it all, Donna has been his rock, helping him balance the demands of work and family life.

The royal hopes opening up will raise awareness…

Meghan Markle has opened up about various health scares over the years, raising awareness over important mental and physical conditions.

The Duchess of Sussex‘s most recent health battle included her sharing details of a ‘huge health scare’ when she was pregnant.

We take a look at the royal’s medical issues that she’s previously spoken out about.

Meghan Markle spoke of a huge health scare on her podcast (Credit: Cover Images)

Inside Meghan Markle’s health scares – pregnancy to suicidal thoughts

Meghan Markle’s ‘huge medical scare’ while pregnant

The mum-of-two recently opened up over an incident during the first episode of her new podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder.

The royal revealed she had suffered from postpartum preeclampsia, a serious condition that affects people after labour. If not properly managed, it can lead to severe complications such as strokes, seizures and thromboembolism.

On her podcast, the royal said: “We both had very similar experiences – thought we didn’t know each other at the time – with postpartum, and we both had preeclampsia. Postpartum preeclampsia. It’s so rare and so scary.”

“And you’re still trying to juggle all of these things, and the world doesn’t know what’s happening quietly. And in the quiet, you’re still trying to show up for people – mostly for your children – but those things are huge medical scares.”

Mental health battle

The Duchess of Sussex was open about her mental health battles after joining The Firm. In her bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, the royal revealed she had suicidal thoughts while she was pregnant with Prince Archie.

She explained she “didn’t want to be alive anymore”. The host asked her directly if she was thinking of harming herself or had thoughts of suicide, and the Duchess said “yes”.

Meghan said: “I was really ashamed to say it at the time and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry especially, because I know how much loss he has suffered, but I knew that if I didn’t say it, then I would do it.

“I just didn’t want to be alive anymore.”

Following her interview with Oprah, she was praised by mental health charities for breaching the topic.

The Duchess of Sussex first spoke about her mental health publicly with Oprah (Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images)

Healing from trauma

Three years later, she spoke of it again, in an interview with CBS: “When you’ve been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey – certainly part of mine – is being able to be really open about it.”

Meghan added: “I really scraped the surface on my experience, but I do think that I would never want someone else to feel that way and I would never want someone else to be making those sort of plans and I would never want someone else to not be believed.

“If me voicing what I have overcome will save someone or encourage someone in their life to really, genuinely check in on them and not assume that the appearance is good so everything is okay, then that’s worth it. I’ll take a hit for that.”

‘Unbearable grief after miscarriage’

Meghan Markle wrote about another health scare in 2020, in an op-ed for the New York Times called The Losses We Share.

The royal bravely wrote about suffering a miscarriage in the July before, talking about “an almost unbearable grief”.

She wrote about watching her “husband’s heart break as she tried to hold the shattered pieces of mine”.

Meghan explained she “dropped to the floor” from a “sharp cramp” while caring for their son Prince Archie.

The now mum-of-two said:  “After changing his diaper, I felt a sharp cramp. I dropped to the floor with him in my arms, humming a lullaby to keep us both calm, the cheerful tune a stark contrast to my sense that something was not right.

“I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second.”

Charlotte, George and Louis sent a personal message to their dad

Sweet new photos of Prince William and his three children have been released to mark Father’s Day on Sunday (June 15).

Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, also sent a personal message to their dad to mark the occasion.

The first photo, taken by photographer Josh Skinner, showed William, 42, smiling proudly with his arm around his children.
New pictures of Prince William and his kids were shared to mark Father’s Day on Sunday (Credit: Cover Images)

Prince William smiles with his children in Father’s Day photo

The picture – which you can see here – also showed Charlotte leaning in and cuddling younger brother Louis.

Meanwhile, George leaned into his dad as he smiled.

The second photo, also taken by Skinner, showed William lying down as his children cuddled into him.

Happy Father’s Day, Papa (before and after!) We love you! G, C & L.

George and Louis seem to be burying their face into the cuddle while Charlotte is looking up and smiling at the camera.

Alongside the beautiful photos, the caption read: “Happy Father’s Day, Papa (before and after!) We love you! G, C & L.”
William is a proud dad to George, Louis and Charlotte (Credit: Cover Images)
Royal fans gushed over the pictures as one person said: “Ahhh what a beautiful photos. Happy Father’s Day William.”

Another wrote: “What a Beautiful photos.”

A third added: “Happy Father’s Day to the future king. What a gorgeous photo. Such a lovely family.”

The new photos come after the Wales family stepped out for Trooping the Colour – King Charles’ official birthday parade – on Saturday (June 14).

The sunshine was out as members of the royal family took part in a procession and watched an RAF flypast to mark the occasion.

Royal family at Trooping the Colour 2025

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis joined their parents, and gave fans some very sweet moments throughout the celebrations.

Kate and Princess Charlotte were matching in blue outfits. Meanwhile, George and Louis also matched in navy suits and red ties.

Following the celebrations, a family photo was shared to the Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media pages.

It showed Prince William in his uniform, the Princess of Wales smiling and their three children stood in front of them.

William and Kate share family photo at Trooping the Colour

The caption read: “Another brilliant day at Trooping the Colour for His Majesty’s birthday parade. Thank you to everybody who came, and to all those who took part.”

Of course, royal fans loved seeing the family photo from Trooping the Colour and gushed in the comments.

One person said: “What a beautiful family!! Such a lovely photo and hope you all had a wonderful day.”

Another wrote: “I am so happy to see this picture. They are a beautiful family. The kids are so cute.”

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.