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Returning to TV for a new role in Murder Most Puzzling, Phyllis Logan recently revealed that filming for the six-part show required her to get involved in some intense stunts.

Murder Most Puzzling required Phyllis Logan to face some gruelling scenes

Phyllis Logan swaps manners for mischief in the deliciously offbeat new crime drama, Murder Most Puzzling – and one scene left her in a delicate position.

Living in a lavish home with her niece Sherry (Charlotte Hope), Cora finds herself an unlikely anchor for the younger woman after an abusive relationship. Their bond is complex, but loving.

“It’s sweet,” Phyllis Logan says. “Even though Sherry gets very frustrated with Cora, they adore each other. Cora didn’t have kids, but she and her niece are a real family unit.

Cora just wants Sherry to get over her divorce.” Together, they swap London for Bakerbury, a sleepy market town with dark secrets and bodies that come with cryptic clues.

So, when a corpse shows up alongside a crossword puzzle in the local graveyard, Cora’s reputation as the Puzzle Lady puts her on the police’s radar – but not always to their delight.

“She really interferes with the investigation,” Phyllis says. “I mean, who the hell does she think she is? But it’s so nice to have a woman of a certain age challenging the system.”

Cora doesn’t just challenge the establishment – she dives headfirst into danger. Teasing upcoming scenes for her character, Phyllis remembers, “I was on my knees with a plastic bag over my head,” she says, “I did that in the middle of the night in a graveyard with a smoke machine. It was very atmospheric.”

Although Phyllis was up for the action, she didn’t do her own stunts. “There were lots of stunts, like people falling into graves,” she says, “I had a fall so we had a stunt double for that. They were a great team.”

Best known for her refined roles as Downton Abbey ’s Mrs Hughes and Lovejoy ’s Lady Jane Felsham, the actress, 69, is throwing off the corset – and lighting a cigarette. In this six-parter, Phyllis plays Cora Felton, a sharp-witted crossword queen with a wild streak.

Phyllis Logan plays Cora Felton, a sassy crossword puzzle master whose reputation precedes her

“She’s a wonderful breath of fresh air,” Phyllis says. “I love the way she drinks Bloody Marys for breakfast and smokes like a demon. She’s nice enough, but she really doesn’t care. That’s what I aspire to be – but not necessarily smoking and drinking vodka.”

Cora’s been married – and divorced – several times, but Phyllis found the chaos invigorating. “She has this colourful backdrop to her life,” she says, “Her marriages have all ended in divorce but she’ll enter another one. She’s still a bit of a romantic. She hasn’t turned into an old cynic.”

Seemingly set in the Yorkshire Dales, but shot in Northern Ireland, the show makes full use of the moody scenery. “We used some countryside which could be anywhere,” Phyllis says, “But it was lovely filming there. It’s a great place, and we had a great time.”

And there was a personal element, too. “We filmed in a place outside Belfast called Ballymena,” she remembers, “It’s where my maternal grandparents were born. They left to go to Scotland.”

Co-star Adam Best, who plays lead detective DCI Hooper, offered to help her explore her roots. “He said he’d drive around the area to see if we could find out more about my grandparents,” Phyllis says, “But we never really got the chance to do it.”

Busy shooting 10-to 12-hour days, Phyllis didn’t get much down time. “I didn’t get a chance to do much socialising,” she says, “I was working most of the time.”

When a murder rattles the small town of Bakerbury, Cora ruffles feathers as she interferes with the investigation

But that didn’t stop her from forming warm bonds with castmates Charlotte – affectionately known as “Charlie” – and Alistair Brammer, who plays young journalist Anton Grant. “Charlotte would go home when she wasn’t working,” Phyllis says.

“But we had such a nice time on set. When were waiting for scenes to change around, we’d set up in the green room, which was in somebody’s house. She’d be on the bed and I would be at the end of the bed, using it as my office. We were a right trio with Alistair!” The group shared everything, from stories to sweets. “I’m the old granny of the team,” Phyllis jokes.

Though the production team initially offered her a flat, Phyllis chose the comfort of a hotel instead – a decision she doesn’t regret. “I’d open the curtains and the river would be just there. I found it so soothing and relaxing. I’d sit at the table, order a room service soup and a glass of wine.”

Off-camera, the puzzle theme continues. “I like doing the cryptic crossword puzzles,” Phyllis says, “It feels so good when it’s actually done” – making her an apt choice to play Britain’s most eccentric clue-solver.With its quirky tone and classic whodunnit twists, Murder Most Puzzling is part Miss Marple, part Ludwig and all Cora. She’s chaotic, outspoken and determined to solve crimes – whether you like it or not.

Victoria Beckham is reportedly ready to ‘fight back’ as her son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz grow closer to Meghan Markle amid the bitter family feud

Victoria Beckham ‘shaken’ over Nicola Peltz and Meghan Markle’s ‘annoying’ friendship(Image: Instagram)

Fashion designer Victoria Beckham has reportedly been left shaken over Nicola Peltz and Meghan Markle’s budding friendship. The former Spice Girl is said to be ready to “fight back hard” as the bitter family feud rumbles on.

Victoria and David Beckham have been left heartbroken over recent weeks as their eldest son Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola continue to distance themselves from the family. Rumours of Beckham-Peltz fallout emerged in April when Brooklyn and Nicola snubbed David’s 50th birthday celebrations and things have only got worse since.

Amid the drama, Meghan Markle is reportedly eager to strengthen her bond with billionaire heiress Nicola, as she and Prince Harry aim to form a ‘US Fab Four’ with Nicola and Brooklyn.

David and Victoria Beckham at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

A source confided to Closer magazine about the burgeoning friendship: “The Sussexes are looking to really build on this friendship, and all of them see huge potential for it to evolve into a ‘US Fab Four’.”

“Creating this new power alliance is a big slap in the face for David, Victoria and the royals – but the four have zero qualms or regrets about that because they all feel like they’ve been so badly wronged.”

A source confided to Closer magazine about the burgeoning friendship: “The Sussexes are looking to really build on this friendship, and all of them see huge potential for it to evolve into a ‘US Fab Four’.”

“Creating this new power alliance is a big slap in the face for David, Victoria and the royals – but the four have zero qualms or regrets about that because they all feel like they’ve been so badly wronged.”

The insider goes on to tell Heat magazine that Victoria is “100% secure in herself” and is unbothered by Nicola and Meghan’s possible “scheming” as she knows she is a powerful player in her own right.” The Mirror has approached Victoria for comment on this story.

Victoria isn’t the only one in her family having a rocky time with the former royals. The relationship between David and Prince Harry is reportedly strained, with the Duke of Sussex having previously asked David to serve as an ambassador for the Invictus Games.

David and Harry in happier times(Image: PA)

However, it was alleged that Harry didn’t see David at the Sydney event in 2018, and rumours circulated that Harry was keeping his friend at a distance due to Meghan’s concerns about Victoria leaking stories about her.

It was later reported that Brooklyn and his wife Nicola were guests at a dinner party at Meghan and Harry’s Montecito mansion just days after Brooklyn missed his father David’s 50th birthday celebrations in London.

Sources claimed the invitation was “unexpected”, but it was gratefully accepted by the couple who felt “battle-wounded” from the family feud with the Beckhams. Meanwhile, Victoria and David are said to have “shuddered in horror” over this “new friendship”.

After leaving the UK, Noel Edmonds has delved into his passion for farming. But despite his experience on his own farm, he’s haunted by the foot and mouth disease outbreak in 2001.

Nine years after the end of Deal or No Deal, Noel Edmonds makes his return to the box(Image: ITV)

Noel Edmonds was personally affected by the deadly outbreak of foot and mouth disease back in 2001.

He’s been the face of Channel 4’s Deal Or No Deal, a fixture on Top Of The Pops and one of the most recognisable names in British television. Now, at the age of 76, Noel Edmonds is embarking on a new adventure – and he’s filmed it all for ITV.

The presenter first settled in Auckland, New Zealand’s busiest city, but it wasn’t quite the serene escape he had hoped for. Craving stillness, he and his wife Liz eventually bought land in Ngatimoti, at the top of South Island. “The Tasman region is stunning,” Noel says. “Nelson is our nearest city, though it feels more like a large town. We’re very happy here.”

Essex-born Noel’s love of the land stems from childhood and his memories of summers spent in Carlisle with his Aunt Muriel. His enthusiasm later developed into a passion for ethical farming.

“When my career took off and I could afford a nice house, I bought one with 10 acres. I later bought more land, and by the late 70s or early 80s, I’d started farming,” he says.

After the devastation of the 2001 foot and mouth disease outbreak in Devon, which paralysed the farming industry, Noel became an advocate for animal welfare. “It means treating livestock with respect,” Noel says.

“One of the core principles of ethical farming is respect for livestock. My passion and determination partly comes from my experience in Devon in 2001, during the foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. That year taught me a lot – especially relevant to recent years with flu outbreaks and government responses to major health issues.”

Noel Edmonds lifts the lid on his new life in New Zealand – where he and his wife Liz built their own lucrative business(Image: ITV)

In Noel Edmonds’ Kiwi Adventure, Noel lifts the lid on his life down under in New Zealand. Noel and his wife Liz made the move in 2019, and it was as instinctive as it was life-changing.

“Our first holiday was to New Zealand, and it was a fantastic trip,” he remembers. “We stayed in a couple of luxury lodges, but also in B&Bs and farm stays. We began to understand the Kiwi way of life. We returned to the UK thinking this could be our future.”

Things rapidly unfolded. The end of Deal Or No Deal – after an extraordinary 3,000 episodes – marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for Noel. Looking back, he says, “It was a punishing schedule but a fabulous period of my life. Without Deal, I wouldn’t have met Liz.”

Noel and Liz have also launched a hospitality business with a vineyard, pub, restaurant and a supermarket. But for his new show, the focus shifts towards something even more ambitious.

The couple want to create New Zealand’s first energy garden – a pioneering project that blends biodiversity, community and sustainability into one regenerative living space.

In the series, Noel will tackle hands-on challenges, meet inspirational locals and try to navigate day-to-day life in some seriously wild weather.

“The weather here has an attitude,” Noel says. “Oh, and earthquakes. We’ve had three.” But he’s made friends for life. “We’ve been lucky. We’ve met some incredible people and they’ve welcomed us. They’re glad we came. We’re grateful to be here.”

Katie Price caused concern when she rocked up on stage in Portsmouth on Saturday and now she’s worried fans again as they beg her to stop having surgery

The Pricey’s fans have pleaded with her to stop going under the knife after her latest Instagram post. The glamour icon, 47, caused concern when she rocked up on stage in Portsmouth on Saturday for a Pride event, showcasing her tiny frame and gravity-defying Brazilian Butt Lift after she recently admitted she had lost weight because she ‘wanted to’.

Katie, who has admitted she suffers from body dysmorphia, has a legion of loyal fans, who have today told the mum-of-five they are worried about her following her latest social media post in which she flogs CBD oil. Telling her fans they can get a discount on the oil if they use her code, the star sports a low-cut vest, showcasing her collection of tattoos, assuring her audience “it really does work”.

Katie Price has had at least 16 boob jobs, three nose jobs and two facelifts(Image: @katieprice/Instagram)

However, many of the star’s fans were more focused on the work she’d done to her face as they begged her to stop having surgery. One urged: “Katie, please stop mutilating yourself.” Another asked: “What’s happened to her face?” Meanwhile, a third said: “I really hope she will stop having more surgeries.”

However, others supported the star, including Katie’s best pal, Kerry Katona. She replied: “Love seeing you getting amazing results babe @supremecbd is a life changer.”

It comes after Katie, who has had at least 16 boob jobs, three rhinoplasties and two facelifts, caused concern on Saturday when she performed at a Pride Event in Portsmouth, belting out her favourite songs on stage.

Many fans were shocked by the star’s tiny frame after the OnlyFans star admitted that she had lost weight on purpose.

Revealing that she had lost weight because she wanted to, she said on Rob Moore’s Disruptors podcast: “Yes I’ve lost weight. Yes that what I’ve wanted to do, I’ve wanted to lose weight.”

The glamour icon stunned fans with this performance at Portsmouth Pride’s stage show on Saturday (June 7)

Explaining why she felt she needed to drop a dress size, she continued: “Because the past three, four years ago when I broke my feet and I was in a wheelchair for 10 months because they said I’d never walk again, and obviously you put weight on being in a wheelchair.

“And then I did all the IVF stuff, that also puts on weight. So yeah I did put on weight and I hated it, I felt uncomfortable and it wasn’t me.

“Now I’ve gone back, now the IVF that’s all come out, and I’m more active because I could do more because of my feet, and I’m horse riding again, then naturally, I’m going back athletic again.”

Katie has worried followers after showcasing her noticeably slimmer appearance on social media, with many expressing concern for her well-being. Since her transformation, she’s been questioned about whether she’s been using Ozempic injections or similar treatments to achieve her appearance, which she has repeatedly denied.

The Mucky Mansions star insists her slim physique is down to a balanced diet and exercise – but many fans aren’t buying it.

BBC’s Springwatch has been hit with even more complaints following more ‘harrowing scenes’ on the wildlife show

Springwatch fans have been left fuming with the BBC Two show once again, as the the wildlife show aired harrowing scenes, leaving viewers distressed.

Yesterday, hosts Chris Packham and Dancing on Ice star Michaela Strachan taking a look at footage of a tawny owl and song thrushes.

The chicks had been doing well, until things took a drastic turn as one song thrush decided to leave the nest.

Springwatch received complaints yet again(Image: BBC)

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Later on, viewers were shown distressing footage of a tawny owl bringing in one of the song thrushes – as things went from bad to worse. “What happened next at 11.06pm was the tawny owl returned and obviously it would come to this nest and grab those chicks,” Chris explained.

Viewers were then shown distressing scenes of the owl pecking at the chicks, as Chris continued: “Very rapidly it killed the chicks in the nest using its talons and then took hold of one of them and make its way out of the back of the nest.”

However, fans were left unimpressed as they took to X, formerly known as Twitter to complain. One penned: “Well done #springwatch Tens of thousands of children now crying and in distress!”

The show also received complaints for ‘gruesome’ owl scenes last week(Image: BBC)

Another devastated fan penned: “Sad part of nature…. That poor thrush nest with chicks an owl took them,” a third said: “Oh no not the thrushes :(“.

However, the complaints aren’t uncommon. It comes just days after viewers were left fuming that they weren’t given a warning after the show failed to warn them before airing gruesome scenes.

In an episode last week, fans saw hosts Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan update fans on a short-eared owl’s nest, but things took a turn for the worst when one chick was “pecked to death” by its sibling.

“It seems like they were all being fed, and just yesterday I was saying that one was doing well. But I’m afraid in that nest things took a turn for the worst,” Michaela said, before telling viewers how one chick ate its sibling in “shocking” scenes.

The gruesome scenes were then played out, however, viewers were left horrified as they were given no warning. “As you can see, that little one became week and defenceless, and that stronger sibling took complete advantage and started pecking at the younger one who was still alive,” the hosts said as the scenes played out.

Michaela did apologise for the “hard to watch scenes,” as she continued: “It pecked it to death. That was really surprising to us, because as Chris said they were fed four times.” However, fans were still furious at the lack of warning.

One Love Island couple has shocked viewers by getting down to business and locking lips on their first day as a pair on the ITV2 reality show after fears that a bombshell would split them up

Love Island fans got a big surprise tonight as Megan and Tommy locked lips during their first day on the island(Image: ITV/Love Island)

Love Island fans were left reeling just one day into the new series as one couple locked lips. Tensions reached a boiling point today as Shakira set her sights on finding a new connection after American bombshell Antonia stole her man.

With the fear of being dumped from the island hanging over her, Shakira made it her mission to speak to as many of the boys as possible – but her female co-stars were not impressed. Meg seemed to be the most rattled after spotting her partner Dejon deep in conversation with Shakira, and nervously told the other girls: “I don’t have my man, Dejon’s gone – that’s it!”

Although Meg got the encouragement she needed, her counterpart, Megan, soon felt the pains of being on the chopping block as Shakira pulled Tommy for a chat by the pool.

Megan went in for it after seeing Shakira flirting with her man(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)

As things started to get more flirty between Shakira and Tommy, Megan decided she needed to make a bold move. She told the other girls: “I think I need to lipse him.” Her friends were quick to egg her on, encouraging the Irish girl to lock her relationship down.

Megan interrupted Tommy and Shakira’s conversation, taking her man to the terrace where she admitted: “That made me a little bit jealous.”

One thing led to another, and Megan ended up claiming her man with a passionate kiss, much to the excitement of the Islanders down below, who cheered them on.

Viewers were shocked to see the stars getting physical so quickly, and took to X to share their thoughts on the scene, with one saying: “The kiss was way too soon.” Another agreed: “Getting jealous and literally doing a forced kiss over someone you’ve known less than 24 hours is beyond unhinged.”

Some fans even declared they were going to make an official complaint to media watchdogs about the incident, with one saying: “Naa I’m submitting an Ofcom complaint, that kiss was too cringe, made me feel mad uncomfortable.”

Before coming on the ITV2 show, Megan revealed that she isn’t fussy about a man’s looks, saying she doesn’t mind someone who is “scrawny” or has “a bit of a dad bod”.

Despite her easy-going nature when it comes to outward appearances, it seems that once another woman becomes a threat to her love life, she has what it takes to go in for the kill.

Meanwhile, Tommy came across as a down-to-earth lad, who admitted he has been knocked back a few times once girls heard what he did for a job. The landscape gardener said he wants a girlfriend who is caring and most importantly, doesn’t take herself too seriously.

He laughed: “I don’t know if that’s asking for too much, but I want a bit of everything. I haven’t got a specific type in terms of looks, though.”

While the royal family will be celebrating the King’s official birthday with the Trooping the Colour procession on Saturday, Meghan Markle will be at an event of her own in California

Meghan Markle’s next public appearance has been confirmed (Image: Getty)

As the Royal Family prepares for Trooping the Colour, Meghan Markle is planning her own big night out in California. The Duchess of Sussex has been confirmed as the guest of honour at a museum’s Night of Wonder black-tie event in California, on the same day as the King’s official birthday celebrations in London.

The diary clash will see Meghan be honoured for her charity work, which focuses on advancing community wellbeing and expanding opportunities for disadvantaged people, particularly those from underprivileged and minority communities. The event, where Meghan will give a speech about her work, will take place at the Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles, California, where the royal couple has called home for the past five years since stepping back from their royal duties.

Meghan Markle will attend a charity event in California on the same day as Trooping the Colour(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Meghan will be joined by other high-profile guests at the museum on June 14, with the space being transformed into an enchanted nocturnal garden.

The exclusive event will feature live music and installations representing local ecosystems and the LA landscape, and guests will be treated to a farm-to-table dinner that uses ingredients from the museum’s nature gardens. While it has not yet been confirmed if Prince Harry will also be attending the museum’s charity night, he often accompanies his wife to public events where she gives speeches.

Ahead of the event, Lori Bettison-Varga, the President and Director of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, said: “We are proud to honour Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, a native Angeleno, whose work to advance community wellbeing and expand opportunity – especially for underserved communities – aligns with our equity-focused approach to developing science literacy for the next generation.”

The Sussexes have not attended the royal event since 2019(Image: Getty Images)

The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan added that Meghan’s mission to advance community wellbeing and uplift young women “dovetails with the museums’ approach to connecting community and science by fostering meaningful educational experiences that empower young minds.”

On the same day of the exclusive event at the Los Angeles museum, the Royal family will be taking to the Buckingham Palace balcony for Trooping the Colour to celebrate the King’s birthday.

The Trooping the Colour event, which takes place every year in June, has been held to mark the sovereign’s official birthday since the accession of King George IV in 1820, except during the world wars and a national strike in 1955. In 2020, a scaled-back version of the celebration was held at Windsor Castle due to the Covid pandemic.

Trooping the Colour 2025, officially known as The King’s Birthday Parade, will take place on Saturday June 14 in London. Prince Harry and Meghan have not attended the event in an official capacity since 2019, although Meghan was seen watching the military procession from Horse Guards Parade during the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.

Harry and Meghan announced they would be stepping back as senior members of the royal family in January 2020, and have been living in Montecito, California, with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, ever since.

Ryan Hawley has teased special Emmerdale episodes are on the way, after spoilers hinted it a reunion with Aaron Dingle next week as Robert Sugden returns to the village

Robert Sugden is hotly tipped to target his love rival and half-brother John(Image: ITV)

There’s “emotional” and special episodes set to air next week on Emmerdale, one star has revealed.

Robert Sugden actor Ryan Hawley has teased tear-jerking episodes after a recent “devastating” twist. Robert gets a visit from his ex Aaron Dingle next week in prison, and soon “a lot” is revealed.

It seems things we don’t yet know could come to light about Robert’s six years away from the village, and his true feelings for ex Aaron who has just married Robert’s brother John Sugden. We see John and Robert’s feud heat up too, as the men feature in tense scenes.

But a lot of the episode will focus on Aaron and Robert amid hopes from fans of a Robron reunion. Actor Ryan has revealed all on the moving scenes ahead, as he teased viewers would be told new details about what has gone on.

He explained: “It is emotional scenes. They’re big scenes, and it’s things they haven’t had a chance to say to each other for six years. A lot is to be revealed in these episodes.”

There’s “emotional” and special episodes set to air next week on Emmerdale(Image: ITV)

When Aaron initially declines to visit Robert who’s back in prison for breaking his probation rules, he’s left stunned when his ex-husband does eventually show up. Ryan spilled: “Aaron comes to visit Robert much to his surprise and delight.

“It is kind of special in that there’s only three or four cast members, it’s just Robert, Aaron and John, maybe Victoria as well. There’s really big scenes, lovely scenes. it’s a nice journey throughout. I was really pleased with the writing.”

Soon enough Robert makes his return to the village, for the first time since his exit in 2019. He adds: “Robert returns to the village and rejoices in telling John and Aaron that he’s back.”

Ryan shared how much he’s loved being back on the soap for so long, reuniting with his former cast members after the big twist tat aired recently. He shared: “It’s been lovely. I have had so much fun, I had forgotten how much fun it could be and how funny people are, and how much of a lift it can give you when you’ve got a full fay of scenes.”

Robert Sugden actor Ryan Hawley has teased tear-jerking episodes after a recent “devastating” twist(Image: ITV)

Ryan also discussed the “devastating” moment where Aaron refused to end things with John, rejecting Robert. He shared: “He’s devastated that he hasn’t been able to change the course of action.

“He turned up thinking everything would go his way and Aaron would jump at the chance to be with him again, and he was there to save the day. It’s not gone that way and he’s gutted.

“He’s come back to the village and has been so publicly humiliated in front of everyone.” On whether Robert will try again to win back Aaron, he said: “At this moment I am not sure. He resigned himself to the fact that Aaron’s chosen John. The events of that week bring him back to the village.”

Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice could be set for a return to the front line of the Royal Family once their cousin Prince William ascends to the throne

Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice may have a wider role due to Harry’s absence(Image: (Image: GETTY))

Princesses Eugenie and Princess Beatrice are reportedly “waiting in the wings” as Prince William prepares to “shake up” the monarchy.

Much like his father, King Charles, the Prince of Wales is believed to favour a more “slimmed-down monarchy”. Recent reports suggest that the King is eager to control The Firm’s expenses.

This could mean reducing the number of working royals. Since ascending to the throne, the King has depended on his younger siblings — Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh — to fill in as needed.

However, the future of the monarchy under 42-year-old William appears less certain. His brother, Prince Harry, relinquished his role as a working royal to live in Montecito, California, with Meghan and their two children, reports Yorkshire Live.

This has sparked speculation that William might lean more heavily on his cousins when he ascends the throne. This could see the York sisters taking on more responsibilities, according to Royal author Ingrid Stewart.

The future roles of the sisters remain uncertain(Image: Getty Images)

In an interview with New Day magazine, she said: “They’re valuable assets and I’m certain they’ll get involved with royal duties when William becomes king. I’m sure they would like to do more and they’re waiting in the wings to be asked.”

Richard Eden of The Daily Mail recently suggested that William is “starting to see the value” in his cousins. His late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, was also keen on relying on his cousins for support.

Eden said: “From what I’m hearing, Prince William is starting to see the value of his cousins and what, in the long term, they could give. Obviously we had Queen Elizabeth who was supported throughout her reign by her cousins, such as the Duke of Kent, Duke of Gloucester, and the ones I’m writing about this week are Princess Beatrice and Eugenie.

“They’re doing more and more. They’re private duties really, in terms of charity work, but I think Prince William and his father are noticing this and appreciating it.”

Prince William is said to be in favour of a slimmed-down monarchy – an opinion shared by the King(Image: Chris Jackson, Getty Images)

The York sisters are well-versed in Royal responsibilities and have been spotted at Buckingham Palace garden parties, events usually presided over by the Prince of Wales. Eden hinted: “So I think we should expect some future announcements. It’s an exciting time for them.”

There have also been whispers that Zara Tindall, Princess Anne’s daughter, might be offered a larger role in Royal engagements. Notably close to the King, Zara and His Majesty were seen sharing a warm embrace in public just the previous year.

Richard Eden has voiced his belief that William was eager to have his wife Kate Middleton and their children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and seven-year-old Louis, as his central Royal figures.

During a discussion on the Palace Confidential podcast, he remarked: “Prince William, like his father, has always favoured slimmed-down monarchy as the future and what that looks like being now is just William and Catherine and their children. But, how on earth could they justify all the wealth and palaces for that one nuclear family?”

They’ve raced 14,000km across Asia now the hit show’s loyal audience of 7million will finally find out which of the four teams has clinched victory

Race Across the World is about to end its fifth series on BBC1 and it’s the tighest contest ever

It’s the final of the BBC1 series Race Across the World, and the win could go to any of the four remaining teams who have trekked 8,700 miles from the Great Wall of China across Nepal, to the bottom of India. As they start the seventh and final leg, current leaders Tom and Caroline Bridge are seen as the biggest threat by the other competitors when it comes to taking the title – and the £20K prize money.

Brothers Brian and Melvyn Mole – both in their 60s – have always been wary of Caroline, who fears that she’s missed out on life by being a housewife. “She had a glint in her eye from about leg two and I thought ‘crumbs this girl is out to win this’,” Brian reckoned.

But he and Melvyn are determined to do everything they can to clinch the title themselves – along with the £20k prize – having surprised themselves by winning three legs during the competition. “If you enter something like this, you enter to win, and you do your best, and it keeps you self-believing that you’re capable of doing anything,” Brian said. The pair have proved popular with viewers and bookies alike – until they finished 17 hours behind the leaders in last week’s leg after opting to take the slower route to Panaji, which avoided Mumbai.

Caroline and Tom had a shaky start but have gone from strength to strength over their weeks of travelling across Asia(Image: BBC/Studio Lambert)

Now they know they have a serious amount of catching up to do if they are to triumph. Despite this, Melvyn said: “I’m proud of what we’ve done. I’m disappointed that we dropped on the last leg. I don’t necessarily think the race is about winning, though, it’s about the experiences.”

BBC viewers have loved watching the estranged brothers, who were treated differently by their strict, old-fashioned parents, rebuild their bond and enjoy spending time together. Driving instructor Melvyn, 65, reflected: “We have got closer together, there is no doubt about that. Brian didn’t surprise me, but I think how well we got on did.”

Financial advisor Brian, 62, said that they now plan to keep in regular contact. “We want to do things together a bit more, and if there’s an adventure to be had again, we’ll do it! I think friends and others that know me would have probably thought I would not survive the race but no surprise to me, I always knew we could do it. We are both winners in what we’ve achieved so far on the race.” Both men said they’d jump at the chance to replay the experience, with Brian explaining: “As uncomfortable, as irritating, as frustrating as the journeys sometimes were, I’d do it again.”

Elizabeth and Letitia have grown stronger as sisters as they proved competitive in the race from the very start(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Studio Lambert)

Sisters Elizabeth and Letitia said they also viewed the mother and son team of Tom and Caroline as their biggest rivals. “They’ve been steady climbers and have been very determined,” Letitia said. “But Fin and Sioned really want to win a leg! Anything could happen.” And Elizabeth hasn’t written off Brian and Melvyn, pointing out they had “become so competitive”. The pair would love the victory for themselves. “We’ve really pushed ourselves to work as hard as we can, keep on fighting and be resilient.”

Like the Mole brothers, they feel that the show has put their sibling relationship on a whole new footing. “I think coming out of the show we’re a lot more comfortable with each other, we’re talking more and expressing ourselves and communicating better,” introverted, younger, wiser Letitia, 26, said. Extroverted older sister Elizabeth, 33, said she’d been thrilled with how they’d both coped. “I don’t think I thought Letitia was as resilient as she was, and also her confidence, she’s always stood behind me or pushed me to take the lead, but there were so many times where she just went for it.”

Current leaders Caroline, 60, and 21-year-old Tom admit they are going all out to take the title. “We’re desperate to win, and we also don’t want it to end, we’re loving it so much – we’re having more fun than we thought we would,” Caroline declared. “The pressure is on both of us, we’re in the lead so we’re trying to feel confident but not cocky because we know anything can go wrong at any time.”

Sixty-something brothers Brian and Melvyn have had tons of fun on the trip and say they’d love to do it all over again(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Studio Lambert)

They feel the biggest challengers are the Welsh teenagers and the sisters. Tom said: “I think Fin and Sioned are people to look out for as they managed to make a massive comeback, and when it comes to the run route, they can run quicker and faster than we can, so that’s a worry. Caroline added: “Elizabeth and Letitia have always worried us, they’ve been so consistent, I don’t think they’ve ever been bottom.”

Caroline said that she’d learned many life lessons along the way, including “to try and be more spontaneous and have a more carefree attitude and try and stop worrying. Being in India showed me you have to grab life with two hands because it is so precious. I’ve had a glimpse at life through a younger person’s eyes, who hasn’t got the weight of the world on his shoulders, and its taught me to enjoy the simple things.”

They said their whole relationship had changed as a result of the show. “We are very happy in each other’s company, more so as adults rather than mother and son. Age doesn’t come into it any more.” Tom said he couldn’t believe how much better they’d got at travelling over the course of the series. “I think looking back to how we were doing in leg one, compared to how we’re doing now in leg seven, it’s a massive achievement.”

Fin and Sioned took a while to find their feet but they found confidence after catching up on the leaders by many hours (Image: BBC/Studio Lambert)

Teenage racer Fin Gough admitted that he never wants to go home. The 19-year-old, competing alongside 18-year-old girlfriend Sioned Cray, said he can’t bear the thought of it all ending. “I would pay everything I have to do it again,” he sighed in an interview given before setting off for the last time. “I don’t want to come back.”

Sioned says she and Fin have learned loads from their travels. “I think it was being together with no-one else to direct us in any way,” Sioned said. “It was having the responsibility of making all the decisions ourselves – that was a huge challenge for us at the start, but we did get used to it.”

They now think the title could go to any of the four teams. “At the start it was always Elizabeth and Letitia – no matter how well we thought we were doing, they always seemed to be in front of us – then it was Tom and Caroline and right now it’s everyone’s game.” They’d love to triumph themselves. Fin, who has type 1 diabetes, said: “I’m so proud of us for doing it, fresh out of school and so young. We’ve faced so many challenges along the way, to come out on top would prove to ourselves that we can do it.”

Sioned agreed: “I think doing the race is a huge accomplishment, but being able to say that we’re the winners and having that title would be amazing.”

– Race Across the World concludes Wednesday, 9pm, BBC1