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He has been the voice in Verstappen’s ear throughout his entire Red Bull Racing career

MAX VERSTAPPEN will be without his right-hand man for the first time in his Formula One career at the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend.

The 27-year-old’s long-serving race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase has not made the trip to the team’s home race in Spielberg.

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Max Verstappen must navigate his first F1 race without one of his closest allies in AustriaCredit: EPA

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Verstappen’s chief engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will miss his first F1 race since 2016 for personal reasonsCredit: Getty
It will be the first time that Lambiase won’t guide Verstappen through a race since the Dutchman stepped up from Toro Rosso to Red Bull Racing in May 2016.

Also known simply as ‘GP’ in the paddock, Lambiase has been the voice in Verstappen’s ear for every single one of his 219 races.

Their relationship proved an instant success after Verstappen won on his debut at the Spanish Grand Prix to become the youngest race winner in F1 history.

Plenty of glory has been achieved together over the years, including four straight world titles – Verstappen now pushing for what would be a record-equalling fifth successive championship crown.

Lambiase was initially race engineer to Daniil Kvyat but, when the Russian was replaced mid-season by an 18-year-old Verstappen, he remained in the role.

The Italian-British engineer, 44, will miss the Austrian Grand Prix, the 11th race of the season, for personal reasons, according to ESPN.

In 2021, the Independent reported that Verstappen suggested he’d QUIT F1 if Lambiase left the team, the pair coming up against fierce battles with Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes that year.

In Lambiase’s place comes Simon Rennie, an experienced Red Bull employee who previously served as a race engineer and is currently Group Leader of Simulation Engineering at the team.

Rennie, 45, has plenty of experience in the role, having performed it for the likes of Fernando Alonso, Robert Kubica and Kimi Raikkonen at Renault.

He joined Red Bull in 2013, initially serving as race engineer to Mark Webber and then to Daniel Ricciardo before moving to a factory role in 2019.

He is no stranger to temporary stints back at the track, having served as Alex Albon’s race engineer in 2020 for a brief spell.

Rennie is expected to fill in for just one weekend with Lambiase expected to return to his trackside duties at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone next weekend.

Verstappen trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by 43 points ahead of Austria, with Mercedes reportedly keen on prizing him from Red Bull if he wants out.

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Lambiase is the engineer in charge of all pit-to-car communication with Verstappen on his earpiece during the races

Brad Pitt lauded Lewis Hamilton as a human being after the pair collaborated on the upcoming ‘F1’ film that the Hollywood icon stars in and the seven-time world champion produced

Brad Pitt showered Lewis Hamilton with praise(Image: Getty Images)

Brad Pitt revealed the reverence he has for Lewis Hamilton as he described him as a “gem of a human being” at the world premiere of the new ‘F1’ movie. The pair collaborated on the upcoming film that is set to hit the screens internationally on Friday.

Created in tandem with the FIA, the governing body of Formula One, the seven-time world champion is credited as a producer on the film, with his contributions labelled “invaluable” by the Hollywood icon and director Joseph Kosinski.

Pitt and Hamilton posed together on the red carpet for the film’s world premiere in New York City last week and the actor admitted the movie was destined to be made once the Brit came aboard the project.

Discussing the help Hamilton offered in terms of the realities of racing being shown, the 61-year-old waxed lyrical about the Ferrari star’s kind personality and said he understood why he’s been so successful in a racing career that is approaching 20 years at the highest level.

“When Lewis came on, then it was a go. And it was a simple phone call for me,” Pitt said. “I remember we sat down that first time – and that’s less about racing and more about just sitting with a gem of a human being. There’s a reason… champions are made, I think, beyond just talent.

“It’s also how they carry themselves and how they face the world. And he is just a gem and a gent. Really, really. And then you come to what the expertise is that he has brought to this thing.

Pitt revealed that Hamilton signed onto the film before he was even involved(Image: GETTY)

“He would give us like 12 hours in a day. We’d just sit and just query and throw questions at him – ‘What about this?’ – and he really helped shape us, shape this film.”

Pitt was also present at the film’s premiere in Leicester Square earlier this week, where he was joined by Tom Cruise as he continued detailing just how much of a role Hamilton had in the making of the film.

“Lewis Hamilton is our producer, and his knowledge has been so immensely helpful,” he said to Sky Sports. “He’s been keeping us straight going, ‘No, no, no, that doesn’t fly. It needs to go this way.’ And his knowledge, it’s so incredible.

Hamilton has moved to Ferrari since working on the film(Image: Getty)

“Like right down to the sound, he can actually pick out and go, ‘No, no, That’s turn 12. That’s not turn 16. You need more reverb on the straight here, you hear this massive reverb into one.’ Like he’s that specific. It’s incredible.”

The presence of the 105-time Grand Prix winner was so integral that Pitt revealed he signed onto the film after the Brit. “Joe [Kosinski] went and got Lewis before he got me,” he explained.

“He said, ‘If I can have that kind of backing and that kind of support, then I think we can get to what I know I can do with the cameras and the car.’”

One former teammate is hopeful that the Formula One icon is ‘on the mend’ after his first public act in 12 years

MICHAEL Schumacher‘s wife Corinna rejected offers to help “wake up” the F1 legend, a former teammate has revealed.

Italian F1 star Riccardo Patrese said he offered to help the seven-time world champion with recovery, but claims it was rebuffed by his wife.

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Schumacher has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious head injury in 2013Credit: Alamy

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Michael Schumacher and his wife Corinna before his accident in 2013Credit: Alamy

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Riccardo Patrese said he offerd to help with Schuey’s recovery

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Michael Schumacher (left) with teammate Riccardo Patrese (right)Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
World champion Schumacher has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious head injury after a skiing accident in December 2013.

Pal Patrese said he believed a familiar voice would help the former Ferarri and Mercedes star to recover from his tragic accident.

He told Listofsweepstakescasinos.com: “Then he had the accident.

“That is a very sad moment. You know that sometimes if they hear [a familiar voice], some boys wake up, that they recognise a voice.

“I asked [Schumacher’s wife] Corinna if they wanted me to go there and try to help if I could.

“Well, if I could, I would have, but they said, ‘No, thank you’.

She said it’s not the moment. But that moment has never come.”

Schumacher’s wife Corinna has spent the years since creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery.

Over the last decade, his condition has remained a secret.

Patrese added: “I know nothing [about his illness], but from the first moment of course I was in very good connection with Michael, because of the national team of drivers for soccer for charity.

“He was the captain of the team. When I left, I gave to him the armband of the captain and he was really very happy to do it.”

In 2022, Late F1 legend Eddie Jordan told the Irish Mirror he tried to arrange a visit with Schumacher, but his efforts were reportedly rebuffed.

Many pals have previously tried to offer help to the F1 legend get back on his feet.

But one former teammate is hopeful that the Formula One icon is “on the mend” after his first public act in 12 years.

Schumacher recently signed fellow motorsport great Sir Jackie Stewart’s helmet alongside dozens of other drivers in a touching move that has left many hopeful about his health.

His autograph marks the stricken F1 legend’s only public act since his devastating ski accident in the French Alps almost 12 years ago.

He is said to have signed it with the help of Corinna as an image showed his initials “M.S” on the bottom right of the iconic white helmet.

Schumacher’s teammate at Benetton between 1994 to 1995, Johnny Herbert, described the signature as an “emotional” moment.

He told FastSlots: “It’s wonderful news that Michael Schumacher signed Jackie Stewart’s helmet. It was a wonderful moment.

“We haven’t seen something emotional like this in years, and hopefully, it’s a sign.

“Hopefully, Michael is on the mend. It’s been a long, horrible journey for the family, and maybe we’ll hopefully see him in the F1 paddock soon.”

Schumacher now lives at a £50million custom-built property on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, where he is cared for by a dedicated team of medical staff.

Only a handful of trusted people are aware of his current health status, including ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt, his former teammates Felipe Massa and Luca Badoer, as well as longtime manager Sabine Kehm.

He recently became a granddad for the first time last month after his daughter Gina welcomed a baby girl named Millie.

The legendary Formula One driver is believed to have flown from his family’s villa in Majorca to their Swiss mansion in a chopper to join his daughter before the birth.

Gina revealed she was pregnant shortly after tying the knot to partner Iain Bethke at a villa in Majorca last year.

There was speculation at the time that her F1 champion dad attended the wedding, but it is unclear if he ever made the ceremony.

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You can’t please everyone!

Fans of Celebrity Gogglebox were left with different opinions after watching last night’s (June 27) show.

The hit Channel 4 programme returned for another episode on Friday evening. The show saw the likes of Nick Grimshaw and his niece Liz, Paddy McGuinness and Vernon Kay and Jennifer Saunders and her daughter Beattie Edmonson all react to a handful of shows, from Bake Off: The Professionals and Celebrity Puzzling to Olivia Attwood: The Price of Perfection?

However, it was Noel Edmonds’ Kiwi Adventure on ITV, which documents his new life in New Zealand, that turned viewers off.

Jennifer Saunders and her daughter Beattie Edmonson returned to Celebrity Gogglebox (Credit: Channel 4)

Celebrity Gogglebox on Channel 4

Despite Noel’s absence from our screens in recent years, many people at home didn’t seem pleased to see him make a TV comeback.

“I despise Noel Edmonds and have done since the 70s on radio. Is it just me?” one user asked on X.

“Noel Edmonds is insufferable,” another person shared.

“I thought we’d got rid of Noel Edmonds ffs, I should have known better,” a third remarked.

“Noel Edmonds new show looks boring,” a fourth said.

“Noel Edmonds thinks he’s funnier than he is,” a fifth person expressed.

“#Celebritygogglebox Noel Edmonds is still a [bleep]ing deluded [bleep],” a sixth added.

“Noel Edmonds……excuse me while I’m sick,” another declared.

Viewers didn’t warm to Noel’s TV comeback (Credit: Channel 4)

‘Not nearly as funny as she thinks she is’

However, when viewers weren’t sharing their opinion of Noel, they expressed their dissatisfaction with the stars booked to react.

“Jennifer Saunders is so far up her own [bleep] she can taste her tonsils,” one insisted.

“Jennifer Saunders is not nearly as funny as she thinks she is,” another said.

“I never find Jennifer Saunders funny and she has a lot of screen time,” a third remarked.

“Paddy no talent McGuiness is insufferable,” a fourth wrote.

That said, not everyone agreed, as someone said: “Jennifer Saunders is hilarious.”

“No end to how much I love Shaun and Bez,” another wrote, referring to Shaun Ryder and his Happy Mondays dancer Bez.

Meghan reportedly hasn’t been back in the UK for almost three years

Meghan Markle feels “scared” of a return to the UK with her children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, a royal expert has claimed.

It’s believed that the Duchess of Sussex, 43, was last in the country for the queen’s funeral back in 2022.
Meghan is reportedly concerned about a UK return (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Will Meghan Markle return to the UK?

Last month, Prince Harry lost his court appeal against the decision to downgrade his taxpayer-funded security following his royal exit.

After he and Meghan stepped down from being working royals in 2020, their security level in the UK was downgraded. It’s now decided on a case-by-case basis.

Meghan understandably feels scared about coming to the UK with the children. The threats are real and genuine.

However the duke has admitted that this has left him feeling as though he is unable to bring his children to the UK.

Now, it’s been claimed that Meghan is also concerned about coming back to the UK, with the duchess fearing for her safety.

Former royal commentator Duncan Larcombe told OK!: “Meghan understandably feels scared about coming to the UK with the children. The threats are real and genuine. The threat is from lunatics, radical protesters that might want to make a name for themselves by jumping in front of them. Then of course you have the worst type, the terrorist threat. And there’s no doubt Harry – and his family, as a result – is a huge target.”
Meghan reportedly isn’t keen on a UK return (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Meghan ‘terrified’ of putting her kids at ‘risk’

Speaking to the publication, a source also said: “In some ways she’s feeling stronger and she wants to share that but she’s still terrified of putting her kids at risk by coming back to the UK – any parent would panic if they were in Meghan’s shoes. So even though Harry is really feeling the absence of his dad, especially after Trooping the Colour and Father’s Day, the security stuff will probably always be an issue.”

They then continued. “He knows that things could’ve been so different if things had gone another way, but it’s been five years since they left the UK and the chances of them coming back, even for a visit, seem slim to none. It’s heartbreaking.”

Royal Insider has contacted Meghan’s representatives for comment.
Meghan is “taking the lead” to make Harry feel better (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Meghan ‘taking the lead’ following Harry’s reconciliation plea

After losing his security court case, Harry did an interview with the BBC.

In the interview, he claimed that he wanted to reconcile with his family and his father. However, he claimed that King Charles wasn’t speaking to him at the moment.

Following this, it has been reported that Meghan is planning out the Sussex family summer. It’s believed she’s doing this in a bid to take Harry’s mind off his family dramas.

Sources speaking to OK! magazine claimed that Meghan is organising trips to Napa for wine tasting, family outings in Big Sur and Northern California. And it’s also believed they are going to visit a close friend in Colorado.

The source explained that Meghan wants to make a “big effort to prop up” Prince Harry after his reconciliation plea allegedly fell flat.

It’s said Meghan wants to “remind him that he has got all he needs with her and the kids” along with their “beautiful” life in America.

Read more: Princess Lilibet makes sweet cameo on new Meghan Markle video

‘I’d be in tears on a Wednesday night’

Saturday Morning star James Martin previously spoke out about his time at school, admitting he found himself “in tears” every week.

The celebrity chef, 52, has been a favourite amongst viewers and a staple on screens for over two decades. From hosting cooking-themed shows to becoming a best-selling author, James – who is on Saturday Morning this weekend – has not stopped over the years.

However, when James was a youngster, he “hated” his time at school, revealing he knew he wanted to be a chef “from the age of eight”.

James opened up about his school days (Credit: ITV

Saturday Morning host James Martin ‘hated’ school

Last year, James appeared on the Spooning podcast with Mark Wogan. The TV star opened up about school days, revealing he would be “in tears” every week.

I failed all my exams at school. I didn’t enjoy it.

“I hated it. I failed all my exams at school. I didn’t enjoy it. I loved the cooking side of it but I couldn’t do it academically. Because you had to pass things, these full exams. And I would never pass an exam in my life,” he said.

James continued: “I left school with no qualifications. I’m not proud of it but I used to hate Wednesdays. Wednesday [was a] spelling test.”

James said he was often in tears due to the school work (Credit: ITV)

James Martin ‘in tears’

He then recounted the weekly ordeal: “I’d be in tears on a Wednesday night, I’d have 20,000 words to write because I knew that I would get every single one of them wrong.”

James also spoke about his struggles with dyslexia: “[I was a] massive dyslexic, never read a book in my life apart from I think Peter and Jane level B2 was probably the last one I read when I was at primary school.

“I just longed to be cooking and so hand-in-hand with being at school, I was working every weekend.”

James explained: “In the summer holidays when everybody would just chill out, I used to go France and I was working at two-star Michelin places and chateaus and places like that. All I ever wanted to be was to be a chef from the age of eight years old so I just needed that spark.”

You can’t please everyone!

Fans of Celebrity Gogglebox were left with different opinions after watching last night’s (June 27) show.

The hit Channel 4 programme returned for another episode on Friday evening. The show saw the likes of Nick Grimshaw and his niece Liz, Paddy McGuinness and Vernon Kay and Jennifer Saunders and her daughter Beattie Edmonson all react to a handful of shows, from Bake Off: The Professionals and Celebrity Puzzling to Olivia Attwood: The Price of Perfection?

However, it was Noel Edmonds’ Kiwi Adventure on ITV, which documents his new life in New Zealand, that turned viewers off.

Jennifer Saunders and her daughter Beattie Edmonson returned to Celebrity Gogglebox (Credit: Channel 4)

Celebrity Gogglebox on Channel 4

Despite Noel’s absence from our screens in recent years, many people at home didn’t seem pleased to see him make a TV comeback.

“I despise Noel Edmonds and have done since the 70s on radio. Is it just me?” one user asked on X.

“Noel Edmonds is insufferable,” another person shared.

“I thought we’d got rid of Noel Edmonds ffs, I should have known better,” a third remarked.

“Noel Edmonds new show looks boring,” a fourth said.

“Noel Edmonds thinks he’s funnier than he is,” a fifth person expressed.

“#Celebritygogglebox Noel Edmonds is still a [bleep]ing deluded [bleep],” a sixth added.

“Noel Edmonds……excuse me while I’m sick,” another declared.

Viewers didn’t warm to Noel’s TV comeback (Credit: Channel 4)

‘Not nearly as funny as she thinks she is’

However, when viewers weren’t sharing their opinion of Noel, they expressed their dissatisfaction with the stars booked to react.

“Jennifer Saunders is so far up her own [bleep] she can taste her tonsils,” one insisted.

“Jennifer Saunders is not nearly as funny as she thinks she is,” another said.

“I never find Jennifer Saunders funny and she has a lot of screen time,” a third remarked.

“Paddy no talent McGuiness is insufferable,” a fourth wrote.

That said, not everyone agreed, as someone said: “Jennifer Saunders is hilarious.”

“No end to how much I love Shaun and Bez,” another wrote, referring to Shaun Ryder and his Happy Mondays dancer Bez.

Meghan Markle has revealed that she will be selling her brand new As Ever rose wine next week – but many have pointed out the it comes on a significant date

Meghan Markle is pressing ahead with her As Ever brand(Image: PA)

Meghan Markle has raised eyebrows by revealing her brand-new wine will be launched on a major royal anniversary. In addition to selling out of her new products from her As Ever range, the Duchess of Sussex also revealed that her next item for sale would be a rose wine.

The rose is described as having “soft notes of stone fruit, gentle minerality, and a lasting finish” and is from California’s Napa Valley. It is available to buy next week and will launch on the As Ever website on Tuesday, which is July 1 – the date that Princess Diana was born in 1961.

Meghan’s rose wine launches on July 1(Image: As Ever)

Diana, the mother-in-law that Meghan never met, tragically died in August 1997 aged just 36 following a car crash in Paris. The day Meghan’s wine launches would have been her 64th birthday.

But many have criticised the move on social media, given the significance of the date. Taking to X, one wrote: “She is incredibly tone-deaf” while another added: “Not surprised.” Meanwhile, another wrote: “Meghan needs to stop living her life according to the royal calendar.”

However, others believed the date did not matter, with one fan writing: “You lot always look for something when it comes to the Duchess of Sussex. That date also gives a two-week buffer after her other product orders.” While another said: “It’s just a date what’s wrong with that???”

However, July 1 has double significance for Meghan and Prince Harry, as it also marks the first time they ever connected in 2016. Writing in his memoir Spare, Harry revealed that he first messaged Meghan after seeing a selfie of her on Instagram on what would have been his late mother’s 55th birthday.

Princess Diana, with Princes William and Harry, was born on July 1, 1961(Image: WireImage)

He recounted in the book: “Eventually, we exchanged phone numbers and mitigated the conversation over to text, going late into the night.

“It occurred to me how uncanny, how surreal, how bizarre, that this marathon conversation should have begun on July 1, 2016. My mother’s fifty-fifth birthday.”

Meghan’s wine comes after her new range of As Ever items went on sale last week including a “limited edition orange blossom honey” at a cost of 28 dollars (£20).

Also available were an apricot spread in “keepsake packaging”, and a crepe mix, both £10 each, flower sprinkles for £11 and a range of different herbal teas at £9 for a box of 12 sachets.

The new range went on sale at 4pm UK time, and had all sold out by just before 8pm. Meghan had promised some “delicious surprises” as she teased, that she would be offering some new products on the site.

She previously said the original April launch had been “absolutely extraordinary”. But she also spoke of her fear that she annoyed customers when the first batch of her jam and herbal teas sold out in less than an hour. She said wanted to wait until it is “completely stable and we have everything we need”.

Prince William has reportedly been thinking more and more about his future plans for the monarchy – but there is one main player who is said not to feature in them

Prince Harry (Image: Getty Images)

The slimmed-down monarchy looks set to get even thinner – and it’s one royal who could really bear the brunt of the dwindling numbers. When Prince William eventually ascends to the throne, the ageing working royals may have well slowed down, with only his three children, it seems, that will one day join the ranks.

Therefore, it has long been said that his relatively young cousins, such as Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and even Zara Tindall, could help plug the gap by helping out on an informal basis. It comes as sources close to William reportedly say he has been thinking about his plans for the future as he assesses what is important to him.

Harry with estranged brother Prince William (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

But according to Jennie Bond, one key royal who once would have figured highly in these plans, but has no place at all now is his estranged brother Prince Harry.

And the former BBC royal correspondent told the Mirror : “I don’t think Harry figures in William’s plans at all. It is a very sad situation because Harry was his wingman and would have been the brother he could rely on when he takes on the very heavy responsibility of being King.

“Harry would have had an extremely senior role and been the sibling, friend, supporter and sounding board that the Princess Royal is now to her brother King Charles. It is a great loss for William, but one which I think he has now accepted.”

However, one cousin tipped to get a huge role is Zara Tindall, who could take on all royal horse racing matters, which Jennie said would be a stroke of genius from William.

She explained: “There will be so many demands on his time when he is King that I think it’s a brilliant idea – if the reports are to be believed – that he might hand over racing matters to Zara Tindall. Like her mother, she lives and breathes horses; she’s also extremely glamorous and well-liked and it would be a perfect fit.

Prince William with close cousin Zara Tindall at Royal Ascot (Image: (Image: Getty))

“I don’t think William or Catherine are particularly interested in the racing world, so it would work out well, although I’m sure they would still trot along to Ascot from time to time. They’d always be sure of a bit of fun and a giggle with Zara and Mike.”

In an interview many years ago, William once memorably said that he doesn’t lie awake at night thinking about his destiny. But Jennie added: “William wouldn’t be human if he hadn’t thought long and hard about his future role as King and how he will approach it. That much was apparent when he stated that he wanted to do his job ‘with a small r’. A tiny phrase, but full of meaning.

“Although he admired his grandmother hugely, and learned a great deal from her about the destiny which lies ahead of him, I think he will continue to build on his father‘s approach: being more than a figurehead or patron, but grappling instead with the nuts and bolts of social issues that need fixing and trying to help interested parties come up with practical solutions.

Prince William gives a speech on the opening day of London Climate Action Week(Image: PA)

“William is taking on even bigger social issues: homelessness, mental health and the environment. But he’s not just talking about them, he’s taking action. And he is full of optimism and positivity; striving always to make some impact, get things rolling – even though a complete solution may not yet be possible, it’s all a move in the right direction. Better to do something than nothing. And I think he will continue in this vein when he is King – as much as the role allows.”

But like most things, there is a fine balancing act to be struck, and Jennie believes this will be between him moving forward into the modern era, while at the same time retaining tradition.

She said: “I don’t think he is comfortable with all the pomp and pageantry, although I think he will retain the grandeur of great military occasions like Trooping the Colour. I cannot, though, see his coronation being anything like as grand and – let’s face it, frankly really rather bizarre – as that of his father or grandmother.

“He has to strike a balance, I suppose, between the monarchy being absolutely down with the kids, taking selfies and larking around with the crowds, and the dignity of the institution. But I think we will see a King who is immensely relatable – despite his wealth and elite status.

“He has said in the past if he cannot work to make some sort of difference in the world, then what’s the point of him? And I think he’s right. He has to be more than a figurehead, or a mouthpiece for the country in times of crisis or jubilation. He wants and needs to use his platform to make this country a better place to live.”

Vanessa Feltz is hosting a new show on Channel 5 after quitting This Morning. While she insists there’s no rivalry with ITV she urged people to take a ‘holiday’ from one show

Vanessa Feltz made a cheeky dig at her former ITV colleagues

Vanessa Feltz took a cheeky dig at ITV after leaving This Morning for a rival channel. The presenter is now fronting a new show for Channel 5, having left This Morning after three decades. Vanessa’s new show now clashes with ITV’s Loose Women and she made a cheeky dig at the expense of her former colleagues.

In a new interview, Vanessa – who kicked off her show this week – urged people to take a “little holiday” from Loose Women and instead tune into her show, as she insisted she missed This Morning “terribly”.

Speaking to Heart Bingo, she said: “I think there are plenty of viewers to go round. For every viewer who is immersed in This Morning, there’s somebody else who’s very happily watching Jeremy Vine and Storm Huntley. It’s not really either-or. I’m sort of hoping that Loose Women viewers might like a little holiday from them, maybe just for a couple of days or so!

Vanessa is now fronting her show with Channel 5(Image: Channel 5)

“I hope that they’ll be curious and lively-minded and switch over to have a look at me – at least to see what’s going on.

“And if they enjoy it, they can join me for lunch and stick around for the party.” However, Vanessa insisted she isn’t in a “passionate rivalry” with anyone. She added: “Lots of the Loose Women are my very dear friends,” insisting there was no bad blood between them.

Before starting her own show, Vanessa was a regular on This Morning – and said she would miss it “terribly”. “I really will miss This Morning terribly, but I obviously understand why I can’t do both at once. But knowing me, I would have squeezed in a quick This Morning and then rushed over on the back of a bike to do my own show on Channel 5. I would have been perfectly comfortable doing that, but I don’t think it’s considered best practise,” she added.

Vanessa made regular appearances on This Morning

When she announced her new show, Vanessa teased her programme would be “real, honest and unpredictable”.

“I cannot wait to get started on this sparkling adventure with Channel 5. This show is all about YOU – your stories, your opinions, your emotions, and your triumphs. Television’s never been so real, honest, or unpredictable. Life isn’t perfect, so let’s not pretend it is – let’s help each other out, have a giggle, and make every show a conversation worth having so kick off your shoes and come and join me for lunch, relax with a bit of me time and let’s have a ball!” she explained.

Federico Ruiz, Commissioning Editor of Channel 5, added: “We are thrilled to have signed Vanessa, an award-winning broadcaster and bona-fide national treasure, to our daytime line-up. Our audience love her, and there is nobody better for viewers to spend their lunchtimes with every single weekday.”