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  • Coronation stars ‘gutted’ as they break silence on ‘sad’ Daniel Brocklebank exit

    Coronation stars ‘gutted’ as they break silence on ‘sad’ Daniel Brocklebank exit

    Coronation Street stars Gareth Pierce and Harriet Bibby have shared their sadness over the news Billy Mayhew actor Daniel Brocklebank is leaving the ITV soap next year

    Two of departing Coronation Street star Daniel Brocklebank's close co-stars have told The Mirror they are 'gutted' by the news of his exit
    Two of departing Coronation Street star Daniel Brocklebank’s close co-stars have told The Mirror they are ‘gutted’ by the news of his exit(Image: WireImage)

    Two of departing Coronation Street star Daniel Brocklebank’s close co-stars have told The Mirror they are “gutted” by the news he has been written out of the show.

    Dan’s character Billy Mayhew will leave the ITV soap next year in a major storyline. His exit was a storyline decision by bosses, with it claimed it was not Dan’s choice to go after 11 years in the role.

    After Dan shared his own reaction to the news recently, two of his co-stars spoke exclusively to The Mirror about the “sad” decision. Talking to us at the British Soap Awards 2025, Summer Spellman actress Harriet Bibby was visibly emotional when discussing the news.

    Confessing she was struggling to talk about it, she revealed she was “gutted” to lose another close friend from the show. Gareth Pierce, who plays Todd Grimshaw, also shared his sadness with us after learning his friend would be leaving the show for good.

    Harriet told us: “I can’t even talk about it yet because I am so gutted that I am gonna not have my friend at work. But to be perfectly honest I think I am such a blabbermouth that they’ve not trusted me with any information yet.

    Harriet Bibby was visibly emotional when discussing the news
    Harriet Bibby was visibly emotional when discussing the news(Image: WireImage)

    “It’s a while away thankfully. Me as Harriet is guessing we will see more of a relationship build between Summer and Todd cos he will be the only parental of her’s left now.” Harriet went on to say she will remain in touch with Dan once he leaves the soap.

    She told us: “In our personal lives we are so close. I absolutely love Dan, and no matter what happens work wise, I know he will always be in my life which is really lovely. You become knitted together. I don’t think that will change.”

    Gareth then shared: “When I first found out I was so sad. I know very little about his exit but I love working with Dan again. That relationship straight away, I felt respected as a recast Todd.

    “To have that integrated character and take over, it’s easy with me and Dan.” It was confirmed to the Mirror last month that Daniel was leaving the show in 2026, with the actor revealing all in a statement.

    Gareth Pierce, who plays Todd Grimshaw, also shared his sadness
    Gareth Pierce, who plays Todd Grimshaw, also shared his sadness(Image: PA)

    It’s said to be an issue led new plot according to reports, and it will see him leave the show for good next year, while details are being kept under wraps for now. In a statement shared with The Mirror, Dan said: “I have been working on Corrie for a quarter of my life.

    “I have adored every minute I have been in that building and have never not looked forward to going into work. I love everyone who works on this show and whilst I am sad to be going, I am equally excited to see what the future holds.”

    The Mirror has learned that a major storyline airing in 2026 will lead to the departure, but no details can be given at this time.

  • Loose Women star hit by health issue as she says ‘I can’t do it’

    Loose Women star hit by health issue as she says ‘I can’t do it’

    Athlete and Loose Women star Dame Kelly Holmes has revealed how she was forced to slow down after running into a health issue, admitting she ‘overdid it’.

    Dame Kelly Holmes
    Dame Kelly Holmes has revealed how she was forced to slow down after running into a health issue(Image: Simon John Owen)

    Dame Kelly Holmes has revealed how she was forced to slow down this year after feeling extreme burnout amid her busy schedule.

    The Olympian, 55, who is known for her impressive career as a middle distance runner, admitted to Mirror that a busy year last year left her unable to carry on. “I was travelling all over the world, often doing five or six speaking engagements a week, I had my big 20-year medal celebrations and visiting Machu Picchu for charity. But burnout is a big issue for me, by January I could feel something wasn’t right health wise,” she explained.

    Kelly, who is now a regular on the Loose Women panel, continued, “I took it as a sign that, while last year was amazing, I overdid it, and I couldn’t do the same this year.

    “I can’t jump out of bed every day full of energy, and not every day is motivating. If I’m not feeling up to it, I don’t need to run the half-marathon, for example, I’d rather be there in full spirit and energising everybody else.”

    Dame Kelly Holmes winning the gold medal during 2004 olympics for women's 800m run
    Dame Kelly is known for her impressive athletic career, but admits she has had to slow down this year(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

    Explaining that the time enjoying a slower pace of life has been one she’s enjoyed, Kelly said: “I’ve been able to look at every part of how I deal with things now, and that’s a real strength. Over the last four or five months, I think I’ve spent more timeat home than I have in years. I love being out in the garden – and with my alpacas!”

    However, as Kelly says she still aims for 12,500 steps a day, often takes part in parkruns and keeps her nutrition in check, it’s clear she’s still more active than many.

    She said: “I try to move every day, and that might be walking to a job rather than getting an Uber, because I’ll get my steps in and I can people watch! I use it as a wellbeing tool to make me feel good about myself. On a weekend, we might go paddleboarding or on a dog walk or meet up with friends.”

    Dame Kelly Holmes with her two pet alpacas
    The athlete now enjoys more time at home with her pet alpacas(Image: Supplied)

    And adding another thing to her busy roster, Kelly is the official ambassador for vitamin brand Solgar’s wellness partnership with The AJ Bell Great Run series this summer.

    “I’m a huge fan of inspiring and motivating people to keep fit and moving in their lives – especially as we get older. Fitness has always been part of my life, but I’m at a point where I really understand the need for us to look at our overall wellbeing.

    “So I’ve been going to the runs and it’s just been the best. I’ve seen people of all ages getting their moment when they cross the finish line,” she said of the partnership.

    Kelly added: “Also, I’ve seen a huge amount of young women, in their mid-to-late twenties, taking part – more than I’d normally see. It was so positive to see that generation into their fitness and not being embarrassed or worried about the old vision of what women “should” look like. It’s changed, athletic, strong bodies are seen as beautiful now.

    Dame Kelly Holmes is the official ambassador for Solgar, the wellness partner to the Great Run Series 2025

  • Inside Dani Dyer’s wedding – 10k dress, surprise theme, celeb guest facing backlash and dad Danny’s contribution

    Inside Dani Dyer’s wedding – 10k dress, surprise theme, celeb guest facing backlash and dad Danny’s contribution

    Love Island legend Dani tied the knot with footballer Jarrod Bowen over the weekend

    Dani Dyer’s wedding to Jarrod Bowen took place over the weekend, and it was a huge

    It was a big day for Dani Dyer and Jarrod Bowen on Friday (May 30) as the couple finally tied the knot. And it was certainly a day to remember.

    The reality TV star confirmed her relationship with West Ham footballer back in 2021. They welcomed their twin daughters two years later in 2023. And now, they have finally tied the knot.

    Dani and Jarrod Bowen get married
    Dani and Jarrod finally got married this weekend (Credit: Instagram

    £10k wedding dress

    Dani opted for a stunning off-the-shoulder floor-length gown for her big day. The front of the dress also had a lace lining, and was fitted to show off her figure.

    The star wore her hair in a low bun, with the front pieces curled to frame her face. And she had a very long veil, stretching far behind her as she walked down the aisle with her dad, EastEnders actor Danny Dyer.

    The designer gown by Suzanne Neville reportedly cost a whopping £10,000. But it wasn’t the only dress she wore that night.

    Dani and Jarrod cut their cake
    The theme of the wedding was Bridgerton (Credit: Instagram)

    Surprise theme

    While Dani wanted a low-key wedding, she reportedly had her heart set on a Bridgerton theme. The couple said ‘I do’ in a stunning glass marquee in the countryside in Buckinghamshire.

    The lavish wedding had nothing wasted as even the finer details all matched her theme.

    They had a huge white wedding cake, which they were quick to cut into right before the after-party started.

    As for the actual ceremony, Dani walked down the aisle with white rose petals lining the sides, with floral sculptures and candles creating a stunning backdrop.

    Dani Dyer with bridesmaids
    Dani looked stunning (Credit: Instagram)

    Stunning second dress at after-party

    The after-party definitely looked like a night to remember as Dani and her guests danced the night away.

    But the Love Island star took the opportunity to change into a different dress – one that would make dancing easier.

    Dani wore a beautiful strapless lace mini dress, which she partied the night away in. As there were no straps, Dani added her own matching lace arm pieces, still opting to show off her shoulders.

    The after-party looked to be in full swing pretty quickly, with guests posting numerous snaps of the happy couple dancing and having fun.

    Dani and Georgia hugging
    Georgia’s dress colour received backlash (Credit: Instagram)

    Celeb guest facing backlash

    While Dani’s hen-party was filled with quite a lot of celeb guests, she and Jarrod opted for a smaller wedding day. Instead, they only invited 50 guests in total to attend the event.

    Some of the guests included Jarrod’s football pals, former and current. And some of Dani’s Love Island pals.

    However, Georgia Steel, Dani’s best friend in the villa, wore a dress which has caused some backlash from fans.

    Georgia appeared to be wearing a white dress which is traditionally deemed a huge no-go. This is because white is always associated with the bride entering her new chapter of life.

    After posting a TikTok showing her dress, many fans trolled Georgia for her outfit. However, in reality, it seems it must be the lighting of her posts as the dress was actually a pale yellow colour. The Miss Circle-designed dress describes it on their website as “soft beige”, so it is pretty close to white.

    Danny Dyer and Dani Dyer first dance
    Dad Danny pulled out all the stops (Credit: Instagram)

    How dad Danny contributed

    Dani and her dad, actor Danny Dyer, have an extremely close bond and that was certainly apparent on the day of her wedding.

    On some videos from guests, Danny can be heard leading a wedding chant of the rude West Ham anthem: “Bowen’s on fire and he’s [bleep]ing Dani Dyer” to the 1997 song Freed From Desire.

    Clips have been circulating Instagram of Dani and her dad sharing their first dance together, with the older Dyer emotional over his daughter’s wedding. It was also claimed that Danny and wife Jo paid for Dani’s £10k wedding dress.

    According to OK!, Danny was determined to make sure it was a memorable day for his daughter.

    A source said: “Family is everything to Dani, and Danny is the same way. He pulled out all of the stops to make sure it’s a wedding no one would forget for his little girl – the best day of her life.”

    The star has celebrated her wedding by changing her name in her Instagram bio. She is now proudly listed as Dani Dyer-Bowen.

    Congrats, guys!

  • Romeo Beckham calls for ‘respect’ in poignant family message amid Brooklyn fallout

    Romeo Beckham calls for ‘respect’ in poignant family message amid Brooklyn fallout

    After Luis Enrique’s bravery, Romeo Beckham vowed to stop stressing about ‘small things’ in life after listening to the PSG coach and how he coped with the death of his daughter

    Romeo Beckham attends The Fashion Awards 2023 presented by Pandora at the Royal Albert Hall on December 04, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Dominic Lipinski/Getty Images)
    Romeo Beckham says events this weekend have given him a fresh view on life(Image: Getty Images)

    Romeo Beckham says he must stop stressing about “small things” and called for more “respect” after posting a poignant family message following an emotional weekend.

    The model was overcome following his dad David’s former club PSG’s Champions League final win over Inter Milan at the weekend. Manager Luis Enrique was reduced to tears as supporters paid a heartfelt tribute to his late daughter during the pinnacle of their club’s history.

    PSG fans unveiled a poignant banner showing Enrique’s nine-year-old daughter Xana moments after skipper Marquinhos hoisted the club’s inaugural Champions League trophy. Xana tragically lost her life in 2019 following a brave fight with cancer, and prior to kickoff, Enrique had said “My daughter won’t be there at the final physically, but she will be there spiritually. And that, for me, is very important.”

    Speculation of tension between Victoria and David and their son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola was initially sparked by an incident over a wedding dress and, three years on, LA-based Brooklyn and Nicola have now reportedly cut contact altogether. Brooklyn is refusing to address the speculation and didn’t mention his parents in his latest cryptic magazine interview.

    Luis Enrique, Head Coach of Paris Saint-Germain
    Luis Enrique has made everyone really think this weekend (Image: Michael Regan/UEFA via Getty Images)

    Romeo posted a video of the PSG coach discussing his trauma and wrote on Instagram: “I watch stuff like this and and look at myself and think why am I stressing about something so small. In the grand scheme of things, love who you love without question, take care of each other, respect each other and enjoy life.”

    Reflecting on Xana ahead of the game, Enrique fondly recalled: “I have incredible memories because my daughter loved parties, and I’m sure she’s still throwing them wherever she is. I remember an incredible photo I have with her at the Champions League final in Berlin, after winning the Champions League, planting an FC Barcelona flag on the pitch.

    PSG supporters with their own tribute to their manager, Luis Enrique, and his daughter, Xana
    PSG supporters’ tribute to their manager and his tragic daughter Xana(Image: TNT Sports)

    “I hope to be able to do the same with PSG. My daughter won’t be there, she won’t be there physically, but she will be there spiritually, and that’s very important to me. I’m motivated to continue moving forward with what life gives me, sharing it with my family.”

    It comes as a source claims to New magazine that Victoria is struggling with the situation because 26-year-old Brooklyn is “always going to be her baby”. ”He’s her first-born and they’ve always had a wonderful relationship, she feels like Nicola has taken over and it’s really tough to deal with as a mother,” they said.

    “David is frustrated with Brooklyn’s behaviour and is telling Victoria it’s unacceptable, but she’s just upset to feel like she’s losing her first baby. She’s very family-oriented so it’s a worry that Brooklyn and Nicola will start their own family and Victoria won’t have contact with her first grandchild – it’s a devastating thought.”

  • Jamie Oliver shares ‘hard’ family news as his children handed trio of health diagnoses

    Jamie Oliver shares ‘hard’ family news as his children handed trio of health diagnoses

    The TV chef and wife Jools share five kids

    Jamie Oliver has offered a rare insight into his family life, revealing his children have been handed a trio of health diagnoses.

    The TV chef, 50, has been a staple on screens for years. However, away from the cooking shows, Jamie is loved-up with wife Jools, 50.

    The couple are parents to Poppy, 23, Daisy, 22, Petal, 16, Buddy, 14, and River, eight. And recently, Jamie revealed some “hard” family news.

    Jamie Oliver and his wife and children
    The TV chef is dad to five kids, who he shares with beloved wife Jools (Credit: SplashNews.com)

    Jamie Oliver reveals children’s health diagnoses

    Speaking to The Sunday Times, Jamie opened up about his family.

    The presenter shared that his oldest daughters, Poppy, 23, and Daisy, 22, have flown the nest and moved out. This is something he has found “hard, but sort of exciting and beautiful”.

    Jamie’s other three children still live at home though. He also candidly revealed that there have been diagnoses of dyslexia, ADHD and ASD (autism spectrum disorder) in the past year within the family.

    Jamie Oliver and his wife and children
    Jamie’s eldest kids have now moved out of the family home (Credit: SplashNews.com)

    Jamie on his ‘very neurodiverse family’

    Jamie is also dyslexic. Despite leaving school with just two GCSEs, he found his calling in the kitchen, which he credits with saving him.

    Talking to the publication, Jamie didn’t go into detail, but described his clan as a “very neurodiverse family”.

    Jamie then shared that he and Jools talk about their children in bed every night and have “learnt to understand that their behaviour is because they’re seeing things differently”.

    Being aware of that allows you to be a better parent.

    He added: “Being aware of that allows you to be a better parent.”

    According to Jamie, he describes family life as being “amazing but bonkers. Imagine four neurodiverse people at the dinner table trying to get their point across”.

    Jamie on his dyslexia battle

    Jamie previously opened up about living with dyslexia ahead of a Channel 4 documentary that’s set to air later this year.

    Reflecting on his struggles in school, Jamie said: “It’s no secret I struggled at school – but I was one of the lucky ones. I knew I wanted to be a chef, so I had somewhere to go, catering school, where I could thrive. The kitchen saved me.”

    However, he is aware that many children with dyslexia don’t have the same luck.

    “What happens to those who don’t know where to go? We can’t leave kids’ futures up to luck. We need the education system to update, so everyone has the best possible chance in life.” Jamie added.

    Jamie’s upcoming documentary will explore how schools can celebrate neurodiverse ways of thinking. It airs on Channel 4 on June 9.

  • Heartbreaking secret Sir Chris Hoy is keeping from his young kids amid incurable cancer battle: ‘It’s very difficult’

    Heartbreaking secret Sir Chris Hoy is keeping from his young kids amid incurable cancer battle: ‘It’s very difficult’

    He and wife Sarra are parents to a son, 10, and daughter, seven

    Sir Chris Hoy has revealed the gut-wrenching secret he and his wife are keeping from their two children.

    Last year, Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris, 49, was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer. Shortly after, his wife Lady Sarra was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

    Now, Chris has opened up about how he and Sarra are approaching family life amid their own health battles.

    Chris Hoy and his wife smiling
    Chris is battling cancer, while his wife has MS (Credit: SplashNews.com

    Impact of Sir Chris Hoy and wife Sarra’s health battles on their young family

    Chris has been married to Sarra since 2010. The couple are parents to Callum, 10, and Chloe, seven.

    In a new interview, Chris opened up about how his cancer diagnosis has affected his children.

    You want them to only remember you as the perfect father who always says yes if they want an ice cream.

    Speaking to The Sunday Times, Chris shared that “it doesn’t feel as though they’ve [kids] been massively affected by it”.

    Recalling when he was first diagnosed, Chris quipped that “initially you feel you’re never going to tell your kids off again”.

    He explained: “You want them to only remember you as the perfect father who always says yes if they want an ice cream, or yes if they get on the iPad, or whatever. And you realise that that phase is very short.

    “It feels like the family routine is as it was before, which I think is remarkable, really. That will definitely change, obviously, but I think for now we’re just getting on with life, and it just feels like we’re in a nice spot.”

    Chris Hoy and his wife smiling
    The couple haven’t told their children about Sarra’s MS (Credit: ITV)

    Secret Chris and wife are keeping from their kids

    Chris also spoke about how his wife’s MS is affecting his family. He noted that Sarra “doesn’t talk about it a massive amount” but said she “gets good days and bad days”.

    However, Chris’ children are still unaware of Sarra’s diagnosis. He revealed: “They know that she’s got sore hands sometimes, and I think that’s about the extent of it. If it wasn’t for my diagnosis, I think it would be getting a lot more attention, but she likes it that way. She doesn’t want the focus, she just wants to crack on.”

    In January, Chris told the BBC that the first few months after receiving his diagnosis were “an emotional rollercoaster”. It was particularly heartbreaking to have to tell his kids, he said.

    However, he said he’s more or less got his head around it now. And raising awareness of prostate cancer has lifted him and given him a purpose

  • Britain’s Got Talent viewers divided over Amanda Holden’s ‘inappropriate’ final outfit

    Britain’s Got Talent viewers divided over Amanda Holden’s ‘inappropriate’ final outfit

    ‘Thought Britain’s Got Talent is meant to be a family show’

    Britain’s Got Talent viewers have slammed judge Amanda Holden for her “inappropriate” outfit.

    Tonight (May 31) marks the final of Britain’s Got Talent 2025. And all four judges put on their fanciest outfits for the huge night ahead.

    But it seems while many found Amanda’s look amazing, some fans believe it isn’t appropriate for a family show.

    Amanda Holden on BGT Final
    Amanda wore a very showy dress (Credit: ITV

    Britain’s Got Talent Amanda Holden outfit

    Amanda Holden wowed in a special custom-made dress by Saint Hendrix. The outfit was styled by Karl Willett and Adele Pentland.

    The 54-year-old judge wore a backless floor-length white gown. The halter-neck skin-tight dress featured a very low front – with two signature pieces drawing attention to the fact it was so low.

    Along with the dress, Amanda wore her hair up in a low bun style, with a bespoke hair piece from Louise Mariette.

    And she matched the outfit to silver jewellery made by The Diamond Lab.

    But as Amanda stepped on stage beside her fellow judges, some fans weren’t impressed by her choice of outfit. And this isn’t the first time this year that viewers have shared their opinions on her outfit.

    Viewers slam 'inappropriate' outfit (Credit: ITV)

    Viewers share their thoughts

    Right before the final began, Amanda posted her outfit to her Instagram account, showing her love for the designers involved.

    However, many acknowledged it was a stunning gown – just not for Saturday night on ITV.

    One viewer commented: “Whilst this dress is beautiful and you look amazing, it’s a bit much for 7pm viewing and a family show at that.”

    Another penned: “A bit OTT for 7pm. It’s about Britain’s Got Talent – not you Amanda.”

    “Thought Britain’s Got Talent is meant to be a family show…Shocking,” another commented.

    It wasn’t only those on Instagram who had an issue, as some took to X to show their annoyance at her outfit choice.

    One tweeted: “Amanda put them away, we’ve all seen this before.”

    “Amanda Holden’s wardrobe/dresser needs fired. What a [bleep]ing mess.”

    However, others thought she looked amazing. And didn’t think it was too much for TV.

    One fan wrote: “Amanda looks absolutely incredible in that white dress.”

    “Amanda looks stunning tonight!” another commented.

    A third clapped back to the haters: “Let Amanda wear what she wants. Stop telling people what they can and can’t wear. Mind your own business.”

  • Marvel’s Evangeline Lilly reveals gruesome injuries after being rushed to hospital

    Marvel’s Evangeline Lilly reveals gruesome injuries after being rushed to hospital

    The actress rose to fame by playing Kate Austen in the hit series Lost, which aired from 2004 to 2010, before going on to star in Marvel films including Ant-Man and Avengers: Endgame

    Marvel star's gruesome injuries after horror boulder ordeal saw her rushed to hospital
    Marvel star’s gruesome injuries after horror boulder ordeal saw her rushed to hospital

    Lost star Evangeline Lilly shared a gruesome image of her bloodied, injured face after she fell into a boulder while on the beach. The actress, who also starred in the Marvel films, fainted while enjoying a day at the beach, falling face-first into a boulder, chipping a tooth.

    The 45-year-old described the horrific accident to her followers, explaining how she was even hospitalised, with nurses and doctors left frantically trying to get to the bottom of her fall. She wrote: “I fainted at the beach. And fell face first into a boulder.”

    The Ant-Man star continued: “At the hospital, the nurses and doctor went straight into action, more determined to find the cause of my blackout than to stitch up the hole punctured into my face by the rock. I smiled wryly at them. ‘You won’t find anything.’ I said with a woozy voice…”

    But Evangeline’s boulder ordeal wasn’t the first time she’s dealt with random “fainting spells”, with the star coming up with a theory behind her sudden-onset episodes. The star was even checked by medical professionals who were stumped by her condition, and was tested for epilepsy.

    Evangeline Lilly left medics scratching their heads after her horror fall
    Evangeline Lilly left medics scratching their heads after her horror fall(Image: Evangeline Lilly/Instagram)

    Evangeline explained more in a Substack post: “For a good chunk of my life, I went with that – hypoglycemia. It added up — my metabolism is through the roof and I metabolise sugars, particularly, with [shocking] efficiency.”

    But after her fasting glucose levels and iron were all confirmed to be in the normal range, Evangeline believes there is something more mystical at play. She added: “I have come to believe that this ‘checking out’ is a result of my little soul reaching her limit of what she feels she can cope with in this life, and she ‘leaves the building,’ so to speak.”

    Evangeline elaborated on her “unmedical” theory in her post. She wrote: “That when she has had enough, when the pain becomes too great, the stresses beyond overwhelming, the shattered idealism crushing, my soul exits my body and returns to pure spirit.”

    The mum-of-two rose to fame on ABC's Lost
    The mum-of-two rose to fame on ABC’s Lost(Image: 2005 ABC, INC.)

    The Canadian star, who drew criticism during the Covid pandemic for refusing to self-isolate, also proposed changes to the healthcare system. She wrote: “I can picture hospitals where doctors are trained not just in biology, but also in philosophy and the mystic arts of healing; where patients are held not pushed along, seen not filed, heard not interrogated; where nurses are trusted not suspected, where doctors are given space to consult their deepest self when solving the hardest riddles.”

    She added that her partner told her she looks like she “dies” when she has her attacks. The Reel Steel actress added: “He gets very afraid. My eyes roll back in my head, and all life leaves my body.

    “He is constantly checking my nose and mouth for breath. This time was no exception. He wasn’t with me at the beach, but on the way to the hospital I blacked out again.”

    Evangeline made the decision to step away from acting in June 2024, after initially rising to fame when she played Kate Austen in the ABC hit series Lost. Telling her fans with an Instagram video, the mother-of-two wrote: “I am so filled with joy and contentment today as I live out my vision.

    “Praise God, I feel so grateful for my blessings. Stepping away from what seems like the obvious choice (wealth and fame) can feel scary at times, but stepping into your dharma replaces the fear with fulfilment. I might return to Hollywood one day, but, for now, this is where I belong.”

  • How did BBC Race Across the World star die? Horror car accident that ended in tragedy

    How did BBC Race Across the World star die? Horror car accident that ended in tragedy

    Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner has tragically died aged 24 after his VW Golf R estate came off the road, with his parents paying an emotional tribute to him

    Former Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner
    Former Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner has died(Image: BBC)

    Fans of Race Across the World have joined the family and friends of the show’s star Sam Gardiner in mourning his sudden death.

    The 24-year-old former contestant of the BBC programme died following a car crash in Manchester last week. It was announced on Sunday that a a ‘terrible accident’ had cost the global adventurer his life as tributes begin to pour, with those who watched his journey left stunned by the news.

    Sam had been driving on the A34 in Manchester on Bank Holiday Monday when his car left the road and rolled before landing on its side. He had been working in Scotland and travelled to Stockport to attend a family birthday celebration earlier in the week.

    Driving his VW Golf R estate, the landscape gardener suffered fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at hospital. Sam’s parents said he was “adored by his family” and described him as “loyal, funny and fiercely protective”. They added his time on the BBC show “opened Sam’s eyes to the wonder of adventure”.

    Sam Gardiner
    The TV star died on Monday May 26

    sam
    His family said he ‘left us far too soon’(Image: PA)

    His parents continued: “He was willing to go wherever the trail might lead and he touched everyone he met on the road. He found great happiness working as a landscape gardener on the west coast of Scotland.

    “Sam brought warmth, laughter and a smattering of chaos wherever he went. He leaves behind a huge hole in our hearts. We will miss him endlessly, but we’ll also remember him with smiles, tall tales, and a depth of love that will never fade”.

    Following his sad death, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “We sadly must confirm that the driver of a white VW Golf R estate involved in a single vehicle collision on Monday 26 May on the A34 in Gatley has since passed away from his injuries.

    “The driver, a 24-year-old man, has been named as Sam Gardiner. His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. They have asked for privacy at this terrible time.

    “We’d like to thank everyone who shared our appeal and have sent their best wishes to Sam and his family.”

    Sam and mum Jo were unable to compete in the final leg of the race after they ran out of money. However, Sam had described his time on Race Across the World as a “life-changing” experience. Following the devastating news, a Race Across the World spokesperson offered the their deepest condolences

    “Everyone who worked with him and indeed everyone who watched Sam could see just how precious and transformative the trip was for both him and his mum, Jo,” they said. “Sam embraced the seven-week trip with an energy, love and a determination that saw the pair enjoy adventures across Mexico to Argentina making audiences fall in love with them and their special bond as a result.

    “Since filming, both Sam and Jo have been an integral part of the Race Across the World cast family and on behalf of us all from the BBC, production and the rest of the cast, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to his parents, Andrew and Jo; his brothers, William and Charlie; his step mum Justine; his family and friends.”

  • Antiques Roadshow expert notices surprise detail on guest’s jewellery and it’s ‘bad news’

    Antiques Roadshow expert notices surprise detail on guest’s jewellery and it’s ‘bad news’

    Antiques Roadshow expert John Benjamin was on hand to deliver a valuation on a pair of drop earrings and a sapphire ring

    On Sunday’s Antiques Roadshow, expert John Benjamin gave two hopeful guests some disappointing news at the stunning Wollaton Hall in Nottingham.

    The episode featured locals bringing in their treasures, with a pair of guests presenting family Art Deco jewellery for valuation. At first glance inside an old tin, John discovered exquisite platinum drop earrings and a sapphire ring.

    One of the guests related the tale of his mother receiving the jewels from a friend, who was acquainted with a man with connections to France.

    John, upon closer inspection, found a significant alteration: “Someone who has owned these in their history has taken them to a jeweller and said: ‘I’m not sure if I like the fittings!’

    Antiques Roadshow expert, John Benjamin, delivered some 'bad news' to two guests on Sunday's episode of the show
    Antiques Roadshow expert, John Benjamin, delivered some ‘bad news’ to two guests on Sunday’s episode of the show(Image: BBC)

    “So what they’ve done is they’ve removed the original fittings from the back and they’ve soldered on these long gold sort of posts with nine carat gold screw fittings at the end”, reports Edinburgh Live.

    While examining the ring, John revealed a surprising fact about its authenticity, revealing: “Here’s an interesting point, in the 1920s, when that was made, synthetic rubies and sapphires were beginning to appear on the market.”

    He delivered the blow when he declared: “The sapphires on the shoulders in the ring are actually synthetic. They’re not real. So, there we are.”

    During the valuation, he revealed: “Here’s the bad news, those drops, today, if they were having the original fittings on them. I think would be worth between £4,000 and £5,000.

    He found a spectacular pair of drop earrings set in platinum and a sapphire ring
    He found a spectacular pair of drop earrings set in platinum and a sapphire ring(Image: BBC)

    “But because the fittings have been changed, I think we’ve got to now drop that price to probably £2,500 to £3,000 simply because of a clumsy conversion.”

    Regarding the sapphire ring, he estimated: “The ring about £1500.”

    This led to one of the guests quipping: “How much is the box worth?” which prompted John to respond with a chuckle: “Priceless, absolutely priceless the box!”

    In another segment, art expert Rupert Maas appraised a monochrome painting of Princess Daisy of Pless, an icon of Edwardian high society.

    One of the guests explained that it was given to his mother by a friend of hers who had met a guy who spent a lot of time in France
    One of the guests explained that it was given to his mother by a friend of hers who had met a guy who spent a lot of time in France(Image: BBC)

    The owner explained how her father had found the artwork in a Watford junk shop for a mere £13.50.

    Rupert encouraged her to keep it on display, especially after revealing its surprising value of £2,000 to £3,000.

    The owner was shocked, saying: “Really? Gosh! I was thinking you were going to say a couple of hundred,” to which Rupert acknowledged it wasn’t a huge sum but definitely a significant increase from what was paid.