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Emmerdale is about to introduce two new faces to the ITV soap with Ray confirmed as a dangerous villain, while farmer Celia could also feature in dramatic scenes

We have two new faces joining Emmerdale next week, and the potential for both is huge(Image: ITV)

We have two new faces joining Emmerdale next week, and the potential for both is huge.

Not only will the ITV soap be welcoming some brilliant new cast members and TV favourites, but the characters themselves are almost blank canvases. Just minimal details have been revealed so far about new villain Ray and possible second villain Celia, a farmer no doubt set to be a rival to Moira Dingle.

Poor Moira could be caught up in both storylines and the drama that follows the new arrivals in the village. Ray will be played by Joe Absolom, whose top credentials include EastEnders, Doc Martin, The Bay and more recently Code Of Silence.

As for Celia, the mystery farmer is portrayed by Casualty and The Bill favourite Jaye Griffiths. It’s safe to say the castings of both TV stars have created a buzz on set, with stars thrilled to be working alongside them.

Fans have been equally excited to see what the two new cast additions will bring to the village, praising both of them and eager to find out what their characters will get up to. The jury is out for now on whether Celia will be a baddie or not, with so much more to be revealed about the newcomer – while Ray appears to be very much confirmed as the latest village bad guy.

Emmerdale is about to introduce two new faces to the ITV soap with Ray confirmed as a dangerous villain(Image: ITV)

What we can reveal for now is that Celia’s entrance next week leaves one life on the line, while there’s possible drama in the works for her and Moira. Vet Paddy Kirk spots a sheep trapped in the fence of Celia’s land and goes to help it, only to be attacked by a dog.

The brutal attack leaves him in a life-threatening condition and he’s soon rushed to hospital. When Paddy is later advised to confront the farmer it doesn’t end well, and soon Paddy is left furious with Celia no doubt causing havoc.

At some point we’ll see Moira and Celia come face-to-face too amid Moira’s troubles on the farm, which are set to continue. Actress Natalie J Robb recently told The Mirror in an exclusive interview that Celia and Moira “will be rivals” as she hinted at some big drama there.

Bringing the show back to the farming roots, we could well see some classic soap feuding going on – or perhaps the pair might even unite. Expect tension and possible clashes though, as Celia will be keen on the land surrounding Moira’s farm amid her financial woes.

It’s said the newcomer “clearly means business” and will go to whatever lengths to get her own way, while she no doubt has a past with so much mystery surrounding her when she arrives. Sooner rather than later Celia’s intentions will be clear.

Celia could also feature in dramatic scenes(Image: ITV)

Soap producer Laura Shaw recently shared: “While Celia has a tough edge with an air of respectability, the audience, and our villagers, will soon start to see what this woman is truly capable of.” It’s one of her guard dogs that attacks Paddy too, and her reaction to the incident will show her “true colours”.

It’s been a while since we had a character like Celia on the show, and not just a standard villain but someone who causes chaos, upheaval while also harbouring secrets of their own. A proper rivalry, and someone to give Moira a reason to fight back, is just what we need and hopefully Celia will bring all the carnage.

As for Ray, fans will no doubt be fearing “another villain” and “another dark character” isn’t what the show needs, amid complaints over dark storylines in soaps. But if Ray is anything like what cast members have described, we are certainly in for some huge scenes ahead, and possibly one of the best villainous villagers we’ve had for a long time.

Joe’s performance has been described as “scary” and “menacing”, with Mike Parr teasing the stuff so far is “really good”. Fans will obviously make their own minds up on the character, but with him set to unsettle the lives of more than one resident, and possibly trigger the return of a character confirmed to be heading back to the show, it is all to play for.

Ray will be played by Joe Absolom(Image: ITV)

There will be a dangerous outsider in the village in Ray, with it said some of fans’ most loved characters will face danger along the way. We already know that Mackenzie Boyd and Aaron Dingle feature in massive episodes this September, with “life-changing” twists ahead, so could this involve Ray?

We also know that some of the teens will be dragged into his drug dealing world, so Ray’s actions are set to no doubt impact the entire village. He’s capable of anything, so we’re willing to assume a villager or two, maybe more, will want him out of the way, and may find themselves up against him.

Expect angst, danger, twists and turns and tense scenes. To have two troubling characters with so much to be revealed arrive at the same time, and amid all the recent twists including John Sugden turning killer, Robert Sugden’s return and Joe Tate’s whodunnit and the rest, it’s an epic time to be tuning into the soap, with it no doubt set to get stronger and more gripping as the weeks and months go on.

Actress Amanda Abbington was full of smiles as she stepped out of a theatre on her show’s preview night amid rumours she is set to join the Loose Women panel

Amanda Abbington stepped out with a huge smile after revealing the ‘hardest years ever’(Image: JAMES CURLEY AND MAGICMOMENTSUK)

Amanda Abbington had a huge smile on her face as she headed to work after eyeing up her next career move. The actress was spotted leaving the Kings Head Theatre in London, where she is starring in This is not a Happy Room.

Despite the title of her latest play, Amanda could not have been happier as she stepped out in Islington. She left the theatre following her first preview night. Her happiness could also mark a sign she has got the next gig she set her sights on.

The 51-year-old revealed she would love to join Loose Women after enduring what she described as “one of the hardest years of my life”. She became embroiled in the major Strictly Come Dancing bullying row after being partnered with the show’s now axed pro Giovanni Pernice for the 2023 series.

Amanda was seen leaving the theatre (Image: JAMES CURLEY AND MAGICMOMENTSUK)

Since withdrawing from the competition early citing “personal reasons”, and later making a formal complaint about the “toxic environment” she experienced, Amanda has been largely absent from mainstream TV.

However, it could all change if she joins the ITV daytime show. When asked if she’d consider joining the likes of Coleen Nolan and Charlene White on the daily panel show, mum-of-two Amanda reportedly said: “Yes, totally.

“It’s nice to have women’s views on things, and I think as long as we don’t paint ourselves as miserable old hags. I think women of a certain age tend to get painted as miserable and moaning and complaining, and I think it would be good to get up there and have fun. They’re great women, and I know a few of them, like Denise [Welch], I love her.”

She had a huge smile on her face(Image: JAMES CURLEY AND MAGICMOMENTSUK)

According to The Sun, the London-born actress very much sees her career and life here in the UK, and would rule out a move Stateside.

She is attempting to brush off the Strictly scandal that has plagued her since she left the show in 2023. Amanda accused her Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni Pernice of being “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean” – but last week insisted her complaints were “never personal”.

Her complaints saw the BBC launch an investigation and the corporation ended up apologising to Amanda after upholding some of her less serious claims against Giovanni , who has since quit the show. The apology included reference to Giovanni’s use of swear words and belittling language towards the mum-of-two.

She is eyeing up a job on Loose Women(Image: JAMES CURLEY AND MAGICMOMENTSUK)

Giovanni, 34, left Strictly after Amanda’s complaints, but always insisted his innocence. He said he was “relieved” the ordeal was over and claimed he only wanted to get the best out of the actress on the dancefloor. The Sherlock actress had claimed she was subjected to a “toxic environment” and “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying” behaviour during her time on the 2023 series.

Despite her claims against the Italian star, Amanda has now insisted they were “never personal” and praised his talent. The surprise move saw her reflect on the scandal and share her hopes for the future of Strictly, admitting it is a “great” show. Amanda said she hopes the programme is “a happier place” and “now a good environment” following the investigation.

She told the Sun: “It was something that I never really wanted to do in terms of pursuing a complaint, but it was never personal. It was all about a healthy working environment, that’s what it was. I’m friends with a few of the dancers, so I still see a lot of the professional dancers, and we’re still in touch.”

The actress was involved in a huge Strictly scandal(Image: JAMES CURLEY AND MAGICMOMENTSUK)

She commented on the conclusion of the BBC’s investigation into the claims last year as Amanda said: “As the BBC has indicated today in its statement, my decision to come forward and complain about Giovanni Pernice’s conduct towards me was not an easy thing to do.

“In the days, weeks and months since I contacted the BBC, I’ve been accused of being a liar, a troublemaker and of being ‘mad and unstable’. I’ve also received rape and murder threats and a bomb threat was sent to my place of work.”

She added: “My family and children have also been subjected to threats and intimidation. Despite this vile abuse, I’ve never regretted coming forward, and today’s apology from the BBC is a vindication of my complaint.”

Amanda has continued to brand her time on the show and the aftermath, the hardest years of her life. She appeared on This Morning earlier in the week where she got emotional as she said: “It’s been tricky. I don’t want to go over old ground. I don’t regret what happened. It’s time to move on – it was one of the hardest years of my life.”

Prince Harry is said to have had difficulty procuring British passports for his two children – Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet – allegedly due to his desire for the documents to use their royal titles

Charles’ fallout with Harry is widely known(Image: Getty Images)

Prince Harry came into difficulty when trying to get British passports for his two children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, it has been claimed – but the saga is said to have left royal insiders bewildered.

The Duke of Sussex allegedly faced delays when it came to procuring the official documentation for his children, in part due to his desire to use their royal titles in the passports.

According to a report by The Guardian, Harry and his wife Meghan were told that the passports had been delayed for their kids due to technical issues, so they re-applied through the 24-hour service that is available – only for the required meeting to be cancelled.

The couple are said to have sent a legal letter that threatened to seek the data surrounding the issues – and the passports were finally issued just days later, six months after the process began. A standard passport application usually takes around three weeks in the UK.

During the long process, Harry was reportedly so frustrated he even considered applying for the passports under his mother, the late Princess Diana’s, family name of Spencer.

Archie already had a British passport under the name of Mountbatten-Windsor, but the new document would have used the name Sussex, along with his royal title of prince and the styling ‘HRH’.

This was a point of contention, a source close to the Sussex family claimed, as “the King hadn’t wanted Archie and Lili to carry the titles, most of all the HRH, and the British passports, once created, would be the first and perhaps the only legal proof of their names.”

Buckingham Palace strongly denied that the King or palace aides had anything to do with the delays in issuing their passports, The Telegraph reports.

It was also reported that Harry is keen for the children to have the ‘Royal Highness’ styling so when they are older they can decide if they would like to be working members of the Royal Family themselves – or stay out of the spotlight.

However, this claim is said to have left insiders confused, with “bemusement in royal circles” about the idea.

Harry and Meghan dropped the HRH styling in 2020 when they stepped back as working royals as it was decided the couple would make a full break from the monarchy.

In a report marking Prince William’s 43rd birthday, the Sunday Times claimed, “Under the next reign, roles for Archie and Lili as working royals are unlikely.”

Nick Robinson and Emma Barnett are reportedly feuding(Image: BBC)

As BBC Radio 4 Today presenters Nick Robinson and Emma Barnett are rumoured to be locked in a feud, The Mirror takes a look at other famous co-host clashes where on-screen friendships are masked behind-the-scenes tensions.

According to reports, Nick and Emma, who have only hosted 13 shows together in total, are locked in a bitter feud as they go 90 days without presenting their flagship show the Today programme.

Insiders claim tensions have brewed over their contrasting presenting styles – Nick’s stricter, blunter approach reportedly clashing with Emma’s different tone. Though BBC bosses have attempted to brush off the rumours, listeners have picked up on the palpable awkwardness whenever the two do appear together.

Nick Robinson and Emma Barnett are reportedly feuding(Image: BBC)

But they wouldn’t be the first co-hosts to be enlocked in an alleged feud. Here’s a rundown of other celebrity pairs who couldn’t keep it together behind the scenes.

Eamonn Holmes and Anthea Turner

Anthea Turner has hosted a whole string of shows(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)

The GMTV dream team of the 90s was anything but harmonious. Eamonn reportedly dubbed Anthea “Princess Tippy Toes,” mocking her supposed prima donna attitude.

The tension between the pair escalated over time, with Eamonn allegedly resenting Anthea’s perceived favouritism from producers. According to insiders, Eamonn eventually gave bosses an ultimatum: it was either him or her.

Anthea ultimately left the role, and the bitterness between the former colleagues has been referenced by Eamonn in interviews years later.

Johnny Vaughn and Denise Van Outen

Johnny Vaughan and Denise Van Outen presented Capital FM’s Breakfast Show(Image: PA)

Their partnership on Capital FM was rocky, to say the least. Johnny was said to turn Denise’s microphone down during broadcasts, apparently to control the dynamic of their show.

The pair had once enjoyed a successful stint together on The Big Breakfast, but when they tried to recreate the chemistry on a radio show years later, it quickly fell apart.

Denise later described the experience as “toxic,” with tensions off-air undermining their professional rapport.

Anne Robinson and Rachel Riley

Anne Robinson was said to have an issue with Rachel Riley’s ‘chatty’ tone

Countdown’s Anne Robinson allegedly grew frustrated with Rachel’s friendly interactions with the audience. Reports suggest Anne believed Rachel’s approach was too chatty and informal for the show’s traditional tone.

Their working relationship reportedly deteriorated to the point where Anne made it clear she preferred minimal conversation between segments. The atmosphere grew so strained that fans began to notice the coldness between the two during episodes.

Gary Barlow and Tulisa

The scene is constantly going viral as Gary Barlow makes a dig at his co-judge(Image: Mirror Screen Grab)

Their stint on The X Factor saw a fiery exchange when the Take That singer publicly criticised Tulisa’s “cigarette breath” during live shows.

Tulisa retaliated by pointing out Gary’s “red wine” stench, making for uncomfortable viewing. Off-camera, tensions were reportedly even worse, with Tulisa feeling undermined by Gary’s veteran status on the judging panel.

When Tulisa eventually quit, Gary expressed relief, describing her departure as a “fresh start” for the show.

Sharon Osbourne and Dannii Minogue

Sharon doesn’t seem to be a fan of her former co-judge on the show(Image: ITV/Rex Features)

The tension between these two X Factor judges was legendary. Sharon allegedly harboured resentment toward Dannii over her rumoured romantic involvement with Simon Cowell, believing the relationship gave her an unfair advantage.

Sharon’s frustration reportedly grew into outright disdain, with snide comments and frosty interactions playing out on and off the camera. Even years later, Sharon has made no secret of her dislike for Dannii.

Coleen Nolan and Kim Woodburn

Coleen and Kim had a fiery exchange on Loose Women(Image: ITV)

The two famously came to blows during Celebrity Big Brother in 2017, only for tensions to reignite on Loose Women in a fiery exchange that Coleen later admitted nearly ended her career.

Kim accused Coleen of bullying her during their time in the CBB house, with Kim breaking down over unresolved trauma from her childhood.

Coleen, meanwhile, insisted she was only defending herself against Kim’s aggressive outbursts. Their explosive clash remains one of the most dramatic moments in Loose Women history.

James Jordan and Craig Revel Horwood

Craig Revel Horwood had some disagreements with James on Strictly

Strictly Come Dancing’s fiery James Jordan and notoriously harsh judge Craig Revel Horwood were embroiled in a years-long feud. The tension began with harsh criticisms from Craig about James’s dance routines, which James viewed as unfair and personal.

Matters escalated when James and his wife Ola publicly called for Craig to be sacked, prompting Craig to accuse James of plotting to steal his job. The feud simmered for years before James’s eventual dismissal from the show.

Piers Morgan and Alex Beresford

Piers Morgan ultimately resigned over the disagreement(Image: ITV)

Good Morning Britain viewers were left stunned when Piers stormed off the set after clashing with Beresford over Meghan Markle. The argument, which centred on Morgan’s relentless criticism of the Duchess of Sussex, became one of the most talked-about moments in daytime TV history.

Alex later admitted he found Piers’ behaviour “pathetic” and “childish.” The incident ultimately led to Piers’ resignation from the show.

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield

Holly and Phil were once seemingly extremely close friends(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Speculation has swirled for years over whether the golden pair of daytime TV truly get along off-screen. Despite their polished appearances on This Morning, whispers of rivalry and rifts persist.

Sources have claimed that while Holly and Phil present a united front for the cameras, their personal relationship is much more strained following his removal from the show.

Emmerdale fans have been left wondering what’s wrong with Bear on the ITV soap after strange behaviour, forgetfulness and some possible symptoms amid a diagnosis

Emmerdale fans have been left wondering what’s wrong with Bear on the ITV soap(Image: ITV)

There was more concern for Emmerdale’s Bear on Thursday night amid a possible diagnosis.

His recent symptoms and some new comments on the ITV soap left his son Paddy Kirk worried, while viewers were also concerned there was something wrong with him. We know there’s a huge plot coming for the character amid a vanishing twist, and it’s thought at some point there will be a diagnosis, or at least a confirmation of what is going on with him.

Whether it’s with his mental or physical health or both remains to be seen, but on Thursday night Paddy was left wanting to take action after another incident. Paddy returned home to find his daughter Eve not in school, and playing with her grandfather who was meant to have dropped her off two hours earlier.

As Paddy quizzed Bear about it he claimed to have no recollection of a discussion that Eve had school that day, and needed to be taken there. Instead, Bear claimed he was under the impression she was at home for the day and he was looking after her.

Bear insisted there had been to mention of him being the one to drop her off with Paddy clearly stunned. He then opened up to Gabby Thomas about his fears it could be dementia, after Gabby’s father Ashley Thomas’ battle with vascular dementia, with him dying in 2017.

There was more concern for Emmerdale’s Bear on Thursday(Image: ITV)

Gabby urged him not to jump to conclusions, but to speak to Bear and get him checked over as soon as possible. Paddy mentioned Bear’s recent mood swings, him being grumpy and forgetting things, adding he initially thought his dad was depressed but now feared what it might be.

As Gabby recalled how her dad was before his diagnosis, she told him not to hold off getting Bear an appointment. Later in the episode Paddy tried to talk to his dad but he was having none of it.

He put everything down to him being “old”, complaining of “frequent visits” to the toilet and adding his recent confusion and forgetfulness was also an age thing. Some of his other “symptoms” have seen Bear lashing out verbally and physically, and sometimes he’s in a rage only to be calm moments later, as if nothing has happened.

His recent symptoms and some new comments on the ITV soap left his son Paddy Kirk worried(Image: ITV)

He was insistent there was nothing wrong with him and downplayed any idea it could be something he needed treatment for. When he stepped away, Gabby encouraged Paddy to use tests online to see if Bear could have dementia, even if he did it without Bear knowing.

Viewers watching recently and seeing the latest issues feared what could be wrong with Bear, ahead of him vanishing. Some fans wondered if it could be brain related, perhaps a tumour or even damage from his wrestling days.

Other fans were sure it could be dementia, while another diagnosis suggested was something linked to his prostate, either cancer or issues. A further suggestion was that it was the sleeping pills he’d been prescribed, with fears he was having a reaction to them, with a final suggestion being diabetes.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Ruth Langsford revealed that her mum Joan wasn’t able to celebrate Mother’s Day yesterday, and gave an update on Joan’s health after her horror fall and Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Ruth Langford admitted that her mum was too unwell to celebrate Mother’s Day and she revealed what was ailing beloved Joan(Image: ruthlangsford/Instagram)

Ruth Langsford has shared a worrying message about her beloved mum. The former This Morning star admitted she was having a very different Mother’s Day in an emotional Instagram post, and updated fans about her mum’s health today.

Alongside staying busy with her ITV work, Ruth, 65, also cares for her 94-year-old mum Joan at home – where the duo with Ruth’s dog Maggie after her split from Eamonn Holmes last year.

On Mother’s Day, Ruth shared a clip of Joan dancing in the kitchen, but revealed that it was a throwback video while in reality her mum was struggling with a health issue and wasn’t up to celebrate the big day.

“HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all you wonderful mums out there but especially to my amazing Mum Joan. I’m sharing an old video because unfortunately Mum’s not well… she’s got a nasty chest infection so she’s not up to celebrating today,” she wrote in her caption.

Ruth shared that her mum was down with a chest infection on Mother’s Day, and still wasn’t well but was being looked after by their pooch Maggie(Image: Instagram)

“Maggie and I are with her though and giving her lots of TLC. I’m sure she’ll be back peeling the veg, dancing and drinking sherry in my kitchen very soon. Hope you’re all having a lovely day with your Mum if you’re fortunate, like me, to have her.”

Many of Ruth’s famous friends sent love her way, with Vanessa Feltz writing: “Happiest of days to you and your gorgeous mum.”

Josie Gibson left a string of heart emojis under the post, while Kate Thornton penned: “Wishing her better and Happy Mother’s Day.”

Today, Loose Women star Ruth shared an update on her Stories, capturing a quick clip of Joan sitting on the sofa and stroking Maggie, who sat closely beside her. “Nurse Maggie,” Ruth wrote. She added: “Mum still not well but she says thank you for all your lovely messages!”

Joan’s chest infection comes after she was rushed to hospital with a broken pelvis after a fall, and wasn’t able to join Ruth for Christmas.

She was able to head back home in January, but still needs plenty of love and care due to her Alzheimer’s. While Joan is living with the condition, Ruth also lost her father, Dennis, to dementia in 2012.

Ruth admitted that she struggles with crippling fears for her own health, worrying that she too might also be diagnosed with the condition.

“I’m a bit ‘head in the sand’ about Alzheimer’s. Both my parents have had it, I know what it entails and it horrifies me,” she said in Woman & Home‘s March edition.

“There’s a test you can do to see if you’re more likely to get it, but, because there’s no medication to treat it, I’d rather not know. When I have senior moments, as people call them, I panic. Then I let it go, because I can’t bear to think about that.”

Fleur is currently starring in the West End

Singer and TV star Fleur East honoured her late father in an emotional Instagram post ahead of her West End debut.

The Sax hitmaker, who currently hosts It Takes Two, debuted her role as Tina Turner in the iconic musical, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, on Wednesday evening (June 25).

Ahead of opening night, the 37-year-old performer took to social media to share a touching tribute.

Fleur is playing Tina Turner in the West End (Credit: Cover Images)

Fleur East honours late father

In a post uploaded on Tuesday (June 24), Fleur posed in front of the Aldwych Theatre where the musical is currently taking place. In front of the venue is a bus stop, which featured an advertisement of Fleur promoting Hits Radio.

Beaming with joy, the former Strictly contestant took a selfie and wrote: “When two worlds collide.”

She continued: “As I walked into the Aldwych theatre for my dress run I saw the advert for our new @hitsradiouk breakfast show at the bus stop. So funny that the night before opening night, I see my two adventures before my very eyes, side by side.”

“In life, I’ve always taken on challenges that scare me. Things that push me out of my comfort zone are what I’m attracted to, because I always grow as a person and learn new things. I love to learn.”

Fleur used her latest career milestone to honour her father, who died five years ago.

“I believe in tasting all the flavours of life. My Father used to always say “you can never have too many strings to your bow” and he was so right. I’m gutted that my Dad won’t be there to see me on stage as @tinaturner in @tinathemusical, but as I look out to the stage and up at the lights, I believe he will be watching over me,” she added.

As she prepared for her first-ever West End role, Fleur admitted she was “nervous, excited and ready for this new ride”.

‘Break a leg superstar!’

Fleur’s fans and showbiz pals rushed to the comments section to share their support.

“You will be sensational. Cannot wait to see you in the show. Break a leg and have an amazing run,” Gaby Roslin wrote.

“Love you girl. You are nailing this xx,” The One Show presenter Angellica Bell shared.

“Best of luck, wonderful Fleur. Your dad will still be watching over you and will be incredibly proud of you. You truly are a phenomenal woman, strong, full of life, joy and love. You are special and the heavens will always watch over you. Let’s go,” a third remarked.

“You are going to be incredible!! You were always destined for this role!! Have the most amazing run! X,” a fourth said.

“You will be sensacheeee!!! No doubt!!! Enjoy every juicy second!!!! Break a leg superstar!!!” Comedian Ellie Taylor added.

Princess Diana passed away in 1997

Princess Diana sadly died before meeting her grandchildren, from Prince Harry’s two tots, Archie and Lilibet, to William‘s three kids, George, Louis and Charlotte.

However, a sweet but cheeky tradition the royal started long before they were born was kept alive after her death by one of George’s grandparents.

The two brothers have spoken out about how they keep their mother’s memory alive through tales and photographs, after her sudden death in 1997.

One of the godparents of Prince George revealed she continues a tradition started by Princess Diana with her nine-year-old godson.
Prince George’s godparents include Zara Tindall and the Duke of Westminster (Credit: Cover Images)

Prince George’s godparents

Prince George has seven godparents – Oliver Baker, Emilia Jardine-Paterson, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, Julia Samuel, William van Cutsem, Zara Tindall and The Duke of Westminster.

He was christened in the Chapel Royal at St James’ Palace on October 13, 2013.

Julia Samuel, who was a close friend of Diana, Princess of Wales has spoken about her role in her godson’s life.

Samuel met Princess Diana in 1987 at a dinner party, and was close to her family ever since.

Speaking to the Guardian, Julia said: “Well, I feel lucky I was such a good friend of Prince Diana. And I really love my godson, George. And it’s lovely way of loving her.”

She added: “I was angry that she died and shocked and I couldn’t really understand it all. I understand it better now. I understand that people felt they really knew and loved her. But I still feel sad today.”
Prince George has a total of seven godparents chosen by the Prince and Princess of Wales (Credit: Splash News)

Princess Diana’s naughty tradition passed on to Prince George

However, this isn’t the first time Ms Samuel has spoken about her godson. Samuel revealed the secrets behind her bond with Prince George and admitted she’s carried on one tradition from Princess Diana.

Speaking on the How to Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast, Samuel previously said that Diana started a tradition with Julia’s children where she would gift them a naughty present.

We’re certain that the fun-loving late princess would approve of her influence in her grandson’s life.

“So I do to George what she did to us which is give impossible toys which are really noisy, take a lot of making,” she said.

She continued: “I come in slightly tipped by the size of the present that William then has to spend days putting together.

“And then put all the machinery together and it makes awful tooting noises and lights flashing and all of that. That makes me laugh and it makes George laugh.”
Prince George’s godmother carries on naughty Diana tradition (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Prince William ‘keeps his mother’s memory alive’

The future king explained how he’s keeping the memory of his late mother alive through his children.

Prince William detailed he tells his children, George, Charlotte and Louis, stories of Princess Diana’s charitable nature.

While speaking on the documentary, Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, he said: “I have taken some guidance from what my mother did.

“When I was very small my mother started talking about homelessness, much like I do now with my children on the school run.”

The heir to the throne recalled seeing “people on the street” growing up and would ask Diana about it.

Sadly, Diana passed away following a car crash in Paris in 1997, and his children never met their grandmother.

The pair have been together for years

Rochelle and Marvin Humes are one of the UK’s beloved showbiz couples – but their love story hasn’t always been a walk in the park.

The iconic TV couple – who host The Hit List together – first got together back in 2010 and tied the knot in 2012.  Since then the JLS singer and Saturdays star have welcomed three beautiful children together – Alaia-Mai, Valentina and Blake.

But when did they first split up? And what exactly happened when Rochelle suffered a ‘sex mishap’? Keep reading to find out…

The pair are a beloved showbiz couple (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Marvin and Rochelle Humes’ shock split

Marvin – on ITV’s DNA Journey tonight (June 26) – and Rochelle first struck up a romance in 2010.  However, a year into dating and Marvin called it quits with Ninja Warrior host Rochelle.

Speaking to Tolly T on Bumble’s podcast My Love Is…, Marvin revealed he originally ended things after he got cold feet.

He confessed: “We had a little split about a year in. It was my doing. You know what the weirdest thing is I got cold feet for some reason and just panicked.

“I called it off with Roch and when I did that, I knew that second it was the biggest mistake I’ve made,” he added.

When asked why, he said: “I was in a relationship previously, but what I learned in that relationship was it went on too long and I didn’t have the balls to call it off and I was quite young.”

Marvin noted how this had the “reverse effect” when it came to Rochelle. He explained: “When I was with Roch, I just panicked and was like, I wanna call it off. When I did it I knew I was making a mistake. Broke Rochelle’s heart.”

The couple have gone from strength to strength (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Rochelle Humes admits ‘lack of intimacy’

In 2013, Rochelle and Marvin welcomed their first daughter, Alaia-Mai. However, it wasn’t all easy as Rochelle previously confessed it played havoc with her emotions and sex life too.

She told Cosmopolitan in 2014: “I’m not too proud to admit that having a child affects the intimacy in a relationship at first.

“I hate it when you hear people say they were at it again days later. I don’t believe it!” Rochelle continued: “For the first few months, you’re so tired you just want to go to bed, I was so emotional.

“One day, Marvin asked me what I wanted for breakfast and even that set me off. I just wailed ‘cereal’ across the house. We still joke about it now!”

The pair have been together for years (Credit: ITV)

Truth about Marvin and Rochelle’s sex mishap

Back in 2013, Rochelle got plenty of people talking when she admitted that she was forced to dash to A&E after sustaining an eye injury during ‘cuddles’ with Marv.

The singer let the revelation slip during a game of Never Have I Ever on Capital’s breakfast show a few years back, appearing with her The Saturday’s bandmates.

When the presenters of the time raised the topic “Never have I ever sustained an injury during special cuddles”, Rochelle replied: “I have!” While the blushing singer didn’t elaborate any further on the story, her bandmates were fast to fill in a few gaps.

“Rochelle went to A&E over this,” Una Healy piped up.

“I remember her calling me about this and I was like: ‘How do I know what to do?’” Mollie King added.

However, when the presenters at the time, Dave Berry and Lisa Snowdon, tried to get Rochelle to spill the tea, the singer went very quiet. Keen to know more, Dave tried to put words into Rochelle’s mouth.

“You’re telling me our friend, DJ Marvin Humes, has injured my second favourite member of the Saturdays? Was it a household object?” he asked.

A little rattled, Rochelle replied: “Certainly not.” But that stern reply didn’t put the nosy presenters off trying to dig deeper. “Was it something you bought in an adult shop?” Lisa Snowdon probed. “Did you pull a muscle or is it much worse?”

Eventually, Rochelle finally revealed that she had injured her eye during her romantic tussle.

Marv sets record straight

However, it wasn’t just Rochelle who was left blushing. So too was Marv – who seemed rather taken aback about the revelation.

In an interview that followed, he played down the whole affair, admitting the ‘sex’ mishap was not true… “It’s 150% not true.”

Speaking at the time, he said: “It just came out of nowhere. It was all a bit of friendly banter between the girls. They made something up and then it all just escalated and got out of hand. As I said, it’s not true at all.”

He added that he had been left cringing by the exchange on the breakfast show and laughed it off, admitting: “It’s just one of those things. But you have to be careful what you say because people will believe everything.”

She revealed the rule she and her JLS star husband Marvin stick to at home (Credit: ITV)

Rochelle’s strict rule

Talking to Closer in October, Rochelle opened up about how she and Marvin try to maintain a healthy work/life balance. “We try to set boundaries, and we make sure that we don’t talk shop at home once we’re all done for the day,” Rochelle said.

She went on: “We’ll let that roll into tomorrow. I think it’s important to protect it. If it all rolls into one, then we’ll be up working on something all the time. At least by five o’clock, by the time kids are having dinner, we’ll make sure that work questions are done.”

Kate first made her debut in the royal box at Wimbledon in 2011

Since Kate Middleton’s debut in the royal box at Wimbledon in 2011, the now Princess of Wales has worn a plethora of stylish looks to the tennis championships.

The princess, 43, has sported a variety of ensembles, from a nod to tennis whites to luxurious names like Balmain and Alexander McQueen.

Let’s take a look back at some of her most memorable Wimbledon looks…

Kate Middleton’s best Wimbledon outfits

Kate has proven time and time again that she knows how to effortlessly style herself for the Great British Summer.

At her royal Wimbledon debut in 2011, Princess Kate rocked a ruffled white dress.

The Temperley London number sported a floaty silhouette. The layered dress was the perfect balance between fun and practicality, especially on a hot day in London.

The princess sat beside her new husband Prince William, and the couple watched Andy Murray play from the prestigious Royal Box on Centre Court.

Kate made her royal Wimbledon debut in a simple white dress (Credit: Jonathan Hordle/Shutterstock)

Princess Kate rocks a tennis whites-inspired dress

The following year, Kate didn’t shy away from being inspired by Wimbledon’s heritage.

She rocked a navy and cream Alexander McQueen ensemble, reminiscent of tennis whites, ideal for the court.

Princess Kate appeared to be inspired by tennis whites for her 2012 look (Credit: Ray Tang/Shutterstock)
In 2015, the princess wore a pop of colour.

Kate really brought the heat to the court in a striking red LK Bennett dress, made up of “artfully placed seams” and elbow-length sleeves.

Kate complimented her ensemble with a Diane von Furstenberg Lytton snakeskin clutch bag in leopard print.

She also wore gold hoop earrings and nude Jimmy Choo heels.
Kate brought the heat to Wimbledon in 2015 (Credit: Shutterstock)

Kate Middleton’s love for Alexander McQueen

In 2016, Kate proved she really can pull off anything whilst sporting Alexander McQueen once again, the same designer who made her stunning wedding dress.

This time, whilst watching Andy Murray and Milos Raonic face off, Kate opted for a bespoke dress.

The mid-length number was printed with the company’s Obsession print and was a unique style for the princess.

The eclectic 1940s silhouette featured butterfly, flower and lipstick motifs.

The Princess of Wales at Wimbledon in 2016 (Credit: BPI/Shutterstock)
It was an eye-catching number, to say the least!

In 2017, Kate marked her first official visit to Wimbledon as Royal Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club with a stunning Dolce and Gabbana polka dot dress.

2017 saw Kate Middleton in a striking polka dot ensemble at Wimbledon (Credit: Shutterstock)
The then Duchess of Cambridge paired the look with a pair of black Bvlgari shades, black open-toe heels and a white leather bag. The look was so timeless that it would even blend in with the polka dot trend of 2025!

Kate again showed her love for Alexander McQueen in yet another tennis whites-inspired number in 2019. It was here she wore the designer’s black and white Susannah Flippy Wiggle Dress, paired with a leather and wicker handbag. Cute!

The Princess of Wales often opts for classic silhouettes (Credit: James Marsh/BPI/Shutterstock)

The Princess of Wales stunned in pink in 2021

In 2021, Kate once again confirmed she really does suit any colour and any style in a belted, pink dress with a high collar and three-quarter sleeves.

She expertly paired the Beulah London Crepe Dress in Blush Pink with a pair of Mappin & Webb Empress Diamond Earrings, a colourful Josef Vintage Beaded Clutch and tortoise brown Ray-bans.

Kate can even pull off pink (Credit: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock)
In 2022, the Princess of Wales embodied the sunshine with an incredibly bright marigold yellow dress by Roksanda.

Kate was all smiles as she attended the 2022 Wimbledon ladies’ finals and later even attended a meet and greet.

Kate Middleton looks stunning in yellow (Credit: Cover Images / Frank Molter/ dpa)
Kate also stood out on the court as she fulfilled her role as Royal Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club by presenting Elena Rybakina with the Venus Rosewater Dish.

Princess Kate’s chic mint green ensembles

In 2023, Kate threw out some distinctive curveballs, rocking chic mint green in two outfits at the championships.

Her first ensemble saw her sport a fresh, 80s-inspired look made up of a green Balmain blazer, a pleated white maxi skirt, heels and a Mulberry handbag.

Kate rocked Balmain in 2023 (Credit: Dave Shopland/Shutterstock)
Kate continued the mint green theme on day thirteen of the tennis championships in a tweed effect Self-Portrait dress in a vibrant, pastel hue.

She finished off the ensemble with a pair of elegant pearl earrings.

Kate showed off her love of green in 2023 (Credit: Photo by Ella Ling/Shutterstock)

Princess of Wales returns to Wimbledon

Last year, in Kate’s first Wimbledon appearance since she shared her cancer diagnosis in the spring of 2024, the princess was greeted with a standing ovation as she entered the royal box with Princess Charlotte.

The princess made headlines as she rocked a very regal purple dress by the brand Safiyaa London.

Kate attended Wimbledon 2024 with her daughter Princess Charlotte (Credit: Ella Ling/ Shutterstock)
The fitted number is named the Cecilia Lilac Midi Dress, and Kate made headlines due to her gorgeous appearance.

But what will Kate wear this year if she attends Wimbledon 2025? Our bets are on the trending colour of the season, buttermilk yellow!