Category Entertainment News

I’m A Celebrity draws to a close tonight with Angy Ginge, Shona McGarty and Tom Read Wilson competing to be crowned King or Queen of the jungle.

The series will be remembered for having one of the friendliest camps on record, with only milk bottle gate threatening to disrupt the harmonious mood.

Rapper Aitch narrowly missed out on a place in the final three as he was kicked out following the Celebrity Cyclone trial on Saturday night. Aitch told hosts Ant and Dec he’d be happy for anyone of them to win but was rooting for his fellow Mancunian Aitch the most.

As viewers prepare to crown the latest King or Queen of the Jungle, we take a look at the previous winners and find out what they’re up to now…

Danny Jones (Series 24, 2024)

Danny saw off stiff competition from Coleen Rooney to take the crown last year and was thrilled to come away the top prize. However, just months after his triumph, Danny was involved in a huge scandal after being seen cheating on his wife Georgia.

The McFly star was filmed kissing I’m A Celeb co-star Maura Higgins while attending a BRIT Awards afterparty back in February. At the time, the star issued a grovelling public apology to Georgia and told fans that he and his family would work to handle matters privately.

Danny and Maura then had an awkward reunion at the National TV Awards in September – coming face to face for the first time since the shock kiss. They stood on stage together as I’m A Celebrity scooped the prize for Best Reality Competition but stood feet apart.

Aside from the scandal, this year Danny took part in a huge UK tour with his McFly bandmates as they hit the road with Busted.

Danny has returned to Australia for the final days of the 2025 series – sadly missing his wife’s birthday to take part.

Sam Thompson (Series 23, 2023)

I’m A Celebrity superfan Sam Thompson was clearly delighted to be hailed King of the Jungle in 2023 when he saw off competition from his best friend in camp Tony Bellew.

The show gave a huge boost to Sam’s career, as the Made in Chelsea star’s podcast with Pete Wicks ‘Staying Relevant’ going from strength to strength and bringing in thousands of listeners. He also impressed ITV bosses so much he was invited to return this year to co-host spin off show Unpacked alongside Joel Dommett and Kemi Rodgers.

And from reality TV to movie roles, this year Sam cameoed in the UK version of Inside Out 2, as Security Man Sam, a character who finds himself on a chase with the emotions.

Sam’s personal life took a hit though as girlfriend Zara McDermott left him this year, moving on with One Direction star Louis Tomlinson. Sam is now dating model Talitha, 25, after they were set up on a date by the star’s friend.

Jill Scott (Series 22, 2022)

Loveable Lioness Jill Scott took home the title of Queen of the Jungle when the show returned to Australia in 2022 after two years away. She retired from football in 2022 but has continued to keep a close eye on the sport. Jill has appeared as a pundit for several Men’s and Women’s matches including England Men’s Euros qualifying games against Malta and North Macedonia, and the UEFA Women’s Champions League final.

She became the first female player to captain England for Soccer Aid and became a captain on the panel show A League of their Own.

Jill has also become a regular on The Overlap sports channel where she appears on the award winning podcast Stick to Football with Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Jamie Carragher and Ian Wright.

Away from football, Jill still owns a coffee shop in Manchester with her fiancée Shelly Unitt.

Danny Miller (Series 21, 2021)

Emmerdale star Danny Miller was crowned King of the Castle for the show’s second year in Wales. He beat Coronation Street’s Simon Gregson and The Saturdays’ Frankie Bridge to the crown. Shortly after his castle stint, Danny made several reappearances to Emmerdale as Aaron Dingle – and left again last month.

This year the soap star welcomed his third child a baby boy named Vincent Miller, in July 2025, joining older siblings Albert and Edith. Danny named Vincent as a tribute to his father.

Giovanna Fletcher (Series 20, 2020)

Giovanna was the first celeb to be crowned Queen of the Castle. The author and blogger, 38, won the nation’s hearts with her appearance on the hit ITV show – which was relocated to Wales amid the pandemic. Giovanna’s career has gone from strength to strength since her castle stint.

She has continued to write books and present her podcast and took to the stage in a production of 2:22 – A Ghost Story. Giovanna played the role of Jenny, which has also been played by Cheryl, Jaime Winstone, Mandip Gill, Laura Whitmore, at the Gielgud Theatre following its run at the Noel Coward Theatre. In 2022, Giovanna fronted her own travel show, titled Giovanna Fletcher: Made In Italy, where she and her family take a trip to Italy to relive some of her most precious moments from her childhood and explore their roots.

Jacqueline Jossa (Series 19, 2019)

Poor Jacqueline had a rough ride in the jungle after campmate Myles Stephenson apparently told the actress her husband Dan Osbourne had had a thing with his ex, Gabby Allen. After being crowned queen, Jac broke down and vowed that she would no longer be seen as a ‘doormat’ no more and became the first winner to cancel all interviews.

She and Dan hit back at the naysayers, sharing a cute holiday snap and assuring fans that the ‘past is in the past’. She wrote: “We have gone through a very long journey, to be where we are today. Happy. Anyone that thinks differently, don’t Comment negative comments unless you want to be blocked.” [sic]

She continued: “You do not know the ins and outs of what we have both been through, to get to a good place now. I am proud to be with my husband, stand strong and keep our family together. I will not let stupid comments pull me back to the past and dampen my sparkle!! I’m past it and you all need to be in order to follow me. Thanks!! Obvs love all you positive ppl that just get life!!️ thanking you!”

The couple went on to buy a swanky £1.2 million mansion in Essex, where they now live with their two daughters Ella, eight, and Mia, five. Jacqueline now regularly collaborates with fast fashion brand In The Style to create collections and has reprised EastEnders as Lauren Branning.

Harry Redknapp (Series 18, 2018)

Football manager Harry had never watched I’m a Celeb before and had no idea what was involved, but decided to sign up anyway. From the get go he was a favourite among his fellow campmates and viewers at home, with everyone instantly warming to his down-to-earth nature and humour.

He talked frequently about his wife of 54 years, Sandra, and their blissfully happy relationship they’d began when they were just 17. They recently sold their Sandbanks four-storey mansion in the lavish Millionaire’s Row to build to Sandra’s ‘dream home’ nearby. Harry and Sandra recently released a joint book, When Harry Met Sandra, which explored their more than 50 year-long romance.

Georgia ‘Toff’ Toffolo (Series 17, 2017)

Georgia came into the public eye though E4 reality series Made in Chelsea where she was used to living the high life. Despite her privately educated background and Conservative political views, Toff was a down to earth campmate and popular among her fellow celebrities and fans, too.

She beat Iain Lee and Jamie Lomas to the title and couldn’t have been more shocked. She’s also starred in Celebs Go Dating and landed herself a presenting slot on This Morning. Toff’s used the dosh from winning wisely and has bought two holiday homes in Devon, where she was brought up.

This year Toff got married to BrewDog businessman James Watt – revealing she met the millionaire after a mutual friend set them up on a blind date over the summer not long after she split with fraudster ex George Cottrell.

She gushed: “We’re really happy. I think I knew [how strong their connection was] from the second date. I mean it was just classic James and I. The first date was like, stereotypical, really lovely time, knew I really liked him, great.”

Scarlett Moffatt (Series 16, 2016)

After the success of Channel 4’s Gogglebox, Scarlett Moffatt also emerged victorious from the Aussie jungle. Her win brought her to the attention of hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, who took their fellow Geordie under their wings. She co-hosted Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway in 2017 and 2018, helmed a reboot of iconic dating show Streetmate, and returned to the jungle to co-host Extra Camp for series 17.

Scarlett has continued her hosting career as she fronts ITV’s Love Bites as well as her own podcast Scarlett Moffat Wants To Believe. She also fronted a documentary on Tourette’s in 2022.

Since winning the show, Scarlett has also enjoyed a lot of happiness and success in her personal life. In June 2023 she gave birth to her first child, a baby boy named Jude. She shares the tot with her policeman beau Scott Dobinson. Months after welcoming their bundle of joy, Scarlett announced the pair have got engaged.

This year Scarlett announced that she will be taking part in the 2025 Strictly Christmas special.

Vicky Pattison (Series 15, 2015)

Vicky Pattison seemingly hoped I’m A Celeb would elevate her fledgling career after quitting Geordie Shore. She reinvented herself as a fitness guru and was hired to present spin-off show Extra Camp in 2016 before being swiftly replaced by Scarlett Moffatt after just one season.

In 2018 she starred in the Aussie version of the show and partnered with Dom Joly on Celebrity Haunted, and appeared on Celebrity Coach Trip.

Last year Vicky got married to beau Ercan Ramadan after a romantic proposal in Dubai. The pair said ‘I do’ twice first in London and then in Puglia, Italy.

The Geordie lass appeared on this year’s Strictly, being eliminated from the show a week before the Blackpool special.

Carl Fogarty (Series 14, 2014)

Superbike champion Carl “Foggy” Fogarty was the winner of series 14 after chowing down on a camel penis and ostrich anus in the live final. Since winning the show, Foggy has been something of a matchmaker – setting up fellow contestant and X Factor star Jake Quickenden with his own daughter, Danielle.

Foggy had previously said he worried his daughter was “fussy” in terms of men. Things didn’t work out between Jake and Danielle, though as The X Factor star has now gone on to marry Sophie Church. The pair also share a son together while Jake is a proud stepdad to Sophie’s son from a previous romance.

Meanwhile, Carl isn’t the only one in his family to have enjoyed a stint on reality TV since his I’m A Celebrity appearance. Foggy’s daughter Claudia, entered the Love Island villa on the winter series of the ITV dating show.

Kian Egan (Series 13, 2013)

Westlife star Kian Egan featured in the 2013 series after his band split and the girl group he managed (named Wonderland) failed. After winning the show he released his debut solo album which reached a modest number 9 in the UK charts. He has gone on to star as a coach on The Voice of Ireland (the Irish version of The Voice), tied-the-knot with actress and Wonderland singer Jodi Albert, and is now a proud father of two sons.

Meanwhile, Westlife have continued to release music and tour after reforming in 2018. Kian is back singing with Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan.

While Mark is not with the group on tour, the band continue to go from strength to strength and toured the USA and Canada for the first time ever in 2024. This year they released Ed Sheeran penned song Chariot and announced another huge tour for 2026.

Charlie Brooks (Series 12, 2012)

EastEnders icon Charlie Brooks scooped the jungle crown in 2012. Best known for playing Janine Butcher on the BBC soap before her stint in the jungle, Charlie continued to play the character until 2014. She has appeared in a couple of other TV shows including Suspects and featured on stage in plays – and has also gathered a following due to her fitness achievements.

In 2021, Charlie returned to Albert Square as Janine which has seen her character shake things up as she has fallen in love with Mick Carter (played by Danny Dyer). She left the soap once again in an explosive exit on Boxing Day 2022. She told The Sun on Sunday: “I was only ever due back to EastEnders for a year, but when [exec producer] Chris Clenshaw presented me with his idea for the story, I couldn’t say no to staying a little longer.”

Away from reality shows and the world of acting, Charlie is a mum-of-one as she welcomed her now teenage daughter, Kiki Brooks-Truman, back in December 2004 when she was dating businessman Tony Truman. Charlie is now single – but is happily in the dating game, with reports in the summer of 2023 revealing she has been swiping on raunchy dating app Feeld.

Dougie Poynter (Series 11, 2011)

McFly bassist Dougie Poynter was winner of the show in 2011 during a break from his chart topping band. Since winning the show, McFly have continued to release music and tour – and teamed up with Busted to form superband McBusted. He has also enjoyed success as a model – walking for iconic fashion label Dolce & Gabbana in their fashion shows. Dougie is also a children’s book writer and even teamed up with bandmate Tom Fletcher to write stories for kids.

Stacey Solomon (Series 10, 2010)

Stacey Solomon ’s lovable personality helped her win the 2010 series a year after coming runner up to Joe McElderry and Olly Murs on the X Factor. She went on to release her debut album, Shy, in 2015 and became a regular panelist on Loose Women in 2016. She took over from Laura Whitmore as a presenter on I’m A Celeb Extra Camp but was dropped from the show in 2017.

I’m A Celeb changed Stacey’s life in more ways than one – after meeting now husband Joe Swash on the spin off show. The pair now have a busy home together and tied the knot in 2021.

Gino D’Acampo (Series 9, 2009)

Celebrity chef Gino charmed his way to the final in 2009. But after leaving the jungle, he and co-star, Hollyoaks actor Stuart Manning, were charged with animal cruelty for killing and cooking a rat while in exile. However, the charges were dropped after ITV producers took responsibility and coughed up a £3,000 fine.

This year the star has been at the centre of a huge scandal when an an ITV News investigation reported allegations of sexually inappropriate and intimidating behaviour from former colleagues, spanning over a decade. ITV subsequently removed his shows from their schedules.

ITV pulled re-runs of Gino’s shows and stated they had no further plans to work with him on any projects. A spokesperson said the chef had been spoken to and would be given ‘bespoke training.’ While Gino has firmly denied the allegations with his legal team calling the the situation “deeply upsetting”.

Joe Swash (Series 8, 2008)

EastEnders star Joe Swash jungled his way to glory in 2008 having been written out of the BBC One soap earlier that year. From 2009 he hosted the spin-off, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here NOW! before it was renamed Extra Camp in 2016. In June 2007, his then-fiancee Emma Sophocleous, gave birth to their first child, son Harry Swash, but they split just seven months later.

In November 2009 he was declared bankrupt – although his agent Becca Barr insisted it was simply a mix-up and that he wasn’t in financial difficulty. The year after he met X Factor star Stacey Solomon when she won the show, and in 2016 the pair started dating.

They are now married and have welcomed three children together – making them I’m A Celebrity’s most successful romance to date.

Christopher Biggins (Series 7, 2007)

Veteran actor Christopher Biggins took the I’m A Celeb crown in 2007 and enjoyed something of a career renaissance. However, that stalled after a disastrous appearance on Celebrity Big Brother in 2016 where he upset viewers by making derogatory remarks about bisexual people and was booted from the house amid accusations of anti-Semitic comments.

He insisted he wasn’t a bigot and apologised, telling The Sun: “I am mortified by what’s happened, really mortified. Most of my friends, in fact, are Jewish. I apologised to Big Brother and [housemate] Katie [Waissel].”

Matt Willis (Series 6, 2006)

With Busted two years in the past, Matt hoped a jungle stint could help his solo career and ended up leaving with the crown. He went on to enjoy huge success in Busted and McFly mash-up band, McBusted, before Busted themselves reformed to critical acclaim.

He and his then-girlfriend Emma Griffiths – now known as Emma Willis – co-hosted the ITV spin off from 2006 until 2008 before tying the knot and welcoming children Isabelle, Ace and Trixie, six. Matt has since worked on on a candid documentary with the BBC where he discussed his battle with addiction.

He and Wife Emma also joined forces to present the UK edition of Love Is Blind for Netflix. This year Matt hit the road with Busted once again as they joined forces with McFly for a special tour.

Carol Thatcher (Series 5, 2005)

Journalist Carol managed to emerge from the shadow of her mother, the late Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, to win I’m A Celeb 2005. Her victory propelled her into a correspondent role for the BBC’s One Show, which lasted until 2009 when the broadcaster dropped her after she was apparently heard calling a black cricket player a racial slur in the green room.

She refused to apologise, telling the Guardian: “I stand by what I said. I wasn’t going to apologise. I never meant it in a racist way. It was shorthand. I described someone’s appearance colloquially – someone I happen to greatly admire.”

Joe Pasquale (Series 4, 2004)

Comedian Joe left the jungle with the crown on his head in series four, which was the second series of the year. His win briefly revived his career and earned him an ITV special titled An Audience with Joe Pasquale in 2005. He still makes the occasional TV appearance and was guest host on The Paul O’Grady Show in 2009 and The Nightly Show in 2017.

Joe has been married twice; first to Alison who he wed in 1978 and divorced in 1986 and shares children Kerry, Vicky and Dani. He then married current wife Debbie and they welcomed a son named Joe Tracini who is an actor known for playing Dennis Savage in Hollyoaks.

Kerry Katona (Series 3, 2004)

Atomic Kitten’s Kerry became the first female winner in 2004 just months after Brian McFadden left her for Delta Goodrem. Since then she’s continued to hit the headlines thanks to her turbulent relationships and heartbreaks. She was crowned Celebrity Mum of the Year in 2005 and landed an advertising deal with Iceland but ended up going to rehab where she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

On Valentine’s Day 2007 she married taxi driver Mark Croft in Gretna Green and their daughter Heidi was born six days later. They split in 2011 and Kerry moved on with rugby league player George Kay. Kerry almost died giving birth to their daughter Dylan-Jorge in April 2014 and later said the trauma set George on a toxic downwards spiral.

They married in September 2014 before splitting the following October when she filed assault charges against the sports star. They reunited in 2015 and tried to make a go of things, but the final straw came when George suffered another public meltdown in July 2017.

George died on July 6, 2019 after suffering a suspected overdose. Kerry is now dating nutrition expert Ryan Mahoney. Last year, Kerry released a book titled Kerry Katona: Whole Again, where she documented the abuse she suffered at the hands of her late ex George. Kerry also landed her first presenting role in 20 years with BBC Radio Five Live.

This year Katie went on tour with her pal and fellow I’m A Celeb co-star Katie Price. The pair delighted fans by sharing wild revelations about their chaotic personal lives.

Phil Tufnell (Series 2, 2003)

Fresh from retirement, Tufnell was crowned King of the Jungle in 2003. He went on to do the reality rounds, starring in in 2009 and The Jump in 2015. He’s also popped up on game shows including The Chase, and was a team captain on A Question of Sport between 2005 and 2015. In 2018 he joined Australia’s Seven Network as a commentator for the BBL and Sri Lankan Test matches.

Phil has been married three times – first to Alison Squires from 1986 until 1989, then to Lisa Bar who he married in 1994 and divorced 1998, and is now married to Dawn Brown, who he tied-the-knot with in 2005. He has two daughters; one with an ex-girlfriend named Jane McEvoy, and one with his second wife, Lisa. He returned to I’m A Celeb in 2023 for the All Stars version that filmed in South Africa and he ended in third place.

Tony Blackburn (Series 1, 2002)

Radio DJ Tony Blackburn was the winner of the first ever I’m A Celeb back in 2002. After leaving the jungle he continued to work for the BBC but was abruptly sacked after the Dame Janet Smith Review report linked him to the investigation into the Jimmy Savile scandal.

Blackburn insisted he was innocent of any wrongdoing and said he was “devastated” by the sacking. He was reinstated on October 19, 2016 after he threatened to sue. That same year he underwent prostate surgery after waking up in extreme pain but was found not to have cancer.

He continues to work for BBC Radio and hosts a show each Sunday on BBC Radio 2. Last year Tony celebrated an incredible 60 years on air and has said he has no plans to hang up the headphones yet.

“I love what I’m doing so what’s the point in retiring?” he said. “I love doing Radio 2. What’s to give up? I think when you give up and when you become retired, you have nothing to do! You’ve got to have something to keep your brain working, I think. I love it.”

Follow Mirror Celebs onSnapchat,Instagram,Twitter,Facebook,YouTubeandThreads.

December is officially party season, and with the countdown to Christmas on, we’ve rounded up the best festive dresses under £100 that work for every occasion

View 6 Images

Party season is officially here, and whether your diary is packed with Christmas dinners, end-of-year celebrations or New Year’s Eve plans, finding the perfect outfit doesn’t have to drain your budget.

Thankfully, the high street is delivering some of its best pieces yet, offering glamorous, statement-making party dresses for less than £100, and they look every bit as premium as designer items.

From shimmering sequins to velvet showtoppers, there’s something to suit every style, occasion and last-minute invite.

If you want to feel your best this festive season, check out our best party dresses under £100 from supermarket brands including Marks & Spencer and George at Asda, as well as high street staples like Next, New Look and Monsoon.

READ MORE: Lily Allen’s exact £129 woven shoulder bag looks just like Bottega for a fraction of the price

READ MORE: Debenhams shoppers snap up ‘luxurious’ watch for £120 down from £1,525

MARKS & SPENCER

View 6 Images

Understated, feminine, and effortlessly elegant, this sheer lace midaxi from M&S strikes the perfect balance between classy and sultry. It’s a timeless party piece that looks far more expensive than the £50 price tag.

SHOP THE LOOK: Sheer Lace Midaxi Dress, £50 here

GEORGE AT ASDA

View 6 Images

This sparkly mini dress brings full festive glam with a gorgeous statement bow that does all the talking. And at under £30, it’s the ultimate affordable showstopper for Christmas parties.

SHOP THE LOOK: Black Sequin Bow Front Mini Length Cut Dress, £28 here

NEXT

View 6 Images

Covered in deep burgundy sequins with fun tassel detailing, this maxi dress brings red carpet drama for under £100. Plus, the long sleeves and maxi length make it perfect for braving the chilly winter weather.

SHOP THE LOOK: Burgundy Red Occasion Long Sleeve Sequin Tassel Maxi Dress, £95 here

MONSOON

View 6 Images

Soft velvet and an added bow detail make this midi feel luxurious yet understated. If you’re not a fan of glitz and sparkles, this is the perfect festive alternative.

SHOP THE LOOK: Betty Bow Velvet Midi Dress Red, £79 here

NEW LOOK

View 6 Images

Easy to wear yet still with a party-ready sparkle, this t-shirt dress is the perfect opportunity to achieve a low-effort, high-impact look. Throw on some platform heels and chunky hoops, and you’re instantly ready for a festive night out.

Kym Marsh flew to Australia to film her new Channel 5 drama The Imposter – but that meant leaving her family behind and she had to lean on one Neighbours legend for support

View 3 Images

When Kym Marsh flew to Australia to film her new drama The Imposter in Australia with Dannii Minogue and Neighbours star Jackie Woodburne she was filled with nerves.

However, Dannii and Jackie soon put her at ease and now Kym has made friends for life. “It was my first time over there and I was a little bit nervous,” says Kym. “I am a 49-year-old woman, but it was the furthest I’d ever gone before alone. I was all by myself flying off for six weeks without any of my family but they very quickly put me at ease. It felt like I had known everybody forever.”

Kym, 49, stars as Amanda, a woman who was given up for adoption by her mother Helen, who has kept her existence a secret from her three other children. Helen is played by Neighbours legend Jackie Woodburne and Kym says the pair developed a lasting bond on set.

READ MORE: Kym Marsh shows off her new man after splitting from ‘soulmate’READ MORE: Kym Marsh suffers another tragic family loss as she shares heartbreaking tribute

View 3 Images

“Jackie was just incredible. She’s a bit of a royal really in terms of the TV world and she’s done a lot of stuff and she’s this very seasoned actress and then to work with her like that, she did take me under her wing because she knew I didn’t know anyone in Australia and we worked together a lot.

“A lot of our scenes were together and she was just very supportive and lovely. I went out for dinner with her and I just felt very welcomed. And I think Jackie will be a friend forever, actually,” Kym says.

Kym didn’t share many scenes with Dannii but the pair enjoyed each other’s company between takes.

“I literally crossed paths with Dannii once on camera. But I did meet her, and I had a lovely time with her. She was very, very nice. Very, very, nice human being. Very wonderful, very warm, and friendly, which was great. She was great on set with everybody,” she says.

The new series all centres on a dispute between Helen and her other three adult children, which comes about when the matriarch refuses to go along with their plan to sell their seaside hotel. The arrival of Amanda, whom Helen had kept a secret, only makes matters worse and a twisted scheme that spirals into murder plays out.

“Amanda’s a very complicated person, she’s a complex individual. She’s multi-layered and I think she’s a damaged individual,” says Kym. “A lot of bad things have happened to her that we probably won’t know. But she’s quite funny as well. I loved playing her, it was a great part to play.”

Kym was also thrilled to get the opportunity to go Down Under. “Australia’s been on my bucket list for many years and albeit though I went in winter, it was still such a great experience to be out there and just to experience the place really. I mean aside from the filming and aside from the show and the people that I met, I was out there, I went to some animal sanctuaries and fed some kangaroos and had a picture with a koala and, all of those things that you don’t get to do [at home],” she adds.

View 3 Images

But working thousands of miles away from home was “really hard” for the Waterloo Road actress, who is mum to David, 30, Emilie, 28 and Polly, 14. “I just have a lot of support around me. A lot of family support. I do work a lot, but, you kind of have to, because at some point that work’s going to dry up. I love what I do.”

Kym was dealt with family heartbreak when her dad passed away last year and admits that it was a struggle to not see her mum during that time. “Not seeing my mum for such a long time as well, because obviously we lost my dad last year, and so that’s been quite difficult,” says Kym.

“My mum relies a lot on everybody around her. But there are worse places to be for six weeks than Australia, so I was kind of sad to leave my family and I was nervous to leave my family because they are my backbone. But they were so supportive and it was an epic experience and something I would do again in a heartbeat.”

From 2006 until 2019, Kym starred as Michelle Connor on Coronation Street, and while she is too busy for a comeback at the moment, she is hopeful that fans will see the former Rovers landlady back on the cobbles one day.

First though, she’s starring in Single White Female alongside Lisa Faulkner. “I’m about to go off and do a play next year, so I’m going to be touring doing that for another six months. But who knows?

“She was such a great character and I owe so much to Coronation Street, really, because it gave me my training to be in this business. And I do love her, and I love the show. So at some point, it would be nice to think that I might go back, but there’s no immediate plan,” she says.

The Imposter starts on Monday, December 15 at 9pm on 5.

Alan Titchmarsh has opened up about the emotional decision to sell his £4million Hampshire farmhouse, which he has shared with his wife Alison for more than two decades

View 3 Images

Alan Titchmarsh has opened up about the heart-wrenching decision to part with his £4 million Hampshire farmhouse, revealing that it was his daughters who ultimately encouraged him to embrace this new chapter. The beloved broadcaster and gardening expert, who has called the Grade II-listed property home for over two decades, admitted that saying goodbye to the residence and garden he lovingly restored has been “a wrench” — though one he is now facing with optimism.

Titchmarsh initially settled into the Georgian farmhouse with his wife, Alison, 23 years ago, transforming the four-acre site into a quintessentially English sanctuary. Over the years, the house and its grounds became the backdrop to some of the family’s most cherished memories: endless gardening projects, family celebrations, and watching his grandchildren grow up running through the meadows he carefully cultivated.

For someone whose professional life has revolved around a passion for nature and domesticity, leaving the property was always going to be difficult.

“So why go? Well… it’s time,” he penned in BBC Gardeners’ World. “Time for a new challenge. Time to downsize — a little — as those of us of relatively senior years are regularly told would be wise to do.”

Titchmarsh and his wife listed their Holybourne home in September for £3.95 million. The pair acquired the Grade II-listed Georgian manor in 2002, reports the Express.

View 3 Images

While he emphasises that he hadn’t been eager to move, age and practicality eventually became factors. Maintaining a historic property and its extensive grounds is no easy task, even for a renowned gardening expert.

He confessed: “To be honest, we had no plans to move. When you restore an old house and make a garden around it, you pour so much of your heart and soul into it that moving on is bound to be a wrench.”

The couple had devotedly restored the farmhouse over many years, ensuring every room and corner of the garden reflected their dedication, taste, and vision. Yet despite his ongoing energy and reluctance to “believe what the numbers tell me,” Titchmarsh recognised it was wise to plan ahead.

“When you are knocking on a bit (which I refuse to believe, despite what the numbers tell me) age puts one’s muse on the future — a future which I hope will be long and fulfilling,” he said. “Looking after four acres and a Grade II-listed house has been — and still is — a treat beyond measure, but the day will come when it starts to be overwhelming and I’d rather move on to fresh pastures before that becomes the case.”

View 3 Images

Ultimately, it was their daughters who found the home that would become the couple’s new residence. The property, strikingly different from the old farmhouse, offered a refreshing contrast: “Long, low, modern — a complete contrast to a Georgian farmhouse.”

Even so, Titchmarsh admitted he struggled with the choice.

“After making the decision, I hummed and haa-ed about the wisdom of it all. But once sound reasoning convinced me this was not giving in and winding down, but simply taking on a new challenge — a challenge that was do-able in the long term — the apprehension was replaced by excitement.”

Alex Bowen has candidly opened up on losing his best friend to suicide and explained his friends now go to to ensure they are checking in on each other

View 3 Images

It was supposed to be the happiest year of his life, but in 2022, Alex Bowen’s world was turned upside down when he lost his best friend, Joe, to suicide.

The star – who had welcomed son Abel with wife Olivia just five months earlier – described the grieving process as one of the hardest things he’d ever been through. “My friend was obviously in a terrible place,” he tells New Magazine.

“I’ve never lost anyone before, especially in that kind of way, so it was really, really shocking to me. When I found out, I went on a two-hour walk, just over the fields at the back. I literally just dropped my phone and left. We had just had our son at the time as well. When I came back, I started drinking.”

READ MORE: Strictly star says ‘it’s a miracle I’m alive’ after dropping out of showREAD MORE: Huge sign the heartbreaking Beckham family feud is over as Cruz makes statement

View 3 Images

View 3 Images

Fortunately, Alex was quick to realise that turning to alcohol wouldn’t help him process his grief. Instead, he threw himself into raising money and awareness for men’s mental health.

“Obviously, it was all so fresh, but I thought, I don’t need to go down that road. And instantly I just thought, I need to do something,” Alex explains. “The best thing for men to do is to just open up, but I feel like there’s always been a stigma. We all have lads’ group chats where we all rip each other and say bad things to each other, and that’s kind of therapy. But that’s not always going to work.

“Me and my friends double message. So we’ll be like, ‘Are you OK?’ Then ask, ‘Are you really OK?’ It gives you the option to open up or not. “I’ve got two kids now, I’ve got my wife. I feel like I’m happy. But even people who are doing well in life and have all this money still have bad days. We’re all human.”

Since coupling up in the Love Island villa back in 2016, life for Alex, 34, and Olivia, 31, has been a whirlwind. But amongst all the lucrative brand deals, glitzy red-carpet events and TV projects – the pair recently starred in another fly-on-the-wall show for ITV, Olivia & Alex: Parenthood – Alex has realised it’s the simple things which keep him feeling his best. It’s what spurred him on to return to his love of fitness, and he now runs an online coaching business.

“It might not work for everyone but I’ve realised that if I don’t have a routine, my mind just wanders and I’m all over the place,” he says. And staying healthy – both mentally and physically – is more important than ever now Alex has his hands full with two littles ones. His son is now three, and in August, Abel became a big brother to Siena.

Olivia’s second pregnancy didn’t come without its challenges. Speaking on Loose Women, the couple shared their heartbreak at losing one of their twins eight weeks into the pregnancy.

Olivia said she was “numb” when she found out, while Alex said the loss hit him “really hard”. “I took myself to the bathroom to cry because I could see how much pain [Olivia] was in,” he said.

Olivia went on to give birth to Siena, but she was admitted for an emergency caesarean section and lost 2.8 litres of blood in the process. The couple say the grief has made them stronger. “We’re not quitters. When times are tough, we just work through them,” Alex said.

While Alex admits “there’s no handbook” to parenting and it’s about learning “on the job”, he’s determined that his son will grow up in a world where talking about his mental health is a natural part of everyday conversation.

“I want him to be able to open up to me as he grows older, to know that he’s always got a safe space,” Alex says. “To me, being a man is all different things rolled into one. It’s showing strength, but you can show strength from showing weakness. If you’re struggling, you can ask for help, and it doesn’t mean you’re less of a man to do so.”

That said, Alex understandably has his concerns about the impact of social media on his kids – especially after navigating the highs and lows of the tool over the last decade.

“What’s scary is how kids are with each other. I feel like it’s down to social media. Kids are given phones at such a young age – we don’t let kids be kids any more,” he reflects.

“I deleted X and everything else because I don’t really like looking at it. I kind of block it out. I’m just sick of seeing it. Over the years, I’d get 100 good comments, but I’d always focus on the one bad one. I was always quite skinny growing up and always struggled with how I looked.

“When I came out of [Love Island], I did all these appearances at clubs and was drinking all the time. I was getting messages and comments saying, ‘Oh, you look really ill.’ It really affected me.

“But now I’m getting older, I just think that person doesn’t know me as a person, or they’re dealing with something, or just not a nice person. I feel like I’ve matured a little bit in that sense, where I don’t really care. There are bigger things to worry about.”

If you’re struggling and need someone to talk to, call Samaritans for free, any time, day or night, on 116 123

The Prince and Princess of Wales have taken on a sweet tradition started by the late Queen and according to a royal expert, treat their staff ‘like family’

View 7 Images

With all their wealth and status, giving back to those less fortunate over the festive season has become increasingly important to the senior royals. “ Christmas is an opportunity for the family to turn the spotlight on the most vulnerable sectors of society,” says royal broadcaster Katie Nicholl. “It’s something they do every day of their working lives, but the festive period is a time they can really showcase it. It’s an important time to recognise the work of the charities and causes they support, as well as the people who work within them.”

With the rising cost of living continuing to burden households, the work of the King Charles III Charitable Fund has rarely felt so vital – especially at Christmas. Central to the charity is his Coronation Food Project, launched on Charles’s 75th birthday in November 2023 with the aim of reducing food waste across Britain.

READ MORE: Boots £20 beauty bauble saves Christmas shoppers £48 on Liz Earle, Rituals and more

View 7 Images

The project works with farmers and supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Asda, plus food manufacturers, to divert food that would otherwise be thrown away and deliver it to communities in need. In its first year, it saved 940 tonnes of surplus food – enough for more than two million meals – and raised £15 million to establish food hubs and distribute grants to frontline charities. Last November, Charles said the success of the project brought him “genuine joy” after a “challenging year” of health issues.

While the Coronation Food Project represents the new face of royal benevolence, the family maintain more familiar traditions in the season of goodwill, too. Each year the Sandringham Estate donates firs and spruces to decorate Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh.

Local schools and churches near Sandringham also receive trees – a custom dating back to Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert who arranged for Christmas trees to be gifted to schools and army barracks.

Supporting children’s charities is another established part of the season. Each year at Clarence House, Queen Camilla welcomes youngsters from two charities to help decorate one of the royal trees.

View 7 Images

They are usually invited from Helen & Douglas House, a hospice for terminally ill children, and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, which provides specialist nurses for children with serious illnesses.

“It’s one of the loveliest royal engagements of the year,” says royal commentator Richard Palmer. “It’s become a real tradition and there’s always such a warm atmosphere at Clarence House. You can see how much it means to Camilla to support children with life-limiting illnesses and their families, and she is a great host.”

In December, the Princess of Wales will once again host her Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey. First held during the pandemic, it has become a key fixture of the royal calendar, honouring unsung heroes like volunteers, key workers and community champions through carols sung by candlelight and special readings.

View 7 Images

“It’s Kate’s way of paying tribute to the various charities she works with and the causes she champions,” says Richard. “It allows her to let the nation know about some of the issues she thinks are really important.”

Kate has also been keen to support baby banks in the past, particularly at Christmas. During a visit to Barnet in north London in November 2023, she helped volunteers organise a Christmas grotto of gifts, personally donating 50 copies of the classic book, The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark by Jill Tomlinson.

Prince William usually turns his attention to homeless charities in the Christmas run-up – some 30 years after first being inspired by his mother, Princess Diana. On a visit last December to The Passage, a shelter in central London, he donned a white apron and grabbed a large spoon to help serve Christmas lunch.

View 7 Images

Festive giving is not limited to the public, and William and Kate are reported to treat their staff “like family” at Christmas. “They normally throw a party for their staff at a nice restaurant in London,” says Richard.

“And Queen Elizabeth used to take her closest staff to the Goring Hotel for lunch – people like her personal dresser and those providing domestic support.” In the past, the late Queen would famously also distribute 1,500 Christmas puddings to staff, which in later years came from Tesco’s Finest range.

These days, the family still like to recognise their staff during the festive season. “Usually there’s some sort of staff Christmas bash, where they all line up and get presents from the monarch,” adds Richard.

View 7 Images

Employees who have served at least a year can typically expect to receive a gift token or book voucher, while the King has reportedly also kept alive a Highgrove tradition of slipping small presents into staff lockers. According to former butler Grant Harrold, these have included tins of salmon, salt and pepper grinders, teacups and whisky glasses.

Elsewhere within the family, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have become increasingly visible at Christmas, too. In December 2023, Sophie joined 200 Ukrainian refugees for a Christmas party at The Lighthouse charity in Surrey, serving lunch and trying her hand at face painting.

And as Patron of Wellbeing of Women and Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, she attended events last year tied to the Big Give’s Christmas Challenge, which raised a record-breaking £44.7million in 2024.

View 7 Images

Just as willing to get stuck in, Prince Edward took part in Cash for Kids NI’s Mission Christmas last December, helping wrap presents for children who might otherwise wake up on Christmas morning with nothing to open.

Edward and Sophie have also hosted Christmas charity dinners at their Bagshot Park home in the past. “The Edinburghs have become key players in the royal family and are so important nowadays,” says Richard.

“There was a time when senior royal sources thought there might not be a role for them, but that has all changed. When the King was initially diagnosed with cancer and while William was looking after his family during Kate’s treatment, they really came to the fore.

“It seems clear that when William becomes king, he’ll have a lot of time for Edward and Sophie, too. They will have prominent roles in an even smaller group of working royals than we’ve got now.”

Though they have often faced accusations of aloofness and being removed from real life, the modern royals certainly seem committed to showing the nation that they care. And at this time of year, their small acts of kindness could not be more welcome.