Trevor A Toussaint, who played Walter Deveraux in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, has sadly passed away, his heartbroken agent and former co-star Kellé Bryan has confirmed
View 4 Images
Hollyoaks actor Trevor A Toussaint has died aged 65, his heartbroken agent has confirmed.
The TV icon famously played Walter Deveraux in 147 episodes of the serial drama from 2018 until 2022.
A statement shared by the soap star’s management read: “It is with deep sadness that we formally announce the passing of Trevor A Toussaint.
“His family wish to thank you for your well wishes and support as they take this time to privately come to terms with their great loss of an enigmatic, loving father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend.”
Kellé Bryan who was Trevor’s manager and also played his on-screen daughter Martine Deveraux in Hollyoaks, shared a touching tribute on her official Instagram page alongside a series of behind-the-scenes snaps from their time working on the Channel 4 show together.
The Loose Women star penned: “Been finding it hard to find the words to pay tribute to this man @trevoratoussaint . Gone, but has left such an imprint on my heart.
“I had the privilege to represent him as his agent for over 20 years. He played @jacqui_boats and I’s father in @hollyoaksofficial which was a dream to be part of the legacy of the first black family on the show.
“Trevor started acting in the 70’s a time when black actors were predominantly cast as criminals. He wore his waist length dreds with pride for over 10 year’s fighting against every stereotype.
“Once asked to cut them in order to book a lucrative role he forthrightly said “no”. He broke many boundaries and made a pathway for others. RIP TT.
“Blessings and protection. my thoughts and prayers are with his family, wife, children and grandchildren. @jacqui_boats @richardblackwood @theandreaali @imranxadams @racheladedeji @therealbobby.g @dawn7hope.
Jessica Fox, who plays Nancy Osborne in Hollyoaks, penned in the comment section under Kellé’s post: “Very sad to read this, he was such a gentleman and I was fascinated by the stories of his incredible life.”
Richard Blackwood, who played Felix Westwood, said: “My very first scene was with T and he made me bring my A game! We were friends from that day on and off screen! You will be missed big bro. RIP sir.”
Article continues below
Former Hollyoaks and Coronation Street actress Nikki Sanderson added: “Such sad news, Trevor was a lovely man who took time to talk with everyone he met, he was a gentleman. He was always so kind with me. Sending lots of love to you and all of his family and friends. RIP xxx”
Former EastEnders actor Ricky Norwood wrote: “Can’t believe this… Trevor is a diamond of a man. He will be missed. Sending all friends and family.”
Soap star Katy Cavanagh is putting her own career on hold and turning to being a Karsdahian style momager to her sons – who are building their film careers
View 4 Images
Katy Cavanagh has shared her plans for her new life away from Coronation Street after quitting the show for the second time. The 52-year-old TV star has featured in the cast of the ITV soap for almost two decades with a brief break in 2015.
But the star has walked away from the cobbles seemingly for the final time, and is now building a different career behind the scenes. And while TV fans may have been sad to see Katy wave goodbye to Weatherfield, she has found herself on a path to Hollywood as the manager of her two successful sons.
Away from Corrie, Katy is married to producer Chris Jupe and together they are parents to three children; including sons Noah, 20, and Jacobi, 11. While Katy is known for her TV work, her sons are on the way to becoming film stars – with both having pivotal roles in Oscar-bait film Hamnet.
READ MORE: Man who struggled to lose weight sheds 7 stone and gets abs after spotting Instagram adREAD MORE: Jessie Buckley says she was ‘brutalised’ on Andrew Lloyd Webber reality show
Young Jacobi steals the screen in the Chloe Zhao directed drama about the family life of William Shakespeare – playing one of the Bard’s children. While Noah pulls on emotions playing tragic prince Hamlet in a play within the film. The lads apparently owe their burgeoning success to their mother.
A source told the Daily Mail: “She’s put everything into helping the boys have the best start in the industry. She’s put her own career on the back burner to help them realise their dreams. Obviously she’s not known in Hollywood, so it’s not like her name has particularly opened doors for them, but she’s got them into the industry and is constantly helping them.”
Hamnet has generated significant awards buzz ahead of it’s UK release last week – with lead star Jessie Buckley, who plays Shakespeare’s wife Agnes Hathaway, also known historically as Anne Hathaway, wowing critics and audiences with her unflinching performance. The story follows Agnes and William as they fall for each other and start a family – and then deal with grief as one of their children succumbs to a plague.
Away from Coronation Street, Katy has had roles in a string of high profile shows including the Jed Mercuro scripted medical drama Bodies, Midsomer Murders, and comedy including Birds of a Feather. She first played the role from 2008 until 2015, and returned last year to reprise her role as unlucky in love Julie Carp.
Her return was marked with sadness as the character died after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in a heartbreaking storyline that left fans in tears. Discussing her return last year, Katy said: “It was really lovely to get the call. It is something I haven’t thought about for many years.
“And I’m very fond of Julie, so it was a good feeling. It also felt good to be asked to be part of Eileen’s departure story it is perfect to come and have some closure on Julie and Eileen. Sue and I go back to my very first job on The Cops so it is a full circle moment. It also attracted me as it was for a short set period of time and I could fit it in with the other things going on in my life.”
Katy had previously stated she would be happy to return to Corrie after initially quitting in 2015. She said after her first exit was announced: “I have decided it’s time to take a break from the cobbles and pursue other projects and opportunities. I have loved every minute in the world of Julie Carp and I’m not ruling out a return to the Street in the future. However I am looking forward to a new challenge and a pair of flat shoes.”
Katy joined the soap back in April 2008 – and with her return to the show briefly last year, she enjoyed her role on the cobbles over almost two full decades. The star made a huge impact in Weatherfield, won over fans at home – and the respect of her colleagues behind the scenes of the show.
Corrie producer Stuart Blackburn said when she quit the first time in 2015: “Julie Carp has become a warm, wonderful and eccentric character able to raise a laugh and a tear in the same scene. Everyone at Corrie wishes Katy all the very best and hopefully as far as Julie is concerned, the cobbles haven’t seen the last of her.”
Welsh actor Sam Locke is starring with the likes of Ralph Fiennes, Cillian Murphy, and Jack O’Connell in the upcoming thriller 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple but the newcomer, just two years out of university, tells us why there was “no need to be starstruck” working with massive A-listers
View 4 Images
Although he’s battling a winter cold and clutching a huge mug of Lemsip when we speak, Sam Locke manages to muster all the excitement you’d expect from a young actor starring in his second Hollywood movie just two years after graduating from university.
The emerging star is a proud Valleys boy from Merthyr Tydfil, who brings grit, heart and that unmistakable lilt to his role as Jimmy Fox in the upcoming dystopian horror film 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
In the dark follow-up to 28 Years Later, viewers will see the protagonist Spike forced into the violent world of a Jimmy Savile-inspired cult, led by unsettling cult leader Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell).
Sam, 24, who has previously starred in BBC’s The Way and sci-fi series Itopia, plays one of the “Jimmys” in the cult. It’s his biggest big-screen role to date, but as he tells new, he’s only just getting started…
Hi, Sam! How was it working with so many A-listers on the new film?
Oh I know! Ralph Fiennes, Cillian Murphy – though sadly our scenes didn’t cross. Plus Jack O’Connell and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
It was phenomenal. Working with those stars proved to me that I deserved to be there. I stepped up my game and it gave me real confidence. It was brilliant working with them, and getting to know them off set.
Can you tell us about your character?
I play Jimmy Fox, one of Jimmy Crystal’s gang. My role in the first film 28 Years Later was pretty minor, but it definitely steps up a notch in the new movie. My character’s not only navigating being part of this cult, but he also has a vendetta – I can’t say more than that. He’s very eccentric and it’s such an intense role. Not just my Jimmy, all seven Jimmys. I think viewers will love us for one reason, but hate us for another.
It’s also quite gory, isn’t it?
Yes, director Nia [DaCosta] really steps it up on the gore. It enters a realm that’s a lot darker than the previous film – and I think it’s what audiences perhaps wanted the previous one to be. There was a lot of optimism and hope in it. This one brings the trilogy back to a pretty dark, disturbing place again.
You did a lot of stunts in the previous film, didn’t you?
Yes, Danny Boyle’s movie was a lot more physical and high-octane than Nia’s. We did a week of stunt training, which also allowed us to bond as a tight-knit group. I keep myself in good nick, but it’s not every day you throw yourself off 10ft pieces of scaffolding onto mats below! On day four, I hurt my knee and couldn’t do any more the rest of the day – I was gutted I couldn’t play any more.
Any standout behind-the-scenes moments this time round?
Probably having pints with Jack O’Connell. The hotel we were staying in, in Newcastle, was literally 100 yards from the local pub. Liverpool were playing [Sam is an avid Liverpool fan], so I went to see the match and Jack joined me, and it was just so… normal. It almost took me aback. It made me realise there was no need to be starstruck.
Jack’s a huge star now. Did he give you any advice?
He encouraged me just to have fun with it. Despite the pretty horrible nature of our characters, to find the beauty and fun of it. I remember I’d done about four takes of one particular scene, all quite similar. Jack came up to me before the fifth and said, “You’ve given them four of what they want – start playing around a bit more.” That unlocked a spontaneity in my work, I think, from that day on.
You only graduated in 2023 but you’ve done so much already…
I know, it’s been a whirlwind since I graduated. I put so much work into my uni course, a proper workaholic, and that hasn’t stopped. I don’t take it for granted. 2024 was crazy, but 2025 was a bit more slower on paper. I did a few projects very close to my heart, but it’s been a year of building for 2026. There are some exciting things in the mix.
What was it like, dreaming of acting as a little boy in Wales?
Growing up in Wales was idyllic – it’s a very underrated country and I’ll always fly the flag for it. But one thing I broke free of, I’d say, is that you can be oppressed by that small-town mentality. Studying drama at school, I’d get picked on, shot down when I mentioned it. There were historically industries you went into and that’s it. But I broke that mould and decided to pursue my dreams, regardless of what people said.
Your friends and family must be so proud of you…
Oh, so proud! As I say, there’s that small-town mentality to contend with but my parents, my nan, they have always been so supportive of me following my dreams. A lot of people have parents who aren’t. My friends and family have been pillars of support. They have kept secrets when I needed them to, they have picked me up from the floor when they needed to – they mean the world to me and they keep me grounded.
What are your big passions outside of acting?
I’m a big nature lover and a very inconsistent skateboarder. I wish I had the get-up- and-go to skate a lot more than I do, but I’m not too bad on the board. I’m an outdoorsy person, so any time I can, I’m outside for a hike with my mates.I beat myself up when I have a lazy day, which I shouldn’t do.
Will you be having a big viewing party when the film comes out?
I’ll take my partner to the premiere, but we’re talking about hosting a friends and family screening in our local cinema. Ultimately, it’s a celebration not only for me, but of a Welsh voice in a huge project. It’ll be a big party, either way.
Former glamour model Katie Price has reportedly called time on her relationship with Married At First Sight star JJ Slater after admitting she ‘doesn’t need a man’
View 5 Images
Katie Price and JJ Slater’s whirlwind romance has come to an end, with the former glamour model, 47, reportedly calling time on the relationship after deciding she “couldn’t see a future”.
The pair, who went public with their relationship in 2024, appeared loved-up in interviews and on social media, despite their 15-year age gap. JJ, 32, rose to fame on Married At First Sight UK, famously recoupling with the show’s first transgender star Ella Morgan.
While neither Katie nor JJ has publicly gone into detail about the split, relationship experts suggest the breakdown may have been less about drama and more about deeper differences in life stage and expectations as the pair battled their age gap.
READ MORE: Katie Price and JJ ‘split’ after 2 years as she makes telling podcast confessionREAD MORE: Katie Price reveals frightening health scare and brands herself ‘stick woman’
According to International Wellness and Relationship Coach Teresha Young, age-gap relationships can absolutely work – but on one strict condition that both must adhere to.
“Age gap relationships can absolutely work when both people are aligned in what they want from life and how they show up emotionally,” Teresha explains. “They don’t automatically end relationships. At the same time, they can highlight differences around lifestyle, maturity, and future plans if those areas aren’t fully aligned.”
In Katie and JJ’s case, those differences may have become increasingly hard to ignore. Katie has navigated marriage, motherhood, financial struggles and reinvention under intense public scrutiny for more than two decades. JJ, by contrast, is still relatively early in his public and personal journey.
“Katie has decades of lived experience behind her, both personally and publicly,” Teresha says. “JJ, by comparison, is far newer on the scene and perhaps still finding his footing.”
That imbalance, Teresha suggests, can create intensity early on – particularly when one partner is well established and the other is still defining their identity.
“When one person enters a relationship with someone so well known, a level of admiration can create an intensity very early on, whilst also sometimes creating a power imbalance,” she adds.
Sources have claimed the problems in their romance had become “too obvious to ignore”, despite Katie shooting down reports of a break up just a few weeks ago in December. However, Katie made telling comments in her recent podcast which heavily hinted that she is now single.
Speaking on the latest episode of her podcast, The Katie Price Show, the star explained how years ago she was “afraid of being on my own” but that was no longer the case. Not mentioning JJ, she said: “Years ago, I was always afraid of being on my own. I always felt I needed someone. How I am now, I always say, I don’t need a man. If I want a man, it’s because I want them. I don’t need a man, whereas years before, I needed a man.”
Teresha notes that Katie’s public framing of the relationship appeared more pragmatic. “Katie’s framing tended to come across as more practical and outcome-focused, rather than emotionally mutual,” she explains. “When one person is offering devotion and the other is engaging in a more transactional way, that difference can quietly erode the connection.”
A source said Katie had “doubts” for some time over the relationship but hoped things would improve. They told the Mail Online: “She’s now accepted the relationship will not end with her walking down the aisle for a fourth time. JJ was left disappointed and has already packed his bags and moved back to his home in Essex.”
They added: “He genuinely saw a future with Katie, but it seems she ultimately had a very different outlook.” The pair do still follow one another on Instagram, however – which could hint the apparent split is amicable. Katie began dating JJ – who appeared on the 2023 series of Married At First Sight UK – soon after her split from Carl Woods.
Ultimately, when a relationship ends with one person saying they “can’t see a future”, it often reflects a broader internal shift rather than one defining moment, the expert warns.
“When someone says they can’t see a future, it usually reflects an internal shift rather than a single issue,” Teresha says. “People evolve, priorities change, and sometimes a relationship no longer fits the life one person is moving towards.”
While age-gap relationships can and do last – Teresha points to Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas as a well-known example – success depends on shared values, emotional reciprocity and moving in the same direction. For Katie and JJ, it appears those paths may simply have diverged.
Article continues below
On Saturday, Katie broke her silence after her break-up. In a new video on her YouTube channel, the TV star posted a video to see in the new year, where she spoke about what she intended to focus on for 2026. Listing all the important areas in her life, Katie failed to mention JJ in the 18 minute video. The vlog starts off with Katie and her son Harvey and it then goes on to her and Princess as she gets ready to make her way out of the house.
However, JJ does feature briefly in the vlog as he’s seen in the background looking at his phone. And at another point in the video, he is seen helping Harvey into the car, while in the Isle of Wight. However, the footage seems to have been captured before New Year’s Eve and, therefore, before their reported break-up.
READ MORE: Katie Price reveals son Harvey is moving into his own home after leaving college
Timothée Chalamet used his crowning moment at the Critics’ Choice Awards to declare his love for girlfriend Kylie Jenner – and any potential wedding between the US megastars is set to put the Beckhams in the shade, our experts explains.
View 4 Images
Timothée Chalamet used his crowning moment at the Critics’ Choice Awards to declare his love for girlfriend Kylie Jenner, leaving fans in no doubt that the couple are going into 2026 stronger than ever.
After scooping the prize for Best Actor for his star turn in table tennis drama Marty Supreme , the 30-year-old actor paid tribute to the reality star and entrepreneur, saying, “Thank you to my partner of three years. Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Visibly moved, Kylie, 28, mouthed the words, “I love you” as she looked on proudly, tears in her eyes.
As one of the most unexpected celebrity couplings in recent years, Timothée’s romance with the make-up tycoon has been a major talking point. Dubbed ‘Kimmy’ and even ‘Kylithée’ by hardcore fans, the pair are never far from the headlines, with brand and culture expert Nick Ede saying, “They embody a new kind of power couple, and effortlessly shape trends and conversations.”
Although some so-called Chalamaniacs don’t like the idea of their idol dating one of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, believing it clashes with Oscar-nominated Timothée’s image as a serious actor, the pair are certainly a force to be reckoned with.
Last month Kylie even helped her actor boyfriend promote his latest movie, with the couple donning matching bright orange outfits – a nod to one of Marty Supreme ’s key moments – to the film’s premiere. Their colour-coordinated marketing moment instantly went viral and was even parodied at the recent Critics’ Choice Awards, when Hacks stars Paul W Downs and Megan Stalter wore near-identical outfits on the red carpet.
“They have a very strong sense of style and the energy between them really does radiate,” says Nick. “They’re not afraid to be themselves, and are so comfortable with each other. They’re just fascinating to watch.”
Despite more cynical observers claiming their union is a ‘showmance’ and a blatant PR ploy, Nick believes this is absolutely not the case.
“They are actually very understated, and the complete antithesis of people like Kim and Kanye,” he says. “It feels like an entirely private relationship, and allowing fans to glimpse into their lives doesn’t detract from Timothée’s acting or Kylie’s business and brand.”
Radio 1 film critic Ali Plumb says Timothée’s efforts to keep their relationship relatively low-key is wise. “Not being too ‘out there’ is always a good move for someone at his level,” he says. “It’s probably not easy, but Timothée seems able to manage the interest in his personal life while still maintaining his career. If you keep a low profile and make your social media output a rarity, it’s just sensible.”
The pair’s surprise romance first blossomed in early 2023, shortly after Kylie – half-sister of the Kardashian sisters – split from musician Travis Scott, father of her two young children, Stormi and Aire. She and Timothée were first seen chatting on the front row at Jean Paul Gaultier’s show during Paris Fashion Week, and that April the rumour mill went into overdrive after her black Range Rover was spotted parked outside his Beverly Hills home.
One of their first dates was said to have been to no-frills takeaway joint Tito’s Tacos, where the pair tucked into Mexican food in the back of Kylie’s SUV. Claims they were “head over heels” soon followed, and that certainly seemed to be the case when they were spotted kissing at Beyoncé’s Renaissance show in Los Angeles that September.
The same month, they were pictured for the first time together watching tennis – and canoodling – at the US Open. Despite their best efforts to remain tight-lipped about their relationship, in October 2023 Timothée admitted the overwhelming interest in his personal life was only to be expected.
“I can’t say that this stuff doesn’t matter, because my intense fandom has led me to where I am,” he said. “Sometimes, people are going to be hella confused when you say you’re trying to live a private life.”
For much of 2024, the couple seemed at pains to avoid being seen together – on date nights, both began wearing face masks and caps in an attempt to go undetected. Such discretion led to reports they had called it quits, but in reality they were just evading the eyes of the watching world, even managing a secret trip to the Bahamas for Kylie’s 27th birthday in August that year.
But fast forward four months and the pair’s union was very much on display at the LA premiere of Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown , with the couple holding hands throughout the afterparty. Kylie then joined Timothée on the awards circuit at the start of 2025, supporting him at a number of glitzy events. In April, they kissed and cuddled at Coachella festival, and crucially, Timothée’s mum Nicole gave her seal approval the same month, saying of Kylie, “I have to say she’s lovely. She’s very nice to me.”
In May, they finally made their red carpet debut as a couple at the 70th David Di Donatello Awards in Rome. Previously, Timothée always posed solo for photos before meeting Kylie inside each event. But on this occasion, they posed for the cameras hand-in-hand, while Timothée openly put his arm around Kylie’s waist.
Despite looking cosy while cheering on the New York Knicks, last summer there were fresh rumours that the couple had split when – following a brief holiday in St Tropez in July – the pair were not seen together for over five weeks.
Speculation only increased when the Kylie Cosmetics creator shared so-called break-up songs on Instagram Stories on her birthday in August – including Jeff Buckley’s Lover, You Should’ve Come Over , and Labi Siffre’s Crying Laughing Loving Lying . Leaping to the pair’s defence, some fans suggested it was simply Kylie’s way of showing she missed her man on her big day, given that he was busy filming Dune: Part Three in Hungary while she hosted a dinner party for pals in LA.
Luckily, the rumours were shot down two weeks later when a Budapest café owner shared an Instagram shot of the pair together during a gap in Timothée’s gruelling Dune schedule.
Though they may not have everyone on-side, their relationship is clearly not to be taken lightly.
New Lives in the Wild presenter Ben Fogle talks exclusively to the Mirror about a future in politics… and tells why we may see him in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom yet
View 6 Images
Intrepid adventurer Ben Fogle has climbed Everest, rowed across the Atlantic, run the Marathon des Sables, walked to the South Pole, and been to some of the most remote places in the world. But there is one territory he is yet to conquer … the world of politics. The former Royal Navy Reservist tells The Mirror: “I’ve always been drawn to politics.”
While experiencing extreme lifestyles in remote parts of the globe holds no fear for Ben, 52, whose new show New Lives in the Wild starts on 5 on Thursday (15th), he admits to some trepidation when it comes to pursuing his political ambitions. “Politics have become so tribal now that I don’t know that I will ever be able to actually scratch that itch,” he says.
Making people happy is also important to Ben, who thinks that could be difficult if he ever reached Number 10. “I don’t know if I could hack being Prime Minister,” he admits. “The problem is I’m a people pleaser. By the very nature of a democratic nation, half the nation is going to hate you, whoever you are, however good you are. I’m not sure I can take that. So I might stick to just spending time with interesting people in interesting places.”
READ MORE: ‘I lost my legs in horror bomb but now I’m facing biggest challenge’
Ben encountered another fear, besides politics, when filming his new show and meeting a woman living on the road in America. He says: “I joined her, she lives on the motorway on the hard shoulder, and I found it terrifying. I don’t really trust cars and trucks and when you’re living on the hard shoulder, moving up and down it, and you’re sleeping in it in a tiny little wooden carriage, it’s pretty scary.
“For me, nature and the wilderness is a sort of friend. I think when you’ve endured expeditions, you realise that as long as you respect the environment, it’s actually not quite as scary as we think it is. I think the thing I’m most scared of is people. They’re unpredictable.”
The author of nine books, Ben – who moved recently from London to South Oxfordshire with his wife Marina, 47, a writer, broadcaster and antenatal teacher, and their two children, Ludo, 16, and Iona, 14 – loves the characters on Lives in the Wild. He says: “What makes these people interesting is that while most people on the telly go out of their way to be discovered, these are the opposite.
“I’m amazed at how little some of them live off. I met a woman in America who lived off $2,000 a year. We are all seduced by what consumerism offers us. We look at other people – their homes, their cars. We’ve made our lives really complicated, because we’re constantly chasing what others are tempting us with or what other people have. But when you’ve gone to live off grid, you’re not trying to impress anyone. You’re not chasing anything. You have simplified your life to the absolute basics.
“A lot of them make me feel very guilty about how I choose to live.” Ben, who married in 2006 after meeting his wife on a dog walk, says he’d love to live off grid, but Marina and the kids are having none of it.
“I’ve said for many years, I’d love to do that as a family. I’d love to live in a little Scandi cabin, on the beach, on a little island in Sweden or Norway. But, you know, when you’re a family, your dreams and aspirations are more than just one individual, which happens to be mine. So I actually think we’ve found quite a good compromise. We live in a beautiful rural part of South Oxfordshire with lots of animals – five horses, two dogs – Storm and Swift – and five Indian runner ducks.”
It’s been 25 years since Ben shot to fame as the breakout star of Castaway, the BBC’s first reality show – which saw 36 men, women, and children marooned on a remote Scottish island for a year and tasked with building a community. “I spent many years trying to distance myself from the reality show from which I started and think I managed it,” he says.
Now an established TV presenter, with a CV filled with documentaries as well as established shows like Country File, he has travelled to over 200 countries in his role as a broadcaster. But he’s come full circle and feels ready to do reality TV again.
“Life’s about having fun and they look like a laugh,” he says of the current output. I think there’s some brilliant reality TV out there. It went through a period that was pretty nasty, I think, in the sort of 2000s. It was pretty exploitative. But there are some brilliant shows now, like The Traitors.”
He would even consider doing Strictly. “You never know. Although, dancing really is not my forte, I’d be out the first week,” he laughs. While he feels reality TV has got nicer, Ben thinks the online world has got nastier – telling his 687,000 Instagram followers that he was thinking of leaving social media.
He says: “When I started, at the of height of Twitter – which was 15 years ago or so – it felt really honest and authentic. But now, on all platforms, the more hateful and divisive the content, the more it gets pushed by algorithms and by social media companies and the more hopeful and happy and kind and beautiful content gets absolutely zero engagement.
“Hate and anger are infectious. When you consume too much of it, it can have a really detrimental effect on you. I genuinely believe our mental health crisis is partly being fueled by so much anger, hatred and negativity.
“In the same way that you are what you eat, if you just consume junk food and sugary fatty food, you’re not going to feel particularly good are you? And the same goes with our digital nutrition. The online content that we consume, the interactions we have with other people. Because it is a faceless medium, largely, it means people say things they would never ever say to your face. A lot of the kindness there was has gone, the gloves are off and it feels like it’s making us an unkinder species generally.”
He tries to monitor his children’s usage. “It’s part of our culture now so, rather than being Luddites and banning it, I show them my good and bad interactions. We have some rules in place too, and I see it a bit like drinking – I’d rather they did it at home, where we know about it, than binge drinking in a bar with people that aren’t us.”
Winding up our chat, Ben’s wife pops in to look for one of the dogs, who is nestled at Ben’s feet. It’s time for a dog walk. “He never leaves my side,” he says fondly. “So I best be off.”
*The four-part series Ben Fogle: New Lives in The Wild launches on Thursday 15 January 2026 on 5 at 9pm and is then on catch-up. His Ben Fogle: Wild UK Tour 2026 starts in February. For more information see HERE
Article continues below
READ MORE: Ellie Simmonds addresses Strictly presenting role and who she’s backing to win
