Category Entertainment News

Gillian Anderson’s new Netflix drama Trespasses is based on Louise Kennedy’s novel, which follows a cross-community love affair in Northern Ireland during the Troubles

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Gillian Anderson is inspiringly unapologetic about her free-spirited approach to dating. Having enjoyed two marriages, two long-term relationships, a dates with some who have very famous exes, her unflinching honesty about her love life is beloved by many fans.

Her career has also been iconic. From finding fame as sceptical Dana Scully in The X-Files to compiling a collection of confessions from women around the world in her book Want: Sexual Fantasies by Anonymous, she has become known for being the voice of reason and source of female empowerment.

Her latest project is no different. Gillian is set to play a mother of a young Catholic woman who falls in love with a Protestant man in an upcoming Channel 4 and Netflix romantic drama, Trespasses, set in Northern Ireland in 1975, amid the Troubles.

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What is Gillian’s new Netflix romance about?

Trespasses is based on a novel by Louise Kennedy. The show is set to air on Channel 4 and Netflix on 9 November. It is set in Holywood, County Down, just a few miles north of Belfast, in 1975. Gillian plays Gina, the mother of Lola Petticrew’s Cushla.

Cushla is a young Catholic school teacher who pulls extra shifts as a bartender in her family’s pub, often frequented by locals and soldiers from the nearby barracks. It is there that she meets a Protestant lawyer and the two start a relationship.

Speaking about the role and trauma of the Troubles that still exists in Ireland, Gillian told BBC News NI: “What I was surprised at this last time was the degree to which the trauma is still under the surface [in Northern Ireland], all the time.

“And so it is so much a part of the character of the place, too. Coming as an outsider it’s shocking because one’s told that it’s part of the past, but it’s clear that it’s on the tip of everyone’s tongues still today.”

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Who has Gillian been married to?

The actress’ love life is just as exciting as her TV roles. Her first husband was Clyde Klotz, an assistant art director on The X-Files. He is the father of her daughter Piper.

Gillian married Clyde in a Buddhist ceremony held in Hawaii on 1 January 1994. Piper was born later that year. “I got pregnant on my wedding night,” Gillian said. “How old-fashioned is that?”

She and Clyde divorced three years later in 1997. After that, Gillian started dating British actor Adrian Hughes and then Hollywood producer Randy Stone. She also dated actor Rod Rowland and later restaurant owner Keith McNally.

But her second marriage was to Julian Ozanne, a producer and director who made several documentaries, including one about Giorgio Armani. The pair married in 2004 and split just over a year later.

Did Gillian date Geri Halliwell’s ex?

Yes, she did. After splitting from her second husband, Gillian began a relationship with Mark Griffiths, a businessman who was previously linked to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, who is now married to former Formula 1 star Christian Horner.

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She and Mark had a son together in 2006 and another in 2008. Talking to the Mirror, she said: “Mark is one of the kindest people I have ever met. He has a very good head on his shoulders and part of me was ready to be grounded. I recognised that in him. That is exactly what has taken place – a grounding for all of us. And really paying attention to what is precious.”

The couple split in 2012, after six years together. This isn’t the only person she’s dated whose had a famous ex, as Randy Stone was linked to Barbara Streisand. And she was linked to Chris Martin. Though the Coldplay singer is famous in and of himself, he is also the ex of Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow.

Who is Gillian dating now?

Gillian is not thought to be dating anyone. Her last long-term relationship was with screenwriter Peter Morgan. The two were first romantically linked in 2016.

The pair lived in separate homes and Gillian told The Guardian: “My partner and I don’t live together. If we did, that would be the end of us. It works so well as it is and it feels so special when we do come together.”

In 2020, they broke up, and Peter was said to have moved on with his long-time friend Jemma Goldsmith. But a month later, the two were rumoured to be back on, leaving Jemma “shocked and confused”. They were reported to have broken up for good not long after, but in April of 2023, seemed to confirm they had gotten back together. However, this has not been confirmed and Gillian is thought to be single at the moment.

Actor and comedian Tom Rosenthal, 37, has announced his engagement to his partner Gabrielle Sky months after the couple welcomed their baby daughter, Simi Valentine Rosenthal

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Friday Night Dinner and Plebs star Tom Rosenthal has revealed he is engaged to his long-term partner, months after they welcomed their first baby.

The actor and comedian shared the happy news with his followers on Instagram. Tom, 37, published a composition of four photos of him and Gabrielle Sky showcasing her huge diamond ring.

The star, known for his role as Jonny Goodman in Friday Night Dinner, captioned the post: “You’ll fall in love, I know you will. My number one is the Queen of Brizzle. My fiancée, she’ll give you hell. My wall at the back is Gabrielle.”

Fans were quick to congratulate the couple, with one saying: “LOVE! Congratulations!!!!” Another commented: “Omg!! Congratulations both of you.” A third added: “Congratulations to you both. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together.”

READ MORE: Friday Night Dinner star Tom Rosenthal announces first pregnancy with girlfriend with nod to co-star

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“Congratulations beautiful people! Xxxxx,” one more said. Tom and Gabrielle welcomed their baby daughter, Simi Valentine Rosenthal, on February 8 this year. In a sweet Instagram post to announce the birth of her baby, Gabrielle wrote: “After five days of labour and an emergency C-section, I couldn’t be more grateful to have my baby girl in my arms.

“A huge thank you to my incredible doula, Claire, and the amazing staff at Wexham Park Hospital, whose support and drugs made the whole thing more pleasant than it sounds. Simi I’m so grateful and beyond excited to be your mama.”

Tom shared the news that he and Gabrielle were expecting a child in September 2024, posting two photos of him and his wife, cradling her baby bump. The joint post was also shared with Gabrielle’s followers. The couple referenced one of the catchphrases said by Tom’s late on-screen father, Paul Ritter, who played Martin Goodman, in the caption, writing: “Hello Bambino.”

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In the comments section, Tom – also known for his role as Marcus on Plebs – said: “Spoke about this on a podcast that comes out soon so we thought we should announce like the Royal Family. Thanks for the well-wishings.” He added: “Granted [the Royal Family] don’t do it by saying hello bambino.”

Fans were quick to congratulate the couple on the news, with some referencing lines from Friday Night Dinner in their responses. Others expressed amusement over the caption that was chosen by Tom and Gabrielle for the post.

The post also prompted a reaction from his former co-star Tracy-Ann Oberman, who played Auntie Val on Friday Night Dinner. The EastEnders actor reacted in character, writing: “Aw Mazels Jonny! Feel quite emosh. Aunty Val.”

One person wrote: “Best caption! Congratulations to you both.” Another reacted: “Best pregnancy announcement ever.” A third person said: “Iconic announcement.” Someone said: “Ok this made me cry. Bambino. Congratulations.”

BBC director general Tim Davie and CEO of News Deborah Turness have resigned following claims that a BBC Panorama documentary misled viewers after editing a speech by US President Donald Trump

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BBC director general Tim Davie and CEO of News Deborah Turness have resigned from the broadcaster.

The announcement follows accusations that a BBC Panorama documentary misled viewers after editing a speech by US President Donald Trump.

The Telegraph recently published details suggesting the BBC edited two parts of Trump’s speech together so he appeared to encourage the Capitol Hill riots of January 2021, leading to the BBC facing bias allegations.

Davie said his departure will not be immediate and that he is “working through” timings to ensure an “orderly transition” over the coming months, while Turness said in her statement that the controversy around the Panorama edit had “reached a stage where it is causing damage to the BBC – an institution that I love”.

BBC Chairman Samir Shah has shared a statement which read: “This is a sad day for the BBC. Tim has been an outstanding Director-General for the last five years. He has propelled the BBC forward with determination, single-mindedness and foresight.

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“He has had the full support of me and the Board throughout. However, I understand the continued pressure on him, personally and professionally, which has led him to take this decision today. The whole Board respects the decision and the reasons for it.”

He went on to say: “Tim has given 20 years of his life to the BBC. He is a devoted and inspirational leader and an absolute believer in the BBC and public service broadcasting. He has achieved a great deal. Foremost, under his tenure, the transformation of the BBC to meet the challenges in a world of unprecedented change and competition is well underway.

“Personally, I will miss his stamina, good humour and resilience and I will miss working with him. I wish him and his family the very best for the future.

“This is an important time for the Corporation and the Board and I will continue to work with Tim in the interim while we conduct the process to appoint his successor.”

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Deborah, who has been in the role for three years, said despite the “controversy” around the Panorama edit, the allegations that BBC News “institutionally biased are wrong”.

In a message sent to staff, she said: “I have taken the difficult decision that it will no longer be my role to lead you in the collective vision that we all have: to pursue the truth with no agenda. The ongoing controversy around the Panorama on President Trump has reached a stage where it is causing damage to the BBC – an institution that I love.

“As the CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs, the buck stops with me – and I took the decision to offer my resignation to the director-general last night. In public life leaders need to be fully accountable, and that is why I am stepping down. While mistakes have been made, I want to be absolutely clear recent allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong.

“In a polarised world, BBC News journalism is more vital than ever, and I could not be prouder of the work that you do. Together we have bucked the global trend, to grow trust in BBC News, and I want to thank you, wherever you are in the world, for your courageous work to deliver that.”

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Samir Shah also shared a statement on Deborah, and said: “I want to thank Deborah for her leadership of BBC News over the past three years. She has transformed the operation of News with real commitment and a clear vision of the future.

“She has acted with integrity in challenging circumstances and leaves a strong legacy from which to build for the many millions around the world who rely on and trust the voice of BBC News every day.”

BBC Director-General, Tim Davie said in a statement: “In the past three years, Deborah has led the newsroom with extraordinary energy, changing the way that it works and cementing BBC News as the most used and trusted news outlet in the UK and the most trusted news provider internationally.

“She has been a valued colleague and a passionate advocate for her team of more than 5,000 people who work round the clock and around the world, on and off air, to report without fear or favour in an age where press freedom has never been under greater pressure. Deborah offered her resignation to me last night, and I want to thank her for all that she has done and to wish her the very best for her future.”

Following the news, Labour MP, Lisa Nandy tweeted: “I want to thank Tim Davie for his service to public broadcasting over many years. He has led the BBC through a period of significant change and helped the organisation to grip the challenges it has faced in recent years.”

The White House appear to have responded to the news on Twitter with two screenshots. One from an article written by The Telegraph which stated Trump had gone to war with ‘fake news BBC’ and another from the BBC which stated Tim had resigned. They wrote the caption ‘Shot:’ above the first snap and ‘Chaser:’ above the second.

It follows after the BBC has been criticised on a number occasions in recent months, including live-streaming the controversial Bob Vylan Glastonbury set, as well as misconduct allegations surrounding the former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace.

Freddie Flintoff is back hosting the hit ITV show Bullseye, three years on from his harrowing Top Gear accident

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Freddie Flintoff and Bullseye grace our screens once again this Sunday. The iconic England cricketer returns to the studio three years after his life-changing Top Gear crash.

The Lancashire-born former all-rounder transitioned seamlessly into TV after retirement and after a successful trial run last Christmas, he’ll front the fan favourite darts game show for a whole series beginning on Sunday at 8pm.

One of Flintoff’s last roles was as a presenter on Top Gear, a position he assumed in 2019. Just three years after he first arrived on the BBC staple, an accident during filming at Surrey’s Dunsfold Park Aerodrome would leave Flintoff with life-altering injuries and permanent facial scarring.

In December 2022, while filming for Top Gear, which has been put on an indefinite hiatus by the BBC following this incident, Flintoff flipped over in a Morgan Super 3 vehicle.

This particular car was an open-top model and so when he flipped at the aerodrome’s first bend, his face was scraped along the tarmac. He was not wearing a crash helmet and suffered from broken ribs as well as serious facial injuries.

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In an eponymous documentary about the incident on Disney+, the surgeon who dealt with Flintoff’s injuries revealed that his wounds were challenging to deal with and were filled with grit and dirt.

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He also shared that Flintoff had suffered soft and hard tissue injuries, broken and lost teeth and a fractured upper jawbone. The former cricket star underwent a single reconstructive operation that lasted around five hours.

Speaking in this documentary, the 47-year-old detailed exactly what he was thinking during the crash. Flintoff said: “It was a three-wheeler, and it had a reinforced windscreen, so I’m exposed.

“Probably doing about 40-45 [miles per hour]. The wheel came up at the front. It’s a funny thing rolling a car because it’s a point of no return and everything slows down.

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“It’s so weird. As it started going over, I looked at the ground and I knew that if I went on the side, I’d break my neck. If I hit my temple, I’m dead. The best chance is go face down.

“I remember hitting my jaw but then I got dragged out. The car went over, then I went over the back of the car and then was pulled facedown on the runway about 50 meters underneath the car.

“Then it hit the grass and flipped back. I thought I was dead because I was conscious but I couldn’t see anything. I was thinking, ‘Is that it?’ Black for the rest of my days. But I had a hat over my eyes. So I pulled my hat up and I thought, ‘No, I’m alive. It’s the Top Gear track.’

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“I looked down and the blood just started coming down and my biggest fear was I didn’t think I had a face. I thought my face had come off. I was frightened to death.”

Flintoff even heartbreakingly admitted that part of him wishes he had died during the ordeal. He added: “After the accident, I didn’t think I had it in me to get through.

“This sounds awful: part of me wishes I had been killed. Part of me thinks, ‘I wish I had died.’ I didn’t want to kill myself, don’t mistake the two things, but I was thinking: ‘This would have been so much easier.'”

Mother of two, Michelle Heaton, has credited Katie Price for helping her go sober following years of battling with alcohol and nearly losing her life in 2021 after being hospitalised

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Liberty X star Michelle Heaton, who is now four years sober, has opened up on how a night out with former glamour model Katie Price made her realise it was time to put alcohol in the past. The 45-year-old has a history of drinking, but it was a night out with Katie that made her change her mindset.

Michelle Heaton reportedly drank two bottles of wine and a bottle of vodka nearly every day at the height of her drinking, and she ended up hospitalised in 2021.

Michelle has now opened up on her battle and said that while she knew she had a problem, she struggled to talk about it. She said: “There were many times when I wanted to stop drinking, but I couldn’t, and then I didn’t want to tell anybody I couldn’t because I’d already told them I was stopping”, she told the Daily Mail.

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The former singer added: “It was frustrating thinking ‘why can’t I stop, I can’t tell anybody because no one’s going to have the same problem.’ So I was out with a few friends and one was Katie and they weren’t drinking. It made me think ‘what the f**k? I’ve come here to have a good time.’ But I wasn’t having a good time, that’s the point, the drink was not giving me any joy.”

Michelle, who shares children Faith, 13, and AJ, 11, with her Irish businessman husband Hugh Hanley, was then inspired by her friends and thought if they can do it, then so can she. She added: “And then as soon as I accepted I needed help, help was always there.”

Michelle has reportedly battled with alcohol since she joined Liberty X. She said: “I never thought I could perform without having a drink because I suffer from impostor syndrome. I thought I needed a drink to squash the nerves.”

Now, four years sober, the mother-of-two embraces healthy living – working out regularly, often with husband Hugh, and looking after what she eats.

She told OK! Mag last year: “I’m living proof you can do it, even from rock bottom. My poor body has been through a lot. I have a new-found respect for it. I get my sleep and Hugh and I own a gym and work out together quite a bit. Nothing beats that feeling – you never regret doing a workout.

“I used to binge-eat a lot – cross-addiction can be a big thing. Now I choose healthy options, proteins and not too many carbs, when I can. And I’m doing things I wouldn’t normally do, like Celebrity SAS, even if I didn’t last very long!”

While she added that she hasn’t felt tempted to have a drink during the festive party season, she recognises that she might struggle in the future as ‘old demons could creep back in’. She added: “I say I’m “in recovery”, not “recovered” for that reason.”

If you are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, advice and support can be found at alcoholchange.org.uk

Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has shared an emotional cancer post with her Instagram followers just days after she underwent her second mastectomy

Amy Dowden has shared a poignant update on her cancer journey with her Instagram followers, just days after undergoing her second mastectomy.

Earlier this week, Amy revealed she was having another mastectomy, which meant she would no longer be able to participate in any of the Strictly live shows this year.

The 35-year-old was diagnosed with cancer in May 2023 after discovering a lump in her breast while on her honeymoon.

Amy frequently keeps her fans informed about her cancer journey, and today, she commemorated an emotional milestone.

On her Instagram stories, Amy shared a video of the moment she rang the hospital bell, signifying she was cancer-free, reports Wales Online.

Alongside the clip, which saw Amy breaking down in tears, the dancer wrote, “Two years ago today.”

On Saturday night, Amy received an outpouring of love and support as she shared an update post-surgery.

Sitting on the sofa with a cup of tea and surrounded by her loved ones, the pro wrote, “Home, resting up, still got my drain in but rrrrrready for the best entertainment and medicine there is for me….. @bbcstrictly good luck everyone.”

She added, “Cheering you all on from home! Lots of luck and love xxxxx.”

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Host Claudia was the first to comment, leaving Amy some red heart emojis.

Joanne Clifton also sent the pro some love hearts, while Karen Carney said, “Sending so much love.”

One fan wrote, “Have a lovely and restful evening.”

Another follower commented, “Sending love and healing hugs your way, Amy.