Strictly star Shirley Ballas shares rare insight into her childhood on a council estate

Strictly Come Dancing judge, Shirley Ballas, has opened up about her childhood and the importance of food for families in a candid chat with Hairy Bikers star, Si King

Strictly Come Dancing star, Shirley Ballas, has shared a rare insight into her childhood in a candid chat with Hairy Bikers legend, Si King.

The choreography queen, 65, who is gearing up for the sequin-strewn final of Strictly on Saturday, spoke to Si, 59, during a podcast for Sainsbury’s ‘A Recipe For…’ as she opened up about her early years on a council estate with her single mum and brother, David.

Thanking her mum for the ‘life lessons’ she taught her, while tucking into a slice of Christmas yule log, Shirley said she felt fortunate for everything she was given as a child, telling Si: “I feel fortunate that I was that little girl on a council estate raised by a single mother because the lessons she has taught me through my life are priceless.”

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Revealing that her mum had to “make sacrifices” when ballroom star Shirley was given the chance to dance as a child, she continued: “She was a single woman, doing everything on her own and even when I had the opportunity to dance, she had to make sacrifices.”

Reflecting candidly on her early years, the mum-of-one admits she was reliant on free school meals, which she and her brother both received when growing up.

During the podcast, in which she and TV cook, Si, both tuck into the Christmas treat, which is loved by Shirley’s family, the star talks about the ‘comfort and stability’ that these hot lunches provided.

Insisting that she is “forever grateful” for having access to the meals that she “remembers fondly to this day”, Shirley says: “I’d like to be an advocate for school dinners and of course, I loved it. I knew exactly where to go in the queue so they would say: ‘We’ve got extra food here so you can have two roast potatoes and more semolina pudding’.

“I’ll be forever grateful of having the subsidy of being able to get free school dinners.”

With food poverty affecting 14 million people today, Shirley also shares her thoughts on why initiatives, which help families who are struggling, are so vital — especially over the festive season.

She states: “Times are changing, and we need to shine a light on crucial matters, and that’s often about people having access to food.

“I don’t think people talk about these things enough, particularly when it comes to food and making sure we are out there taking care of people. We need to educate people when it comes to food poverty…so we can help those that have little.”

The podcast is part of Sainsbury’s Meals Make Memories campaign, launched in partnership with Comic Relief, which celebrates the memories food creates, while shining a light on the reality for the millions of people in the UK facing food poverty, who are tragically still going hungry.

The full series, including guests such as Comic Relief co-founder Lenny Henry tackling food poverty in their communities, is available to stream alongside Shirley’s episode on YouTube.

* The full interview with Shirley is on the Sainsbury’s Vodcast, ‘A Recipe For…’

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Olivia Attwood breaks down in tears saying she’s ‘not ready to say goodbye’

Former Love Islander Olivia Attwood declared she was ‘not ok’ and broke down in tears as she marked the end of an emotional era with footballer husband Bradley Dack

Olivia Attwood became emotional and broke down in tears as she packed up and moved out of the “dream home” she shared with her footballer hubby. The Love Island and Loose Women star, 34, filmed her final moments in the house for her 2.5million Instagram followers and was visibly emotional as she revealed she was “saying goodbye to the house I’ll never call home again”.

Olivia and Gillingham midfielder Bradley, who tied the knot in June 2023, moved into the lavish pad – worth a whopping £1million – in 2022 and transformed into their dream home complete with swimming pool, sprawling gardens for their rescue dogs Lola and Stitch, and his-and-hers walk-in wardrobes. But her new video showed the house full of empty shelves and cupboards and the couple surrounded by packing boxes as she declared “next chapter pending.”

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“I spent the happiest, most peaceful times in my adult life in this house, or maybe my whole life,” she wrote. “I don’t think I would ever be ready to say goodbye. But things don’t always play out the way you thought they might.”

She also revealed she was finding it particularly hard because she was “hungover” on moving day, telling fans “Pro tip – don’t do a house move hungover”.

Olivia first shared glimpses of the uber-chic detached home on her reality series, Olivia Attwood Meets Her Match, and it was regularly described as her “dream home”. But in September this year, the Loose Women panellist revealed she and Brad were planning to sell it following a “challenging six months”, which included a summer break-in attempt.

There was also speculation about the state of her and Brad’s relationship following photographs of Olivia partying with her pal Pete Wicks in Ibiza. Speaking to The Sun about the major move, the podcaster said the Cheshire pad was their “family home” but the couple’s work commitments took them away so often they were rarely “in it”.

“The house is going to go on the market very soon,” she explained. “Essentially, I had this apartment in London that I was just using as a base for filming. And that’s what it was meant to be, but now we’re living here.”

It is thought the couple will make her London apartment their main residence for the time being – and her video included an ornament with a Post-it on it that read “London apartment move”.

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She poked fun at her emotional state in the caption too, writing: “I’M NOT OK. You know how I feel about emotional displays on the Internet breaking my own rules lol.

“Neuro spicy people what is it about craving fresh starts and change but then the actual action of change makes you feel like you’re on fire from the inside!!!!” The emotional video montage ended with clips of Olivia stood outside waving a final goodbye to the house from the street outside.

Liam Gallagher’s shocked five-word remark after learning truth about Rob Reiner movie

Liam Gallagher stormed off “right up the middle of Carnegie Hall” after finding out the truth about a much-loved Rob Reiner movie, according to his brother and Oasis bandmate, Noel

Liam Gallagher once declared he wasn’t “f***in’ ’avin that” and marched off “right up the middle of Carnegie Hall” after discovering the reality behind a cherished Rob Reiner movie, according to his brother Noel. The revelation comes as Hollywood reeled from devastating news this week that acclaimed American filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead at their Los Angeles residence.

The director, whose impressive filmography includes When Harry Met Sally, Stand by Me, Misery, and A Few Good Men, was pronounced dead alongside Michele at the California property on Sunday. As of yesterday (December 15), his son Nick Reiner had been arrested and was in custody on $4 million (£3 million) bail, as LA police investigate what they described as an “apparent homicide”, reports the BBC.

Reiner’s 1984 comedy mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap involves a filmmaker tracking fictional British heavy metal outfit Spinal Tap as they embark on an American tour. Famous for coining the expression “up to eleven” — referencing the guitarist’s amplifier volume dial that goes from 0 to 11 — the film has achieved cult classic status.

The Oasis frontman was apparently a fan of the group, though his brother and bandmate Noel claims Liam believed the band actually existed. Chatting to The Observer back in 2005, Noel confirmed the story — allegedly shared by After Life and Extras actor Ricky Gervais — admitting Liam genuinely “thought they were real people”.

Noel revealed how everything came to a head when the Gallaghers attended Carnegie Hall in June 2001 to catch Spinal Tap’s performance during their Back From the Dead Tour. However, the concert kicked off with a set from a folk trio called The Folksmen, portrayed by actors Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer — the same performers who play the fictional metal group in This Is Spinal Tap.

Noel recalled: “Yeah, he thought they were real people. We went to see them play in Carnegie Hall. Before they played, they came on as three folk singers from the film A Mighty Wind. We were laughing and he said: ‘This is s**t.’ We said, ‘No, those three are in Spinal Tap. You do know they are American actors? They’re not even a real band. They’re not even English! One of them is married to Jamie Lee Curtis.’

“‘I’m not f***in’ ’avin that,’ he says, and walks off right up the middle of Carnegie Hall. He’s never watched Spinal Tap since. He’d seen the film and loved it and thought they were a real band.”

As reported by Cracked.com, The Folksmen originally appeared in a 1984 Saturday Night Live sketch and, as Noel highlighted, subsequently featured in the 2003 comedy film A Mighty Wind.

Following the devastating loss of Rob and Michele, numerous celebrities paid heartfelt tributes to the acclaimed director, including legendary author Stephen King, who wrote both Misery and The Body — the novella adapted into Stand by Me. He expressed being “horrified and saddened” by the tragedy, describing Rob as a “wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker (including two of mine)”.

He continued: “Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me.” Meanwhile, fellow director Ron Howard, known for films like Cocoon, The Da Vinci Code, and Apollo 13, hailed Rob as “superlative”, stating: “He proved to be a superlative filmmaker, a supportive colleague and, at all times, a dedicated citizen.”

Music icon Sir Elton John, who features in Rob’s final project, the 2025 Spinal Tap sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, shared: “I am in disbelief at today’s news of Rob and Michele. They were two of the most beautiful people I’d ever met and they deserved better.”

Rob launched his career in the 1960s, shooting to fame as Meathead in the sitcom All in the Family (a remake of the UK’s Till Death Us Do Part) and landing two Emmy Awards.

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Primark fan says ‘Christmas day outfit sorted’ with £18 viral pink ribbon style

Shoppers are ‘going crazy’ for the ‘pretty’ style

A Primark shopper says her ‘Christmas day outfit’ is ‘sorted’ after finding a new £18 look. For festive shoppers seeking fashion-forward outfits, Primark is proving to be popular this season. One standout style is a cardigan, with pink ribbon threaded through the cream knitwear.

The cardigan, which has been dubbed the ‘cutest’, has been featured in multiple viral videos, with social media users loving the ribbon design. In one TikTok video, content creator @Alicelambertb filmed herself searching for the trending style in Primark.

Alice captioned her post: “Let’s hunt for the cutest Primark ribbon cardigan.” In the video, Alice told viewers: “Primark have gone and released the cutest cardigan on planet Earth. When I tell you, it’s cosy, it’s knitted, and it’s got ribbons.”

Later in the video, Alice found and tried on the cardigan, and her videographer said: “You look really nice.” Just as impressed, Alice decided the buy the cardigan. Wrapping up her video after purchasing the cardigan, Alice added: “That is the Christmas day outfit sorted.”

The video amazed viewers, racking up over 60k views and 5k likes. Praising the new cardigan, one fan commented: “That is GORGEOUS.” Another viewer said: “I got it for Christmas Day too TWINNNIESSS,” and someone wrote: “Such a pretty cardigan I might have to get one myself.”

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Elsewhere, a fan shared: “I had this for my daughter yesterday it’s absolutely beautiful.” A different comment said: “Can’t wait to wear this.” There was more excitement when content creator @Melissamurphy1688 showcased the cardigan in another viral TikTok video. Highlighting the cardigan in a video that earned over 60k likes, the fashion fan claimed: “She is the moment.”

An excited shopper replied: “I’m not a girly girl but I NEED this.” More praise read: “This is so pretty omg.” Another fan said: “Lowkey need this,” and someone echoed: “That’s so pretty!”

By the sounds of it, the new style is selling quickly. Replying to the post, a customer said: “I ran yday after seeing Mel’s video and they had only three left in store.”

In a different video, Primark creator Chris Fairley said shoppers have been loving the knitted style. Posting the cardigan on his TikTok account @Chris_fairley. Chris captioned his post: “The cardigan everyone is going crazy for.”

Shoppers interested in the cardigan can find their nearest Primark store here. Although it doesn’t appear to be available online yet, Primark’s website does list a selection of knitted cardigans, and most styles are available for click-and-collect.

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Ferne McCann’s adorable matching Christmas pyjamas are perfect for twinning with your little ones

Ferne McCann has shared the adorable matching Christmas pyjamas she’s been wearing to twin with her kids this festive season, and they’re now on sale with 30% off

There’s nothing better than a great pair of matching pyjamas over the Christmas season, especially when it means you and your little ones are twinning for some festive activities. For Ferne McCann, that meant dressing her and her two daughters in some cute heart-printed pyjamas while they decorated the Christmas tree.

Ferne’s PJs of choice were the Red Heart Pyjamas in a Bag from Boux Avenue, whilst daughters Sunday and Finty both wore the mini-me Kids’ Red Heart Pyjamas in a Bag. The pyjamas are perfect for a cosy Christmas night in, and they’re both currently on sale with 30% off.

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The adult version of Ferne’s pyjamas have been slashed from £40 to £28, whilst the children’s ones vary in price depending on which age you pick, but are usually priced between £26-£28, and are now between £18.20-£19.60. Sizes are selling quickly, with the adult ones out of stock in sizes eight and 10, whilst the children’s are still available in all sizes from 2-3 up to 10-11.

The Red Heart Pyjamas in a Bag are made from a super soft and cosy fleece material, and come with long sleeve shirt tops and full length trousers which have an elastic waistband for added comfort. They come in a matching bag that makes them easy to store or take travelling with you, which is exactly what Ferne did when she packed them for her family’s trip to the snowy Italian Dolomites.

Both pairs come in cream and are covered with tiny red heart prints, with contrasting red piping around the edges for a luxurious feel. You can even shop the matching socks and slippers to go with them if you want to complete the head to toe look.

Ferne isn’t the only one who’s been cosying up in matching PJs this festive season, with Michelle Keegan also spotted wearing a pair from Very and matching with her daughter. Marks & Spencer is also a great place to pick up some adorable matching sets with ones for the whole family – including the dog.

However Ferne’s Boux Avenue Red Heart Pyjamas in a Bag have gotten rave reviews from shoppers, who’ve given them a solid five star rating. One said: “Great quality, super soft and true to size. Wish I could get all the sets!”

Whilst another agreed: “Very comfy and very cute pattern, sleep really well in them.”

The Kids’ Red Heart Pyjamas in a Bag have also accrued an impressive five star rating, with one adding: “Lovely quality and I love that there is matching adult ones.”

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Whilst someone else wrote: “Amazing pyjamas for my little girls. Fabulous quality and a perfect fit. Super soft!”

Katie Price sparks concern as she has help walking on night out wearing see-through leggings

Katie Price has left fans concerned again after she was pictured on Monday night looking noticeably thinner, and needing support to get into a friend’s glitzy bash

Katie Price needed some help from a friend as she looked unsteady on her feet while heading to an event last night. The star looked frail as she arrived for Yasmin Oukhellou’s launch night in Hertfordshire on Monday evening.

Her tiny figure was wrapped in see-through leggings, but it wasn’t what she was wearing that stole the focus. Looking unstable at the shop, the 47-year-old with Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace on hand to offer her pal some support.

She stuck around for the afterparty, where Katie was held up by two women as she stumbled as she entered the venue. It may have been chilly and of course nighttime, but that didn’t stop her glamming up with a funky pair of sunglasses.

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In photos obtained by The Sun, Katie’s tiny frame is kept warm by a oversized biker jacket. This is not the first time Katie has sparked concerns over her dramatic weight loss. In November, she revealed she had medical tests because of it . Katie, who has previously denied using weight loss medication, said she doesn’t know why she has lost so much.

The star said she needed to get stitches removed after cutting herself with a knife while cooking.Speaking on Snapchat, Katie had told her fans: “I’ve been up early at the doctors so she could do some bloods and because my veins are so s*** they had three attempts.

“They could only fill two tubes up, so I’ve got to go back in two weeks. And I’ve got to have my stitches out then because they looked at my little stab wound that I did. The reason I’m going to the doctors is because I keep losing weight and I don’t know why. So that’s that.”

The former I’m A Celebrity star, who has battled body image issues for a long time, recently opened up about her fears that her health concerns may be linked to a past cancer scare.

Katie was diagnosed with a rare form of soft tissue cancer in her finger, known as leiomyosarcoma, while pregnant with her oldest son, Harvey. “The same finger – this is about three weeks ago – I thought, have I knocked it? Because it hurts when I push it, but there’s no lump,” she said on her podcast, The Katie Price Show. “I hope it’s not that again.”

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A source close to the star told OK! magazine in October that Katie is “terrified” about her health. “She’s fretting that this new lump is another cancer. She has been desperate to have another baby and it’s worrying knowing that her health isn’t where it needs to be,” they said.