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Joyner, Jo. who reprises her quirky role in Shakespeare and Hathaway, discusses her teenage twins, married life, and whether she’d ever go back to Walford…

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If there’s one thing we love on TV, it’s a cosy crime drama — and Jo Joyner promises us that the new run of Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators won’t disappoint. In an exclusive catch-up with OK!, the actress, who played Tanya Branning on EastEnders on and off for over a decade, says the show is about to deliver its “biggest and best” series yet.

“Oh, we’ve got a Cluedo episode, with everyone contained in one house and we’re trying to discover who the murderer is, a live shopping channel episode which is hilarious, a horror convention…,” she laughs. “We went away for a couple of years and now can’t wait to be back.” Here, Jo, 48, also opens up about being a busy mum to teenage twins — and reveals the secret to keeping romance alive with her actor husband Neil Madden.

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Hi, Jo! What’s up with you? Are you ready to embrace autumn completely?

Funnily enough, my daughter managed to burn the pumpkin candle the other day. So, yes, I think I’m ready to embrace the cozy season.

Are it difficult for you to leave your husband Neil and your twins Edie and Freddie because you’ve recently been filming abroad?

Now that the kids are older, the job is a feast or famine. They are amazing, and I spent a year and a half away from home. When I can, I return home when they stop by. I am aware of the fact that my kids are very good at putting up with a lot. Not a typical way of living. The mothers of the majority of their friends are present. But they’ve grown up with it, and they appear to be extremely well-travelled and accustomed to bringing their belongings in a bag before embarking on an adventure.

We were in Australia for the summer a few years ago. And FaceTime makes it all easier. They’re 15 now, they have a busier social life than me! I’ve been at home a lot since February, so we’re all good — I made up for it and we all had a great summer together.

What’s it like to live with two 15-year-olds?

I adore it. My kids have always been so approachable. They actually don’t row with one another. We have a sibling tradition of ours, and my husband and I used to be like that. They are very similar and not currently moody. Nothing I say is cool, of course, but they’re never rude or moody. That will probably hit as I wait.

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Do you believe either of them will elude your advice?

They aren’t doing drama, neither are they currently taking GCSEs this year. I’m aware of this, but I find it hard to believe. Imagine that they might end up working as mature adults!

Is it a blessing or a curse that you and Neil work in the same field?

A true blessing, I say. It’s great to have someone who appreciates the industry you work in, celebrates it, and is as excited about seeing you at the theater. My closest friend is him. He loves his own company, so I think it works because I’m the one who has worked a lot over the years because I enjoy being around lots of people constantly. He enjoys some home tranquility.

Is marriage a key to your success, then, if you can spend time apart?

I think so, yes. Then we love coming back to each other. And talking, communication is key. Luckily we were really good friends for years, before we became a couple. We’ve always been able to talk about anything. And we obviously still fancy each other — that helps. It’s always good to fancy your own husband!

The big 5 is only a few years away, folks. Ever consider it?

Really, I don’t. Because I still have about 28 in my head, it seems absurd. Thankfully, we now know more about nutrition, fitness, and mental health than we did when I was younger. I exercise a lot and have this amazing infrared sauna, which is my new best friend, at home, which makes me feel more fit and better than ever. I would be very happy if you had shown me a photo of me in my 20s and said, “This is what you’re going to look like at 50,” and that this is what your life would be like.

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Do you believe that women are still subject to a lot of pressure to look or age differently?

You, in my opinion, feel the pressure you put on yourself. I’m not concerned about it. Why would someone pretend to be 25 when they are not? In this manner, misery is concealed. I adore that my daughter is a strong, healthy, and fit person growing up in a society where being strong, healthy, and fit is valued rather than the terrible “heroin chic” I witnessed growing up.

Are you anticipating Shakespeare and Hathaway’s return?

We genuinely had the best time filming this show, and I’m so happy to be back. You can slip back into the comfortable shoes that the characters have on them so easily. Luella, the main character in my life, is such a happy and optimistic dog. And it’s even funnier than ever this season.

Do you really see yourself in Luella?

I’m very positive like her, the glass is always half-full – but I’m not as high maintenance. I love my gardening too much to get my nails done.

Do you enjoy comedy? Shakespeare & Hathaway is very funny.

I agree. It stands out from other cozy crime shows by doing that. I won a Rose d’Or award for comedy while running a sketch show just before I entered EastEnders, so I sort of jumped right in the comedy before drama category.

Speaking of EastEnders , with Jake Woods returning to the Square and everyone calling for you to return – would you consider it?

I’ve always said never say never, you know? I am definitely way too busy in the next year to be coming back, so I won’t be returning with Jake. But yeah, I see my EastEnders family and it’s always so lovely to catch up. But a return to Walford? Not at the moment, let’s say that.

Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators premieres on U& Alibi on Wednesday, September 24th, at 8 p.m.

After his Celebs Go Dating stint, interviewer Mark Labbett has insisted that he is content without a relationship or sex because he prefers to watch TV.

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The Chase star Mark Labbett has made a very candid relationship confession as he admitted he would rather watch TV. The professional quizzer, 60, insisted he is happy on his own despite trying to find love on the latest series of Celebs Go Dating.

He joined the hit E4 dating show to get insider tips from the experts and end his bachelor days. Mark, who is known as the Beast on the ITV show, signed up following his divorce from second cousin Katie, who is 27 years younger than him.

In 2020, they parted ways, and Mark left Hayley Palmer, a TV presenter, to pursue a new relationship. He failed to make a connection after attending numerous dates on the reality show, which seems to have made Mark more content with being single.

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He has insisted he is “very happy on my own”. “If you want to do something then you do it, like if I want to watch that film then I do it,” he told the Daily Mail.

“Saturday mornings, I put Sky Sports on and I stay in all weekend. That’s heaven. Some people have to be in a relationship but I’m not that bothered about it now, and I am pretty comfortable being on my own.”

Despite Mark’s appearance as being single, his ex-girlfriend Hayley called Mark’s comments “heartless.” She addressed fans last year on Instagram, saying, “It’s shameful that someone could say something so heartless about a relationship that lasted more than a year.

I’ve made the effort to become my best selves. Mental health is, in my opinion, what is really important, and we should all work together to make it a happy Christmas. X. “

Hayley and Hayley split in May of last year, and Hayley made the announcement on social media.

She remarked, “I regret to let you know that Mark and I have separated. I sincerely wish him the very best of luck in the future and that our relationship was the best year together.

She continued, revealing that she was using music to lift her spirits, and that she was listening to Taylor Swift while wearing an emoji for her broken heart.

Mark claimed he was “lucky to date her for a year” and that his age contributed to his separation from Hayley.

He stated to The Sun, “I’m just being on my own, quite frankly. It’s simple to make facts. It’s simple to get rid of. People are difficult to understand.

The Chase star continued, “I could describe myself as the kind of guy who could tell you Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, but I had no idea why that attractive girl was laughing at me half-smile. Because I realized I couldn’t read people, I never took poker seriously.

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After choosing to compete in their first bodybuilding competition, a Love Island alum decided to change their appearance and placed second overall.

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A former Love Island star has revealed his dramatic transformation years after competing on the ITV series. Alex Bowen, 34, flexed his chiselled abs as he took part in his first bodybuilding competition over the weekend.

Alex, who appeared in the second season of the dating show in 2016, entered the PCA Physical Culture First Timers competition. In a pair of modest pink shorts, he performed a number of poses.

He revealed on Instagram that he finished in second place in the contest. Sharing his achievement, he told his followers: “I DONE IT,” he gushed. “2nd place in a stacked class. Now food and beer!”

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He recorded himself performing various poses throughout the competition on video. His wife, Olivia, was one of those who shared their joy.

She wrote, “So proud of you made every minute worth it,” in the comments section. Additionally, she included four heart-shaped red emojis. One user thanked her for making her apologies for saying, “You must have had to accept a little less help with a newborn, you’ve smashed this as wife and mother, and let your man shine.” It’s time for you right away.

Olivia and Alex have been an item since meeting in the Love Island villa almost 10 years ago. They have since tied the knot and in August they welcomed their second child together.

Last month, the 31-year-old revealed the sweet news on social media. Abel, their three-year-old son, and Olivia shared a number of adorable photos online. She also revealed the adorable name of their daughter to her followers.

She wrote, “We are all bursting with love, and our beautiful girl Siena is here, and I can’t even find the words.” Every second was worth it a thousand times, according to the saying. My babies are my love.

Olivia was initially expecting twins but earlier this year, the expectant star revealed she had experienced Vanishing Twin Syndrome (VTS). The condition sees one embryo lost in early pregnancy, leaving a single developing foetus.

Prior to her newest baby’s arrival, Olivia said she’d felt the ‘most complicated batch of emotions’ she’d ever known during the pregnancy. “I felt like that darkness was taking over and pulling me down with both paws,” she wrote on Instagram.

“I experienced it intermittently throughout my motherhood and again after giving birth. The hormones are the source of the entire expectation, change, and world experiences that are different from those you have encountered throughout your entire life.

“Then, as I grieved one of our precious babies to Vanishing Twin Syndrome, and went through the most difficult set of emotions I’ve ever experienced,” I said.

Olivia looked at her nearly finished nursery before Siena’s birth. She claimed that the emotions were conflicting.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

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After choosing to compete in their first bodybuilding competition, a Love Island alum decided to change their appearance and placed second overall.

3 images to be seen

A former Love Island star has revealed his dramatic transformation years after competing on the ITV series. Alex Bowen, 34, flexed his chiselled abs as he took part in his first bodybuilding competition over the weekend.

Alex, who appeared in the second season of the dating show in 2016, entered the PCA Physical Culture First Timers competition. In a pair of modest pink shorts, he performed a number of poses.

He revealed on Instagram that he finished in second place in the contest. Sharing his achievement, he told his followers: “I DONE IT,” he gushed. “2nd place in a stacked class. Now food and beer!”

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He recorded himself performing various poses throughout the competition on video. His wife, Olivia, was one of those who shared their joy.

She wrote, “So proud of you made every minute worth it,” in the comments section. Additionally, she included four heart-shaped red emojis. One user thanked her for making her apologies for saying, “You must have had to accept a little less help with a newborn, you’ve smashed this as wife and mother, and let your man shine.” It’s time for you right away.

Olivia and Alex have been an item since meeting in the Love Island villa almost 10 years ago. They have since tied the knot and in August they welcomed their second child together.

Last month, the 31-year-old revealed the sweet news on social media. Abel, their three-year-old son, and Olivia shared a number of adorable photos online. She also revealed the adorable name of their daughter to her followers.

She wrote, “We are all bursting with love, and our beautiful girl Siena is here, and I can’t even find the words.” Every second was worth it a thousand times, according to the saying. My babies are my love.

Olivia was initially expecting twins but earlier this year, the expectant star revealed she had experienced Vanishing Twin Syndrome (VTS). The condition sees one embryo lost in early pregnancy, leaving a single developing foetus.

Prior to her newest baby’s arrival, Olivia said she’d felt the ‘most complicated batch of emotions’ she’d ever known during the pregnancy. “I felt like that darkness was taking over and pulling me down with both paws,” she wrote on Instagram.

“I experienced it intermittently throughout my motherhood and again after giving birth. The hormones are the source of the entire expectation, change, and world experiences that are different from those you have encountered throughout your entire life.

“Then, as I grieved one of our precious babies to Vanishing Twin Syndrome, and went through the most difficult set of emotions I’ve ever experienced,” I said.

Olivia looked at her nearly finished nursery before Siena’s birth. She claimed that the emotions were conflicting.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: Detrash’s £375 watch made from ocean plastic ‘stands up in quality and looks’