Archive June 22, 2025

British actress Emily Atack and her partner, Dr Alistair Garner, were joined by friends and loved ones as the celebrated the first birthday of their son, Barney

Emily Atack enjoyed the company of her friends and the summer sunshine as she celebrated the first birthday of her son, Barney. The 35-year-old Rivals star welcomed her baby boy with partner Dr. Alistair Garner on last year.

The couple welcomed close ones to join them on Saturday to celebrate the first birthday of their baby boy. And taking to Instagram Stories, Emily shared photos and video clips of everyone enjoying the party.

Celebrity Juice star Leigh Francis, 52, was among those in attendance which other snaps showed lots of birthday themed snacks and food products. Emily revealed the party food went down a storm with some of the younger guests attending the event.

Sharing a snap of a tray of treats, the star typed: “Just heaven. The kids ate every single thing.” The party was held two days after Emily uploaded a string of photos of her son and from the time of her pregnancy to celebrate his first year of life.

In an emotional Instagram caption, the actress and comedian wrote: “Happy 1st birthday to our son Barney James Garner. The Baby Barn Owl.”

She continued: “I’ve dreamt of you my whole life. It was always you. I love you beyond words, our beautiful, BEAUTIFUL boy. You are so cherished my heart could burst.”

Emily and Alistair have been in a relationship since 2022 and were overjoyed to welcome Barney a year ago. The couple keep their romance largely out of the spotlight but it is known that they had been friends for years before they embarked on a romance.

Reports have revealed that Alistair is Emily’s cousin by marriage as he is the stepson of her aunt. Emily documented her pregnancy online after first announcing she was expecting her first child back in December 2024.

She wrote: “I’ve never been so happy and utterly terrified at the same time. Every day is mixed with thrill, fear, joy, hysteria, topped off with a lot of vomiting – a bit like when you’ve just stepped off of the Oblivion at Alton Towers on a hangover.

“I’ve got to know my body on such an insane level. It’s made me appreciate the one I’ve been given so much.” She continued at the time: “I’m doing my absolute best to make it a home for the little squid I’m growing.

“We can already sense the baby is reclined on a mattress of peanut butter and jam sandwiches in there, demanding more chocolate buttons.

“I’m so happy to be writing all of this to you all. You’ve always stuck by me through the years – do stick around to watch me enter my mum era.”

While marking Barney’s birthday this week, Emily shared a string of photos from her pregnant days. Snaps showed her proudly showing off her baby bump – while other snaps showed her son at various stages from the first 12 months of his life.

Alistair also featured in some of the images, showing him hugging, kissing and doting on his son. And one touching image showed Emily hugging her son while in bed with the family dog at her side.

Loose Women’s Denise Welch has reportedly addressed rumors that she might be a part of the Whoniverse, and there is a possibility that she will be involved.

A former soap star has addressed speculation that she’s being considered to voice the title role in a Doctor Who spin-off. The upcoming project is in development at the moment but no casting has been unveiled for it yet.

It was announced recently that there are plans to launch a pre-school animation series about the Doctor on CBeebies. The BBC said that the Doctor Who spin-off for a younger audience will “run independently” from the main show.

There’s been speculation about the project, with a thread on Reddit last week naming actors who could voice the Doctor. It claimed that the broadcaster’s shortlist includes Justin Fletcher, Richard E. Grant and Denise Welch.

Denise, 67 – whose acting career has included roles on shows like Coronation Street and Waterloo Road – has since addressed the speculation. She reacted to being named in the thread in a post on Instagram this afternoon.

Alongside a photo showing part of the thread, she wrote in the post: “I definitely think this job should be mine.” Denise, who tagged Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies, 62, then used two thumbs up and the ‘flushed face’ emoji.

Although they don’t appear to have previously worked together, Denise and Russell are both patrons of the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester. They both took on the role in 2019, joining Tracie Bennett, who became a patron in 2016.

Loose Women panelist Denise has appeared in numerous TV shows over the course of her career, including having played Natalie Barnes on Corrie. Her other credits include Waterloo Road, Benidorm and more recently Hollyoaks.

The BBC made the announcement for the Doctor Who spin-off on CBeebies on June 12th. The Doctor will travel through space and time, solving puzzles and issues with companions and other friends, according to the group’s announcement for the animated series.

Everyone is welcome at CBeebies, including the Doctor, according to Patricia Hidalgo, Director of Children’s and Education, in a statement released at the time! The upcoming series, according to Patricia, was an “exciting opportunity.”

Patricia said: “This much-loved franchise entertains millions around the world, so it is only right that our younger audience get to experience the wonder and the magic of the Doctor in a brand new format. This is an extremely exciting opportunity, and we are looking forward to welcoming companies to pitch for this new project, as we continue our commitment and investment in the UK’s animation industry.”

The news comes just weeks after the latest series of Doctor Who concluded last month. The season finale, the Reality War, which aired on May 31, marked the departure of lead Ncuti Gatwa, who had played the Doctor since 2023.

At the end of the episode, viewers saw Ncuti’s Fifteenth Doctor regenerate – with Billie Piper then shown in his place – in a bid to save Poppy (played by Sienna-Robyn Mavanga-Phipps). In one reality, Poppy was the child of the Doctor and his companion Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu).

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Kelsey Parker, a host of the podcast, has revealed the tragic passing of her son, named Phoenix. She earlier this evening shared the news with her fans on social media and shared a poem she had written for him.

Kelsey, 34, and her partner Will Lindsay were expecting their third child, who they claim was stillborn. Aurelia, five, and Bodhi, four, Aurelia’s parents, Tom Parker, 33, passed away in 2022.

Kelsey announced the news by saying, “You will always be loved, Phoenix Parker-Lindsay,” in an Instagram post this evening. In the post, she wrote a poem titled Born Sleeping, Forever Loved, which appeared to be for Phoenix.

As you arrived, the world became quiet. Yet unliveable despite being so loved and longed for. Our beloved angel light, our precious boy. Taking a silent flight after being bred with wings.

You are brave and bright, Phoenix, we gave you. A warmth and light-filled, love-filled soul. You’ll live in hearts that won’t ask why, despite the fact that we have never heard of your cry.

No eyes on you, just a breath. You still mean everything to me. You’ll softly be on our way to you. Every tear, every sigh, is expressed.

Kelsey told her followers that the family needs some time to process the news in a message on her Instagram account. She began by saying, “I wanted to just say that I truly appreciate everything you are all going to say and share before I receive an influx of lovely messages and heartfelt wishes.”

However, I would really like to make sure that our family is given enough time to process this devastating and earth-shattering news because it is so raw. I’m grateful for your time and understanding. Kelsey, Will, and the Parker family, always in love.

This weekend’s news has caused condolences for Kelsey. A lovely name for a beautiful soul, Giovanna Fletcher responded to the opening comment. Kelsey, I’m so sorry for your loss.

Kelly Brunson once said, “Kelsey, I’m heartbroken for you. I’ve had the honor of getting to know your strength, grace, and the great love you carry over the course of the past year. Beyond words, this loss. I’m praying for your family as well. As you begin to heal, may you be encircled by love.

Amy Dowden responded, “Love you so much.” While Shaughna Phillips remarked, “Heartbroken for you all, Kelsey.” “There are no words,” “I can’t even begin to imagine right now,” said Candice Brown. Kelsey, I’m so sorry.

Will and Kelsey had made the announcement that they would have a baby in January. She teased that her partner “cried his eyes out” when she first learned that she was pregnant and said she was shocked but “so happy.”

Advice and support can be found at Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity) if you have been affected by this tale. You can call them on 0808 164 3332 or email helpline@sands.org. uk. Childbereavementuk offers guidance and support if this story has affected you. org or you can call them on 0800 02 888 40.

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