Strictly star Vicky Pattison admits that her husband Ercan was delighted that she took on Strictly this year – but confesses that babies are most definitely on the agenda for them in 2026
When she opens up during an exclusive photoshoot for OK! about her Strictly journey, straight-talking Vicky Pattison tells us in no uncertain terms that if she wasn’t getting her sparkle on for the hit BBC show, alongside pro partner Kai Widdington, it could have been nappies and late nights instead.
The TV star and Heart radio host, 37, who married businessman Ercan Ramadan last August, admits, laughing, that her Saturday nights could have been looking very different right now. “At the start of this year, I said to Ercan, I’m either gonna do Strictly, a second series of Honesty Box or we’re going to have a baby. When I got the call for Strictly he was over the moon,” she smiles.
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She admits that though doing Strictly means they have less quality time together, it’s shown the Geordie favourite just how caring Ercan, 32, is – and she’s convinced he’ll make an incredible father, once the time comes. “So yes, kids are definitely on the cards next year. I think he’s looking forward to it now. He probably thinks I’ll be at home a bit more, which he’s thrilled about,” she says.
Opening up fondly on how much he’s been stepping up since she began dancing, Vicky explains, “He’s my anchor and he spoils me rotten. He wakes me up every morning with my electrolytes, my collagen, ready to go to Strictly school! She adds, “He texts about what I want for dinner and he’s being the best dog dad. There’s a real sense of role reversal, in the traditional sense, right now. It’s progressive and it takes a special man to do that.”
The bubbly star, who recently admitted on social media that Sundays at home with hubby are “sacred” to her right now, added, “Going home to Ercan and the dogs, I’m so grateful for that. I can snap out of whatever steps are flying around in my head and be with my family. I need that moment.”
She also confessed that when Ercan recently flew to see his family in Cyprus for a week – the only time he’s missed seeing her perform live – it hit her hard. “I told him to go. I said, ‘All I’m doing is coming home and whining that I’m tired, then I go to bed.’ But the minute he left, I realised how much I missed him and needed him.”
Back in March, Vicky – who has been very open about her journey towards freezing her eggs at 35, told the Mirror she definitely wanted to start trying for children in the next year or two.
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“My mam had me at 30, geriatric back in her day… So if I can get one in before 40, I’ll be over the moon!”, she confessed. “Everyone thought we’d try for kids quite quickly – so did we! But we wanted to enjoy being married, for at least a year.”
She also admitted sweetly that Ercan, whose family is Turkish-Cypriot, is one of four boys, and has confessed he would love a “football team” of sons, while she, coming from “a long line of women who have women”, imagines herself having a daughter first.
Strictly Come Dancing star Dianne Buswell was on the receiving end of some cruel criticism when she and Stefan Dennis were forced to pull out of the BBC dance competition
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Dianne Buswell was hit with cruel criticism over her stint on Strictly this year(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)
Strictly Come Dancing fans have had much to talk about this series, but one thing that seems to have received unnecessary noise is Dianne Buswell’s pregnancy.
The 36 year old professional dancer announced shortly before this year’s series began that she and her boyfriend Joe Sugg are expecting their first child together. The couple shared the exciting news on Instagram with a sweet video of them creating a painting together as YouTuber Joe, 34, gushed in the caption: “Our little baby boy we cannot wait to meet you”.
And while Dianne and Joe were initially met with excited messages of congratulations, some cruel Strictly fans couldn’t help but speculate over Dianne’s ability to compete in this year’s series. Dianne was then paired with Neighbours star Stefan Dennis and the pair got off to a storming start.
But, sadly, the actor falling ill meant the duo had to skip a live show one weekend – and what ensued was ignorant questions surrounding Dianne and her pregnancy, claiming there was a ‘cover-up’ going on, as some incorrectly concluded that Dianne’s pregnancy was the real reason the pair had to take a break.
This cruel speculation wasn’t helped when Dianne and Stefan had to pull out of the competition completely after Stefan suffered a painful injury. Dianne was forced to issue a statement to deny speculation that her pregnancy played a part in the pair’s departure from the competition.
One fan wrote in response to Dianne and Stefan’s exit news: “To be honest I saw this coming, Diane couldn’t really continue especially when she gets bigger, bless her. She’s a brilliant dancer and she is one of my favourites sorry to say but I think this was planned to keep her and baby safe, just my thought.”
Dianne took to her Instagram Stories and said, in response: “I sound like a broken record but I’m seeing a bit of this floating around again! I know people say ignore it but actually why should I.
“I will speak up… I would love nothing more than to keep dancing this week next week the week after that so so on and so forth. In fact I have more energy this year than I did this time last year.”
Now, the Mirror has spoken a pre and post natal fitness expert and a midwife to clear up any speculation around pregnancy and exericse.
Grace Strang, Pre and Post Natal specialist PT & Fat Loss coach. and Founder of Mooch Maternity Fitness Classes, told us: “Exercising during pregnancy has been proven time and again to only be beneficial to the mother and child, and as such is recommended to stay active during pregnancy by NHS England. As women now participate in more sports at a higher level (women’s football for example) it is safe and healthy for these individuals to continue to train at this level. The advice is to not undertake strenuous or high levels of physical activity when pregnant if you are not already doing so (but that’s not to say you can’t start at all! I’ve coached pregnant women who never exercises before, we just start at a lower intensity level).”
Mooch Maternity Fitness Classes Founder Grace added that exercise is “safe [throughout] the entirety of pregnancy” but “this depends entirely on the individual”. She explained: “There are certain conditions that if developed during pregnancy (like placenta previa) where exercise is dangerous and NOT advised at all. But these are rare.
“The biggest risk factors, especially in the third trimester are things like overheating, dehydration, over-exhaustion as your body is working much harder with increased blood volume. In Dianne’s case, as her body shape changes and her centre of gravity shifts she may be more likely to falls, also given her sport and the speed its performed (plus dancing with a novice who might trip her up vs a pro!) but this could all be risk assessed before hand.”
Meanwhile, Grace stressed: “Just to add, certain sports or activities are not advised (its just common sense) like boxing, horse riding, or anything where the risk of injury or getting hit is particularly high!”
While Grace said exercise in pregnancy is safe, it can also be beneficial for both mum and baby. She explained: “Improved labour outcomes, it makes your baby fitter (mums who exercised babies are born with more muscle) less chance of developing gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia, less chance of being overweight, improved cardiovascular fitness, less pelvic floor issues, quicker recovery from both types of birth, less muscle atrophy and therefore improved metabolism.”
And while it does have its benefits, it is also completely OK to slow down if that is what mum decides to do. Midwife Pip – who is an experienced practicing NHS Midwifery Sister, MSc, author of Midwife Pip’s Guide to a Positive Birth, KGH hypnobirthing diploma, founder of the Midwife Pip Podcast, pelvic health specialist, pre and postnatal trainer and, importantly, a mum – explained: “Every pregnancy is different, and energy levels can fluctuate. Slowing down or modifying activity is perfectly normal and often necessary. The goal is to stay active in a way that feels safe and sustainable rather than pushing to pre-pregnancy intensity at all times.”
So, what are the tips? Midwife Pip said: “It’s important to start any exercise with a proper warm-up and finish with a cool-down to reduce the risk of injury. Try to focus on exercises that strengthen your core, support your pelvic floor, and help maintain good posture. Wearing supportive footwear and comfortable clothing makes a big difference, and don’t forget to stay hydrated and avoid overheating while you move.”
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While Grace added: “My tips would be to not be scared to continue to exercise! As more pregnant exercising women take part in studies, time and time again exercise is proven to be beneficial to health and not harmful to yourself or baby.
“Like I said earlier, my best advice is to remember its not about getting ‘fitter’ as such in this period, but maintaining the fitness you already have. And having a coach or advice on hand to show you how to adapt your exercise or dance routines etc so you can continue to do the exact sports you love in the way you want to.”
A new range of leggings, bodysuits and tops are laced with germs – and will set you back between £150 and £180 a pop. Designers claim the workout gear helps rebalance the skin’s protective barrier
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Coperni’s “carewear” collection is infused with bacteria
A fashion trend is spreading…for bacteria-infused clothes.
A new range of leggings, bodysuits and tops are laced with germs – and will set you back between £150 and £180 a pop. Designers claim the workout clobber helps rebalance the skin’s protective barrier and natural glow.
Paris-based brand Coperni and Swiss biotech experts are behind the wacky collection, which hit shelves last month. Each gram of the stretch fabric contains some 140,000 live, friendly bacteria cells which are slowly absorbed by the skin when worn.
And it’s hard-wearing too, with the active ingredients promised to last up to 40 washes. The idea for the collection, which Coperni is calling Carewear, came when founders Arnaud Vaillant and Sébastien Meyer asked themselves: what if clothing could do more than dress you, what if it could care for you?
They said: “We often forget that the skin is a living organ, a delicate ecosystem. We wanted to imagine clothing that could become an ally, a second skin infused with kindness and intelligence. For so long, fashion has focused on what’s visible, the shape, the colour, the silhouette.
“Now, we’re entering a time where what’s invisible matters just as much: how it interacts with your body, how it supports your well-being. In the future, we believe garments will be more than just style, they’ll be companions in wellness, extensions of self-care, and reflections of a more thoughtful way of living.”
Materials were carefully designed to ensure no compromise on comfort, before being dermatologically tested on human skin. It’s not the first quirky release from Coperni. During the Spring Summer 2023 show, the brand shocked the world by asking Bella Hadid to appear naked on the runway, before being covered in a white outfit by being “sprayed” directly on the spot.
This was an exclusive collaboration with Fabrican, a technology company specialising in the production of high-performance materials. The daring performance was hailed as a revolutionary moment by fashion critics. not only raised Coperni’s reputation but also engraved in the memory of fashion enthusiasts as a revolutionary moment.
The brand’s Fall Winter 2023 show once again surprised with the appearance of robot dogs assisting models in changing outfits on the catwalk. Inspired by the 17th century fable “Der Wolf und das Lamm” (The Wolf and the Lamb), the show explored the balance between technology and humanity.
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The show also featured bags made with 55,000-year-old lunar meteorite. In 2022, they teamed up with New York glass brand HEVƎN, using high-temperature glassblowing techniques to create transparent glass bags.
Peter Andre recently travelled to Cyprus to reunite with his co-stars after filming The Sunshine Murders – and took his children, Princess and Junior, on holiday to the island
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Peter Andre is boosting his profile in the UK and abroad(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Peter Andre has taken his children, Princess and Junior, on a lavish holiday to Cyprus while reuniting with the cast of his new Channel 5 show.
The 52-year-old singer stars in The Sunshine Murders as criminal pathologist George Constantinou, who uses his skills to help Greek Detective Helen Moustakas (Dora Chrysikou) and her half-sister Shirley Rangi (Emily Corcoran) solve crimes. The detective drama sees the trio travel all over Cyprus, with extensive scenes filmed at the adults-only Asimina Suites Hotel on Paphos’ beachfront.
During the series, which premiered on September 8, the cast enjoyed the luxurious five-star hospitality of the hotel – and recently, Peter had a chance to return to the hotel for a reunion with his co-stars. For the occasion, Peter also invited his children Princess, 18, and Junior, 20, as well as his girlfriend Jasmine Orr.
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Photos shared on social media showed the family enjoying their break in the sunshine, as they stayed in a spacious suite with a private pool. The hotel has its own sandy beach and two outdoor interconnected swimming pools. Some of the suites have private pool with wooden decks, while all the suites have large balconies, according to the hotel’s website.
Guests can also enjoy spa treatments and have access to a gym, hair salon, as well as steam bath and saunas. During the holiday, Princess made the most of the hotel’s beach as she shared snaps of herself by the ocean.
Peter and his children – who he shares with his first wife, Katie Price – also enjoyed quality time together at dinner, tasting local food at the hotel’s beachfront restaurant Kymata. The star also joined his co-stars during a Q&A to explain why Cyprus was chosen as the location for the drama.
Emily said: “Location is very important in television and in particular in cozy crime. They almost become like a character in, in the TV show itself, and we needed to find a location that gave that really great level of escapism.”
General manager Aristos Diomedous said: “It was an honour to welcome the production of The Sunshine Murders to our hotel. Partnerships like this not only showcase this superb property but also highlight Cyprus as a world-class filming and holiday destination.”
In addition to airing in the UK, The Sunshine Murders will be available in America and Australia too, which insiders believe will boost Peter’s profile abroad too. In September, Peter told The Mirror that landing the role was a dream come true.
He said: “From studying acting as a child, to now finally starring in a 10 part International TV Drama series along side some phenomenal actors is a great feeling. Getting to do it in my native Greek accent is makes it even more enjoyable. I’m really enjoying being given the opportunity to play different characters in different roles.”
An insider said: “It’s really exciting stuff for Peter…he has worked so hard for this, and it’s the icing on the cake that the show is being aired so far and wide.” Originally hired for a single episode, his role expanded dramatically after auditioning. “Initially, it was just for one episode,” he said. “I had to do my audition in my normal Australian accent and when I did the tape, I thought, ‘Why don’t I just put on an accent?’ I hadn’t heard back immediately so I thought they didn’t like it.”
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Peter eventually received news from series creator Emily herself. “I got a message from Emily and her mum, who I adore,” Peter said. “They both said, ‘We’re so impressed with the Greek accent that we want to put you in the whole series.'”
The Sunshine Murders is available to watch on Channel 5.
Kelsey Parker took to social media and posted a video sharing with fans her heartbreak after her first baby with boyfriend Will Lindsay was born stillborn
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Kelsey Parker shares video with followers after baby with partner Will Lindsay is stillborn(Image: Instagram/ @being_kelsey)
Kelsey Parker found the courage to post a video on social media explaining the pain she continues to endure after her baby was born still born. This was Kelsey’s third child but her first with boyfriend Will Lindsay. Five months after suffering her loss, she made the brave decision to share her feelings with her Instagram followers.
Kelsey is already a mum to Aurelia, five, and Bodhi, four, who she shared with the late singer Tom Parker who died of a brain tumour back in 2022.
In the video, she explained: “Hi everyone, how are you all? I feel like I’ve been a little bit quiet, but you know what, that’s ok. It’s ok to not be ok all the time. We live in this world where everyone’s just trying to look like they’ve all got it figured out.”
She added: “Strength means smiling for everything, sometimes strength means being still – it means saying, I just need quiet for a little bit. Sometimes I just need calm, I just need space to breathe, to let my thoughts settle, to find myself again because life doesn’t stop and for me, it never really has. I’ve literally had the children and raised them, and I’ve had to show up every single day – sometimes I struggle.”
Kelsey continued: “Sometimes I literally feel like I’m holding the whole world with my bare hands, but it’s the only thing I’ve ever known how to do. It’s pushing forward, it’s keeping on going even when it’s hard, even when I am tired, because my babies are watching me, they’re learning from me, they are my reason, my peace and my power. ’m not ok, but I don’t have to be. None of us do.”
Back in January, Kelsey announced to the world that she was expecting her third child, three years after her late husband passed away.
The TV personality found love again with Will and the couple were overjoyed to be expanding their family.
At the time she proudly said: “For me, I feel like everything’s meant to be. I’m just trying to find joy. I love my children – they’ve got me through the worst times. “
She went on to say: “So I feel like I’ve been blessed with another. If I dwelled on everything that’s happened, I wouldn’t be here. Tom was my soulmate. I’m still angry he’s gone. But I can’t live in sadness. Tom wouldn’t want that.”
Now, however, Kelsey is struggling to keep her head above water as she attempts to navigate life while grieving.
She went on to say in the video: “What matters is that I keep moving, keep loving, keep believing that better days are coming. And they are, they’ve got to be.”
Hoping to reach out to those who are also going through the same trauma, she added: “So if you’re watching this and you’re struggling too, it’s ok. Take your quiet, take your breath. Then, when you’re ready, push forward because you’ve got this.”
She captioned the post saying: “We all hit that point where we just need quiet… to breathe, to reset, to find ourselves again. If that’s you… you’re not alone. (love heart emoji).”
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If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity). You can call them on 0808 164 3332 or email helpline@sands.org.uk
Strictly Come Dancing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced that they will be leaving the show after the current series, with the BBC yet to announce their replacements
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Claudia Winkleman’s co-stars revealed her ‘off-camera’ move(Image: Gareth Cattermole, Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BFI)
Strictly Come Dancing winners Dianne Buswell and Chris McCausland said there is a side to presenter Claudia Winkleman that viewers don’t get to see. The dancing duo spoke out about Claudia and Tess Daly, after the pair announced they will be departing from the programme next year.
The presenting duo have fronted the hit BBC show together for more than a decade, but revealed it was now time to pass on the baton. In a joint statement, they said: “We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.
“We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show. We will cry when we say the last ‘keep dancing’ but we will continue to say it to each other.
“Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza.”
Commenting on the news, Chris, who was the show’s first-ever blind contestant, revealed why he believes he’d make a good replacement. Speaking on his and Dianne’s Winning Isn’t Everything podcast, the comedian said: “Claudia, she very rarely comments on what she sees, she doesn’t really give an opinion when she’s on camera.
“She comments on how they think it went and what the judges have said, not her own opinion, she says it off-camera before shoving a chocolate pretzel into your mouth so you can’t answer back.”
Laughing in agreement, Dianne replied: “It’s so true, yes she does! And to be honest, she doesn’t really know what she’s looking for anyway, and half the time when she’s up there she’s not watching the dance, she’s looking at her notes. So you’re right there, Chris.”
He continued: “So, I’d make an amazing Claudia, wouldn’t I?”.
Dianne chimed in: “I wouldn’t mind being the new Tess because I feel like I’m very empathetic, and if it went wrong I’d probably tell them. I’d say, ‘Well that was awkward, wasn’t it?'”.
Following the announcement of their departure, a host of well-known names have been put forward as possible replacements, with Bradley Walsh, Holly Willoughby, Alex Jones and Zoe Ball among the frontrunners.
A source told The Sun that discussions are “moving in a really positive direction” with Bradley and Alex, who are “both favourites to take over”. The insider added: “They have been in the BBC’s sights for some time.”
Prior to confirming their exit, Claudia disclosed that she and Tess had agreed to leave the programme together. “Tess and I will leave at the same time,” she told The Mirror.
“We’ve made that pact over pizza. We’ll go together, whenever they’re done with us.”
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Tess has presented the series since it began, initially alongside the late Bruce Forsyth, before being joined by Claudia, who previously hosted Strictly: It Takes Two.
For the time being, the duo will carry on presenting this series as nine dancing couples continue their fight for the Glitterball trophy.
