Category Entertainment News

Reality TV star Spencer Pratt, who rose to fame on The Hills, has launched his campaign to run for Mayor of LA as he vows to ‘expose the system’ and is backed by his celebrity pals

Spencer Pratt has announced the launch of his campaign to run for LA mayor on the one year anniversary of the California wildfires, who lost his home in the disaster.

The reality TV star, 42, made the announcement while speaking at a They Let Us Burn rally, which was organised by residents who lost their homes in the Pacific Palisades disaster last year. In the speech, which has been shared on Spencer’s Instagram page, the TV star said: “Oh my gosh got more water coming out my eyes than LADWP had in both our reservoirs. Oh my gosh.”

After taking a deep breath and hearing supportive cheers from the crowd he continued: “I don’t have this part in my speech but just seeing everybody here and, you know… Ugh you want me to be louder? Ok I’ll just… here we go, here we go.

“Okay well I just wanna thank everyone for being here. It’s the first time I’ve been somewhere where I know everyone feels what I feel because you go around everyday and people go: ‘Oh how are you? Oh yeah the fire…’ but it’s like I know everyone standing here feels me so I just wanna thank God for giving us all the strength because, honestly, I’d have more faith in this because you have to, because you think, ‘Why did this happen? Why is this happening?’ You’ve gotta believe there’s a bigger reason, you know, I got it. Otherwise, we’re all f**ked.”

He then continued: “I’m here today to commemorate the one year anniversary of the worst day of my life. On January 7 2025, Heidi and I lost our home, we lost every material possession we owned. My parents lost their home, too and, with it, decades of memories made inside those walls.”

Fighting tears, he continued: “I grew up in the Palisades, I moved through these streets thinking my two boys would grow up here just like I did – with that same hometown feeling. But then, right before my eyes, the future I envisioned for my family burned to the ground. Standing here one year later, I have to tell you the most heartbreaking part of the past year wasn’t being displaced or losing everything I own, it was the realisation that all of this was preventable.

“We are standing here amongst the ashes of our once beautiful town because the state and local leaders let us burn.” He continued later in the speech: “Business as usual is a death sentence for Los Angeles and I’m done waiting for someone to take action.

“That’s why I am an running for mayor and…” his speech was interrupted with cheers from the crowd before he continued: “And let me be clear this just isn’t a campaign, this is a mission and we are gonna expose the system, we are going into every dark corner of LA politics and disinfecting this city with our light. And, when we are done, LA is going to be camera ready again.”

Sharing the clip on his social media, he wrote in the caption: “It’s official. I’m running for Mayor of LA. I’ve waited a whole year for someone to step up and challenge Karen Bass, but I saw no fighters. Guess I’m gonna have to do this myself. Let’s make LA camera ready again!”

Spencer also shared photos of himself signing paperwork on his Instagram and wrote: “Yes, it’s official. Papers are filed and campaign is open: mayorpratt.com”.

The TV star and his wife Heidi Pratt, who also appeared on The Hills, lost their home in the Pacific Palisades wildfire last year. Since the disaster, Spencer has been vocal in his criticism of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom over their handling of the disaster.

Sir Tom Jones’ story about meeting Elvis Presley in 1965 has resurfaced, leaving fans in stitches over the awkward moment when he appeared to “mess up” in a pretty big way

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It’s safe to say that Sir Tom Jones is a national treasure, with his legendary Welsh vocals winning over hearts time and time again. Yet, it’s not just his singing prowess that has made him a household name, but also his fascinating tales from the world of showbiz, thanks to rubbing shoulders with countless celebrities on his journey to fame.

Hailing from Pontypridd, the 85-year-old crooner has a wealth of anecdotes about his famous friends, one of which has previously had fans in stitches. This particular story resurfaced recently on TikTok, courtesy of a clip from The Graham Norton Show, and it involves none other than Elvis Presley.

The two singers, it seems, shared numerous unforgettable moments together, including one rather peculiar incident where they found themselves in the buff. With today (January 8) marking what would have been Elvis Presley’s birthday, it feels like the perfect occasion to revisit Tom Jones’s hilarious tale.

Sir Tom recounted how he first met Elvis back in 1965 during a trip to Hawaii, sparking a friendship that he described as “wonderful”.

He recalled: “And Gene Autry was there and I thought, God, this is unbelievable. My first year in show business, and then I had to go to Paramount Studios for a song for something, and they said ‘Elvis Presley is going to be there tomorrow, and he would like to meet you’.

“I thought, Elvis Presley wants to meet me? It was unbelievable, and I went there to go and see about this song, and they said ‘Elvis is filming, and once they’d stopped the filming, you go in’.

“So, I did, and they closed the doors again and I’m standing in the back there with the Memphis Mafia, these guys that work for him, and he’s in this mock helicopter with this girl.

“They did the scene, and I’m looking like, my God, it’s Elvis Presley, and then they said ‘cut’ and he looked across and went (waved). I was looking at these fellas who were with me, [and they said] ‘Elvis is waving at you, wave back’.”

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He continued: “[And I thought] me? So anyways, he gets out of this helicopter and he starts walking towards me. Well, I had a record out at the [time] called With These Hands, it was a ballad, it was a beautiful song, and Elvis is walking towards me going ‘with these hands, I will cling to you’, and I thought if the boys back home could see me now.”

Naturally, despite Tom’s awkward waving moment, he developed a strong friendship with Elvis. The pair became incredibly close mates and frequently sang together, sometimes for hours on end.

However, they never formally recorded a duet for commercial release. Their musical sessions remained private affairs, typically taking place at home or in Las Vegas hotel suites.

After the video emerged online, it racked up thousands of views, with people rushing to share their reactions. Hundreds flooded the comments section with their opinions.

One individual remarked: “Tom Jones is a big star in his own right, but still remains humble when he meets other stars.” Another chimed in with: “Goes to show how great Elvis was among all the world’s biggest stars.”

Claudia Winkleman was back on our screens with the latest episode of The Traitors, and this time it was her check wool coat that had fans clamouring to know where to buy it

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Last night another episode of The Traitors hit our screens, which of course meant we got another array of stellar outfits from Claudia Winkleman. Between her ruffled tulle skirt and sharp tailored suit, this Wednesday night episode may have been some of her strongest looks yet – no mean feat considering how high the bar has been set by stylist Sinead McKeefry.

But one piece that stood out to us was her stunning check wool coat, which she wore with her Needle & Thread tulle midi skirt and a pair of Hunter wellies . A practical outfit for the countryside? Maybe not. But utterly chic and one we’re racing to copy immediately? Absolutely.

READ MORE: Claudia Winkleman’s cosy wool coat from The Traitors is still in stock in all sizes

READ MORE: Claudia Winkleman rewears iconic fingerless gloves in ‘already amazing’ Traitors looks

Her Harris Tweed Check Coat hails from Brora, making it her second big hitting wool coat from the brand that she’s worn this series. The first was her chocolate brown Merino Wool Coat which she wore in last Saturday’s (January 3) episode, which immediately became a fan favourite.

And now, her Harris Tweed Check Coat has joined its ranks as an item we simply cannot wait to get into our wardrobes. The coat is the epitome of heritage dressing, coming in a forest-green check print and woven from 100% virgin wool in the Scottish Outer Hebrides.

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It features a rounded neckline with a shirt-style collar, and raglan sleeves, welt pockets and a button fastening to give it the classic country look. Claudia may have worn hers with tulle and cashmere, but you could just as easily throw this on over your trusty jeans and a cardigan for a cosy winter look, or pair it with trousers and a blouse to wear to work.

The Harris Tweed Check Coat is, however, an investment. It comes with a price tag of £745 which might be a little pricey for those on a budget, which is why we’ve also tracked down some great alternatives that give you a similar look without breaking the bank.

This dark grey checked Single-Breasted Coat from H&M is a fab lookalike, and it’s currently on sale down from £74.99 to £52. Freemans also has a great saving on its Grey Check Coat, which is now £85 down from £125, and is still available in all sizes from an eight to an 18.

For something a little more relaxed, we also love this Noisy May Curve Brushed Wool Look Maxi Overcoat in dark green check which is also £85. The coat hails from the curve range, which means its available in sizes 16 to 26, and has a more relaxed, laid back cut.

Kim Kardashian’s ex Ray J has reportedly been taken to hospital with pneumonia and heart pains – four years after fearing for his life in a battle with the infection

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Ray J has reportedly been admitted to a hospital in Las Vegas, with a ‘severe’ case of pneumonia and heart pains.

The One Wish singer, who dated Kim Kardashian from 2003 to 2006, is reportedly in hospital awaiting the results of X-rays and a echocardiogram, a source has claimed to TMZ. Despite the reports of 44 year old Ray J’s ill health, the R&B star’s Instagram account made no mention of his apparent health woes as he posted an advert for his official birthday celebration coming up later this month.

The poster shared on Ray J’s Instagram account teases the event, which will take place from 5pm until 10pm on Sunday January 18 in Austin, Texas. The caption alongside the image read: “1/18/26 ……. AUSTIN TX …. IT’s #STRIPPERBOWL SEASON ….. MY BDAY WEEKEND GOING UP… #RayJ #Music #Tronix #Tron”.

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Fans in the comments shared their concerns following the reports of Ray J’s ill health as one wrote: “Ray….rest. Go to your momma house and chill”. Another added: “and he still posting his bday party what a legend! get better dog!” While a third pleaded: “Ray J I hope you’re okay I need you to make sure you get rest” followed by a string of red heart emojis.

Ray J’s current reported hospital stint comes four years after the singer was diagnosed with non-Covid pneumonia in 2021. When he was first taken to the hospital at the time, Ray J was placed in a Covid 19 ward after he was believed to have had the disease, which he found terrifying.

After undergoing five tests for Covid, he was moved out of the wing. He suspected his “busy schedule and constant travel” caused his health to be at risk.

Ray J was in such ill health at the time, he feared he would die. After a more than a week in hospital, he was released but needed to continue using oxygen and an inhaler to help him breathe. Ray J previously told TMZ of the ordeal: “I thought it was over. I started praying and knew God is good so I just kept praying.”

The singer’s latest hospital stint comes just a few weeks after he revealed he was hitchhiking in the US, which he claimed was for a reality show he was working on. He claimed to be taking the journey from Florida to Los Angeles and asked fans for food and a place to stay.

Speaking in an Instagram video, he explained: “I’m hitchhiking right now to try to get a place to stay tonight. Hopefully I can be the new family, and it can take me in and teach me about their rules and their goals and life, and then send me on my way to the next destination.”

In November he was arrested after allegedly pulling a gun on his ex-wife Princess Love during a livestream. The singer was on a livestream when his ex-wife turned up to the house to get their children and it is alleged he threatened to ‘kill’ a man, according to reports. He was booked into a Los Angeles jail on a charge of making a criminal threat and his bail has been set at $50,000 (£37,000).

Coronation Street’s Rob Mallard has been dating his co-star beau for a few years, and they appear to be going from strength to strength

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Coronation Street’s Daniel Osbourne actor has delighted fans after sharing a sneak peek into his private life with his co-star boyfriend.

Rob Mallard made his debut on the ITV show in 2016, taking on the role of Daniel Osbourne, the son of legend Ken Barlow (William Roache). And over the years, the character has had his fair share of romances on the cobbles.

These included his marriage to Sinead Tinker (Katie McGlynn), who sadly died in October 2019, and his recent romance with secret predator Megan (Beth Nixon), who is grooming youngster Will Driscoll (Lucas Hodgson-Wale).

However, away from the cobbles, actor Rob has had an interesting love life too – including a ‘hard’ split from cobbles legend Daniel Brocklebank, who played Billy Mayhew.

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Currently, though, Rob is dating actor Matthew Martin. The pair went public with their romance at the British Soap Awards in 2023.

Matthew is also an actor, and last year, he even appeared on Coronation Street, playing a police officer who arrested Cassie Plummer (Claire Sweeney) at the end of a dramatic episode.

And on Wednesday (January 8), Rob took to his Instagram to share with fans a slew of sweet snaps from Matt’s birthday. The soap star re-shared Matt’s Instagram post on his own story.

The post included gorgeous photos of the pair celebrating Matt’s special day, including snaps of them on a winter walk. Matt captioned the post: “Birthday shenanigans… Thanks all for the Birthday Wishes!”

Rob’s Corrie co-stars quickly reacted to the post and flooded the comments section. Lisa George, who played Beth Tinker, penned: “Omg! Happy birthday, angel!! Say day as my nephew xxx.”

Abi Webster actress Sally Carman also gushed: “Happy, Happy Birthday, lovely!” Vicky Myers, who plays Lisa Swain, then said: “Happy birthday x.”

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Before Rob’s romance with Max, Rob dated fellow soap star Daniel Brocklebank, who has portrayed Weatherfield vicar Billy Mayhew since 2014. The pair went public with their relationship when Rob scooped up a British Soap Award for Best Newcomer in 201.

He gushed in his speech, where he lovingly said: “Even though this is fantastic, Dan, you’re the best thing I’ve ever taken home.” However, just a few months later, Rob and Daniel ended their relationship, blaming the pressures of working together and being a couple.

**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website**

Despite dramatically quitting as working royals exactly six years ago, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have kept their royal titles, and in an interview, Harry once revealed why they would not give them up

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It was on this day six years ago that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle dropped the bombshell news they were quitting their royal roles. The explosive announcement sent shockwaves around the world as they outlined their plans to up sticks and move to the United States and become financially independent.

But despite making their major change to their lives back in January 2020, they still retain one huge link to the Royal Family – their royal titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The titles were granted to them by the late Queen on their wedding day back in 2018 and their pair often still use them. However, many have questioned why they shouldn’t have been stripped of the styles, especially as they no longer carry out duties on behalf of the monarch – now King Charles.

READ MORE: Prince Harry ‘confident of huge victory in UK security battle’ with wish ‘nailed on’READ MORE: Prince Harry’s ‘desperate’ wish for King Charles amid heartfelt Archie and Lilibet hope

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In fact, since giving up their royal roles, they’ve also made a series of claims about their royal relatives in a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, in their Netflix series and in Harry’s controversial memoir Spare. And in the fallout from these accusations, the Royal Family are said to have discussed stripping their titles “at the highest level”.

However, in an interview with Anderson Cooper on US TV while promoting Spare in early 2023, Harry was directly asked why he and Meghan had not given up their titles – especially given how the pair had railed against their treatment while in the Royal Family. And Harry issued a frank six-word explanation to the question and replied: “And what difference would that make?”

Mr Cooper added: “One of the criticisms that you’ve received is that okay, fine, you wanna move to California, you wanna step back from the institutional role. “Why be so public? Why reveal conversations you’ve had with your father or with your brother? You say you tried to do this privately.”

Harry added: “And every single time I’ve tried to do it privately there have been briefings and leakings and planting of stories against me and my wife. You know, the family motto is ‘never complain, never explain’. But it’s just a motto. And it doesn’t really hold.”

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One thing Harry did lose in the wake of Megxit though was his automatic right to armed police protection while in the UK. However, it has emerged that the Duke of Sussex is confident he has finally won his fight to have his automatic armed police protection restored when he visits the UK, according to sources close to the Sussexes.

A ruling, reportedly thought to be in the Duke of Sussex’s favour, is set to be announced in the coming weeks after a lengthy battle to have his taxpayer-funded security while in the UK restored.

In May, Harry lost his case at the Court of Appeal against the Home Office to have his automatic police protection restored after his security arrangements when in the UK changed when he and wife Meghan quit their royal roles and the UK. However, last month it emerged that his security arrangements were being reviewed after he wrote to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood shortly after her appointment and submitted a formal request for a risk assessment to the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec).

And now a source close to the Sussexes told the Mail On Sunday that following the new risk assessment: “It’s now a formality. Sources at the Home Office have indicated that security is now nailed-on for Harry.”

During his previous High Court case, Harry argued that his security situation in the UK made it “impossible” for him to safely bring his wife Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, back to his home country.