Category Entertainment News

Gillian Wright, the voice of Jean Slater in EastEnders, has been a regular on the BBC One soap for more than 20 years and the subject of a number of obnoxious plots.

Gillian Wright, a star of EastEnders, has been a close friend of Jean Slater’s for 21 years.

The actress has won over audiences with her compelling performance as Jean Slater on the hit BBC One soap and has earned widespread praise for her television work.

Throughout her time on the show, she has tackled numerous powerful storylines, addressing challenging subjects including ovarian cancer and mental health struggles.

Most recently, Jean’s mental health has spiralled once more, and she’s hellbent on finding out who killed Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey) in The Vic on Christmas Day.

Gillian’s existence is equally compelling when she is not surrounded by cameras. Let’s now look into what the soap fandom does when she isn’t in Albert Square.

The 66-year-old’s passion for performing arts emerged early, and in 1982, she obtained a creative arts degree from Leeds. Yet, before rising to television stardom, she imparted her expertise and enthusiasm as an educator, reports OK!.

In 1981, Gillian also contributed to the establishment of Pilot Theatre in York. This renowned touring company focuses on producing exceptional theatrical productions for young audiences, especially those who have never seen live performance before.

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According to the website of The Pilot Theatre, “We aim to create a cultural space where young adults can encounter, express, and question important ideas that are relevant to our lives right now.”

While many recognise her from her memorable stint in Albert Square, EastEnders represents just one chapter in Gillian’s impressive television career.

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Her 1994 big screen debut included a role on Paul and Barry Chuckle, the beloved children’s program Chucklevision.

Since that initial break, the actress has built an enviable CV featuring acclaimed programmes including Casualty, Doctors, Coronation Street and Holby City.

Romeo and Juliet, Jane Eyre, and How the Other Half Loves are among her other notable stage credits.

Gillian’s portrayal on the BBC One soap has received a lot of praise throughout her career, starting with a Mental Health Media Award in 2006.

At the British Soap Awards in 2019, she won Best Female Dramatic Performance and Best Actress.

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The well-known actress experienced a terrifying health crisis in 2015 after being diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. Gillian had to deal with her own mortality due to her condition’s severity.

Speaking to the Mirror, she revealed: “It was touch and go. It’s no exaggeration to say I had a real brush with death.

The suffering was intolerable. I would have taken the pill if someone had offered to let me go with that pain for a day longer or to take it all.

In a heartfelt celebration on Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson, his children Holly and Sam, and a large group of people who had lost their loved ones, said goodbye to his late wife Joan.

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Sir Richard Branson celebrated the life of his late wife Joan in the British Virgin Islands under the “brightest moon of the year” on New Year’s Eve, six weeks after her death.

The Virgin business mogul lost his wife of 36 years and partner of almost 50 in November, while they were both in hospital. Joan, who died aged 80, was recovering from a back injury – although her cause of death is still unknown – but Branson said that “suddenly, she was gone, quickly and painlessly”.

His wife, Branson, his children, and many of their loved ones walked sole-handed across Necker Island’s sand dunes in white to honor their “otherworldly presence.” Richard purchased a private island in the British Virgin Islands for $ 180, 000 in 1979, which is renowned for its luxurious properties and white sandy beaches.

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READ MORE: Incredible twist of fate let Richard Branson spend final hours with wife before she died

The party erupted champagne on the island the couple wed on in 1989 as Branson, whose arm was in a sling, spoke about his beloved wife. Branson, 75, wrote in a caption captioning “My family and I have always believed in celebrating people’s lives both while they are with us and after they are gone.” We did that for Joan exactly.

On Necker Island, we celebrated with a beautiful feast. In honor of the most incredible partner, mother, grandmother, and friend, there were stories, songs, laughter, and tears.

In 1979, Branson met Joan while working in an antique sign shop in Notting Hill, and they wrote a lengthy tribute. Joan was my everything, the shining star that our family’s universe has always orbited, he said. That light has just taken on a new appearance, not gone. It will help us advance. And always, we’ll have her with us.

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How do you express your 44 years of unconditional love in words, their 44-year-old daughter Holly said? That is my amazing mother, in my opinion. Everyone in her orbit felt loved, and she embodied that love.

“Especially me and Freddie, Sam and Bellie, Dad, and her precious grandchildren. We were her world and we knew it. I feel so thankful for that.

Your brain never fully prepares you for the unavoidable consequences that your parents will face in the future. In just two weeks, I can see that time is a healer.

“My initial shock and pain have subsided into a profound gratitude for having such a brilliant, compassionate, and loving mother.” You are one in a million, and I strive to emulate you every day.

“I went shopping with [Joan’s granddaughter] Etta the other day, and I managed to get a few more bits than I normally would have. You’re channeling your inner Amma, Etta said to me as she turned to me.

“Exactly what I want to do is that. Every day strive to be the best wife, mother, and, maybe, grandpa.

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: Hours remain to grab Amazon’s Fire TV Stick at better than half-price

In a heartfelt celebration on Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson, his children Holly and Sam, and a large group of people who had lost their loved ones, said goodbye to his late wife Joan.

3 images to be seen

Sir Richard Branson celebrated the life of his late wife Joan in the British Virgin Islands under the “brightest moon of the year” on New Year’s Eve, six weeks after her death.

The Virgin business mogul lost his wife of 36 years and partner of almost 50 in November, while they were both in hospital. Joan, who died aged 80, was recovering from a back injury – although her cause of death is still unknown – but Branson said that “suddenly, she was gone, quickly and painlessly”.

His wife, Branson, his children, and many of their loved ones walked sole-handed across Necker Island’s sand dunes in white to honor their “otherworldly presence.” Richard purchased a private island in the British Virgin Islands for $ 180, 000 in 1979, which is renowned for its luxurious properties and white sandy beaches.

3 images to be seen

READ MORE: Incredible twist of fate let Richard Branson spend final hours with wife before she died

The party erupted champagne on the island the couple wed on in 1989 as Branson, whose arm was in a sling, spoke about his beloved wife. Branson, 75, wrote in a caption captioning “My family and I have always believed in celebrating people’s lives both while they are with us and after they are gone.” We did that for Joan exactly.

On Necker Island, we celebrated with a beautiful feast. In honor of the most incredible partner, mother, grandmother, and friend, there were stories, songs, laughter, and tears.

In 1979, Branson met Joan while working in an antique sign shop in Notting Hill, and they wrote a lengthy tribute. Joan was my everything, the shining star that our family’s universe has always orbited, he said. That light has just taken on a new appearance, not gone. It will help us advance. And always, we’ll have her with us.

3 images to be seen

How do you express your 44 years of unconditional love in words, their 44-year-old daughter Holly said? That is my amazing mother, in my opinion. Everyone in her orbit felt loved, and she embodied that love.

“Especially me and Freddie, Sam and Bellie, Dad, and her precious grandchildren. We were her world and we knew it. I feel so thankful for that.

Your brain never fully prepares you for the unavoidable consequences that your parents will face in the future. In just two weeks, I can see that time is a healer.

“My initial shock and pain have subsided into a profound gratitude for having such a brilliant, compassionate, and loving mother.” You are one in a million, and I strive to emulate you every day.

“I went shopping with [Joan’s granddaughter] Etta the other day, and I managed to get a few more bits than I normally would have. You’re channeling your inner Amma, Etta said to me as she turned to me.

“Exactly what I want to do is that. Every day strive to be the best wife, mother, and, maybe, grandpa.

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: Hours remain to grab Amazon’s Fire TV Stick at better than half-price

As he prepares to enter a “new era,” it seems as though Adam Peaty is following in his wife’s footsteps by joining her management company Hypesight.

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Adam Peaty’s decision to join Holly Ramsay’s influencer management agency has sparked plenty of conversation, with some questioning whether Britain’s Olympic swimmer is drifting too far from his sporting roots.

But according to PR expert Mayah Riaz, the move is far from the disaster some have suggested, and could, if handled carefully, mark a smart evolution in Adam’s career as he cashes in on his wedding to Holly Ramsay, 26. “This move has raised eyebrows, but I don’t think it is the PR car crash some people are framing it as. From a brand perspective, Adam Peaty is not ‘ditching’ his family so much as professionalising his next chapter.

“Elite athletes often outgrow informal management structures, especially when their career is evolving beyond medals and into media, partnerships and long term brand building. Adam Peaty is at a crossroads many athletes face.

READ MORE: Adam Peaty signed to Holly Ramsay’s agency and described as ‘keeping family central’READ MORE: Holly Ramsay and Adam Peaty gave guests £190 tequila after saying booze left them at ‘rock bottom’

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The legacy is being created while the medals are secured. This could be a masterclass in reinvention, in my opinion, if done correctly. If done poorly, it runs the risk of diluting one of the most well-known sporting brands in the UK. “The 31-year-old has long been associated with a close-knit family support system, but his recent wedding sparked rifts in his family, with only his sister Bethany present.

There is a risk in moving into a more polished, commercial setup, though. “Perception is the risk, of course.” Stepping away from family stories can seem insulting if it isn’t handled carefully because they feel authentic and the public can relate to them.

The public is much more sympathetic when the narrative is presented as growth rather than repentance. This is a smart evolution if Adam communicates his gratitude and consistency, not betrayal.

The choice of agency is particularly noteworthy. Holly Ramsay’s growing presence in the influencer world brings both opportunity and intense scrutiny, thanks in part to the weight of the Ramsay name.

They referred to the wedding in Adam’s description on the website, which read “the wedding” and said that Adam was entering a “new era” where his sports background and “quietly elevated sense of modernity are merged. Additionally, they added that Adam’s family was “essential to his narrative.”

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Mayah adds that Holly Ramsay’s agency “combines credibility with commercial savvy” is interesting. Ramsay’s name opens doors, but it also carries scrutiny. Adam needs to be careful not to appear to have forged a reputation for celebrity behavior. Here, simplicity is the golden rule. His accomplishments must always come first, and influencing should come first, not as a result.

The transition to influencing will need to feel genuine rather than manufactured for Adam, whose reputation has been built on unwavering discipline and dominance in the pool.

He must exert authority through aspiration in order to transition from Adam the Olympian to Adam the Influencer without losing fans. His performance under pressure, discipline, and resilience were followed by his audience. Brands with health, a positive mindset, recovery, and elite habits will appear natural. Anything that is too glossy or gimmicky will quickly backfire.

Adam’s recent change of name following his marriage, a personal choice that inevitably has both public and commercial implications, has also received attention. Holly and Adam will now go by the surname “Ramsay-Peaty.”

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The truth is that the name change can be both romantic and strategic, Mayah explains. Branding and love don’t always go hand in hand. Personal choices in the contemporary celebrity landscape are bound to have a commercial impact. Intent and timing are what are important. It will be welcomed if the general public believes it to be genuine rather than a cash grab. Cynicism starts to creep in when it feels overly polished or opportunistic.

READ MORE: Fresh kick in the face for Peaty family as they see new photo from wedding

Jesy Nelson revealed on Sunday that her twin daughters, who were born prematurely in May, have a rare condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy that slowly kills the muscle over time

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Jesy Nelson has issued an update on how she’s ‘fighting’ for her twin girls after their devastating health diagnosis. The former Little Mix star revealed on 4 January that her daughters, who had been born prematurely in May 2025, were diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) – a rare health condition that slowly kills the muscles and may mean her daughters never learn to walk.

The singer took to Instagram to thank fans for their support. Speaking to the camera, she said: “Hey guys, I just wanted to come on here to do another video to basically just say thank you genuinely so so much from the bottom of my heart for just the outpour of support, and beautiful messages for me and for so many other families who are dealing with this horrible diagnosis.

READ MORE: Jesy Nelson shares dismissive reply from GP after she shared fears over twinsREAD MORE: Early sign parents should watch out after Jesy Nelson reveals twins devastating diagnosis

View 5 Images

View 5 Images

“Genuinely, I’m overwhelmed with the amount of support. I want to thank anyone who has shared it, to everyone who wanted to learn about it, who watched it and sent me messages. Thank you from me and the SMA community.”

Jesy added that she was already taking steps to bring attention to conditions like SMA. “I also wanted to say that I am starting a petition online to get SMA on the newborn screening and testing. I just need you to know that I am so determined to make this happen. So I’m going to fight as much as I can. It’s currently under review so I will keep you updated.”

She continued to say she would also be on This Morning on 7 January to talk about what was going on and finished her statement by saying: “It’s a long way to go.”

Jesy and her musician fiance Zion Foster welcomed their daughters Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster in May. Over the ensuing months, Jesy noticed that her daughters were not moving as much as they should have been for their age and struggled to feed. She took them to the GP and they were eventually diagnosed with SMA Type 1.

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SMA causes floppiness in the limbs, difficulty breathing and swallowing as well as delayed motor skills. Sharing the news on Instagram, Jesy said she was now acting as a nurse to her daughters by “putting them on breathing machines and doing stuff that no mother should have to do with their child”.

She said: “A few months ago my mum noticed that the girls were not showing as much movement in their legs as they should be. It wasn’t really a concern to me at the time. From the minute I left NICU I was told, ‘Your babies are premature so don’t compare your babies to other babies. They won’t reach the same milestones just take them as they are.’

“It didn’t really ring alarm bells to me,” she said. “They are my first set of children and I was told not to compare to them. Health care visitors insisted everything was fine and the girls were healthy.

“There were a few signs later on that the girls were struggling to feed properly. We would take them to the GP and say, ‘Our babies are not feeding as frequently as they should.’ They said it was fine and to try little and often,” she explained.

Jesy went on: “Long story short, after the most gruelling three to four months and endless appointments, the girls have been diagnosed with a severe disease called SMA type one. It stands for spinal muscular atrophy which affects every muscle in the body from legs, arms to swallowing.

“Over time it kills the muscles in the body. If it’s not treated in time, your baby’s life expectancy will not make it past the age of two. Once the girls got treated it was a very rapid process, time is of the essence with this disease. We were told they were never going to be able to walk. They would probably never regain their neck strength. They will be disabled.

“The best thing we can do right now is to get them treatment and hope for the best,” she added. “Thankfully the girls have had their treatment which I’m so grateful for. If they didn’t have it they would die.”

Jesy Nelson revealed on Sunday that her twin daughters, who were born prematurely in May, have a rare condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy that slowly kills the muscle over time

View 5 Images

Jesy Nelson has issued an update on how she’s ‘fighting’ for her twin girls after their devastating health diagnosis. The former Little Mix star revealed on 4 January that her daughters, who had been born prematurely in May 2025, were diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) – a rare health condition that slowly kills the muscles and may mean her daughters never learn to walk.

The singer took to Instagram to thank fans for their support. Speaking to the camera, she said: “Hey guys, I just wanted to come on here to do another video to basically just say thank you genuinely so so much from the bottom of my heart for just the outpour of support, and beautiful messages for me and for so many other families who are dealing with this horrible diagnosis.

READ MORE: Jesy Nelson shares dismissive reply from GP after she shared fears over twinsREAD MORE: Early sign parents should watch out after Jesy Nelson reveals twins devastating diagnosis

View 5 Images

View 5 Images

“Genuinely, I’m overwhelmed with the amount of support. I want to thank anyone who has shared it, to everyone who wanted to learn about it, who watched it and sent me messages. Thank you from me and the SMA community.”

Jesy added that she was already taking steps to bring attention to conditions like SMA. “I also wanted to say that I am starting a petition online to get SMA on the newborn screening and testing. I just need you to know that I am so determined to make this happen. So I’m going to fight as much as I can. It’s currently under review so I will keep you updated.”

She continued to say she would also be on This Morning on 7 January to talk about what was going on and finished her statement by saying: “It’s a long way to go.”

Jesy and her musician fiance Zion Foster welcomed their daughters Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster in May. Over the ensuing months, Jesy noticed that her daughters were not moving as much as they should have been for their age and struggled to feed. She took them to the GP and they were eventually diagnosed with SMA Type 1.

View 5 Images

View 5 Images

SMA causes floppiness in the limbs, difficulty breathing and swallowing as well as delayed motor skills. Sharing the news on Instagram, Jesy said she was now acting as a nurse to her daughters by “putting them on breathing machines and doing stuff that no mother should have to do with their child”.

She said: “A few months ago my mum noticed that the girls were not showing as much movement in their legs as they should be. It wasn’t really a concern to me at the time. From the minute I left NICU I was told, ‘Your babies are premature so don’t compare your babies to other babies. They won’t reach the same milestones just take them as they are.’

“It didn’t really ring alarm bells to me,” she said. “They are my first set of children and I was told not to compare to them. Health care visitors insisted everything was fine and the girls were healthy.

“There were a few signs later on that the girls were struggling to feed properly. We would take them to the GP and say, ‘Our babies are not feeding as frequently as they should.’ They said it was fine and to try little and often,” she explained.

Jesy went on: “Long story short, after the most gruelling three to four months and endless appointments, the girls have been diagnosed with a severe disease called SMA type one. It stands for spinal muscular atrophy which affects every muscle in the body from legs, arms to swallowing.

“Over time it kills the muscles in the body. If it’s not treated in time, your baby’s life expectancy will not make it past the age of two. Once the girls got treated it was a very rapid process, time is of the essence with this disease. We were told they were never going to be able to walk. They would probably never regain their neck strength. They will be disabled.

“The best thing we can do right now is to get them treatment and hope for the best,” she added. “Thankfully the girls have had their treatment which I’m so grateful for. If they didn’t have it they would die.”