Despite being well known that the couple is distantly related, new genealogical discoveries have revealed that they also have a famous singer as a relative.
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Prince William and Kate Middleton both have Irish popstars, respectively.
Royals Kate Middleton and her husband Prince William are linked genetically by an unlikely Irish popstar. Genealogical research has found that both the Prince and Princess of Wales are related to artist Chris De Burgh – as well as each other.
The Lady in Red singer, who was born in County Wexford, has ties to both the royals because Kate’s family migrated from Ireland a long time ago. The Prince of Wales is now believed to be a member of the distant family tree, despite it being known for years that the mother-of-three Kate has ties to the de Burghs.
READ MORE: Inside Kate Middleton’s new ‘spiritual’ perspective amid ongoing Prince Harry feud
Chris de Burgh also has links with William’s late mother, Princess Diana, who appeared at a public engagement with the singer. She attended alongside de Burgh as she named a Virgin Airbus ‘Lady In Red’.
Meanwhile, researchers have discovered that Philippa of Hainault and King Edward III, both of whom had ancestors, as well as their royal families. While Edward was away fighting in the Hundred Years’ War, Philippa continued to serve as regent in 1346.
Their son, Lionel of Antwerp, wed Irish Countess of Ulster Elizabeth de Burgh. Fast forward a few centuries and Agnes Gascoigne, a great-great-great-great-grandgrandgrandchild, wed Sir Thomas Fairfax.
He and Henry VIII fought as a landowner. Six sons and six daughters were born at Gilling Castle in Yorkshire.
They are now fourteenth cousins because William is the son of Sir Nicholas Fairfax and Kate is his younger brother.
The news of de Burgh’s royal family link was first uncovered in 2013. The singer, who is married to wife Diane and has three kids, said at the time: “I was unaware that there is a distant connection between the de Burgh family and the Middletons.
“Both families have probably many more relatives than one.” If we ever have a cup of tea together, at the very least that will give us something to talk about.
Maeve Emily de Burgh, the daughter of General Sir Eric de Burgh, a British army officer who rose to the position of chief of the general staff in India, was Chris de Burgh’s mother. They are related by the surname of Edward III’s daughter-in-law, but they are not directly related.
Patrick Cracroft-Brennan, editor of the online reference work Cracroft’s Peerage, told Channel 4 news previously: “Her great-great-grandmother, Frances Elizabeth Greenhow, was the 10 x great-granddaughter of Sir William Gascoigne, a Yorkshire knight who died in 1487. He married Lady Margaret Percy, 4th and youngest daughter of Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland.
Through his parents, the Earl descended from King Edward III. Both Prince Charles and Lady Margaret, the late Princess Diana, were bred by Sir William Gascoigne and his wife. William and Kate are now 14th cousins after his mother and his father, who are both 15th cousins.
Meanwhile, in a bizarre twist, William’s brother Harry is also related to his wife, Meghan Markle. In their family tree, the Mail also uncovered that the couple share distant relations with a man name Ralph Bowes, who was born in 1480. With links to Meghan’s father and a loose connection to the Royal Family, teh paper found that Harry and Markle are also 15th cousins.
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A £45 merino wool must-have from Claudia’s 2026 wardrobe is available as well as a new season.
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Claudia’s secret £45 layer protects her from the Scottish weather(Image: Sinead McKeefry / Instagram)
The Traitors wardrobe, starring Claudia Winkleman, has become almost as popular as the show itself, with viewers resizing every outfit just as much as they adore the roundtable drama. One item from this week’s wardrobe stood out in particular as the new January 2026 series plays out against the Scottish backdrop. Claudia has previously been spotted stumbling upon a sleek polo neck.
The top isn’t a luxury designer purchase, which is even better. A high-street staple, the COS high-neck top, priced at £45, has a merino wool high-neck top that appears far more expensive than it actually is. It’s the ideal layering piece for the cold weather because it comes in a variety of shades and a slim, flattering fit. Because of its material, you’ll want to keep it handy on the cold mornings of the upcoming winters.
Merino wool is extremely warm because its natural crimp traps heat in air pockets, providing excellent insulation, and it’s also breathable, wicks moisture, and regulates temperature, which is great for those who still experience a little perspiration when heating up a room.
The pink Traitors blouse by Claudia Winkleman is Princess Kate’s go-to high street label.
The details for this exact top were confirmed this week when Claudia’s stylist, Sinead McKeefry, shared the COS top on her Instagram Stories, sending fans straight into shopping mode. Known for mixing accessible brands with standout statement pieces from lesser-known British brands, Sinead’s styling has become a huge part of The Traitors fashion appeal, and this simple knit sums it up perfectly.
Although this new 2026 series is only a few episodes long, Claudia’s new-season wardrobe has contained some other affordable fashion gems.
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Claudia completed her debut look with LK Bennett’s Hall Pink Viscose Crepe Tie Neck Blouse, which is available in all sizes from 6 to 20 and is available in either baby blue or Claudia’s preferred pastel pink, by choosing a velvet burgundy blazer from Reiss for the opening episode on Thursday, which is currently on sale for £138 and has almost sold out.
Vick Hope of CBS Radio 1 shared intimate photos of her son Micah and husband Calvin Harris giving viewers a sneak peek into her first Christmas together.
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Vick shares her first son with husband DJ Calvin Harris(Image: Getty Images)
Vick Hope has posted a precious photo of her baby boy Micah as she and hubby Calvin Harris celebrated their first Christmas as a trio.
The BBC Radio 1 host, 36, welcomed the couple’s first child in July, making her return to work for an awards bash in October.
Now she’s treated her Instagram fans to a glimpse of her festive celebrations with the legendary DJ and their little one. Vick opened her photo series with a stunning shot of herself in a glittering gold gown as she sat at a table ready for Christmas dinner.
Following that, pictures show “Summer” hitmaker Calvin, 41, collecting their Christmas tree and their little one sporting a “my first Christmas” onesie, followed by heartwarming images of Micah resting on her belly and the couple’s newborn.
Calvin is pictured posing in his highchair next to the baby as the family celebrates. Vic simply wrote, “Twas the season,” in her caption.
The idyllic shots were far removed from Vick’s confession to being “bright yellow s**t” since becoming a mother in October. She quipped, “It was posted by my husband, but placentas are amazing,” referring to a candid image of her placenta that husband Calvin had shared.
After what my vagina did, I’m excited to celebrate motherhood because it’s so majestic. And you can see my placenta as well, too”!
He shared a collection of snaps with the placenta picture when he announced his son’s arrival on Instagram back in August.
Vick’s placenta and photos of her in a birthing pool were included in the post, giving a hint that the practice might be called encapsulation.
He wrote, “On the 20th of July, our boy arrived,” in the caption. There is a Mickey here! My wife is a superhero, and I admire her supremacy. I’m so grateful. Micah, we adore you so much.
Vick had previously shared a series of summer highlights on Instagram, looking glowing as she held their son at their expansive Spanish home. Calvin and Vick chose to keep their pregnancy under wraps for as long as possible before finally announcing the happy news back in late May.
After a few weeks of dropping heavy hints online earlier this year – including sharing snaps from a recent baby shower – Countryfile presenter Vick finally confirmed her pregnancy in May.
The pregnant star and producer Calvin often keep their relationship low-key but have let slip minor details in the past, including their Glastonbury themed wedding back in September 2023.
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Vick made the announcement while speaking on Radio 1 that she and the music legend would become parents for the first time. Vick at the time confirmed her joyous news and first reported her pregnancy.
In 2022, Calvin and Vick spent a significant portion of the summer at the stunning 138-acre Terra Masia farm, which they later purchased.
We take a look at the best TV, music, and film to look forward to in 2026, starting with Catherine Zeta-Jones’ comeback TV role in Kill Jackie and Lily Allen’s eagerly awaited West End Girl Tour.
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Lily Allen in the Pussy Palace song-video
The year ahead looks set to be a busy one for new music, TV and cinema – and the good news is there’s lots to look forward in 2026.
Lily Allen’s West End Girls was released to critical acclaim after the controversial singer came back from a seven year hiatus with the break-up album of the century.
Raw, witty and candid, her fifth studio album stole the headlines thanks to her revealing intimate details about her relationship break-up.
She’s got big plans for 2026 – she’ll be performing West End Girl at intimate theatre shows in the UK in March before embarking on a larger arena tour across the UK and Ireland in June. And she’s not the only one…
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MUSIC/GIGS
Florence and The Machine
Florence and The Machine released their sixth studio album, Everybody Scream in 2025 and are also touring in 2026. The ‘Dog Days are Over’ singer had a significant break from performing between late 2023 and 2025 due to lifesaving surgery for a ruptured fallopian tube due to an ectopic pregnancy. After some much needed recovery, 2026 sparks a fresh start for the band who will be touring the UK and Europe and headlining at festivals like Reading and Leeds.
Mumford &, Sons
After nearly seven years of silence, energetic folk-rock band Mumford &, Sons came back with their highly anticipated fifth studio album, RUSHMERE, in March. 2025 saw them rise once more with surprise sets at festivals like Stagecoach in California, performances at events like Radio 1’s Big Weekend, and the announcement of their forthcoming tour of the UK, Europe and North America in 2026.
Raye
She’s picked up seven Brit awards over the last couple of years, but what’s in store for Raye in 2026? Well, the superstar from Tooting, London is about to embark on a massive tour across the UK, Europe, and North America from January to May. Not bad for a woman who grew up on a council estate near Croydon.
Styles, Harry
Will Styles, Harry hit the road in 2026? The former One Direction singer hasn’t confirmed any dates but he is expected to launch his latest album. He’s been teasing fans with the possibility of a tour – the Watermelon Sugar singer posted his first YouTube video in two years with a message that said “We Belong Together.”
TV
The Lady
This four-part true crime drama from the creators of The Crown chronicles the ups and downs of Jane Andrews (Mia McKenna-Bruce), the former Royal dresser for Sarah Ferguson (Natalie Dormer). She came from humble beginnings and was found guilty of stabbing her lover to death in 2001. Natalie Dormer, known for her role in Game of Thrones, steps into the shoes of the ex-Duchess in the gripping drama. Coming soon on ITV.
In addition to Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman, Mia McKenna-Bruce, the lead actress in Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials, has been busy. And she’s just been cast as Ringo Starr’s first wife Maureen Starkey in the upcoming Beatles biopic. She portrays Lady Bundle Brent, a mysterious student at a fancy party, in this three-part series. From January 15 onward, the show airs on ITV1.
Dear England Joseph Fiennes stars as Gareth Southgate in this screen adaptation of James Graham’s smash hit National Theatre play of the same name.The four-part series is an examination of both Southgate’s tenure as England football manager and our national identity. Fiennes is joined by Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who, Toxic Town) as England men’s team psychologist Pippa Grange. Due on BBC One later in the year.
Half Man CreatedBaby Reindeer was a global sensation that got everyone talking in 2024 but will Richard Gadd’s latest six-part series enjoy the same success? Half Man Created follows the troubled relationship of estranged half-brothers Niall, played by Bafta-winning actor Jamie Bell, and Ruben (Gadd) through years of highs and lows. Exploring their complex relationship from the 80s to today, it serves up a gritty look at masculinity and city life. Due on BBC One.
The CageBafta winner Sheridan Smith and Michael Socha (This is England) star as two Liverpool casino employees who discover they are both planning to rob the same safe in this high-stakes crime story. This thriller combines dark humour and emotional storytelling but could there also be a potential romance on the cards? Writer Tony Schumacher (The Responder) teased: ‘I’m hoping people will find it funny, dark but, most of all, full of love, life and entertainment. I can’t wait for the world to see it.’ Coming to BBC One.
STREAMING
Run AwayHarlan Coben’s star-studded series follows Simon, a man whose seemingly perfect life shatters when his daughter Paige runs away. When he finally finds her again, he is drawn into a dangerous criminal world that forces him to confront long-buried family secrets. Featuring a star-studded cast including James Nesbitt,Tracy-Ann Oberman, Ruth Jones and Minnie Driver. From New Year’s Day on Netflix.
Kill JackieFans are excited for this revenge thriller from the makers of Killing Eve, based on Nick Harkaway’s novel The Price You Pay, as it will be Catherine Zeta Jones’ big comeback in a lead role. She plays the title character, a wealthy con artist living the high life, who discovers a terrifying hit squad called The Seven Demons is out to kill her. Due on Amazon Prime Video.
East of EdenJohn Steinbeck’s epic 1952 novel traces the lives of the Trask family as they wrestle with love, betrayal, identity and duty. The enigmatic Cathy Ames is played by Florence Pugh, and Adam Trask is played by Christopher Abbott. Beginning in 2026, Due is available on Netflix.
Young SherlockAndrew Lane’s book series about the young Sherlock Holmes is brought to life in Guy Ritchie’s eight-part series. An unruly and unrefined Holmes (Hero Fiennes-Tiffin) is studying at Oxford, and the result is an escapistic, explosive showdown that forever alters his life. on Amazon Prime starting March 4.
The Age of InnocenceEdith Wharton’s classic tale about social convention set in 19th century New York high society is coming to Netflix. Newland Archer is engaged to May Welland, but finds himself drawn to her unconventional cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska. Throughout the year, watch Due on Netflix.
CINEMA
The film adaptation of Emily Bronte’s heart-pounding classic love story, directed by Saltburn director Emerald Fennell, is expected to be a steamy, shocking affair. Jacob Elordi (wealthy aristocrat Felix Catton in Saltburn) and Margot Robbie play star-crossed lovers Heathcliff and Cathy in this ‘ punky, gothic-erotic ‘ take on Emily Brontë’s classic. Posted on February 14th.
Tommy Shelby, the leader of the Second World War, travels to Birmingham as part of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal ManSet to take part in secret wartime missions as he reconnects with his former self. Cillian Murphy is joined by newcomers Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth and Barry Keoghan. leased on March 6.
The long and risky journey home taken by Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, after the Trojan War is chronicled in Christopher Nolan’s eagerly awaited action fantasy film. The A-list cast features Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson and Zendaya. leased on July 17.
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After seeing print sales decline for the magazine, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) and Emily (Emily Blunt) are hitched together in The Devil Wears Prada 2. Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs is also back alongside Stanley Tucci, with Kenneth Branagh (Agatha Christie’s detective Hercule Poirot) joining the cast. leased on May 1.
The release date for Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) is scheduled for July 31. It will mark the fourth solo film starring Tom Holland, 29, as Peter Parker aka Spider-Man. Tom and his fiancee Zendaya, who plays Michelle Jones-Watson, also known as MJ, are scheduled to lead the cast of the film, which was produced in Glasgow.
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Six years after hosting the Golden Globes, RIcky Gervais has received a nomination for his new Netflix show Mortality.
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Ricky Gervais won the Comedy Award for ‘After Life’ in the winners’ room at the National Television Awards 2022.(Image: Dave J. Hogan/Getty Images)
He made fun of Leonardo di Caprio’s ever-young girlfriends and joked that Martin Scorsese is too small to ride in theme park carriages as the 2020 LA ceremony’s host.
Now in the running for Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy at the 2026 Golden Globes on January 11, he makes no apologies for his controversial jokes.
He recalls the ceremony, saying, “I love that they put a lot of booze on the table. They make an effort to hammer everyone out, making it interesting for them to go there. The Golden Globes have both good and bad things going for them.
Now at 64 and at the top of his game, Ricky reveals that he has a new ‘self-parodying’ TV show up his sleeve. He says: “There is something that’s close to parodying myself. I’ve got the title, I’ve got the idea, but I can’t even discuss it now. We are maybe shooting in the next 12 months.”
READ MORE: Wuthering Heights to Lily Allen tour: The best music, TV and film for 2026
Fans are also eagerly awaiting the release of his adult animation Netflix series, Alley Cats, following the lives of a group of feral British cats. He says: “It’s like two years and it still isn’t quite finished. It won’t be out till the end of next year. Doesn’t animation take a long time? But it is a six-part thing.
“It’s called Alley Cats and we’re a group of sort of feral cats living in a disused basement and we watch TV and go out and cause havoc. A lot of it is improv as well. They’re the sort of, you know, the meanest, sweariest cats in the world. They’re the bottom of the pile. It’s all about sort of like survival.”
The show is close to animal lover Ricky’s heart. Reported to have given £2.43 million to animal charities this Christmas alone, he says helping animals is in his blood, after being surrounded by pets growing up in Reading. He says: “Pets were like a member of the family. I’ve always thought animals were unconditionally sort of perfect and beautiful and should be treated well.
“It’s about empathy, isn’t it really? I’ve never understood animal cruelty. And then the older you get, the more you find out, well, there’s so much animal cruelty you didn’t know was going on. You’re cashing in on it without knowing. That’s why I became vegan as well, because the terrible cruelty in this sort of farm industry. And I thought, ‘I can’t really be saving dogs and eating sheep.’”
Ricky is thought to be wealthy, with an estimated £130 million. He can also afford much more leisure time on the tour, preferring to travel by private jet whenever possible. He claims, “I take the most lavish tour I can.” I typically stay four nights at home and two or three nights away.
His 43-year-partner, Jane Fallon, accompanyes him wherever possible. She arrives in all the desired locations, he says. She visits all the lovely places in Europe, including America and Canada. I take a weekend off. So I’ll play at Prague Arena, we’ll go the night before, have dinner, and then walk around the neighborhood all day, then I’ll head over there to play a gig before returning home. It’s basically 46 hours of vacation and two hours of work, then.
Ricky claims that he even makes jokes past her after the two met while attending University College London in the early 1980s. He states, “I typically jog while thinking, Oh, that’s a good joke. I then leave and tell Jane. I say, “Look, I have an idea.” When I tell her, she says, “Please don’t say that in public.” And I am aware that I can work on something with it.
However, Ricky is not let down by cheesy jokes, which is largely attributable to his newfound affection for taking naps or “taking a Churchill.” He claims, “I’m a big napper.” I once received a job playing Winston Churchill. It would have been awful if I had rejected it. Make-up and puffing a cigar would have taken three hours. Funny enough, Churchill was renowned for taking a nap every day even during the war when the sheets were stuffed full. We refer to it as “taking a Churchill.” This morning, I took a Churchill.
Ricky, who turns 65 in June, claims that he tires more these days and that he is unsure of what it will be like for people to see him at 70. I shuffle around already a little bit grumpy. He just wrapped up one tour, and he’s scheduled to go on another one this month. He doesn’t seem to be having any problems with his output. For the upcoming two-year tour, he continues, “I’m doing warm-ups.” Alley Cats is just finished, but I’ve been taking a nap every day as well.
Ricky still manages a lot of different projects, but he does them more leisurely because he doesn’t fly to the US to attend chat shows whenever new content is released. He asserts that “some things have changed since COVID, not just because of COVID.” Everything is possible at home. Additionally, Netflix has a subscriber base of about 300 million. An email is sent. You know what I mean when I say that I don’t need to participate in a chat show or play table tennis in a snorkel?
While he has no need for another mega hit, like The Office, he looks back on the BBC series with huge fondness. He says: “I knew it was different. I was the only one that really improvised at all. And I did that at the beginning and the end of the scenes. Or just to make the actors think a little bit and make it real. Or do something different to make them laugh or whatever. Or just put them on their back foot.”
However, it’s the simple things in life that now make him laugh, such as his mother telling him he was a “mistake” when he inquired about the 11 years that he and his closest sibling had been apart. He claims that when I was 13 years old, I asked his mother, “Why am I so much younger than my brothers and sisters?” She simply said, “You were a mistake. I also laughed. And that taught me how to be funny in life.
He also claims that British comedians are the best in the world. We are jesters, British stand-ups. We operate in a court. The other peasants are laughing at the King while we are in the mud. We have a low status. However, he claims, when everyone is aware of his well-being, keeping his low status can be challenging.
He does it by sharing all of his mistakes with them. He continues, “I talk about things that are more profitable than I do,” in contrast. I discuss getting old, going to die, going bald, and having bad hair. That’s what I want to do. I want the world to fight us.
Fans might find it a bit joker to watch their faces when they appear in a panto, but for these celebrities it’s a big pay check to boost their income over the holidays and beyond.
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Stars like Christopher Biggins do panto every year – but how much do they earn?(Image: Publicity Picture)
Pantomime is almost over for another year, but it can be a very lucrative time for celebrities because some of the biggest stars are paying six-figure salaries for their holiday work.
Who can, however, get the highest salary? The complete pantomime roster has been made public. A celeb who didn’t even participate in a panto this year is next on the list.
The star in question is none other than This Morning presenter Alison Hammond, who reportedly earned a whopping £195,000 for appearing as Magic Mermaid in Birmingham’s production of Peter Pan in 2024 and 2025.
Though the 50-year-old gave herself Christmas off this year, it’s understood that no one else on the circuit has been able to command Alison’s hefty panto fee yet. So how do other celebs fare?
READ MORE: Katie Price in major ‘turnaround’ as she finally joins Princess Andre’s ITV show
Scott Mills, a star in Jack and the Beanstalk, made a surprise appearance as Figgy Pudding on this year’s Masked Singer. He has appeared in the roles of Mayor Mills and Swansea and the Wycombe Swan in Buckinghamshire for the past few years.
The 51-year-old, who ranks second just behind Alison, reportedly earns £190,000 per panto stint.
Another star who has performed in panto at the Wycombe Swan is Scott, who lives close to his £4 million Buckinghamshire home. Even though he didn’t do it this year, Vernon Kay, a fellow Radio 2 star, is said to have earned £190,000 last Christmas from his panto appearance in Aladdin.
Christopher Biggins, a panto legend, is just below Scott and Vernon. The 77-year-old is said to earn £180,000 annually from his panto performances despite frequently appearing as a panto dame.
Mother Goose is his personal favorite character to play. However, he did it again this year, starring in the Robin Hood production from Birmingham Hippodrome, which runs until February 1. Faye Tozer, a star of Steps and Gok Wan, also appears.
Bradley Walsh, who reportedly earned £120,000 for each performance, is number five on the panto rich list. The 65-year-old has roles in Peter Pan, Mr. Smee, and Buttons in Cinderella, but also frequently in the panto.
According to reports, comedian Catherine Tate reportedly made around £120,000 from a 60-show performance at The London Palladium. The 56-year-old made her acting debut in Sleeping Beauty this year as the Wicked Fairy, who is well known for her roles as Nan and Lauren.
Brian Conley, a panto veteran, made his return to the stage this year as Billy Barnum in the Milton Keynes Theatre’s production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The 64-year-old is also said to have paid around the £120,000 mark for his panto.
Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas might have only made her panto debut last year in a production of Sleeping Beauty in Dartford. But the 30-year-old’s starring turn as Fairy Christmas reportedly netted her £80,000.
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In 2025/26, TV legend Nigel Havers made his 10th appearance in a row in the panto. For their production of Sleeping Beauty, he performed alongside Catherine Tate on stage at The London Palladium. The 74-year-old continues to play Keeper of the Privy until January 11.
While Katie Price – who has starred in pantos at Easter as well as Christmas – is said to earn up to £50,000 per appearance. The 47-year-old didn’t even have to take to the stage every night this year as she appeared ‘digitally’ in a pre-filmed role as the Spirit of the Mirror in a production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Darlington’s Majestic Theatre. She has previously starred as the Fairy in Pinocchio and alongside pal Kerry Katona as the Wicked Stepsisters in Cinderella.
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