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Strictly Come Dancing pro Karen Hauer was married to co-star Kevin Clifton from 2015 to 2018 and she has now opened up about the end of their relationship on a podcast

Professional dancer Karen Hauer has opened up about her separation from Kevin Clifton. She has said that the former couple, who worked together on Strictly Come Dancing “belonged together” whilst recalling their relationship.

Karen, now 43, and Kevin, now 42, developed a romance whilst working together prior to joining the BBC dance show in 2012 and 2013 respectively. They went on to get married in 2015 before their split was announced in 2018. Speaking about their relationship on the latest episode of the We Need to Talk podcast, which was released today, Karen said it was “tough to navigate” their relationship whilst on Strictly.

She said that on tour they knew their “schedules were together” but each had their “own structure” on the TV show. She suggested on the podcast that they didn’t have time for the relationship anymore.

Asked about the end of the relationship by host Paul C. Brunson, a teary-eyed Karen said: “This one hurt because we belonged together. […] It was like you wouldn’t say each other’s names without following the other person’s name.”

Sharing her perspective, she said: “I felt that he distanced himself from me but I was probably doing the same because I felt if he didn’t want me then, okay, I’ll retreat. I’ll give you your space. It was one of those that we’re both not talking about it. So, I’m like, do you want a divorce? Do you want to split up?

“I don’t know what I want to do. What do you want to do? Do you know what you want? I don’t know what I want. Okay. So, do we … are broken up or? So, it took a while actually. It took about a year behind the scenes. In front of the scenes, everything was normal.”

Karen said that they “fell apart” and she didn’t know whether Kevin wanted to be with her or not. She added: “I knew that I would have worked on it. I would have stayed but at the same time I couldn’t be with someone who wasn’t sure of whether they wanted to be with me or not.”

She continued: “I couldn’t just wait. I waited for a while and I was giving him his space to think and then funny enough I met someone and you know we weren’t together but we were together in the public eye.”

Karen said that it wasn’t someone that she “dated”, saying: “It just happened to be someone that I just saw a couple of times and I got snapped up. […] I was just walking with this person and then all of a sudden, you know, I’m portrayed as someone that … that I have cheated on him and then obviously he saw the pictures and was like what? So there was a big misunderstanding in all of that because I wasn’t actually … I was literally waiting to be loved.”

She said that Kevin “just wanted a divorce” and that she “didn’t fight it”. Karen shared: “In my mind it’s almost like something had to happen in order for him to make a decision. Because I wasn’t going to make the decision. I wasn’t going to pull the plug. So then I tripped and then the grenade went off. You know, I pulled the pin.”

The dancer said that it was “tough” for both Kevin and herself. She said that he “didn’t want to let go” but had to “do the right thing for himself” in the circumstances. She also recalled feeling “shame” over getting divorced again, with her marriage to Kevin having been her second.

She however shared on the podcast that her and Kevin, who is now in a relationship with Stacey Dooley, have remained on good terms. Karen, who is currently dating former rugby player Simon Davidson, said: “We never said a bad word about one another, you know. I think that’s because we hold each other to such a high regard, you know. There will always be love there.”

Karen also spoke about other relationships on the podcast. She shared that she had “wanted something more” when she was married to her first husband Matthew Hauer, whom she was married to from 2000 until 2009.

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READ MORE: Meghan Markle’s favourite £26 collagen jelly cream is heading into the Love Island villa

Strictly Come Dancing pro Karen Hauer was married to co-star Kevin Clifton from 2015 to 2018 and she has now opened up about the end of their relationship on a podcast

Professional dancer Karen Hauer has opened up about her separation from Kevin Clifton. She has said that the former couple, who worked together on Strictly Come Dancing “belonged together” whilst recalling their relationship.

Karen, now 43, and Kevin, now 42, developed a romance whilst working together prior to joining the BBC dance show in 2012 and 2013 respectively. They went on to get married in 2015 before their split was announced in 2018. Speaking about their relationship on the latest episode of the We Need to Talk podcast, which was released today, Karen said it was “tough to navigate” their relationship whilst on Strictly.

She said that on tour they knew their “schedules were together” but each had their “own structure” on the TV show. She suggested on the podcast that they didn’t have time for the relationship anymore.

Asked about the end of the relationship by host Paul C. Brunson, a teary-eyed Karen said: “This one hurt because we belonged together. […] It was like you wouldn’t say each other’s names without following the other person’s name.”

Sharing her perspective, she said: “I felt that he distanced himself from me but I was probably doing the same because I felt if he didn’t want me then, okay, I’ll retreat. I’ll give you your space. It was one of those that we’re both not talking about it. So, I’m like, do you want a divorce? Do you want to split up?

“I don’t know what I want to do. What do you want to do? Do you know what you want? I don’t know what I want. Okay. So, do we … are broken up or? So, it took a while actually. It took about a year behind the scenes. In front of the scenes, everything was normal.”

Karen said that they “fell apart” and she didn’t know whether Kevin wanted to be with her or not. She added: “I knew that I would have worked on it. I would have stayed but at the same time I couldn’t be with someone who wasn’t sure of whether they wanted to be with me or not.”

She continued: “I couldn’t just wait. I waited for a while and I was giving him his space to think and then funny enough I met someone and you know we weren’t together but we were together in the public eye.”

Karen said that it wasn’t someone that she “dated”, saying: “It just happened to be someone that I just saw a couple of times and I got snapped up. […] I was just walking with this person and then all of a sudden, you know, I’m portrayed as someone that … that I have cheated on him and then obviously he saw the pictures and was like what? So there was a big misunderstanding in all of that because I wasn’t actually … I was literally waiting to be loved.”

She said that Kevin “just wanted a divorce” and that she “didn’t fight it”. Karen shared: “In my mind it’s almost like something had to happen in order for him to make a decision. Because I wasn’t going to make the decision. I wasn’t going to pull the plug. So then I tripped and then the grenade went off. You know, I pulled the pin.”

The dancer said that it was “tough” for both Kevin and herself. She said that he “didn’t want to let go” but had to “do the right thing for himself” in the circumstances. She also recalled feeling “shame” over getting divorced again, with her marriage to Kevin having been her second.

She however shared on the podcast that her and Kevin, who is now in a relationship with Stacey Dooley, have remained on good terms. Karen, who is currently dating former rugby player Simon Davidson, said: “We never said a bad word about one another, you know. I think that’s because we hold each other to such a high regard, you know. There will always be love there.”

Karen also spoke about other relationships on the podcast. She shared that she had “wanted something more” when she was married to her first husband Matthew Hauer, whom she was married to from 2000 until 2009.

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READ MORE: Meghan Markle’s favourite £26 collagen jelly cream is heading into the Love Island villa

One journalist predicts that Penny Lancaster, who is married to rock star Rod Stewart, will soon challenge Meghan Markle for the title of best actress.

Penny Lancaster could reportedly rival Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand if she chooses to fully commit to a new business endeavour. The former model, who is married to singer Sir Rod Stewart, revealed recently that she has started producing a product initially made for her family, now sharing it with friends as well.

A recent article compared the 54-year-old to the Duchess of Sussex, who recently entered the business world with her lifestyle brand, As Ever. Writing in the Mail on Sunday, it was stated that Penny is “giving Meghan’s As Ever brand a run for its money” with her line of honey, coinciding with reports that Meghan is trying to make a splash with her Raspberry Spread.

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While speaking at the Chelsea Flower Show, the Loose Women star mentioned that she had previously been producing the item solely for her family, but is now sharing it with friends. Harriet also disclosed that Penny began her unusual venture with a few beehives at her mansion, reports Glasgow Live.

On her website, the Duchess sells shortbread cookie mixes with flower sprinklers and herbal lemon ginger tea as well as other food items. However, one particular product might indicate an emerging rivalry.

Customers can purchase Meghan’s Limited-Edition Wildflower Honey with Honeycomb for $ 28 on the As Ever website, which is described as being “inspired by Meghan’s own appreciation” of the “art of harvesting” at her Californian home in Montecito.

It now seems that Penny Lancaster could challenge Meghan Markle in the world of lifestyle brands if she decides to take her new venture a step further. In the world of celebrity updates, Penny recently took to Instagram to express her immense pride in her husband, a true music icon, as they celebrate an impressive 18 years of marriage.

Penny couldn’t hide her admiration for the 80-year-old rock star, who was accompanied by a love heart emoji and a congratulatory banner: “So proud of my man-lifetime achievement award @amas.

In the photo, Rod appears dapper sporting a crisp white shirt and a black suit. Five of his children presented the lifetime achievement award, which was presented to the rock star in a heartfelt moment, to honor him.

Rod addressed the audience, saying, “I’m absolutely flabbergasted. I was unaware that my children were here. He then thanked his fellow musicians and recalled how, in his youth, he had always wanted to sing just out of respect for the environment and not for fame.

Rod politely responded, “That’s all I wanted to do.” I opposed being wealthy or well-known. And here I am a few years later, accepting this wonderful award.

known for chart-topping songs like “Day You Think I’m Sexy”? and “Maggie May,” the legendary singer, has sold more than 120 million albums worldwide and helped numerous of his albums top the Billboard 200.

Eminem and Billie Eilish were just two of the other headline-grabbing performers of the evening, along with Billie Eilish and Favorite Male Hip Hop Artist.

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Just two years after the Harry Potter actor underwent heart surgery, beloved actress Miriam Margolyes has admitted a heartbreaking fear about her health by saying she hasn’t got “long to live.”

Actress Miriam Margolyes has been a staple of British stage and screen for decades, but she has admitted that ongoing health issues have limited the kind of roles she can take on in recent years.

The actress, who played Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter movies, opened up in an interview about a heartbreaking fear regarding her health, saying that she believes she hasn’t got “long to live”. Speaking to The Times, Miriam said, “When you know that you haven’t got long to live – and I’m probably going to die within the next five or six years, if not before, I’m loath to leave behind performing. It’s such a joy. I yearn to play roles that don’t confine me to wheelchairs, but I’m just not strong enough.”

Miriam, 84, had her aortic valve replaced in 2023 after having heart surgery, which luckily prevented her from having much more in-depth open heart surgery. On the Jessie and Lennie Ware podcast, she stated, “I’ve got a cow’s heart now,” adding, “Well, not the entire heart.” A cow’s aortic valve replaced my aortic valve. How prevalent is it, in my opinion. That operation was unknown to me. However, it prevents you from having “open heart surgery,” which would be significantly more invasive.

The candid actress has dealt with a few health issues over the years and has previously revealed she is registered as disabled. The Mirror looks back at the health problems that Miriam has struggled with…

Spinal Stenosis

The Oxford-born actress suffers from spinal stenosis, which she has said seriously impacts her mobility. Spinal stenosis occurs when the tunnels in the spine, which contain nerves, narrow – this can be quite common as people get older, per the NHS – and some people experience very few symptoms, or their nerves learn to adapt to the smaller space.

It can have a more significant impact on some people, who may experience pain in their arms and legs and impaired function, which can have a significant impact on movement and quality of life. Additionally, it can cause more “serious conditions” like cervical myelopathy and cauda equina syndrome. These uncommon but persistent spinal conditions can cause permanent harm or disability.

Miriam revealed to the Radio Times that she initially wanted to keep her difficulties hidden from her audience when she revealed how her spinal stenosis and how it has affected her mobility. I remember telling directors and producers, “Please don’t show me clambering out of a car or climbing upstairs on my hands and knees,” when I started kind of physically failing.

However, I’ve since met a lot of people who have said I inspired them to do things they didn’t think they could. Lumbar and cervical spinal stenosis is one of two conditions that some people experience simultaneously, with the lumbar causing both to impact the legs and arms.

Pain, numbness or tingling, and a pins and needles sensation in the arms or legs are symptoms of spinal stenosis, along with cramping and heaviness in lumbar spinal stenosis. According to Miriam, she must use mobility aids to move around because of her spinal condition.

She told Closer, “I can’t walk very well, and I’m registered disabled.” I seek out all kinds of assistance. I have a mobility scooter, which is much fun, but my two sticks and walker are so boring.

It’s like having a new toy, Miriam joked. Because it has a basket on it, it’s very good for shopping, and I really enjoy whizzing around on it.

Arthritis

The BAFTA-winning actress has opened up a few times about her battle with osteoarthritis, which caused her to undergo a knee replacement surgery in 2016. She told Arthritis Digest that after a five-week stay in a dedicated rehabilitation facility post-surgery, she worked with a personal trainer to help build up muscles around her knee, but she also moved house so that she wouldn’t have to go up and down stairs as much.

Miriam, who received an OBE in 2002, stated that she first noticed osteoarthritis symptoms when she was just in her mid-30s. She said, “I actually experienced the first signs of osteoarthritis when I was only 35 years old.” I was relieved that Heberden’s nodes didn’t advance any further until some swelling in my knuckles turned out to be his.

“Ten years ago, my knees started to protest. I had broken a bone in my knee when I was at school and that was where the new problems began.” She also revealed that cold or damp weather worsens her symptoms, but offered some inspirational advice to other people dealing with the same issue.

“Keep moving as much as you can and don’t allow yourself to become isolated,” is my piece of advice to arthritis sufferers. Stretch and bend, stretch, and do a little bit more than you want to. It is worthwhile to get involved and share our experiences in societies where we can all become victims. Don’t get bogged down in the depression of the disease by being proactive. No one can avoid suffering or stress, she said, because everyone has a problem and needs inner strength to continue,” she said.

Osteoporosis

The actress serves as the Royal Osteoporosis Society ambassador despite having been diagnosed with osteoporosis. Bones are made weaker by the condition, which, regrettably, increases the risk of breaking.

Whilst losing bone density is a normal thing that happens to everyone when they get older, osteoporosis is more serious and needs to be managed. She told the BBC about her condition that she wouldn’t let it get her down, explaining with her characteristic good humour, “If we take control of our illness as best we can, it’s a very good psychological stimulus to getting on with life and not being downed by something with six syllables”.

Stress-related incontinence

After having a kidney stone removed, Miriam, who has never shied away from uncomfortable subjects and speaking her mind, started having stress incontinence, something that is common as older people, especially women, experience.

Because I can p** myself if I cough up or sneeze, I must be close to the bathroom.” Nobody ever talks about it, despite the fact that it’s common among people my age. I need to discuss it. She said, “It’s on my mind.”

Miriam recalled one time asking a stranger to use their bathroom while walking on Hampstead Heath. I knocked on the door and said, “I’m terribly sorry, but I’m going to ask to have s**t in your toilet,” is that true? I had a moment to think about the owner before asking, “I think I recognize you, Miriam Margolyes?” Yes, I am, but does that indicate whether it is better or worse?

Care concerns

Miriam has stated to the Radio Times that she worries about paying for carers as she gets older. “I’m worried that I won’t have enough money for carers when I finally get paralysed or whatever it is going to happen… To pay someone to care for me and my partner, I’m saving up some money. Since we don’t have children, I need to make sure I’m being looked after in the manner that I’ve come to expect.

She echoed these sentiments on Loose Women, “One day I will need carers. I want to be comfortable and I want them to be properly paid for. It is really because I want to make money though and they pay me to do it.”

Maya Jama, the host of Love Island, is dating Portugal’s R. Dias, a champion league player known for his valiant defending and leadership on the field.

After weeks of speculation, fans now have confirmation that Love Island host Maya Jama is dating Portuguese Rúben Dias – and the internet can’t get enough of the new power couple.

Maya, 30, took to Instagram Stories earlier this month to talk to her fans while the footballer sat alongside her in the back of a car, seemingly confirming their romance. The duo had been enjoying a meal together before she said they were swarmed by photographers.

Now, Maya has taken the confirmation one step further as she shared a video of the footballer on her Instagram stories, jokingly titling it the “perv cam”. Ruben displayed his ripped physique in a pair of black shorts as he soaked up the up the sun with Maya on holiday.

READ MORE: Maya Jama confirms Ruben Dias relationship as they make huge public statement

Rúben Dias, 28, is a centre-back who plays for Premier League giants Manchester City and the Portugal national team. Born in Amadora, Portugal, the handsome defender is known not just for his skills on the pitch, but also for his strong leadership, captaining City on numerous occasions and earning praise from football legends for his calm under pressure attitude.

Ruben’s talent quickly showed up at Benfica as he began his career. Before joining City in 2020 for a cool £57 million, one of the most expensive deals for a Portuguese player, he made over 100 appearances for the club.

In his debut season, he helped lead City to a Premier League title and a Champions League final, scooping up accolades like FWA Footballer of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season. And if that’s not enough, he was also part of the historic Man City squad that completed a continental treble in 2022–23, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League – a feat only one other English club has achieved.

Ruben has played a key role in Portugal’s 2019 Nations League victory on home soil and has won two World Cups and two Euros.

However, despite having a career full of trophies and accolades, Ruben has been known for maintaining a relatively quiet private life up until now. After being seen cuddling at KSI’s event earlier this year, viewers were quick to identify the romance between Maya and Ruben.

Maya has been linked to high-profile names in the past, with the presenter splitting from rapper Stormzy for a second time last year. Maya, also a presenter on BBC Radio 1, is understood to have introduced the Portuguese footballer to her mum last month, though again the couple hadn’t confirmed any romance to fans online.

After meeting at the European Music Awards (EMAs) in November, everything got going. According to reports, the pair have been a relationship for a while, and now it seems like they have finally confirmed their relationship.

She was also at the game at Wembley recently as Rúben’s Manchester City played to a 2-0 triumph over Nottingham Forest. The win booked City’s place in the final of the FA Cup, in which they will face Crystal Palace after the Eagles thumped Aston Villa 3-0.

It was also reported that Ruben introduced Maya to his mother, Bernadette, amid speculation about her relationship with the football star. Maya and R. has met his mother, according to a source who spoke to The Sun.

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Zak Starkey, a former Oasis drummer, claims he was “gutted” after learning he wouldn’t be a part of Liam and Noel Gallagher’s dazzling reunion this summer.

Oasis star Zak Starkey is consoling himself after being ditched from the Gallagher brothers’ eagerly awaited reunion tour. Fans of the Britpop legends were sent into a frenzy last year when Liam and Noel announced they were putting their fiery feud behind them and getting the back back together after a 16-year hiatus.

Fans can’t wait to see the Don’t Look Back In Anger stars backstage at Cardiff on July 4 for a show. However, Zak, a former drummer for the band who played with Oasis between 2004 and 2009, won’t be on the lineup.

READ MORE: Liam Gallagher joins celebs sending prayers to Liverpool after car attack

Zak appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning (May 27) to promote his new single with supergroup Mantra of the Cosmos, which also features Bez and Shaun Ryder from the Happy Mondays alongside former Oasis bassist Andy Bell.

When asked what he thought of the upcoming reunion tour, he said he was “gutted” not to be asked to attend the shows.

He responded, “I texted them and asked, why am I not in it. ‘. You know you feel more at ease when you start a new drummer, don’t you? You become comfortable with brand-new musicians, and I believe that’s what has happened.

He continued, saying that, had the offer been for him to join Oasis on tour, he would have accepted it. He also praised the band and Liam, saying: “God, yeah. Greatest rock and roll group of my generation. Greatest rock and roll artist of my generation.

Noel Gallagher wrote his group’s new single Domino Bones after suggesting it would work better for them, according to Zak, who is the son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr.

The drummer claimed to be shocked by Noel’s offer and that he couldn’t believe it when he spoke to Ben Thompson. Sending me a tune from the greatest songwriter of my generation.

Andy Bell, a fellow Mantra of the Cosmos member, announced last week that he would be traveling with Liam and Noel on their reunion tour. The bass player, who played for Oasis between 1999 and 2009, said he was “really looking forward to it.”

Eagle-eyed fans shared snaps of Noel and Andy at rehearsals for the reunion gigs last week.

Those who were able to secure their spot are thrilled, especially after a glimpse of the band at the rehearsal studio, despite some controversy over Ticketmaster’s “dynamic pricing” strategy, which saw ticket prices double their value.

One enthralled fan wrote, “F**k and I thought I was hyped before. They look incredible, really!

Noel has a beard that looks good on him, but they all have aged pretty damn gracefully, and I can’t lie. Additionally, Glad Bonehead appears to be in good health. Ladies, it is taking place.

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