Justin Moorhouse has announced the death of his son, Barney. The Phoenix Nights star, who played Young Kenny took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news on Saturday.
Sharing a snap of Barney, the comedian, from Ashton-under-Lyne, said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts I have to tell you our beautiful boy Barney has passed away. Me, his mum and step mum, his sister, cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents and his gorgeous friends are besides ourselves with grief.
“I am consoling myself as much as I can knowing that he loved us all and knew we loved him. He was so happy, content and excited about the future. The sweetest, kindest soul.
“He just went to sleep and didn’t wake up. I can’t imagine how the next days and weeks will unfold but I know we are able to cope – love always helps. I am him and he is me. Sleep tight Barney. Dad.
“Appreciate your kindness and sensitivity towards the family at this time.” Justin’s daughter, Isobel said: “The best brother. I will miss you always, love you.”
Justin shared a snap of Barney as he announced the devastating news
The star said his son was the ‘sweetest, kindest soul’ ( Daisybeck Studios Ltd)
Meanwhile, Barney’s close friend said on Justin’s post: “The best friend I could’ve ever asked for. It was only a few days ago we were having a daft conversation about being each others best men if we ever get married. Feel like I’ve lost my other half. Won’t ever be the same without him. The best person I ever knew. Love you all.”
Tributes have since flooded in on social media, with John Bishop saying: “Justin this is so heartbreaking. I remember the kind fun little boy who grew to be a man to be proud of . There are no words. All of our love goes out to all of you at this time.”
Sacha Lord added: “I’m so so sorry. During his time at WHP he was a kind, gentle, funny soul. My love and thoughts to Barneys family and friends. I’m in shock.” Omid Djalili replied: “This has crushed me. Your comedy family mourns with you tonight.”
Former Coronation Street actress Kimberly Hart-Simpson penned: “This is incredibly sad. You will be in my thoughts.” Journalist Nooruddean Choudry commented: “That thing about knowing he was loved is everything mate. May we all live our lives knowing we were loved, just as Barney did. Top guy. He was and is a credit to you and your beautiful family x.”
Comedian and actress Jessica Fostekew said: “Oh Justin. I can’t begin to imagine the agony you must be in – sending you all the love and strength in the world. I’m so so so sorry.”
Justin’s Looking for Eric co-star, Steve Evets penned: “Justin, my heart goes out to you and all your family and friends of Barney. I can never imagine the grief you all must be in right now and I know my words are meaningless to you all but please take my best wishes to you all at this terrible loss.”
Jen Brister added: “Justin, this is devastating. There are no words but sending you all the love.”
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Olympic heptathlon champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill opens up about retirement from athletics, raising two children, and the body image pressures facing female athletes
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Dame Jessica Ennis Hill is opening up on her time as a competing athlete(Image: Getty Images For MOBO)
Nine years after retiring from elite athletics, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill remains one of Britain’s most adored sporting legends, known for her top performances on the track, not least her 2012 Olympic heptathlon gold.
Nowadays her life looks a bit different, as she works to inspire the next generation of sporting stars while enjoying “taking a step back” to embrace motherhood. In fact, to Reggie, 11, and Olivia, eight, her kids with construction site manager husband Andy Hills, her title means nothing.
Jessica, 39, says: “They don’t really care that I’m ‘Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill’. To them I’m just Mum. Kids don’t really evaluate their parents through the lens of career achievements. One day they will, I’m sure!”
For the three-time world champion, it was important to step away from the track on her own terms.
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She says: “I retired when I wanted to retire. I was ready after the last Olympics [2016]. It was like… starting the next phase of my life.”
Yet the Sheffield native is aware not every athlete has such an easy ride when it comes to retirement. She says: “It can be quite a challenging time. Your whole life has been around training and performing, and then it suddenly stops.
“But thankfully for me, it was a smooth transition, and having my family and support network around me really helped.” And although the roar of the stadium crowds may be behind her, a huge part of her identity will always be tied to sport. Jessica says: “I always loved competing. What started as a hobby when I was a kid became my career, my job, and it was amazing.
“But now it’s nice to sit back a little, enjoy being a parent and explore new opportunities, like inspiring our kids to be healthy, happy, and active.” As a woman who has been scrutinised intensely – she has even been accused of being fat – body image is a topic she approaches with honesty.
She says: “In retirement, your body changes. I’ve had two children, but I’m still active. I love running, strength work, and staying fit. Sport taught me lessons that I carry with me every day.” Jessica is also passionate about passing on this important message to young athletes, particularly girls, and she advocates healthy eating as an ambassador for breakfast brand Weetabix. She advises girls: “Know who you are, be confident, and don’t take too much notice of what other people say. Your body is doing something incredible. Embrace that.”
The star is all too aware of the pressures faced by female athletes. She says: “Being a woman and an athlete can be… challenging. I had my son at the end of my career, and coming back to competing after having a child is a huge barrier.
“Things are improving but women still have more to consider than male athletes in the sports world.” Nevertheless, she is optimistic about the progress women’s sport is making on the world stage. She says: “It’s got so much better. We see amazing female athletes promoted, featured in campaigns. The Lionesses have raised the profile of women’s sport hugely, and athletics has stars like Keely Hodgkinson shining through. “Female sport’s in a really positive place.” Jessica still puts in the miles – this week she joined rugby legend Kevin Sinfield in Sheffield for his 7 in 7 ultramarathon challenge in aid of motor neurone disease charities. But while she loves watching fellow athletes compete in Strictly and I’m a Celeb, she won’t be signing up herself. She admits: “I’m way too scared of spiders to go into the jungle, and dancing every Saturday would terrify me! I’ll happily enjoy it all from the sofa.”
Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill is a Weetabix all-star and together they are on a mission to give Brits the best possible start to their day and help them achieve their goals – bix by bix.
The Rooneys’ Christmas lights can be seen by aircraft flying over, with the family known for spending thousands on their professionally decorated festive decorations
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Coleen and Wayne spend thousands on Christmas lights for £2m Cheshire mansion(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Coleen and Wayne Rooney have reportedly spent thousands adorning their £20m mansion with Christmas lights, so much so that their decorations can be seen by aircraft. Having seemingly enlisted the help of professional decorators, the Rooneys’ festive displays are said to be visible from planes landing and taking off from nearby Manchester airport.
Former United star Rooney, 40, and his wife, Coleen, a star of I’m A Celebrity, have lived in their Cheshire home for the last three and a half years. Located in the county’s affluent Golden Triangle area, home to many footballers and celebrities, the sprawling mansion has been turned into a winter wonderland for Christmas.
Photos of their stunning home show the roof and spacious porch lined with thousands of fairy lights, with the garden brightly lit across trees, hedges and wreaths. The couple shares their incredible home with their four sons: Kai, 15, Klay, 11, Kit, 8, and Cass, 6.
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The family live in the luxurious house, which is said to boast a swimming pool, stables, wine cellar, library, cinema room and hot tub. Their home also has a full-size football pitch, complete with changing rooms and showers.
Wayne is believed to have paid over £4m to a Cheshire property developer to build the mansion, which, of course, has two lifts. The second lift connects to the basement floor, which sports a sprawling gym, pool, Jacuzzi and a cinema room.
This time last year, Coleen was just heading back following her stint in the I’m A Celeb jungle, after slumming it for weeks. But her doting husband had a sweet surprise waiting for her, having spent £10,000 on stunning Christmas lights, ready for her return.
Despite being shot into the spotlight after her footballer husband hit the big time with United when she was just a teen, Coleen is an astute businesswoman and TV personality in her own right. Coleen Rooney reportedly secured the joint highest-ever fee in the show’s history when she joined last year’s series, following her high-profile Wagatha Christie court battle with Rebekah Vardy.
The WAG was rumoured to have pocketed £1.5million, and demonstrated her value as viewers voted to keep her in until the finale. She narrowly missed out on victory to McFly’s Danny Jones, whilst Reverend Richard Coles claimed third spot.
But the savvy start made a substantial investment in the global health and wellbeing brand, Applied Nutrition. This follows her ambassadorial role for the company’s popular collagen, vitamin, and protein products earlier this year.
A strong advocate for health and wellness, Coleen is leaving her glamorous WAG life behind to focus on her new venture. Liverpool-based Applied Nutrition is renowned for its high-quality products that have gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts worldwide.
She also launched her own range in collaboration with Applied Nutrition at the start of the year. An insider close to the deal revealed: “This move showcases her ambition and determination to transcend her celebrity status. Coleen is not just a pretty face; she’s a savvy businesswoman and could be about to make waves in a booming industry.
“The partnership with Applied Nutrition is a great move for her given the phenomenal growth of the company in recent years. Having her on board is a massive win for the brand too. Her involvement has certainly captured the attention of female fitness and wellbeing fanatics. The Coleen Rooney range being launched in January is set to be in high demand. There are big plans in place – watch this space!”
Twin actors of the hit series Shameless look completely different 21 years after starring in the Channel 4 series as they pick up a Special Mention Award at the Marrakech Film Festival
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Shameless twins Luke and Elliott Tittensor look different 21 years after C4 show(Image: Getty Images)
Shameless stars Luke Tittensor and his identical twin Elliott Tittensor look worlds away from their character.
As fresh-faced child actors, identical twins Luke and Elliott fast became favourites for their joint role playing Carl Gallagher in the hit TV show. Fast-forward 21 years, and both actors look completely different as they stepped onto the red carpet at the Marrakech Film Festival, where they picked up a Special Mention Award.
Standing side by side in matching black suits, the brothers both sported hipster-style beards, leaving many to look twice before recognising them from their days starring in a host of UK TV shows. Elliott continued to play Carl Gallagher while Luke landed a role playing Daz in Emmerdale.
At the time, Luke was nominated for Best Young Actor at the Inside TV Soap Awards. Sharing a picture of themselves at the film festival, Luke captioned his post saying: “@marrakechfilmfestival you were good to us, you beauties!”
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He added: “To walk away with a ‘Special Mention Award’ alongside @etittensor was a blessing, especially from that powerhouse of a jury. Even prouder to see @o_hud take home ‘Best Director’. Get in!” He continued: “Massive thanks to @marrakechfilmfestival & @remi.bonhomme for giving us a platform to share the film and to see the amazing work of other creatives.”
Taking to the comment section of Luke’s post, one fan said: “Can’t wait to see this film. Looks amazing. Has two of the best actors available in the UK today for sure. ” Another wrote: “Congratulations, you two.” And a third said: “Soooo proud of you.”
Elliott and Luke also starred in House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones. Speaking previously on social media, the actor said he was overjoyed to have landed a role in the series.
He said: “A journey that was shared with so many beautiful people, cast & crew, who made the experience a ridiculously enjoyable one. None more than to work with my twin bro @luke_tittensor.”
He added: “Game of Thrones is the only series I’ve watched all the way through and we stand on the shoulders on giants!
“I hope we can do everyone involved in the original show & the fans proud by continuing the greatness that is George R.R. Martin’s work. Legend, the man sowing the seeds.”
He was also cast in Silent Witness, where he reprised his part as Scott Weston, which he first played in 2010. The actor has a long list of TV credits, including starring on Doctors, mini-series A Christmas Carol, and I Hate Suzie.
On the big screen, he appeared in Chasing Shadows and Moving On, and movies such as Dunkirk, Spike Island and North v South.
Zoe Ball announced she’d be leaving her Saturday afternoon slot on BBC Radio 2, just months after returning to the station after quitting the breakfast show a year ago
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Zoe’s famous dad has spoken out(Image: Copyright unknown)
Zoe Ball’s dad, Johnny, has commented on his daughter’s “wrong decision” to quit her Radio 2 show for her daughter. The 87-year-old, who was known as a prominent kids’ TV presenter, spoke following Zoe’s shock decision to step back from her Saturday afternoon show on the BBC.
Speaking on Saturday, the 55-year-old told Radio 2 listeners: “I have loved being betwixt my dear friends Romesh (Ranganathan) and Rylan (Clark), and you know, I love you all to bits, but I’m not disappearing completely.
“Obviously, it’ll be Christmas Crooners, and I’m doing an eras show in the new year, more on that later. But I am thrilled to tell you that you will be in the safest of hands, because there is a superwoman who is no stranger to you all, but this does mean that she will officially become a member of the Radio 2 family.
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“You’ll have loved her on The Voice, The Circle, Big Brother, Cooking With The Stars, Love Is blind, and delivering babies, she’s a gorgeous lass, so welcome to the BBC Radio 2 family and Saturday afternoons, Emma Willis.”
Her dad, Johnny, who recently opened up about his prostate cancer diagnosis, explained why she left her morning show in December last year. He told the Sun: “Zoe stood down from the breakfast show, so she could see more of her 16-year-old daughter.
“You only have a couple of years, and she’s off to university and gone. Zoe didn’t realise you don’t see anything with 16-year-old daughters anyway, because they’re always out so she realises it was perhaps the wrong decision. But, she’s happy she did it, and now she’s got a totally new lease of life. Her career’s fine.”
Zoe left the breakfast show in December last year, six years after becoming the voice of Radio 2’s early morning output. She returned to the station around five months later, taking the more laid-back Saturday afternoon spot, between 1pm and 3pm.
At the time, Zoe said she wanted to “focus on her family”, and leave behind the “very early mornings” – she joked that her 4am alarm had taken its toll on her. The news followed a series of other issues, including the death of her mother, Julia, in April 2024.
Zoe has also been open about her temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) diagnosis, which causes her to suffer from headaches. She was the second-highest-earning BBC star in 2023/2024, just behind Gary Lineker. She took home just less than £1,000,000 for the year, making her the top-paid female presenter.
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Commenting on Zoe’s departure, Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, added: “Emma is one of the UK’s most popular broadcasters, so I’m thrilled that she’s joining the all-star Radio 2 family of presenters.
“I’m certain that our loyal listeners will welcome her with open arms. I can’t wait to hear Emma’s new show as a part of our Superstar Saturday weekend schedule, which features Tony Blackburn, Dermot O’Leary, Romesh Ranganathan, Rylan, Liza Tarbuck, Gary Davies and Fearne Cotton.”
Best friends Kerry Katona and Katie Price have made a secret festive promise which will see wedding bells in 2026 as they have vowed to be bridesmaids at one another’s weddings
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The friends have vowed to be bridesmaids at one another’s weddings (Image: Instagram)
Best pals Kerry Katona and Katie Price have made a secret festive promise – to tie the knot with their respective loves in 2026 and to support one another every step of the way. Not only that, but the friends have vowed to be bridesmaids at one another’s weddings and play godmother to each other’s kids, should they also be granted their wish for more babies.
“They are both very keen to get married in 2026 and will be there for each other on their special days. They’d love to have babies at the same time too,” claims our source. “Because they’ve known each other since the [ I’m A Celebrity ] jungle, when Kerry was going through a lot and Katie met Peter [Andre], they always said they’d be each other’s bridesmaids and they’d be there for each other when they first had their kids. So they have to be there for each other’s weddings.”
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“They could possibly have a joint hen do and whatever they do, they’re going to be doing it together. They could even have a double wedding.”
Both stars have had eventful love lives, with Katie, 47, embarking on a string of ill-fated relationships and marriages since divorcing first husband Peter in 2009. But she has been loved-up with former Married At First Sight UK hunk JJ Slater, 33, since February 2024, despite reports of a brief split back in July.
Kerry, 45, meanwhile, has three failed marriages behind her – to Westlife singer Brian McFadden, cabbie Mark Croft, and the late former rugby player George Kay. Last year, she sensationally split from her fiancé, Ryan Mahoney, following a “breach of trust”, but has since found love with personal trainer Paolo Margaglione, 33, who she met while appearing on E4 reality show Celebs Go Dating earlier this year.
Despite not always seeing eye to eye, Kerry – who is mum to Molly, 24, Lilly-Sue, 22, Heidi, 18, Max, 17, and 11-year-old DJ – is one of the few people Katie feels she can confide in.
In 2014, former glamour model Katie was left heartbroken after discovering her friend, Jane Pountney, had enjoyed a secret seven-month fling with her then-husband, Kieran Hayler, behind her back. Since then the star – who is mum to Harvey, 23, and shares children Junior, 20, and Princess, 18, with Peter, and Jett, 12, and Bunny, 11, with Kieran – has struggled to let her guard down.
“Katie doesn’t trust anyone,” our source claims. “But Kerry and Katie have a very close relationship and while they can get on each other’s nerves and have had their fallouts in the past, there’s still a very close bond between them. It’s a funny relationship. They have their ups and downs, but they’re like an old married couple themselves.” While there’s no doubt Kerry is very fond of Katie, her pal’s unpredictable nature has caused problems in the past.
In her 2022 autobiography, Whole Again: Love, Life And Me, the former Atomic Kitten singer revealed she “wasn’t best pleased” after Katie pulled out of being a bridesmaid at her 2014 wedding to George Kay, due to issues with her dress. “I was probably a bit of a bridezilla anyway, so I felt pretty p***ed off,” she wrote. This year, the pair’s bond grew stronger as they completed a chaotic UK tour of their joint live show, An Evening With Katie Price & Kerry Katona, which on one occasion saw Katie turn up two hours late.
At another date, Kerry was forced to walk off stage after suffering a panic attack. “They need each other, without a doubt – especially Katie, who just hasn’t got the confidence Kerry has,” claims our source.
“Kerry really is supportive of Katie. It’s lovely. She is a very, very good friend, but it’s [a situation] where Katie needs Kerry more than the other way round. Katie wouldn’t have been able to do the theatre show on her own, whereas Kerry would have.” One area where the mums have always been on the same page is their love for their kids – and their desire to have more.
“They both want babies,” claims our source. “For Kerry, it’s her last throw of the dice, and for Katie as well. They’ve both got to an age where they’re not sure whether they could get pregnant. If they do it, they’ll do it together and be godparents to each other’s babies and be bridesmaids at each other’s weddings. That’s the sort of pact it is.” While the pair might have grand plans for 2026, family priorities will keep them apart over the festive period.
“I don’t think they will do anything together this Christmas because Kerry has got a big family and loads of kids,” says our source. “Plus they’ve been working together, so they’ll probably have a break from each other, from what I hear. But it doesn’t mean they’re not friends.”
Last year – with the pair starring in panto in Northwich together – Kerry famously hosted her pal, posting snaps of herself and her kids in matching pyjamas, alongside Katie and her eldest son Harvey.
“Had the most amazing and wonderful Christmas with the most amazing children and friends… feel like the luckiest girl alive,” she posted on Boxing Day.
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If their pact for marriage and more babies in 2026 goes to plan, we can see both families pulling crackers together again this time next year.
