Category Entertainment News

Following his tragic passing earlier today, Kate Garraway took to social media to express her condolences to her “love friend” and “journalist hero” John Stapleton.

Kate Garraway was one of the first celebrities to post a tribute following the death of her ‘dear friend’ John Stapleton, who died earlier today. The late news presenter was 79 at the time of his death following a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

The presenter’s career spanned almost five decades and was known for news programmes including Newsnight, Panorama and GMTV’s News Hour. Within his career he covered the war in Kosovo, four US elections and the iconic funeral of Pope John Paul II in Rome.

His agent confirmed his death by stating that John had pneumonia-related Parkinson’s disease. His son Nick and daughter-in-law Lisa have always supported him, and John passed away peacefully this morning in the hospital.

And his famous pals and former coworkers eluded social media to express their affection for the journalist right away.

One person in particular was Kate Garraway who posted a throwback picture of the pair during their time presenting GMTV.

She wrote, “Absolutely devastated to learn of the passing of my dear friend and journalistic hero John Stapleton.” The ultimate gentleman and a rock solid broadcaster. His work dates back to the Yorkshire Post’s cub reporter days.

She continued, “On his first day alone in the office, he received a call from the police that they were beginning to search the moors for the bodies of murdered children.” He arrived at the scene of one of our country’s most heinous crimes less than an hour later.

Kate continued, “Others will speak testimony to his incredible career better than I do, and I hope they do, but all I can say is that he was a most generous copartner, always lifting up those he was with, never crushing or ramming those he knew better (which he did),” down their throat, never assuming any responsibility, and always fair, truthful, and honorable.

No one told a story in the pub better than John, she said as she finished her tribute. “Huge fun too. He won’t be seen like that again. Thinking of Nick and all those who knew and loved him, Nick.

Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid closely followed Kate as she took to X to pay her condolences.

She said: “So so sad to hear of John Stapleton’s death. He was a legend in broadcasting, the consummate pro and always good-humoured and gracious to work with. A huge part of GMB’s story and television history. Sending love to John’s family.”

The late star’s girlfriend, Nicky Campbell, also shared a picture of him and said “he’s got some respect.” He expressed his sadness, “. For many years, John Stapleton and I worked together on Central Weekend Live.

He continued, “He was a broadcasting giant, a kind friend, a kind, wise, and very funny man.” Effortless, at ease, and sharp. A velvet glove with a steel handle. To all those who loved him, my condolences. There are numerous. Please rest in peace, my friend.

Presenter Gabby Roslin took to Instagram and described him as a “good, kind, caring man.” She wrote: “John Stapleton was a good, kind, caring man. My love and thoughts are with his family. John has a proper twinkle in his eye.”

Nick, a son Nick, and his late wife Lynn Fauld Wood, John left behind. In an interview on BBC Morning Live from October 1, John revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

He said at the time, “For the better part of 50 years, speaking is how I’ve made my living.” Sometimes it’s very frustrating, especially when someone keeps saying, “Sorry, what did you say? ” And you must constantly repeat yourself.

He continued, “I’m a fairly sane person about the possibility that this will get worse.” What purpose does it serve to be negative, I try to stay positive?

The well-known newscaster also revealed that his grandmother and mother also had the same illness.

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With her most recent BBC documentary, former Love Island star Zara McDermott has sparked outrage in Thailand as she exposes the negative effects of tourism.

Zara McDermott has sparked fury from locals in Thailand after she called the country “Benidorm on steroids.” The former Love Island star has been accused of making a mockery of the tourist hotspot in her new documentary – Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise – where she draws attention to the seedy underbelly of the travel destination.

The series sees Zara, 28, visit Bangkok and Pattaya as she highlights some of the complex issues the country faces – such as the availability of drugs and prostitution. However, some residents have hit back accusing the show of being one-sided.

Zara says in her documentary that Thailand is “Benidorm on steroids: cheap, cheerful, full of women,” but locals have countered that it is a “welcoming and warm country.” One resident of the famous Khaosan Road in Bangkok said, “I have talked to my clients from around the world many of them, of course some are English, told me here is safer than in their own countries.”

Souvenir shop owner Cletana Thangworachai continued to the Daily Mail, “The documentary is unfair. It could make a negative image about safety here in Thailand and it could shake the confidence of foreign tourists. I think what they report was not true particularly about the safety here. I regularly walk at night alone leaving it very late night or very early morning not only in Bangkok but also in the rural area. I think those who made this story just wanted to boost their engagement.”

Anutr Tosirikul, a 53-year-old local, claimed the documentary might have a negative impact on Thailand’s tourism sector. He continued, “It seems to me that she already had a predetermined outcome in mind.”

“The story appears to have been presented from only one side, which I believe is unfair to Thailand. This isn’t the kind of approach we expect from journalists, and I think it undermines the credibility of the BBC.”

Thailand is described as the “sex capital of Asia” in the documentary, which features young British men having sex with prostitutes for as little as £23.

It seems to me that some young Brits are acting in Thailand in a way unlike they would never behave in the UK, Zara says in the show. They are completely content to live under entirely different rules when they do, and they do it.

A YouTuber who appeared in the documentary just days before the backlash claimed the documentary was “full of lies” and “false scenes” that were staged.

She is shown around the red-light district of Pattaya by the man who runs the channel Mac TV Travel Learn Inspire, but he has since claimed that producers have edited “his dialogue and” dramatized everything.

The BBC responded to the Daily Mail’s article, “We refute any notions that this contributor was misrepresented or that any sequences were fabricated. He fully understood the nature of his contribution and the entire series before taking part, fully consented, and understood what he was doing.

They added, ” Zara McDermott has explored a range of sensitive issues in multiple documentaries for BBC Three over the past five years.”

Zara admitted to having some difficult and emotional conversations with sex workers in Thailand in an interview with the BBC on Tuesday.

Because I firmly believe that sharing our stories gives us women power, I want these women to feel completely seen and heard. I feel incredibly sorry for the women who are subjected to work in such a volatile and occasionally unsafe industry.

John Stapleton, a legendary TV personality, made his final television appearance just months ago as he discussed how Parkinson’s disease was affecting him in his agonizing diagnosis.

John Stapleton made his final TV appearance prior to his death just months before he passed away at the age of 79. The iconic broadcaster appeared on air back in June as he discussed his Parkinson’s diagnosis on BBC One’s Morning Live.

John revealed he had been diagnosed with the debilitating condition in October last year and was a guest on the show where he shared an update on his health. Speaking with presenter Janette Manrara and medical expert Dr Oscar, he said, “I’ve still got the tremor, which is difficult, it makes dressing difficult and a bit of a challenge some mornings.

I’m having to repeat myself whenever I enter a room with ambient noise, like a pub, which I do occasionally frequent, as you may know. I hope you can at least hear me now loud and clear. It becomes a little stale and frustrating.

As John continued, “My limbs are getting stiffer,” he further explained how his mobility was affected. I find using my left side difficult, and I occasionally lose balance. I have to be very cautious when climbing and falling stairs and ascending too quickly. I’m a little sluggish.

Then he sarcastically retorted, “Life is a barrell of laughs.” John also discussed how he had witnessed his mother’s Parkinson’s battle at the time.

He said, “I first saw firsthand what can happen to people with Parkinson’s because my mother had Parkinson’s.” She changed from a very intelligent, outgoing woman to a prisoner at home. That prospect is not something I’m anticipating.

“But having said that, many people with Parkinson’s live almost normal lives and there is constant research being done, so think optimistic.”

He continued, “I’m doing everything I can.” I have a lovely speech therapist who insists that I speak slowly, and a keep-fit lady who visits me every week and completely knackers me.

John, who had pneumonia, passed away on Sunday, September 21, in a hospital. His agent, Jackie Gill, shared the sad news and said that his family had been there when he passed away.

She claimed that John had pneumonia and Parkinson’s disease. His son Nick and daughter-in-law Lisa have always supported him, and John passed away peacefully this morning in the hospital.

John was a household name for decades thanks to his work on BBC’s Watchdog and GMTV’s News Hour. He announced his Parkinson’s diagnosis in an interview on ITV’s Good Morning Britain in October 2024.

He said, “It’s pointless to be miserable. It won’t ever alter. For the rest of my life, Parkinson’s is right here with me. The best thing I can do is try to control it and heed the advice of the experts.

Lynn Faulds Wood, John’s wife, passed away from a stroke on April 24, 2020, at the age of 72.

Jon Lee, the star of S Club 7, and his boyfriend Jordan Fairhurst talk about going through difficult times and finding true love.

After “six years of celibacy”, Jon Lee didn’t just dip his toe into the world of dating again – he jumped in headfirst by joining Channel 4 ’s Celebs Go Dating . And to his surprise, the leap of faith paid off. Four months after filming, Jon exclusively reveals that he is head over heels with new boyfriend Jordan Fairhurst after hitting it off on the show. After suffering his fair share of heartache in life, it’s little wonder he can’t keep the huge grin off his face…

“To be honest, I went on the show just to laugh.” As their first couple join us for their first couple’s photo shoot, Jon, 43, speaks clearly in love with his new partner. I pondered whether it would be nice to go out and go on a few dates, but I had no real desire to meet anyone. So it was a pleasant surprise to meet Jordan.

Jon, who became well-known in the late 1990s as a member of the pop group S Club 7, is known for hits like Don’t Stop Movin’ and Stand By You, but over the next 20 years, the singer claims the show was an opportunity for fans to see “the real Jon” with the bonus of finding love.

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And Jordan had a spark right away, according to Jon. We discussed previous relationships and realized we had very similar experiences, which was regrettable, and so we formed a friendship. He adds, “We both understood what we wanted from a relationship perfectly.”

Hairdresser Jordan, 40, claims that the couple had their own moments that weren’t always captured on camera while the romance unfolded on screen.

He reveals that during filming, we would go on a date for the show, but we would stay that night with Jon, and we would have our own date the following day without the cameras.

You can’t help but be aware that you’re not alone on these romantic Celebs Go Dating dates because it appears to be just you two, but there are actually about 15 crew members listening to every word you say.

After watching the video back, Jordan was left slightly red-faced after numerous instances of Jon and Jordan locking lips.

He laughs, “One thing I wish the producers had changed was the kissing stuff. They made it appear as though we were snogging for hours instead of seconds,” he says. Every episode, “We’re just necking it”!

His mother was the one who was over the moon to see Jon find his ideal partner.

He responds, “Mum, yes, I’m very happy.” She always told me to “I’m never going to meet someone,” but I’d always say that I should keep my mind open and shut. She was shocked when I returned home and said I had actually met someone because she had always desired to see me settle down with them.

However, Jon’s mother found the show to be challenging because it involved him talking to dating experts Paul C. Brunson, Anna Williamson, and Dr. Tara about some deeply emotional past topics.

He revealed the heartbreaking passing of his father, Terry, who passed away in 2019, and the dark hole that Jon fell into in the years that followed in a particularly raw moment.

“I completely went off the rails.” I left, and I was heavily consuming drugs. I had to make a decision after the conclusion, or it wasn’t going to go well. My mother watched me talk about that, and Jon softly responds, “It was very emotional.” However, she frequently talks about past events with me, and it always ends with her saying, “I’m very proud of the man I am today.”

He continued, “I went through something that was very, very difficult, and, regrettably, not many people make it back if they take the wrong path.” I’ve returned, and not just for the better, but also more confident. She’s simply content that her boyfriend is back. Although it was heartfelt to watch myself discuss everything, it was important for me to share. The show is about doing something properly if you’re going to do it.

Jon has been introducing Jordan to all of his nearest and dearest but admits his three ‘babies’ were the hardest to please. A proud dog dad to Indian rescue dogs Colin, Lolly and Bruno, Jon had his worries that the trio would be tricky to win over, but admits that his new man passed the test with flying colours.

Bruno claims that he makes the best efforts to please. Jordan is now Bruno’s favorite person, despite the fact that they needed to see him twice to get to know him. However, he gets jealous if Jordan places his arm around me.

While Jon claims that the couple won’t be adding any more young dogs to the family (“Bruno would not! “), Jordan wants to one day expand the menagerie.

“We’d love to purchase a horse!” We would really like it if Jon rode, he says, but it would have to wait until our lives would be a reality.

Although the couple lives at opposite ends of the country and are only five hours apart, Jordan claims that moving in together is still “a long way off.” It’s still early days. He adds that they are still getting a lot of quality time in, “there is a lot of things we need to learn about one another.”

It’s been really nice to spend about four or five days with each other on our own little adventures each week. We work together because Jon enjoys his time spent by himself and I enjoy my downtime.

So what’s next? Well, the couple are looking forward to spending their first festive season together, says Jon. “Jordan’s coming to mine in Cornwall, and it’s going to be a proper family Christmas. It’ll be the first time I’ve had a boyfriend at home for Christmas, actually.”

“Jordan beams,” I say. This is going to be the best Christmas ever because I’ve never had the opportunity to spend it with my partner.

Jon might have to sign some of his old S Club CDs when it comes to the current list this year. Since meeting Jon, “laughs Jordan,” my nephew has been a S Club fan. The little girl I have with my best friend is also a fan of them. They seem to be playing Reach every day at school, so there are some very young fans there!

Strictly Come Dancing’s Thomas Skinner has unleashed a furious tirade following his debut on the BBC show as he fumed, ‘I won’t be cancelled’.

He warned viewers not to ‘start a war they won’t win’ as he tried to clear his name from a number of stories swirling about him online. Acknowledging his extra marital affair, past arrests and questions over his character, Thomas said he would not be silenced in a fiery post to X.

It comes after fans questioned if Amy Dowden had been handed the ‘short straw’ after she was teamed up with Thomas. Some viewers said Amy looked downbeat already after landing the controversial star as her dance partner.

Thomas’ Strictly journey got off to rough start before he set foot ohn the dancefloor after he snatched the phone of a reporter during a day of press with the BBC. He then admitted to cheating on his wife Sinead just weeks after they got married, with his former mistress airing her side of the story. That was after outspoken Thomas had already raised eyebrows with his political leanings after he was pictured cosying up to US Vice President JD Vance – with many questioning if he was a good fit for the BBC family show.

Taking to X hours after the Strictly launch show aired on Saturday night, Thomas said he had seen people were ‘fuming’ he was on the line-up – but said the hate was only making him more determined to stay.

Addressing the backlash to his affair, Thomas said he was speaking out as his ‘poor wife’ was heartbroken to have to relive it as his time on Strictly put him under a huge spotlight.

He posted: “Life ain’t easy. I’ve been kicked down an called every name under the sun recently and probably some of it I deserve, as yes I ain’t always right. But since I got invited to have a BBQ with JD Vance….its gone crazy. Certain people are doing everythin they can to ruin me. Mainly Faceless accounts givin it large and abusing me, hypocrites making everything political,” he fumed.

“Now I see people are fumin’ that I’m on Strictly…. and the funny thing is that the majority of them got “be kind” wrote in their bios. You couldn’t make it up. Let me tell you this. I won’t be cancelled. I ain’t gonna kill myself like some of you want. I’m still here. I’m still standin,” he insisted.

Thomas went on: “Trust me when I say this; I am stronger than people think. Every insult, every lie, every attack….it don’t break me, it builds me stronger. I built what I got from nothing. I Slept on a pull-out bed on the floor for years cus I never had a bedroom. Weirdos write rubbish on Wikipedia about my upbringing that ain’t true, but they can’t take away what I’ve built with graft & fight.

“They call me a grifter, but all I do is work. Day in, day out, graft. And yes, all the political parties have come knockin wantin me to work with them from both the left and right. But I ain’t got no interest in that. I’m not for them. I’m for the people. For the man or woman on the street who just wants to do better in life. For the parent workin two jobs to keep the lights on. I get it. I live it.

“I know the struggles of life. I’m in a fight I can’t win, but I don’t give up. I know what it’s like to not have the rent money at the end of the month. I’ve lived it. That’s why I’ll always stand shoulder to shoulder with the people who graft and struggle but never stop pushin forward. I’m not a millionaire, if I was I wouldn’t be out in my van doing bed deliveries in between training for strictly. I wouldn’t still be organising my market stall. And I’ll be real with ya. I’ve made mistakes,” he admitted.

Referring to his extra marital affair with Essex beautician Amy-Lucy, Thomas went on: “As you’ve seen in the news…. I cheated on my wife once over 3 years ago. We moved on from it. She forgave me. We are stronger now; yet my poor wife has to relive it because my past has been dug up to sell stories online. I am the news at the moment. Yes I got arrested several times when I was younger. Yes I was always in trouble. But I’ve turned my life around. Yes I went to a private school cos I worked my arse off for a scholarship and my parents sacrificed everything.

“I was brilliant at sports, but I got expelled and ruined my opportunity. Yes I’m dyslexic an my spelling is bad. Yes I’m outspoken. But anyone who says they ain’t made mistakes is a liar. I don’t hide mine. I own them. They made me the man I am today. I’ve buried mates. I’ve got friends doin life in jail. I’ve made bad choices. But I ain’t scared of nothin. My wife is my rock. My familly is my world. I love my kids more than life itself. That love keeps me standin tall when the world tries to drag me down.

“And I know so many are strugglin right now. That’s why I keep goin. Not just for me, but for you. For every person who needs to hear this: believe in yourself. You are ten times stronger than you even know. These last few weeks for me & my family have been horrific. Journos knockin on doors. Been front page of nearly every national newspaper. But it only makes us stronger.

“You start a war with me….. you don’t win. You start a war with my family & friends…the whole lot of us rise together. This country is beautiful. Full of beautiful people. I love it with all my heart. It’s built on graft, pride, community and family. It’s built on good people from all walks of life. Not people that gave up! So don’t waste your energy on faceless cowards. Don’t let hypocrites win.

“Whatever battle you’re fightin behind closed doors, don’t give up. Keep pushing. If I can keep goin, so can you. We are strong. We are proud. We never give up. Ever. Thank you for all the love and support I’ve been getting! It means the world to me. Love to you all.”

Thomas Strictly partner Amy also spoke out after the launch so, as she heaped praise on her partner’s enthusiasm – downplaying any speculation she was unhappy with the pairing.

Amy penned: “The news is out! @iamtomskinner and I are excited and working hard rrrrrready for the first live show next Saturday! Tom is working so hard and is loving learning to dance ( more than he ever imagined). We are laughing lots too! Honestly Tom it’s been so lovely getting to know the really lovely, bubbly, full of life you this week. Thanks for a great week and so looking forward to our strictly journey ahead! Let’s do this,” she wrote on Instagram.

Thomas then replied: “Reallly really enjoyed training with you this week. You are honestly an amazing person and everything you have been through…. Shows how strong and inspiring you are. I promise I won’t let you down. I might not be the best dancer. But I promise I’ll be the hardest worker. Thank you for being so kind and lovely to me and I’ve enjoyed your company so much. I ain’t stopped laughing with ya. Can’t wait to get on that dance floor with ya next week,” he penned.