Category Entertainment News

Two-time Olympic champion and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Victoria Pendleton announced the tragic news of a second family death in as many years on social media

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Former Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton has announced that her father Max has died following a “long struggle” with Parkinson’s disease. The Team GB legend shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram in a heartfelt tribute to her dad, who passed away on Saturday having also been suffering with Parkinson’s dementia.

In an emotional post, the two-time Olympic gold medallist said she “wouldn’t have achieved anything without” her father, who “fought hard to the finish line as always.” It is the latest devastating tragedy for Pendleton and her family, coming two years after her twin brother Alex tragically died from a brain tumour.

She included a photo of him and their dad smiling together as she wrote: “The picture of Alex and Max is how I want to remember them both not taking the moment seriously. On the 11th of October my father Max Pendleton passed away after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease and more recently Parkinson’s dementia.

“He fought hard to the finish line as he always did. I am so grateful for his dedication to cycling and his unwavering belief in me, even if I didn’t always recognise it.

“I certainly wouldn’t have achieved anything without him and I am thankful for all I have experienced as a result. He always pushed himself, I admired that in him and tried my best to emulate,” she added.

“More significantly he has encouraged and enabled countless individuals into the sport of cycling. Organising equipment and kit and grass roots, grass track events. Where it all began for me. Rest In Peace. Love you dad.”

In an interview with the Guardian last year, she shed light on her relationship with her father, a former grass track champion who trained her to cycle as a child. Detailing his obsession with cycling, she revealed that he would take her and Alex out racing with him every weekend, as she confessed: “I thought every family did something like that at the weekends, but clearly not.”

He proudly watched on as Pendleton became one of the most decorated British female cyclists of all time at the London 2012 Games, when she won the second of her two Olympic gold medals in the keirin before securing a silver in the sprint.

The heartbreaking news comes just over two years since the 45-year-old was left shattered by the death of her “brave twinnie” Alex. He had initially been diagnosed with leukemia at the age of four, after being pricked by a wild rose which then caused blood poisoning.

However, after more than 30 years in remission, his cancer returned as he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Tragically, he passed away two years later, aged just 42, leaving Pendleton devastated.

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In a heartfelt tribute to Alex, she wrote: “If you know me then you likely know my twin brother Alex, I just wanted to let you know that this morning Alex sadly passed away after an epic battle against an aggressive brain tumour.

“He will be painfully missed by many. Rest in peace my kind, brave twinnie, you will forever be in our hearts.”

She has since paid tribute to Alex by getting his name tattooed across her chest, while she broke down in tears as she spoke about his passing on the Channel 4 highwire challenge show Don’t Look Down a few months later.

Nick Knowles tied the knot with Katie, his partner of four years, in June, now dispelling any notions that they married for money

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Nick Knowles has made a “hilarious” claim about his recent marriage. The DIY: SOS host wed Katie in a lavish ceremony in June, costing six figures.

Nick and Katie, who is 27 years his junior, had been together for four years before they said their vows. They first crossed paths in 2019 and officially became a couple two years later in 2021.

The former Strictly Come Dancing star popped the question during a trip to New Orleans two years ago. Their wedding took place at the opulent Braxted Park in Essex.

Now, Nick has brushed off any suggestions that lingerie businesswoman Katie, 34, married him for his wealth. Speaking to The Telegraph, he laughed off the idea, saying: “This idea that she’s married me for money is hilarious.”

Nick, 63, went on to say: “Katie is far more intelligent and successful than me. I’ve never even owned a house and I give maybe 40 per cent of what I earn to charity.

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“Don’t get me wrong, I do all right and I can pay my bills, but I drive a 12-year-old Range Rover and the watch I’m wearing was a present.”

Nick and Katie’s paths crossed in 2019 when Nick’s youngest son Eddie, nine, struck up a friendship with Katie’s daughter at a play centre.

Just last week, Katie was rushed to hospital due to complications from life-saving surgery. The TV presenter shared a photo of his wife in hospital as she recuperated from the procedure.

He posted: “Poor Katie Knowles back in hospital again. More complications after her lifesaving surgery last week – but still smiling through all the pain and medical procedures. (When she’s not crying with the pain).

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“I can’t tell you how much my wonderful wife has gone through over the past few months – and I don’t mean just living with me.

“The medical procedures and painful recovery, the setbacks and starting from square one again – and she does all this with enormous resilience and determination and the occasional cry. I’m so proud of her.”

Katie underwent a hysterectomy during the summer after enduring years of agony caused by endometriosis. However, 12 weeks into her recovery, she suffered a devastating setback when her previously stitched cervix ruptured.

She described the ordeal as “the most terrifying day I’ve ever had” and detailed horrific symptoms including excruciating abdominal pain, breathing troubles, and internal bleeding.

Taking to Instagram, Katie revealed: “The bit where they took my cervix and sealed it up ruptured which basically meant my insides went rogue, with crippling abdominal pains, difficulty breathing.

“Also incredibly painful gas, blood like Moses parting the Red Sea, fluid, and even my bowel where it definitely didn’t belong,” she continued, detailing her shocking symptoms.

The Inbetweeners fans are eager to know what Simon Bird has been up to since he first portrayed Will McKenzie back in 2008.

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Fans of iconic Channel 4 series The Inbetweeners were thrilled today following the announcement that the hit UK comedy will be making a comeback.

Starring Simon Bird as Will, James Buckley as Jay, Joe Thomas as Simon and Blake Harrison as Neil, The Inbetweeners originally aired between 2008 to 2010 before the characters also returned for two films in 2011 and 2014.

Now, it seems the show will be getting a fresh chapter thanks to creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley signing a new deal with production giant Banijay UK.

Following the news of a return, fans have been wondering what the cast have been doing since the show ended.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at Will McKenzie star Simon’s life away from the popular E4 sitcom.

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Inside Simon Bird’s early life

Simon Bird grew up as the third of four children in Guildford, Surrey, where he attended the Royal Grammar School.

He went on to read English at Cambridge University, where he became president of the Footlights and met Joe Thomas.

The pair were cast in The Inbetweeners after performing together in Edinburgh and Simon won the British comedy award for best newcomer in 2008.

Who is Simon Bird’s wife?

Simon Bird has been married to his wife Lisa Owens since 2012, with the pair first meeting while performing a comedy sketch together at Cambridge University.

The Inbetweeners actor proposed to Lisa during a romantic trip to Paris back in 2011.

Lisa is a screenwriter, with credits including the 2017 book Not Working, which the Observer described as laugh-out-loud funny.

She has collaborated with her husband in the past, with Simon previously adapting her graphic novel into the 2019 film Days Of The Bagnold Summer.

Lisa and Simon live in London with their two children and are generally pretty private about their young family.

However, Simon did give a hilarious family insight last year when he told The Times they had decided on a ‘travel ban’ after realising the stress of going on holiday with young children.

Following one particularly exhausting trip to California, he admitted: “After that my wife and I decided to impose a travel ban, which lasted a few years — it was honestly the best decision we’ve ever made.”

He has confirmed the ban has ‘since been lifted’ now that the children are older and they can ‘enjoy holidays again’.

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Simon Bird’s roles from Friday Night Dinner to Star Wars

Aside from his iconic role as Will McKenzie in The Inbetweeners, Simon Bird is also recognised by many Channel 4 fans for playing Adam Goodman in beloved sitcom Friday Night Dinner.

The comedy ran from 2011 and 2020 and starred Tamsin Greig, Tom Rosenthal, Mark Heap and the late Paul Ritter.

Simon’s other credits include You, Me and Him, Everyone Else Burns and Sandylands.

It has also been reported that Simon is set to join the cast of an upcoming Star Wars film.

Starring Hollywood icon Ryan Gosling, new movie Star Wars: Starfighter is also set to feature Amy Adams, Matt Smith and Mia Goth.

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Will Simon Bird return for The Inbetweeners comeback?

In a joint statement, The Inbetweeners creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be plotting more adventures for our four favourite friends (ooh friends).”

Therefore, it can be assumed that Simon Bird will return as Will alongside his three main castmates Joe Thomas, James Buckley and Blake Harrison.

Patrick Holland, Banijay’s chief executive, also gave some further insight into the return, telling The Sun he was “delighted to pick up the conversation about the future of The Inbetweeners”.

“They have an infectious creative vision for the brand which will resonate with audiences old and new,” he said, before adding that the deal “unlocks the rights and potential to bring The Inbetweeners back for new audiences across a range of platforms, including film, TV and stage”.

After being gifted a £20k Tiffany tiara, the Olympian has gone all-in on a rich, royal-worthy shade

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She may have brought home Olympic gold, but Keely Hodgkinson is proving she’s just as capable of winning on the beauty front. Fresh from being gifted a £20,000 Tiffany tiara, her literal crowning glory, the Team GB star has taken things up a notch by switching her trademark blonde for a rich new hue fans are calling ‘espresso martini brunette’.

Sharing her transformation on Instagram with the caption: “New York made me do it”, the athlete unveiled a glossy new look that instantly had followers flooding the comments section. And tiara or not, she’s proving that sometimes the real crown is the hair that shines beneath it.

“Serena to Blair,” wrote one fan, while another added, “Really suits you, good choice.” Others were left guessing how she achieved the sleek new shade, with one follower admitting, “Can’t work out if this is real or sprayed but looove.”

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We’re right there with them. The deep, multidimensional tone- a smooth, chocolatey brunette with subtle warmth- looks expensive from every angle. The name ‘espresso martini brunette’ has been cropping up everywhere in salons and on TikTok this season, and it’s easy to see why. It’s glossy, sophisticated and flattering on practically everyone, offering the depth of winter hair colour without the harshness of jet black or the flatness of mid-brown.

According to colourists, the secret lies in layering tones of mocha, caramel and rich espresso to create that light-catching finish, just like the foam-topped cocktail it’s named after. For blondes like Keely making the leap, the trick is in keeping a hint of warmth so the shade feels rich and dimensional rather than cool or ashy.

If you’re inspired to go brunette but not quite ready to commit in-salon, there are plenty of ways to recreate the ‘espresso martini’ effect at home.

Copy Keely’s look at home

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Start with a semi-permanent gloss like Josh Wood Colour Gloss in Chestnut Brunette, £20, which enhances shine and depth without long-term commitment. For those after a deeper tone, Clairol Natural Instincts 5 Medium Brown, £7.99, delivers that freshly-brewed warmth with minimal damage.

Once you’ve nailed your new shade, maintenance is key. A colour-safe shampoo like L’Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Colour, £17.50, helps protect pigment, while a glossing treatment like John Frieda Midnight Brunette Colour Deepening Mask, £7.25, keeps strands rich and luminous between touch-ups. And if you want to maintain your hair health even when colouring, invest in Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, £28. This will give you a reflective, mirror-like finish through the ends.

Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy joked about ‘needing a man’ as she took part in a viral trend on TikTok, but not all her fans were impressed by the comment

Liam Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, joked that she might ‘need a man’ in a video shared on her TikTok page. The model joined the viral trend of people showing off their ability to pick up their partners with one hand. The trend sees people walking away from the camera, with one person using only one arm to lift their partners.

In Kate’s clip, her friend attempts to pick her up but immediately drops her on the ground. Kate then jokes in the caption: “Okay, maybe I do need a man.” Her innocent video received mixed comments from One Direction fans, with some claiming it was bad timing due to his one-year death anniversary approaching on October 16.

Liam died aged 31 last year after falling from a third-floor balcony of the hotel room he was staying at in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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One user demanded she ‘stop posting about him’ as it’s ‘so f***ed up that one moment you’re sad about Liam and the next you’re complaining that you need a man’.

“Doing and saying this five days before the one year of his passing is wild,” another said. Thankfully, most people came to her defence as they slammed trolls for telling Kate how to grieve her loss.

One protective user said: “Here’s the reality, she’s always going to grieve Liam’s loss. He will always hold a place in her heart, however she’s fully entitled to keep living and moving forward. One day she will find someone, and you lot will need to get over it. It’s her life, not yours.”

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“Do not listen to all these haters. They have no idea what they’re talking about. You’re beautiful, Kate, and strong. I love your videos and hearing you talk about your grief is so healing to so many people (including me) who go through the same battles every day,” another added.

Others simply saw the video for what it was, an innocent joke, and said: “You and Liam would have won this trend. Sending you love.” One posted: “I just know that Liam is laughing at this video in heaven.”

Meanwhile, Kate took to Instagram recently to share images of herself and Liam that had been created by fans using artificial intelligence. In the pictures, the former One Direction star, who tragically died after falling from a balcony in October last year, can be seen with his arm around Kate.

Many fans were unhappy with these images and flooded her and those who created the pictures with messages about how it was wrong to use AI to make something like this.

Kate then took to TikTok to slam those people and told them to “stop judging people for how they grieve”.

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TV cook Nigella Lawson shares the £29 secret to her crease-free under-eyes

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When the eternally youthful Nigella Lawson recommends a beauty product rather than a recipe, we take note. This week, the effortlessly glamorous TV cook shared her latest ‘make-up bag heroes’, and among them was one skincare gem that immediately had us zooming in: DoSe by VH Vitamin C Eye Cream, £29.

Nigella, to her own admission, has never been one for long-winded skincare rituals, preferring smart formulas that actually earn their place on her bathroom shelf. So, when she admitted that this particular eye cream made her look forward to applying it, you know it’s something special. She also credited it with making her foundation sit better under her eyes — a solution to a problem many of us face.

As we age, we might want more coverage, but too much only draws attention to fine lines. A product that smooths and preps the skin, meaning you need less makeup overall, is an essential for all pre-makeup routines.

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Nigella says: “I would be failing in my duty here if I didn’t tell you about DoSe Vitamin C Eye Cream. I’m incredibly lazy (and hate transitional states) so I’m always after the fastest make-up routine possible, but the feel of this eye cream is so silky and so calming, I actually look forward to putting it on. The clincher is that it really has seemed to make foundation sit so much better under my eyes and, moreover, makes me need less of it. This is crucial as, while you might need more cover-up there as you get older, the sad truth is that the more you pile on, the more it can seem to age you”.

At first glance, the DoSe by VH Vitamin C Eye Cream looks like a typical sleek white tube, but what’s inside is doing all the heavy lifting. The formula is powered by tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, an oil-soluble form of vitamin C that brightens and firms. It’s joined by caffeine, which helps to depuff and revive tired eyes, plus a few smoothing emollients to keep everything hydrated and crease-free. The cooling metal tip of the applicator also instantly wakes up your face with one sweep.

At £29, it’s not a bargain buy, but it’s a far cry from the eye creams that can easily stretch past the £100 mark. Given the buzz and the fact it’s now sitting pretty in Nigella’s own makeup bag, it’s safe to assume this multitasking little tube won’t stay a quiet secret for long.