Vernon Kay’s comment comes after he ranted about continuous speculation on who could replace his wife Tess Daly and her co-star Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing
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Vernon Kay quickly clarified his comment(Image: ITV)
BBC Radio 2’s Vernon Kay was quick to clarify his comments on-air this week after naming his “best” co-presenter. The television star, who has shared the screen with a host of famous faces including Alex Jones and AJ Odudu, singled out one colleague as particularly memorable.
Reminiscing about his early days in television, the 51-year-old fondly remembered how a former Welsh presenter guided him through the process. Speaking to his co-host Ellie Brennan live on the show, he enthused: “I learned so much with the amazing Josie d’Arby, [she’s] probably the best TV presenter I’ve ever worked with.
“She could read a piece of A4 once, and it would be in there. RADA trained, knew how to read a script, she was unbelievable, so much fun.” Vernon and Josie teamed up for shows such as The Phone Zone and TOTP@Play, a music spin-off from Top of the Pops during the noughties.
During this period, the dad-of-two said Josie, who now has a very different career, “held [his] hand” and showed him the ropes of presenting. “She really did, she was amazing,” he continued, before echoing: “Josie d’Arby, the best presenter I’ve ever worked with, so talented and such a lovely person, hi Jose!”
As his co-host moved on to deliver the latest traffic updates, Vernon interjected to quickly clear things up. He added: “No offence to any of the others that I’ve worked with, I just had a hot flush then, you’re all brilliant.”
Vernon’s comments follow his fury over speculation surrounding his wife Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s potential successors on Strictly Come Dancing.
Last month, the duo revealed they would be passing on the “sparkly baton” to fresh faces once the current series wraps up. In a separate heartfelt statement shared by Tess, she reflected on her “21 unforgettable years” on the programme.
As part of the post, she wrote: “Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together – and I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.”
Following their announcement, numerous celebrities have been tipped as possible replacements, with names such as La Voix, Alex Jones, Holly Willoughby, Bradley Walsh and Paddy McGuinness all in the frame.
Speaking about the rumours during an on-air chat with his co-star Scott Mills, Vernon fumed: “It’s hilarious really, since Tess and Claud announced that they will be leaving all the dentist, doctors and reception magazines are all saying, ‘It’s going to be this person, it’s going to be that person’.
“Let me just say this for the record, and I know a lot of people listen to his because we get quoted a lot of times. Do you honestly think that the people at Strictly Come Dancing mid-series are going to have a roundtable about who is going to host it next year?” Vernon continued his tirade, stating: “Sometimes common sense when you put your fingers to the keyboard makes a big difference.”
When Scott suggested he could be the one to step in for his wife, Vernon quipped: “I tell you who it is, it’s me and Rylan [Clark]. There you go, done, simple.”
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Echoing his co-star’s sentiment that producers are currently focused on the ongoing series, Vernon agreed, saying: “It’s not even finished, as if they’ve got time! They’ve got a Christmas special to organise, just behave yourselves! Wind your necks in, it does my head in.”
The Mirror examines Richard Branson’s first marriage to Kristen Tomassi as he announced the sad passing of his wife Joan Branson.
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Richard Branson was married to Kristen Tomassi before they had their first child.
Sir Richard Branson, the billionaire, paid tribute to his sadly 80-year-old wife Joan Branson, who has sadly passed away. Few people may recall that the Virgin tycoon separated before finding the woman he poignantly called his “guiding light.”
When Richard first laid eyes on Joan in the bric-a-brac shop where she worked in Westbourne Grove, west London, he was already married to Kristen Tomassi, an American woman who would later break his heart and send him “chasing her all around the world”.
Richard, age 75, and Kristen were just getting married. She was a 20-year-old architecture and design student when he was just 21 and was already gaining notoriety as the head of Virgin Records. In Shiptonon-Cherwell, close to Richard’s Manor Studios, the couple tied the knot in the summer of 1972 at Holy Cross Church.
By the end of the 1970s, however, it was over, with psychedelic singer-songwriter Kevin Ayers later disclosing his reasons for not saying why the marriage had ended and how he had been accused of “stealing” the wife of one of the richest men in the world.
READ MORE: Joan Branson: Richard recalls exactly how long it took for him to fall for his wife
Speaking with the Mirror in September 1998, Kevin, who died in 2013 at the age of 68, told of how he and Kristen allegedly fell for each other at a party thrown by Richard himself, who reportedly didn’t anticipate just how far things would go.
The spark was ignited at a celebration held in Branson’s former residence in Notting Hill, West London, in the 1970s, according to Kevin. At the time, Virgin was interested in signing Kevin, a former Soft Machine member, and Richard invited the popstar to the event. However, it would seem that Kevin’s foremost priority was business on that night.
“It was a wealthy, middle-class affair with all the typical rock and roll, drugs, and alcohol. Then, as soon as I saw this gorgeous, willowy blonde, Kristen, there was a sudden, life-changing flash of light. Over the following few years, our attraction grew. Everyone was aware that Richard and his wife were both having a party, so I kept sending her postcards saying “Hi, it’s me” because I was aware of this.
Kevin, who was born in Kent and later moved to Montolieu, France, claimed Richard initially encouraged the singer’s growing kinship with Kristen because he was drawn to Cyrille’s then wife. In fact, Richard allegedly organized a party on his houseboat on the Regent’s Canal in Little Venice, London because he was so taken by Cyrille.
The two couples drank plenty of wine, setting the stage for seduction with candles, scatter cushions, and atmospheric music, and desire quickly acceded.
Kevin revealed that “he vanished into the bedroom with Cyrille, leaving me and Kristen staring at each other over the remains of the meal.” I recognized Kristina’s nonplussed behavior as if she had anticipated it, but I soon realized it would be a very significant evening for me.
“We had plenty of wine to drink, so it was no problem.” I didn’t feel awkward being by myself with his wife, as it appeared as though Richard had planned it. For us, it just sat there. We became intimate because we had a good chemistry and everything seemed natural, even though we didn’t have any sex that night.
My heart and brain both caught fire, I felt a spark. This was a developing passion, not just a one-night stand. When I night-boat left, Cyrille said to me, “Branson was so cheap that I wouldn’t even pay my taxi fare home.” There was no coercion, though. She liked having him to sleep with.
In the weeks that followed, Kevin and Kristen first became acquainted during nights out at bars and concerts, and they eventually moved into bedtime. Kevin said, “I assumed Richard knew. He proudly boasted about their open marriage. However, his issue was that he was losing control as a result of what had initially seemed to him to be a game.
How could you possibly steal my wife while Richard was allegedly confronting him about the blossoming romance, Kevin claims. He was very emotional and enraged. No one steals a woman, I said because she had her own opinion.
Richard made a desperate decision to win Kristen over Kevin when it became clear that he had chosen her over him. He pleaded with her during late-night phone calls and in a flurry of desperate letters.
Kevin recalled that his interpretation of the events was pathological because he couldn’t stand losing. He emailed Kristen a number of letters and calls saying, “How can you leave me? ” for a year. It was heartbreaking and nerve-wracking.
He’d be calling me for hours while I waited in the other room and bit my nails. Kristina never explained what he said to me. She was so upset about it. He capitalized on her guilt, and she felt very sorry. However, Kristen refused to cause him harm. It was as simple as that when we fell in love.
In Kevin’s words, those early years were “idyllic.” Before purchasing a home in Mallorca, they built a house together in Provence and welcomed their daughter Galen. However, after five years of dating, things finally started to unravel.
Kevin concluded that moving to Majorca was a bad choice, saying, “But it was a very bad move on my part. A meat market full of foreigners all displaying their allegiances and in person was a very active social scene. Because my career was deteriorating, Kristen needed more security.
We “drift apart,” he said. Then she moved in with wealthy German real estate developer Axel Ball, keeping Galen. She has had two boys with Axel, and she has had a great relationship with him. She was probably correct to depart. Although my precarious lifestyle was appealing, she was mad at it.
Richard and Kristen divorced in 1979 after their marriage ended, and despite his initial heartache, he later saw things differently, noting how young they had been when they had walked down the aisle. He stated in a 2014 interview with The Guardian that “we were probably a little too young.” My ex and my ex-friends still get along well, and mine and her children also get along.
Continue reading the article.
On Necker Island, which he had previously admitted to impressing his second wife, Richard wed Joan in 1989. Before Joan’s passing, the couple spent 50 happy years together before Richard’s passing. Richard wrote in a heartbreaking statement: “Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away. Our children and grandchildren could have wished for the most wonderful mother and grandmother. She was my world, my ally, my guide, and my best friend. I’ll miss you forever, Joan X.
Do you have a tale to tell? Contact me at julia@gmail.com. banim@reachplc.com Follow Mirror Celebs on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat.
READ MORE: Inside Richard Branson’s 50-year relationship with ‘love of his life’ as he issues tribute
Vernon Kay made the comment after venting about unrestrained rumors about who could take over as Tess Daly’s husband and Claudia Winkleman from Strictly Come Dancing.
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Vernon Kay quickly clarified his comment(Image: ITV)
BBC Radio 2’s Vernon Kay was quick to clarify his comments on-air this week after naming his “best” co-presenter. The television star, who has shared the screen with a host of famous faces including Alex Jones and AJ Odudu, singled out one colleague as particularly memorable.
The 51-year-old fondly recalls how a former Welsh presenter guided him through the process while he was reminiscing about his early years in television. He enthusiastically stated, “I learned a lot with the amazing Josie d’Arby,] she’s probably the best TV presenter I’ve ever worked with,” when he spoke to his co-host Ellie Brennan live on the program.
She would be able to read an A4 piece once, and it would be there. She was incredible, extremely entertaining, and she was trained to read a script. In the 1970s, Vernon and Josie collaborated on shows like TOTP@Play and The Phone Zone, a musical spin-off of Top of the Pops.
The father-of-two said Josie, who is now working in a very different field, held his hand and showed him the ropes of presenting during this time. “She really did, she was amazing,” he continued, before echoing, “Hi Jose! The best presenter I’ve ever worked with. She was so talented and lovely.
Vernon interjected to quickly clear up the situation as his co-host continued to deliver the most recent traffic updates. No offence to any of the other people I’ve worked with, he continued, “I just had a hot flush then, you’re all brilliant.”
Vernon’s comments follow his fury over speculation surrounding his wife Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s potential successors on Strictly Come Dancing.
Once the current series is over, the duo announced last month that they would be passing on the “sparkly baton” to new faces. She reflected on her “21 unforgettable years on the program” in a separate heartfelt statement shared by Tess.
She wrote in the post, “Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together,” and I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that still means a lot to so many.
Following their announcement, numerous celebrities have been tipped as possible replacements, with names such as La Voix, Alex Jones, Holly Willoughby, Bradley Walsh and Paddy McGuinness all in the frame.
Vernon blasted the rumors during an on-air chat with Scott Mills, saying, “It’s going to be this person, it’s going to be that person. “
“I just want to say this for the record, and I know a lot of people will listen because we are frequently quoted.” Do you sincerely believe that the hosts of the Strictly Come Dancing mid-series will hold a roundtable discussion about the schedule for the show next year? Vernon continued his tirade, saying that it can sometimes be very important to use your fingers on the keyboard.
Vernon quipped, “I tell you who it is, it’s me and Rylan [Clark],” when Scott suggested he could step in for his wife. You’re done, it’s simple.
Continue reading the article.
Echoing his co-star’s sentiment that producers are currently focused on the ongoing series, Vernon agreed, saying: “It’s not even finished, as if they’ve got time! They’ve got a Christmas special to organise, just behave yourselves! Wind your necks in, it does my head in.”
When the popstar they were visiting boarded the same flight to Helsinki and she wasn’t even flying first class, music fans at Stockholm Airport were baffled.
Social News Reporter Alice Sjoberg
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Passengers were baffled when they realised who was on the same flight as them (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
Music enthusiasts in Stockholm, Sweden, were left stunned whilst awaiting their flight to Finland after discovering a very special passenger was also waiting to board the same flight.
Music lovers travel far and wide to see their favorite bands and artists perform live. It’s not unusual for them. No distance appears too far for devoted fans, who frequently use concerts as an opportunity to discover new places, whether it’s a visit to a neighboring city, across the country, or to a completely different country. However, they might not be anticipating bumping into the artist themselves.
However this extraordinary scenario unfolded for a group of admirers who were preparing to board their flight from Stockholm, Sweden, travelling across the Baltic Sea to Helsinki in Finland to see Zara Larsson at her upcoming concert.
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One fan shared the video on TikTok, which shows the incredible moment she was waiting by the departure gate at Arlanda airport in Sweden, only to glance up and see the pop star approaching the exact same gate, instantly attracting the attention of numerous fans who were all traveling to see her performance the following evening.
The fan wrote in the video’s caption, “Pov you’re flying from Sweden to Finland to see Zara Larsson and Zara Larsson shows up.”
One fan swayed as she chatted casually with several supporters at the gate after hearing the superstar’s distinctive voice behind her.
Zara, who donned a black fur coat and pink nails, then showed off some photos with the TikTok creator. She chose to avoid wearing makeup as she arrived for her 26-November concert in Helsinki.
Within the first day of being uploaded to the platform, the video received more than 478, 000 views, and it quickly attracted comments from other fans.
One fan said, “Crazy how she just flies in economy,” while another exclaimed, “OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG” while comparing Zara to her on a plane.
A third fan chimed in, “Personally, I would have started dancing lush life to get my lush life girl moment.”
Without her ex-husband Eamonn Holmes, Ruth Langsford is getting ready for her second Christmas. She says she enjoys keeping the “magical” “traditions alive” with her family.
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Ruth Langsford says she is ‘grateful’ for her career(Image: ITV)
Ruth Langsford says she is “very grateful” as she opens up about life after her split from Eamonn Holmes ahead of Christmas. Television stars Ruth and Eamonn announced they were splitting in May 2024 after 14 years of marriage.
The former couple has a 23-year-old son together. Ruth claims that by keeping “traditions alive,” she still enjoys making the holiday season “magical” for both her own mother Joan and Jack.
She told Woman magazine that she likes to do “stockings,” “loads of decorations” and games over the Christmas period. Although she admits she “particularly misses” her dad, Dennis, who died a decade ago after battling dementia.
Instead of dwelling on the divorce decree, Ruth insists that she is now anticipating Christmas. It’s about anticipating the future and acknowledging a new chapter and beginning. She explains, “It’s exciting.”
Since the split Ruth has continued to make regular appearances on shopping channel QVC as well as working as a panellist on Loose Women. She had previously co-hosted segments on This Morning alongside Eamonn.
She stated, “I am completely aware that I am happier than I have been in a while and have a ton of fantastic opportunities.” I appreciate it greatly.
The TV personality recently discussed a potential return to This Morning. When asked if she would host the program alongside “TV son” Rylan Clark, she responded, “If they’d ask, they’d ask, especially with Rylan,”
“I adore Rylan. Really, he’s like my son. Who knows since we have already worked together and we adore one another?
Ruth acknowledges worry that Joan, 94, might not have enough Christmases left for her. While Ruth’s daughter receives excellent care, Joan, the presenter, manages all of her personal affairs, from taking her to appointments to carrying out any necessary shopping, in a care facility close to her home.
She said, “Each year with her is a privilege because I speak a lot about my lovely mum and the battle she is going through.”
I’ll bring my family over for the big day. I always cook something that I really enjoy. I particularly miss my dad at Christmas. I value every minute I spend with her, but I’m not sure how many more Christmases she [her mother] might have.
While ex-husband Eamonn is said to be dating Katie Alexander, the TV star is currently said to be single. Additionally, Ruth recently made an offensive face-to-face face on Loose Women.
It came during a discussion about former Prime Minister David Cameron, who recently revealed he fought prostate cancer. The condition was discovered after Lord Cameron’s wife Samantha encouraged him to go and get tested.
Addressing the announcement, Loose Women panellist Myleene Klass remarked: “It is a known fact that men live longer when they’re married because they have wives, and women live longer when they aren’t married shall we say… you do the maths!”
Ruth responded, “Good to know! “she laughed about the prospect of a longer life now that she is single with the audience and her fellow presenters.”
Jeff Brazier’s crumbling marriage as he splits from Kate: 5 things you need to know – The Mirror
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TV presenter Jeff Brazier and his wife of seven years Kate Dwyer have split, separating in the summer after a rollercoaster on and off relationship and a “year of hell”
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Jeff Brazier’s crumbling marriage and split: 5 things you need to know(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
What you need to know about Jeff Brazier’s split from Kate Dwyer after seven years of marriage
On 24 November, reports broke claiming Jeff Brazier and Kate Dwyer had broken up. The split was reported to have come after a “year of hell” and amid growing tensions between Jeff and his younger son Freddy. A source told The Sun that Kate “had enough” and had moved back to her flat in Hackney.
A day later, fans started to notice signs of the split, as Jeff appeared on Good Morning Britain without his wedding ring. The missing symbol of eternal love wasn’t the only hint – Kate’s cryptic posts about the “hardest season” of her life and her trip to Vegas without Jeff all pointed towards a split.
Tension between the couple was thought to have arisen as Jeff faced issues with his son Freddy. Earlier this year, Jeff launched legal action to stop the 21-year-old from seeing his maternal grandmother, Jackiey Budden, to “keep him safe”. The suit was dropped but it was still said to cause friction in the family.
Jeff confirmed the split on Instagram on 25 November. He wrote: “I’m so full of love and gratitude for Kate. For all we achieved, for how much we grew, for everything we endured. We separated in the Summer and kept it private for as long as we could to give us some time to adjust.”
This isn’t the first time the couple have broken up. Their last split was in 2022, and like this time, Jeff confirmed it on his Instagram as Kate moved out of their home. But in 2023, they rekindled their romance.
READ THE FULL STORY: Jeff Brazier reveals he split from wife months ago but will always ‘love’ her
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