Category Entertainment News

The sparkling co-hosts of Strictly as it rolls back, and as a source reports, the storms they’ve endured have only strengthened their bond.

It’s been rocked by one scandal after another, but one thing that has remained steady on Strictly Come Dancing is the unbreakable bond between hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. This year, as the BBC One dance show celebrates its 21st anniversary, the duo will be marking their 11th year as co-hosts. And their on-screen chemistry is as strong as ever. “Tess has such a strong bond with Claudia,” a source exclusively tells OK!.

They have great chemistry on the television and are great friends, both of whom are very career-driven. And they always have each other’s back. The fact that they are close friends off-screen helps the pair’s relationship on camera. Tess has frequently referred to Claudia as her “sister” and has frequently mentioned how much she enjoys hosting with her. She and her husband, Kris Thykier, have two children: Jake, 22, Matilda, 19, and Arthur, 14, along with her husband, Kris.

READ MORE: Shoppers ‘chuffed’ with Amazon coffee machine on sale with Prime Day price

The mother-of-two said, “It always felt natural and right.” It’s a joy to stand next to someone because it feels like work when you really get on with them. It resembles a continuation of your friendship.

Tess, 56, and Claudia’s partnership blossomed after original co-host, the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, stepped down following the 2013 series. But the pair first met when Claudia, 53, started hosting spin-off show It Takes Two in 2004. “Tess had just had her little girl, Phoebe, and we started talking about our kids straight away,” she said.

After Sir Bruce left, Claudia was promoted to Saturday night co-host, but by then, she was already a regular on Sunday night’s results show. Before we began the main show together, we already had the experience of standing side by side on the Strictly floor, said Tess. “That seemed like a natural progression for us,” he said. It is cozy. Because you genuinely like the person, you can already feel the person’s vibe. That is always helpful.

Strictly has gained notoriety for its off-screen dramas but also for what takes place on stage, most notably the so-called “Strictly curse,” in which contestants frequently fall for their dance partners at the expense of their own relationships. Along the way, Tess and Claudia encountered some unique difficulties.

In October 2014, Claudia was forced to step back from hosting when her daughter Matilda was involved in a freak accident after her Halloween costume caught fire. Matilda, who was eight at the time, was treated for severe burns and Claudia – who described the experience as “life-changing” – understandably took time off.

Temporary co-host Zoe Ball joined Tess during her absence, where she shared daughters Phoebe, 20, and Amber, 16, with her husband, BBC Radio 2 DJ Vernon Kay, until Claudia was able to return to work three weeks later. Tess described her friend’s ordeal as “a hellish time.” Your child being involved in an accident is “every parent’s nightmare.”

In turn, Claudia is said to have been a rock for Tess when Vernon, 51, became embroiled in a sexting scandal with glamour model Rhian Sugden in 2010. “They’ve been through so much over the years and weathered so many scandals,” explains our source. “It’s made them stronger than ever.”

Tess and Claudia have both stated that they do not want their Strictly partnership to end, but that they have a plan in place in case of emergency. In 2019, Claudia revealed that “Tess and I will leave at the same time.” We made a pizza-related pact. When they finish their time with us, we’ll go together.

Explaining their decision, our source says, “They can’t imagine doing Strictly without each other. Tess loves the show and it has made her career. For both of them, it’s like going to work with your best mate, so, dramas aside, it’s a win-win for them.” Claudia’s career has gone from strength to strength and she’ll soon be hosting the celebrity version of her other hit BBC show, The Traitors.

Thankfully, our source claims that Claudia “isn’t looking to give up” Strictly any time soon. She has said, “Tess helps and looks after me.” She is strong, funny, and beautiful. The emotion is mutual for Tess. She said, “I’m lucky to work with someone who truly cares.” “I adore her to pieces. She is my mate, so it’s lovely to spend time with her. This legendary partnership is unquestionably in place.

Larry Lamb, a favorite of Gavin andamp; Stacey, turns 78 next month, but he has no intention of quitting because he fears he’ll “send everyone potty,” despite his slowdown.

Larry Lamb is best known for his roles as Archie Mitchell in EastEnders and dad Mick in the much-loved BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey.

The veteran actor, who has appeared in the likes of Lovejoy, The Bill, A Touch of Frost, Casualty, Taggart, Spooks, and Midsomer Murders over the years, has no intention of slowing down at the moment, even though he might turn 78 in a few weeks on October 1.

For the finale series of Gavin &amp, Stacey, the TV legend, who didn’t begin his professional acting career until he was in his 40s, took to the stage last week to accept the Best Comedy award alongside co-star Alison Steadman and Ruth Jones.

He stated that this would be his last acting career because he wanted to “go out on a high” and spend more time with his family, which included his daughters Vanessa, 56, Eloise, 26, and Eva, 22. He also wants to spend more time with his four children, including TV presenter George Lamb, 45.

READ MORE: Gavin & Stacey stars reunite as Larry Lamb celebrates success of drastic career change

However, Larry revealed in a new interview that he would still work because he didn’t want to “vegetate” and “send everyone potty” and would still do it in another capacity.

Speaking to The Daily Mail with his son George as part of the launch of Ecover’s first plastic-free dishwasher tablets, Larry shared: “I don’t want to just sit there and vegetate.

I’m a working-class bloke who believes that if he’s not busy doing something, that’s why so many working-class men and women just give up, unfortunately.

George, Larry’s son, said, “I think it’d be terrible if you retired.” I would drive everyone as well as myself round the bend, Larry said, “I’d always be looking for something to do.”

After hanging up his acting boots, Larry has since written his first fiction collection, All Wrapped Up, about a movie being shot on a Caribbean island and all the ups and downs that come with it. Unless a role comes up that he can’t turn down, he has since turned to acting.

He’s also beginning to write poetry, and he’ll perform his first poetry performance in Hereford the following week.

He said, “I’m just reflecting on the old age, reflecting on the past, looking toward the future, and writing about it in poems and stories.”

But Larry says he has always been his favorite out of all his roles since he started playing Mick in Gavin &amp, Stacey between 2007 and 2024.

He said, “You become so drawn to these characters that they become your favorite at that time; they are your life’s focal point.” You must give the writers credit, though, for playing a character like Mick, who is beloved by millions of people, at this point in my career, Mick is the closest to my heart.

He continued, “I’ve had a very fortunate career, I’ve accomplished so much that perhaps not so many people know. I’m really proud of it.” I have performed in 12 West End plays, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, all the major fringe theaters in London, on Broadway, and have had great fortune to have the opportunity to work with other actors in big roles.

READ MORE: Holidaymakers can stay in Omaze winners’ mansions in the Lake District and Bath from £77

Sam Faiers’ candid conversation with Amanda Holden on her show Sister Act got fans excited that a significant announcement was about to come. According to a source, she is “feeling broody.”

She’s already a mum to three gorgeous little ones, but reality TV star Sam Faiers has dropped a baby bombshell that’s got fans in quite a frenzy. In an episode of Sam & Billie: Sister Act, the ITVBe reality show she stars in with older sister Billie, she revealed that while she sometimes feels her “time is up” when it comes to expanding her brood, she’s not ready to shut the door completely on the prospect of having another child. So, could baby Faiers No.4 be on the cards soon?

As OK! reports, It was during a conversation with Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden, who appeared as a guest on the show, that Sam admitted she wasn’t ruling out the idea of another baby. Amanda, 54, jokingly suggested Sam “needed another one”, to which the former TOWIE star laughed and said, “Never say never!”

READ MORE: Ugg boot alternatives for autumn from £15 that genuinely look and feel expensive

Sam is “she’s got the TV show and the kids,” according to a source. However, she keeps thinking that having another child is a now-or-neverthing and that she has been considering it more and more recently.

Even though it’s not guaranteed that she will become pregnant right away, Sam is undoubtedly feeling broody and doesn’t want to wait too long before it’s too late for another.

After Sam’s remark on the show, many fans were delighted, with one commenting, “Oh I feel a pregnancy announcement coming soon.” Another added, “Marriage and more kids is on the cards I am sure, she is still young.” While a third said, “Sam is such a family girl, I can tell she is going to have a big family.”

As if the potential baby announcement didn’t get people talking, Sam also promised that “there will always be a wedding” in the future.

Sam and long-term partner Paul Knightley, known affectionately as “Big Paul”, have been together for over a decade after meeting in 2014 and, despite never tying the knot, their relationship has remained one of the most solid in the often fickle world of reality TV.

The couple has three children: Edward, a baby who was born in May 2022, Rosie, a baby who was born in December 2017, and Paul Jr., a baby who was born in December 2017.

She feels torn, according to our source, “because she knows from experience that new babies can strain and stress out families as well as a marriage.” She and Paul must decide that, and they continue to exchange ideas.

Most mothers will understand that her homelife isn’t exactly the epitome of tranquility. Sam has frequently discussed the difficulties and utter chaos of raising three young children while simultaneously juggling her professional life, including Collagen Brand, Revive, and various business ventures.

Sam acknowledged in a conversation last year that she struggled with the transition from having two to three children. People say, “You’ve got two, and then the third will come in.” However, I discovered that everything I had been living was flipped around. I returned for the third time while Paul and Rosie are in class because there are no nappies and they are largely independent.

And in a previous episode of her new show, the star faced criticism from some mum-shamers online, who accused her of having “no control” over her lively trio, following two year old Edward’s rebellious behaviour during a family meal out.

As they waited for their meal’s arrival at the restaurant, Sam confessed that Edward was a “ticking time bomb,” and Edward was spotted hurling chips at his seven-year-old sister Rosie, who had been sitting quietly enjoying her own food.

“Oi, oi! Please excuse me. She was reportedly eavesdropping on Edward as he warned him, “They’ll ask you to leave this restaurant.”

But Sam has also been crystal clear about how much she loves family life, frequently sharing sweet moments with her brood on Instagram – and confessing in the past that “Paul and I always wanted a big family.”

These two already have their hands full, but Sam might want to re-enter the baby madness sooner than he had anticipated as Rosie and Paul Jr grow more independent and Edward become a lively toddler.

It appears that 2026 could be Sam’s biggest year yet with a big wedding almost approaching and, who knows, the patter of tiny feet as well.

Here are all the indications that Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal were dating, despite the fact that they have finally confirmed their romance with a passionate kiss on stage.

After being paired together on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing and coming in fifth place, Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal were met with plenty of speculation they were dating during their time together on the BBC One show. They were linked at the same time as he was linked to Love Island star, Maura Higgins.

The two finally confirmed their romance as they enjoyed three steamy smooches live on stage during his Staying Relevant podcast show at London’s 02 Arena with best pal Sam Thompson – but it’s been insisted the pair started dating long after Pete’s split with Maura.

In a special live performance for Pete and pal Sam Thompson’s Staying Relevant podcast, Strictly Come Dancing duo Pete, 36, and Jowita, 31, performed a dance they had been saving for the BBC show’s final that they narrowly missed out on last night at London’s O2 Arena. During the performance, the pair made sure to confirm that their lips were genuine.

Let’s take a look at all the signs that Pete, 36, and Jowita, 31, were more than just friends now that the cat has been removed from the conversation about their relationship…

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans get first look at pregnant Dianne Buswell in launch showREAD MORE: Sam Thompson falls to his knees as Pete Wicks makes awkward Louis Tomlinson dig at live show

On and off the dance floor, both in and out.

The pair were frequently photographed arriving and departing from the BBC Studios together while their relationship on Strictly was still in progress, according to reports that claimed they had started driving each other in the first few weeks of the series.

The chemistry between them has been pretty strong since their initial contact, according to a source who was present at the time.

However, something has changed recently, and they have started seeing each other off the air.

They made an effort to keep things simple, but they frequently cross paths instead of renting separate vehicles to various locations.

The pair’s chemistry on the dancefloor, however, was frequently highlighted by both homegrown Strictly fans and the judges. Phillip Bailey and Phil Collins performed a fierce Tango to Easy Lover for one week, earning a score of 29 out of 40.

As they danced on the dancefloor for the performance, Jowita donned a chic white mesh dress and Pete donned a black suit. On X, a fan said, “Oh my goodness, you and Jowita have such incredible chemistry.”

You have relationship goals. You Pete, Joe, has a really nice tamed tamed way. Someone who genuinely believed in you was all you needed. It’s beautiful to watch.

Another Strictly fan gushed, “Love these two together, I love their chemistry, and someone else penned:” Their chemistry is unbelievable! Just marry her, already! Lol. Fans were left hot under the collar by the two performers’ near-kisses at the end of their performances.

Gushing tributes

Pete and Jowita often took to Instagram to share sweet tributes to one another. After their journey ended, he posted: “This experience wouldn’t have been anything without Jowita. She believed in me since the first day and never stopped. She supported me, listened to me, made me laugh and cry but most of all she made me believe in myself when I didn’t think I could do it.

“We went our own way, and I think that’s the way we went.” I tried my best, and you deserve to be in the final, so I’m so sorry. You will always have a friend in me, even though the show may have ended for us.

After the incident ended, he continued to gush over her, telling Mail Online, “She was the best partner I could have had… she’s become one of the most significant in my life.”

She is one of my closest friends and I adore her. She pushed me through it because it wasn’t all dancing, and she had to put up with me.

Romantic birthday greeting

Fans were left wondering if Pete and Jowita had taken things up a notch after posting a giddy tribute to Jowita on her birthday in August. It was never about dancing, he said, “It was about the person. It was about the person.” He shared a collection of photos from their time on Strictly together, along with some cozy selfies. Happy birthday, @jowitaprzystal, I’m so fortunate and enchanted by your presence. “followed by a black heart emoji in my pocket rocket.”

Fans posed questions about their romance in the comments, with one saying, “This is 100 percent who he’s in love with,” while another said, “So i guess it’s her, who’s pete in love with. He did acknowledge that the podcast remained relevant. A third line was added: “It would be wonderful if Pete and Jowita were together because they are so attractive.”

Pete’s confession about his love life

On his Staying Relevant podcast, Pete confessed to being “in love” a few weeks before locking his lips with Jowita. Sam Thompson asked him, “Are you in love with someone right now?,” while he was taking a lie detector test.

Pete said “no,” but it was later established that he was lying because the polygraph examiner found him telling the lies by downplaying his answer. Sam yelled, “Ahhh, I knew it!” And that’s all we’re going to say, “To which Pete responded, “How could you do that to me?”

The former Made in Chelsea actress said, “I don’t know, it just came to my head, it’s a f****** lie.” Secretly in love, Pete, and I believe I am aware of her identity.

Pete remarked, “You know who it is, I literally told you the f****** story, she hasn’t responded.

After his wife Coleen displayed a Liverpool flag outside their home, Wayne Rooney hilariously revealed that he had locked his wife out, and the Manchester United icon’s other half responded brilliantly online.

Wayne Rooney has been taunted by his wife Coleen after he admitted to locking her out of their old home for putting up a Liverpool flag. Coleen is a firm supporter of the reigning Premier League champions, and Rooney grew up an Everton fan before becoming a Manchester United legend.

The Rooney household is divided when the Merseyside derby rolls around, with both the Blue and Red halves of Liverpool represented. England icon Wayne played in the fierce occasion over two spells with the Toffees, and often clashed with Liverpool during his record-breaking years with United.

On the other hand, Coleen has allegiances that lie with Arne Slot’s side, and the two lightheartedly butted heads when Liverpool won the title five years ago.

After Rooney revealed that he locked Coleen out of their home after she put up a flag celebrating the Reds and Jurgen Klopp’s 2019/20 title success, she took to social media to continue taunting her other half.

In a statement released on The Wayne Rooney Show in the lead-up to the Merseyside derby, Rooney outlined a misunderstanding that took place in 2020.

READ MORE: Wayne Rooney reveals he locked Coleen out of their house in a row over LiverpoolREAD MORE: Sir Alex Ferguson’s reply to Man Utd return question speaks volumes: ‘I wish’

When they won the Premier League a few years ago, Coleen said, “I actually traveled home when I was playing for Derby at the time. I did, and I did.”

The flag was positioned outside the window of our old home, so there was a small balcony there. So I instructed her to go down and write it down!

You had to stoop out of the window to get it down, so we went up. I ejected her because she climbed. She was stuck on the balcony for a while, though not for too long!

Coleen shared a clip of Rooney’s story on social media platform X, where she displayed her humorous side as she rebuffed her husband’s wounds by reposting the video along with a picture of the flag.

With images of manager Klopp and the Liverpool cohort, Coleen can be seen securing a flag to the front balcony of the house with masking tape and securing it with a message “league champions 2019/20.” The 39-year-old joked in the post’s caption, “.

Rooney added that playing against Liverpool was always a heated affair, and he reiterated that he would often want to “smash” Reds legend Steven Gerrard any time they did battle.

We were good friends off the field, and whenever I had the chance, I would say, “I’m going to absolutely smash you,” and I did. He treated me the same way, Rooney continued.

Before the game, you wouldn’t speak to him, and afterward, you shake each other’s hands. He would challenge me if there was ever a chance.

Football is what it is because I knew if he had a chance, he would do it to me. You play for your club, and there are plenty of big names, especially Gerrard and Patrick Vieira. You must take an opportunity if you have one. You can’t let that slip.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Premier League and EFL packages are discounted by Sky Sports.

We may link to affiliate links in this article, but we will make money off of any purchases we make. more information

£43

£35

Get the deal here.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Dani Dyer and Vicky Pattison are two stars who have a strong claim to not fall victim to the Strictly curse as tonight’s Strictly Come Dancing 2025 launch show kicks off.

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing starts tonight with the celebrity and pro dancer pairings revealed for the first time.

But two contestants who say they aren’t worried about the so-called ‘Strictly Curse’ – where celebs fall in love with their dance partners even if they are already married or in relationships – are Vicky Pattison and Dani Dyer.

Both shot to fame on reality shows – Vicky, 37, on Geordie Shore and 29-year-old Dani on Love Island, which she won with then boyfriend Jack Fincham only to split months after the show ended.

Dani has since gone on to have a four-year-old son Santi with another ex, Sammy Kimmence, before meeting current partner, West Ham and England footballer Jarrod Bowen, who she welcomed twins, Summer and Star, with last summer.

READ MORE: Strictly ‘curse’ romances – Corrie star’s jealous tirade to bitter love triangle

Just a few months ago, the couple wed in the opulent The Langley hotel in Buckinghamshire in a ceremony in the Bridgerton style. While Vicky and her long-term partner Ercan Ramadan tied the knot in August of 2024 at Marylebone Town Hall in London.

Speaking to the Daily Mail Weekend magazine, as they graced the cover, Dani said “I’m newlywed for God’s sake”, when asked for her thoughts on the Strictly curse.

Although she claims that her new mother-in-law, who she refers to as “a bit of a white witch,” both knew who her professional dance partner would be and who she would be on the show this year. The identity of the actor will have to be revealed until tonight, though.

Vicky is also adamant that when asked if she might get the hots for her dance partner, she would never fall for the “cure.” She remarked, “Have you seen my husband? ” The dancers are lovely lads, but he is gorgeous and wonderful in every way.

La Voix, the 45-year-old drag queen who is the first drag queen to compete in the show, is one of the contestants who will make history this year.

While 23-year-old Ellie Goldstein, is the first person with Down’s Syndrome to appear on Strictly main show. The model has previously appeared on the cover of British Vogue and other high fashion magazines.

Other celebs taking to the dance floor in a bid to win the coveted Glitterball trophy this year are EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, 46, who is best known for playing Suki Panesar-Unwin in the BBC soap.

She will be joined by actress Alex Kingston, 62, known for her roles on shows like Doctor Who and medical drama ER, Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis, 66, who played Paul Robinson and Good Morning Britain and Lorraine correspondent Ross King, 63.

Sports stars taking part are rugby ace Chris Robshaw, 39, retired footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, 53, former Lioness footballer turned pundit Karen Carney, 38, and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, 37, who is known as Nitro on the show.

YouTuber and podcaster George Clarke, 25, has also been signed up. But this year’s most controversial contestant so far – former The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, 34, who has hit the headlines this week after admitting he cheated on his wife just weeks after their wedding in 2022. Quite how he’ll go down with the public we’ll have to see…

READ MORE: Holidaymakers can stay in Omaze winners’ mansions in the Lake District and Bath from £77