Slider1
Slider2
Slider3
Slider4
previous arrow
next arrow

Helen Skelton goes public with Gethin Jones ‘romance’ as they enjoy cosy motorbike ride

After the Blue Peter co-hosts were spotted getting close before a breakfast date night out, Gethin Jones and Heidi Skelton are certain to wring even more wagging hearts.

According to reports, the pair have gotten closer and closer.

TV stars Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones have appeared to show off their ever-growing bond – and didn’t care who saw them. Presenter Helen, 41, was seen with her arms wrapped around her Blue Peter co-host as he took them on a drive on his motorbike.

The pair appeared to be heading for a breakfast meal in the Manchester city center, with Helen being very hands-on behind them. Gethin was seen grabbing her with a navy jumper and pair of dark blue jeans while sporting a brown leather jacket and blue jeans.

Before her co-host picked her up for their breakfast outing, Helen was earlier seen grinning. She gave the impression that she had enjoyed the ride as they both got dressed and removed their helmets to finish their journey.

Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton after their 24-hour skating challenge
Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton after their 24-hour skating challenge(Image: BBC)

The images, obtained by Mail Online, showed the pair looking very close on their outing. The duo’s friendship is said to have been “blossoming into a deeper connection” recently.

The stars, who close pals thanks to their time together on Morning Live, have both had their hearts broken in recent times. While Gethin’s engagement to Katherine Jenkins was called off, Helen split from ex-husband Richie Myler back in 2022.

Continue reading the article.

And their most recent appearance comes after their previous encounter at the BAFTAs, where they both laughed aloud before leaving together.

They are both getting closer, and it seems like there are beginning to fly sparks between them, as has been reported since.

A source recently told MailOnline: “Helen and Gethin have an extremely close working relationship and there’s a feeling in recent months their friendship has blossomed into a deeper connection.

There is no denying their closeness both on and off screen, saying that they both want to keep a lid on it to protect the public.

After Helen and Leeds Rhinos rugby player Myler split shortly after giving birth to their third child, Elsie, together, the two became closer. The couple’s marriage was ended four months after she arrived.

When Helen broke the news on her Instagram page, she shocked her followers. It’s sad to report that Richie and I are no longer a couple, she wrote at the time. The family home has been abandoned by him. We’ll make every effort to support our young children.

Continue reading the article.

Richie has moved on as well as Helen, who appears to be. The 34-year-old sports star started dating Stephanie Thirkill, whose millionaire father Andrew Thirkill is the club president of Richie’s Leeds Rhinos.

After declaring their relationship last year, the duo have since welcomed a child.

READ MORE: Claudia Winkleman-loved brand launches Bank holiday sale including ‘holy grail’ spray

Charli XCX picks up another huge award at prestigious music event

The Ivors celebrated the best in music and songwriting with a glittering event in London

Charli XCX continued her hot streak at The Ivors(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)

Charli XCX continued her phenomenal year by scooping the over the coveted songwriting gong at The Ivors. The 32-year-old star, who didn’t attend the glittering affair, was celebrated for her groundbreaking work on 2024 album BRAT, which became a cultural phenomenon seeing the term ‘brat’ even named the Collins Dictionary Word of the Year.

Rockers U2 were inducted into Fellowship of the Academy. Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. become the first-ever Irish songwriters that the Academy has inducted into Fellowship during its 81-year history. Robbie Williams, 51, picked up the PRS for Music Icon Award. His fifth Ivor Novello Award, it was in recognition of a songwriting career that has touched millions and defined a generation, from the heartfelt power of Angels to the swagger of Let Me Entertain You.

READ MORE: Kneecap to play in London tonight as they sell out gig in 90 seconds after terror charge

Robbie Williams picks up his Icon Award at The Ivors
Robbie Williams picks up his Icon Award at The Ivors(Image: Getty Images)

Brandon Flowers, 43, presented with the Special International Award for his music as the frontman of The Killers and a solo artist.

This year’s Visionary Award with Amazon Music went to Self Esteem, in recognition of her fearless, genre-defying songwriting. From her bold solo debut Compliments Please to the Mercury-nominated Prioritise Pleasure and her latest work A Complicated Woman.

Exciting talent Lola Young, 24, was the latest under-25 songwriter to be awarded the Rising Star Award. She’s been making waves after viral hit Messy.

Article continues below
Lola Young
New talent Lola Young walked away with the Rising Star gong(Image: Getty Images)

Berwyn won Best Album for Who Am I, his first Ivor Novello Award.

Myles Smith was also recognised for his hit Stargazing.

The winners of The Ivors with Amazon Music were revealed at the annual awards ceremony held at Grosvenor House, London, recognising and celebrating exceptional achievements in songwriting and screen composing.

Myles Smith, winner of the PRS for Music Most Performed WorK
Myles Smith, winner of the PRS for Music Most Performed WorK(Image: PA)

In the 70 th year of The Ivors, 22 songwriters and composers collected Ivor Novello Awards across 14 categories, with 73% of all winners and award recipients receiving recognition for the first time. Established in 1956, The Ivors is presented by The Ivors Academy, the leading organisation representing songwriters and composers, and is the most prestigious awards ceremony celebrating songwriting and screen composition.

Article continues below

Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy, said: “Congratulations to every Ivor Novello Award-winning songwriter and composer. On behalf of The Ivors Academy, it is a privilege to recognise their craft and achievements. Their lyrics and melodies are the most important foundations of music and there is no greater recognition than an Ivor Novello Award, judged by fellow songwriters and composers.”

The 2025 winners join a roll of songwriting and composing greats who have received an Ivor Novello Award over the past seven decades, including Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Adele, RAYE, Stormzy, Cathy Dennis, Bruce Springsteen, Annie Lennox, Amy Winehouse, Dave, Sting and Joan Armatrading.

Rolf Harris’ daughter Bindi now – disgraced name change, shattered marriage and removed family photos

Rolf Harris’ daughter, Bindi, largely stood by her tarnished father, but has since worked hard to escape her father’s shadow, changing her name and removing photos of him from her home

Rolf Harris with his wife Alwen and their daughter Bindi (Image: WireImage)

Rolf Harris, who passed away in 2023, left behind a huge fortune in his will, and his daughter, Bindi Harris, became the main beneficiary.

The disgraced TV star died aged 93 in May 2023 from neck cancer and left behind a whopping £16 million fortune. Earlier this week, it was then revealed that his wife and mum to Bindi, Alwen Hughes, left behind a staggering £4 million.

Alwen, who remained by Harris’ side through his trial and conviction for the abuse of young girls, died in August 2022, aged 92. Documents reveal that at the time of her death, Alwen’s estate was worth £3,975,950, which was later reduced to £3,840,532 after deductions.

Her will, drawn up in 2018, included provisions for her husband despite his conviction and named their daughter, Bindi, as the main beneficiary. But who is Bindi, and what has she said about her late father?

READ MORE: Rolf Harris’s wife leaves £4million and will says where it is going

The Harris family
The Harris family (Image: Press Association)

After her father’s death in 2023, Bindi did everything to move away from her father’s legacy. She even changed her name and now works as an artist under the pseudonym Ava Reeves.

Article continues below

It’s said to have been difficult for Ava to have her work taken seriously, but she seems to finally be getting somewhere. A source close to the family reportedly told The Sun: “Obviously, anything by a Harris is pretty much unsellable so Bindi is working under the pseudonym in a bid to be taken seriously in the art world. She’s chuffed that galleries have begun to take on some of her pieces.”

But her path hasn’t been easy. Ava stood by her father during his trial and attended court with her mother, even though one of his victims, 13, was Ava’s close friend. Other victims included an eight-year-old child seeking an autograph and two girls in their early teens.

Ava’s testimony during the trial painted a picture of a strained relationship, revealing how Harris’ fame and personal flaws left her feeling neglected and isolated. Despite this, her support for her father during his trial was unwavering.

Jurors read an email during his trial where Ava laid bare her money worries and begged her dad to either confirm or deny whether she would inherit his £11 million fortune, or if he planned to give it to someone else.

One of Harris' victims was Bindi's close friend, but Bindi still held his hand outside court
One of Harris’ victims was Bindi’s close friend, but Bindi still held his hand outside court(Image: Getty )

In court, Ava spoke about the emotional toll of growing up with a father who was often absent, both physically and emotionally. She told the court that Harris was “switched off” when he was away from television cameras and adoring fans.

“Dad didn’t really take much notice of me or anybody at home,” she said. “I think when he is out in the world he wants to give everyone his time and everyone is new and he can tell new jokes. But when he is at home he is very much switched off, very quiet, quite often working, making something.”

Harris once admitted in an interview with Piers Morgan that he went away for work immediately after Bindi’s birth, leaving Alwen alone. “I didn’t know I could pull out of the contract. You don’t at that age… it’s an awful sadness,” he said.

Her resentment of her father’s fame was made clear in an interview with the Guardian in 2003, when she said that she’d previously banned pictures of Harris from her home to stop guests asking about him. She kept photos of her dad off the walls to avoid “utterly tedious” conversations about her parentage.

Bindi told the publication: “As a child, I got fed-up with everyone going on and on about Dad because he was on telly and because they imagined he was painting paintings on my walls, being funny all the time. It simply wasn’t true – he was always busy, rushing off, giving his all to everyone else in the world.”

Harris arriving at court with daughter Bindi (left) and wife Alwen in 2014
Harris arriving at court with daughter Bindi (left) and wife Alwen in 2014(Image: PA)

But Bindi’s support of her father ultimately ended her relationship with long-term partner Malcolm Cox, who told the court they split because he was concerned their son wouldn’t be safe around his famous grandfather. In a draft of Bindi’s book in 2018, which had the working title Living With A Pervert, she tried to explain that her dad was from a different era and justify his vile actions.

Article continues below

In another step moving further away from her father’s legacy, last month, the Harris’ mansion was put up for sale, two years after Harris’s death. The riverside property in Berkshire was quietly listed with an asking price of £4 million.

A source close to the family revealed that Ava was determined to get a good price for the property, though she wasn’t desperate for the money. “She wants to sell it, but she doesn’t desperately need the money and is in no rush, so she’s determined to hold out for a good price. Potential buyers have already begun viewings,” the insider said.

‘I visited the pitiful never-before-seen room where Jane Austen took her last breath’

The normally private residence where the Pride & Prejudice author took lodgings for her the final three months of her life has been opened to the public for the first time

The modest lodging room where one the world’s greatest novelists, Jane Austen, breathed her last breath has been opened to the public for the first time in Winchester, Hampshire.

Normally crowds of Jane Austen fans from all over the world gather outside the cream-coloured walls of this hallowed Georgian building at No 8 College Street to pay homage to their favourite author, whose six witty novels such as Sense & Sensibility captured a slice of 18th century English life and spawned a global romantic industry in Hollywood films, BBC period dramas and spin-off TV series.

Normally the closest fans have been able to get over the years has been to take photos of the memorial plaque to Jane that hangs above the door at No 8, but have never been allowed to step foot inside.

The only portrait of Jane Austen circa 1790(Image: Getty Images)
Keeley Hawes plays Cassandra Austen in Miss Austen
Keeley Hawes plays Cassandra Austen in Miss Austen(Image: BBC/Bonnie Productions/MASTERPIECE/Robert Viglasky)

Now the hand-written note stuck to the wall outside reminding tourists that it is a private residence has been torn down, and the simple lodgings rooms where Jane spent three months before her untimely death, aged 41, has been opened for just 28 days to the public to mark the 250th anniversary of the author’s birth.

Article continues below

On 18 July 1817, Jane had a seizure after a long unknown illness and died with her head in her beloved sister Cassandra’s lap upstairs in the lodging house, just five minutes walk from the Winchester Cathedral where she is buried.

READ MORE: Brits urged to ditch cheese and onion for insect crisps as health benefits are amazing

Born the seventh child of eight in 1775 in Steventon, Hampshire, where her father was rector, Jane famously never wed after her first love Irish lawyer Tom Lefroy (played by James McAvoy in the 2007 film Becoming Jane with Anne Hathaway) departed for Dublin and wed a wealthy woman.

The rooms where Jane and her sister took lodgings before the novelist's death
The rooms where Jane and her sister took lodgings before the novelist’s death(Image: Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)

The author, who just before her death had begun to enjoy a minor celebrity despite publishing her books anonymously, only earned around £650 in her lifetime (the equivalent of £40,000 today) from her work, and was used to living relatively modestly compared to her wealthy brothers.

Jane and her sister and mother lived in Chawton Cottage, 10 miles from Winchester, which was one of many properties owned by her rich brother Edward, who had an annual income of £15,000 – even grander than Mr Darcy’s £10,000 a year in Jane’s most famous work, Pride & Prejudice.

Guiding the first tour of its kind in the house, Adam Rattray, head of history of art at Winchester College, which owns the property, explains how historians and architects have been able to peel back the layers of history in the house to recreate what it would have looked like in Jane’s time.

Jane spent a great deal of time on a sofa in the room where she died in 1817
Jane spent a great deal of time on a sofa in the room where she died in 1817(Image: Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)

“Jane had been unwell for many months and when she arrived in Winchester on May 24, she was suffering from an unknown disease – possibly Addison’s or Lupus. She had a blotchy face and she had not left her house in a long time and came to the city for medical treatment from Giles King Lyford, surgeon-general at county hospital.

“In her last letters to her nephew, Jane wrote about her ‘comfortable lodgings, including the neat little drawing room with a bow window overlooking Dr Gabell’s garden,’ who was the master of the college. And how she mainly spent her days on a sofa, which we have replicated with a piece of furniture from the period covered with ticking.

“The house virtually remained untouched for years so much of the cornicing is original, and we have matched the same coloured green paint we found on the walls downstairs, and the grey, terracotta and cream of Jane’s lodgings.”

Outside No 8 College Street in Winchester, which has been opened to the public for the first time
Outside No 8 College Street in Winchester, which has been opened to the public for the first time(Image: Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)

Sadly Jane never recovered and a day before she died, when asked by her sister what she needed, she replied, “Only death itself.”

Her last tragic words were, “God grant me patience, Pray for me, Oh pray for me.”

Jane was buried with just four male members of her family in attendance, as women did not attend funerals at the time. And her heartbroken sister Cassandra could only watch from the window upstairs in the lodging house as the funeral cortege carrying Jane passed on the way to her final resting place.

Cassandra, who was played by Keeley Hawes in the recent BBC period drama Miss Austen, wrote later, “I watched the little mournful procession the length of the street and when it turned from my sight… I had lost her forever,” before leaving the house never to return.

Austen fans from around the world come to lay flowers at Jane's grave
Austen fans from around the world come to lay flowers at Jane’s grave(Image: Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)

The opening of the house where Jane died is part of a summer-long celebration of the Hampshire city’s most famous resident, including a display in the City Museum of Jane’s belongings such as her beautiful silk pelisse – or coat – which shows Jane stood about 5ft 7-tall and was a size six in modern UK sizing.

Louise West, former curator of Jane’s house, explains how when Jane began earning her own money, she loved to spend it. “We have many everyday objects here that belonged to Jane such as purses which normally would have been thrown out, but by the end of her life, Jane’s sister and mother were being asked for Jane’s autographs, so she was beginning to become famous.

“Even though Jane made many of her clothes, she paid for the silk pelisse to be made for her at great expense, and if you look closely, you’ll see it’s covered in tiny oak leaves – a Naval symbol – in tribute to her two seafaring brothers.

The historic home of author Jane Austen in Chawton, Hampshire is open to the public
The historic home of author Jane Austen in Chawton, Hampshire is open to the public(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

“Jane’s house at Chawton would have been very cold, and she would have worn the pelisse a bit like a housecoat to keep herself warm.”

Visitors to the city can also experience the Jane Austen exhibition at Winchester Cathedral where she was buried, and where letters and poems between Jane and her good friend Anne Lefroy are on display.

Jane met Anne Lefroy’s nephew Tom as a lively 20-year-old when she attended many balls at the Assembly Rooms in Basingstoke.

In early January 1796, Jane wrote excitedly to her older sister Cassandra about her crush, calling him “a very gentlemanlike, good-looking, pleasant young man”.

Jane's silk pelisse at City Museum
Jane’s silk pelisse at City Museum
Jane's writing table at Chawton Cottage
Jane’s writing table at Chawton Cottage(Image: Sunday Mirror)

But alas, Jane was unlikely to offer bring much in the way of a dowry, and in another of her letters later that year, she mentioned his departure and wrote, “At length the day is come when I am to flirt my last with Tom Lefroy, and when you receive this it will be over. My tears flow as I write at the melancholy idea.”

Indeed Tom left the country and married a wealthy woman Mary Paul in 1799, and they had seven children and lived in the family estate at Carrigglass Manor in County Longford in Ireland. Tom and Jane never saw each other again, but the Austen and Lefroy families kept in touch over the years, and descendants of Tom have been very involved with the celebrations of the famous author.

Tim Lefroy, 77, who is Tom’s brother’s great grandson, also lives in Winchester, and attended the opening. He spoke about why his young Anglo Irish ancestor would never have married Jane. “Tom was an impecunious lawyer and couldn’t afford to marry Jane – he had yet to start his career.”

Descendents of Tom Lefroy including his brother's great grandson on the far left, Tim Lefroy
Descendents of Tom Lefroy including his brother’s great grandson on the far left, Tim Lefroy(Image: Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)

As the years passed and Jane grew older, she remained unmarried. That’s not to say she wasn’t courted by other suitors – aged 27 she received a proposal from a local farmer Harris Bing-Wither who was due to inherit a large fortune, but after accepting him, the following day she turned him down.

Curator Louise West adds, “He was a very nice family friend, but rather dull. Considering what we know Jane thought of romance, it’s hardly surprising she declined his offer.”

Jane was a prolific letter writer and wrote thousands of them in her lifetime, but her sister burned all but 160 of them. Probably because Jane’s sharp tongue would have embarrassed many with her witty yet indiscreet revelations about neighbours and family.

The tomb at Winchester Cathedral where novelist Jane Austen is buried
The tomb at Winchester Cathedral where novelist Jane Austen is buried(Image: Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)

However perhaps we should all be thankful Jane never married and had children – not least because three of her Jane’s six sisters in law died in childbirth – but also, if she had, it’s unlikely Jane would have had the time or support to write what are thought to be six of the greatest novels in the English language.

And now her tomb inside the spectacular Norman Winchester Cathedral, which is engraved with an epitaph written by her brother Henry, is a shrine to fans who come from all over the world to lay flowers and pay their respects to one of the literary world’s most famous women.

Article continues below

READ MORE: Claudia Winkleman-loved brand launches Bank holiday sale including ‘holy grail’ spray

Love Island star Claudia Fogarty pregnant with footballer boyfriend Olly Crankshaw’s baby

Former Love Island star Claudia Fogarty has revealed she is expecting her first child. The reality TV star took to social media to share the exciting news in a sweet update.

In the post, she is seen cradling a little baby bump alongside her footballer boyfriend Olly Crankshaw as the pair stand in front of a sunset on the beach.

Claudia, who is the daughter of superbike legend Carl Fogarty shared her baby news on Instagram in a post titled: “Baby girl. Coming soon.” She captioned the upload: “Half of me half of you.

“We can’t wait to meet you. Baby Crankshaw coming November 2.” The adorable video saw Claudia and Olly embrace on the beach before sharing a kiss. After they unfolded their scan snaps, Olly was then seen writing a cute note saying Baby Girl in the sense beside the waves.






The couple made the sweet announcement on social media
(
claudiafogarty/Instagram)

Among those commenting on the post were fellow Love Islander Scott Thomas. He gushed: “Wow!!! Amazing news guys! You deserve the very best.”

Claudia’s sister, Danielle, was also very excited in the comments section. She wrote: “Oh baby girl. I can’t WAIT to meet you and dress you up in all things PINK. my little princes finally have their princess.”

Dad Carl also joked: “Not a girl.!!!!,” before adding a rolling eyes emoji and crying with laughter face. He then was more serious as he continued: “Congrats I’m over the moon,” alongside a red love heart emoji.






Claudia and Ollie sharing a kiss


Claudia and Olly sharing a kiss
(
claudiafogarty/Instagram)

The 30-year-old TV star appeared on season nine of the popular ITV dating series. While she may not have found love on the show – having been coupled up with Casey O’Gorman – she’s now planning her future with the Altrincham star.

During her time on Love Island, Claudia’s mum, Michaela, confessed it was tough to watch her on the small screen. Michaela Fogarty, who is married to I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! winner Carl Fogarty, said at the time the series had been a “hard watch”, amid her daughter sobbing in the villa.

The confession came after Claudia was ditched by Casey, who decided to pursue a connection with Rosie after three weeks together. Speaking to Maya Jama at the time, Claudia’s mum confessed seeing her child suffer on national TV wasn’t an easy thing to deal with.

“Oh it’s been such a hard watch. It’s so tough watching your daughter getting so upset on television,” Michaela told the Love Island presenter.

“Oh my goodness she sent me a Love Island survival kit at Christmas with tissues and tequila in it, and I thought, ‘why?'”

After Maya then suggested she found out why, Michaela agreed.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads

Kneecap to play in London tonight as they sell out gig in 90 seconds after terror charge

The band’s surprise performance on Thursday was a rap music band called Kneecap, who quickly sold all of their tickets in under two minutes the day after a band member was arrested for a terror attack.

Kneecap’s surprise gig sold out in rapid time(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Rap trio Kneecap have sold out a surprise gig in rapid time just hours after a band member was charged with a terror offence by UK police. The concert, to be held at London’s legendary 100 Club, is said to have taken just 90 seconds to sell out.

The Belfast-based band, who raps in Irish, will take the stage tonight (Thursday) before Friday night’s Wide Awake Festival show. Following the quick sellout, there were a thousand people on the waiting list for Thursday’s performance.

Fans went into a flurry after the band announced the final-minute gig on social media. Following Wednesday’s charge, they shared messages following the announcement.

Irish band Kneecap
Kneecap announced a surprise gig(Image: Deadline via Getty Images)

The Metropolitan Police charged artist Liam hAnnaidh with a terrorism offence related to holding a flag in support of Hezbollah at a concert in London in November on Wednesday.

O’Hanna, 27, of Belfast, was charged by postal requisition and will appear in court on June 18, according to the Met.

Continue reading the article.

According to a statement from the Met, “Liam O’Hanna, 27, of Belfast, has been charged, via postal requisition, with displaying a flag in support of Hizballah, a proscribed organization, namely: On November 21, 2024, in a public place, namely the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London, in such a way or under such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organization

Kneecap performing at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Kneecap performing at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Taking to Instagram to issue a lengthy statement in response, the band said: “14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again, the British establishment is focused on us.

We vehemently defend ourselves against this “offence” and deny it. Political policing is involved here. This distracts you from the real world. The story is not ours. Genocide is a. They use an “anti-terror law” against us for displaying a flag on stage because they profit from the genocide.

They continued: ““A charge not serious enough to even warrant their ‘crown court’, instead a court that doesn’t have a jury. What’s the objective? To restrict our travel ability. To prevent us speaking to young people across the world. To silence voices of compassion. To prosecute artists who dare to speak out.

The powerful in Britain have supported slaughter and famine in Gaza, just as they have done in Ireland for centuries, instead of standing up for innocent people or upholding international law principles they claim to uphold.

Continue reading the article.

“Then they assert justification, like now. The real terrorists are the IDF units, and everyone can see that when they equip and fly spy plane missions.

We support the people with all our strength. You and the war criminals are at odds with you. On the right side of history, we are. You’re not, though. In court, we’ll fight you. We’ll triumph. Palestine that is free.