Inside Konnie Huq’s very simple life – no phone and no new clothes in 20 years

Back in the noughties, the former Blue Peter presenter was everywhere on television, but now that he has taken a backseat in the showbiz business world, Konnie Huq seems to enjoy living in simplicity. He hasn’t had a phone and refused to shop for clothes in over 20 years.

Konnie Huq shot to fame as a presenter on Blue Peter back in the 90s(Image: Getty Images)

After getting her big break as a presenter on Blue Peter back in 1997, Konnie Huq was one of the most viable hosts in the UK, appearing on several big television shows in the noughties.

She then continued hosting programs like Your News, UK School Games, The Xtra Factor, and Shocked Britain after she left her eleven-year stint as host of the children’s entertainment program in 2008.

She also became a children’s author in 2020 and has since written four books, including Cookie and the Most Annoying Boy, Cookie and the Most Annoying Girl, Fearless Fairy Tales, and Cookie and the Most Mysterious Mystery in the World.

However, after becoming a mother to her two sons Covey and Huxley with husband Charlie Brooker, the 50-year-old made a conscious decision to reduce her television commitments so she focus on her family life. Let’s take a look at her simpler life, which includes not buying a new phone and not buying any new clothes in two decades…

Legends of Blue Peter reveal little-known facts about the famous elephant blunder.

Konnie Huq, the ex-Blue Peter actor, demands that BBC1 resume programming for kids’ afternoons.

The presenter takes her husband's old phones
The presenter takes her husband’s old phones instead of buying a new one(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

No brand-new smartphones

Konnie recently revealed she’s never purchased a new phone and relies on husband Charlie to give her his hand-me-downs when he upgrades to a better model. She told MailOnline: “My phone is always like my husband’s old phone, and then my son has got my old phone.

I never get a new phone; I just will get my husband’s cast-offs, they say, “So it just gets handed down and handed down essentially.” “

It appears that Black Mirror creator Charlie is quite the opposite to his wife as he loves to get the newest phones. She continued: “He is quite techie and will often be like, “oh 16GB isn’t good enough for me, it doesn’t hold everything. I need 32GB,” whereas I’m sort of none the wiser’.”

Despite being a known face, the mum-of-two doesn’t use social media and likens her technology habits to being “totally retro” as she prefers to speak on the phone than text.

In 20 years, there haven’t been any new clothes.

Konnie previously stated that she favors a more sustainable lifestyle and that she dislikes purchasing new clothing.

She stated, “I don’t buy things because I’m a little bit anti-consumerist.” You get clothes for the job regardless of whether I haven’t bought anything in, say, the last 20 years.

“The more at ease I feel in my own skin the older I get.” So I’d rather be completely unfashionable now, but I’m known for wearing clothes that people don’t like. I’m much happier when I choose to decline.

She and other authors released a free eBook about the climate crisis in the UK in 2024, which is available to all primary schools in the country. The book contains illustrations, poems, and stories about a variety of environmental-related topics, including how to dress in a hurry and calculate our carbon footprint.

She hasn't purchased any new clothes in two decades
She hasn’t purchased any new clothes in over two decades(Image: Getty Images)

Family life

Konnie made the decision to consciously step back after becoming a mother, despite having the longest-running female Blue Peter presenter ever and being at the height of her career.

She previously recalled trying to juggle her work commitments with having her first child. Konnie told BBC News in 2019: “I did this show for Sky called King of the Nerds, which was a reality show looking for the world’s biggest nerd, essentially, celebrating the geek, which is also what I’m about.

“But I do remember having a baby,” I said. And I believed I was capable of doing it all. However, Chelmsford was where it was being filmed. I therefore had to leave for the night because I was pregnant. And it also meant that I would be picked up from my house before the baby woke up, depart from London for Chelmsford at 5:30 a.m., have milk, board the motorway, and film the scene.

“And I’d present some difficulties, and I’d agree to wrap up because I’d have a half-hour in which to miss rush hour.” And I’d occasionally be exploding with milk because you have to feed the baby all day.

After the show’s final production was over, Konnie claimed she had consciously taken a step back and wanted to spend time being a mother because their parents “don’t come back” as they do now.

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Johnny Vaughan’s dad dies with Big Breakfast co-star Denise Van Outen leading support

Johnny Vaughan, the presenter, shared a heartfelt tribute to his “lovely dad” on Sunday on Instagram that revealed his father, Randall, had sadly passed away at the age of 91.

Johnny Vaughan’s father, who passed away suddenly at the age of 91, has passed away.

Johnny Vaughan’s father, who passed away suddenly at the age of 91, has passed away., with the presenter announcing the sad news on Instagram today. Sharing a photo of himself and father, Randall, 91, Johnny, 59, paid tribute to his “dearest dad” in a touching post.

Captioning a heartwarming photo of Randall in which a dog can be seen playfully peaking out from under his cardigan, Johnny wrote: “My Dearest Dad has gone and I’m so very sad.”

The presenter then shared a quote which read: “I will find you in the morning sun and when the night is new: I’ll be looking at the moon but I’ll be seeing you.”

Johnny Vaughan's dad
Johnny Vaughan has revealed that his father Randall has sadly passed away at the age of 91.

Fans and friends flocked to the comments section to send their condolences to Johnny, with the host’s former Big Breakfast co-host, Denise Van Outen, leading the tributes.

She responded, “Thinking of you Johnny,” when she told her friend. I’m extending you the best hug.

Another Big Breakfast star offering their condolences was Kelly Brook, who wrote: “So sorry to hear this sending you all the love in the world.”

Meanwhile, presenter Lizzie Cundy responded: “So very sorry” as former X Factor host, Kate Thornton added: “So sorry for your loss x.”

One of Johnny’s devoted listeners also paid their respects, expressing, “Sorry for your loss Johnny.

I lost my father almost a year ago. I messaged you and asked if you could give him a posthumous honorary salute, which you did. Also, my father, and all of the listeners, should I say that. You deserve our respect. Rest in tranquility.

Most people will agree that although we never had the pleasure of meeting him, we all felt connected to him through your amazing stories, which is sad to hear about.

Denise and Johnny
Denise Van Outen emailed her support for her Big Breakfast co-host.

Johnny, a radio presenter, typically avoids publicizing his family life, but he did give a sneak peek at his life back in May. Johnny shared a number of sweet snaps with his partner Vanessa and their young son, giving a sneak peek into a family vacation in sunny Marrakech.

The former Capital Breakfast host took to Instagram to share some heartwarming holiday photos from the bustling city of in Morocco, as he enjoyed quality time with his loved ones.

Johnny, who now fronts The 4til7 Thang on Radio X, isn’t known for flaunting his personal life – but fans were delighted to see the usually private presenter sharing a handful of personal moments from the trip.

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He wrote, “Marrakech is located just over three hours away. It’s crazy how close to something so different is London. It offers unbeatable value for your money if you want to feel like you’ve “travelled” abroad.

Olivia Attwood breaks silence on claims marriage is in trouble after Pete Wicks photos

According to Olivia Attwood, her marriage to football player Bradley Dack is in jeopardy.

After leaving Bradley at home, the ITV1 is reportedly “in the doghouse” after she took a vacation in Ibiza with close friend Pete Wicks. Before kicking off their Kiss FM show with stonking hangovers, Olivia, 34, and Pete, 36, were seen partying and back to basics at the notorious Ocean Beach club.

Fans began to question Olivia’s bikini-clad husband’s reactions to the photos of her enjoying some downtime with Pete on a boat. Bradley’s Gillingham FC teammates reportedly teased him in the dressing room by images of his wife cuddling the reality star, causing him to become ‘livid’.

Olivia has been furious over rumors that her marriage is in trouble. Olivia responded, “Don’t be, I’m afraid for your marriage,” after being told by a fan, “I’m afraid for your marriage.” Concern your own; worry about it.

(Spo) (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Bradley is receiving a lot of criticism for his teammates’ photos, an insider told The Sun on Friday. They are aware that Brad and Liv are happily married, but they couldn’t stop talking about what Liv has been up to over the holidays.

Bradley tried to laugh it off, but he is inside fuming.

Olivia Attwood and Bradley Dack married in June 2023
Bradley Dack and Olivia Attwood tied the knot in June 2023 (Photo: Olivia Attwood/Instagram).

After meeting at an awards ceremony ten years ago, Pete and Olivia have since forged a friendship. They affectionately refer to one another as “work wife” and “work husband” when they begin a joint radio show on Kiss FM this year.

Olivia and Pete are both known for making fun of each other, with Pete making fun of Olivia about her cosmetic surgery while Olivia makes fun of the former TOWIE star’s unlucky relationship.

We might disagree on some issues, Pete said when describing their new collaborative endeavor this year. And I find everyone obnoxious.

Olivia cautioned fans against worrying about their own romantic relationships.
Olivia cautioned fans against worrying about their own romantic relationships.

Olivia continued, “He’s the only straight man I can tolerate for a long time, besides my husband.”

“I believe that our perceptions are remarkably similar. Although they might assume that Pete isn’t very deep, he is one of the most sincere people I know. He has your back if he’s your friend. Additionally, he works incredibly hard. She continued, “We take it really seriously when it comes to our work, even though we take the mick and we both love a party.”

Pete joked that Sam Thompson, Pete’s other best friend, is “petrified” of Olivia.

‘I partied like Ibiza Final Boss in iconic VIP nightclub – and one thing blew my mind’

I broke my Ibiza virginity in style at the renowned Pacha nightclub, writes Jamie Roberts, and it will be remembered for a number of reasons.

Baddest Behaviour at Pacha Ibiza(Image: THE MEDIA NANNY)

The brand Pacha is a globally recognised name and rightly so. It is widely known as being the iconic, glamorous, and historic nightclub that helped create the legendary dance culture on Ibiza 52 years ago.

I knew I had to take advantage of the summertime party VIP opportunity. At the age of 38, I was wondering if my more “chilled” outlook on these nights would allow me to travel the distance until the 6am curfew. Let’s face it, I’ve recently discovered that my preferred day of work is the beginning of the day rather than the sipping of tequila by thousands of revelers.

But, I knew I had to throw myself into the legend that is Pacha in full force as Dutch DJ Mau P headlined his fantastic Baddest Behaviour residency. Unlike some of the party island veterans, this may well have turned out to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. And it’s safe to say that from the outset, the labyrinth that is Pacha Ibiza dragged me fully into its core.

READ MORE: Pacha Ibiza’s newest resident Mau P on ‘iconic’ moment with huge DJREAD MORE: Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale’s romantic ‘make or break’ holiday after split

Mau P
From the decks, Mau P was visible.

It was obvious at first that the iconic spot isn’t just relying on its name and hoping legends of the past would keep it afloat. One devoted employee, who proudly shared that he had worked for the company for over 40 years, admitted that his former office space is now an outdoor toilet as the space continues to evolve with the changes of society as I was shown around at the beginning of the night.

He explained how Pacha is determined to stay relevant and improve the experience by blaming the smoking ban and the Covid pandemic for the need to grow. The venue then made the decision to develop additional high-end boutiques for its eager revelers. However, despite expanding, the space still radiates a distinctive vibe every time.

The Paradiso rooftop bar deserves a special mention. Before midnight, anyone with a Pacha ticket can enter this area, which is a welcome addition for those looking for a quiet beverage before dancing until early in the night.

From both the Paradiso bar and the Pacha Family outside location, it became obvious that the venue was concentrating on enhanced comfort with its open-top forest-like feel.

However, thanks to an electronically tagged wristband, there were twists and turns once inside the venue that created new worlds. The space was significantly more available thanks to the exclusive Ricardo’s room, the special section floating above and behind the DJ booth, and the DJ booth’s exclusive space. You could also take the main floor and experience the busier vibe under the strobe lights and smoke cannons if you want to truly soak up the Pacha feel.

Dutch DJ Mau P and Mirror's Jamie Roberts
Dutch DJ Mau P and Mirror’s Jamie Roberts

With its bolder than ever lighting and 360-degree immersive visuals, it is obvious that the club is proud to create a buzz. Despite the lavish amenities at the Pacha club and its impressive VIP, the apparent openness of smoking persisted throughout. As a non-smoker, this brought me back to my earlier, more intense partying days from 2005, just before the smoking ban became effective.

Even though the smoking ban has led to some opulent outdoor elements, it appeared that some private areas had a much more relaxed attitude.

Ibiza Final Boss
Ibiza Final Boss recently travelled to Ibiza on a private jet(Image: jack.kayy1/Instagram)

But is Pacha Ibiza VIP a good investment? I’d say yes to this aging father-of-one, and I’m confident that those of all ages will benefit from fully experiencing one of the world’s most famous spots.

As for the Ibiza Final Boss, long may he enjoy his newfound fame and VIP treatment. He is lucky enough to be living his best life this summer – something I would also certainly do if anyone was to film this ginger Mr Muscle character-of-old lookalike!

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Celebrity Big Brother star Marisha Wallace’s ’10 years of therapy’ confession after show

Marisha Wallace, a famous Big Brother star, has admitted that putting together just two weeks of therapy for her to appear on the ITV show was like putting on ten years of therapy.

Marisha Wallace has revealed what appearing on Celebrity Big Brother was really like(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Uni)

There’s no doubt Broadway and West End powerhouse Marisha Wallace’s professional life is going great guns right now.

The singer- and actor, 39, just released her new album Live In London, a heartfelt love letter to the city that changed her life. She is currently the first black woman to play Sally Bowles in Cabaret on Broadway.

And her long-term partner Mike Whittaker supports her in the absence of the big notes and standing ovations. She exclaims warmly, “He’s so supportive.” He enjoys seeing me win, he says. That’s the first time I’ve had that. He pushes and believes in me, which I adore.

READ MORE: Celebrity Big Brother’s Mickey Rourke unrecognisable after controversial TV stintREAD MORE: CBB’s Marisha Wallace sobs as she details staggering £60,000 scam by man she was dating

Marisha Wallace at the Garden Party at Buckingham Palace
Marisha says the first thing she gets in London is a Gregg’s sausage roll(Image: Instagram/@marishawallace)

And when it comes to forming a family? We are aware that we will face it together regardless of what comes our way in the future.

Known for her epic vocals and commanding stage presence, Marisha – who took part in last year’s Celebrity Big Brother – was born in North Carolina in the US. She grew up on a pig farm with big dreams, and eventually made it to Broadway before settling in the UK and receiving British citizenship earlier this year.

She says, “London is where I found myself and my people.” Love was a choice, not an obligation, in that place. They opted to support and love me.

Initially, her time in the UK brought uphill struggles, including going through a divorce and then being tricked out of £60,000 by a man she met on a dating app. But she also achieved career highs such as singing in the Royal Variety Performance and winning Olivier award nominations for her roles in Oklahoma! and Guys And Dolls.

“I went through so much – divorce, being scammed – but also great successes: singing for the royal family, getting a record deal, becoming a West End star,” she says. “I was only supposed to stay three weeks, but nine years later, London became home.”

Her upcoming album was inspired by that connection in London. Marisha claims the video, which was shot during a sold-out West End concert, accurately captures her relationship journey.

She explains that she wanted it to feel more like a musical version of her life than just a concert. “From a North Carolina hog farm to London stardom. And we managed to get 10 standing ovations that night.

She and co-star Billy Porter are the first Black Sally Bowles and Emcees in the new Cabaret production after the show’s departure from London, and she is absolutely thrilled about how much of a change her role has made to Broadway history.

It represents the pinnacle of theater, according to the author. Casting us teaches that it’s acceptable to reimagine these roles, to “add people to the conversation rather than take away from it.”

Zeze Millz, Louis Walsh, Levi Roots, Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Marisha Wallace
She appeared on Celebrity Big Brother’s reboot last year(Image: REX/Shutterstock for Big Brother)

And it’s been enjoyed by the audience as well. She exclaims, “The response has been insane.” The Regina King arrived two days ago. Clive Davis gave us two standing ovations on opening night, and I even witnessed one. When we were in London, Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne both arrived. I’ve been admired by them for a long time, so that was crazy.

She continues, “Films were my only means of communication with people who looked like me because I was a young black kid in the South.” So they saw me, and I received flowers; it was lovely.

However, her professional journey hasn’t always been a bed of roses. She claims that “this business has a lot of ups and downs.” People will tell you that you are not good enough, too black, too fat, or not fat enough, or whatever else. It can stop you if you internalize that. However, you can change things if you pay attention to those who believe in you and love you.

Marisha also believes in manifestation. She reveals that she “writes things down as if they’ve already occurred.” Before it happened, I wrote “I am Sally Bowles on Broadway.” Say “I’m” rather than “I’ll be.” The reality that your mind changes to becomes your reality.

Marisha is a master at relaxing when she takes a break. Spa days, massages, good food, and “walking around, taking in culture, or sleeping”! she chuckles.

She’s also a fan of comfort foods. “The first thing I do when I land in London? Greggs sausage roll – can’t beat it. And when I land in New York? McDonald’s breakfast. American McDonald’s hits different – I’m sure it’s got something in it they can’t have in the UK!”

Her stint on Celebrity Big Brother last year showed another side to Marisha. “It was like 10 years of therapy in two and a half weeks. No phone, no distractions, just you and your thoughts,” she says. “I learned to stop people-pleasing and just be.”

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However, her personal life is what makes her thriving right now, despite her fame, accolades, and devoted fan base. She claims, “I’ve never had this kind of love before.”

Marisha Wallace ’s album Live In London is out now

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Abbey Clancy issues husband Peter Crouch an ultimatum with ‘change needed’

Abbey Clancy, the mother-of-four, admitted she wanted “a change” while speaking on their podcast, The Therapy Couch, with her husband, a former football player.

Peter Crouch has acknowledged receiving an “ultimatum” from his wife, Abbey Clancy.

England star, Peter Crouch, has admitted that his wife, Abbey Clancy, has given him an “ultimatum” after the Scouser insisted she needed a “change”.

The couple, who share four kids, Sophia,13, Liberty, nine, Johnny, seven, and Jack, five – and have been married since 2011 – speak candidly about their relationship on their podcast, The Therapy Couch, which boasts a legion of loyal fans on TikTok.

Abbey, 39, isn’t shy about tackling tricky subjects on the show and this week it was revealed that she’s asked the former footballer, 44, to do up their stunning £3m house in Surrey – or buy a new one.

READ MORE: Jeff Brazier breaks silence after Freddy’s baby news as he’s to become granddad at 47READ MORE: Abbey Clancy says ‘we’re done’ in family life confession

 Abbey Clancy
When talking to her husband, a former football player, Peter Crouch, Abbey Clancy admitted she wanted “a change.”

Peter and her husband discuss moving or raising the house in a recent episode of the well-known podcast.

He continued, “Well, how about we do none of those,” revealing where he was on the idea. She said, “I want to change a few cupboards, and there are a few things.”

I said, “Ok, that sounds fine, but it’s now completely redesigned.”

Abbey interjecting, “I just think we should just do it once and do it perfect.”

Peter Crouch
Peter doesn’t agree with it.

However, Peter said, “The house is lovely and we just stay in it. “Clearly at odds with his wife over what his mega mansion might look like.

However, because they’ve been here for 11 years, things are starting to go and things are getting a little shabby, Abbey continued, “The house is lovely, but because we’ve been here for a while, and things are getting a little shabby.

“There’s certain rooms in the house that we just don’t use, so I wanna bring them all together and make an incredible house that suits our way of life.”

She continued, “If I did Peter’s bar and all his friends could come over and watch the footy,” making an appeal to Peter’s sporting background.

We had four children, and I wanted my house to be the hub, and it’s just fun for everyone. When we built this house, it was only me, Pete, and Sophia.

You’re in your home 99% of your life, don’t you, really?

Abbey Clancy
Fans were divided by Abbey’s demands for her stunning home.

Fans were divided over Abbey’s demands after the TikTok clip, which amassed an impressive 192, 000 in 21 hours.

Some claimed that the next-top model star of Britain was right to want the house of her dreams, saying “100% with Abbey.”

Another person responded, “Her explanation does make sense. 11 years is a long time, and kitchens and other areas of the house are frequently in great need, especially with kids.

However, others criticized the model as being “bored,” with one model saying, “Bored woman with too much money just looking for something to do,” and another simply quipped, “Too much money.”

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