Category Entertainment News

Harry Potter actress Miriam Margolyes has opened up about her relationship with King Charles in her new book The Little Book of Miriam, and says she is not his friend

Harry Potter actress Miriam Margolyes has admitted that despite holding him in high regards, she doesn’t consider King Charles a friend. In her latest book ‘The Little Book of Miriam’, the 84-year-old actress delves into her past encounters with the monarch before his ascension to the throne and expresses her deep admiration for him.

Yet, Miriam insists she wouldn’t dare call the 76-year-old King a friend as she feels it would be “an impertinence”. She explained: “I like and respect him, although I am politically a socialist. He cares about the planet, the country, all the people of the United Kingdom.

“He is human and honest, fundamentally serious but with a glorious sense of humour. I am not his friend – to claim that would be an impertinence.

“But I know enough to believe in his decency and kindness, and when I read some of the ghastly stuff newspapers write, I rush to defend him wherever I can.

“I value his worth. We are lucky to have such a king. I wish him health and strength and a long and happy life with his beloved queen, who is totally delicious.”

Miriam also recounted her initial introduction to Charles back when he was the Prince of Wales, after he had listened to her audio rendition of the classic Charles Dickens tale ‘Oliver Twist’.

She reminisced: “I met King Charles when he was the Prince of Wales. He had listened to my audio-recording of Oliver Twist and generously hand-wrote a letter of praise and appreciation, delivered by a royal car to my Clapham Home.

“I have been invited to Sandringham, to Buckingham Palace, to Clarence House, and we have talked about Charles Dickens in all those places.”

Miriam also opened up about her recent interactions with royalty, discussing literature at some of the most prestigious addresses in the UK.

The actress’s open reflections on Charles come during a period where she’s also been transparent about her health, revealing plans to cohabit with her long-term partner Heather Sutherland.

In a heartfelt interview with the Observer, Miriam shared insights into her decision, which is influenced by the current global situation and the fleeting nature of life.

She confided to the newspaper: “The world around us has lost its charm. And we just want each other in a beautiful place which we know.

“We can toddle along and laugh and just quietly subside into old age. But together. We’re here for such a short time. It’s gone so fast. Mentally, I’m still fairly crisp.”

Having been a couple for nearly six decades, Miriam and Heather have now chosen to take the significant step of moving in together.

Discussing their unique dynamic, Miriam revealed: “We are together, but we live apart. She is in Amsterdam, and I am in London but now we want to live together.

Boxing legend Ricky Hatton’s vast wealth has been revealed after his tragic death, as the star’s devatated family issue a heartbreaking statement

Ricky Hatton’s fortune has been revealed following his sudden death aged 46.

The boxing world is in mourning after the legendary sportsman was found dead at his home in Manchester on Sunday. Hatton had been looking forward to his first professional bout in 13 years, which had been scheduled for this December.

Sadly, the fight against Dubai’s first professional boxer, Eisa Al Dah, would never come to pass, and loved ones have been left to remember an enduringly popular champ who “had a heart as big as his smile”.

The former World Boxing Champion enjoyed a magnificent career, inspiring countless aspiring boxers along the way. During his time inside the ring, the late sporting icon amassed a £35million wealth. And his family members are expected to inherited the fortune, according to reports.

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The star’s millions will be passed down to his relatives, including his three children, Campbell, 24, Millie, 13, and Fearne, 12, according to MailOnline.

‘The Hitman’ became a father for the first time at the age of just 22, welcoming Campbell following a brief reconciliation with his ex-girlfriend, Claire.

At this point in his life, Ricky was still an up-and-coming star, but is said to have established a trust fund for his son, ensuring he would get a share of his earnings. Ricky also reportedly set up a standing order to allow mum Claire to properly care for the boy.

Campbell inherited his father’s formidable boxing skills and made his professional debut in 2021. Later that same year, he secured his first knockout victory over Attila Csereklye, and from thereon went from strength to strength.

Campbell won all 14 of his opening fights before suffering back-to-back defeats at the hands of James Flint in 2024. Hoping to turn his fortunes around, he appointed his famous father as his trainer back in March, but just four months later, the younger Hatton announced he would be hanging up his boxing gloves, instead switching to a career as a solar panel installer.

In 2018, Campbell welcomed a daughter named Lyla, and it’s clear ‘Grandad Richard’ couldn’t have been prouder. Just one week ago, Ricky took to Instagram with a video of young Lyla exercising at what appears to be his boxing gym, writing: “Another Hatton’s at it now. What we gonna do? Go on baby girl. There’s only one Lyla Hatton xxx”.

Ricky shared his two youngest children, Millie and Fearne, with his former fiancée Jennifer Dooley. Just last month, the devoted dad shared sweet snaps of him and the girls heading out for dinner together during a holiday to Tenerife.

It’s understood that the majority of Ricky’s £35 million comes from his incredible 15-year boxing career, during which he earned 45 victories over 48 bouts.

Following his retirement in 2012, Hatton remained a key figure in the boxing world, setting up Hatton Promotions to develop fresh talent and the Hatton Boxing Academy to train up the next generation of fighters.

The boxing icon’s assets include his five-bedroom house in Hyde, Greater Manchester, which is currently on the market for £1.75million.

His devastated family yesterday released the following statement: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard. Richard was so much more than a world champion.

“To us, he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many. He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

“To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.

“He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.

They continued: “As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support. It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.

“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy — both in boxing and as a man — will continue to live on. Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.”

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

READ MORE: Ricky Hatton’s manager and ‘his confidant’ found boxing icon dead at home

Former Big Brother presenter Davina McCall broke down in tears as she opened about her battle with a brain tumour during an episode of the Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast

TV presenter Davina McCall tearfully admitted “I’ve got to do some work” as she continues to come to terms with the emotional toll her brain tumour diagnosis took on her.

The former Big Brother star, 57, received the shock news that she was suffering from a tumour last year during a routine check-up, leading to an operation last November.

She looks to be on the mend after the tumour was found to be benign and required no further intervention after the operation.

Despite that, she told Giovanna Fletcher on her Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast that she still struggles with one aspect of the condition almost a year after her diagnosis.

Davina broke down in tears as she explained: “I knew if I got through it, this would be the greatest thing that ever happened to me. I do feel so grateful still. But I know I’ve got to go back and do some work on this because I can’t do this, I can’t talk about it without feeling like this.”

In one of her first posts on Instagram following the surgery last November, she told her followers that she had been struggling with her short term memory: “My short-term memory is a bit remiss.”

She added: “But that is something I can work on, so I’m really happy about that. I’m writing everything down, to keep myself feeling safe.”

Davina admitted that she nearly skipped the routine health check that discovered her brain tumour.

Speaking on BBC Woman’s Hour on Friday, Davina explained her hesitation about going to the appointment. She explained: “I don’t need a health check, I’m Davina. I’m healthy, I’m fitness lady, that’s what I’m known for. I felt fantastic, I felt the best I’ve felt in year.”

After a lot of hesitation, Davina finally decided to bite the bullet and finally get her health check after using sunbeds for years.

Meanwhile, last week it was announced that Davina and partner Michael Douglas were engaged. The pair had been friends since the early 2000s but only began dating after her marriage to Matthew Robertson ended in 2018.

Celebrating the news live on air, Richard Madeley told Good Morning Britain viewers: “Finally, as I wrap up this morning, lovely news to announce that Davina McCall is engaged, our very own!”

He added: “Davina has been with her celebrity hairdresser and beau Michael Douglas for seven years now and the pair are finally tying the knot.”

Davina is best known for her appearances on the likes of Big Brother and Long Lost Families.

I’m A Celebrity star Kadeena Cox has shared a health update with fans as she posted a clip of her in a wheelchair, after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014

I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! star Kadeena Cox gave fans a health update as she revealed she is “living my best wheelchair baddie life”.

The Paralympic athlete, 34, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014 after previously suffering a stroke. Kadeena, who appeared on the ITV jungle show in 2021, posted a clip of her in a wheelchair.

In the footage, Kadeena pretended to sob and wipe away tears, as she told followers: “Getting told you have multiple sclerosis and you have to use a wheelchair at 23.”

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She wrote alongside it: ” When life gives you lemons. Living my best wheelchair baddie life.” Despite the clip being intended as light-hearted, numerous fans rallied around Kadeena with messages of support.

“I don’t have MS but I’ve finally had to think about a power chair something I never thought I would.. you actually have helped me with your posts so thank you,” one told the star.

Another added: “It was bad enough for me in my early 50’s becoming a Wheelie, I couldn’t imagine it happening at your age. You look like you’re handling it so well, I know we all behave differently behind closed doors, keep going girl, you’re slaying it.”

In 2022, the Paralympic gold medallist revealed that some people had accused her of “faking” her disability and “taking money” from the government.

Kadeena made history as the first British Paralympian to claim medals in two different sports when she secured gold in both athletics and cycling at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, before bagging two additional gold medals in cycling at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

The 34-year-old received a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, a condition affecting the brain and nervous system, following a stroke in 2014. “As someone living with MS, I get people saying I shouldn’t be parking in a blue badge spot,” she told the Mirror in 2022.

“I get people who don’t want to give up the priority seat on the train or the bus for me. I get people on social media saying ‘that Kadeena Cox can’t be disabled, I don’t believe it’ or people saying you are faking it and taking money from the pensions>DWP (Department for Work and Pensions). It’s people and their ignorant or uneducated selves making comments and passing judgement.”

She went on to share that she often feels like she’s “fighting a losing battle”. “On social media I’m always dancing around, I’ll be getting in and out of my wheelchair, doing wheelchair dances just to showcase not all illnesses are what you think,” Kadeena admitted.

“I’ll do videos where I post all the things that I deal with that you can’t see: the brain fog, the bladder issues, the pain, the sensory issues, the lack of sensation in my feet. I struggle with an eating disorder that I’ve openly spoke about so that’s one challenge.

“It really makes you question your life sometimes. Now I’ve got this disability, my mental health is struggling because people are commenting on my disability and you just feel like you’re fighting a losing battle.

“There are some days when I’m just like ‘What am I fighting for?’ But the reality is I’m fighting for all those people that are in this position and feel like there’s nothing to fight for.”

Harry recently returned to California after insisting his ‘conscience is clear’ when it comes to the many revelations he has publicly shared about his family

Prince Harry issued a surprise warning as he appeared side by side with wife Meghan in a brand new video for an upcoming TV special.

The Sussexes are no strangers to documentaries, most notably appearing in their explosive Netflix docuseries Harry and Meghan. But this time they have teamed up for an altogether different reason – to celebrate 70 years of Disneyland.

The ABC News show, The Happiest Story on Earth: 70 Years of Disneyland, is set to be released on Sunday. And speaking in a teaser video, Harry reveals: “Space Mountain was one of my favourite things.”

“It’s still one of your favourite rides, by the way,” Meghan then adds, to which Harry says with a smile: “Of course.”

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In another clip Harry says: “Prepare yourself, you’re going to be blown away.”

A host of celebrities, alongside the Sussexes, will be sharing their fondest memories of the attraction throughout the show, and explain why they hold it so close to their hearts.

Harry and Meghan visited the park in California in June this year, enjoying a family day out with their two children in celebration of Lilibet’s birthday.

Meghan took to her Instagram account to post a video with clips and pictures of the whole family enjoying their trip, with the message: “Thank you @disneyland for giving our family two days of pure joy!”

The family photos showed them all wearing Mickey Mouse ears and soaking up the Disney magic, with attractions like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, formerly Splash Mountain. Their adventure didn’t stop there, as they also mingled with Star Wars stormtroopers, and Harry was snapped sharing a joyful grin on a ride next to Lilibet.

It comes after Meghan shared a birthday tribute to Harry on Monday in celebration of his 41st. She shared a throwback photo from Harry’s military days, alongside the caption: “Oh hi, Birthday boy”, alongside the flame emoji.

The photo was taken during a RAF flypast at Goodwood Aerodrome in West Sussex back in 2015 to mark the 75th anniversary of victory in the Battle of Britain. The event took place one year before Harry and Meghan started dating.

Prior to her birthday post, Meghan celebrated her husband’s return from his trip to the UK with a plug of her brand, As Ever. Using her business page to celebrate Harry’s homecoming instead of her personal account, Meghan was seen pouring two glasses of her brand’s rose wine in the garden. The caption across the screen reads: “When your beau is back in town…”

During Harry’s whirlwind four-day trip to the UK, he reunited with his father King Charles for the first time since February 2024. He then travelled to Ukraine, where he gave another new bombshell interview.

In the candid chat to The Guardian, Harry insisted he has a “clear conscience” when it comes to the scathing revelations he’s made about his family, as he claimed his father Charles is now his “main focus”.

During the lengthy interview, the Duke of Sussex reflected on Spare and his work on various Netflix programmes. These, Harry argued, were his and Meghan’s attempts at correcting “one point of view”.

“I don’t believe that I aired my dirty laundry in public. It was a difficult message, but I did it in the best way possible. My conscience is clear,” Harry said.

Gary Lucy and Laura Anderson have been embroiled in a bitter war of words in recent days, with the Hollyoaks actor accusing his ex of using their daughter Bonnie for ‘financial gain’

Former couple Gary Lucy and Laura Anderson are no strangers to trading very public jibes at one another – with their latest social media slanging match their most vicious yet.

The Hollyoaks actor, who shares his youngest child with the Love Island star, recently accused his ex of using their daughter Bonnie “for financial gain” in a bid to “stay relevant” on social media, after she seemingly implied her was “hiding” money to reduce his child support payments.

Following Laura’s dig at fathers that “hide their income”, Gary shared a quote which read: “The narcissists greatest asset for leverage is a child. Children of narcissists are collateral damage in their game of control.”

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The soap star, who shares four older children with ex-wife Natasha, then added: “Don’t forget… exploiting the child for financial gain on socials anything to keeps em “relevant” [sic].”

This is far from the first time Gary and Laura have come to blows since welcoming their first child together into the world in 2024. The couple, who met thanks to Celebs Go Dating, actually split before Bonnie was born but both Gary and Laura aimed to co-parent peacefully.

“We’re on good terms, it’s early days but I’m trying to focus on her, rather than myself,” Laura explained just three months on from her daughter’s birth. “I think putting your personal feelings aside and speaking to the person as a friend rather than your ex helps.

“It’s going to be a journey as she’s only a baby and this is all new to me. But I try to include Gary as much as I can. She has two parents and I want her to know that I always put her first.”

But things quickly turned sour and in August 2024, Laura claimed Gary had only visited their daughter “once this year”. As dad-of-five Gary, 43, shared a video of himself spending some time with baby Bonnie, Laura popped up in the comment section to make some bold allegations.

“Instead of posting videos of the one time you saw your daughter this year, can you please reply to my text from 2weeks ago please, that would be great,” the mum-of-one fumed.

Laura, who is based in Scotland and in a relationship with Dundee footballer Clark Robertson, expanded further on Gary’s lack of contact with Bonnie earlier this year.

During a Q&A with fans on Instagram, Laura shared a question from a fan which read: “Does Gary ever see Bonnie? She’s such a beautiful girl, he’s a kn*b for missing out. Keep being you.” Laura responded with a irked look on her face as she gave a detailed reply to the burning question.

Laura, who found fame on the 2018 series of Love Island, stated: “Fed up doing this question, so to sum up. Gary saw Bonnie once last year and not at all this year. This is his choice and we do not hear for him or receive any money through CMS.”

“I have always felt guilty mentioning his name or stating facts on our situation but I’m only hiding the truth to protect him which tbh I’m over/still a bit scared of,” she explained accompanied by a monkey emoji covering its eyes. “Due to him sending me a strong worded text or press saying ‘Laura Anderson takes vile swipe…’ etc.”

“It’s all a bit backwards focusing on me telling the truth instead of the man not supporting his child but hey this is the world we live in,” she concluded.

Laura previously opened up to the Mirror about the challenges of being a single parent, telling us: “I think it was hard to get my head around initially, it wasn’t what I expected. But that’s the cards I was dealt in the end. Of course, I’m going to make it work for my child, even more so. I feel like I’m a really good mum, to be honest.

“[Bonnie’s] great, your social life does take a little bit of a backseat but most people, your good friends understand that,” she added when sharing advice for other women in a similar situation.

“Think how many mums out there are struggling with that work-life balance, it’s not just me. It’s so relatable and that’s the best thing about Love Island, having a social media following, I’ve really understood it more since having a baby. It’s so nice to resonate and it really is a positive place. It’s just full of mums, it’s not all about ‘you’re trying to look sexy all the time’ because that’s not important.”