Category Entertainment News

As Prince Harry opens up in an interview held shortly after his long-awaited interview with King Charles, the Mirror takes a look at some of the biggest recent bombshells that hint towards what’s really going on behind closed doors

It’s been nearly three years since Prince Harry offered a glimpse behind the gates of Buckingham Palace with his tell-all memoir, Spare. Now, the fifth in line to the throne has dropped yet more bombshells, while declaring “my conscience is clear”.

This comes after Harry’s eventful trip to the UK, where he attended the WellChild Awards as part of his ongoing role as charity patron. Poignantly, this event coincided with the three-year anniversary of the death of his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and Harry made sure to lay flowers by her graveside, shortly after landing on British soil.

It was clear that family was at the forefront of Harry’s mind during his brief return to the country of his birth, which saw him reconcile with his father, King Charles III, for the first time since February 2024.

Now the prince, who turns 41 today, has given another candid interview, which suggests there has been at least some thawing of the tensions that have shaken palace life in recent years.

READ MORE: Prince Harry ‘didn’t air dirty laundry’ with Spare as his ‘conscience is clear’

After his packed London visit, Harry, who has since made a new life for himself in Montecito, California, flew over to the Ukraine to promote the work of his Invictus Games Foundation (IGF), which aims to support injured veterans, while inspiring others through the power of sport and community.

Sadly, this is a topic that resonates all too well with the people of Ukraine, where many have suffered devastating injuries amid the backdrop of the ongoing war with Russia. It’s here where Harry, a former soldier himself, spoke with The Guardian about why he doesn’t regret opening up about family disputes on several occasions, including during his 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, and in his 2022 Netflix series, Harry & Meghan.

Here are just some of the bombshells that have gotten people talking.

Hopes of spending more time in UK

Dad-of-two Harry admitted to the publication that he was keen on the idea of spending more time in the UK. He went on to share: “Yes, I have enjoyed the week. I have always loved the UK and I always will love the UK. It’s been good to reconnect with the causes I am passionate about. I have been able to spend some time with people that I have known for so long. It is hard to do it from far away.”

This follows new reports that claim the Duke wants his children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 3, to spend more time in the UK so they can benefit from prestigious educational opportunities and the “extensive family network” enjoyed by their cousins.

Speaking with the Daily Mail, a friend who claims they spoke with Harry during his UK visit, alleged: “I can tell you that Harry wants to educate the children here in the UK. Harry feels his children are missing out on the extensive family network that their niece and nephews are enjoying.

“Harry wants his children to have the very best education. He has retained his closest friendship group of confidants from his days at school at Ludgrove and Eton. He wants that for his own children.”

Harry has previously made it clear that the lack of automatic police security for himself and his family has so far prevented him from bringing little Archie and Lilibet back to England, with his own private security not having the jurisdiction or adequate intelligence to keep the Sussexes as safe in the same way that the police would.

However, there does seem to have been some sort of recent breakthrough, with Harry hinting that this past week has “definitely” brought the prospect of a Sussex family visit closer.

Focus on dad

In this same interview, Harry asserted that “the focus really has to be on my dad” in the coming year, suggesting that he’s keen to spend more time with the king.

Both Harry and Charles have kept pretty tight-lipped about the hour-long Clarence House meeting, which saw the father and son enjoy tea together at the London residence.

Back in May, Harry told the BBC that he wished to reconcile with his father in light of his cancer diagnosis, as he “wasn’t sure how much time” Charles had left. He then went on to admit that “some members of my family may never forgive me” after his years of speaking publicly about private family matters.

Cryptic comments about the ‘truth’

In this most recent interview, Harry spoke about the importance of telling the truth, which some have taken to be a jibe against his elder brother, Prince William.

He shared how his wife, Meghan, always told him that truth “is the most efficient way to live”, explaining: “She said, ‘Just stick to the truth’. It is the thing I always fall back on. Always. And if you think like that, who would be stupid enough to lie? It takes up too much time and effort.”

Noregrets over Spare

Although Harry’s frequent admissions about his family have added to the ongoing rift, he apparently has no regrets about sharing his side of the story. According to Harry: “I know that [speaking out] annoys some people, and it goes against the narrative. The book? It was a series of corrections to stories already out there. One point of view had been put out, and it needed to be corrected.”

“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.”

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

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The TV presenter has opened up about his time at school and the pressures of sitting exams after he admitted he upset his mother when he received his results

TV star Vernon Kay has opened up about the moment his A-Level results left his mum in tears. The 51-year-old presenter, who has previously spoken about his struggles with education, said the experience only made him more determined to succeed.

Despite this, he reassured others who may have stumbled or failed that they will eventually find their path.

Speaking to The Sun, Vernon credited his parents for instilling a strong work ethic in him, which saw him take on a variety of jobs.

He said: “Oh, it was terrible, dreadful. I found sixth form quite difficult – I had terrible attention span. I was kind of lost in this world where everyone was growing up and leaving me behind. But you know, you do find your way.

“Mum and Dad gave me a good work ethic. I’ve cleaned phone boxes, I’ve stuck stickers on boxes of bananas, I’ve been a caretaker, I worked in Tesco; I did anything for money because I loved getting paid on a Thursday and spending it on a Saturday.”

This isn’t the first time Vernon has shared the story of making his mother Gladys cry. Earlier this year, ahead of A-Level results day, he recounted the tale to his Radio 2 listeners.

He remembered how she questioned why his grades weren’t as high as she’d expected, to which he responded that he’d been too busy playing football.

Vernon recalled: “We’re only a few weeks away from the dreaded school exam results. I made Gladys cry. What have you been doing for two years?’ ‘I’m really good at football’. That was when I got me A-Level results.”

Vernon’s remarks came just weeks after he’d discussed his own daughter, Amber, whom he shares with wife Tess Daly, preparing for her GCSEs, which brought back memories of his own school days.

He said: “Of course, it’s stressful. I remember my GCSEs…well, I don’t…I’m lying, it was so long ago – 1990 I did mine.

“I remember sitting there thinking, ‘Gosh, I wish I’d revised’. I’m not remembering anymore, it’s making me depressed.

“It’s not the way education should be for me, more practical, playing out, hide and seek, I’d have got A+ in that.

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Thomas Skinner has said his wife is humiliated after his affair was made public over the weekend.

The former Apprentice star admitted he has made “big mistakes” and said “If you dig you’ll find more” as he unleashed a lengthy rant to social media. Thomas told fans he’d told his wife to leave him after coming clean but she wanted to stay.

He said he has since become a “target”, and is “being portrayed a public enemy number 1” following revelations of his infidelity.

The former Apprentice candidate confessed to cheating on his wife Sinead just weeks after their wedding. He started seeing Amy-Lucy O’Rourke behind the mother of his two children’s back.

Thomas said it was a ‘one time thing’ and a ‘mistake’ but beauty therapist Amy-Lucy has slammed the claims, insisting their affair lasted months.

After Amy-Lucy’s revelations, Thomas – who is due to star in BBC dance show Strictly this weekend – took to social media to tell fans: “My life ain’t perfect…..far from it. I’ve made big mistakes, I’ve let people down, and done things I’ll always regret in my past.

“The worst was what I did to my wife three and a half years ago…..one stupid moment I’ll carry forever. It was nothing more and nothing less despite what is being said,” he insisted.

“I told her straight away,” said Thomas. “She had every right to leave me back then, but she forgave me…….and that forgiveness changed my life. Since then, we’ve built a new home, had two more beautiful children, and moved forward together. We are stronger. Family is everything to me. It’s what I do everything for. But I’ve noticed I’ve become a target,” he warned.

Thomas continued: “I’ve noticed I’m being portrayed as public enemy number 1. They’re trying to break me and get me cancelled. And if I’m honest, I’m not sure why. I know what it’s like to be low and down on luck. It’s the whole reason why I spread positivity online…. because I know what rock bottom feels like. I’ve been there, many times!! I’m not some full-time celeb in a bubble.”

The Essex entrepeneur said he’s been trying to carry on in the wake of the scandal: “I still graft, I still go to work. In fact I’ve been working this morning before I start strictly training. I’ve taken an absolute battering online and in the press, and I’ll take more. I was told it would happen: first they’ll attack my character, then my family, then my income. And it is happening first hand. Most of what’s said about me isn’t true.

“I’ve got thick skin and the abuse and death threats don’t bother me. In fact some lies make me laugh. But please leave my wife and kids alone. I did this to them by a silly moment of madness over 3 years ago, no one else. If you want to go for someone, go for me. In my life….I’ve lost close friends. I’ve lost family. I’ve got mates doing life in prison. And yes I’ve got an extremely chequered past… more than most. I’ve never shied away from that.

“I’ve made mistakes and if you dig you’ll find more. But here’s the truth: most people have made mistakes. It’s okay to own up to them, it’s okay to talk about them and people do deserve second chances. At the end of the day, it’s about getting back up, rebuilding, and looking after the ones you love.

“And as long as I’ve got my family, I’ll never stop fighting to be a better man. I’ve been forced into a corner to bring up something my wife and I have moved on from years ago. I feel so bad for my wife for having to do this. It’s humiliating for her. I’m sure I’m gonna be forced to talk about other moments that have happened in my life. I’m not sure why everyone is so interested in me……But if I am completely honest….. no one else’s opinions matter apart from those I care about. I Never take any criticism from anyone i wouldn’t take advice from. That’s the truth.

Thomas finished his post by asking: Is it all worth it….?” and then appeared to answer his own question as he told fans: “We keep on going. “

The affair is the latest blow for Thomas after he caused controversy from the very first day of press on Strictly 2025.

The star shocked a room full of journalists and BBC employees when he snatched a reporter’s phone as he was asked questions about the launch of the BBC series.

An insider told the Mirror: “He walked to the table with his head down, he sat down, grabbed one of the reporters phones, who told him to stop. It was a shock. His reaction came out of nowhere.”

Another source told us: “It was totally out of the blue. He was absolutely fine during the first interview. In good spirits and delighted and surprised to be there. Like a competition winner.”

His actions left organisers furious and considering whether he should give up his place on the show. Ultimately it was decided that Thomas should continue and viewers will see the outspoken star being partnered up with a professional dancer from the team this weekend.

Thomas, 34, has been a controversial signing for this year’s series of the BBC series. The dad has drawn strong criticism for Twitter (X) posts saying it is “not far-right” to be “flying your flag and loving your country”, and complaining “it ain’t safe out there any more” in London, saying the city is “hostile” and “tense”.

Thomas Skinner’s mistress Amy-Lucy O’Rourke has hit back at the Strictly Come Dancing star after he tried to downplay their affair, saying she was ‘in love’ with him

The woman who had an affair with Thomas Skinner has hit back at the salesman as he tries to downplay his cheating.

Over the weekend, Strictly Come Dancing contestant Thomas admitted to cheating on his wife just weeks after their wedding with Amy-Lucy O’Rourke.

The former Apprentice hopeful, 34, said he had a “fling” with an “attractive” single mum who gave him a free cosmetic treatment after they met in a pub – describing his indiscretion as a “moment of madness”.

But Amy-Lucy says it was a three-month-long affair and Thomas acted like a boyfriend with her by doing errands like fixing her car and teasing a possible marriage.

READ MORE: Dani Dyer fears Strictly Come Dancing fans will be disappointed to see her on showREAD MORE: Strictly’s Tom Skinner reveals terrifying death threats after JD Vance meeting

Thomas, who shares three children with wife Sinead, told Amy-Lucy he was in a “loveless relationship of convenience” and felt pressure to marry his wife due to her family.

“We were originally friends but with his sweet-talking and his lies, he made me believe we were in love and that we were perfect for each other. He would stand in the mirror with me and say, ‘Look, we’ll be Mr and Mrs Skinner’,” Amy-Lucy recalls in a new interview.

Thomas and Amy-Lucy’s affair took place three and a half years ago. when he visited her at her clinic for a body sculpting treatment designed to remove excess fat in June 2022 in exchange for social media promotion.

During the two-hour long sessions, Thomas “opened up” to Amy-Lucy and told the mum-of-one how much he liked her. “He became aroused on the treatment table and I think he was embarrassed,” she claims in her interview with the Daily Mail.

Thomas said of their affair over the weekend: “I’m just so lucky that [Sinead] forgave me. When I told my wife, I fully understood if she were to never speak to me again. It just shows you that 10 minutes can just ruin your whole life.”

He added to The Sun on Sunday: “I had a fling, I suppose, it was nothing more than that, it was the one time, it was a mistake, then I woke up feeling absolutely terrible about it.”

Amy-Lucy disputes Thomas’ version of events. In response to his video interview, she says: “He makes me physically sick. His entire interview, he was trying to downplay the entire situation and make out I was some sort of a ten-minute fling.”

She goes on to recall romantic moments she had with the Strictly star. “He was confessing his undying love for me – we would walk around everywhere and anywhere holding hands and go to cute little country pubs and he would make me a rose out of a napkin,” she tells the publication.

In his own interview, Thomas said the aftermath of his affair “was a very, very dark time”, adding that his wife “never deserved that, she’s such a good person, without her I wouldn’t be where I am today – she made me.”

In a statement to the paper, a spokeswoman for Amy-Lucy said: “This has been an incredibly stressful chapter in her life. She did not have a fling with Mr Skinner, she had a relationship with him.”

This comes after days Thomas apologised for picking up a journalist’s phone and walking out of a Strictly Come Dancing press event midway through.

He later said his departure from Tuesday’s event was not related to the BBC dancing show, and claimed he did so because he had seen messages about his past on the reporter’s phone. He was reported to have grabbed the phone and walked out after objecting to being recorded by a journalist.

During nearly two decades of his life, there has been one woman by his side supporting him through his toughest gigs while also being incredibly successful in her own right – his wife Hannah Walters

From playing a disturbing racist thug in This Is England to a horrified dad of a child killer in Netflix’s Adolescence, Stephen Graham has needed to draw from a spectrum of emotions to create complex characters time and again.

And during nearly two decades of his life, there has been one woman by his side supporting him through his toughest gigs while also being incredibly successful in her own right – his wife Hannah Walters.

Describing his wife of 17 years as his “rock” long before his career took off, 52-year-old Stephen earlier this year gushed about how Hannah – who is an accomplished actress and producer – stepped into the role of a teacher during the second episode of Adolescence. She also offered her expertise during script consultations and took on the role of one of the producers. Stephen highlighted the importance of having a woman’s perspective, praising Hannah, saying: “As usual in these situations, Hannah’s contribution was incredible.”

It comes as Owen Cooper, who played Jamie Miller, the 13-year-old accused of murder in Adolescence, made history by becoming the first ever male winner of an acting Emmy at the ceremony in Los Angeles. It was one of five awards the Netflix British drama celebrated, as his co-star and its co-creator Stephen Graham won Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series.

READ MORE: Owen Cooper’s first words after making history as youngest male acting Emmy winnerREAD MORE: Adolescence star Owen Cooper becomes youngest ever male winner of an acting Emmy

The acting duo met when they both studied at the prestigious school Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance. Reflecting on this time, the actor gushed during an online Q&A: “I watched Hannah back in the day at drama school and always thought she was brilliant.” Stephen also sweetly described himself and Hannah as “bezzie mates” before their relationship turned romantic, leading to their marriage in 2008.

Their first significant joint project was This Is England by Shane Meadows, where Stephen played the role of racist skinhead Combo, and Hannah appeared as a shop assistant. They both returned for the sequels, This Is England 86 and 88, with Stephen back as Combo and Hannah taking on the character Trudy.

During his time on set, he also struck up a close alliance with co-star Thomas Turgoose, and made a selfless offer after tragedy struck during the filming of the 2006 British drama. Thomas, who played impressionable schoolboy Shaun Fields, lost his mother Sharon to cancer shortly after the gritty Shane Meadows film was completed, and she never got to enjoy the proud moment of seeing her son’s performance on the big screen.

Thankfully, Thomas, who was just 13 years old at the time, had a friend he could count on in Stephen, who even offered to adopt the grieving youngster.

Opening up on Jamie Laing’s Private Parts podcast, Thomas, now 33, shared: “My mum passed away from lung cancer after I finished filming This Is England. She never got to see the finished film. Shane Meadows dedicated the film to my mum. Stephen Graham promised my mum he’d look out for me. Everyone involved in This is England are family to me.”

Following his mother’s death, Grimsby-born Thomas was set to go live with his father, who he didn’t know very well at that time. Stephen and director Shane therefore offered to take the teenager in themselves and give him a loving home if things didn’t go to plan. Thomas explained: “When my mum died I moved in with my dad and I didn’t know him, so Shane Meadows and Steven Graham were going to adopt me if things didn’t work out with my dad.”

Stephen and Hannah have also starred in Pirates of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and its sequel Salazar’s Revenge, as well as the film and TV series Boiling Point, where Stephen portrayed a stressed-out chef named Andy and Hannah played pastry chef Emily. They’ve also appeared as a couple together on screen in the hard-hitting drama Time and reunited in A Thousand Blows. In this series, Stephen took on the role of boxer Sugar Goodson, set against the backdrop of 1880s East End London, while Hannah portrayed Eliza, a member of a close-knit gang.

Stephen has also previously discussed how his wife helps him behind the scenes, revealing that Hannah will be the one to read his scripts. “I’m dyslexic, so I struggle. My missus actually reads the script and says whether or not I’m doing it. She’s made some good choices,” he admitted at the BAFTA Sessions panel. “I have to read it and read it and read it, then make it look like it’s the first time I’m saying it,” he added.

He once disclosed in a 2019 episode of Desert Island Discs that their love story nearly missed its chance to blossom. Stephen recounted a pivotal moment from their younger years, saying: “She went to Spain for a little bit and I couldn’t see her, and she was going to move out there. She came back and we hadn’t been on a date in these five years, six years, just talking lots. And I said, ‘Can I take you on a date?’.

“She went ‘What?’ And we went to see Saving Private Ryan, had a bite to eat in Greenwich, and we were at New Cross train station and I said, ‘Please don’t go to Spain’. She asked, ‘Why?’ and I said, ‘Well, I love you.’ She said she’d been waiting five years for me to say that. And the next day, we moved in together. And we’ve been together ever since.”

The couple resided in London but have since settled in Ibstock, Leicestershire, with their two children, Alfie and Grace, who have appeared alongside their parents for a 2023 celebrity edition of Gogglebox.

Giving an insight into his life in Ibstock, Stephen told Leicestershire Live: ‘I’m part of the furniture here. I love the sense of camaraderie in Ibstock, the community spirit. It’s a proper English village. I like it that I can go into Smith’s, the local butchers – they’ve been here for years, you know – and people are all chatting and they say hello, how are ya and the treat me like they do everyone else.”

The Monkees shared a statement on Instagram announcing the news that Bobby Hart, the song writer who shaped some of the band’s most famous hits, has died at his home in Los Angeles

Bobby Hart, one half of the iconic songwriting partnership Boyce and Hart who created some of The Monkees’ most memorable hits, has died at the age of 86.

Bobby, who crafted many of the group’s smash-hit songs including I Wanna Be Free and Last Train to Clarksville, passed away at his home in Los Angeles, California, last Wednesday. His death has just been announced as the band and their fans across the world paid tribute to him.

Captioning an Instagram photo carousel that featured photos of Bobby, and him with Tommy, the 1960s pop band – originally formed of Micky Dolenz, 80, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork – wrote: “Very sad news to report: Bobby Hart, the songwriting dynamo who was half of the duo responsible for so many Monkees songs, has died.

“With partner Tommy Boyce, Bobby penned tracks like I Wanna Be Free, Last Train to Clarksville, the iconic Monkees theme, and so many more, in addition to his solo songwriting career with hits like Hurts So Bad for Little Anthony and the Imperials. He will be remembered for his incredible talent and his innate spirituality.”

The statement continued: “Said Bobby: ‘It’s interesting and gratifying to look back these many years later and see that the Monkees are still with us, and they’re still being played somewhere … the records themselves have been staples that have gone on to sell for years and years.

“They still sound pretty fresh, and that we had an opportunity to do a lot of music that was married to visuals, and so, that in itself kinda seems to ensure that they’ll have a life of their own that’ll probably far outlast mine. You will be so missed, Bobby.”

Dolenz – who is the only surviving member of The Monkees – also paid tribute to Hart. He said in a statement last night: “Another great is gone. Bobby Hart, who along with Tommy Boyce, penned and produced some of the Monkees’ greatest hit songs.

“Not only made a vital contribution to the popular success of the Monkees, but even more importantly to the essence, the very spirit of the entire venture.

“His talent, charisma, good humor and calmness in the face of what at times was nothing less than a maniacal roller coaster ride often brought a sense of peace that heartened everyone around him. He was the stillness that is the eye of the hurricane.”

After Bobby – whose health had been deteriorating since he broke his hip in 2024 – and Boyce stopped working with The Monkees, the duo continued working together. They released the albums Test Patterns and I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonite, as well as appear in sitcoms I Dream of Jeannie and Bewitched.

With their experience in writing the song for The Monkees TV show – which focused on the band members – they penned the theme for the soap opera, Days of Our Lives. In 1994, Boyce died by suicide by gunshot. Hart had been married twice, most recently to singer Mary Ann Hart. He leaves behind two children.

Following the sad news, fans have taken to social media to share heartfelt tributes. One fan penned on X: “RIP Bobby Hart of songwriting/performing duo Boyce and Hart. So many great songs – Monkees theme, Last Train to Clarksville etc.”

Another user lamented: “So sad to learn about Bobby Hart this morning,” while another added: “Rest in peace Bobby Hart. Reunited once again with Tommy Boyce. Thanks for the wonderful songs, you will always be remembered.”

One particularly distraught fan wrote: “What? Nooo. 2025 really sucks rocks. We’re losing the great ones daily. Damn. RIP Bobby,” while another shared: “Such sad news. He left us with some great songs to keep his spirit alive forever. May Bobby rest in peace.”