Category Entertainment News

Bake Off is back and judge Prue Leith has revealed the strict regimen she keeps to during the baking show and says weight loss jabs ‘take the joy out of life’

Prue Leith says she loses weight during Bake Off and revealed her secret recipe for shedding the pounds is to stick to a strict diet of only cake and wine.

The 83 year-old judge took over for Mary Berry as a judge on the baking show in 2017. Two years later, she put on a stone whilst filming the series and has since decided that, during filming, she will only eat cake and wine so that it doesn’t happen again.

She explained on a podcast in 2023 that all she eats is cake during the series because there is so much in one helping: “In a cake, you get the filling, the icing and the sponge in one teaspoon. I don’t eat anything else.

“I don’t eat lunch and I don’t eat breakfast.”

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Prue continued to say that she struggles to stick to one teaspoon as she is hungry when she arrives for work, but fellow judge Paul Hollywood is more disciplined.

“If you watch Paul, he never has more than one mouthful. I normally end up with two.”

But, so far, Prue has stuck to her guns about skipping breakfast and lunch. She admitted to The Telegraph earlier this year that she is “furious” with her husband John when he tries to tempt her with breakfast foods. “My husband John is naughty,” she said. “Because he’ll bring me tea and yogurt and I’ll be furious.”

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The only thing she refuses to give up is wine. “When it comes to the evening, what I can’t forgo is a couple of glasses of wine,” she said on the 2023 podcast.

“So my diet for several weeks is basically cake and alcohol. Probably not ideal but it is nice.”

Prue has often spoken about obesity in the UK and what she describes as “alarming” statistics about the weights of people in the country, especially concerning children. In 2024, the NHS found that 15% of children aged between two and 15 fit the obese classification.

As Ozempic boomed in the US and UK, Prue slammed weight loss jabs and said they “take the joy out of life”. She acknowledged that they might be necessary for some who desperately need to lose weight, but that most people would be better off learning how to cook healthy food.

“It’s the wrong answer because you have to go on jabbing yourself for the rest of your life and that can’t be entirely good,” she said at The Times Health Commission summit.

“You’re taking the joy out of life. It would be better if you could just get to love the food that is good for you.”

Prue added that it is “easy” to get children to love healthy food. “The only way we’ll stop children going for something that is easy and delicious is by getting them to love good food. It’s easy to do.”

The NHS advise a healthy diet and regular exercise for weight loss but do prescribe weight loss medication where necessary. They do not encourage people to skip meals in favour of less nutritionally beneficial foods like cake, nor do they encourage alcohol consumption in daily doses.

Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter Apple is fronting a new campaign with London-based fashion house self-portrait at the age of 21

Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter Apple has announced her brand new project. The model and daughter of the Coldplay singer and Hollywood actress has revealed she is working with a London-based fashion house.

Apple has signed up to be the face of the brand self-portrait, which focuses on modern occasionwear for day and night. The model made the announcement on Instagram today by sharing a string of photos she took herself.

The brand said her pictures “captures the effortless, confident and self-expressive spirit of a generation of young customers that continues to inspire the fashion house and its designs”. The brand will collaborate with Apple over the next months, with the brand teasing that there would be fashion portraits, films and activations.

Gwyneth and Chris share daughter Apple, 21, and son Moses, 19. The couple were married until 2016, when they announced they were “consciously uncoupling”, coining the now popular phrase.

Meanwhile, Gwyneth was recently asked what her kids think about her and Chris’ parenting. She shared to E! News: “They are very proud of the iconoclastic approach that we have taken in the past.

“Looking back, there are always things that we used to write about [at Goop] where people were like, ‘Oh my gosh, what is this?’ And now they’re so mainstream.”

She added: “We try to always strike a balance. For me, manners are super important. So, that was kind of the structure: manners and education. I want a lot of expression and individuality and freedom running through that structure. That’s kind of how we looked at it.

“They are definitely artist souls. I do think that a mix of structure and art is really coming through in who they are now. They’re both academic, and yet they have these beautiful free spirits and I think they will pursue art, which I think is wonderful.”

Gwyneth admitted previously she regretted not having more kids – but says things felt complete when she welcomed her partner Brad Falchuk’s children into her life. She explained: “The girls were graduating, and it started to just feel really light and really cohesive. And since then, we’ve had so many moments like that.

“And I feel like it keeps deepening and getting, I don’t know, it’s such a particular kind of delight to see our four kids in their own relationships and being friends with each other and loving each other.”

The husband of a woman seen on a kiss cam at one of Coldplay’s concerts with her boss has spoken out for the first time and revealed the state of his marriage

The husband of a woman who was caught on Coldplay’s ‘kiss cam’ getting cosy with her boss has claimed that they were “privately and amicably separated” before the concert.

Kirsten Cabot and her husband Andrew Cabot, 61, confirmed last week that they have filed for divorce several weeks after she was spotted with her boss Andy Bryon at one of the band’s gigs.

The footage surfaced on social media and, in the ensuing scandal, Andy stepped down from his role as CEO of tech firm Astronomer and Kirstin resigned as his Head of HR.

However, following the confirmation of the divorce, Andrew, an entrepreneur from Massachusetts, stated that he and Kirstin “were privately and amicably separated several weeks before the Coldplay concert”.

A spokesperson speaking to the press on his behalf added: “Their decision to divorce was already underway prior to that evening. Now that the divorce filing is public, Andrew hopes this provides respectful closure to speculation and allows his family the privacy they’ve always valued.”

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Kirstin’s moment with her manager on screen attracted attention worldwide. Even Coldplay frontman Chris Martin joked that the pair were either “having an affair or just very shy.”

Shortly after the awkward moment, both employees were put on leave. Andy later resigned from the company after “failing to meet company standards”.

Despite the clarity around the divorce, Andrew’s spokesperson also told People today: “No further public comment will be made.”

It marks the first occasion that the woman’s husband has spoken out publicly – albeit through a spokesperson – about the furore, and the state of his and Kirstin’s relationship.

Andrew, who serves as CEO of a distillery in Ipswich, Massachusetts, shares no children with Kirstin, though he has two youngsters from an earlier marriage. His family, Andrew maintains, has “always valued” privacy, something somewhat compromised during the scandal.

Both Kirstin and her manager responded uncomfortably when the kiss cam focused on them at the concert. Kirstin swiftly turned away whilst he disappeared from view.

It generated numerous memes and ridicule and cast a national spotlight, for several days, on the former work colleagues. Many online claimed to uncover and circulate personal information about both of their families.

The viral moment also became the focus of considerable debate about the essence of privacy in a digital era and what conduct should and shouldn’t expose someone to public examination.

In a press statement in November announcing Cabot’s original appointment at Astronomer, Byron was quoted as declaring her “exceptional leadership and deep expertise in talent management, employee engagement, and scaling people strategies will be critical as we continue our rapid trajectory. She is a proven leader.”

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J.K. Rowling and Nigel Farage were referenced by Maxine Peake whilst she drew comparisons between the late Mary Whitehouse’s campaigning and ‘culture wars’ today recently

Actor Maxine Peake has criticised public figures like J.K. Rowling and Nigel Farage for their commentary amid living in “divisive times”. She shared her thoughts recently whilst discussing the late ‘moral crusader’ Mary Whitehouse.

Maxine, 51, will portray conservative activist Mary, known for campaigning against what she considered to be ‘filth’ on TV and her views on sexuality, among other things, in the play the Last Stand of Mrs. Mary Whitehouse. It’s scheduled to open at the Nottingham Playhouse this evening.

Ahead of opening night, Maxine, who has starred in shows like dinnerladies, spoke about the role on a radio show, in an episode released yesterday. She drew comparisons to public figures of today in the recent interview.

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Whilst discussing the upcoming production, Maxine was asked on on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row if there are parallels between Mary’s campaigning and today’s ‘culture wars’. She responded to host Samira Ahmed by saying: “Absolutely.”

Further sharing her thoughts, she said that some celebrities speak out on issues that she feels they don’t understand. Maxine said: “You can’t not look at very public people, celebrities, speaking out on issues that, like Mary, have no understan … y’know I feel have no understanding.”

She went on to mention author J.K, known for the Harry Potter book series, who has been met with both praise and criticism over comments about the trans community. Maxine continued: “I will say it: J.K. Rowling. You’ve got people speaking out. Y’know we’re now in this … y’know the trans community, what has been happening and the abuse.”

Maxine went on to reference Reform UK leader Nigel, whose opinions, like on immigration, have proved divisive, during the interview. She said: “But not only that. We’re looking at I think people like Farage, the far … the right.”

She continued by saying: “We’ve got these figureheads now who have this charm and this charisma.” Maxine added: “And people are a little bit lost and they’d be able to draw people in with a really dangerous ideology I believe.”

Front Row presenter Samira responded by saying that there are “strong feelings” on both sides of some debates. The host said: “I should say on some of these issues there are strong feelings on different sides about rights and wrongs.”

Maxine agreed with the suggestion, before adding that there is division at the moment. Responding to host Samira, the actor said on the BBC Radio show: “Absolutely, y’know, but yeah … we are in … I think, yeah, we’re in very divisive times.”

Strictly Come Dancing bosses may say they want to avoid controversy, but casting Thomas Skinner in this year’s line-up proves they invite their own drama at times

When I first saw Tom Skinner’s Strictly Come Dancing promo picture on my Twitter (X) feed, I initially assumed it had come via a parody post – it seemed that ludicrous.

Why on earth would an embattled TV show supposedly so desperate to stop the scandal after scandal cycle and move on from the last few years of controversies want to take a risk with such a clearly divisive signing? Especially as the showbiz world is filled with ‘safer’, more established celebrities dying to don some sequins and take to the Strictly dancefloor.

Before Strictly has even taken over Saturday night viewing, Tom has already made the BBC look stupid – thanks to storming out of an interview and snatching a reporter’s phone just hours on from BBC director-general Tim Davie defending the decision to cast him in the upcoming series of Strictly.

To those blissfully unaware of the controversy attached to Tom, he is simply The Apprentice contestant who enjoys grafting and eating pie and mash at 5am. To others, he is a privately educated man who grew up in a £2.5m house flirting with right-wing politics while presenting as a working class man of the people on social media.

Despite the fact many are convinced the dad-of-three is being groomed to become a Reform Party candidate at the next general election, there are no credible sources or hard evidence to confirm Tom has any ambitions to waltz his way into Westminster after his time on Strictly. His critics are simply going off vibes and Tom’s questionable Twitter updates when sharing their predictions.

But even if Tom – who claims he is neither on the left or right – does stick to just sharing 500 word tweets about his love for the Union Jack flag and British culture online, he still remains a very polarising character – far from the ideal Strictly contestant in a time of turmoil for the BBC.

From donning Make America Great Again baseball caps to cosying up with J.D Vance, Tom has made it clear he has no problem aligning himself to right-wing figures that have made no secret of the fact they want to meddle in UK politics.

I’ve interviewed Tom a couple of times over the years, back when he was best known for eating a curry in the early hours of the morning at his beloved Dino’s Cafe and using the word ‘bosh’ in lieu of a full stop. I really liked him – he was funny, honest and not particularly media trained, meaning it was always a fun chat.

Back then, he seemed more interested in a stint on I’m a Celebrity rather than learning how to dance – admitting he came close to camping Down Under in 2023.

“I was the bookies’ favourite by a long way to go in there this year but a deal couldn’t be done this year so…” he admitted to me after Sam Thompson was crowned King of the Jungle.

“I would 100% accept it if they asked me on again. I think I’d be quite good at it. I ain’t scared of nothing apart from heights yeah, but I would like to overcome that fear. I’m well good with people, I’d be a good little chef in there and lose a little bit of weight – plus it’s a free holiday to Australia!”

But it seems ITV are keeping good on their promise to keep politics out of camp following the backlash from Nigel Farage and Matt Hancock’s rehabilitative stints on the show. The BBC, however, seems happy to take over when it comes to adding a sprinkling of controversy to its reality TV output.

It’s a shame that in a line-up that includes Ellie Goldstein, the show’s first contestant with Down syndrome, and Drag Race icon La Voix, the BBC has scored an own goal and forced Tom Skinner to be the main talking point rather than focusing on the positives

Strictly bosses surely knew signing Tom up for the 2025 series would spark backlash and doing so, it seems they don’t actually care that much about shaking off the scandal tag tainting the show.

William White is the subject of a new documentary, which delves into the rise and fall of the social media influencer who became known for his ‘thirst traps’.

Viral TikTok sensation William White is the focus of Paramount Plus’ fresh documentary, Thirst Trap: The Fame. The Fantasy. The Fallout.

As the title indicates, this two-part series explores the meteoric rise and dramatic downfall of the social media personality, who gained notoriety for sharing ‘thirst traps’.

The synopsis states: “A TikTok lip-sync to Barry Manilow’s “Mandy” launches William White into viral stardom, and into the hearts of a generation of women; unpacking the rise, the fandom and the chaos that follows when fantasy crashes into reality.”

With the documentary now available on Paramount+, audiences are keen to discover how William catapulted to stardom and his current whereabouts, reports the Mirror US.

How did William White become famous?

Born in 2000, William rocketed to celebrity status after launching a TikTok profile in January 2020. What began as a pastime for the former landscaper rapidly drew a following of self-described cougars, who became utterly captivated by the 21-year-old.

His appeal amongst Gen X women was further amplified by the content creator’s thirst trap clips, where he would perform dance routines and occasionally mime along to beloved 70s and 80s hits.

It was his performance lip-syncing Barry Manilow’s chart-topper ‘Mandy’ that triggered the emergence of his dedicated following.

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The middle-aged admirers subsequently established a supporter group dubbed the Grotto Girls, who proceeded to lavish William with adoration and thousands of pounds.

In the docu-series, one fan reveals she gifted around $200,000 in total to the Canadian influencer. Fans’ donations were frequently made during his TikTok Live broadcasts or sent straight to his PayPal account.

Supporters had spotted that every contribution could result in William acknowledging them live on air, which made them feel individually recognised by the celebrity. Consequently, many continued sending cash as a method of securing his attention.

However, this online fanbase would soon become consumed with envy after William slept with one of his devoted long-term admirers.

The intimate liaison marked one of the initial moments that triggered toxic behaviour within the community, including leaked nude images, which are discussed in the documentary.

Where is William White now?

The fanbase’s shift in mood left the content creator exasperated, prompting him to snap during his exchanges with supporters.

As the 25-year-old reveals in the documentary, he sometimes addressed viewers harshly, which damaged his pin-up image. Many viewers distanced themselves from the celebrity as a result.

In 2024, William discovered his new beginning in Greece, where he underwent baptism at Marmari Paradise Beach. The ritual was witnessed by several fans, who travelled from various nations “just for Will”.

The TikToker has stated he feels “different” following the religious ceremony, though he admits “it could be placebo or it could be Jesus Christ. I guess we’ll never know.”

Come 2025, the Canadian sensation continues to upload videos under the handle @whitey18, although he’s largely moved away from creating ‘thirst trap’ content.

He briefly quit social media back in March but made a swift comeback just two days later.

Eyeing up his future prospects, the influencer has set his sights on Hollywood.

“When I’m 30, in five or six years, I hope I’m an actor,” he reveals in the documentary.