Prince Harry has been reaching out to UK pals and trying to build bridges, a new report has claimed amid the Duke of Sussex’s visit to the UK for the WellChild Awards and other engagements
Harry is said to be growing increasingly homesick(Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage)
In a rare trip to the UK, Prince Harry has attended the WellChild Awards, as well as conducting a series of other visits to the charities he supports. The Duke of Sussex has come back to his home country solo with Meghan and his children remaining in California, and reports are swirling that he might reunite with his father, King Charles, whilst he is visiting.
Harry’s been public about his desire to build bridges with his family, with whom relations have been strained since he decided to step back as a working royal five years ago. After moving across the pond, Harry has been candid about his grievances with some of his relatives – and their staff – with his memoir Spare also lifting the lid on his childhood and longstanding sibling rivalry with Prince William.
However, royal insiders claim that Harry has been “pining” for the UK and desperately trying to make amends with his friends from home.
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One of the Duke’s friends told the Standard that this has included sending them “long” messages on WhatsApp trying to reconnect, indicating he is really “homesick” for the UK.
“Spike (his nickname among his old school friends) is seriously homesick. He’s started reaching out to us more and more.
“It started with very long and earnest WhatsApps. We actually all made a decision when we started getting them not to take the p*ss out of them.
“Something we couldn’t have imagined doing a few years before. Anyway, gradually, he seems to be sounding more normal. Whenever anyone goes to America they try to see him. It never seems to be with Meghan though. We think he is beginning to pine for home,” the pal explained.
The report claims that the pining isn’t just going one way across the Atlantic, with King Charles also missing having a relationship with his youngest son. A courtier told the outlet that Charles has “always absolutely adored” Harry, and in fact has had a more strained relationship with William over the years than his younger son, despite Harry’s tendency in recent years to drop public bombshells.
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In an interview with the BBC after he lost his case against the Home Office to have his automatic police security reinstated, Harry said he was “devastated” not to be on speaking terms with his family, and claimed Charles “won’t speak to me because of this security stuff”.
Harry also said he didn’t want to keep fighting and that since Charles’s cancer diagnosis in 2024, he does “not know how much longer my father has”.
Thomas Skinner has sensationally stormed out of a Strictly Come Dancing interview, furiously telling reporters ‘I’m not doing this.’ The Apprentice star was being interviewed by journalists at the BBC’s Elstree Studios when he got up and left the room.
In a first for a Strictly contestant, the former reality star, best known for his social media output these days, grabbed a reporter’s phone as they asked him to stop. It comes just hours after Skinner told his followers on X he “can’t be bought” and “won’t say things just to keep people happy”.
Skinner, 34, has been a controversial signing for this year’s series of the BBC series. The dad-of-three 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 took issue with his interview being recorded ( BBC/PA Wire)
But while Skinner is happy to chat online, it seems he is less keen to converse in real life. The divisive figure took issue with a reporter recording an interview, a common practise, during the big Strictly Come Dancing press day.
He had arrived at the table alongside fellow contestant, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank, who was left having to do interviews on his own.
“He walked to the table with his head down, he sat down, grabbed one of the reporters phones, who told him to stop,” an insider at the event has told the Mirror. “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 are said to have left organisers furious and BBC bosses in talks over whether he should remain on the show.
A female journalist had simply asked Skinner what had motivated him to sign up for Strictly, which left the reality TV star realising he was being recorded on a phone during the press event. “What’s that?” Skinner demanded, before picking up the woman’s phone and taking it from the table.
The journalist responded asking: “What are you doing, can you answer the question, we have only got three minutes. I’m just recording him.”
Skinner posted a cryptic message to his Twitter (X) followers this morning ahead of the press day commencing. In the length tweet, he wrote: “I cannot be bought. I won’t say things just to keep people happy like others do. I am not a weathercock who changes opinions to gain clout like others you see online or social media. I’ll say what I believe in, even when it’s not easy. Because that’s what we need more of in today’s world.”
Skinner’s antics come just hours on from BBC director-general Tim Davie defended the decision to cast former the Apprentice contestant in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Skinner is seen by many as a controversial signing for Strictly ( X)
The reality TV star has shown support for several right-wing figures over recent months ( X/@iamtomskinner)
Speaking to MPs from the Culture, Media and Sport committee, Davie said: “That was not my decision, that was the production team looking for those people … who want to do Strictly, and those people they thought would be interesting to the audience.”
The 58-year-old added: “Clearly, we wouldn’t take anyone whose views are just beyond the pale, or we would see as completely unacceptable or not suitable, racist views, all those things, we wouldn’t accept them. But that’s not the case here, from what I know, I’m not an expert on the individual, per se.”
It comes after TV presenter Narinder Kaur criticised the decision to cast Skinner, who is known for his “bosh” catchphrase, saying she was told she was “too controversial” for the show herself.
Speaking about Kaur, Davie said he had “never heard that” when asked about claims she was rejected for the show. He continued: “I’m not involved directly, that’s not disowning it, it’s just day to day. It’s for BBC Studios to propose to the commissioner of entertainment who they think they can get, one is who will take part, because it’s quite a commitment, three months in full training.
“And the second is, who are people that they think would make a good balance in terms of the cost, and my goodness, they’ve done a good job in terms of creating a phenomenal show.”
Skinner met US vice president JD Vance for a barbecue and drinks earlier this year, with the star – who befriended US President Donald Trump ’s number two on social media platform X – describing the event as “once in a lifetime”.
Asked what the criteria are for someone who is “too controversial” for the show, Davie added: “There may be views you don’t agree with, but that’s not to me, a criteria. If someone had broadcast things that were totally unacceptable, had racist views, we don’t want them anywhere near our shows, that’s obvious.
“That’s what our team have to judge, I don’t know how many series we’re in, but we’ve had a pretty good run of the contestants, there’s been things to deal with, but actually, in terms of the casting and the overall show around the world, I think they do a good job.”
Skinner will join fellow stars such as Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and CBBC actress Ellie Goldstein, who is to become the first contestant with Down’s syndrome to take part in Strictly’s full series, when the show returns later this year.
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The Beatles legend Paul McCartney attended an Oasis gig in the United States this week, with fans now recalling a brutal dig made by Liam Gallagher at the frontman
Liam Gallagher once met Paul McCartney backstage, and the interaction left people in stitches (file)(Image: Gareth Cattermole, Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Paul McCartney’s surprise appearance at an Oasis gig in the US has sparked fans to reminisce about a hilarious encounter between The Beatles legend and Liam Gallagher. The Wings frontman and Oasis star had previously met backstage, as well as at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
However, their conversation wasn’t about music but a misunderstanding that led McCartney to label Gallagher “stupid”. Gallagher later recounted the amusing incident in an interview, admitting he was confused at the time, thinking the Beatles icon had offered him something peculiar. Despite the awkwardness, Gallagher insists that Paul McCartney was an “absolute dream” during their previous meetings.
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Gallagher has always been vocal about how The Beatles shaped his career, with John Lennon being a significant inspiration for the Oasis frontman. An encounter with Lennon’s songwriting partner seems to have left a lasting impression on Gallagher, who was clearly starstruck.
Speaking of McCartney, he said: “I’ve met him a few times he’s been absolutely a dream. The last time was at the Royal Albert Hall… He goes, ‘Why are you always in a rush? Sit down, sit down’.
“I sit down and he goes, ‘Do you like margaritas?’ I said, ‘Yeah, but I had something before I come out, I don’t eat at this time of night. He said, ‘They’re f***ing drinks, you stupid p***k.’ I thought he was offering me a pizza.”
Supporters were left in hysterics by the tale, with some dubbing it their “favourite” from Gallagher.
One admirer penned: “One of my favourite Liam stories,” whilst another commented: “He literally said it like THAT? ! Doesn’t sound so nice to me.” This emerges as McCartney was seen at a recent Oasis gig in the United States prior to his own American tour.
Devotees are now yearning for a partnership between Oasis and the Wings lead singer, though it appears improbable.
Keen supporters are clinging to hopes for a McCartney-Gallagher partnership, particularly since McCartney has suggested having an album prepared for launch early next year.
Paul McCartney was spotted at a recent Oasis gig in the United States (file)(Image: Harry Durrant, Getty Images)
The Gallagher siblings were renowned for incorporating a version of The Beatles’ “I Am the Walrus” into their concerts, a custom that hasn’t appeared on their Live ’25 tour.
Nevertheless, Liam Gallagher has occasionally delighted fans with a snippet of the melody during his solo shows.
One excited supporter remarked: “Maybe a McCartney / Gallagher song could be in the works.”
Whilst another contributed: “God I wish. Macca does have an album on the works, according to him. Honestly I’d just be happy with a pic of the three of them together.”
This comes as McCartney reveals the secret behind what drives him to continue touring.
He particularly explained how he maintains his fingertips in prime condition when performing for hours each week. Paul revealed: “To tell you the truth, I don’t!
When I’m touring and playing guitar constantly, my fingertips develop calluses.
Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite has quit TV and rejoined adult content site OnlyFans as he claims he now earns more than he did on Strictly Come Dancing
John Whaite has revealed just how much he makes on OnlyFans(Image: Getty Images)
Great British Bake Off star John Whaite has revealed he now has a hefty bank balance, but it has come at a huge cost. The baker won the hit Channel 4 competition and then made history on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 when he joined as the first same sex couple.
Despite his huge success on the small screen, John lost his gig on Steph’s Packed Lunch when it was axed. He regularly appeared on the Channel 4 show before it was dropped.
However, John admitted he was going to take a step back from TV anyway to focus on a very different career. “Honestly, I am completely fine. This is the truth, I was going to leave TV this year anyway,“ he said in a post online.
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The Bake Off star says he is making good money(Image: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
John is now back on OnlyFans
“That’s why I’ve been off Packed Lunch for a couple of weeks just to get my head in the gear, and I just came to the conclusion that I think my career in television is now done. I’ve had a great run and loved it.”
John decided to launch himself into the adult content world and re-joined OnlyFans. Explaining his decision, he said: “I’ve had a lot of DMs about why I’ve re-joined OnlyFans, when I regretted it last time.
“Firstly, I think it’s important to remember that who we are, or at least little parts of us, can change. I for one don’t want to live my life stuck in a steadfast template that restricts my next move.
“Secondly, I enjoy performance. I enjoy being a show-off. I enjoy building my body and celebrating the results. That’s not for everyone, and that’s ok – if you don’t like meat, just walk on by the butcher’s shop.”
John also confessed he is raking in the cash and has even earned more than he did on Strictly. The BBC dance competition reportedly has a cap on what they pay its stars so they all get the same wage.
They are said to receive a standard £25,000 payment for signing up, which raises to £40k if they make it until the end of October. It jumps to £60k at the quarter finals, £75k at the semi finals and the winner bags £100,000.
John Whaite was at the centre of drama on the show when he managed to slice his finger open in the act of making a strudel(Image: Daily Mirror)
When probed on how big his income is by a fan, John revealed: “A lot. I earned more last month than I got paid for Strictly.” Despite John saying he is making more than ever, it has come at a price.
He has lost out on brand deals, with him allegedly losing his deal with Peugeot. John revealed they had parted ways as he cheekily said: “Are you looking for a man that will last longer than this car?
“Well, that won’t be hard to find. Forgive me Peugeot, for I have sinned.“ In his caption, he wrote: “Pettiness is in for 2025. When @peugeotuk found out about my OnlyFans, they asked me to no longer post about their brand and to give the car back. So I agreed.
“Disclaimer – this is just a laugh and it’s actually a decent car, but so much for being an inclusive brand.“ This year, he also claimed collaborations with Waitrose had been “expunged” due to his work on OnlyFans.
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The Made in Chelsea star opened up about how difficult the early stages of motherhood was and admitted to ‘extreme’ thoughts
Louise Thompson says she struggled after the birth of her son(Image: instagram/@louise.thompson)
Louise Thompson has made a heartbreaking confession about the early stages of motherhood, saying she was “not a good mum” and that there times when she thought about dying after giving birth to her son.
The Made in Chelsea star nearly died when she gave birth to son Leo, now 3. She spent a month in intensive care following the birth with “serious complications” and the following years have seen her in and out of hospital multiple times.
Joining Giovanna Fletcher on a recent episode of the Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast, Louise tearfully opened up about the “constant state of fear” she was living in.
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Louise almost died giving birth to her son Leo(Image: @louise.thompson/instagram)
“I didn’t feel like a mother,” she said. “I couldn’t even really compare myself to the norm.
“I think what I didn’t realise is that I was triggered by Leo. But it took me a really long time to actually appreciate that.
“The crying – I remember once holding him and he was crying loads and I genuinely didn’t know what was going on.
“I just remember looking up to the skylight in my house and just praying and being like, ‘Please, please, someone like look after me in this moment, can I just get through?'”
She added that she knew these thoughts were “extreme” but they meant she struggled to take care of her son properly sometimes. She recalled a trip to Devon where she would leave the house without the right stuff to keep her son healthy.
Louise said she was not a ‘good mother’ after struggling to take care of son Leo(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
“We did go to Devon for Easter, and I would go out and not have packed anything in a baby bag – I didn’t have water.”
She continued to say she was “grateful” to still be alive, but had thought about dying. “I was doing my best to stay alive. All I wanted to do was die.
“I just wanted someone to kill me because I didn’t have the strength or courage to do it myself.
But I knew I had to stay alive because you know, I would have okay moments that would give me hope.
“But year, I was not a good, present mother at the beginning and I will admit that.”
Louise’s fans flocked to clips of the conversation that were posted online to comment words of support. One said Louise “truly embodies the strength of a mother” and that she was “nothing short of inspirational”. Another added that “there is so much bravery, strength and healing in this honesty”.
“You are paving the way for others and opening up so many important conversations about motherhood.”
If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.
S Club star, Rachel Stevens, has broken up with her Dancing On Ice boyfriend, Brendyn Hatfield, after three years of dating
Rachel Stevens has broken her silence after splitting up with her Dancing On Ice boyfriend(Image: brendynhatfield/Instagram)
Rachel Stevens has broken her silence after splitting up with her Dancing On Ice boyfriend – and she hasn’t held back. The S Club star, 47, was dating pro skater, Brendyn Hatfield, 40, for three years before their split was confirmed this week.
After going public with their romance in 2023 after meeting on the ITV skating show, Rachel told fans the couple were “really good” just three months ago.
However, she’s now taken to Instagram with a slurry of cryptic comments, including one about not letting other people’s energy bring you down.
Rachel Stevens, has broken up with her Dancing On Ice boyfriend, Brendyn Hatfield, after three years of dating(Image: msrachelstevens/Instagram)
She posted a slew of cryptic comments on Instagram(Image: msrachelstevens/Instagram)
Captioning a stunning picture of herself in which she poses effortlessly, wearing jeans and black satin blouse, she wrote: “Everything happens for a reason. The highs. The lows. The wins, the losses. The people who come in and the ones who leave. None of it is random. Every moment carries a lesson.
“Every lesson is guiding you closer to your purpose. So when life feels heavy, pause, breathe and remember: There’s meaning to this…
“I’m proud of the process you’re making no matter how small. One of the best boundaries you can have is simply not letting other people’s energy bring down your emotions. Living in your peace even when you come across those who want you to join them in their storm is a sign of deep maturity…”
Insisting that the right people will always listen to you, she continued: “For the right people you won’t need to perform to keep your seat at the table- you speak and you’re heard – it’s really that simple. Grateful for everything that forced me to love myself more… You were never too much. Not once. Not never…
Rachel told fans ‘everything happens for a reason’(Image: msrachelstevens/Instagram)
She didn’t hold back!(Image: msrachelstevens/Instagram)
‘”I wish more people understood that someone’s inability to love you is not proof that you are unlovable but often proof of their own limits, their own wounds, their own nervous system story. Your beauty is not a reflection of their unhealed story…
“You get tested the most when it’s time for you to elevate. Do not break. To everyone who set fire to their old life to start over… “
Speaking about the mum-of-two’s split with Brendyn, a source told The Sun: ‘It is incredibly sad and a relatively recent thing. Both Rachel and Brendyn felt there was no way forward for them.
“Rachel recently took herself to Marbella with her two daughters to get some much-needed headspace, and Brendyn and his young son have now moved out of the family home into a flat.
“There is still a lot of affection, and no regrets. But it isn’t easy trying to make a blended family run seamlessly and in the end, tensions between Rachel and Brendyn got too much and they never want to row in front of the kids who remain their priority.”
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