Category Entertainment News

Prue Leith’s son Danny Kruger has defected to Reform UK, the first sitting Conservative MP to do so. The East Wiltshire MP’s defection was unveiled at a press conference in Mayfair on Monday, where Nigel Farage said Mr Kruger would head up Reform’s efforts to prepare for Government.

Describing his move as “personally painful”, Mr Kruger condemned the Tory party as “over”.

Kruger’s famous mum – The Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith – has previously been very vocal about their own clashes over opposing political views.

Prue said she often disagrees with her son and has even come under fire herself over his divisive opinions. Throughout his political career, Kruger has been outspoken about his views on subjects including assisted death, women’s right to bodily autonomy and the role of marriage in society.

At the 2023 National Conservatism conference, he stated that marriage between men and women was “the only basis for a safe and successful society”.

When asked whether she got attacked for her son’s beliefs, Prue said: “All the time. Especially on evil Twitter. ‘How could you raise such a monster?’ He’s a Tory for goodness’ sake. Half the country are Tories – actually, not any more I don’t imagine,” she added.

The TV chef and son Danny confronted their different views on assisted dying during the filming of the Channel 4 programme, Prue and Danny’s Death Road Trip.

In the documentary, the mother and son visited Oregon, on the US West Coast, where doctor-assisted suicide is legal.

Prue, who is in favour of assisted dying, accused her son of scaremongering on the topic. Prue has been a long-time campaigner for legalising the service in the UK for the terminally ill, after her brother died “in agony” of bone cancer in 2012.

Kruger hit back at his mum saying she was the one who was “scaremongering” by saying people are “facing a terrible, agonising death”. “They’re not,” he argued. “We do not have to have terrible, agonising death.”

The pair visited a doctor who helps people undergo assisted dying, and Prue told the camera: “I’m feeling a bit sorry for Daniel because, frankly, Stephanie made such a good case that I think he should change his mind.”

Asked if she thought he will, Prue aid: “No, he won’t. I’m sure he won’t. I think fundamentally, Daniel thinks it’s wrong. And I think he so believes in the ‘sanctity of human life’, if you like, and it’s a genuine belief… But I’m not asking him to do it, I’m just asking him to let me do it.”

In a conversation with her son, Prue asked him: “You don’t think that behind your personal and your faith’s objection is the belief that suffering is part of life, Jesus suffered on the cross, suffering is good for the soul?”

He responded: “I think suffering is a part of life, but I don’t think we should suffer unnecessarily. Certainly, we should be putting all our efforts into stopping suffering at the end of life.”

Today Kruger appeared alongside Nigel Farage as he announced he had moved to Reform UK. He said: “We have had a year of stasis and drift and the sham unity that comes from not doing anything bold or difficult or controversial and the result is in the polls.

“And those voters aren’t coming back, and every day, more and more people are joining them in deserting the party that has failed.”

Turning to his new job, Mr Kruger said: “Our mission is not just to overthrow the current system, it is to restore the system we need.”

Prince Harry has given an unexpected interview during his surprise visit to Ukraine, with one cryptic comment about telling the truth appearing to be rather pointed

In a new bombshell interview, Prince Harry has shed light on the royal family’s ongoing rift, with some telling remarks about the importance of the truth.

Following his and wife Meghan’s explosive decision to step back as senior working royals back in 2020, Harry proceeded to share his version of the events that led up to the so-called ‘Megxit’, painting a picture of fiery rows and serious mental health struggles, and, most shockingly of all, alleged racism.

In his bestselling 2023 memoir Spare, the Duke, who turns 41 today, detailed a fight between himself and his elder brother, Prince William, which allegedly resulted in William shoving him into a dog bowl at Nottingham Cottage. In their 2022 docuseries, Meghan & Harry, the couple claimed that other royals had struggled to deal with their popularity.

Harry told the cameras: “The issue is when someone who’s marrying in, who should be a supporting act, is then stealing the limelight or is doing the job better than the person who was born to do this —that upsets people.”

The Sussexes first broke their silence during their March 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, with Meghan tragically claiming that she’d felt suicidal during her time as a working royal but was dissuaded from seeking mental health support, admitting: “I did not want to be alive anymore”.

READ MORE: Meghan Markle celebrates Prince Harry’s return to US with message to her ‘beau’

In a statement issued after the interview aired, Buckingham Palace famously remarked that “some recollections may vary”. Now, Prince Harry has emphasised his and Meghan’s commitment to the truth, in another candid conversation, this time with The Guardian.

Harry spoke with the publication during his surprise visit to Ukraine, where he has been promoting the work of his Invictus Games Foundation (IGF), which supports and champions injured veterans, while inspiring others through the power of sport and community. And one mark about telling the truth appeared to be particularly pointed.

The Duke 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.”

Although Harry’s interviews haven’t gone down well with some royal family members over the years, the father-of-two apparently has no regrets about speaking his mind on this topic, and doesn’t feel as though he’s aired his “dirty laundry”. Indeed, he feels this was a way of “correcting” existing narratives.

Harry revealed: “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.”

This chat comes shortly after Harry’s flying visit to the UK for the WellChild Awards, a trip which saw him reunite with his father, King Charles III, for the first time since February 2024. It’s understood that, despite carrying out engagements in close proximity to each other over this past week, there was no meeting between Harry and his elder brother William, with the heir and the spare believed to remain virtually estranged.

There does, however, appear to be some thawing between Harry and Charles, with Harry making it clear that his dad will be his focus in the coming year. He also hinted that this week may well have paved the way for him to bring Meghan and their children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, for a UK visit, agreeing that his trip had “definitely” brought the prospect of a Sussex family visit closer.

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

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Benidorm star Crissy Rock has revealed that she’s split up from her husband Julian Buck. The actor has told fans this week that the former couple separated earlier this year, just months before their seventh wedding anniversary.

Crissy, 66, who played Solana manager Janey York on the ITV show between 2007 and 2015, married Julian in July 2018. They were said to have met when she was on a night out with co-stars whilst she was working on the sitcom.

The comedian has now announced that she “officially separated” from Julian in January, after having been estranged since last summer. She shared a statement about their relationship on social media platforms this morning.

Crissy said in the statement: “To my family, friends and followers, I want to take a moment to clarify that I am no longer with my husband, Julian. We have been estranged since June 2024 and officially separated in January of this year.”

She added in the message: “I have had no contact with him since then. Please disregard any posts or information shared from the page ‘Julian Buck’ – this page is not affiliated with me and does not represent me in any way.”

The actor concluded by expressing gratitude for fans’ “understanding”. She wrote at the end of the statement by signing it off: “Thank you for your understanding and for respecting my privacy during this time.”

Fans on Instagram took to the comments section of the post on the platform to share well wishes. One wrote to Crissy: “Sending you love.” Another said: “Thinking of you both.” A third wrote: “Sending some love & positivity your way.” Others instead reacted by simply posting heart emojis.

Crissy appeared in the first four seasons of Benidorm, with her character Janey introduced as the manager of the hotel at the centre of the sitcom. She later returned in the fifth and seventh seasons, before leaving again.

It was whilst working on the show that she met future husband Julian. They are said to have met whilst in the garden of a hotel in the location on the coast of Spain. Crissy spoke to the Mirror in 2023 about their first interaction.

She said: “We were all sitting outside. There were loads of people there and before we knew it was just me and him sitting there.” She said that after talking, they planned to keep in touch as friends and that it later turned into a romance.

Crissy said: “Never ever, ever in a million years … I’ve never looked at him that day and thought I was going to marry him. It just happened, we are like mates.” She added: “He’s ten years younger, I don’t even know what he sees in me.”

They later got married in 2018. Crissy and Julian’s wedding is said to have been movie-themed at Stockport cinema, with a host of celebrities including Tina Malone and Ricky Tomlinson reportedly among the guests who attended it.

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Kate Middleton stepped out last week wearing a cashmere top from her go-to affordable brand, Boden

Kate Middleton is known for her designer taste, with recent favourite labels for official outings ranging from Alexander McQueen to Alessandra Rich. However, she does still throw in the odd high street brand here and there, with her long-time go-to being Boden.

The Princess of Wales has been re-wearing pieces from the affordable brand since 2018, when she wore a bright red Boden coat out to a hospital visit. Last week, she turned to this trusty brand once more when she visited Marina Mill. Opting to wear Boden’s Eva Cashmere T-Shirt layered under a Bella Freud check blazer, Kate effortlessly combined designer with high street to a chic looking result.

Kate’s t-shirt is in a black colourway, which isn’t currently isn’t on offer on the brand’s website, but plenty of sizing is available in the similar charcoal shade. You can also choose from a neutral, pink or purple– all still in stock.

The Eva Cashmere T-Shirt updates a classic shape with the added softness of pure cashmere. In the charcoal shade, it has a classic, neutral look that works across seasons. The relaxed fit falls neatly between the waist and hip, giving it an easy shape that’s simple to wear. Equally suited to tailoring or denim, it layers easily and feels comfortable on its own. Cosy and versatile, it’s a piece that slips into a wardrobe with ease and will last you season after season.

READ MORE: Kate Middleton’s £1.6k Cartier earrings have a high street twin under £200

Though it’s £129, which sounds like a lot for a t-shirt, pure cashmere does come with a cost like this, even if the item is from a more affordable brand. If you’re shopping around, you can get a similarly priced version of Kate’s tee from The White Company for £120 in a gorgeous deep wine shade, or M&S offers an alpaca blend knit tee for a more affordable £46 in a charcoal colourway.

In other Kate news, she also recently headed out to a rugby match looking as polished as ever, and while her outfit was, of course, spot on, it was her jewellery that really caught our eye. Nestled under her sleek hair were a pair of Cartier’s famous Trinity earrings. which will set you back £1,630 on Harrods.

Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell and YouTube star Joe Sugg have announced they are expecting their first child together

Strictly Come Dancing’s Dianne Buswell has been pictured heading to rehearsals as she becomes the first star to compete while pregnant.

The professional and her partner YouTube star Joe Sugg announced they are expecting their first child together on Sunday a week before the show’s launch. The couple met on the BBC One dancing show when they were paired during the 16th series in 2018. Early on Monday morning, Dianne was beaming as she shared a selfie from her car as she headed to the training room. The star has been paired up with one of this year’s celebrity contestants

While Dianne already knows her Strictly couple, viewers will have to wait for this Saturday’s launch show to find out who the Aussie star will be competing with.

On Sunday, Buswell, 36, and her partner Sugg, 34, shared a video to Instagram which showed them painting on a canvas. After multiple strokes with their brush, they unveiled their masterpiece, which depicted two stick figures holding the hands of a smaller stick figure alongside the date “2026”. The caption of the post, which was soundtracked by Sir Elton John’s Tiny Dancer, said: “Our little baby boy. We cannot wait to meet you.” Strictly judges Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse and professional dancer Johannes Radebe were among those congratulating the couple in the comments. Dancer Amy Dowden added: “Still screaming, dancing and celebrating! So so happy for you both! Magical. Auntie Ames can’t wait.”

Stacey Solomon shows off her incredible pink Halloween home makeover at Pickle Cottage on Instagram, but her decorations have fans’ opinions divided

Stacey Solomon is no stranger to decorating her home for various events and occasions, and the TV presenter has just shown off her latest home makeover. On her Instagram, Stacey gave a glimpse of her Pickle Cottage decked out for Halloween in a colour palette you wouldn’t necessarily expect for spooky season: pink.

From pastel pumpkins to cute ghost ornaments, Stacey’s styling is all part of her new George at Asda homeware range, which is filled with playful takes on traditional Halloween decor.

While fans flooded Stacey’s comments with praise for the creative decorations, the reveal has also sparked some debate. Some followers said they loved Stacey’s fun spin on Halloween, while a couple others argued that it was simply too early to be putting decorations up.

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Love it or not, Stacey has once again proven her interior design skills and knack for freshening up seasonal home decoration with a playful twist.

A few of our favourites from Stacey’s collection with George include: the Pink Ghost Print Cushion, priced at £8; the Storage Books – Pack of 3, priced at £10; the Cream Pumpkin-Shaped Plate, priced at £8; and the Felt Pumpkins – Set of 5, priced at £10.

If you agree with Stacey that it’s never too early to get your Halloween decorations up and sorted, we’ve found a few more spooky buys from our favourite high street stores.

Anthropologie is one retailer in particular that is really nailing its seasonal decor. Although its pieces can be on the pricier side compared to supermarkets like Asda, Tesco, or Sainsbury’s, it has unique and high-quality buys that you can keep for Halloween to come.

This year, we’re especially loving the spooky-themed Icon Juice Glasses, priced at £14 each, as well as the Mystic Icon Taper Candles, currently on sale for £27 for two.