Byker Grove star who shot to fame as ‘Spuggy’ now has ‘normal’ job away from stardom

On the recognizable 1990s teen drama, Lyndyann Barrass first gained fame playing Kirsty “Spuggy” Campbell, but the 47-year-old now runs her own cleaning company in Sunderland.

Byker Grove actress Lyndyann Barras(Image: Mirrorpix)

Three decades later, Lyndyann Barrass, the former Byker Grove redhead who once excelled in the role of Spuggy, is living a brand-new life, swapping acting for cleaning, and she couldn’t be happier. The former child actress, who was best known for her role as Kirsty “Spuggy” Campbell in the beloved 90s youth series, is now 47 and runs a cleaning business in Sunderland.

She no longer experiences the drama and lights of working alongside Ant and Dec. She continues to support her Geordie connections, even making hints about a potential appearance in the 2023-annonced reboot “Byker” while telling The Sun, “I’d go back in a heartbeat.

However, it needs to be streamed and appealed to a TikTok generation right now. Lyndyann recalls the set-life comradery and the special bond with co-star Dec, affectionately known as “Deccie-poos” since entering Byker Grove in 1989 and rising to fame.

With nostalgia, she said: “There was an instant chemistry between all of us, if we weren’t filming or in school, we were all in a holding room playing pool,” reports Chronicle Live.

However, she abruptly stopped watching the show when she was 16 because of rumors that producers were resentful of paying her higher wages, saying, “They couldn’t suddenly turn 16 on that kind of money.”

After reneging on fame for a quiet life, Byker Grove's Spuggie star is unrecognizable.
After reneging on fame for a quiet life, Byker Grove’s Spuggie star is unrecognizable.
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Lyndyann briefly tried a musical career after her stint on Byker Grove, joining the girl group Angel. She also worked in television and theater.

However, she made the decision to leave the spotlight after a terrifying incident in her 20s that left her vulnerable.

She said, “That was the breaking point.” Thankfully, I wasn’t seriously hurt, but I just thought, “I’m done.” After her portrayal of Spuggy, life changed. After welcoming two children, Joe, now 23, and Scarlette, 18, Lyndyann made a completely different decision than she had when she married her former boyfriend Allan Power.

Before starting her own cleaning business, Dusty Springclean, she found herself working at a bank call center after splitting from her husband. When the pandemic struck a year after its inception, which required Lyndyann to use savings for renovations at home, she remained steadfast despite the company’s difficult times.

In a recent update on the firm’s Facebook page, she informed customers about increasing their hourly rate to £17.5 owing to inflation. “I’m not just cleaning houses,” she explained back in 2023, referring to a previous rate hike to £14.

Lyndyann Barrass has a very different job now
Lyndyann Barrass has a very different job now(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

I’m helping my kids, I assure you. That has always been the most crucial factor. She is proud of her children’s accomplishments, not least of which are that Scarlette and Joe have both trained as plumbers and that Sunderland’s academy, which once housed four Lionesses, has shown promise.

Even after she left her “Byker Grove” days, Lyndyann still receives recognition, even during housecleaning for a client. She recounted an amusing incident in which she explained how a shocked client asked, “Are you…? ” She responded, “Yes, that’s me,” and she said. a spug

She warmly declared, “I will always love the character and appreciate how much she meant to people.” It’s not something I ever want to forget, he says.

Lyndyann continues to be a special guest on British television shows while staying true to her theatrical roots.

Lyndyann revealed she sent Dec a message hinting at her interest, saying “I’d love a cameo. ” in response to earlier buzz about Ant and Dec considering a “Byker Grove” revival. I believe that seeing some of us again would be a hit.

Over the years, the former cast members have kept in touch. Lyndyann confided in Dec. about Scarlette’s emergency brain surgery.

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Sam Thompson diagnosed with autism two years after sharing he has ADHD

Two years after being informed he had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Sam Thompson took to social media to confirm that he has autism.

Sam Thompson shared a health update(Image: samthompsonuk/Instagram )

Sam Thompson’s online followers have been informed of a health diagnosis. The actor who gained notoriety on Made in Chelsea revealed his autism diagnosis to his social media followers.

His new diagnosis comes just two years after he was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The telly star, known for his bubbly personality, shared a sketch video of himself on his Instagram page as he revealed his news. The clip saw Sam walking down the street, alongside a mirrored version of himself.

As he turned around and looked at himself, one side revealed himself, and the other revealed his diagnosis of ADHD. Sam stated in the video, “You were diagnosed with ADHD in your late 20s, but something is still missing..”

Both Sam and “ADHD” were completely perplexed as an individual wearing an inflatable dinosaur costume appeared as the clip came to a close, leading to confusion as both versions looked on in confusion. Later, it became known that Sam was the costume’s wearer.

Sam shared some health news with his online followers
Sam shared some health news with his online followers(Image: samthompsonuk/Instagram )

When the dinosaur appeared on the clip with the word “Autism,” he captioned the video, “Knew there was more to the story.” Soon after his post, which has received over 77,000 likes, messages of support for Sam began to pour in.

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Love this, I think! One person thanked you for spreading awareness and serving as a great role model, as usual. Welcome to the gang, a second said, “Life truly makes sense from this point onward”!

A third person compared the situation to a superpower, saying, “A guy who isn’t afraid to speak up, share his diagnosis, and doing it with humor. That attitude of openness will undoubtedly aid other people in their journeys as well. I’m so happy for my son because he has autism and adhd, and I love seeing him live his full potential. Another person said, “He has great humor and a great smile, just like you carry him through.”

Sam has proclaimed ADHD UK to be his “superpower” and has since been the official ambassador for it since receiving his diagnosis. He has also stated that he wants to promote dialogue about the neurodiverse conditions and influence others’ perceptions of them.

He confirmed he'd been diagnosed with autism
He confirmed he’d been diagnosed with autism(Image: samthompsonuk/Instagram )

BIG NEWS! He said it! I’m so pleased to announce that @ADHDUK has appointed me as its official ambassador. CO. UK. As many of you know, I hold this in my heart very dearly. Their charity motto is “positively changing what it means to have ADHD in the UK,” which perfectly sums up my own mission as someone who was recently diagnosed with ADHD.

I hope to use my own platform and audience to assist with all of their five objectives as a charity: information, support, research, advocacy, and awareness. A significant and significant component of my life is and will continue to be fostering dialogue about ADHD and changing perceptions of those who suffer from it. Above all else, I want this to be my legacy.

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I’ve spoken to so many children and adults who have approached me or contacted me to claim that I’ve changed their views on ADHD since I left the jungle. I want to show that being neurodiverse has such a magical ability to reach as many people as I can, especially young people.

“Yes, there are some very real challenges ahead, but with the right support, we can achieve all of our dreams. @ADHDUK, I appreciate it. I’m so proud to be a part of the CO. UK team because of all the hard work you do for people like me.

Meghan Markle shares rare glimpse of Lilibet’s face as pair wear sweet matching outfits

The Duchess of Sussex has shared a sweet video on Instagram as she spent time with her daughter beekeeping – giving fans a glimpse into family life in California

Meghan Markle has given fans a rare glimpse into her family life as she shared a sweet moment with her daughter Lilibet.

The Duchess of Sussex took to Instagram last night to share a new video with her three-year-old, where they both can be seen wearing matching beekeeping suits.

In the clip, the mother daughter duo hold hands as they walk towards a beehive, which also featured in her Netflix show With Love, Meghan. Lilibet turns to looked to her mum – giving royal fans a rare look at her face – and she even wore a pair of rainbow wellies to complete her look. Meghan, 43, then bent down and rubbed her daughter’s back as they approached the hive on their Californian estate.

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The video gave a rare glimpse into Lilbet’s face

Beekeeping is a firm royal favourite, with Princess Kate also enjoying the hobby. Meghan has followed suit, diving into the past time alongside her daughter. The Princess of Wales has previously shared photos of herself with bees, while Queen Camilla is the president of Bees for Development, a charity that trains beekeepers and protects habitats in over 50 countries. Camilla is also known to be an avid beekeeper when at her country estate, Ray Mill House, in Wiltshire.

Meanwhile, Meghan shared her passion for beekeeping in the first episode of her cooking and lifestyle Netlix show, which released in March. Speaking to a beekeeper at her hives in the series, the Duchess became emotional and said “it’s beautiful to be this connected”.

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Meghan Markle in her beekeeping get-up
Meghan Markle in her beekeeping get-up(Image: Netflix)

It’s not the first time the couple have shared snaps inside their home, previously sharing moments from their Mediterranean-style £2m pad that sits on a 7.4-acres of land. Prince Harry and Meghan have proudly shared their vegetable and fruit garden, rose garden, chicken coop, and fruit orchards as part of their broader mission of leading a mindful, sustainable lifestyle.

But sharing snaps of Archie and Lilibet is a new move for Meghan, as she’s been sharing more photos – usually without their faces shown. The Duchess’ personal family posts have become a hot topic with royal experts, especially after she posted her wedding anniversary celebration montage on Instagram last week. Rumours have swirled about the state of Meghan and Harry’s marriage since they appeared to be separate themselves professionally last year. But the couple have swiftly shut down any speculation.

Meghan's post to mark seven years of marriage
Meghan’s post to mark seven years of marriage

According to one royal expert, the gushing posts are all strategic and Meghan has a plan. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told new she believes the duchess, 43, is no doubt aware of the ongoing rumours that her husband is unhappy and is keen to silence them. “I think Meghan is a fighter,” said Jennie.

“She will be aware that some people, particularly in the UK, believe rumours that Harry is unhappy, and she’s determined to show that they have a strong marriage and a happy family life.

READ MORE: ‘Meghan Markle must make one move to be taken seriously – yet she’s still resisting’

“I hope that’s true, and there’s no reason to disbelieve her. I think she’s also determined to show that she is a strong character and, from relatively humble beginnings, she has become a successful actress, and now an influencer and entrepreneur.

“I think she’s anxious to be seen as a successful businesswoman in her own right – and not just because she has lived briefly inside the palace walls and has a royal title.”

Do you have a story to share? Email niamh.kirk@reachplc.com

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Romeo Beckham jumps to support family after ‘hostage’ Brooklyn’s brutal jibe

After his older brother Brooklyn publicly “choose” his wife Nicola Peltz, leading to a new conflict, Romeo Beckham has publicly backed his family.

Romeo Beckham has shown his support for his parents(Image: Internet Unknown)

Romeo Beckham has spoken out after his brother, Brooklyn, dropped a huge family bombshell. In recent months the Beckham family have been at war but tensions reached new levels when Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz failed to attend any celebrations for David Beckham’s 50th birthday.

The mega family is thought to have been deeply harmed but also deeply alarmed by the decision. Brooklyn is currently being held hostage by Nicola, according to sources, leaving the family devastated. Over the weekend, it appeared that the family’s conflict had reached a climax.

Now, Romeo, 22, has publicly thrown his support behind his parents. Taking to Instagram, the footballer shared a snap of his forearm to his 3.9 million followers on the Meta platform. But one tattoo was strikingly clear, an inking reading: “1975,” the year his dad, David, was born.

Romeo Beckham appears to have thrown his support behind his dad as the family war continues
Romeo Beckham appears to have thrown his support behind his dad as the family war continues (Image: Instagram/ @Romeo Beckham)

Romeo’s inspiring post came shortly after Cruz Cruz, Cruz’s younger brother, made a ferocious statement on his own social media about the ongoing family conflict. In a defiant post, the 20-year-old shared a photo of himself with Harper Seven, his parents, brothers, and sister.

He continued, “I love my family, I love you guys, mum and dad, you gave us life and cared for us no matter what,” adding, “I can’t tell you how blessed we are all to have you in our lives x.” Brooklyn’s biggest infliction on his family was revealed through a furious outburst following the strong statements.

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Brooklyn publicly stated he was choosing his wife Nicola
Brooklyn publicly stated he was choosing his wife Nicola(Image: instagram.com/brooklynpeltzbeckham)

The aspiring photographer turned chef posted a video of himself and Nicola to his 16.3 million Instagram followers. Brooklyn captioned his post, “My whole world will love you forever, I always choose you baby,” adding, “X You’re the most amazing person I know, xx me and you forever baby.”

Soon afterward, the post received a lot of negative feedback, with many calling Brooklyn a “snippet” for his parents. Don’t forget your gorgeous parents, who will never forget you, a follower said.

“Devastated for Victoria,” a second poem, was written. A good wife would try to reconcile you rather than divide you, if you were to publicly denounce your parents.

Cruz also issued a defiant statement over the weekend
Cruz also issued a defiant statement over the weekend(Image: INSTAGRAM)

You only get one mother and one father, and many of them have lost theirs without even realizing it, said a third person, which is “quite sad that you are adding fuel to the fire to the hurt your parents.” While a fourth continued, “I would be devastated if that was my son saying that, knowing what the post is about.” Water has a thicker consistency than blood.

Since then, sources have criticized Brooklyn’s “disappointing but unsurprising” criticism of his family. According to a source who spoke to the Mirror, “they believe Nicola is causing a lack of conflict, or at least making it worse, to isolate Brooklyn from his family.”

“Yes, Nicola is the one who is in charge,” Brooklyn said. She seems to want him to choose between them, which is obviously going on. However, Nicola’s close friends claim that she and Brooklyn only want support and love. They continued, “Visitors and David make that a fabled situation.”

After her and Brooklyn’s £3 million wedding in April 2022 at her family’s $76 million Palm Beach estate, according to sources, David and Victoria, now 51, have since washed their hands of Nicola.

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Louise Redknapp says ‘I’ve been through a lot’ as she finds love after marriage breakdown

In September 2017, Louise Redknapp and her ex-husband Jamie split, and they were legally divorced a few months later.

Louise Redknapp says ‘she’s been through a lot’ as she finds love after marriage breakdown(Image: Steve Bainbridge / Daily Mirror)

Louise Redknapp revealed she’s ‘been through a lot’ as she discussed her life following her split from Jamie Redknapp. The former couple, who share sons Charley and Beau, announced they had separated in September 2017, and by December that same year, they were divorced.

After getting married to Swedish model Frida Andersson, the couple welcomed a mermaid by the name of Raphael. Louise wasn’t involved in any serious relationships until she met businessman Drew Michael, who is now nine years her junior. Louise acknowledged in a new interview that she is still learning that “loving yourself is something you need to love yourself” and that she is still learning.

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Louise and Jamie Redknapp
Louise said she’s ‘been through a lot’ as she discussed her life following her split from Jamie(Image: Getty Images Europe)

She told The Sun, “I’ve been through a lot. I’m working on it. It’s challenging. However, I constantly discover that you must love yourself.

I’ve come to the realization that fighting for yourself means that no one else will benefit from you unless you do.

She then made the comment that her relationship with Drew is “not that big of a gap,” adding that she doesn’t feel particularly older than him and don’t act older.

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Louise Redknapp and Drew Michael
Businessman Drew Michael and Louise left.

Louise admitted earlier this year that her children had saved her from going through a difficult situation after splitting with football star Jamie.

Louise said, “I just, I think I would have just given up,” on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast. I do, in fact. I believe I was simply aware that my children needed me because they were my everything.

She discussed during the conversation how the public’s concern over her marriage’s breakdown affected her. But I can honestly say that when you go through such a personal experience in your own turmoil, you are then met with a barrage of criticism and resentment, “she continued.”

I had no idea how cruel and terrible people were. My mind was blown. As it turned out, I was going through a lot.

Whatever transpired in our lives was private, which I do think you are entitled to no matter what, despite my best efforts to protect my children.

“And God, I was a villain, and I was completely breaking,” he said. Beyond what I believed a human could break, I’ve been trying my best to be a mother all along.

“And it was just like every time I went out, and I tried to do things like that wasn’t right if I didn’t. I thought everything I did was completely incorrect.

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Jordan Banjo reveals ‘stress’ in marriage with wife as he says ‘I’m finished’

Jordan Banjo has opened up about the one thing that stresses him out in his relationship(Image: ITV)

Jordan Banjo is best known for his trademark dance moves with Diversity and for waking up the nation on Perri Kiely’s Kiss Breakfast radio show. He enjoys every second while juggling his father’s busy schedule with an exciting new tech collab, but is not in the spotlight.

The 32-year-old presenter and performer, along with his wife Naomi, is feeling the pressure to pull off three children: Cassius, 7, Mayowa, 5, and Atreus (Tre), two. He exclusively tells OK here! about his plans for a triumphant gift-giving game, road trip chaos, and how he wants to outsmart Naomi.

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Jordan Banjo in green jumper
Jordan admits he’s got to up his gift-giving game for his 10th wedding anniversary(Image: Alex Morton/PinPep)

Hello, Jordan! How do you balance family and date nights with work?

It’s a little difficult, to be honest. It’s nonstop between Perri, Diversity, and the Diversity-related programming. I make the most of the time I have with family. It meant a lot, much like our Easter-themed, unplanned trip to Disneyland. We can have mature conversations as the kids get older. I enjoy chatting with them about their day. My five-year-old complained that her friend had dropped her apple before lunch, and she was stressed. Wow, that’s real stress, I thought.

What has your father’s experience changed you?

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Despite my current busy schedule, I only have time for matters that matter to me. I get lucky to pick projects that interest me. Kiss Breakfast has the feel of home. Being a father has made it necessary for me to put things in perspective. It’s important to have a good time at work while maintaining a positive relationship with your partner. That is simple to forget.

Naomi and you have been dating for ten years. What plans do you have for that milestone?

Oh my goodness, I’m stressed out! The pressure is mounting for our 10-year anniversary in September. I bought her a bracelet and ordered a meal together when we were a year apart. I awoke to Polaroids with handwritten notes explaining why she loves me, balloons in the hallway, and handwritten explanations of why. She focuses solely on sentimental matters, which I find difficult to do. Every time, she blows it. So yeah, I might need the kids to start a choir or something for ten years.

Jordan Banjo family selfie in disneyland
The radio DJ says three kids with wife Naomi is ‘quite enough’(Image: Instagram)

Do you and Naomi want any more children?

I’ll be real, and there is no stopping me. I’m already far outnumbered. When I see my friends’ four children, I just want to hug them and give them an escape plan. I’m not joking, either. Three is definitely enough for me.

Do you believe any of them are pursuing their creative endeavors?

I think all three of them have inherited their mum’s rhythm. And when I say that, it’s not a compliment! I love her more than anything in the world, but she’s not a dancer – and that’s fine. I once watched her try to do the candy dance at a party and thought, “Maybe marriage isn’t the best way forward for us!” So I don’t know if they’re dancers. But my daughter – she’s got the one thing you need to be a dancer – confidence. She’ll dance anywhere, anytime. She bangs out these routines – well, she calls them routines – I think it’s just the same dance for 15 minutes, but still!

You gave a 2017 Dancing On Ice backstage presentation. How did it end, in your opinion?

I mean it went downhill when I left [laughs]. It’s such a legendary show. It started years ago, then came back, and when it did, it was a huge deal. If even Dancing On Ice is taking a break, you know TV’s in a weird place. So many new formats and streaming shows with massive budgets – traditional TV’s shifting. It was sad to see it go, but I’m sure something else will come up, maybe one day it’ll come back. Like Gladiators did!

Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely's first KISS Breakfast Show at Kiss FM Studio's on August 03, 2020
The Diversity star presents a KISS Fm show with Perri Kiely(Image: Bauer Media for Getty Images)

What was Ashley’s opinion of the show’s conclusion?

He spent about seven or eight years using it. I moved to The Greatest Dancer in 2018, and then backstage. In 2020, Perri was first and placed second. Ash’s annual 10- to 12-week stay with that team was his. It’s bound to feel strange when that abruptly stops. He’s alright, despite the fact that some of him was destroyed. He’s not crying into anything or drinking anything.

What is a common misconception about your brother and you?

That we always want to dance. Huge misconception. I’ve done radio interviews where someone’s on the phone like, “Teach us a move.” I’m like, “We’re on the phone!” People assume we’re just constantly ready to bust out dance moves. It’s like expecting Adele to sing every time she shows up!

You and Samsung have a great partnership, right?

I’m very excited. I teamed up with them solely because of the timing. Over Easter, my kids and I took them to Disneyland Paris, and we took a full-on road trip there. I prepared stories, playlists, and snacks. But the children were asking, “Are we there yet?” in 17 minutes, which is how we were staying in Essex. and crying The Galaxy Tab S10 FE is useful in this context. It turned out to be disturbingly good drawing for my daughter when she first started doing it. Better than I am, like. It gave us some peace and savored our boredom. It made the Disney experience more enjoyable.

With the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series, Jordan and Samsung have collaborated to combat road trip boredom.

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