Jowita Przystal says her ‘heart melts’ as she shares gushing message to Pete Wicks

Professional dancer Jowita Przystal has shared a heartfelt message about her former Strictly partner Pete Wicks as the pair continue to brush off romance rumours

Strictly Come Dancing professional Jowita Przystal has shared a gushing message to her former celebrity partner Pete Wicks as they continue to brush off romance rumours. The dancer, 31, sparked intense speculation of something more than friendship during her time with Pete on the BBC dance competition last year.

They both tried to play down the rumours, but drew attention when they shared many sizzling dance routines together and struck up a close bond away from the dancefloor. However, Pete, 36, became linked to Love Island’s Maura Higgins until they split earlier this year.

Things seemed to shift gears last month when Jowita made a surprise appearance at London’s O2 Arena for Pete’s Staying Relevant podcast show alongside best pal Sam Thompson. They performed a dance routine together and even shared a series of kisses on stage.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing’s Jowita Przystal breaks silence on emotional exit with Ross KingREAD MORE: Strictly Come Dancing’s Pete Wicks addresses kiss with ‘good friend’ Jowita Przystal

Now, Jowita has shared a sweet message as she supported Pete with his latest project. The TOWIE star was back on screens this evening for his show, Pete Wicks For Dogs ‘ Sake as he helps pups find their forever home.

Jowita shared a photo of her TV as she settled down to watch the show as she gushed: “No words can describe how proud I am of you @p_wicks01. You’re one of the most passionate and hardworking people I’ve ever met.

“Your love for dogs is uncondiational, and is shines through in every moment of that episode. I hope you know what a difference you are marking, how life changing this show is for all those pups.”

She continued: “Every time I see you with them, my heart melts. The care, patience and compassion you show are truly beautiful. You never give up on them, you fight for them with everything you have.

“I know this whole season will be a huge success, because it’s made with love. And when you do something with love, it’s always powerful, beautiful and unique. Because it’s real. And that’s what this show is… it’s real [ red love heart emoji].”

Many thought the kiss on stage last month was final proof of something between Jowita and Pete, but again they have played it down to being in the name of showbiz. Pete appeared on This Morning to chat about his new show but was also quizzed on his feelings for Jowita.

After weeks of speculation, he revealed: “It’s all part of the choreography, it’s the magic of showbiz. Jowita is such a good friend of mine and that dance was something we didn’t get to do on Strictly because we didn’t make the final because I was useless!”

Just weeks before locking lips with Jowita, Pete confessed to being ‘in love’ on his podcast. Taking part in a lie detector test he was asked by pal Sam: “Are you in love with somebody right now?”

Article continues below

Pete answered ‘no’, but he was proven to be lying as the polygraph examiner said he wasn’t telling the truth, by giving a thumbs down.

Fans went wild following Pete and Jowita’s very intimate dance as one asked: “Was that like a hard launch?” “Hard launch for Pete and Jowita,” a second said while a third wrote: “You & jowita” with a heart eye emoji.

READ MORE: ‘Best’ Charlotte Tilbury product sells ‘one a minute’ and is ‘brilliant for mature skin’

Stacey Solomon stunned as David Beckham sends thoughtful gift after ‘cringe’ interaction

Loose Women star Stacey Solomon was thrilled to receive a surprise parcel and handwritten note from David Beckham after fearing he ignored her plea for help

Stacey Solomon was “so excited” on Monday after receiving an unexpected gift from David Beckham, accompanied by a lovely handwritten note.

The Loose Women star, 35, had earlier sent Beckham a “cringe” Instagram voice note asking for beekeeping advice, after deciding to start her own hive at home. However, she had feared he would ignore it but was delighted to discover he had responded.

“I’ve been sent a parcel from… the Beckhams. How sweet that he actually replied to an Instagram!” Stacey shared on her Instagram story. And inside the package was a card from David that read: “To Stacey and Joe, I hope you enjoy the honey and snacks. Lots of love, David Beckham.”

Overjoyed, Stacey told her followers: “I’ve got David Beckham’s autograph! What a time to be alive! They’re obviously funny. This is the best thing ever! Thanks David we love you.”

READ MORE: Stacey Solomon embroiled in row with son as he hits out at strict parenting ruleREAD MORE: Stacey Solomon insists to keep these items you’d throw in the bin for surprising reason

Stacey then revealed that sister Gemma encouraged her to reach out and explained the voice note: “I’m getting a beehive and I know you and Victoria have got bees and they’re a big part of your life, so I just wondered if you had any top tips or advice.”

Cringing as she sent it, she admitted: “I’m already regretting sending you this message because I know you’ll never see it, or hear it, and if you do you’ll probably think I’m a weirdo.”

Later, she told Gemma: “I’m going to be blacklisted from all cool things now because I’ve just sent David Beckham the most loser-ish message.”

Her husband Joe joked about the situation as he said: “Damn right he didn’t reply, he better not either. Hands off mate.

“I don’t need David Beckham as competition! It’s the last thing I need. I’ve got dogs, ducks, the last thing I need is David Beckham,” he added.

Former football ace Beckham manages bees at his £12 million Cotswolds estate and has turned the hobby into a business.

He launched BEEUP, a honey-based children’s snack brand sold in Target stores across the US.

Of his business, he said: “Beekeeping began as a hobby with my sons, but quickly grew into a deep appreciation for honey as a powerful superfood that provides natural energy.

“I am excited to make this wholesome, nutritious ingredient available for active kids and families in the form of these incredible BEEUP snacks.” And his wife Victoria affectionately calls the hobby “David’s Sticky Stuff.”

Meanwhile, Stacey has returned to the BBC with Stacey & Joe, a fly-on-the-wall series following life at Pickle Cottage with Joe and their five children.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.

Article continues below

READ MORE: Maura Higgins says affordable £10 root spray ‘saves her life’ and covers grey hairs

Calls grow for release of Gaza’s Dr Hussam Abu Safia after ceasefire deal

As Israeli and Palestinian captives return to their families as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the status of many prominent Palestinian detainees remains uncertain.

Among them is Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safia, a hospital director in Gaza who was abducted by Israeli forces in December 2024 and has stayed in detention despite growing calls for his release and reports by his lawyer that he has been tortured in Israeli prison.

Recommended Stories

list of 3 itemsend of list

Many Palestinian rights supporters see Abu Safia as the embodiment of the resilience of Palestinian medics, as Israel systemically targeted Gaza’s health sector for more than two years.

It is unclear whether Abu Safia will be released as part of the ceasefire deal, which includes both Israelis held captive by Hamas in Gaza and Palestinians swept up in Gaza and imprisoned en masse by Israel, most without charge or trial.

But as of the end of Monday, the doctor has not been freed.

CNN reported over the weekend that Israel would not release Abu Safia, citing a source from Hamas. However, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported on Monday that Abu Safia was among five extra names added to the list of Palestinians from Gaza to be released.

The human rights watchdog Amnesty International says that the hospital director has been held without charge or trial under an Israeli security law after being arrested by Israeli forces at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, where he continued to work as a paediatrician after his son was killed in an Israeli air strike.

“Not until 11 February 2025 did Israeli authorities allow Dr Abu Safiya to meet with a legal counsel,” the group said in a petition calling for his release. “In the latest visit by a lawyer to Ofer military prison in early July 2025, she reported that Dr Hussam and other detainees were subjected to assault and beatings.”

Amnesty International noted that Abu Safia had also lost significant weight during his detention.

Palestinian detainees and rights groups have reported torture, sexual violence and other abusive conditions in Israeli captivity during the two-year war on Gaza. Many of those released on Monday show signs of abuse and significant weight loss.

“As we speak, Husam Abu Safiya is subjected to severe torture,” a Palestinian detainee told Al Jazeera upon his release in Khan Younis in Gaza.

Calls have grown in recent days, after the ceasefire deal was finalised, for Abu Safia’s release.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has urged United States President Donald Trump to push Israel to abide by the ceasefire deal.

“We also call on the President to demand that Israel release Dr Hussam Abu Safiya and all other kidnapped medical professionals.”

UN expert Francesca Albanese suggested on Friday that the lack of pressure to release civilian captives reflects the shortcomings of the ceasefire plan, which was put forward by Trump.

BBC responds to Gregg Wallace’s £10k ‘distress and harassment’ claim after MasterChef axe

Former MasterChef host Gregg Wallace is suing the BBC and one of its subsidiaries for up to £10,000 following his axe from the show as he claims he suffered ‘distress and harassment’

The BBC has issued a response to Gregg Wallace’s claim against them following his axe from MasterChef. Last week, it was reported the TV presenter was claiming up to £10,000 in damages from the BBC and one of its subsidiaries.

He claimed they allegedly caused him “distress and harassment” by failing to disclose to him his personal data. Wallace is suing the BBC and BBC Studios Distribution Limited after he was sacked from the hit cooking competition in July.

Last year, it was announced that Wallace would step away from his role on the BBC cooking show while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated. Over the summer, production company Banijay UK and the BBC said they had agreed “Mr Wallace’s return to MasterChef is untenable.”

READ MORE: Gregg Wallace suing the BBC over ‘distress and harassment’ after MasterChef axeREAD MORE: BBC’s Naga Munchetty takes swipe at Saturday Kitchen host as he’s replaced

In court documents last week, barrister Lawrence Power said that Wallace was seeking damages for “distress, harassment and loss of amenity not exceeding £10,000”, damages under the UK General Data Protection Regulation, and interest. He is also seeking a court order that the BBC and BBC Studios comply with the subject access requests.

Now, the BBC has responded as they filed a defence at London’s High Court. They insisted Wallace was not “entitled to any damages” and said Wallace pursued his claim without giving them prior notice.

According to the Sun, the BBC said: “That voluntary disclosure demonstrates the claimant has no basis to claim damages for distress in respect of the withholding of such information.” The publication claimed Wallace is planning to launch a disability claim for damages regarding his then-undiagnosed autism.

Wallace began co-presenting MasterChef in 2005, but it was announced in November 2024 that he would step away from his role while the misconduct allegations were investigated. A review by law firm Lewis Silkin later upheld 45 of the 83 allegations against him, including one of “unwelcome physical contact”.

The report found that the “majority of the allegations against Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018”, with only one allegation substantiated after that year.

It also concluded that the “majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour”, adding that “a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated”.

The report noted that during the course of the investigation, which was over a seven-month period, Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and said that the findings should be viewed in the context of his neurodiversity.

Wallace issued an apology saying he was “deeply sorry for any distress caused” and that he “never set out to harm or humiliate”. The former greengrocer said: “For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait.

“None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching, but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended.”

In July, the BBC said: “Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour, both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. We accept more could and should have been done sooner.”

The Mirror has contacted the BBC and Wallace’s representatives for comment.

Article continues below

READ MORE: ‘Best’ Charlotte Tilbury product sells ‘one a minute’ and is ‘brilliant for mature skin’

Britney Spears’ ex-husband Sam Asghari sends poignant message to her after sad divorce

Britney Spears’ ex-husband Sam Asghari has spoken out about his former wife while reflecting on their marriage and defending his intentions during their relationship

Sam Asghari has spoken out about his ex-wife Britney Spears, saying he only wants “the happiest” for her despite their split.

The 31-year-old actor and model was married to the pop superstar, 43, from 2022 until their separation in 2024. The pair first met in 2016 on the set of Britney’s Slumber Party music video and began dating soon after.

They announced their engagement in 2021 and tied the knot the following year in an intimate Los Angeles ceremony. Their marriage ended less than two years later, with Sam filing for divorce amid reports of “irreconcilable differences.”

Speaking to Us Weekly, Sam reflected positively on their time together, saying: “I just hope the happiest for her. And like I said before that, I celebrate the past, and it’s a big part of me, so I think everything should go well for her.”

READ MORE: Justin Bieber slaps back mum Pattie Mallette’s prayer for his ‘healing’ in harsh commentREAD MORE: Britney Spears’ ‘smile stops short of the eyes’ in ‘uncomfortable’ online videos

Sam, who is now dating Los Angeles real estate agent Brooke Irvine, went public with his new relationship in January after they were first spotted together in late 2024. “It’s been amazing,” he said of their romance.

Earlier this year, Sam revealed that before marrying Britney, he encouraged her to sign a prenuptial agreement to ensure her financial security.

Speaking on the Trading Secrets podcast, he explained: “I wanted her to have a prenup. I wanted to make sure she’s protected, because throughout her life, everybody – I don’t know one person that’s ever been in her life that didn’t take advantage of her. So it’s very sad. I wanted to make sure that I’m the person that [didn’t] do that.”

He also rejected claims that he ever used Britney for her fame or wealth. “I never get mad at the general public or fans or people that are seeing your life from a distance,” he said.

“Looking from an outside perspective, I see there’s an age difference, there’s a fame difference, there’s this, there’s that. But realistically, we met as co-stars.”

Now focused on his acting career, Sam said he isn’t concerned about public opinion. “It’s all for me,” he explained.

“My career is always going to be, I’m always going to do things that’s going to benefit the fans and people that are watching me. And I want to be a good example. But at the same time, it’s because that makes me feel better.”

It comes after Britney recently concerned her fans as she admitted to “snapping” her legs after falling down the stairs. The pop icon, 43, often takes to Instagram to upload clips of her dancing at home.

However, one of her latest posts caught the attention of fans as she had a knee support covering on her leg. She danced in a shimmering mini dress with feathered hem but also had white bandages on her hands.

Britney revealed her sons Sean Preston and Jayden James had just left to go to their home in Maui with dad Kevin Federline and shared how dance lets her feel free.

Alongside the post, the Baby hitmaker wrote: “This is the way I express myself and pray through art … father who art in heaven … I’m not here for concern or pity, I just want to be a good woman and be better … and I do have wonderful support, so have a brilliant day !!!”

In a concerning update, Britney added: “Psss I fell down the stairs at my friend’s house … it was horrible … it snaps out now and then, not sure if it’s broken but for now it’s snapped in !!!Thank u god.”

A large bruise could be seen on her wrist as well as smaller bruises along her arm and body. Just an hour later, Britney returned to Instagram in a leopard print bodysuit for more dance routines. She said: “As Madonna says, express yourself don’t repress yourself.”

Article continues below

The fears for Britney come four years after her conservatorship, which had begun in 2008, was terminated in the wake of the online “Free Britney” movement.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: Maura Higgins says affordable £10 root spray ‘saves her life’ and covers grey hairs

Man Utd & Palace want Jobe Bellingham – Tuesday’s gossip

Skip image gallery

Manchester United and Crystal Palace monitoring Jobe Bellingham, Arsenal and Manchester City among clubs interested in Nathaniel Brown, Chelsea’s pursuit of Adam Wharton intensifies.

Manchester United and Crystal Palace are monitoring Borussia Dortmund’s 20-year-old English midfielder Jobe Bellingham. (Bild – in German, subscription required)

Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid are among the clubs interested in signing 22-year-old Germany defender Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt, but the Bundesliga club will not listen to offers until next summer. (Bild – in German)

If Eintracht Frankfurt do allow Brown – who does not have a release clause in his contract – to move, the German club will demand £52m. (Florian Plettenberg)

Chelsea’s pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has intensified but they face competition from Manchester United for the 21-year-old England midfielder. (Teamtalk)

Turkey forward Kenan Yildiz, 21, is set to reject interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in favour of signing a new long-term contract Juventus. (Tuttosport – in Italian)

Manchester United are monitoring Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, 21. (Football Insider)

Real Madrid are seriously considering selling Brazil winger Vinicius Junior, 25, next summer to a club in Saudi Arabia. (Sky Sports – in French)

Watford are exploring a deal for striker Emmanuel Dennis following his release by Nottingham Forest in August, with West Ham also tentatively interested in the 27-year-old Nigerian. (Mail)

Paris St-Germain have been told they will have to pay £52m for Roma’s 24-year-old France midfielder Manu Kone. (Corriere dello Sport – in Italian)

Related topics

  • Football

More on this story

    • 15 August
    A graphic of Premier League players from every team in the division in 2025-26 season, with the Premier League trophy in front of them.
  • Quiz logo