Seven biggest signings in Prem Rugby this summer

Getty Images & PA

The new Prem Rugby season is just around the corner, with the first match getting under way this Thursday, 25 September.

Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol)

Louis Rees-Zammit running with the ball tucked under his left arm during a game for BristolPA Media

When Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit announced he was returning to rugby union after 18 months trying to crack the NFL, the question on everyone’s lips was who would he play for?

Former club Gloucester? Newcastle with all the Red Bull money now behind them? Would he go to France? Maybe the new breakaway R360 league?

In the event it was Bristol Bears who secured his signature and with the most potent attack in the league last season, it is not hard to see why.

Bristol topped the stats for most tries, points, carries, metres made and defenders beaten last season according to Oval Insights. Their free-flowing, swashbuckling style of running rugby perfectly suits a winger who boasted speeds of up to 22-24mph a couple of years ago.

After 20 months away from a rugby pitch, Bristol have said the 24-year-old needs to ease his way back and readjust from American football conditioning.

Owen Farrell (Saracens)

Owen Farrell sat on a chair in the middle of the StoneX Stadium pitch holding a shirt that says 'Farrell' with a red carpet in front of him and nine trophies placed around him Getty Images

Owen Farrell’s return to Saracens seems timely and positive for both player and club.

For many it will not feel like the former club captain has hardly been away at all.

Prior to his one season in France with Racing 92, Farrell had spent his entire career with Sarries, winning six Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups in a trophy-laden 16 years in north London.

England’s record points-scorer, the fly-half – who can also play centre – moved to Paris last summer shortly after taking a break from international duty to prioritise his “mental wellbeing”.

But Farrell, who turns 34 this week, returns to StoneX Stadium after an injury-hit season in which he made just 17 appearances. His return also makes him eligible for England again.

Mark McCall’s side finished sixth last season and missed out on the play-offs for the first time since 2008-09 (with the exception of when they were relegated for salary cap breaches) as they went through a transition following a string of high-profile exits.

Red Bull (Newcastle)

A general view outside Kingston Park Stadium of the new Newcastle Red Bulls sign and logo on the wallGetty Images

The biggest arrival in the Prem this summer will not kick a penalty, score a try or make a tackle, but their impact could be even greater.

Red Bull’s takeover of ailing Newcastle Falcons is a game-changer for the north-east club and for English rugby.

Bringing their experience of sport from F1, football and other sports, the energy drinks giant has immediately made its mark with a change of name and a new kit.

The mood at Kingston Park has changed in an instant with over 9,000 attending their Prem Rugby Cup season-opening game against Harlequins.

Director of rugby Steve Diamond worked quickly to bring in experienced campaigners from across the globe to beef up his squad in quality and depth for this season, but the Red Bull story will be one to watch during the coming months.

Henry Arundell (Bath)

Henry Arundell walking on the pitch during a pre-season game for BathGetty Images

Henry Arundell has long been tipped for big things. “A proper rock star” with “X-factor” and an “incredible future” are some of the things said about him previously.

Arundell was just a teenager when he burst onto the England scene, scoring a “sensational” solo try for the Under-20s before a 90-metre try in England training described as Bryan Habana-esque by ex-head coach Eddie Jones- all before his first cap.

He has gone on to score seven tries for his country in 10 matches, including a record-equalling five against Chile during the 2023 World Cup.

But Arundell – who can play at wing or full-back – has spent the past two seasons ineligible for his country after moving across the channel to Racing 92 following the collapse of his former club London Irish.

Len Ikitau (Exeter)

Len Ikitau standing on the pitchGetty Images

After a few seasons of post-Covid belt-tightening, Exeter have splashed the cash this summer to bring in two frontline Wallabies – lock/flanker Tom Hooper and centre Len Ikitau.

With Joe Hawkins returning to Wales after a lacklustre two-season spell at Sandy Park, Chiefs will hope Ikitau can be a playmaker to dovetail with England’s Henry Slade in midfield and bring back their old winning ways.

Arguably Exeter’s highest-profile backs signing since Stuart Hogg, Ikitau has started seven of Australia’s first eight Tests this year – including all three against the British and Irish lions.

While he plays at 12 for the Wallabies, he is equally comfortable at outside centre after helping Brumbies reach the Super Rugby semi-finals from 13 for the last years.

If the Chiefs can keep Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Josh Hodge and Slade fit, Ikitau’s addition could be the spark that ignites a side that have spluttered over the past few years.

Christian Wade (Newcastle)

Christian Wade running with the ball in one hand and the other arm slightly raised while playing for WiganSWPix

Argentina’s back-up scrum-half Simon Benitez Cruz and Japan back-row forward Amanaki Mafi look like canny acquisitions by the renamed Red Bulls.

But there is no doubt that signing Christian Wade has got the most eyeballs.

The former England wing, 34, left Gloucester at the end of last season to take up an offer with rugby league giants Wigan Warriors.

But now Steve Diamond has used a bit of ‘his northern charm’ to entice Wade to move to Newcastle when his contract with the Warriors expires.

Only eight behind Chris Ashton’s all-time record of 101 Premiership tries, the 34-year-old winger will have that in his sights when he arrives in the North East.

James O’Connor (Leicester)

James O'Connor standing on the pitch during a match for Australia looking to the posts before a kickGetty Images

James O’Connor has been many things to many teams over many years.

He started out as an Australian prodigy, a Wallaby at 18, who was seen as a “once-in-a-generation talent”.

Then there was the ‘bad boy’ who arrived in the English Premiership in 2013 with London Irish and then effectively exiled to play in Europe following a string of off-field incidents.

There was also the O’Connor who, after stints at Sale and Toulon, returned home to Australia to fight his way back into the national team after five years in the international wilderness.

But the O’Connor Leicester Tigers have now is different again. The whizz-kid is grown up and the villain long forgiven.

What Tigers appeared to be getting when they signed O’Connor from Crusaders in June was a 35-year-old former Australia international – a reliable, seasoned veteran who had seemingly earned his final international cap three years earlier.

Within a month, he was brought into the Australian squad for the British and Irish Lions tour and by August, O’Connor was back in green and gold playing against South Africa and has featured in all four of their Rugby Championship Tests so far.

When O’Connor signed for Tigers, he said he felt it was a “full circle moment”.

“I never felt I played my best footy, due to injury, life choices and just where I was at as a man,” he said. “This move is to rectify this.”

Related topics

  • Exeter Chiefs
  • Newcastle Falcons
  • Saracens
  • Rugby Union
  • Bath
  • Bristol
  • English Rugby
  • Leicester Tigers

Seven biggest names to move to Prem Rugby this summer

Getty Images &, PA
  • 168 Comments

The first game of the new Prem Rugby season will begin on Thursday, September 25th.

Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol)

Louis Rees-Zammit running with the ball tucked under his left arm during a game for BristolPA Media

Everyone was asking themselves, “Who would he play for?” when Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit announced his return to rugby union after 18 months of trying to break into the NFL.

Gloucester’s former club With all the Red Bull money now in place, what about Newcastle? He said he wanted to visit France. Perhaps the new R360 breakaway league?

With the league’s most potent attack last year, it is not hard to see why Bristol Bears chose him to sign. In any case, that is what led to his signature.

According to Oval Insights, Bristol topped the list for most tries, points, carries, yards made, and defenders lost last year. A winger who ran rugby at speeds of up to 22 to 24 mph a few years ago is perfectly suited for their free-flowing, swashbuckling style of running.

Bristol, a 24-year-old rugby player, has been forced to rest and adjust to American football conditioning after 20 months away from a pitch.

Owen Farrell (Saracens)

Owen Farrell sits on a chair in the middle of the StoneX Stadium pitch holding a shirt that says 'Farrell' with a red carpet in front of him and nine trophies placed around him Getty Images

Owen Farrell’s return to Saracens seems appropriate and beneficial for both the team and the player.

Many people will assume that the former club captain has never been away.

Farrell had spent his entire career with Sarries, winning six Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups in a 16-year trophy-filled career in north London, before joining Racing 92 for one season in France.

The fly-half, who can also play center, moved to Paris last summer after taking a break from his “mental wellbeing” to focus on his record-setting goals.

Farrell, who turned 34 this week, returns to StoneX Stadium after only 17 starts due to injuries. He is also re-admitting England as a result of his return.

With the exception of when they were relegated for salary cap breaches, Mark McCall’s side went through a transition following a string of high-profile exits, finishing sixth overall and missing the play-offs for the first time since 2008-2009.

Red Bull (Newcastle)

A general view outside Kingston Park Stadium of the new Newcastle Red Bulls sign and logo on the wallGetty Images

The summer’s biggest addition to the Prem may not kick a penalty, score a try, or tackle a tackle, but their impact may be even greater.

Red Bull’s purchase of the ailing Newcastle Falcons has had a major impact on both English rugby and the club.

The energy drinks company immediately made its mark with a new name for Newcastle and a new kit by bringing in F1, football, and other sports’ experience.

Over 9, 000 people showed up for Kingston Park’s Prem Rugby Cup season-opening game against Harlequins, which has altered the atmosphere.

The development of his squad will be a subject for speculation in the coming months, but director of rugby Steve Diamond made an early move to bring in experienced campaigners from all over the world.

Henry Arundell (Bath)

Henry Arundell walking on the pitch during a pre-season game for BathGetty Images
Henry Arundell has long been predicted for significant things. Some of the things that have been said about him before include having the “X-factor” and having an “incredible future.”

Arundell made his first senior cap when he was a teenager, scoring a “sensational” solo try for the Under-20s before a 90-metre try in England training described as Bryan Habana-esque by ex-head coach Eddie Jones.

In his country’s final 10 games, he scored seven tries, including a record-equal five against Chile at the 2023 World Cup.

Arundell, who can play wing or full-back, has since switched to Racing 92 after his former club, London Irish, was shut down, and has spent the past two seasons without eligibility for his country.

Len Ikitau (Exeter)

Len Ikitau standing on the pitchGetty Images

After a few seasons of post-Covid belt-tightening, Exeter splashed the money on Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper, the center of the frontline.

Joe Hawkins’ return to Wales after a disappointing two-season at Sandy Park will give the Chiefs hope that Ikitau can play midfield with Henry Slade and resurrect their old winning ways.

Ikitau has started seven of Australia’s first eight Tests this year, including all three against the British and Irish Lions, which is arguably Exeter’s most well-known signing since Stuart Hogg.

After helping the Brumbies reach the Super Rugby semi-finals from 13 for the past three years, he feels just as comfortable playing outside the box.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Josh Hodge, and Slade might find themselves in good shape under Ikitau’s addition, but their team may struggle with that.

Christian Wade (Newcastle)

Christian Wade running with the ball in one hand and the other arm slightly raised while playing for WiganSWPix

The renamed Red Bulls appear to have made some wise acquisitions, including Japan back-row Amanaki Mafi and Argentina scrum-half Simon Benitez Cruz.

But Christian Wade’s signing without a doubt has attracted the most attention.

The 34-year-old Gloucester wing left Gloucester last year to accept a job offer from Wigan Warriors, a renowned rugby league organization.

When Wade’s contract with the Warriors expires, Steve Diamond has now persuaded him to move to Newcastle.

The 34-year-old winger will have that in mind when he arrives in the North East, eight points behind Chris Ashton’s all-time scoring streak of 101 Premiership tries.

James O’Connor (Leicester)

James O'Connor standing on the pitch during a match for Australia looking to the posts before a kickGetty Images

Over the years, James O’Connor has been a number of things to many teams.

At age 18, he was regarded as a “once-in-a-generation talent,” a Wallaby who had arrived in Australia.

Then there is the “bad boy,” who joined the London Irish in 2013 and then left to play in Europe.

After spending five years in the international wilderness, the O’Connor made his way back to Australia after stints at Sale and Toulon.

However, Tigers of Leicester’ O’Connor is completely different. The rebel is long overdue, and the whizz-kid is now older.

A 35-year-old former Australia international who had reportedly earned his final international cap three years prior to his signing from the Tigers appeared to be getting what Tigers were getting.

O’Connor returned to green and gold playing for South Africa in August, and he has played in all four of their Rugby Championship Tests so far. Within a month, he was added to the Australian squad for the British and Irish Lions tour.

O’Connor claimed that it was a “full circle moment” when he signed for the Tigers.

Due to injury, life choices, and where I was at as a man, he said, “I never felt like I played my best footy.” This action seeks to correct this.

related subjects

  • Chiefs of Exeter
  • Newcastle Falcons
  • Saracens
  • Rugby Union
  • Bath
  • Bristol
  • Rugby in English
  • Tigers of Leicester

Israel-Palestine two-state solution summit to be held as recognitions surge

France and Saudi Arabia are preparing to host a one-day summit at the United Nations, a day ahead of the start of the General Assembly, both of which will be heavily focused on Israel’s war on Gaza and the elusive two-state solution.

At the UN headquarters in New York, world leaders will convene Monday to revive the long-stalled notion amid warnings that a contiguous Palestinian state could “vanish altogether” as a result of Israel’s hegemonic moves in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Recommended Stories

list of 3 itemsend of list

France is expected to announce its official recognition of a Palestinian state, and others like Belgium are considering doing the same. It will come one day after the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal all recognised Palestinian statehood in historic moves despite vehement opposition from Israel and the United States.

Israel and its top allies are boycotting the summit, with Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, describing the major multilateral event as a “circus” and sticking to Israel’s common refrain that such moves “reward terrorism”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under heavy domestic political pressure amid the surge in recognitions for a state of Palestine. Israeli media reports his far-right government is considering partial or full annexation of the occupied West Bank in response, but that Netanyahu needs US support and cover, which he will seek while in New York for the UNGA.

The UN has expressed hope that the summit could “inject new momentum into efforts to establish a UN roadmap towards two states”.

Monday’s summit is expected to expand on the “New York Declaration” that was adopted by the General Assembly earlier this month after a July conference also co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. Israel and the US boycotted those international gatherings as well.

The seven-page&nbsp, declaration&nbsp, that was endorsed outlined “tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps” towards a two-state solution, while also condemning Hamas and calling it to surrender, disarm, and release all captives held in Gaza. It further called for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza as Israel continues to starve the famine-stricken Palestinian people.

French President Emmanuel Macron will be a leading figure in the summit on Monday, but Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to attend via video link despite being a co-host.

In response to the growing global consensus against its genocidal war in Gaza and its occupation of the West Bank, Israel has been advancing plans to annex parts of the West Bank with the explicit aim of ending the prospects of a future Palestinian state.

Israeli diplomats have also teased possible measures specifically against France and Macron, telling Israeli media that they might close down the French consulate in Jerusalem, possibly expel French diplomats or limit intelligence cooperation.

Netanyahu has also lashed out at Macron, claiming that he is fueling “the anti-Semitic fire” in France.

Qatar, which has been mediating between Israel and Hamas but was bombed by Israel earlier this month, on Monday welcomed the announcements by the UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal,

Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza has only grown more violent as a result of the country’s limited international support, most notably the ground invasion of Gaza City and the deadly air and naval assaults on the besieged region.

Friends ‘worried’ for Katie Price amid fears she is ‘out of control’

Friends of Katie Price’s are worried that she may be spiralling “out of control” following a string of no-shows and late arrivals to work commitments, claims a source.

Friends of Katie Price’s are worried that she may be spiralling “out of control” following a string of no-shows and late arrivals to work commitments, claims a source.(Image: Getty Images)

After causing outrage by turning up late to a gig and cancelling a high-profile appearance at the 11th hour, Katie Price ’s chaotic lifestyle may be spiralling “out of control”, her friends and family fear.

The star, 47, angered fans when she arrived over two hours late to appear on stage with Kerry Katona for their live show, An Audience With Katie Price And Kerry Katona, last week.

The duo were scheduled to perform at Whitley Bay’s The Playhouse theatre at 7.30pm on 15 September. But on the night, a post from the theatre informed fans that the show would start half an hour late due to “technical difficulties”. However, when 8pm came, Katie was nowhere to be seen – and Kerry was forced to go it alone on stage.

Katie Price and Kerry Katona tour
Katie was two hours late for one of her tour performances last week(Image: Instagram/katieandkerrytour)

READ MORE: Parents hail natural eczema cream ‘miracle in a bottle’ after clearing flare-ups in days

Katie did make an appearance via video link before she eventually arrived at the theatre around 9.35pm and spent just 35 minutes on stage.

Katie claimed that heavy traffic and caring for her son, Harvey, who has Prader-Willi syndrome, partial blindness and autism, were the reasons for her late arrival. But some fans weren’t satisfied with her explanation, and were “furious” with the limited amount of time Katie was on stage.

It was the second time in 48 hours that Katie had come under fire for letting her fans down, after she was slammed for cancelling a charity gig and then going partying instead.

She was due to perform at the afterparty for Milton Keynes Pride on Saturday 13 September. However, organisers released a statement claiming they were told at extremely short notice that Katie would no longer be attending.

“The official afterparty was booked and promoted as a fundraising event, with Katie Price contracted as the headline performer,” a spokesperson said. “Despite repeated attempts of contact to fulfil this agreement, her management has confirmed she will not be honouring her booking. This decision was made at short notice and is entirely outside of our control.”

Katie Price and Kerry Katona
Her friend Kerry Katona has defended the star, explaining that she was hit with traffic, mum duties and a lengthy drive before the show(Image: Instagram/katieandkerrytour)

They went on to comment that, despite the “consistent support” shown to Katie from the LGBTQ+ community, it was “deeply regrettable” to see that it wasn’t reciprocated from her.

Katie blamed her no-show on work commitments, saying, “I’m not going to be able to make it. I’ve got filming and obviously I’m in the studio recording my new track, so I will be there next year.”

However, she then raised eyebrows when she was spotted partying at Geordie Shore star Chloe Ferry’s 30th birthday. During the bash Katie even took to the mic to perform her 2017 single I Got U.

Friends and family have now expressed concern about her antics. “Katie has been turning up late to events – or not turning up at all – and those close to her are worried that she might be getting out of control. They’ve witnessed it before. She’s trying to do it all, but she’s burning herself out. It doesn’t seem to be sinking in,” a source says.

“Katie doesn’t seem to care that she’s not just letting down the venues and the organisers, she’s also letting down her fans who have paid money to come to see her – it’s simply not fair on them.

“She doesn’t realise that being this unreliable has consequences, and while punctuality has never been her strong point, it’s not a good look.

“Everyone around her thinks that she needs to focus on herself and get to a good place rather than to continue being on stage and working.” However, Kerry Katona maintains that Katie’s unreliable behaviour has very reasonable explanations – and she doesn’t hold it against her.

“Katie had Harvey at home and a nine-hour drive to get to the show, where the traffic was mental, so I completely understood her being late. She has been on stage and working until silly hours each night so I don’t blame her at all, it was out of her control,” she said.

Katie Price
Katie was slammed by MK Pride organisers for cancelling her public appearance last minute(Image: Getty Images for The Cambridge Union)

“Katie has been really reliable the rest of the tour so people need to give her a break. She did the first half of the show virtually, so it’s not like she wasn’t there at all. Lots of people in the audience actually found it quite funny that she was late, too.”

Mum-of-five Katie has had a difficult few months. In August, her ex-husband Peter Andre lashed out at her on social media, saying he was fed up of her “repeated lies” and claims about the welfare of their children Princess and Junior. Then ex Alex Reid also accused her of “spreading lies” and shared a video of her apparently counting cash while bankrupt.

Article continues below

“Katie isn’t in a great place – she’s partying one minute and dodging things she’s previously committed to the next,” our source claims. “People rely on her, so of course it’s frustrating when she doesn’t pull through. But she’s had a tough few months – she needs to slow down and take time out for herself. This kind of erratic lifestyle isn’t good for her.”

Friends ‘worried’ for Katie Price amid fears she is ‘out of control’

Friends of Katie Price’s are worried that she may be spiralling “out of control” following a string of no-shows and late arrivals to work commitments, claims a source.

Friends of Katie Price’s are worried that she may be spiralling “out of control” following a string of no-shows and late arrivals to work commitments, claims a source.(Image: Getty Images)

After causing outrage by turning up late to a gig and cancelling a high-profile appearance at the 11th hour, Katie Price ’s chaotic lifestyle may be spiralling “out of control”, her friends and family fear.

The star, 47, angered fans when she arrived over two hours late to appear on stage with Kerry Katona for their live show, An Audience With Katie Price And Kerry Katona, last week.

The duo were scheduled to perform at Whitley Bay’s The Playhouse theatre at 7.30pm on 15 September. But on the night, a post from the theatre informed fans that the show would start half an hour late due to “technical difficulties”. However, when 8pm came, Katie was nowhere to be seen – and Kerry was forced to go it alone on stage.

Katie Price and Kerry Katona tour
Katie was two hours late for one of her tour performances last week(Image: Instagram/katieandkerrytour)

READ MORE: Parents hail natural eczema cream ‘miracle in a bottle’ after clearing flare-ups in days

Katie did make an appearance via video link before she eventually arrived at the theatre around 9.35pm and spent just 35 minutes on stage.

Katie claimed that heavy traffic and caring for her son, Harvey, who has Prader-Willi syndrome, partial blindness and autism, were the reasons for her late arrival. But some fans weren’t satisfied with her explanation, and were “furious” with the limited amount of time Katie was on stage.

It was the second time in 48 hours that Katie had come under fire for letting her fans down, after she was slammed for cancelling a charity gig and then going partying instead.

She was due to perform at the afterparty for Milton Keynes Pride on Saturday 13 September. However, organisers released a statement claiming they were told at extremely short notice that Katie would no longer be attending.

“The official afterparty was booked and promoted as a fundraising event, with Katie Price contracted as the headline performer,” a spokesperson said. “Despite repeated attempts of contact to fulfil this agreement, her management has confirmed she will not be honouring her booking. This decision was made at short notice and is entirely outside of our control.”

Katie Price and Kerry Katona
Her friend Kerry Katona has defended the star, explaining that she was hit with traffic, mum duties and a lengthy drive before the show(Image: Instagram/katieandkerrytour)

They went on to comment that, despite the “consistent support” shown to Katie from the LGBTQ+ community, it was “deeply regrettable” to see that it wasn’t reciprocated from her.

Katie blamed her no-show on work commitments, saying, “I’m not going to be able to make it. I’ve got filming and obviously I’m in the studio recording my new track, so I will be there next year.”

However, she then raised eyebrows when she was spotted partying at Geordie Shore star Chloe Ferry’s 30th birthday. During the bash Katie even took to the mic to perform her 2017 single I Got U.

Friends and family have now expressed concern about her antics. “Katie has been turning up late to events – or not turning up at all – and those close to her are worried that she might be getting out of control. They’ve witnessed it before. She’s trying to do it all, but she’s burning herself out. It doesn’t seem to be sinking in,” a source says.

“Katie doesn’t seem to care that she’s not just letting down the venues and the organisers, she’s also letting down her fans who have paid money to come to see her – it’s simply not fair on them.

“She doesn’t realise that being this unreliable has consequences, and while punctuality has never been her strong point, it’s not a good look.

“Everyone around her thinks that she needs to focus on herself and get to a good place rather than to continue being on stage and working.” However, Kerry Katona maintains that Katie’s unreliable behaviour has very reasonable explanations – and she doesn’t hold it against her.

“Katie had Harvey at home and a nine-hour drive to get to the show, where the traffic was mental, so I completely understood her being late. She has been on stage and working until silly hours each night so I don’t blame her at all, it was out of her control,” she said.

Katie Price
Katie was slammed by MK Pride organisers for cancelling her public appearance last minute(Image: Getty Images for The Cambridge Union)

“Katie has been really reliable the rest of the tour so people need to give her a break. She did the first half of the show virtually, so it’s not like she wasn’t there at all. Lots of people in the audience actually found it quite funny that she was late, too.”

Mum-of-five Katie has had a difficult few months. In August, her ex-husband Peter Andre lashed out at her on social media, saying he was fed up of her “repeated lies” and claims about the welfare of their children Princess and Junior. Then ex Alex Reid also accused her of “spreading lies” and shared a video of her apparently counting cash while bankrupt.

Article continues below

“Katie isn’t in a great place – she’s partying one minute and dodging things she’s previously committed to the next,” our source claims. “People rely on her, so of course it’s frustrating when she doesn’t pull through. But she’s had a tough few months – she needs to slow down and take time out for herself. This kind of erratic lifestyle isn’t good for her.”

Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page opens up on sex life with famous husband

Joanna Page leaves no stone unturned as she lifts the lid on all aspects of her life, including sex life with her husband, iconic TV show Gavin & Stacey, and her new memoir Lush

Joanna believes fans will see a different side to her when they read her fascinating new memoir

Much loved for her role as sweet and scatty Stacey in the nation’s favourite comedy Gavin & Stacey, Joanna Page lifts the lid on her life, charting her path to the iconic TV show in her new memoir Lush . The book explores her early awkward auditions and other uncomfortable incidents, chasing her big break, finding success and falling in love – and navigating the madness of being a mum of four.

“I don’t pull any punches,” the 48-year-old actress exclusively tells OK!. “I wanted it to be honest and tell it how it is.” Joanna, who describes her life as “full on”, spoke to us from her home in Oxfordshire, exuding positive energy and talking at double speed in a still-strong Swansea accent.

READ MORE: Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page lands exciting role hosting brand new BBC series

Joanna Page is much loved for her role as sweet and scatty Stacey in the nation’s favourite comedy Gavin & Stacey
Joanna Page is much loved for her role as sweet and scatty Stacey in the nation’s favourite comedy Gavin & Stacey(Image: BABY COW)

She’s clearly in her element at home with her children, Eva, 12, Kit, 10, Noah, eight, and three-year-old daughter Boe, her two spaniels, and her actor husband James Thornton, 49.

The couple met on the set of the BBC series David Copperfield in 1999 and got married in December 2003. Together for almost 25 years now, Joanna says that sparks still fly between them, and giggles when she admits that now Boe is at pre-school, they have intimate morning dates.

“We don’t do date nights as there’s too much going on and I can’t be arsed,” she says. “And while, it’s wonderful and hectic and fun, James and I can go through huge chunks of not seeing or speaking to each other. So now they are all at school, we can sit down, have a little coffee and actually talk.

“James is going, ‘Can we connect in other ways? Let’s go upstairs and have a quick shag on the bed!’ But I’m like, ‘No, let’s have a coffee first. A bit of cake and a chat and, once we’re emotionally connected, then you can have a bit of sex! Suddenly we’ve got a relationship again! It’s wonderful. That’s where we are at the moment.”

The couple met on the set of the BBC series David Copperfield in 1999 and got married in December 2003
The couple met on the set of the BBC series David Copperfield in 1999 and got married in December 2003(Image: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
Joanna dismisses divorce rumours that were circulating after a 2020 interview
Joanna dismisses divorce rumours that were circulating after a 2020 interview(Image: Getty Images)

She confesses that Boe was conceived one day after school drop-off. “I drove home and James was standing in the garden, bare chested with low slung tracksuit bottoms, and looked like a rough, sexy gardener,” she swoons. “I was like, ‘Oh, my God, you’re gorgeous.’ I fancy him so much and he still fancies me, thankfully!”

Apart from sexual chemistry, what’s their secret? “He makes me laugh and I love his personality. We have the same views and ideas of how we want to live our lives. We love being together all the time. But you don’t get through 25 years without ups and downs. Of course we bicker and have arguments and go to bed not speaking, but we always wake up in the morning and never carry the argument on.”

Joanna is a proud mum to four children
Joanna is a proud mum to four children

Joanna dismisses divorce rumours that were circulating after a 2020 interview. She says, “I just said that Covid was really difficult for us as a family because me and James argued a lot, and it was like we were going to get divorced every day. I said it jokingly but this newspaper printed it as if I genuinely meant it. I didn’t. I utterly adore him. He’s wonderful.”

Brought up just outside Swansea, Joanna had a carefree childhood, spending a lot of time outdoors and at the beach. “I’m an only child and, growing up, I was happy with that. I’m quite a loner and enjoy my own company so I never, ever thought I’d have such a big family and so many children! But I absolutely love being a mum and surrounded by all this noise and busyness.”

Joanna says she is pretty similar to her on screen character Stacey 'in terms of how impulsive and also homely I am'
Joanna says she is pretty similar to her on screen character Stacey ‘in terms of how impulsive and also homely I am’
Joanna has a new book! -Lush! My Story - From Swansea To Stacey and Everything In Between by Joanna Page
Joanna has a new book! -Lush! My Story – From Swansea To Stacey and Everything In Between by Joanna Page

Joanna believes fans will see a different side to her when her book is published.

“I’m pretty similar to Stacey in terms of how impulsive and also homely I am,” she says. “But I think I’m harder, too. People often think that I am just all sweetness and light, but James often says, ‘Jesus, if only people knew what you’re really like!’”

She is open about some of the more challenging episodes in her past, including her two years at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts after arriving in London from Wales.

“I was only 18 and I was told that I was rubbish at acting virtually every single day. It was abuse and it was awful, but I didn’t give up.”

Joanna landed a part in Love Actually at the age of 23
Joanna landed a part in Love Actually at the age of 23(Image: Handout)

After RADA, she spent a decade on the stage for the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company before she landed a part in Love Actually at the age of 23.

The 2003 film, Richard Curtis’s quintessential festive romcom, was her break-out role. Her character, Judy, is a shy body double and is required to perform sex scenes with fellow actor John (Martin Freeman).

The nudity could have been problematic, but Joanna says she never felt exploited, adding, “It was a lovely experience. There was so much preparation with Richard and Martin beforehand.”

But in her twenties, as a pretty young actress, she was the target of unwanted sexual attention and harassment from predatory directors and colleagues. “I would call them out,” she says. “Being forthright has probably got me out of some scrapes because there were no intimacy co-ordinators when I came out of drama school. You read the sex scene and just had to get on with it.”

Joanna reveals that the cast of Gavin & Stacey all keep in touch
Joanna reveals that the cast of Gavin & Stacey all keep in touch(Image: BBC/Toffee International Ltd./Tom Jackson)

However, there is no hint of bitterness and she is excited about her memoir. Laughing, Joanna acknowledges how crazy her life story has been, from growing up in Mumbles to working with Hollywood stars like Johnny Depp, Emma Thompson and Liam Neeson.

Clearly, though, it was playing the role of Stacey that transformed her career, and when the BBC sitcom was voted Best Comedy at the National Television Awards earlier this month for Gavin & Stacey: The Finale , Joanna was moved to tears.

“I’ve loved working with the gang; there’s been nothing better,” she says. And the cast all still keep in touch. In fact, Ruth Jones, who plays Nessa, is one of her closest friends and they speak regularly.

“She’s just so adorable and so talented! The way she transforms herself for roles. And didn’t she look gorgeous at the NTAs? Her style is incredible.”

Joanna says she is relaxed about getting older and looks years younger than her age
Joanna says she is relaxed about getting older and looks years younger than her age(Image: Baby Cow)
In recent years Joanna has been doing more TV presenting than acting
In recent years Joanna has been doing more TV presenting than acting(Image: BBC/RDF Television West/Kieron McCarron)

Joanna says she is relaxed about getting older and looks years younger than her age. “I feel perfectly happy with the way I look. When you get to a certain age and you’ve lost friends and family, it just makes you realise the only thing that matters is your health and happiness. So I think I’m bloody lucky.”

In recent years Joanna has been doing more TV presenting than acting, and loves filming her new BBC show Shift The Thrift . The daytime show will celebrate Britain’s booming charity shop scene and taps into the trend of second-hand shopping and online reselling.

So how do her children feel about her fame? “They’re really cool about it. Just before Christmas last year, Eva said to me, ‘Mummy, everyone is talking about Gavin & Stacey at school. Can I see it?’ So we sat down and watched every episode. She loved it. We quote bits of the show to each other now.”

Article continues below

She adds, “Eva is obsessed with Michael McIntyre and his show was up against Gavin & Stacey for the NTA comedy award. When it was announced we’d won, she was over the moon, and she said, ‘I love Michael McIntyre but he’s not as good as my mummy!’ I knew then that I’d made it.”

Lush! My Story – From Swansea To Stacey and Everything In Between by Joanna Page, published by Sphere on 25 September in hardback, eBook and audio, £25