Category News

The 99-year-old is known by generations of fans for his nature presenter role over the decades

View 4 Images

Sir David Attenborough marked his 99th birthday back in May, putting his good health to key changes in his eating habits. The treasured broadcaster, best known for his groundbreaking wildlife documentaries, has significantly reduced his intake of red meat, although he hasn’t gone completely meat-free.

Speaking to The Sun back in 2017, he said: “I have certainly changed my diet. Not in a great sort of dramatic way. But I don’t think I’ve eaten red meat for months. I do eat cheese, I have to say, and I eat fish. But by and large, I’ve become much more vegetarian over the past few years than I thought I would ever be.”

Sir David’s shift in eating comes amid mounting evidence linking excessive red meat consumption to serious health risks, which may compromise well-being and potentially increase mortality rates. A study released this year by Harvard researchers discovered a ‘significant link’ between ‘heme iron’ and type 2 diabetes development.

This specific type of iron, found in beef, lamb, liver, and certain fish varieties, is quickly absorbed by the body when consumed. Study authors professors Frank Hu and Fredrick J, reports the Express.

Stare said: “This study underscores the importance of healthy dietary choices in diabetes prevention. Reducing heme iron intake, particularly from red meat, and adopting a more plant-based diet can be effective strategies in lowering diabetes risk.”

View 4 Images

Cutting down on red meat could help you live longer and lower your chances of an early death. The health perks are even greater if you replace red meat with healthier protein sources or plant-based alternatives.

Studies have found that consuming large amounts of red meat, particularly processed types such as bacon, hot dogs and deli meats, is associated with an increased risk of death from all causes, heart disease and cancer. The NHS has also warned against eating too much processed and red meat, warning it may raise the risk of bowel cancer.

The health service claimed: “Processed meat can also be high in salt and eating too much salt can increase your risk of high blood pressure.” Experts advise that anyone currently eating “more than 90g” of cooked red or processed meat daily should consider reducing this to 70g to make a positive difference if giving it up entirely isn’t feasible.

View 4 Images

Red meat includes beef, lamb, mutton, pork, veal, venison and goat. Poultry such as chicken and turkey are classified as white meat.

Despite health warnings, red meat can be an excellent source of high-quality protein, providing roughly 30g of protein per 100g of meat. It’s also recognised for containing significant amounts of iron, a vital nutrient for producing red blood cells.

However, as with all foods, consuming items in moderation as part of a balanced diet is considered the healthiest approach. If you have any worries about changing your usual diet, consult a doctor.

View 4 Images

Beyond his healthy diet, Sir David reportedly confessed to Anderson Cooper in a 2021 interview that mental deterioration is among his greatest fears. The possibility of becoming “helpless” due to illnesses like Alzheimer’s remains one of his main worries.

But he demonstrates no signs of slowing down, continuing to provide his distinctive voice to BBC nature documentaries. This month, the BBC has announced its festive schedule for Christmas 2025. Among the seasonal offerings, wildlife fans will enjoy a fresh film from Sir David Attenborough, as he focuses closer to home to discover England’s famous capital in Wild London.

Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones, who present Morning Live together, were urged in October to come clean about the true nature of their relationship — for the sake of the viewers

View 3 Images

Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones found speculation about the nature of their relationship “really, really funny,” a source claims.

Helen and Gethin, who discuss topical issues on Morning Live on BBC One, had reportedly embarked on a relationship but speculation of a split swirled a few months ago. When Gethin, 47, put his arm around 42-year-old Helen on the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain red carpet in London in October, it was thought the stars had reconciled — but an insider urged them to come clean about the state of play.

And now another source associated to the programme, which attracts around 1.5million viewers, has said Gethin and Helen have played the attention to “their advantage”. When Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan were chosen to launch This Morning on ITV in 1998, it quickly became a success and springboarded both of their careers.

But the insider, also describing it as “silly games”, added: “When they read the rumours that they had got close and were becoming an item they found the whole thing really, really funny. It was harmless: they’re both single and in some ways it was not a long mental journey to put them together – but rather than deny it outright, they’ve used it very much to their advantage.”

READ MORE: Helen Skelton admits ‘tricky’ situation with Morning Live co-host Gethin JonesREAD MORE: Adam Thomas reveals truth behind podcast exit as brothers break silence

View 3 Images

View 3 Images

Gethin was one of the original hosts of Morning Live when it first aired five years ago, and Helen joined him in 2023. She started the post around one year after splitting with Richie Myler, a now retired rugby league player, with whom she has three children.

Chatter emerged Gethin and Helen’s friendship had become a relationship in May this year after the presenters were seen leaving the BAFTAs together. Though neither confirmed a relationship, they were spotted again with each other off-set several times in the spring

Morning Live has continued to draw in the viewers under Gethin and Helen’s helm, but has a way to go to beat ITV’s This Morning in the viewership tussle. The insider told the Daily Mail chemistry — or indeed, relationship — may translate into further improved ratings.

“Morning Live has never been written about so much. This Morning is always the show that’s talked about. Morning Live is seen as the boring version, while the big stars, Cat and [her co-host] Ben Shephard, are television A list,” the source added.

Another insider said: “They’ve managed to please their bosses by doing this, the BBC get so cross at This Morning getting all of the attention. It has been the perfect showmance.”

Ruth Langsford, a regular on Loose Women since 2012, lost her dad Dennis to complications of Alzheimer’s disease and is now watching her mum battle the condition

View 3 Images

Loose Women star Ruth Langsford says she has “learned to accept” the toll Alzheimer’s disease is taking on her mother.

The TV presenter, 65, admits Joan cannot remember anyone’s name but remains in positive spirits in her dementia care home in Surrey. Ruth says she too must keep optimistic — or she’d “cry” through the challenges the battle presents.

Joan, 94, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease around eight years ago, around five years after her partner Dennis — Ruth’s father — died of complications linked to his Alzheimer’s disease. Ruth’s personal experiences have now led to the star to back a campaign designed to get people talking about dementia.

The former This Morning host said: “You have to laugh, otherwise you’d cry. Acceptance is the hardest part, but I’ve learned that now… She’s (Joan) always in good spirits though, always smiling. She loves music and socialising – although she can’t remember anyone’s name.”

READ MORE: Ruth Langsford’s go-to ‘comfort food’ recipe for crisp autumn eveningsREAD MORE: Ruth Langsford makes rare and defiant statement on Eamonn Holmes divorce

View 3 Images

View 3 Images

Ruth said she has found Joan’s diagnosis and deterioration easier to cope with following her experience with her dad, who battled the dementia for 10 years. Ruth, herself a mum of one, continued: “I used to rail against Dad’s memory loss and confusion. Now I’m much softer and more accepting of Mum’s because I’ve learned so much from coping with Dad’s. I know now it absolutely wasn’t helping him when I’d say, ‘But you must remember that, Dad’. He’d look at me blankly because he literally did not.”

The star’s candid interview with the Daily Mail comes after she revealed she needed therapy following her split with Eamonn Holmes. The broadcasters were married for 14 years until they separated in 2024.

It posed Ruth a further challenge but she has found the strength to open up and raise awareness of dementia. The presenter, who before her onscreen days was a continuity announcer for ITV, supports the new drive Alzheimer’s Society and the Daily Mail have launched to help others.

“One in three people will develop dementia, which is the UK’s ­biggest killer. It doesn’t get the funding it needs. Raising money for research into a cure is key… If just one person reads this and thinks: ‘Dad is doing some odd things. Maybe I’ll take him to the GP to get him checked’, I’ve done my job — because there is help available for managing symptoms and slowing them down,” Ruth continued.

Although Joan often forgets when she last saw her daughter, Ruth says her mum still enjoys her company and that of other family members both in the care home in Surrey, and at relatives’ homes.

Ruth has referred to these personal experiences during discussions around dementia on This Morning and Loose Women. On one occasion on the latter, the host’s customary ­professional composure deserted her and she was unable to suppress her tears.