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Gemma Atkinson’s daughter Mia’s heartbreaking question over Gorka on Strictly

As Gemma Atkinson pens a moving open letter to her late dad on her 24th Father’s Day without him, the TV and radio star reveals the heartwrenching question her little girl asks about dad Gorka

Gemma Atkinson was only 17 years old when she lost her much-loved dad David, who died of a heart attack at just 52. Marking her 24th Father’s Day without him, Gemma, in support of the palliative care and bereavement charity Sue Ryder, pens an emotional open letter in which she remembers the special person he was.

The star, who met her fiancé, Strictly professional dancer Gorka Marquez when she was a contestant on the show in 2017, opens up about how she and and their children, Mia and Thiago, keep his memory alive. -and reveals that her daughter Mia, 4, worries when her dancer dad is working away, and asks her famous mum when he’s coming home, adding devastatingly that hers, one day, never did.

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Little Mia is very aware that one day, Gemma’s own father didn’t come home(Image: SUPPLIED)

“It’s funny how kids pick up on things. When Gorka’s away, working on Strictly, Mia asks me when Papa’s coming home. I tell her he’ll be back but twice now she’s said to me, “But your papa didn’t come home”, says Gemma. “I explain that her daddy is much fitter. That we have FaceTime and mobiles now. I let her know she can get hold of her papa anytime she wants. We often visit your grave but we always keep it positive. I don’t want to give her a fear of death. You wouldn’t want that. “

The star also reveals that she thinks her late dad would be ‘proud’ of the mother she’s become, but adds sadly: “I sobbed when I found out I was expecting Mia. Not because I wasn’t ecstatic – I was, but because you weren’t there to share our joy.”

She also says she keeps her dad’s spirit alive with her children by talking about him regularly. “I talk to Thiago and Mia about you all the time. They call you GanGan David. We’ve got a picture of you in the house and Mia thinks GanGan David lives on the moon and you can’t get out.

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“She always asks us how we can rescue you. When our dogs died it was devastating, but Mia took comfort in the fact you were looking after them somewhere. I really believe you are.”

“You’d adore Thiago too. He looks exactly like you did as a baby. That’s the first thing everyone said when he was born. People joke that Gorka has no genetics in our children whatsoever. It’s because both of them are so like me and you.

Gemma also confesses emotionally that she’d wish Gorka could have met him. “There have been many times where he would have benefitted from your advice. You travelled so much for work and Gorka needs to be away a lot too. I remember when Mia was born, he had to leave for a tour when she was three days old.

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“It broke his heart but I know you’d have helped him. I can hear your voice, saying, “I get it pal, I had to do the same. You’ll get through it.” I often feel sad that he never got to shake your hand. You only ever met my high school boyfriend. That’s hard for me.”

Palliative care and bereavement charity Sue Ryder offers a range of grief support. Visit sueryder.org/GriefDeservesBetter. Gemma Atkinson is the host of the Hits Drivetime show, airing weekdays at 4pm

Angry Ginge tears into Carlos Tevez after Soccer Aid as he shows off bloody injury

Angry Ginge slammed Carlos Tevez as he showed off his bloody arm injury after the two clashed at Soccer Aid. The social media star took to Instagram after the match – in which England crumbled to the World XI in the second half – to reveal the aftermath of his run-in with the Argentine.

“Cheers Tevez. Twat,” fired the Manchester United fan as he showed off a bleeding cut on his leg from the changing room.

Tevez, who played for Man United and Manchester City during his professional career, bagged four goals before Big Zuu grabbed his team’s winner.

In a bid to stop the legendary striker, Angry Ginge bulldozed into him in a fierce tackle before Tevez jumped up from the ground and appeared to lunge at the YouTube star.

Despite being on the losing end, Angry Ginge was named Man of the Match for his performance at the back, which included a spectacular goal line clearance.





The 23-year-old dived across the goal to stop David Trezeguet equalising for the opposition. Internet star ‘Ginge’ – real name Morgan Burtwhistle – immediately rose to his feet and pumped his fists in the air towards the crowd at Old Trafford.

But it was his clash with Tevez that really got fans talking.

“AngryGinge smashes into Carlos Tevez to accomplish the dreams of every Manchester United fan,” joked one.

“Angry Ginge leaving one on Tevez, I asked for it and got it. He thinks it’s the champions league final,” added another. A third chimed in: “Not a big fan of YouTubers playing Soccer Aids. But obviously get their appeal with their fans etc. However I’m a massive fan of Angry Ginge clattering Tevez in a charity match.

The hotly anticipated match took place at the sold-out Old Trafford football stadium in Manchester to an audience of over 70,000 people. The match ended 5-4 to World XI FC, stealing the win back and keeping the overall lead with 8-6 wins since the inaugural 2006 match.

Kicking off the game, Sam Thompson officially completed his ‘Match Ball Mission’, which saw the ball travel over 270 miles by foot and by bike from Stamford Bridge last week and arrive safely at Old Trafford ready for the match today. During the show, the final total raised from Sam’s challenge was announced, at £ 2,075,564.46.

During half time, actor and Soccer Aid supporter Daniel Mays addressed the stadium crowd and viewers at home with a special speech, galvanising donations to UNICEF. Followed by an emotional and show stopping performance by Dermot Kennedy singing his hit song ‘Better Days’, supported with backing vocals from Hallé Children’s Choir.

It was another enthralling contest between England and the Soccer Aid World XI FC, as Lioness Jill Scott captained once again, leading the way for Team England, whilst Nemanja Vidic skippered for the Soccer Aid World XI FC for the first time.







Carlos Tevez celebrates his fourth goal for the World XI
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PA)

Team England started strong, as Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney scored the fastest ever goal in Soccer Aid history in the fourth minute. Not all was lost for World XI as Angry Ginge jumped to rescue goalkeeper Joe Hart with an unbelievable save in the 19th minute. Just before the half time whistle blew, Lioness Toni Duggan, in her Soccer Aid debut, snuck in an exceptional second goal for the England squad – ending the first half on 2-0 to England.

Going into the second half, former England striker Jermaine Defoe scored again for Team England, seamlessly flicked the ball into the left corner of the net, bringing the score to 3-0. Former professional footballer Carlos Tevez wowed the crowds by scoring an unbelievable two goals in rapid succession for World XI. As the 64th minute hit Defoe knocked the ball in for the second time for England – making him now the top scorer in Soccer Aid history.

Much to Paddy McGuinness’s dismay Carlos Teves scored another two times bringing the game to an even to 4-4. As the teams were neck and neck, Big Zuu secured his first ever Soccer Aid goal by sneaking the ball into the net bringing the game to a final score of 5-4 to World XI.

Baseball star Shohei Ohtani to make Los Angeles Dodgers pitching debut

Shohei Ohtani is set to return to the mound as the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opener of a four-game series against the visiting San Diego Padres, the Major League Baseball (MLB) team has announced.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts originally told reporters on Sunday that Ohtani was set to pitch a simulated game in the coming days, but the team decided to give him the nod against the rival Padres on Monday.

“He’s getting very eager, very excited,” Roberts said. “I think the thought is that given where we’re at right now, anything he can give us is additive, even if it’s an inning or two innings on the front end.”

This will mark Ohtani’s first big league pitching appearance since August 23, 2023, and his first with the Dodgers. The two-way player had Tommy John surgery on his elbow in September 2023, three months before signing a 10-year, $700m contract with the Dodgers.

Ohtani has been ramping up for a return to the mound in June. On Tuesday, the right-hander threw 44 pitches over three simulated innings against minor leaguers from the Dodgers’ Arizona spring complex.

Ohtani’s return could not come at a better time for Los Angeles. Starters Roki Sasaki (right shoulder), Blake Snell (left shoulder) and Tyler Glasnow (right shoulder) are all on the injured list. Sasaki was recently forced to shut down his throwing programme after feeling discomfort this week. There is no timetable for his return this season.

In total, the Dodgers have 14 pitchers on the injured list – the most in the MLB.

Over his career in the majors, Ohtani is 38-19, with a 3.01 ERA in 86 career starts, all with the Los Angeles Angels. In 481 2/3 innings, he has compiled 608 strikeouts and 173 walks.

Inside Charlotte Dawson’s sweet wedding plans to fiancé Matt after sexting scandal

The late great Les Dawson’s daughter Charlotte Dawson has candidly revealed her plans to marry Matt Sarsfield, following a five year engagement and three children

Charlotte Dawson and Matt Sarsfield have been engaged since 2020(Image: WireImage)

Mum-of-three Charlotte Dawson has had a busy few years – no wonder why she and fiancé Matt Sarsfield are yet to walk down the aisle.

Charlotte, 32, got engaged to rugby league star Matt, 33, in 2020 and soon after started their family as they welcomed their first child together, Noah, in 2021. Two years later couple’s second child, Jude, was welcomed into the world. And, just three months ago, Charlotte gave birth to their third child, a baby girl named Gigi, completing their beautiful family unit.

The Dawson-Sarsfeild household is a busy one, which becomes very apparent when the Mirror catches up with Charlotte at the Pro Am Padel tour event earlier this month. Busy working mum-of-three Charlotte has her three children, fiancé Matt and a baby sitter in tow as she attends the star-studded sports event.

When asked how she’s finding life as a mum of three children under the age of five, Charlotte reveals: “It’s absolute carnage. But it’s a beautiful chaos. They’re my absolute world. I finally got my little girl and the two boys absolutely dote on her. It’s amazing, but really hard. Going from two to three is like having 10 kids, because you’re outnumbered. Two we can manage, because there are two pairs of hands. But I think it’s going to be worth it because when they’re older they’re going to be playing together, they’re going to be best friends.”

Charlotte shares a sweet insight into her wedding plans to Matt
Charlotte shares a sweet insight into her wedding plans to Matt(Image: Instagram)

No wonder Charlotte and hubby-to-be Matt are yet to set a date for their wedding, despite being engaged for almost five years. When asked when she and Matt plan to marry, Charlotte tells us: “Maybe when it gets a bit easier with the kids. I’d love Gigi to walk down the aisle in a little dress, so I think I might have to wait. I’m gonna have to anyway. I can’t start planning a wedding now – Jesus, I can’t even sort my own life out!”

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The couple have also faced turmoil in their romance in recent years. Last year, it was reported Charlotte had kicked Matt out after she discovered he had been sexting another woman.

At the time, The Mirror revealed that former Celebs Go Dating star Charlotte, 31, had been left “hurt and humiliated” after learning that Matt had sent x-rated messages to someone else. But it was later reported she took him back after Matt was left ‘broken’.

Charlotte and Matt share three children together
Charlotte and Matt share three children together(Image: Instagram)

Emily Louise Hodgkinson, 34, told The Mirror she was left “shocked” when former Swinton Lions player Matthew, 32, sent her an intimate picture after she posted about going for a run in 2024. The pair met via Emily’s ex, who played rugby with Matthew, and followed each other on Instagram. Emily said: “I feel so sorry for Charlotte. How could he do that to her? I’d be mortified if a partner did that to me behind my back.”

Emily said she took a screenshot of the image and added that a “worried” Matthew responded, asking what she planned to do with the photograph. However, Charlotte later took Matt back after he apologised to a cardboard cut out of her late father, Les Dawson. And, later Charlotte announced her pregnancy with her third child. She later shared her hopes that her pregnancy will make Matt a “better man”.

In an exclusive chat with the Mirror, she had one wish for her family’s future. She revealed: “It would be amazing to have a little girl – for Matthew, too. I think being a girl dad will make him a better man, but we’ll see.”

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The Pro Am Padel Tour continues in July, September, and October. Follow @proampadeltour for more updates.

Katy Perry ditches engagement ring on wild night out amid Orlando Bloom split rumours

Singer Katy Perry has been seen without her engagement ring and made a very cryptic onstage remark to fans in Melbourne amid rumours about trouble with fiancé Orlando Bloom

Katy Perry ditches engagement ring on wild night out amid Orlando Bloom split rumours(Image: Getty Images for Vanity Fair)

Katy Perry has sparked fresh speculation her engagement to Orlando Bloom is over after stepping out without her signature ruby engagement ring. Instead, the 40-year-old singer wore a simple silver band while partying at Melbourne’s Poof Doof nightclub, where she bought drinks for the crowd in a surprise appearance.

The lavish ring – a ruby surrounded by diamonds in a floral design – was first revealed in 2019 when Bloom proposed on Valentine’s Day. At the time, Katy shared their engagement on Instagram with a photo of the two under a canopy of red balloons, captioned: “Full bloom.”

But over the weekend, the iconic sparkler was noticeably absent. After wrapping up her fourth and final Melbourne show on her Lifetimes Tour, Katy hit the club to celebrate with fans, particularly her LGBTQIA+ supporters.

The outing comes amid growing whispers of tension between Katy and Orlando, who share daughter Daisy Dove, 4. Onstage, the singer reportedly made a cryptic comment that only intensified the rumours as she spoke about singing a ‘breakup song’ to her fans.

Katy was seen in Melbourne without her engagement ring on
Katy was seen in Melbourne without her engagement ring on(Image: Getty Images)

Last week, it was reported that the American singer and the British actor had “quietly ended their engagement” but are apparently planning to wait until Katy’s tour concludes at the end of this year.

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Neither Katy, nor Orlando, 48, has yet to confirm or deny the rumours but those close to the on-off couple have hinted the split is more of “a rough patch” and the two stars are in a battle to fix their relationship before it’s too late.

Katy, previously married to British comedian Russell Brand, and the Pirates of the Caribbean actor began their love story back in 2016. Their romantic journey peaked with an engagement three years later, just ahead of Daisy’s arrival in 2020.

The pair did split briefly at the start of their relationship before finding their way back to one another and reuniting for good. However, it seems their nearly ten-year liaison is reportedly on the ropes due to recent professional struggles for Katy.

Katy has been touring Australia
Katy has been touring Australia (Image: Reddit)

“There aren’t many people she can dump her emotions on, but obviously she can with Orlando. But with his work and juggling parenting, life as of late has put a strain on their relationship,” a source has said amid the speculation.

It’s been a tough time professionally for Katy of late, with the award-winning singer facing embarrassment after critics lambasted her latest album, and her space adventure invited further criticism, leaving the ‘I Kissed A Girl’ singer under intense scrutiny and putting a strain on her relationship.

But all is not lost, with the insider added that Katy and Orlando are going through a rough patch “but it’s not at the point of no return.” They told the DailyMail: “They know they must fix things, and they both want to figure it out. They haven’t been able to sit down and work on some of their issues. A breakup isn’t imminent, but they both know that they should focus on their relationship before it does become too late.”

Katy and Orlando share four-year-old daughter Daisy together
Katy and Orlando share four-year-old daughter Daisy together(Image: Variety via Getty Images)

Other sources allege that the lacklustre performance of Katy’s album titled ‘143’ put a strain on their bond, as Orlando tried to be supportive. PageSix suggests the couple are biding time until the conclusion of Katy’s ‘Lifetimes’ tour on December 7 before going public with their separation.

“It’s over,” confided the insider. “They’re just waiting until the tour is done before they split.” The Mirror has previously approached Katy and Orlando’s representatives for a comment regarding these claims.

Katy, 40, is currently performing the Australian leg of her Lifetimes Tour, playing a series of shows in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Sydney.

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

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Charlotte Dawson’s shock health battle as she ‘still looks pregnant’ three months after baby’s birth

Charlotte Dawson opens up on life as a mum of three children under the age of five, her recently-diagnosed postpartum condition and plans to marry fiancé Matt Sarsfield

Charlotte Dawson shares three children with Matt Sarsfield(Image: WireImage)

You wouldn’t know that Charlotte Dawson is still in the newborn trenches. The daughter of late comedian Les is bright and full of energy as she sits down for a chat – which is surprising given she’s recently become a mum-of-three.

With the birth of daughter Gigi on 8 March, together with sons Noah, four, and Jude, two, Charlotte, 32, says she’s now completed her family. We catch up with the TV star and her brood at the launch of the Pro Am Padel Tour, in which she will be competing alongside Jason Manford and Richard Fleeshman.

Here, admitting with a laugh that she and her fiancé Matt Sarsfield are “outnumbered”, Charlotte chats about the “beautiful chaos” of her new family dynamic – and reveals when she and Matt, 33, plan to marry.

Hi, Charlotte! So how’s life with three under-fives?

It’s absolute carnage. But it’s a beautiful chaos. They’re my absolute world. I finally got my little girl and the two boys absolutely dote on her. It’s amazing, but really hard. Going from two to three is like having 10 kids, because you’re outnumbered. Two we can manage, because there are two pairs of hands. But I think it’s going to be worth it because when they’re older they’re going to be playing together, they’re going to be best friends.

And what about toddler life?

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They’re so clumsy. Jude is my anxiety child, because I’m worried about everything, I’ve got to watch everything. I’ve got to have eyes in my bloody bunions, my tits, the back of my head, my arms – everywhere!

READ MORE: Charlotte Dawson praised for post-birth honesty as she she poses in underwear

Charlotte welcomed her third child, Gigi, on March 8 this year
Charlotte welcomed her third child, Gigi, on March 8 this year(Image: Instagram)

Which is the hardest stage, do you think?

Jude’s age is the hardest stage because he’s everywhere. But he’s a ray of sunshine, the happiest little boy, he sleeps well, he’s in his own cot – completely different to Noah – he’s in bed by 7pm so all the chaos is finished by 7pm. We still have chaos with Noah, but he is a good boy, getting to that age where he plays on his own. He chills out watching telly and films, he just wants to be with us all the time, he’s quite needy.

How are you finding breastfeeding?

I absolutely love it. And, obviously, the release from your udders – oh, thank God! I’m pumping as well, obviously. Our babysitter has to feed Gigi when we’re out.

And how are you finding exercise after giving birth?

I’m not really… I’ve not done any fitness since I’ve had Gigi because I’ve got that thing where your tummy doesn’t contract back properly, because I’ve had three babies in such a short space of time. It’s called diastasis recti. Basically, my midwife Said there’s a gap in between my [abdominal] muscles.

That sounds tough…

It’s awful, you still look pregnant. So, it’s really difficult trying outfits on. For this padel tournament, I wanted to be full Chazza glam, I wanted to wear the skirt. But I tried it on and I was like a sausage roll, so I was like, “Matt! I’m gonna have to put leggings on” and it was fine, I feel good, I look good.

That’s what matters – and you look gorgeous…

Thank you. It’s hard when you’ve just had a baby because you feel like a sack of s**t, to put it bluntly. So it is really difficult – especially when you’re trying clothes on and when you’re around fitness people. My belly’s on the wrong way round, my belly should be on my bloody bum! I’ve got the flattest pancake ass in the world. But, anyway, I’m rocking it, I’ve got a hoodie around my waist to hide it.

Charlotte and Matt are engaged but aren't sure when they will wed
Charlotte and Matt are engaged but aren’t sure when they will wed(Image: Instagram)

Are you planning to have more children?

Absolutely not. Matt’s like, “Oh, I think we should have one more.” I just think, “I’ve got everything I want now I have my little girl, I’ve got my two boys who are best friends.” I think we should just focus on me and Matt now. Maybe we should think about getting married… I’ve not got my ring on because it wouldn’t fit on my fat fingers when I was pregnant – then the diamond fell out in the bath. Thank God I kept the bath water in, because I realised it had gone, checked and found it! I said, “If that diamond’s not in the bath we’re not meant to be.” But I found it, thank God.

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When do you guys plan to tie the knot, then?

Maybe when it gets a bit easier with the kids. I’d love Gigi to walk down the aisle in a little dress, so I think I might have to wait. I’m gonna have to anyway. I can’t start planning a wedding now, – Jesus, I can’t even sort my own life out!