Love Island’s Laura Anderson talks blended families – ‘We’re mindful of the exes’

Love Island star Laura Anderson has revealed how she navigates having a blended family with new boyfriend Clark Robertson and says she’s ‘mindful’ of her on/off ex Gary Lucy.

Laura Anderson says she’s ‘mindful’ of ex Gary Lucy as she navigates having a blended family with her new partner(Image: lauraanderson1x/Instagram)

After finding love with Dundee footballer Clark Robertson, Laura Anderson has opened up about how she navigates having a blended family with the sportsman – admitting they are ‘mindful’ of their exes. Laura, who took part in Love Island back in 2018, shares daughter Bonnie, two, with her ex, Hollyoaks actor Gary Lucy, whom she met on Celebs Go Dating.

Talking exclusively to Mirror, Laura admitted that dating is ‘different’ since she welcomed Bonnie. “It’s definitely different. Clark has kids, too, so we’re mindful of that and the exes – the other mum and dad,” said Laura, who was on and off with her ex Gary until late 2023.

Continuing that she and Clark are keeping things private when it comes to his children, Laura said: “The kids will always come first, and even though I put my life out there, his kids won’t be on my social media, at least not at the moment. It’s nice, him and Bonnie are little BFFs. I feel really lucky to have him, he’s quite hands-on. “

And following rumours that the couple are engaged, Laura says it’s not something that’s on the cards just yet.

laura anderson and clark robertson
Laura is now in a relationship with Dundee footballer Clark Robertson(Image: Instagram/ @lauraanderson1x)

“No, we’re not engaged – I was joking! It would be nice in the future… you’ll be the first to know. At the moment, I’m really enjoying the new house. Clark and I were doing long-distance before, so it’s been a nice transition for us to move in together.

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“Now I’m basically a WAG. I never thought I’d be saying that! I didn’t even like football before,” she laughed.

Talking about motherhood, it’s clear Laura is a natural with Bonnie, but she admits there have been tough moments. “Bonnie had her first day at nursery recently and I started crying when I dropped her off. As a single parent, it’s hard to let go and trust other people to look after your little baby. We’re so used to it being just us. She cried, then I got in the car and started crying – what a nightmare!

“But, apparently, it’s normal. The nursery’s amazing – they sent photos via their app to show she was settling in. She’s a very independent, sassy little thing but still a mummy’s girl. “

Has Laura got any advice for expectant mothers? “It’s like a different world. There’s so much to learn, and it can be overwhelming, though it’s also enjoyable and exciting,” she admits. “You just have to jump in head first and hopefully get the support that you deserve. Enjoy the cuddles and the moments when they’re tiny. It’s a cliché, but, my God, does it go fast! Just be present and don’t worry too much about the milestones. It makes no difference – we all end up in the same place.”

Laura Anderson and Gary Lucy
Laura and her ex Gary met on Celebs Go Dating and were on and off until 2023, with the pair taking several swipes at one another since splitting(Image: @lauraanderson1x/instagram)

Since welcoming Bonnie, Laura says she’s had mountains of support from fans who have reached out with motherhood tips and kind messages. “My social media has definitely changed a lot in a positive way since becoming a mum. It makes you feel less of an alien if someone else has cried dropping their kids off as well! I feel good on my social media at the moment, it feels like a community.

“People say they have me to help them – which is quite nice. I have a new-found appreciation for my followers since becoming a mum. I get a lot of comfort. “

However, there is a negative side to social media too, which Laura has seen the brunt of. “I got trolled when I went on holiday without my child but it doesn’t really bother me. I don’t feel guilty at all for having a break, us mums need it, to be better mums. Clark and I had our first holiday together, which was much needed after a year,” she said of online negativity.

Describing Love Island as ‘one of of the best things I’ve ever done”, Laura admits she still watches the ITV2 show and wouldn’t change anything about her time on it, admitting: “I believe your life’s already paved out for you. “

Laura Anderson smiling with Clark Robertson kissing her on the cheek
Now, Laura is smitten with Clark and says that marriage is on the cards in the future(Image: Instagram)

And while it wasn’t the villa where she found lasting love, Laura did make some friends for life. “I speak to Adam [Collard], Kaz [Crossley], Gabby [Allen], Olivia [Bowen] and Shaughna [Phillips]. Mostly the mums – we have more in common now. Maybe I’ll meet some of the new Islanders when they come out. I like to check in on them and make sure they’re alright. I’m very protective. “

Admitting that Helena Ford is her favourite of the current series, Laura says of the show’s current cohort, “Im hoping Harry [Cooksley] pulls it out the bag and grafts for her. She’ll pie him off but in the end they’ll get together. Conor [Phillips] is my favourite boy. I also like Toni [Laites], she’s very emotionally mature. She could teach the boys a thing or two. It’s the first time they’ve had an American on, she’s done well. “

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Helen Flanagan’s ‘nightmare’ living and co-parenting with footie ex Scott Sinclair

Former Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan has had a torrid time lately, as a source claims the star is ‘spinning a lot of plates’

The actress revealed she was back temporarily living with her ex(Image: Daily Record)

They may have split up three years ago, but Helen Flanagan and her ex, Scott Sinclair, have been co-parenting under the same roof – despite the actress previously claiming they “don’t like each other”. Last week, the former Coronation Street star revealed that she and footballer Scott, who share three children – Matilda, 10, Delilah, seven, and Charlie, four – have been living at her Greater Manchester home.

The revelation, as OK! reports, comes less than two months after Helen, 34, called time on her year-long relationship with construction worker Robbie Talbot, 45. During an online rant about her driving ban, which is expected to be lifted this month, Helen admitted that she and Scott, 36, had been spending time together ahead of Delilah and Matilda’s birthdays at the end of June.

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Helen Flanagan in a pink dress and now ex Scott Sinclair in a black tux
Helen shares three children with her ex, Scott(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)

She said, “So Scott is off at football, but we are back co-parenting in the same house, which we don’t usually do. But it actually went OK. Obviously we have todo that because it’s the kids’ birthdays. ”

The pair separated in 2022 after 13 years together. But, a source has told n ew that the former couple are determined to put their differences aside for their three children.

“They’ve been trying to do the right thing by the kids since they split, but being under the same roof isn’t easy, especially when they’ve got so much history there,” said the source. “It’s not exactly a clean break for Helen. She’s not in the best place at the moment and is spinning a lot of plates. ”

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It’s no secret that the actress, who shot to fame playing Corrie ’s Rosie Webster, has been feeling the strain in recent months – and sharing her home with Scott is likely to be putting her under even more pressure. Her year got off to a shocker of a start when, in January, she was slapped with a six-month driving ban after being caught speeding twice in her Audi Q7 last summer.

Helen, who lives in the countryside near Bolton, told Wirral Magistrates’ Court she would “really struggle without a car” and that losing her licence would cause “exceptional hardship”. She also claimed she could not afford the £10 taxi ride to take her son to nursery, but her pleas fell on deaf ears.

Our source claims Helen is doing a lot of the heavy lifting’ with the kids(Image: Helen Flanagan/Instagram)

Last week, her frustration was all too clear as she vented about her predicament on Instagram. In a video, Helen told followers how the ban had left her feeling helpless, especially when it came to running a household alone. “I’ve not had a car for ages and it’s been really awful,” she said. “We are out of loo roll now – I can’t pop out to the shops. My friend has to bring me loo roll.”

“Losing her driving licence when she’s got three kids to look after is a nightmare,” said our source. “Helen really just wants to get back into acting and be financially independent and stable, for herself as well as the kids. Even though she does well with brand deals, [an acting job] would make a massive difference in making her more independent. ”

Despite their ongoing attempts to co-parent at Helen’s pad, our source said Bristol Rovers player Scott’s football schedule means Helen still has to do the lion’s share of the work.

“It’s hard being a single mum and she’s on her own a lot of time,” they said. “The kids’ dad is working five hours away, so it’s not like she’s able to get much help, unless they’re with him on the weekend. She and Scott have done a brilliant job of managing the kids and co-parenting after splitting up, but it’s not always easy and Helen does a lot of the heavy lifting in that dynamic. ”

Earlier this year, Helen talked about how she finally pulled the plug on the relationship after struggling to make it work. “Me and Scott really loved each other, but we were always quietly breaking up and then getting back together, so it had been a long time coming,” she said. “In the end, it was me who decided. I’ll always be sad it didn’t work out and we still have love for each other, but we’re happier apart. ”

Helen Flanagan with robbie talbot in restaurant
Helen called time on her one-year relationship with Robbie Talbot a couple of months ago(Image: hjgflanagan/Instagram)

Despite a rocky few years – at one point, Scott even blocked Helen’s number – the pair managed to put their differences aside in March, when they came together to celebrate son Charlie’s fourth birthday.

“Don’t get me wrong, sometimes we still end up telling each other to f**k off. But we’ve managed to keep things quite nice and we’ve been fair to each other,” Helen said in April. “It’s helped that our families get on and I have a good relationship with his mum. ”

Helen, who starred in last year’s series of Celebs Go Dating , previously admitted she’s “not good at being single”, but with Scott now spending more time at her house, it looks like romance with anyone else is not on the cards.

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“She’s not interested in meeting someone so soon after Robbie but, even if she was, it’s not going to be easy when she’s basically living with Scott,” said the source. “ She’s desperate for things to change and just needs something to go her way.

“Friends hope she can catch a break soon and get back into acting, which is what she’s really focusing on. Yes, a new relationship would be great, but, equally, she’s not desperate to jump into something again. She knows she’s got enough on her plate. ”

Today’s horoscope for July 7 as Scorpio worries about money

Today’s horoscope for Monday, July 7 sees one star sign set some boundaries, as another needs to keep an eye out

Find out what’s written in the stars with our astrologer Russell Grant(Image: Daily Record/GettyImages)

It’s Monday, and one star sign turns down an offer, while another reaches out for help.

There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.

These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Problems you are facing to do with your career will test your resolve over the days ahead. Because of this you may have to accept the need to focus more than usual. To overcome obstacles you must have your wits about you. Accept these challenges and let everyone see what you are capable of.

Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)

If you don’t have the budget for lavish gifts or personal treats, refrain from shopping online. You need to be practical and sensible and remind yourself of how bad you will feel when bills start coming in and you have no money left to pay them.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Your success, this week, and how much you actually accomplish will be entirely in your own hands. Everything depends on your approach, attitude and commitment. You have the ability to juggle multiple tasks at the same time. Take a look in the mirror and recognise your potential for success.

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Cancer (June 22 – July 23)

If you have got a lot on and you’re wondering how you are going to cope with it all, think about reaching out to friends and colleagues for assistance. It will be easier to tackle demanding projects when you have some support. Remember: many hands make the work lighter.

Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)

There are a few projects or activities you have been hesitant about getting involved in. Either you are uncertain about your abilities or you feel you won’t have enough time to manage it all. Someone will be disappointed when you turn an offer down but it is the most sensible thing to do.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

You have an eye for detail and it will be important to review all documents, transactions and agreements carefully now. It won’t be a good idea to dip into your savings or to take out a loan. You will understand the reason for this, tomorrow.

Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

Finding time to be alone with your partner is proving increasingly difficult. You may need to think about setting boundaries by declining extra work hours and avoiding taking on jobs other people should be doing. You need to enjoy more quality time with loved ones.

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

If money matters have been on your mind to a point where they have been keeping you awake at night, it is time to create a monthly budget. This will be easier than you had thought and will enable you to live a frugal yet comfortable lifestyle.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Be mindful of your words especially when talking to someone you care about. You don’t want to say the wrong thing to them. If there is already tension in the air, approach conversations with caution and sensitivity. Stay grounded.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

You can be a success if you approach challenges with a positive mindset. Everything depends on your attitude and intentions. Look for ways to transform difficulties into opportunities. People you meet will be friendly and helpful . If you accept their support, you could end up having an amazing day.

Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Be willing to negotiate if there is something you want that someone else can provide. Engage in back and forth conversation. Pay attention to what’s being said and jot down your ideas. Hold on to everyone’s input until you have had a chance to fully consider it. In the workplace, are you using your tools effectively?

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Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

You can’t keep ignoring issues you have been hiding away from. It is no longer possible to sweep problems under the rug. A partner will persuade you of the necessity to face them head-on and with their support and understanding, you can get through this.

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Special meaning behind Kelly Osbourne’s stunning custom engagement ring

The beautiful ring has a very special meaning meaning with a nod to Kelly’s late friend Joan Rivers – but it also has a very sweet meaning that makes it all the more personal to her

Kelly’s proposal was in front of both her parents (Image: Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Kelly Osbourne has got engaged to partner Sid Wilson after Ozzy Osbourne’s final gig with Black Sabbath and her ring has a very special meaning personal to her.

On Saturday, Ozzy officially ended his Prince of Darkness reign as he appeared on stage for one final time. The rock icon, 76, joined his Black Sabbath bandmates at Villa Park, Birmingham in one of the most epic farewell shows in music history.

After the incredible show, the Osbourne family were treated to a beautiful surprise backstage as Kelly’s longtime partner Sid got down on one knee and popped the question. Taking to Instagram to share the joyful news, Kelly, 40, posted the sweet video of Sid’s proposal as he asked to spend the rest of his life with the former reality TV star.

READ MORE: Ozzy Osbourne’s emotional message to fans after his final Black Sabbath performance

It was a big moment for Sid
It was a big moment for Sid (Image: Instagram/kellyosbourne)

Alongside the video, Kelly wrote: “Oh, and this happened yesterday.” In the heartwarming clip, Sharon is heard saying: “We’ve got to be quiet, hold on,” as she shushed the crew backstage at show. Kelly’s now fiancé is then heard saying: “Kelly, you know I love you more than anything in the world.

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However, Sid’s romantic proposal was swiftly interrupted by a playful Ozzy who shouted: “F*** off! You’re not marrying my daughter. ” Clearly familiar with Ozzy’s banter, Sid laughs and continues asking Kelly the all-important question.

He continues: “Nothing would make me happier than spending the rest of my life with you. So, in front of your family and all of our friends, Kelly, will you marry me? “. Kelly then turns around with a look of shock on her face before holding her hands up to her face and nodding ‘yes’.

The smitten couple shared a long embrace after
The smitten couple shared a long embrace after(Image: Instagram/kellyosbourne)

MailOnline has now revealed how the beautiful meaning behind the ring and how it paid tribute to his partner’s late friend Joan Rivers who died in 2014 aged 81. Sid reportedly wanted the ring to nod to a nickname both he and the Joan had for Kelly.

He said: “So I have a nickname for Kelly, and it’s “Honeybee” and coincidentally a friend of hers, Joan Rivers used to call her this. It was a nickname [Joan] had for her. I didn’t know this, it’s like an amazing coincidence, it’s like whoa, like meant to be. “

Kelly had landed the sweet nickname due to her always ‘buzzing around’ and ‘spreading good energy’ so wanted the ring to be inspired by bees and pollen. The ring’s design features a unique beehive inspired structure making it all the more sentimental.

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The MailOnline reports that it is a 18K yellow gold ring with both white and yellow diamonds, as well as citrine accents, and the centre piece is a stunning 2. 5 carat round brilliant-cut diamond, symbolising the multifaceted nature of love.

Zayn Malik recalls the racism he experienced at height of One Direction fame

Zayn Malik has addressed the racism he experienced during his time in One Direction in a teaser for his new single labelled Fuchsia Sea, as he shared a few lyrics on Instagram

The 32-year-old British singer gave fans a first listen to the new track on Saturday(Image: Instagram/ @zayn)

In a preview of his upcoming song, Fuchsia Sea, Zayn Malik has addressed the racism he experienced during his time in One Direction. The 32-year-old British singer gave fans a first listen to the new track on Saturday along with a short video.

Zayn shot to fame as a member of One Direction, performing alongside Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and the late Liam Payne. They skyrocketed into fame after appearing on X-Factor in 2010 before he parted ways in 2015.

In the new song, Zayn raps: ‘Got my back against the wall so much they think I got a brick fascination. Do you remember every conversation? ‘Cause I have been conscious of every connotation. And while they concentrate on their elevation, I’ve got a round trip to the constellation. I’m a convert to the concert, and I did that for inflation, ’cause I worked hard in a White band, and they still laughed at the Asian. ”

In a preview of his upcoming song, Fuchsia Sea, Zayn Malik addressed experiencing racism
In a preview of his upcoming song, Fuchsia Sea, Zayn Malik addressed experiencing racism (Image: WWD via Getty Images)

The singer shared a snippet of the song on Instagram, along with a video where he has his back to the camera as he is walking down a corridor. He also typed the lyrics in an Instagram story.

The father-of-one, who shares four-year-old daughter Khai with ex-girlfriend Gigi Hadid, has also addressed racism in music in the past. In a leaked song called Yellow Metal (Cathartic), Zayn wrote the lyrics: “Said I had a problem with hittin’ the kids that would call me paki, still sittin’ in classroom chillin’, I’m angry now that I’m older ’cause I see they treat us different, Got me thinking I’m the problem ’cause they never dealt with these issues”.

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The singer also wrote: “Twenty years later, I’m still in the same boat, tryna treat me like my grandpa, say I came up off the boat. ”

Zayn shot to fame as a member of One Direction, performing alongside Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and the late Liam Payne
Zayn shot to fame as a member of One Direction, performing alongside Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and the late Liam Payne(Image: Getty Images)

5 years after One Direction was formed via The X Factor in 2010, Zayn decided to go his separate ways and said he wanted to be a ‘normal’ 22-year-old’ and take some time away from the spotlight.

He announced the news via the group’s Facebook page and wrote: “I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band,’ he said in a statement.

Zayn added: “I’d like to apologize to the fans if I’ve let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart. I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight. I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. ”

5 years after One Direction was formed via The X Factor in 2010, Zayn decided to go his separate ways
5 years after One Direction was formed via The X Factor in 2010, Zayn decided to go his separate ways (Image: Instagram/ @zayn)

Elsewhere in Zayn’s life, he previously opened up about his daughter Khai and said that she ‘brought him back to life’.

Speaking on the Zach Sang Show, he said: “I feel like my daughter brought that colour back in my life. She just makes me happy. I have so much love in me that I didn’t have before she was born.

“She laughs all day. She wants to do the silliest things and she gains so much excitement from it. She just has a whole fresh perspective on life that had somewhat become grey for me. “

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Zayn continued: “She’s a force of nature. She’s given me maturity. She’s forced my sensibility to become this mature father for her, this good responsible role model that takes accountability for their actions and sticks to their work and proves that my word is bond. “

Justin Bieber sparks concern with worrying ‘detox’ photo as fans say ‘that’s not okay’

Canadian singer Justin Bieber has raised concern among fans after posting cryptic ‘detox’ images on Instagram, amid reports of personal struggles and tension in his marriage to wife Hailey

Justin Bieber has left fans unsettled after uploading a series of cryptic photos on Instagram, hinting at a ‘detox’ while rumours of tension in his marriage to Hailey Bieber continue to swirl.

On Sunday, the 31-year-old pop star shared five photos with the caption: “Detoxxxxxxxxxxx. ” Four images showed extreme close-ups of his sweat-drenched face with a towel draped over his head. He appeared to force a slight smirk, which further prompted fans to question his well-being.

The final photo in the set showed a Honda CRV on a highway with European license plates and a 100 km/h speed sign, adding more confusion to the post.

While Justin offered no explanation, many interpreted the word “detox” to reference a wellness cleanse or possible emotional reset. Detoxes are often associated with cutting out harmful substances, stress relief, or fasting. They can also include saunas, juice fasts, or supplements, though it is still unclear what form of detox Justin is undertaking.

Justin Bieber has left fans unsettled after uploading a series of cryptic photos on Instagram
Justin Bieber has left fans unsettled after uploading a series of cryptic photos on Instagram(Image: lilbieber/instagram)

Concerned followers quickly flooded the comments. One fan wrote: “Dear Justin, as a Canadian mama please do not go down the Britney Spears road. You are a smart, talented, loving young man and you are being steered down the wrong path by people who do not care about you.”

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The social media user went on: “Come home for a while, come back to Canada. Go rent a cottage in lake country with your wife, son, and family that care for you while you focus on your mental health and physical health. You are a good kid who deserves better than you are allowing yourself. ”

The emotional post comes amid speculation of mounting pressure behind the scenes. A source recently told Us Weekly: “Justin’s been a hard person to deal with recently because of what he’s going through. It’s been really hard on her [Hailey]. ”

Fans are deeply worried for Justin
Fans are deeply worried for Justin(Image: lilbieber/instagram)

Another insider said: “Justin’s going through a difficult time, and Hailey is giving him room to get himself back on track. He’s doing his best, but it’s tough. ”

Although Hailey recently sold her Rhode Beauty brand to e. l. f. for $1 billion, staying on as chief creative officer, reports claim family pressures have dimmed the milestone.

Still, insiders insist the couple remains committed. “They don’t talk about divorce,” said one source, while another added: “Faith is a big part of their life. They believe they are soulmates and meant for each other. They’ll do anything to make it work. ”

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