Category Entertainment News

Emmerdale’s Ryan Stocks actor James Moore has taken on the task of climbing the height of Scotland’s tallest mountain in memory of his late dad while raising money for charity

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Emmerdale star James Moore admitted there were “lots of tears” as he completed the gruelling task of climbing the height of Ben Nevis in memory of his dad. The actor, 33, decided to take on the challenge with a team made up of his friends, family and a soap co-star to raise money for Myeloma UK.

His dad Stephen sadly died aged 69 from blood cancer, multiple myeloma, in June this year. According to the NHS, multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects bones and different parts of the body, which cannot usually be cured.

James, who is best known for playing Ryan Stocks in the soap, climbed 1,345 metres in just one day at a climbing centre in Cheltenham. Explaining how the idea came about, James told us: “My dad passed away this year in June of myeloma, the type of blood cancer. It’s not rare but it is uncommon.

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“I just thought there wasn’t enough awareness about it. It would have been his 70th birthday in August, and I donated to the charity Myeloma UK. But I thought there’s probably more that I can do than that.”

He added: “I’m not a swimmer at all and I can’t run very far, but I have been really getting into bouldering and climbing, so I thought I would do that.”

Revealing what the challenge meant to him, the actor told us: “It brought us all together because we had my family participating and friends come down for it. It was a real community aspect to it in addition to raising the money. I think dad would have been amazed at what we managed to accomplish.”

James, who was born with ataxic cerebral palsy, said he’d always had a great relationship with his dad Stephen. “He’s been really supportive of me and my career, always, whatever I wanted to do growing up and pushing me to do whatever I wanted, drama or music,” he said.

“He’s always been incredibly supportive of me and incredibly helpful with things like when it comes to disability as well. Removing barriers, encouraging me to do things when I had doubts.”

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The soap star added: “He had time for everyone, really, that’s it. He was a really kind soul. He was very calm and comforting to be around.”

James’ challenge didn’t go off without a hiccup though, as when they arrived at the climbing centre they were faced with a power cut. He admitted they were able to work around it by having a lamp shine on a smaller climbing wall before the power came back on and the team were able to head over to the bigger walls.

The team, which also included James’ Emmerdale co-star Ash Palmisciano, who plays Matty Barton, worked out they needed to do 100 climbs of the wall and they managed it in an impressive three and a half hours. James was also battling an injury, having pulled the muscle in his hip just a week before.

However, he powered through and celebrated by being the team member to make the final climb. “There were a lot of tears,” James admitted.

“I got a bit emotional. It was just a bit emotional, thinking about dad and it was emotional from the family. But it was also so rewarding as well. That was probably the biggest challenge, having to deal with the emotional side of it.”

James and his wife Sophie are gearing up to celebrate their first wedding anniversary, having tied the knot in a stunning Autumn wedding last November. It has come as a poignant time though, as the couple reflected on James’ dad being there for their big day.

Revealing what their first year of marriage has been like, James admitted: “It has been a difficult year with my dad passing away.” Sophie added: “The actual married life has been amazing. He is just my best friend. It’s just life with my best friend.”

James shared: “She’s been incredibly supportive of everything. Supporting me all the time and helping out. She’s amazing.” He is also planning a secret for Sophie on their first wedding anniversary as he teased: “I’ve done something but I can’t tell you what it is right now.”

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Looking back on their big day, the actor shared his favourite moment was getting 20 minutes to himself and Sophie in a campervan. “We had a drive round. We had like 20 minutes just us and that was really lovely because the day was so busy and obviously everyone wants to celebrate with you.

“You don’t actually get a lot of time together with your new spouse.” Sophie said her best moment was walking down the aisle seeing James’ mum, dad and brother with her own mum and brother alongside them.

“With everything that’s happened this year, that was just such a beautiful day with so much happiness,” she said. James added: “I am grateful to have had that day with him [his dad].”

He also admitted it was “surreal” to see his on-screen family with his real family at his big day. “I felt like a kind of world-colliding when you see Emmerdale co-stars dancing with friends you know from somewhere completely different.”

With their challenging year, the couple are yet to go on their honeymoon but have set their sights on Disney World. They are also busy creating their lives together as they’re in the middle of buying a house and are keen to have children in the next year.

“That’s part of the plan, wedding, house and kids,” Sophie shared as James quipped: “It’s coming up, I don’t know when but it is coming.”

James is also remaining tight lipped on his upcoming story lines in Emmerdale but teased he is going to be “busy” next year. When asked if he has any plans to leave anytime soon, he replied with a defiant “no”. “I’m still really enjoying it and happy to be there. It has been almost eight years now, which is crazy.”

Shirley Ballas, the star of Strictly Come Dancing, reported to the Mirror that her ex-boyfriend Danny Taylor had left him and that their romance had ended.

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Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas’ ex fiancé Danny Taylor has thanked his new partner for her support following his heartbreak. The ballroom dancer, 64, dated Danny, 52, for six years before their split.

She confirmed their split last year as she admitted she was grateful to have the love and support of her mother Audrey and her son Mark Ballas.

While performing panto, Shirley and Danny met at the age of 13. Before Danny vanished, the pair fell in love and remained in touch for six years before getting engaged. Later, when Nannette showed up, she appeared as though nothing had happened, leading to Shirley’s decision to end their romance. Her ex-boyfriend Danny is now praised by his 40-year-old new partner Rachel Jones for guiding him through “murky waters.”

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3 images to be seen

He gushed, “Happiest of birthdays to this absolute corker!” and shared a number of photos of Rachel. A generous, compassionate, and hilarious powerhouse who has helped me survive the most difficult and agonizing times I can recall, as well as being a fabulous mother to two smashing boys.

Keep the laughter coming, please! Normster xxxx, big love. When he shared a photo of them together on a June vacation, “Danny publicly confirmed his romance with Rachel.”

His new love came just seven months after he “vanished,” leaving Shirley devastated on her 64th birthday. She had received a text from one of Danny’s relatives expressing concern that he’d gone missing.

Shirley was engulfed by the harrowing thoughts of her brother David who had tragically taken his own life, in 2003, aged 44. The Strictly star frantically tried to hunt Danny down and at 2am she noticed her messages to him were being read.

Her relief turned to anger as Danny reappeared the next day and carried on as if nothing had happened. It was clear she wouldn’t have him in her life anymore as she told the Mirror: “I will never forget that day until the day I die.

“I can remember looking across the room and seeing my mother go through her trauma.” I initially believed that this couldn’t continue. Not just for my sake, but also for my mother.

Shirley told us, “I still loved him, but I thought I couldn’t continue to be a part of.” It’s all very depressing, they say. The pair first pantomized together in 2018.

They quickly fell in love, and Shirley even had wedding rings when the pair got married in 2021. “It was obvious how much I cherished that man,” she said.

She explained, “And he entered my life when I really, really needed it, and he was such a kind person.” What’s the most appropriate way to say this, though?

There were red flags along the line that I chose to ignore, but it just got to the point where the relationship was becoming increasingly difficult for me. Since that time, Shirley and Danny haven’t spoken to one another.

Shirley was engaged to her ex-boyfriend Nigel Tiffany when she was 16 and later wed another ballroom partner Sammy Stopford when she was 18 before their romance.

She and Corky Ballas wed in 1985, and they welcomed son Mark together, before splitting up in 2007. The marriage ended in four years.

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It’s easy to see why the M&amp, S knitted jumper has been hailed as a “voucher essential.” The jumper is “fluffy and very warm,” but it’s not “thin or bulky.”

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Marks and Spencer knitwear is a staple for many shoppers as the colder months approach – so much so, some of the most sought-after items on the website tend to sell out rapidly. Dubbed ‘a wardrobe essential’, the M&S Brushed Alpaca Blend Knitted Top has garnered a multitude of glowing reviews for various reasons.

Customers love the “beautiful” jumper’s “soft” feel and “very warm,” but it’s not bulky or thick. Without making you uncomfortable, it can be easily layered over tops or worn underneath coats and jackets.

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The cable knit vest by Claudia Winkleman is a must-have layering piece for the winter.

It costs less than £50, but it’s made of a snug wool and alpaca blend, has a brushed finish, and has a “super-soft” feel. It has also been praised for its “look more expensive than it cost.” This jumper “can be paired with many different garments,” which is a crucial factor in getting the best value for money.

Whether bundling up for a walk, layering the jumper for a day in the office, or accessorising it for an event, Marks and Spencer customers are donning the Brushed Alpaca Blend Knitted Top for all sorts of occasions. One individual is saving theirs for the festive season, writing: “This is very soft cosy and warm and will be perfect for dancing at my Christmas party.”

The jumper is available in two fashionable hues: “Hazelnut,” a subtle brown that is perfect for this season, and “Dark Grey,” a timeless shade. One person expressed happiness over the purchase of both shades, saying: “This is a lovely short sleeved jumper, soft and fluffy. I have a grey one, too, and I adore the color. You can also make them look more sophisticated.

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This Knitted Alpaca-Blend T-shirt costs £85 and has a similar appearance as an alternative to COS. Although more expensive, the blend contains 16% merino wool, giving it a luxuriously soft texture.

This ASOS Relaxed Knitted Alpaca T-shirt might be worth a look at for those who are on a tight budget. It’s currently only available in two shades, “Olive” and “Plum,” according to Bristol Live, and costs only $30.40.

Consider putting these knitwear pieces on top of a lovely blouse for more styling inspiration. The M&amp, S Brushed Alpaca Blend Knitted Top, a fashion enthusiast’s interpretation of the statement, reads, “Beautiful jumper and gorgeous color. Wearable either alone or with a blouse or t-shirt.

Short sleeves make the knitwear ideal for a change in the weather. One customer praised the short arms on this jumper, which is ideal for the changeable weather in the fall. It is soft, lovely, and true to size.

However, another customer had a completely five-star experience with it. They remarked, “Love the style and quality, but the website’s images are a little shorter. I’ll keep it, but I wasn’t as surprised as I had hoped. “One customer said, “Great texture, soft and rich. looks fantastic on.

“So comfortable and of high quality,” adds another. numerous compliments

The Mirror caught up with actress Adjoa Andoh on all things Bridgerton, including the ’emotional’ storylines season four has in store for her iconic character, Lady Danbury

Dearest gentle Mirror readers, the new season of Bridgerton is fast approaching, and we, for one, cannot wait to see what awaits the ladies and gentlemen of the ton.

And so, when this Mirror reporter crossed paths with Adjoa Andoh – aka the Lady Danbury – at this year’s Pride of Britain Awards, she had enough questions to fill an entire edition of Lady Whistledown.

Conscious that Andoh, 62, was on her way to be seated at a sparkling reception, however, we got straight to the point, intrigued as to what loyal viewers can expect from Benedict Bridgerton’s long-awaited love story, the first part of which drops on January 29.

As elegant as her onscreen counterpart, the star couldn’t have been more gracious as she divulged a little bit of insider gossip, including what her favourite season is so far. A question, of course, that never fails to spark debate amongst passionate fans.

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With a knowing twinkle in her eye, Andoh teased: “It’s gonna be a little bit different this season. I can’t tell you how it’s gonna be different, though. It’s gonna be different in a great way. And interesting, and some of us have got interesting things happening as well. I think it’s gonna be a worthwhile watch.”

When asked whether the upcoming season holds any particularly exciting or romantic moments for fan favourite Lady Dabury, Andoh considered: “You’ll see some emotional stuff, yes.”

And it looks as though viewers are in for a real treat. When asked what her favourite season is so far, Andoh immediately declared, with great surety: “The season I’m doing!”

Of course, to know all that awaits us in the new year would take away the fun and the guessing, which keeps swooning viewers hooked season after season. But what we do know is that this story will follow artistic-minded second brother Benedict (Luke Thompson), as he falls for a “mysterious Lady in Silver” at Lady Bridgerton’s masquerade ball.

Little does he know that the young lady who has so captured his heart isn’t the society debutante he’s used to, but an “intriguing maid” named Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha). There is more than a little hint of Cinderella about this latest love story, which is sure to enchant romantic spirits far and wide.

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Since Christmas 2020, the Shondaland adaptation of Julia Quinn’s spicy Bridgerton book series has brought a much-needed dose of escapism, with viewers falling for the ‘will they, won’t they’ plots, grand Regency-era setting, and contemporary pop music classical scores. So what is it like to work on such a widely beloved show?

On this front, Andoh is filled with enthusiasm as she offers a little glimpse of life on one of the world’s most famous sets. The actress, who has starred in five series so far, including the Queen Charlotte spin-off, reflected: “I really love how beautiful it is. I love how beautiful the costumes are and how beautiful the sets are, and how hard a ton of people that you will never even know their names have worked to make it look as fabulous as it is.

“I love the fact that there’s a whole variety of people doing it. I love how silly we are, how much fun we have on set. It’s a great show to be a part of. And what I really love is is when you’re out and about, you know, when we’re doing publicity for the show, that I can be in Ghana, or I can be in Greenwich, or I can be in Cambodia, or I can be in South Africa or Southern Spain, and everywhere you go, people know the show, which is kind of amazing. And there’s a lot of love for it.

“I love the fact, as well, that you know, everybody’s welcome to watch the show. Everybody’s invited, and I love the fact that when we have Bridgeton events, you feel that the space that we’re in is a safe space for everybody. And that’s a kind of nice energy to put in the world, I think.”

Bridgerton season four will be released in two parts. The first will air on January 29, 2026, with the second arriving on February 26, 2026.

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

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Our mum-to-be has tried out some of the most popular maternity leggings from the high street to discover which ones deliver on comfort, style and value

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Currently pregnant for the first time – and fairly overwhelmed by the amount of new things I’ll be needing to buy in the near future – the one item of maternity clothing I was recommended to buy by other mums was a good pair of maternity leggings.

Comfy and easy to style, they’ll become your go to wardrobe item, people said, able to worn casually with an oversized T-shirt or jumper, or made to look a bit smarter when paired with a shirt or tighter fitting top.

At first I wasn’t convinced – surely all leggings are super stretchy, right? – but as my belly grew bigger my favourite Adanola pair were soon digging in, and at five months pregnant, I realised that ones designed to accommodate a growing bump might actually be needed after all. So I’ve tried a number of pairs from the high street in order to find the best ones, and these are the ones that came up top…

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Best maternity leggings for 2025

Lovall Maternity Ultimate Everyday Leggings

£40 from Lovall

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I hadn’t heard of clothing brand Lovall until I started looking for maternitywear, but it’s one that comes up a lot in searches. The site does a huge range of different styles of maternity leggings, available in three different lengths, and after trying a few, these are the ones that came out on top for me.

Made from a buttery-soft material, no front seam and a band that goes all the way over the bump (so no tight waistband), they’re incredibly comfy and feel really premium. I even wore them on a 16-hour flight and they remained super comfy throughout, with no slipping down, digging in or going baggy at the knees.

The only way they – and, in fact, most of these in this list – could be improved is if they had a side pocket for your phone, my favourite feature of my pre-pregnancy Adanola leggings, and something I’ve really come to rely on.

Sweaty Betty All Day Maternity Leggings

£65 from Sweaty Betty

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Sweaty Betty’s maternity leggings came highly recommended to me by a fitness fanatic, who still wears theirs even after having their baby.

If you’re familiar with Sweaty Betty’s popular Power Leggings, you’ll recognise this fabric. Made from recycled textiles, it’s incredible thin and lightweight as well as being breathable, sweat-wicking and not at all see-though; it really feels like second skin.

The features I appreciate most, however, are the slim pocket in the left-hand side for your phone, and that the back still lies quite low (no bunching up by your sports bra).

Being such light material, however, they do show up lumps, bumps, VPLs and camel toes slightly more. They also aren’t very warm in these chilly months.

Some shoppers have reported that they don’t offer enough bump coverage during the later stages of pregnancy, but for now, these are my go-to for low-impact exercise.

For a cheaper alternative, MyProtein’s MP Women’s Maternity Leggings, £34, were also recommended by said sporty friend.

Jojo Maman Bébe Black Cotton Rich Maternity Leggings 2 Pack

£37.50 from Jojo Maman Bébé

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Another recommendation from a friend, I found these to be similar to Lovall’s in terms of comfort: soft, thick (a fraction thicker than Lovall’s) and hold their shape well. The wide waistband fits comfortably over the stomach, with the lower seam sitting neatly underneath the bump.

The main difference, however, is the length. When I first put these on, I had to double check if I’d ordered a tall length by mistake (I hadn’t; they only come in one leg length), as they’re not only long on the legs but come up very high over the bump too. At 5’8″, they’re actually the perfect full length fit for me, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re shorter.

I find them to be another excellent everyday pair, suitable for lounging, running errands and leisurely walks alike. The two-pack is good value for the quality, too.

Lovall Maternity Winter Everyday Leggings

£32 from Lovall

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Leggings aren’t always the warmest item of clothing to wear when the weather’s cold, but these are an exception; something between leggings and tracksuit bottoms, if you’ll be in your second or third trimester during winter, these are a must.

Soft and cosy with a fleecy interior, I could feel the warmth as soon as I put my foot into them, and they keep me comfortably toasty when working from home in my cold house.

Being such thick fabric does mean that they don’t cling to or sculpt the body as well as others, and I did notice a bit of bagging and bunching around the crotch. The waistband is also quite tight – presumably to stop the thick fabric from falling down – so I’m not sure if they’ll see me right the way through to nine months – however I currently can’t get enough of how snuggly these are.

Spanx Mama Maternity Leggings

£68 from ASOS

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Spanx’s maternity leggings were recommended to me by a fashion editor pal who told me that she lived in these and the faux leather version when she was pregnant as the fit over the bump was the most comfortable she’d found.

As you might expect from Spanx, these are very tight-fitting; they’re not as compressive as its usual shapewear, but definitely a effort to squeeze yourself into. I’d really recommend going up a size – the size M I have a supposed to fit a UK size 12-14, but I’m a fairly average size 12 and I found that I could only just fit into these.

However once on, they really are very flattering. They smooth the body and give you a great silhouette, with no VPL or front seam.

Are they the comfiest? No, but they’re the nearest I’ve found to a smart or – dare I say it – sexy, pair of black maternity leggings, and you could definitely dress these up to wear to work or out in the evening. While I don’t know how long I’ll be able to squeeze into them this side of giving birth, I also thing they’ll come in handy afterwards too.

M&S Maternity 2pk Over Bump Leggings

£19.50 from Marks & Spencer

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Made from 95% cotton and 5% elastane, this two-pack is very good value and very soft, with no tight seam digging into the bump.

However, they’re definitely not as high quality as the others on this list; they feel quite thin (great for warmer months, but a little chilly to wear now), bunch up a bit around the crotch, and you can really feel the waistband when they’re on.

I’m wearing the short length here as my chosen length (regular or long) was out of stock and, while I was expecting these to therefore be almost pedal pusher in length, they’re actually not a bad fit on me (good to know there’s some flexibility if you’re preferred length is also unavailable).

Tesco shoppers have been racing to the aisles to snap up bottles of fake tan that have been reduced to as little as £1 – but you’ll have to be quick to get your hands on them

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The ever dwindling autumn sun means that our skin is on the fast track to paleness, but with plenty of Christmas parties and events on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to dig out the fake tan. Even if you’re not a regular false tan user, having a bottle handy is always a good idea – so when we heard Tesco was reducing the prices of several brands of self tan to just £1.75, we couldn’t wait to share it.

The deal was spotted by a savvy shopper in the Bargain Lovers Facebook Group , who shared a snap of her bargain find, writing: “Fake tan girlies run to Tesco!” alongside a photo of five bottles of St Moritz and St Tropez fake tan. She also included her total cost, which showed her grand total to be £8.81.

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That means she nabbed each bottle for around £1.75, with her photo also showing she’d made savings of £52.18 on what should have been a £60.99 purchase. The huge discount was backed up by other shoppers in the comments, with one saying they’d even managed to nab a bottle of Bondi Sands fake tan for the same price last week.

Each of the five bottles of self tan were different too, which means the Tesco discounts seem to apply to a whole host of different formulas, shades and brands. The different bottles include St Moritz Advanced Formula, St Moritz Spray Tan in a Can and the tanning mousse formula, as well as a bottle of St Tropez Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse.

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Considering the same 120ml St Tropez tan is usually priced at £22, that’s a pretty impressive saving to get yourself. Boots shoppers said it was “Great tan easy to apply good colour no streaky patches,” with another agreeing: “Gorgeous product lovely natural colour perfect for summer.”

However one did mention: “Colour nice but Hard to wash off / needed to be scrubbed off.”

The discounted price is thanks to Tesco’s yellow stickers, which are typically applied to products which are nearing their sell by date or being discontinued, making it a great chance to nab a bargain. The offers will vary by store to store though, so you’ll have to head to your nearest Tesco to see if you can get your hands on them.

If you prefer an online shop, though, LookFantastic has also dropped the price of selected beauty products on its site by 30%, plus offers an extra 5% off right now. It might not get you a bottle of St Tropez tan for £1.75, but you can get yourself these great deals instead: