Category Entertainment News

Countdown legend Carol Vorderman said the pain became so severe, she was left crying on the floor before finding the right medication

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Carol Vorderman has shared an update on her health after a period of being “very poorly.” Earlier this year, the 64-year-old was unable to work due to suffering from “chronic pain”.

After discovering that she was suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, she has since found the right medication and is now in a better place.

“I’ll be 65 at Christmas time and I was very poorly earlier this year, so I couldn’t go to work,” she shared.

“I had chronic pains and tried all sorts of medications but now I’m finally on the right ones. So, I have changed my life, I see all my friends. I have got a social life from heaven now, and I am having a great time. It really is amazing,” she added to Woman Magazine.

While she is now feeling better, Carol said there were times when she was left crying on the floor from the pain.

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Detailing her symptoms on Heart Radio, she said: “I had burnout and then, it’s a really weird thing.

“I had sudden and chronic rheumatoid arthritis and I literally would lie on the floor crying for a day and I couldn’t move my shoulder. I had to keep my elbow in at my waist,” she added.

“I’ve been on steroids on and off, months and months and months because they have to try certain drugs for you and that takes months for them to take effect.

“But now I’m on the right ones and now I’ve been off steroids for three months and it’s like ‘Yeah, I like this’.”

Despite her health woes, Carol said this year has been her “happiest” yet.

The former Countdown star credits part of that down to being single, though she has openly spoken about having “special friends”.

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“I’ve had what I call ‘medium-term boyfriends’ for a year or so, but I’ve basically been single for about 15 years,” she told Heat Magazine. “I have a very close-knit family, great friends and my two children.”

Carol added that she doesn’t “need love” from anyone else, as she already has enough from her loved ones. The presenter has been married twice – first to Christopher Mather from 1985 to 1986, and then to Patrick King from 1990 to 2000.

With the latter, she shares two children, 33-year-old daughter Katie and 28-year-old son Cameron.

Should Carol fall in love again, the presenter previously said she wouldn’t want to marry for a third time.

“I don’t really want to marry again. I don’t really want to live with a man again and have to look after him all the time,” she said on This Morning.

The Skechers On The Go Joy Bundle Up Boots are ideal for cold weather thanks to their chunky sole and insulated lining, and they’re now available for £22

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Fashion enthusiasts on the lookout for a new pair of boots to sport this autumn and winter will want to check out MandM Direct. The online retailer has reduced the price of a pair of boots that are ‘so comfortable’ and feel ‘like wearing slippers’, according to those who have already snapped them up.

The On The Go Joy Bundle Up Boots usually sell for £63.99 but shoppers can grab them for just £39.99. But, customers can get them for less than £23 through TopCashback’s latest offer.

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By buying through the money-saving site, you’ll bag a £15 sign-up bonus as well as cashback to your account. For new members of TopCashback and new customers of MandM Direct, the boots can be bought for only £22.37, all you need to do is make your purchase through this unique link.

Shoppers can snag the boots in sizes three to eight, all of which are still available online. They also come in chestnut and grey, both priced at £39.99, meaning there’s a pair to match virtually anyone’s style.

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The On The Go Joy Bundle Up Boots blend innovation and style in a modern, casual boot. They feature the brand’s innovative 5GEN midsole design with a Perform-Tex upper and Skechers ‘ Air Cooled Goga Mat insole for an enhanced walking experience.

If you’re after an ankle boot with a bit more length, Next’s Black Forever Comfort Chunky Sock Ankle Boots could be just the ticket. Priced at £45, these vintage-style sock ankle boots feature a sleek PU upper with overlay panelling and a zip fastening, all atop a chunky cleated block heel sole with a Forever Comfort cushioned footbed.

Over at Marks and Spencer, the Chelsea Flatform Ankle Boots are a touch cheaper at £35. These boots offer an easy pull-on design with elastic gussets for convenience, while the modern low flatform heel provides a contemporary and stylish edge.

Meanwhile, at MandM Direct, the On The Go Joy Bundle Up Boots have received an impressive overall star-rating of 4.8 out of five based on over 30 reviews. One chuffed shopper said: “Brilliant boots comfortable like wearing slippers. Very pleased, a good price.”

Another customer wrote: “Found these Skechers on here at very good price. So comfortable and great price. Going to look for same in a different colour.”

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“The most comfortable ankle boots I’ve ever bought and worn,” a third penned. “True to size. Thinking of buying one more in a different colour.”

However, one shopper gave the On The Go Joy Bundle Up Boots a one-star review, simply writing: “They didn’t fit me properly.”

Two other reviews mention that the boots were slightly big, so it might be worth considering a smaller pair if you’re typically between sizes, reports the Manchester Evening News.

However, another customer was thrilled with their recent Skechers purchase, stating: “These boots are wonderful. They are so comfortable, warm, and they fit me perfectly. I have wide feet, but these boots look really neat on my feet. I usually get a size 6 with Skechers and these are absolutely perfect fit.”

How to claim the £22 Skechers boots:

• To claim the new member bonus, new members of TopCashback need to sign up via this link
• Search for MandM Direct and click ‘Get Cashback Now’
• Shop and checkout as usual
• Cashback will then track and appear in your TopCashback account within seven working days of your purchase

Alison Hammond has made a candid admission about using weight loss jabs after losing 13 stone.

The Great British Bake Off star fumed about the judgement that comes with using the medication as she asked her critics: “Would you rather me die from being obese?”

The This Morning presenter managed to achieve her transformation thanks to four workouts with a personal trainer each week. Alison said while she has “absolutely not” had any jabs to help her, she hates the idea of people not being able to change their minds and wouldn’t rule the jabs out in the future.

She told Woman’s Own magazine: “I don’t like the fact that you have to say, ‘Oh, no, I wouldn’t have the jab ever’.

“Maybe next year. Do you know what? I might start jabbing up. What does it matter how people lose weight? Would you rather me die from being obese?”

The 50-year-old presenter argued that people should be able to explore all options when it comes to getting healthy. She added: “If you want the jabs, if you wanna go do gastric surgery, do it. Ultimately I want we should want people to live longer, so if that is going to help you, by getting smaller, let yourself.”

Alison pushed back at the idea her own fitness overhaul was for aesthetic reasons. She said: “The only reason I’ve lost weight is because I was at risk of diabetes.”

And she also pointed out that regardless of her weight loss, she’s still “the same person”, although she often sees headlines about her “showing off her new body”.

She argued: “I go, ‘No, I’m just walking down the street.’ It’s quite interesting to me that I’m just doing normal things and that is now highlighted as a thing.

“It’s troubling because I’m exactly the same person, bigger or smaller. There’s no difference at any time.”

Nowadays, Alison feels “amazing” and “happy within [herself]” after turning 50 in February.

Back in May, she told Bella magazine: “It’s no different to the last decade – it’s exactly the same.

“It just feels like I’ve been waiting in the queue at the Post Office a little bit longer than someone younger than me.

“There’s no difference in the queue, everything is exactly the same and you still see the same scenery, it’s just that I’ve been there longer.”

On the hunt for the best work bag that’s smart, stylish and practical? Beauty & wellness editor Laura Mulley thinks she has found it with this high street find

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As someone who regularly has long train commutes and often stays away for work for a day or two at a time, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect work bag for ages. I need it to look smart, be comfortable to carry for hours at a time and, crucially, fits loads in, including my big, heavy work laptop.

I’ve tried a variety of different styles, from backpacks to crossbody bags, but never found anything that ticked all the boxes – until now, that is, when I found this practical and designer-inspired bag from a surprising place.

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Popular high street jewellery brand Abbott Lyon – which counts Stacey Solomon and Olivia Attwood as ambassadors and fans – has recently branched out into handbags, and I snapped up the Milan Leather Bag in black – a great price for its size, I think, at £89.

Looking not a million miles away from the Bottega Veneta Hop Large Leather Shoulder Bag, which retails at an eye-watering £4,250, this new Abbott Lyon bag features a woven-look leather finish, wide shoulder strap and boxy shape and, like a lot of Abbott Lyon’s products, can be personalised with gold initial charms. It’s also available in autumn’s most on-trend shade: burgundy.

What drew me most to the Milan bag, however, was the shot on the brand’s website of the model putting a laptop easily inside it – a key requirement for me. Sure enough, when it arrived I immediately went to fit my big, chunky company laptop in it, and was thrilled with how easily it fit inside, along with all my other daily essentials (water bottle, purse, notebook, phone etc).

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While I don’t think one-shoulder bags are really recommended as the best option for your back (choose a supportive backpack if you struggle with back issues), I found this really comfortable to wear, in part due to the wide strap. One thing I would note, however, is that it can slide easily off the shoulder if worn with slippy clothes or not packed particularly full.

It also has a habit of falling over when placed on the floor; I think it would benefit from having a slight base, rather than the two sides simply joining together like an envelope.

However, I’m thrilled that I’ve finally found the perfect work bag for my needs – and without having to splash out on a designer buy.

Another option I’ve spotted is the Radley Bridgewater Medium Ziptop Tote, a bit more classic in style and currently half price, down from £239 to £119.

For something cheaper than both this and Abbott Lyon’s, however, there’s the Accessorize Black Laptop Tote Bag, which costs £40 from Next.

I’m A Celebrity hopeful Angry Ginge has revealed the truth to his fans in a final Youtube vlog before entering the jungle – and admitted how much he will miss his beloved Manchester United

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Angry Ginge has addressed his fans after news broke that he is to head into the I’m A Celebrity camp. And the Youtuber, who is an avid Manchester United fan, made a bold claim on results for his beloved football club during his time away.

The 23-year-old influencer regularly chats to fans via his YouTube channel and apologised for not telling them of his trip Down Under. Taking to his channel after the news broke of his involvement in the ITV contest, Ginge, whose real name is Morgan Burtwistle, titled an upload “The Truth…”

He started his vlog by saying: “Hello there. If you are seeing this, I have officially been announced that I am going in the jungle.”

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Ginge revealed he couldn’t say a proper goodbye on his last stream before the announcement as it would have been too much of a giveaway. He also thanked his loyal fans for their support in making the opportunity happen.

But he pleaded with them not to vote for him to do too many trials. “I think I might get one or two,” he said before saying he will “try my best”.

He also admitted he will miss watching Manchester United. He went as far as predicting the Red Devils will remain unbeaten and rise to second in the league table during his jungle experience.

He is set to miss three fixtures. He thinks Ruben Amorim’s men will beat Everton 2-1, draw 1-1 with Crystal Palace and defeat West Ham at Old Trafford 2-0.

“That’s what I’m praying for,” he said before added: “I’m hoping I come out, Man Utd are second in the league and going for the title…Arsenal are dropping points.”

He signed off by once again thanking his fans and saying: “Yeah, hopefully I do well.”

Ginge was one of the first celebrities to touch down in Brisbane ahead of this weekend’s start date. He was mobbed by fans eagerly anticipating seeing the star – a rare occasion for celebrities starting the show.

He is currently the bookies favourite to win the show. He told the press waiting in the airport about his previous efforts when in comes to camping.

He told the Mirror: “I did a Duke of Edinburgh bronze award at school so I am not too bad at camping . One of the reasons I vowed to never go to Australia was because of the spiders and animals so I am hoping the hotel is secure.”

A number of his famous pals will also be willing him to do will. He’s known to be close with sports stars including former England skipper Wayne Rooney and darts ace Luke Littler.

The full lineup for the 2025 series, which starts this Sunday has now been confirmed. Among the famous faces taking part will be Jack Osbourne, Kelly Brook, Ruby Wax and Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp.

Rapper Aitch also joins pal Ginger. As do footballer Alex Scott, former Strictly Come Dancing star Edie Kadi, EastEnders actress Shona McGarty, and Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley.

Paris Fury has said she couldn’t be prouder of her 16-year-old daughter Venezuela getting engaged at 16 – and reveals her true thoughts about those who have ‘negative opinions’ on it

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Paris Fury has shared her true feelings about her daughter Venezuela’s engagement in a new podcast. Opening up as a guest last week on Extraordinary Life Stories, the 35-year-old mum of seven said the conversation about becoming ‘grandparents’ has already been had at home.

Laughing, she says, “Hopefully a few years from now. But oh my goodness, I can’t even imagine being a granny! It will be a great moment in family life, but it will be a bit scary. But it will be quite nice to look fresh and be a glam-ma!”

Venezuela’s shock engagement, which happened during her 16th birthday bash in September, when her boxer boyfriend, Noah Price, got down on one knee on the dancefloor, raised eyebrows in certain quarters online. But Paris says it’s nothing different to what she’s known growing up, and it works.

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“The fact is, most of my friends, most of my family, married young. They moved on with their lives, they’re happy, successful and doing well. So for my daughter to be engaged at 16 – I’m under no illusion that it’s young. Of course it is.

“But she’d been going out with her boyfriend for about 12 months, and if she wants to be engaged, she has the maturity to understand what it means. And she is so happy! I’ve watched the video of that moment back, and she’s so elated, it’s beautiful to see.

“She’s not hurting anybody. If she moved in with her boyfriend, nobody would quarrel – but because she’s following this traditional route, people have this big opinion on it. I believe in life you should do whatever you want, if it’s not hurting anybody.”

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But Paris admits there’s also been a lot of support for Venezuela following her big news, and adds, “My mum and dad met as teenagers and they’ve been together 40 years now. Isn’t that beautiful? If that’s what happens in her life, I’m over the moon.”

The oldest of seven, Paris admits her eldest child is ‘wise beyond her years’, admits her proud mum. “I think she’s like my mam, she was the oldest of eight. I was like the oldest daughter as I had a sister with special needs and had to help and had to grow up a bit quicker in life.

“My daughter’s very mature for her age, but I look at her and I’m so proud of her. She’s never stepped out of line, she’s never done something to disappoint me, and she’s chosen the option she wants in life. Whatever she chooses from now on, I know I’ll be proud of her – because she’s got such a level head.”

Elsewhere on the podcast, discussing the benefits of such a big family, she admits, ‘In our home, in our culture, we believe in helping each other. I know if I need something, I’ve got friends and family to support me and I’m very blessed to have thatI know a lot of people don’t. We still sit together, for tea.”

As for parents’ perennial battle with screen time, Paris admits that in her house, she, Tyson and Venezuela are the only people in the family to even have a mobile.

“They’ve got tablets that they sometimes use, but very rarely. My youngest son has an Instagram account, but it’s on my phone or his dad’s and is accessed and controlled by us.”

“Venezuela started on social media from 13, 14 in a controlled way – but I dont think social media is good for kids. I try to limit my phone use – it detaches you from each other, and the world. There are good sides to it, but we need to know when to pack it away. But we talk to each other.”