Category Entertainment News

One of Meghan’s closest friends has opened up about just how much the duchess means to her and has been there for her in the hardest of times

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When Duchess Meghan stole the show with a surprise appearance at Fashion Paris Week, it marked a new chapter in her public life – but behind closed doors, Meghan has remained the same for many years, her close pal has revealed.

Kelly McKee Zajfen opened up on Instagram about her friendship with the Meghan, which has spanned nearly 20 years, and has seen the duchess support her through some of the most difficult times in her life, including a devastating family loss.

The former model and charity co-founder met Meghan through the duchess’s ex-husband Trevor Engelson, and they quickly became firm friends.

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While answering questions on her Instagram story, Kelly was asked which are her favourite accounts to follow on the social media platform, and she instantly listed Meghan as one of her top five, saying that she is “endlessly inspired” by the duchess, who returned to social media early this year.

Meghan had previously shut down all her social media accounts when her relationship with Harry became serious, and she was poised to become a working member of the Royal Family and when she relaunched her personal Instagram around the New Year, she quickly amassed a large following.

Another of Kelly’s followers then asked her about her dynamic with the duchess, writing: “How did you meet Meghan M? Love seeing the two of you on here and the joy you bring out”.

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Kelly replied, “Ahh thank you! I’ve actually known her for almost 20 years? She even came to my wedding (15 years ago!) and she’s been the most amazing, nurturing, fun, loving person. She’s been by my side especially since Georgie died, and I cherish our friendship very much.”

George, Kelly’s son, tragically died in 2022 after contracting Covid and viral meningitis when he was only nine-years-old. He was found “unresponsive” in the family home.

Amid the unimaginable heartbreak Kelly and her family have gone through, Meghan and Harry have thrown their support behind the former model. The couple has repeatedly attended events in the little boy’s memory and supported Kelly’s charitable projects.

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In a heartbreaking essay for People magazine, Kelly described the tragedy of losing her son. “The moment my son died, part of me did too. The previous version of myself was no longer, and the new me introduced herself,” she wrote.

“It happened very quickly. We had no idea when we took him into the hospital that 12 hours later, he would not make it.

“My 9-year-old son George died. Died of Covid and viral meningitis. A healthy and vibrant boy could not fight it.

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“We lost him. I kissed him. But it was to say goodbye. It is impossible to know how to survive this type of grief.

A huge band have announced they’ve cancelled a string of shows. Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones has told fans he’s suffered from a mystery injury to his jaw and cannot travel.

However, the musician, famed for hits including Dakota and Maybe Tomorrow, had no idea how he sustained his injury but advised fans it was in his best interests not to travel far, due to the medical attention he requires.

The band, from Wales, were due to play a string of concerts in Australia, kicking off on October 17 in Sydney, before heading to Dubai on October 29 for a show at the Coca Cola Arena. But their remaining UK dates, launching on December 3 in Birmingham, are currently unaffected.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Kelly shared the sad news with their legion of fans. The frontman said: “I am gutted, saddened and disappointed to inform you all, that due to a displaced jaw joint (not caused by singing folks – just one of life’s tense dizzying mysteries!) the upcoming Australia and Dubai shows are cancelled.

“Refunds will be given at point of purchase. Flying long distance is not medically advised. The UK tour in December is still set to go ahead as planned.

“I have cancelled no more than 4 shows in 30 years and I hope you can trust this decision was not taken lightly. I work hard to put on a great show every night, my prep starts in the morning through to showtime.

“I respect you as audience members and I respect my crew and band brothers, the bed on which I lay, too much to travel with a doubt. Physio Rehabilitation and healing is the priority right now. There’s 13 studio albums there…spin the black circle until the next time. Love and good health to you all. Kelly Jones.”

Despite the sad news of the cancelled gigs, fans instantly rallied around to show their support. One fan said: “I fly to Sydney for holiday from UK and had tickets to see you …. health is important so wising you a speedy recovery, Hopefully see you in my hometown Manchester in Dec.”

A second added: “Aww, sounds b****y painful Kelly, I hope you really are holding up, especially having to cancel gigs…I hope you make a speedy recovery and let’s hope we see that smile return again in the not to distant future. See you in December…Take good care.”

The cancellation comes just weeks after the band opened up to the Mirror backstage at BBC Radio 2 in the Park. Despite being an ultimate rock band, they have a very unlikely backstage ritual before taking to the stage.

“We started to give each other a hug,” said Jamie Morrison, adding: “It went from a fist bump about a year and a half ago… Usually we wouldn’t even look at each other and you just walk on.” Riding on the success of their latest album, Make ‘Em Laugh, Make ‘Em Cry, Make ‘Em Wait, which topped the charts, guitarist Adam Zindani said: “The songs on the album are quite personal.

“When songs are written in such a way, they just connect with people and for simple reasons.” “It’s like a big snow, big snow rolling down the mountain just getting bigger and bigger and bigger. Right at the bottom is number one, not at the top, it’s right at the bottom,” added Jamie.

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Actress Jodie Turner-Smith has spoken out after it was claimed she found herself in a very awkward position with Taylor Swift during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show

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Jodie Turner-Smith has revealed the truth behind her awkward interaction with Taylor Swift. The British actress appeared on last week’s episode of The Graham Norton Show alongside Lewis Capaldi, Taylor, Cillian Murphy, Greta Lee and Domhnall Gleeson on October 3.

However, it was reported after the show aired that one part of the filming was cut from the final broadcast at the last minute, following a very awkward question. During the show, Taylor spoke openly about her recent engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce, while flashing her extremely large diamond ring.

After the show aired, an audience member took to social media to claim that during the filming, Jodie, 39, asked Taylor a very awkward question about her future with Travis. The pop star who recently released her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, was being grilled on her engagement and wedding planning.

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Things allegedly turned “uncomfortable” when Jodie asked: “And what about babies?” The audience member went on to claim on TikTok: “Now I know what she meant, she was asking Taylor, ‘Are you going to have babies soon?’ But Taylor thought she was asking if babies were coming to the wedding, so Taylor went, ‘Oh no, under-18s are coming to the wedding, just adults!'”

The social media user added: “I feel that should have been the end of it, but it wasn’t, because Jodie then said, ‘No, no, I mean are you going to have babies?'” The TikTok user said she felt it was inappropriate and that Jodie “should know better than to ask that.”

But now Jodie has responded to the backlash. Taking to Instagram, the Tron: Ares star shared a backstage snaps of herself with Taylor. Posing in the corridor of the TV studios where The Graham Norton Show is filmed, the pair looked super relaxed alongside one another.

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Captioning her post, Jodie said: “@taylorswift you’re an absolute babe! My love for you grows with each encounter! Thrilled for you and all you’ve accomplished, and YES, I’m always gonna have piping hot tea for you.”

Despite the alleged awkward atmosphere in the TV studio after Jodie’s questions directed at Taylor, the social media user stated that Taylor may not have wanted to respond to this, as she may not want children, may not be able to have them and didn’t need to justify a response.

The TikTok user continued: “Anyway, Graham was so on top of it. Instantly, he went, ‘That’s an off-camera conversation to have.’ And then they moved on. So that was a big one that got cut out.” Fans praised Graham for moving the conversation on as one said: “Good on Graham for shutting the baby question down!”

Another added: “Graham Norton is a sweetheart. You can tell there is a genuine and mutual affection between him and Taylor. Seeing as she chose his show as the only UK TV interview. You’re also so lucky to get in.”

Someone else commented: “Do you think the guests kind of forget they’re in front of an audience and just talking and asking questions like it’s a private conversation?” A fourth praised: “I’ve seen Graham twice now and he is so incredibly professional.”

Rajvir Jawanda has died at the age of 35 – days after a terrifying motorbike accident. The much-loved singer was on life support for 11 days in hospital before doctors sadly declared he had died.

The singer was on his motorbike and swerved to avoid cattle that had wandered onto the road. He was left with head and spinal injuries, with doctors warning his family he had “extremely critical with minimal brain activity and no significant improvement”.

Rajvir had been critical ever since he entered the hospital’s care. He died at Fortis hospital, where he was being treated. Rajvir is survived by his two young children. He had the accident over a week ago, and was rushed to hospital at the time.

Rajvir is a huge hit in the Punjabi music world, with the singer having boasted over 420 million views on his YouTube channel. He has a number of songs including Tu Dis Painda, Khush Reha Kar, Sardaari, Surname, Afreen, Landlord, Down to Earth and Kangani.

He also starred in movies including Subedar Joginder Singh, Jind Jaan and Mindo Taseeldarni. He pursued a career in entertainment following a successful training with the Punjabi police.

Tributes have flooded in for the singer, with one writing: “Rajvir Jawanda is no more! May Waheguru bless his soul and give family and friends courage to bear the loss!! What a loss…”

Another added: “Heartfelt condolences on the passing of singer Rajvir Jawanda. The Punjabi music industry has lost a remarkable artist. Rest in Peace.” A third wrote: “My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and millions of fans.”

“So sad we were waiting his good health recovery report but we don’t know this happened we have to hope slowly slowly everything will be better it’s v hard to believe and we lost diamond son and beautiful brother,” a fourth shared.

Punjabi actor Neeru Bajwa was one of the first stars to pay tribute to Rajvir. She said: “Heartbroken by the tragic loss of such a young and promising life. Sending deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of rajvirjawandaofficial May you find strength and peace during this unimaginable time. Gone far too soon, but never forgotten.”

Rajvir worked as a police officer before he turned to music in 2014. He released his debut single that year, Munda Like Me, and two years later, he rose to fame with his song Kali Jawande.

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Comedy legend Ricky Gervais has opened up on the moment his life changed as he ‘took a punt’ after finding himself in a daunting position

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Ricky Gervais has revealed the moment his life changed forever after he took a “punt”. The comedian, now 64, admits he was facing the daunting situation of losing his job when he was 37.

However, rather than sit a panic over what was happening, the After Life star and creator used it as an opportunity to create a new path. And he took to social media to share his message with his followers in what is a tough time for many workers.

Ricky posted an old image of himself on Twitter /X. He wrote alongside it: “It’s now 27 years since I was made redundant and given a few grand.

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“I decided that if I was careful, I could live off the money for 6 months trying to become a comedian before I had to get another job. I was 37. Worth a punt.”

He shared the same message on Instagram and on both platforms he was met with a positive response. On Instagram user wrote: “Thank God you were made redundant! We wouldn’t have laughed as much as we have if you hadn’t!”

Another agreed, saying: “Can’t thank the guy that fired you enough,” with a hands raised emoji. And a third simply called the star “inspiring” and added a red love heart emoji.

Ricky has went on to become one of the most popular comedians in the UK and has broken America. He has enjoyed a number of sell-out tours since that decision, as well as hit television shows such as The Office.

Now, he is set to return to Netflix with the cast of After Life for another heartfelt comedy series. After Life won the plaudits in 2019 as it followed Ricky as main character Tony as he navigates life after the devastating death of his wife Lisa.

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Fans continue to say it is arguably his best work to date. However, he will be hoping his newest venture can outdo it.

The new adult comedy series will be called Alley Cats and has been created by the from Emmy and BAFTA award-winning comedian. As well playing a role himself, Ricky will be joined by After Life stars Tom Basden (who played Matt), Tony Way (who played Lenny), David Earl (who played Brian), Kerry Godliman (who played Lisa), Jo Hartley (who played June), Diane Morgan (who played Kath).

Fans may also recognise Natalie Cassidy, who is best known for playing the part of Sonia Fowler in EastEnders, and After Life’s Andrew Brooke. The show has been teased being “a slacker sitcom created by and starring the multi award-winning Ricky Gervais”.

Netflix said of its announcement: “The adult animation follows the trials and tribulations of a group of feral British cats from all walks of society, who seek companionship while ruminating on everyday life.

“From the funny to the absurd, the series is packed with Gervais’ signature style of heart and social commentary that audiences have come to expect.”

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The Mirror’s Nicola Methven reveals how it really feels to play The Traitors with Claudia Winkleman looking on ahead of the celebrity version of the BBC show premiering

WalkIng in to The Traitors castle, you can’t help but feel nervous of what’s to come. Even though I’m only flanked by a bunch of fellow journalists and no one is actually being murdered or indeed winning any money, you still somehow feel like you’re in a massive competition with each other.

And it’s hard not to feel very excited by the realisation that only a few days before the likes of Stephen Fry, Clare Balding, Jonathan Ross and Kate Garraway were eating, chatting and round-tabling in the very places where we are now. With two peacocks watching their every move.

On arrival we were quickly ushered in to the beautifully decorated breakfast room – so familiar to viewers of The Traitors as the regular setting for the who-has-been-murdered moment. We all ate a bit of lunch while staring at the door and imagining Tom Daley popping in, sporting some fresh knitwear.

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The executive producers, Mike Cotton and Sarah Fay have seen their lives totally taken over by this huge hit of a show – so how was it making the psychologically intense game with starry players?

“They play it really differently because they think all know one another,” Mike explains. “But that’s really interesting because you can watch them discover and learn that their preconceived notions of each other aren’t necessarily right. They come with prior knowledge but it makes it feel fresh.”

Mike says once the game starts, they are treated in exactly the same way as any of the regular players. “You could book the biggest name in the world and they could be gone on day two,” he points out, as we wander around the castle and look at the astonishing 2,000acre grounds stretching into the distance. “We can’t control that.”

And then it’s time for our very own round-table. We sit down in our blindfolds while Claudia does her laps for picking the Traitors and afterwards we each proclaim solemnly that we are a Faithful. “The time for talking is over,” she declares, trying to look serious but clearly stifling a giggle. “Just point at someone you believe is a Traitor.” Hang on a second – point? Where are our little blackboards? (It turns out we’re playing the ever-so-quick press version.)

The nine of us point at someone we think might be a bit dodgy and, to my surprise, one man points at me. But luckily far more are directed at another player who stands up and says: “I think you’re all terrible judges of character but in this instance you are right, I am a Traitor.” So not terrible judges of character at all! We’ve literally stuck gold, very randomly, on our first go. Buoyed by our own brilliance, we set about finding another one. And this is where it all starts to go a bit wrong for me.

The quiet bloke who pointed at me before has decided he really doesn’t want to be quiet any more. “You didn’t deny it when I pointed at you,” he says. “Er, I’ve already said I’m a Faithful,” I counter, telling him to try his luck and he’ll find out that I’m being truthful. What’s rattled his cage?

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“God, I’m turning into that guy who just accuses everyone,” he says, having the grace to look a bit ashamed. Well, yes mate, you are. But he’s not giving up yet. “I’m sticking with you,” he tells me, looking a bit desperate. Doing the only thing that is possible in the situation, I point right back at him.

And then – ha ha ha – it backfires and he’s picked as the Traitor. I mean, OK, he turned out to be a Faithful. But it serves him right for being so – noisy. And I was Faithful too.

Afterwards Claudia tells us that players sometimes SHOVE their shoulders at her as she walks around the table, so desperate are they to be chosen as Traitors. And asked how she developed her distinctive shuffle-walk around the table, she laughed: “Have you seen dressage?” So here’s the million dollar question for the presenter – is the celebrity version as good as the regular one – and what would she give it out of ten? “I’m not saying anything,” she insists. “But…12.”

– The Celebrity Traitors, BBC1, tonight and Thursday, 9pm