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Junaid Ahmed opens up about the heartache of his past and the olive branch. he’d like to offer his family after being thrown out of the family home as a teen for coming out as gay

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Junaid Ahmed has had a fun but feisty time since joining The Only Way Is Essex four years ago. But despite the on-screen dramas – and falling in love with his now live-in boyfriend Joe Blackman – it’s what happened to Junaid before he signed up to join the Essex cast that weighs on him most heavily. After coming out to his parents at 18, Junaid was essentially banished from his family home in Peterborough.

Shortly after leaving home and heading for Essex, he lost his older brother and “best friend” in a drowning accident – and has had no contact with his parents or three younger siblings since then. As series 35 of the ITV2 reality show wraps, OK! exclusively catches up with Junaid, 30, to hear why he’s decided to address some unresolved traumas, and help others like him in the process…

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Junaid. You’ve had quite the ride on TOWIE. Do you think you’re ever misunderstood?

Well, I’m sassy, argumentative and I can hold my own! But it’s all a sort of mask to cover what’s really going on. I’ve had to fight my whole life for who I am, and my coping mechanism has been to fight back, fight back, fight back. But that’s going now, because I’m happy with who I am. I’ve found my happiness and I’m not insecure like I used to be. I think there’s a reason behind all the madness.

Why do you want to open up about life before TOWIE?

Well, as a kid I never saw someone from an Asian Muslim Pakistani background on TV, especially with my sexuality as well. I had no one I could look up to. I don’t feel that, as a population, we’re seen or heard enough. We’re going in the right direction but there’s so much more to do. I always knew I wanted to make a change.

Can you tell us about your own experience?

I knew that growing up in my strict Muslim household, and being gay, was going to be a challenging situation. I prepared myself for the worst and, sadly, it happened. I knew I was never going to be financially stable at 18, I knew I wasn’t going to have family support and that I was going to be left out in the cold and be homeless. I knew I’d hit rock bottom, and that’s exactly what happened.

Were you ever tempted to stay silent?

A lot of my closest friends told me that coming out would be the hardest thing I’d ever do, and asked me if I was strong enough. To lose everything for my happiness? And the answer was “yes”. I knew I needed to live authentically, and I also knew what I’d lose.

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You haven’t had contact with your family since, have you?

No, nothing. I’ve been thinking about my mum a lot recently. I miss her a lot, we were like best friends, so I think this is something I want to address sooner rather than later. I’d love a reconciliation with my mum.

Do you feel any resentment about them cutting you off?

No, I don’t blame my parents. The community we’re from is so tight, and the whole family, including my siblings, would’ve suffered a lot if they hadn’t done what they did. They would’ve all been shut out from the wider community, so if me going away by myself and making a new life for myself meant my family would be protected, I was prepared to do that.

What’s your relationship like with your faith?

Even at my lowest I prayed every day for peace and happiness. It’s the same thing I pray for every morning now. I still enjoy going to the mosque every day that I can, too. I’m in my own world when I’m in the mosque and I have my own relationship with God. I sit there, find peace and leave happy. You don’t need to lose your faith just because you’re gay.

You’ve shared a lot about your religion on TOWIE…

I will always bring my religion and culture to my life, work, relationships, my friendships. Joe knows to leave me alone for those few minutes in the morning and the evening when I’m praying. He’s so respectful and in tune with my faith.

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Do you receive DMs from other men in your situation?

I receive thousands of messages from gay Muslim guys. It’s beautiful because so many of them are inspired by what I’ve done. I’ve had messages saying, “We live our life through you,” and tell me I make a difference to unheard and unseen people. It makes me realise why I do what I do. I want to make a difference. I want to make a change.

Do you offer advice?

I do engage because I wish I’d had someone I could message when I was younger. If someone tells me they want to tell their family, I’ll say it’s never going to be easy, but there is light at the end of the tunnel and you can live a happy, authentic life.

What do you think the future holds for you now?

I’d love to do some educational-style documentaries on the Muslim faith, and what it’s like to be Muslim and gay, to let them know there is help. The goal would be a community of openly gay Muslims out there living their authentic lives. I don’t want us to be the minority. I want us to be like everyone else, living our best lives.

Kimberly Hébert Gregory, a member of The Big Bang Theory, passed away at the age of 52. Her ex-husband Chester Gregory shared the news of her death on Sunday.

The well-known actress was well-known for her roles on Better Call Saul, Deborah Curzon on Grey’s Anatomy, and Ms. Davora on The Big Bang Theory. She appeared on other popular television programs, including Gossip Girl, Dollface, and Brooklyn Nine Nine.

You Were Briliant Embodied?, Chester, who has a son with Kimberley, wrote in a social media post about his grief. A Black Woman’s Mind Lit Every Room and Her Presence Propelled Both Fire and Grace. You Educated Us On How To Keep Showing Up Despite the More Demanding of Its Own, Through Courage, Artistry, Resilience, and How to Keep Showing Up.

Additionally, he authored the essay “You Were My Friend, Much More Than Ex-Wife.” The song we wrote together serves as the living embodiment of your light, Our Son. Your Greatness Never Will Fade ThrOUGH Him. Your laughter will always be loud through him.

Kimberly, I appreciate you for every chapter we shared, he continued. Your Story was Never Determined By the Victory You Carry Through It, Rather By the Beauty You Carry Through It.

Hollywood was shattered by the news of Kimberly’s passing, with many other stars posting their condolences and memories online. Walton Goggins, the White Lotus star, and Vice Principals co-star, shared their grief over her passing.

One of the best people I’ve ever worked with was lost, he wrote on Instagram. Hebert Gregory Kimberly. I had the good fortune of getting to know and spend months working with this Queen on Vice Principals.

She laughed at me like no other person, he continued. a skilled professional. A never-missing SOPRANO, a goddamn SOP. My friend, you will be missed. as you are aware.

In a comment of her own, Yvette Nicole Brown responded to Chester’s post, saying, “I don’t understand this. @chestergregory, I’m so sorry for your son’s loss. And our collective loss.

Kimberley graduated from The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts on December 7, 1972, in Houston, Texas, and began her acting career there. She also studied at Mount Holyoke College, DePaul University’s Theatre School, and the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration.

In 2007, she made her TV debut with Chris Rock, Kerry Washington, and Gina Torres in the romantic comedy I Think I Love My Wife, which she played Head Nurse in in an episode of The Black Donnellys.

With a nearly two-decade career, Kimberly’s standout performance in Vice Principals was playing school principal Dr. Belinda Brown opposite Walton and Danny McBride.

In a conversation about the project in 2016, the actress said, “We have to be open. I want to be in a place where I can fight with two white boys.” I want the industry to “get past, be open, and really push for equality.”

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Thomas Skinner, the star of The Apprentice, has admitted that he has to rely on his wife to assist him with daily tasks. He has admitted that he struggles with dyslexia.

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Thomas Skinner, the star of Strictly Come Dancing, has openly discussed the difficulties of his disability and admitted to frequently turning to his wife for assistance.

He has since become a well-known face on television, appearing in programs like 8 Out of 10 Cats and Celebrity MasterChef, after winning recognition as a contestant on The Apprentice in 2019.

He was made known earlier this year that he would be one of the stars who would grace the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor.

The former Apprentice star discussed dyslexia and the significant impact it has had on his daily life during a conversation on the The Edge podcast in 2023.

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He continued, “I’m dyslexic, so anyone who knows me knows I’ll get a parking ticket and can’t fill out the form.” It’s embarrassing.

He also explained how much he relies on his wife to complete daily writing tasks, saying, “I can’t do it. You ask me to fill out a form online. My wife has to ask me to do it every time I try. I am unable to complete forms. I have a panic attack and can’t do it, but I don’t know what it is.

The NHS states that approximately one in 10 people have some level of dyslexia, which can manifest at any age.

They state that “dyslexia is a lifelong issue that can present challenges on a daily basis” and that support is available to those with the issue to improve their reading and writing abilities and ensure success at work and school.

Tom has been dancing on Strictly Come Dancing with Amy Dowden while away from his immediate family.

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The pair performed the paso doble last week for the first time in front of judges, winning only 12 points, including a two from Craig Revel Horwood.

The duo only managed a small improvement on their previous score, with the four judges awarding them 13 points for their salsa to Dizzee Rascal’s Bonkers, which ended up being another deflating week.

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Craig Revel Horwood’s trademark sincerity was displayed in his harsh verdict on Tom’s routine, saying, “It appeared to you were competing in a weightlifting competition in Skegness.” You have shown you have the strength of an ox, despite the lack of any hip action or fluidity.

Tonight’s show will feature the first couple being eliminated from the competition as week two draws to a close.

After her nine-year marriage broke down, Strictly Come Dancing star Ore Oduba claims he’s “changed everything” and that he has since moved on with a new man.

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By his own admission, Ore Oduba described his split with his wife of nine years as “painful.” And at the same time last October, Portia Jett told fans on social media that the breakdown of her marriage was “one of the most stressful things you can ever go through.”

Given that the couple have two children together, it’s understandable that their divorce was put under even more strain. However, a year later, it appears as though Portia has found love once more, and she credits her mysterious partner for “changing everything”.

The mother-of-two shared her happy news with her devoted following of fans by sharing a photo of her new husband wearing a denim shirt over a white t-shirt.

As he looked away from the camera, he added a blue baseball cap, which partially obscured his face. While taking the loved-up selfie, Portia was beaming from ear to ear.

She captioned the post saying: “You came along and changed everything. PS: Happy Birthday.” And fans wasted no time in wishing the happy couple well, as well as Strictly professional dancer Karen Hauer. One person said: “I am over the moon for you, you deserve every bit of happiness; If anyone deserves this happiness it’s you.”

Another person said, “Yes, yes, yes!” You are the person who deserves this joy, if you will! You’re so happy, I’m so happy! Made my Sunday and I’m so happy for you, lovely! You are extraordinary and merit great things.

And a third individual remarked, “Oh, that’s great news! I’m so happy for you, because I thought there was a new person here.

The TV researcher then revealed the difficulties she encountered when managing the daily routine of independent parenting.

Taking to her Instagram live Pour It With Portia she said: “What I am going through is one of the most stressful things, doing the daily grind, looking after two kids and being present. You feel like you’re constantly treading water and sometimes I feel like I can’t do this anymore, I am done.”

She admitted to drinking more than usual while sipping on a glass of prosecco, but she wanted to cut back. She continued, “In recent years, my tolerance for alcohol has increased.” Three glasses don’t touch the sides because of my high tolerance right now. I once consumed only pure alcohol, but I’m now in the trenches.

Ore, 39, has also discussed how life has been going since divorce. He admitted to his wife and I splitting up while on the Extraordinary Life Stories podcast. And both my life before and the life after that are utterly different.

Nothing exists, and there are no striking similarities. At Loughborough University in 2010, Owen and Portia introduced me. Five years later, they got married and started a family, raising Roman and Genevieve.

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TV icon Jenny Eclair says she was passed up twice as the presenter of the Great British Bake Off, despite getting to the final two candidates back in 2020, missing out to Matt Lucas.

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When Alison Hammond joined The Great British Bake Off in 2023, most thought she was a natural choice, but comedian Jenny Eclair was hoping it would be her who got the call.

“I’d have loved to present Bake Off! I was second to Matt, you know,” Jenny tells Mirror, referencing when, in 2020, fellow comedian Matt Lucas took over from Sandi Toksvig, in presenting the Channel 4 show.

“I was in that audition process, and it came down to me and Matt. I would have loved that gig. I’d still be there now if I got it! But I auditioned and then I got a big bouquet of flowers the day before they announced Matt, with a little note saying ‘next time’.”

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However, in 2023, it was This Morning star Alison that got the call to take over from Matt. “I don’t know what happened to next time!” laughs Jenny.

Alison hosts the show alongside Noel Fielding, while Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith serve as judges. And while Jenny never quite made the presenting line-up, she has been inside the famous tent, appearing on Stand Up To Cancer’s Celebrity version of the show in 2020.

Losing out to her former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! campmate Alison wasn’t so bad, though, says Jenny. who is now a big fan of the This Morning star. Jenny and Alison appeared in the jungle back in 2010, alongside the likes of Shaun Ryder, Gillian McKeith and eventual winner, Stacey Solomon.

“I always knew Stacey would do well, it was obvious she was going to win [I’m A Celeb] from the beginning. But Alison, I think her career has been just as much a surprise for her as it has for anyone. She’s found a really great niche and is a regular in people’s sitting rooms, I really do love watching her on Bake Off,” says Jenny.

With a second All Stars series of I’m A Celeb on the horizon, would Jenny be up for facing some critters again?

“Oh, the money would have to be really good for me to consider that. As in, a life-changing amount of money. And I don’t work Tuesdays, do I? I would need to commute from South Africa or take Arlo with me,” she laughs, explaining that Tuesday is “Nana day”, when she looks after two-year-old grandson Arlo.

For now, she’ll stick to being a little closer to home, and it sounds like she’s got a pretty jam-packed schedule as it is. Heading off to continue her stand-up tour, Jokes, Jokes, Jokes Live! the day after our interview, Jenny still has plenty of important prep to do. “I need to get my car sweets for the journey. And biscuits, I always bring biscuits for the front row audience.”

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The show is based on her 2024 memoir, which delved into Jenny’s family life, her upbringing and the changing face of women in comedy – as hilarious, insightful and disrespectful as you’d imagine it to be.

“It’s a lot lighter than the book, it’s all jokes and punchlines,” says Jenny of the tour, which runs until late November. “It becomes less personal to me and more general to the audience, as most people have experienced some kind of parent loss, siblings, school, first love, having babies…

“So, it should strike a chord with everyone. It’s a mix of a professional look-back with personal bits and some gossip from I’m A Celeb thrown in.”

And as one tour comes to an end, another begins, as Jenny will be back on stage in the lead-up to Christmas for a string of shows for her hit podcast Older And Wider , which she co-hosts with writer friend Judith Holder, as they natter about life.

For tickets to Jenny Eclair’s stand-up show Jokes, Jokes, Jokes Live! visit Jennyeclair.com. Tickets for the Older And Wider Live podcast shows in London this Christmas are available now from leicestersquaretheatre.com/show/older-wider-live-at-christmas.

Over the weekend, Maureen, Denise, and Anne took to the stage to pay homage to their late sisters, Bernie and Linda, both of whom passed away from cancer.

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Three members of The Nolans reunited on stage this weekend to perform a special one-off gig to help raise money for cancer following the loss of two of their sisters to the illness in recent years.

On Saturday night, Anne, 74, Denise, 73, and Maureen, 71, performed at Sheffield’s City Hall in support of the Weston Park Cancer Charity.

Sadly youngest sister, Loose Women star Coleen Nolan, 60, was unable to join her older siblings due to work commitments and was said to be “absolutely gutted” as they were “doing it in honour of Bernie and Linda.”

Tragically, Bernie, the sister of Bernie, passed away from breast cancer in 2013 at the age of just 52, making the family’s situation worse.

After two decades of incurable secondary breast cancer spreading to her brain, Linda passed away in January of this year from pneumonia at the age of 65.

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Their 70-year-old brother, Brian, was just diagnosed with prostate cancer, and their sister Anne, who passed away before taking the stage, has also had cancer twice.

Simply The Best, the first time this line-up of Anglo-Irish sisters had performed together since 1978, was the title of the show.

One of the best-selling girl bands ever, they have sold 30 million records and have a particular strong following in Japan, making them one of the best.

The band’s most popular song is “In the Mood For Dancing,” but Denise first gave it a performance before it was released in 1979.

Sharing their reasons for doing the special show, Denise told the BBC they were determined “to do their sisters proud” and said: “Everything is difficult when someone goes, everything is a memory.

“But I believe that professionalism overtakes.” When Linda passed away, I gave her eulogy, and of course, you can’t wait until you think, “Am I going to break down?”

However, once you get there, it feels like you’re speaking to someone else, you’re doing your job, and you’re aware of your desire to make someone proud.

The trio also set a Guinness World Record for Tell Me It’s Not True from Blood Brothers.

At the fundraising event, celebrities like Dr. Ranj Singh, Layton Williams, Janette Manrara, and Darren Day joined them.

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