Category Entertainment News

BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay has hit back at people who tell him he should not be going to nightclubs in his 50s, saying it ‘winds me up’

Broadcaster Vernon Kay has defended himself against critics who reckon he’s too old to be hitting the clubs in his 50s.

The BBC Radio 2 favourite, 51, has been spinning decks at nightspots for twenty years, and he’s acknowledged getting wound up by those who believe he should hang up his headphones.

He declared: “I think when you’re 50 you’ve really got to focus on the things that you enjoyed when you were younger.

“It gets my back up when people say: ‘You’re 50 and you still go to clubs?’ I’m like: ‘yeah, of course I do,’ because that’s where the life force of all generations is at.”

Standing firm on his passion, he told The Sun’s TV magazine: “If you go to a nightclub, you see everyone, it’s not just young people. You see a great mix of people enjoying good music.

“And it just winds me up when people say: ‘You shouldn’t be doing that at your age.’ It’s like: ‘What are you doing?'”

Vernon is famously wed to Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly and the couple share two daughters, university student Phoebe, 20, and Amber, 16.

During the same chat, Vernon insisted his girls have both grafted for their achievements so far, arguing that while celebrity offspring are often branded ‘nepo babies’, talent alone determines success.

Last week the TV personality, who calls Buckinghamshire home, hit back at BBC Radio 2 colleague Jeremy Vine who shared ParentKind research revealing fewer than half of youngsters in the UK tackle household chores. Jeremy posed a question to Vernon, asking if the “whole point of childhood is that you don’t do them”.

Vernon retorted: “Don’t make me angry Jeremy. You won’t like me when I’m angry.”

He continued: “It starts at the sink, washing up, get involved, stacking up the dishwasher if that’s your equivalent these days, siding the table, you know, that kind of stuff.

“Going down the pit, that was the old school equivalent, some of our parents were working at 16.”

Over the weekend, Vernon grabbed headlines again after he joked about getting “fired” for his flirty exchange with Radio 2 in the Park co-host Michelle Visage.

The duo were hosting from Chelmsford’s Hylands Park, an annual event featuring stars like Jessie J and Olly Murs, when RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle, 56, commented on the heat.

Vernon cheekily responded: “But wherever you are is always hot.”

A Love Is Blind UK star has opened up about their time on the show

A Love Is Blind UK star has insisted that all contestants got a “fair edit” despite those who felt “villainised”.

Love Is Blind UK season two came to an explosive end last month as the unique dating experiment returned to Netflix screens. A group of new singletons hoped to find their perfect match, but only four made it to the altar.

During a fiery reunion on August 31, married duo Matt and Emma Willis discovered only one couple remained happily married, gamer Kieran and dancer Megan, as it was revealed Ashleigh and Billy and Sarover and Kal saw their relationships end, within days of one another, earlier this year.

Fans will remember Bardha’s brutal rejection at the altar when she said she could no longer marry Jed, as well as Scottish nanny Katisha walking away from Javen before their wedding day. The reunion episode saw fiery confrontations as well as tears as the cast of season two opened up about their lives and their relationships since the show.

But now, one star has opened up about the dating experiment as well as life outside. One of season one’s success stories included Nicole Grunewald-Bridey and Benaiah Grunewald-Bridey.

On the show, Nicole was initially engaged to Sam Klein before ultimately choosing Benaiah. Since marrying on the show in September 2024, their relationship has only grown stronger, and the couple continues to enjoy their time together.

Speaking to Heart Bingo, the duo admitted everyone got a “fair edit”, despite other’s thoughts. Benaiah said: “Yeah, I’d say everyone got a fair edit, maybe even a good edit. Including those who may have felt villainised.”

Nicole added: “I was very surprised how well they depicted things, even down to my microexpressions. I didn’t think people would be able to pick up on how hesitant I was feeling with Sam (Klein), and the cameras managed to capture that so well, even down to the moment I had doubts.

“I now realise how expressive my face is and it allowed me to see myself in a bird’s eye view. It opened me up to some blind spots I didn’t realise in myself. So I’ll always be grateful to the show for that.”

Opening up about the reality behind the scenes Benaiah said it was a “long day”, that viewers don’t get to see. He said: “It’s a long day.

“We actually stay in a hotel, the boys in one and the girls in another. We probably get to the lounges at about 7:30 in the morning and on day one, you date everyone. It’s maybe 10 minutes per date.

“We have lunch and you can grab a drink, but you probably wrap up filming around 9pm. Then after day one, you pick who you felt a connection with and they see who matched, and you gradually date less and less people.”

Admitting the marriages are legally binding, the couple went on to say producers rarely helped in what to talk about. Nicole went on to say: “I was naughty and was always asking for help. Decision making is very intense for me.

“I was in meltdown and questioning whether Sam was a good guy or not. The production just kept telling me to trust my heart, and that was it. They wouldn’t give me anything more.”

Hosts Matt and Emma are also said to not get too involved with relationships as they “don’t want to sway us or impact a natural connection” so they “stay out of it”. However Benaiah added: “But they’re a great couple to learn from as they’ve gone through hard times.”

The former Atomic Kitten singer has hit back at a critic online who expressed negative thoughts on her new relationship with Paolo Margaglione, who she met on Celebs Go Dating

Kerry Katona has fiercely defended her new romance after a social media user branded her boyfriend a “fame hungry red flag”.

The former Atomic Kitten singer, 45, is dating influencer Paolo Margaglione, 33, who she was matched with on the latest series of Celebs Go Dating. The pair quickly struck up a connection on the E4 show, not long after Kerry’s split from her ex-fiancé Ryan Mahoney last November.

Since then, Kerry’s relationship with Paolo has gone from strength to strength. The couple recently took part in an Instagram Q&A where they answered questions about their blossoming romance. One viewer suggested Paolo was only with Kerry for publicity, but the mum-of-five quickly shot down their claim.

Kerry told her followers: “If anything, he’s been more supportive of me because I’m the one who has struggled with it more than anything. When people see the connection we have together and how we are they understand it’s not about anything other than that.”

The couple were also asked about their age difference, as Kerry is 12 years older than Paolo, but the singer brushed off the concern. She replied: “No it doesn’t bother me anymore, you’re only as old as the man you’re feeling,” before Paolo cheekily chimed in: “I second that, sorry Heidi.”

Despite facing some backlash from critics online, the couple seem happier than ever. Kerry has embraced her new role as a stepmum to Paolo’s two children, and recently said that their new blended family has brought a lot of joy to her home.

She shared: “It’s great. It’s brought the house alive. You and your kids have brought the best of us out. I’ve never been this happy ever in my entire life. I’ve got everything and more I’ve ever wanted.” Paolo agreed, adding: “I feel exactly the same.”

Kerry’s close friends have also spoken out in support of her new relationship. TV presenter Lewis Nicholls posted a heartwarming message about the couple on Instagram after spending time with Paolo backstage while on tour.

Alongside a smiling selfie, Lewis wrote: “The tour has been full of highlights so far but one has been meeting Paolo, Kerry’s partner who she met on Celebs Go Dating.

“We have had lots of laughs, playing ping pong backstage using our hands and lots of laughs. Kerry and Paolo are the real deal that’s for sure and has been nice to see Kerry smiling and being happy.”

Paolo responded: “What a guy, it’s been a pleasure mate.” Fans of the couple were quick to echo Lewis’s thoughts. One supporter commented: “Always thought they should be a couple after watching Celebs Go Dating,” while another wrote: “Happy you two got together. Was 100% rooting for you!!! You have the kindest gentle eyes.”

Kerry herself has reflected on her time filming the reality series, telling readers in her New! magazine column: “As you can see from the show, I met someone really amazing during filming and I honestly couldn’t be happier. I feel so lucky and like I completely won.”

Copy Princess Kate’s new Cartier earrings with this pair for £1,500 less

The Princess of Wales stepped out at the rugby last week looking as polished as ever, and while her outfit was, of course, spot on, it was her jewellery that really caught our eye. Nestled under her sleek hair were a pair of Cartier’s famous Trinity earrings – a timeless design featuring interlocking hoops of yellow, white and rose gold. They’re both eye-catching and classy…and they’ll set you back £1,630 on Harrods.

However, you don’t need a royal budget to get the look. High street favourite H. Samuel has a pair of hoops that are strikingly similar, and they’ll cost you £169. Made from 9ct gold, the earrings feature the same trio of tones – yellow, white and rose – twisted together in a way that instantly reminds us of Kate’s luxury pair.

Kate’s jewellery picks always cause a stir, and it’s easy to see why. The Cartier Trinity collection is iconic for a reason: it’s sleek, classic and works with absolutely everything. The hoops she chose are the perfect size for everyday wear, adding just enough shine without going OTT.

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The H. Samuel version ticks those same boxes. Small enough for daily wear, but with that elegant mix of colours that catches the light beautifully, we’re certain you’ll reach for these earrings for most events. You can dress them up with a blazer for a royal-inspired look or throw them on with a cosy knit and jeans. The mix of three golds also means you don’t need to worry about matching them with the rest of your jewellery– they’ll happily sit alongside silver, gold or rose pieces.

Now, £169 is still considered a spend, but when you think about the £1.6k price tag of Kate’s Cartier hoops, it suddenly feels like a bit of a steal. Plus, the 9ct gold plating means you don’t have to worry about the pair rusting or making your ears sore. However, if the price is still a little steep, Melissa Odabash’s Tri-Colour Hoop Earrings are £60 on John Lewis and also feature the three different metals entwining into one hoop design.

The Mirror uncovers what Rebekah Vardy has been up to since her husband Jamie signed to an Italian club as she relocates to the country with her family, a task she is undertaking with ‘gusto’

She has had a rough few years but it seems like Rebekah Vardy is now having the last laugh…as the family begins to live La Dolce Vita.

Following husband Jamie’s signing to Italian top flight newcomers Cremonese – the club from the picturesque historic city of Cremona – the Vardys have been hard at work trying to find the perfect new home for them and their brood as they start their European adventure.

Amongst the options the family are considering are lavish homes in Milan, Bergamo and the stunningly beautiful Lake Garda – all just an hour away – as well as in Cremona itself, a city dating back to Roman times that is famous worldwide for its culture and particularly its musical heritage.

Whichever home they do eventually chose, the Italian villa they opt for will also offer some well-deserved calm. To say it’s been a whirlwind month or so for the family has been an understatement. Jamie’s decision to move to Serie A amid a flurry of interest from clubs around the world has seen Rebekah fly over to Italy several times to oversee the logistics of the move.

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This week she posted a picture of herself at London’s City Airport at 6am as she geared up for another trip. As well as house-hunting for the entire family – bar her eldest who is at University in the UK – Rebekah has also been a regular fixture at the Italian embassy sorting out visas.

A source said: “It’s been pretty relentless – particularly as the kids are all being enrolled into international schools as well – but there is a real sense of excitement at immersing themselves into a new culture, and way of life.”

In fact the pair are very much embracing Italian life.The whole family have been “thoroughly enjoying” the northern city of Cremona, in Lombardy, where Jamie’s new team is based. With narrow, cobbled streets, and a plethora of medieval buildings, it’s very different to life in Leicester, and their home just outside Grantham, in Lincolnshire.

And the pair have been busy posting pictures of themselves enjoying its many offerings. “In Italy we always feel at home,” Rebekah wrote – in Italian – alongside one snap. The decision to sign for Cremonese on a one-year deal was a “total no-brainer”, say friends of the couple

“Jamie could have got more money going to the Middle East, but money is not the most important thing. He’s playing in a great, competitive league,in the twilight of his career, with an exciting newly-promoted team and living in Italy. What’s not to like,” says a pal.

Jamie was not short of offers when it came to life after Leicester, who were relegated last season.He departed as the club’s greatest-ever player after he scored 24 goals in their 2015/16 Premier League title-winning season under Claudio Ranieri and lifted the FA Cup in 2021 with Brendan Rodgers in charge.

“I’ve had 13 unbelievable years at this club with lots of success, some downs but a majority, all highs, but it’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about but I think the timing is right,” Vardy said in April. Since then a whole host of clubs from around the world inquired after him, including Dutch giants Feyenoord who tried to sabotage the Cremonese deal at the very last.

But in the end the 38-year-old decided to sign a one-year contract with the Italian club, with a further year on offer should the newly-promoted club avoid relegation. And his new club have made a flying start to the new season. The team are currently joint top of the league – flying high after winning both of their opening Serie A matches, against Sassuolo and European football giants AC Milan. And Jamie could now make his Cremonese debut on Monday, 15 September, away at Hellas Verona.

A source said: “He is relishing the chance to prove himself in a different league. He has seen the likes of Scott McTominay doing so well at Napoli, which has caught everyone’s imagination.

“A lot of players towards the end of the career just go off to the MLS or the Middle East just to pick up a pay cheque, but Jamie – despite his age – is still keen to play at an established league, and Rebekah is fully behind him, and is up for the adventure.”

The move to Italy comes after a torrid couple of years for the couple whose lives were turned upside down by the Wagatha Christie scandal. Rebekah was famously accused by Coleen Rooney of leaking information to The Sun newspaper from her private Instagram account.Rebekah sued for libel and lost. And earlier this year Rebekah paid the final instalment of the cool £1.27m of Coleen’s legal costs following their High Court battle.

The judge said at the time that he hoped the costs settlement would represent the “end of a long and unhappy road.” A pal said: “There’s no doubt it was a tough time for Rebekah. But she is made of strong stuff and has drawn a line under the whole affair. And now she is throwing herself into the move with gusto.”

The Italian adventure, though, is not her only focus. It emerged in May that she was filming a new Netflix show – after she was seen with a Netflix film crew mingling with fans in a pub before one of Jamie’s last appearance ro Leicester. The friend added: “With the Netflix show – and now the move to Italy, things are really on the up for Rebekah. It seems she and the family really are living La Dolce Vita.

The iconic Italian phrase translates as ’the good life.’ And as for Jamie, there is no doubting his thoughts when it comes to how important a role his wife plays in the family’s new life. In a video posted to his social media on September 2, him and Rebekah are seen exploring a museum in Cremona dedicated to violins, which the city is famed for.

Prince Harry and King Charles’ 55-minute reunion at Clarence House has fuelled hopes of a full reconciliation – but that can only happen under one condition, according to Jennie Bond

While Prince Harry was in the UK for a rare trip, he met with his estranged father King Charles for a 55-minute private tea , calling a truce and having a face-to-face conversation for the first time since February 2024.

Since their meeting, many royal watchers have hoped that their conversation at Clarence House on Wednesday afternoon could be the first step in paving the way to a full reconciliation between the Sussex camp and the royal family.

However, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes that in order for the Firm at large to mend the rift with Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex must do one thing – ensure that the details of their meeting remain private.

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She told the Mirror that their meeting, which lasted less than an hour, would’ve been emotional, due to the years of estrangement between the father and son.

But added: “It must, by any measure, have been a highly charged meeting. After all the hurt, the anger, the accusations and the long silences, father and son were together again in the London house which was once Harry’s home too. It wasn’t a long reunion – it lasted less than an hour – but it was a significant first step.”

While their meeting in Clarence House on Wednesday was a positive step in the right direction to mend their rift, Jennie said that for a full reconciliation to be reached, the onus is on Harry to not go public with the private details of their meeting.

“The question now is…what next?” Jennie said. “First, there must be discretion. The Palace were evidently not unhappy for the fact of the meeting to be made public knowledge.

But now it’s essential that the details must remain private, unless both sides agree to say what happened, which is extremely unlikely. Can Harry and Meghan now let private family matters remain private?”

After Prince Harry left Clarence House, he attended an engagement at the Gherkin in central London, where he was asked by a reporter how his father was. Diplomatically, Harry simply answered: “He is great, thank you.”

According to Jennie Bond, this comment is a sign that Harry is keen to keep the details of their meeting behind closed doors in an attempt to rebuild trust with his family.

She said: “Harry made just one comment after the meeting when asked about it and that was that the King was ‘great’. An innocuous comment which shouldn’t cause any problems with the Palace and suggests that his reunion with his dad went well.”

The reconciliation between Prince Harry and King Charles comes after the pair have been at odds with each other for several years, with their relationship fracturing after Harry, alongside his wife Meghan Markle, quit their royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California.

Since then, Harry and Meghan have taken several public jabs at the royal family in their tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, their documentary series on Netflix in 2022, and Prince Harry’s autobiography Spare in 2023.

The dozens of accusations levelled at the Firm only further drove a wedge between the Sussexes and the royal family, with speculation mounting that Prince Harry and King Charles were not on speaking terms.

However, during an interview with the BBC in May, Harry expressed his wish to reconcile with his father, especially in light of his cancer diagnosis.