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‘I dated Ryan Giggs as an original WAG – but here’s why I turned my back on fame’

Dani Behr was once one of the UK’s hottest stars, becoming one of the most recognised women in Britain thanks to her roles presenting hit TV shows. She was also an original WAG, dating Ryan Giggs back in 1994 – a staggering three decades ago. But they split after struggling to make a long-distance relationship work, with Dani saying of then-Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson: “I lived in London and Ryan was in Manchester and he didn’t like his team travelling a long way so that was difficult. He controlled Ryan. I got so much attention then, I was never out of the papers. I guess we were the first showbiz-footballer couple so there was a huge interest in us”.

Dani made her name on chat shows including scandalous late-night magazine show The Word – which she joined at just 17 – and Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast. Then, In the early noughties, she was chosen to present the BBC’s new children’s programme The Saturday Show, but was unfortunately dropped when her comments about having a voice that was great for phone sex, made to a men’s magazine, were deemed ‘ inappropriate ‘ for a kids ‘ TV presenter.

Dani presented anarchic Channel 4 chat show alongside Terry Christian, Mark Lamarr and Katie Puckrick (Channel 4)

Now, the 54 year old is living a more subdued life in Los Angeles, and has a very different career away from the spotlight, which her dad, Michael, once referred to as a ‘ proper job’.

In 2015, the former magazine cover star and mum of two passed her exams and began working as a real estate agent, specialising in the luxury market and introducing clients to some of the USA’s most lavish properties.

Dani Behr, black dress
Dani was a huge TV star in the 1990s (Richard Young/REX/Shutterstock)
Dani Behr, Joe Mace
Her career on The Saturday Show, alongside co-host Joe Mace, was very short lived (BBC)

Following in her estate agent dad’s footsteps, she reflected on her career change, saying: “I was once hanging out with the most famous people in the world, dating sportsmen and socialising with the trendiest bands. Now I sell houses to them, it’s funny how things work out. I was never comfortable with the fame thing, it was never anything I really wanted and plus, my father’s delighted. He says he is so happy that finally I have got a proper job. He doesn’t have to worry about what he is going to read about me any more”.

Fans on X, formerly Twitter, were shocked to discover her new role, with one person saying: “Dani Behr is an estate agent? You all knew? Real life Selling Sunset? Am obsessed”, Another fan commented: “I saw Dani Behr on a US property show as a real estate agent!!”! A third fan said: “I didn’t know Dani Behr works in Real Estate now. (Watching channel 4.)”

Dani Behr
She is now a real estate agent in LA (Rupert Thorpe)

At the time, Dani also shared that she needed to provide for her two kids, Coco, then nine, and Zayn, who was eight, and revealed the pressures of the industry: “As you get older, it is harder to find a job in television especially in the US. The work dries up, and very quickly. She continued, stressing the importance of financial stability:” I’m a single mum now so I need regular money coming in, money I can rely on, just as any mother would need. “Dani split from her husband, restauranteur Carl Harwin, in 2014 saying they had little in common.

But Dani has not shied away from TV work. She is well-known for her attempted comeback appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2008, where she shared the screen with Dollar frontman David Van Day, children’s TV legend Timmy Mallett and winner, EastEnders ‘ Joe Swash. Sadly, she was sent home on day 12.

Dani Behr
Having attempted a TV comeback on I’m A Celebrity, Dani stands in for Ross King on Lorraine (ITV)

She also appeared on Come Dine With Me in 2009, alongside EastEnders ‘ Laila Morse, singer Dane Bowers and comedian Bobby Davro, but came last. More recently, she has appeared on Lorraine Kelly’s daytime TV show, providing updates on celebrity news from LA, standing in for Ross King.

Dani started her career in pop music, graduating from the Sylvia Young Theatre school before being discovered by the Pet Shop Boys ‘ manager Tom Watkins, who put her into a girl band dubbed the female Bros, called Faith Hope &amp, Charity. After that, she moved on to BBC children’s TV show Grange Hill, before things skyrocketed with The Word.

Decision for Meghan Markle show to get second series branded ‘absurd’ in scathing tirade

The decision to give Meghan Markle’s latest Netflix show a second series has been blasted as “absurb” by an industry professional.

With Love, Meghan was panned by critics this week after it debuted on the streaming service. Viewers called for it to be axed as they said it was “out of touch”.

But Netflix has renewed it – and some scenes for the second season have already been filmed. It is a move which has shocked many across the industry, including Jon Roseman, who has been an agent for decades, representing the likes of Anne Diamond and Kate Garraway over the years.

The pundit said: “This is absurd. There must be desperation involved if Meghan has got something so wrong, and all the critics hate it, and then Netflix announces: ‘ We have done another series. ‘

” I’m guessing a lot of pressure has come to bear. It makes perfect sense, though, when you find out that the second series was already filmed. “

The Duchess of Sussex
With Love, Meghan, sees The Duchess of Sussex share hosting tips and tricks (Netflix)

But with Meghan’s £80million deal with Netflix set to end regardless, the Duchess of Sussex will soon be pursuing avenues to fund her lavish lifestyle.

In her programme, Meghan reminded one guest she still uses the name” Sussex, “a reference to her history with The Firm – despite no longer being a working royal. The remark led to some suggesting the former actress harbours hopes of returning to the fold.

However, Ingrid Seward, author of My Mother And I: The Inside Story Of The King And Our Late Queen, told Mail Online:” I don’t think we will see her walking back into royal life, she doesn’t want it. “

And Richard Eden, royal editor with the Daily Mail, added:” There’s no way that he (Prince Harry) and Meghan will be invited back to the Firm while they’re still trying to make a fortune in the US. “

When Meghan met Harry in 2016, she was portraying the character Rachel Zane in Suits. She would remain the legal drama for two more years until her departure from it – and seemingly from acting entirely – in 2018. Sources say opportunities may open for Meghan to return to her screen roots, particularly because Suits was so popular.

Davina McCall’s empowering last words to hero surgeon before her brain surgery

Stoic Davina McCall ensured her brain surgeon was “in the calmest place” before her complex surgery following her brain cyst, she has revealed.

The TV presenter, 57, admitted she was tempted to beg consultant neurosurgeon Kevin O’Neill, 62, to “keep me alive” for the sake of her three children. However, before the complex, six-hour operation, Davina bravely remained calm and instead told the doctor: “‘You do whatever you need to do. I put all my faith in you’. “

And she credits these 14 words for helping the procedure go smoothly in November. Now, she says she has the energy and vitality of a 25-year-old – and is gearing up to soon present Stranded on Honeymoon Island for the BBC.

“He doesn’t need me screaming at him to keep me alive. He needs to be in the calmest and most confident place. I wanted to empower Kevin to do the best job he could,” Davina, who was rushed to hospital after a cyst was found by chance in a routine body scan, continued.

In one of her first interviews following the operation, Davina fought back the tears to praise Dr O’Neill, with whom she now shares a powerful bond and close friendship. The medic opened up Davina’s skull from ear to ear and removed the 14mm colloid cyst sitting in the third ventricle, between the left and right hemispheres of the celeb’s brain.

The mum of three has developed a powerful bond with her surgeon
The mum of three has developed a powerful bond with her surgeon (Getty Images for GFI)
Davina, from southwest London, says she has the energy and vitality of a 25-year-old
Davina, from southwest London, says she has the energy and vitality of a 25-year-old woman (WireImage)

Dr O’Neill likened the operation to defusing a bomb as he peeled back the scalp, drilled into the skull and had GPS equipment with trackers placed over Davina’s head like little stickers.

The TV presenter knew the procedure was fraught with risks so she finalised her will, and wrote letters of wishes for her three adult children, Holly, Tilly and Chester. Recalling her ordeal, Davina said: “I set up my whole life before I went into the operating theatre knowing that, if I didn’t make it, the kids would be OK. I needed to go under the anaesthetic knowing I had my ducks in a row. It was my way of letting go. I am so grateful for that process, because I realised through all of it that, if I were not around, my children would be on the right path. “

Davina and Dr O’Neill, who calls himself an “empath”, met for the first time since the operation this week, reports The Times. They both spoke to the publication, each declaring their admiration for each other. They are now friends; as is Davina with Dr O’Neill’s partner, a fashion model.

Davina, who presented Big Brother, told the publication: “We’re going to be friends for the rest of our lives… We are going to go out to dinner with our partners! We are GOING TO DO IT! “

Michael Douglas and Davina McCall
Pictured with partner Michael Douglas, the TV host has reflected on her decision to have the complex operation (Getty Images for the NTA’s)

Dr O’Neill, who operates privately at the Cleveland Clinic in central London and works for the NHS at the Imperial College Healthcare Trust, said: “Davina is a special person. Some people are so terrified they can’t make a decision [about what to do]. “

“You can’t overthink things. You can’t let [negative] thoughts overtake you. I’ve been in extreme surgical cases where you think, ‘S***! I want to run away. ‘ But you have to gather yourself, give yourself a talk: ‘You’ve done this before; you’ll do it again. You can do this really well. What are you afraid of? ‘

“I knew if I let these thoughts come in with Davina, I’d start to freeze, and so you have to have something that overpowers them. That is that I am experienced and highly regarded by my peers and I do this a lot. “

Friends star David Schwimmer slams Hollywood for ‘heinous’ silence over antisemitism

Friends icon David Schwimmer has delivered a scathing critique on Hollywood celebrities for not speaking up against rising antisemitism worldwide. The 58 year old actor famed for his role as Ross Gellar in the cherished TV series stepped up to the plate at the Anti-Defamation League’s Never is Now summit this week, calling on his “heroes” in the industry to actively denounce racist vitriol, rather than stay complicit through their silence.

He particularly targeted those celebs who’ve cemented their careers by embracing their Jewish heritage or portraying Jewish characters, his statements arriving hot on the heels of openly requesting Elon Musk to block Kanye West from X following his spree of antisemitic tirades and self-proclaimed Nazi affiliation.

In an impassioned plea while donned in smart attire, Schwimmer addressed the attendees: “Plenty of people I respect, even some of my heroes in entertainment, music and sports, have chosen to keep a low profile and sit this one out, including some whose careers have been made by leaning into their Jewish identity, and others who have won acclaim for playing Jews onscreen.

” Some of them are doing a lot behind the scenes, privately and in their own way, but so many have chosen not to say anything publicly at all. And if I can say something directly to them: I really wish you would. “

David is best known for playing Ross Gellar in Friends ((Image: Getty))

He then passionately urged:” I wish you would stand up. I wish you would speak out, because your voice would be so meaningful to your fans who love you, to your community members who need you, to folks who can use just a little solidarity right now, “reports the Express.

” No one’s asking you to solve the conflict of the Middle East. Just say that you stand with your Jewish friends, colleagues, and neighbours against hatred and what’s happening on our college campuses and in our schools and to Jewish-owned businesses is totally unacceptable. “

At the same glittering event, ‘ Wonder Woman ‘ star Gal Gadot graced the stage to collect the Anti-Defamation League’s prestigious International Leadership Award.

In her heartfelt 12-minute speech, the Israeli actress made a fervent plea for the liberation of the hostages still captive in Gaza amid the ongoing skirmish with Israel, saying”, With every hostage release we hear new testimonies of the horrors they’ve been through. Every minute for them is hell. Their lives are in danger and we need them home, “captivating attendees with her words.

Gadot continued with conviction”, None of us can ignore the explosion of Jew hatred around the world anymore. We have had enough of Jew hatred, we will confront anti-Semitism. We will call it out, but we will never let it, not only, defeat us but define us because our love is stronger than their hate. “

Gal Gadot also spoke at the event as she pleaded for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza
Gal Gadot also spoke at the event as she pleaded for the return of Israeli hostages in Gaza ((Image: Getty))

The alarm over rising anti-Semitism has intensified notably in the last two years, especially within the United States, as inflamed far-right ideologies emerge alongside political discontentment related to the contentious Israel-Gaza stalemate.

On 7 October 2023, an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel resulted in the death of around 1200 people and the abduction of 251 individuals. This incident sparked a surge in the conflict between Israel and Gaza, with numerous bombings and unsuccessful ceasefire attempts over the following two years.

The death toll has since escalated to over 50, 000, with the majority being Palestinian civilians killed in IDF bombings. This tragic loss of life has further intensified global tensions towards Jewish people.

Recently, a delicate ceasefire agreement has been maintained since 19 January, resulting in the successful exchange of 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages for approximately 2, 000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. However, it remains uncertain whether negotiations for the release of the remaining hostages and the completion of the Israeli withdrawal will proceed, despite US President Trump’s demands for Hamas to release all remaining hostages or face severe repercussions.

In a blistering tirade on Truth Social earlier this week, he warned the militant group:” ‘ Shalom Hamas ‘ means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you. “

He then continued with a stern warning:” Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say. I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning! “He added with an ominous tone:” For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER! “.

Katie Price shares mum Amy’s heartbreaking new health battle after lung transplant

Reality TV star Katie Price gave a heart-wrenching update on her mother, Amy, who is battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Katie shared the struggles her family has been facing as Amy’s health continues to decline. Amy, who was diagnosed with IPF in 2017, had a lung transplant in November 2022 in hopes of improving her condition.

However, last year, she spoke about how her health was fluctuating, with good days and bad days, and her condition was unpredictable. Katie spoke about her mother’s ongoing challenges on a recent episode of The Katie Price Show, which she hosts alongside her sister Sophie.

Katie said to her mum, who was also part of the podcast: “I do feel you for you mum, because people have to understand what my mum’s gone through, like her brain is just so active and still switched on. She can’t do the things that she used to do, which is frustrating for her”.

(Katie Price/Instagram)

The former glamour model continued: “” Now here’s an example, because I am a patient person but when my mother teases me and says let’s go look at the shops in Isle of Wight, shall I take my walker or wheelchair and I’m like ‘ no we’re taking your wheelchair because I’m not taking an hour’. “Amy, vouching for herself, replied:” It’s not doing me any good because I’m meant to walk to help myself. “Katie also mentioned that Amy might attend the Isle of Wight Festival this year. Amy said:” I hopefully should be walking. “

Earlier this year, Katie revealed that while she’d never been a smoker she quickly got drawn in by vapes, and started suspecting something could be wrong with her own lungs. On Snapchat, 46-year-old Katie shared that she was heading up to London for the day, and soon revealed that she was getting her lungs scanned. The star admitted that she was” nervous “to undergo the tests, but said that it had to be done. She then posted plenty of photos and videos from the medical practice, showing herself going through various exams.

She later said:” So I thought I’d give an update about yesterday when I went and had my lungs checked. Obviously I had them checked because my mum had a lung transplant, and to see if it’s genetic and to see if vaping has affected my lungs or anything like that. But my lungs are absolutely perfect, nothing wrong with them, and he gave me advice how to get off the vapes. So I’m starting to wean myself off the vapes. But yeah it’s all good news, they’re all working well and they’re really good lungs, especially for my age. So all good! I’m all healthy! “

Just after news of her lung check, Katie was spotted at the airport with her boyfriend ahead of a getaway with a twist, joined boyfriend JJ Slater, 31. The couple held hands as she wheeled a pink suitcase around duty free, with Katie showing off her mass of tattoos in a cropped tee and comfy sweatpants. The loved-up duo is believed to be en-route to Turkey, blasting rumours that they’ve split. The tip isn’t just a holiday, however, with Katie set to have even more cosmetic surgery, just a couple of months after she underwent a dramatic £10, 000 face lift.

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Gene Hackman’s dog’s cause of death update as medics reveal star died days after wife

There was a major update into the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa.

The duo were found dead on February 26 at home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. One of their three dogs was also found deceased. Now, as experts updated the public on their findings, the canine’s cause of death is not yet known.

The cause of death for their dog Zinna is yet to be confirmed with autopsy results still pending. However, Dr Erin Phipps from New Mexico Department of Health noted that canines do not get ill from hantavirus – a rare disease that is said to have been the cause of Betsy’s death.

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that are carried by rodents and can cause serious illness and death in humans, according to US Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.

Just two days before Betsy’s thought to have passed, she had collected Zinna from the vets after a medical procedure had been carried out. She later emailed her massage therapist before heading out to go shopping around midday. Dr Heather Jarrell, New Mexico’s chief medical examiner, went on to tell reporters that she believed Betsy had died from the rare flu-like illness on February 11.

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy were found dead (AP)

Dr Jarrell also explained that no trace of COVID 19 or influenza was found within Betsy, saying: “Testing for carbon monoxide was negative. There were no other significant natural disease findings. Pills present on scene, or thyroid medication, which were being taken as prescribed and is not currently a concern for a contributory cause of death”.

Speaking regarding Gene’s death, she continued: “The cause of death for Mr. Gene Hackman, aged 95 years, is hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributory factor”. When she explained the timing surrounding the pair’s death, she said: “Mr. Hackman’s initial pacemaker data revealed cardiac activity on February 17, subsequent pacemaker interrogation demonstrating an abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation on February 18, which was the last record of heart activity.

” Based on this information, it is reasonable to conclude that Mr. Hackman probably died around February 18, based on the circumstances, it is reasonable to conclude that Ms Hackman passed away first February, 11, being the last time that she was not to be alive last week. “However, she did state:” There is no reliable scientific method to accurately determine the exact time or date of death. “

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