Category Entertainment News

Meghan Markle is returning to acting. The Duchess of Sussex’s last acting role was in the 2016 Hallmark Channel TV movie, Dater’s Handbook, as Cassandra Brand.

The Duchess officially retired from her time on screen eight years ago after she started dating Prince Harry, and their relationship became more serious. She found fame playing paralegal Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits, between 2011 and 2018, with her final scene being filmed the year before her exit.

But now, sources claim that she’s preparing to step back into her former career, alongside the likes of Brie Larson, Lily Collins, Brit Henry and Jack Quaid for the production of Close Personal Friends. Today, the Duchess was reportedly on set in Pasadena, Los Angeles.

Although she’s returning to the screens, it’s said she will be playing herself in the Amazon MGM Studios film, which focuses on two couples, one of them being famous, and the other not being famous.

A source told The Sun: “This is a massive moment for Meghan and signifies a return to doing what she truly loves. She has been swamped with offers, but this one felt right. It is Meghan’s way of gently putting her toe back in the water and seeing how she enjoys being back on set.”

They added that everybody involved in the production had been sworn to secrecy. Meanwhile, her husband, the Duke of Sussex, is said to be extremely supportive of his wife’s return to the screen and has been encouraging her to do “whatever brings her joy.”

Earlier this year, the mother-of-two admitted that she occasionally missed her acting career. But while Harry is extremely supportive, he admits that one scene of Meghan’s left a lasting mark on his mind. Writing in his memoir, Spare, the Duke said: “I’d witnessed her and a cast mate mauling each other in some sort of office conference room.

“It would take electric shock therapy to get those images out of my head.” In the past, Meghan has always been open about her experiences as an actress, admitting she struggled earlier in her career. Despite getting countless auditions, directors rejected her, which she says had an impact on her self-esteem.

Speaking to Vanity Fair in October 2022, the Duchess made a very cryptic comment about a possible return to the industry. She told the outlet: “I left Suits right after the 100th episode, in 2018. I didn’t think I’d ever be in the entertainment industry again. But the entire culture has changed; streamers have changed things. The ability to create zeitgeist moments like we had in the ’90s — where everyone would tune in at the same time for a show or gather for one moment? — that doesn’t happen anymore.

“When I was doing Suits, that character, Rachel Zane, was in your living room with you while you were in your pyjamas eating Chinese takeout. That’s how connected the experience felt then. But to create a cultural moment or conversation requires something different today. Podcasting has been really interesting in that way. It might be one of the only remaining forums where people are alone to listen. Where else do you have that opportunity?”

When asked directly if she would consider returning to the screens, she quipped: “No, I’m done. I guess never say never, but my intention is to absolutely not.”

In 2021, just one year after Meghan and Harry stepped down as senior working members of The Royal Family, it was revealed that the Duchess would consider a return for the “right role”. She and Prince Harry later signed a deal with Netflix to produce documentaries, which included Harry & Meghan, and most recently, With Love, Meghan.

Film-maker Jia Wertz told the Daily Star: “Considering that Meghan Markle had a 15-year career as an actress and has now signed a production deal with Netflix, which is taking her back to the world of Hollywood, I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility to think she will return to acting for the right role.”

She went on to add: “The bold and decisive decisions Markle has made by stepping down as a senior member of the royal family and moving back to Southern California indicates that she knows what she wants, and has stated that she has no plans to return to acting. Fans may see her appear on camera in her new documentary endeavours, though.”

The Mirror has approached The Duchess of Sussex’s spokesperson for comment.

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The three headliners at Chester’s Together Again Festival will be James Arthur, Becky Hill, and Ministry of Sound Classical, along with some big names.

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A massive festival will feature an X Factor icon as the headliner. Next year, James Arthur will play as the three ensemble members, joining Becky Hill and Ministry of Sound Classical.

Fans will not be let down by the festival’s venue, which is situated at the stunning Bolesworth Castle in Chester, Cheshire, over the weekend. Following a smashing debut this year, thousands of music lovers are expected to flock to Cheshire for the second event.

A huge Noughties chart topper will also be performing a phenomenal set, along with James, Becky, and Ministry of Sound Classical. For the weekend, Example joins The Fratellis, Reverend &amp, Salardo, Tom A Smith, Ultrabeat, Daniel Bedingfield, Freya Ridings, Scouting For Girls, Cast, Heather Small, Shola Ama, So Solid Crew, and many others.

5 images to be viewed

5 images to be viewed

After learning who would be performing, fans immediately took to social media to express their joy. with the phrase “What a line-up” written! “Can’t wait,” a second said. A third wrote, “Love this,” in the interim. Excellent lineup Everyone will find something. You are in for a treat if you haven’t seen Ministry of Sound Orchestra. It would be a wonderful weekend finale.

Over the course of the festival’s four days, Together Again will ensure that there is something for everyone over the weekend. The biggest names will perform at the weekend’s heartthrob, and it will be The Together Stage.

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The Rewind Arena will play classics across dance anthems, UK garage hits, and pop classics, while The Agora Stage will bring tech, house, disco, and bass all to one stage this year. Country music will be played at The Wonky Lizard, where live music, comedy, and cabaret will be available.

Up to two children will once again be included for free in the price of a family weekend camping ticket because of the cost-of-living crisis, festival organizers have made sure the weekend takes into account family budgets!

With the return of festival favorites and exciting new additions like an Oktoberfest Beer Tent, Extreme Sports Arena, live cooking demonstrations, and much more, 2026 is expected to be even bigger and better.

Escape, the company behind the acclaimed In It Together, which has grown to be Wales’s largest family-friendly festival, is the organizers of the festival. In light of the current difficulties facing the live music industry, this is a remarkable accomplishment for an independent business.

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The upcoming event’s headliners, Together Again, are “delighted,” said Escape’s Head of Festivals, Mark Hopkins. We have been working hard in the background to ensure that next year will be even bigger and better because our debut year was incredibly special.

Over 60, 000 festivalgoers flocked to Bolesworth Castle for the first edition of Together Again last July, with Dizzeee Rascal, Jamie Webster, and Olly Murs performing live music for the unforgettable weekend.

Adult weekend passes start at £149, and children can get free camping at the same time for just £299. co. uk.

Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire, will host the Together Again Festival on July 24 through July 26.

Gemma Collins’ life wasn’t always so glamorous; her ex-boyfriend Rami Hawash even gave her a daily allowance to leave her job and pursue fame.

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Gemma Collins has revealed how much Rami Hawash, her fiancé, has supported her over the years by paying her to leave her “normal” job. 44-year-old TOWIE icon rose to fame in 2011 as a result of her participation in the popular reality TV program.

She has lived her life in the spotlight for years and is busy planning her future with fiancé Rami. However, things were not always as glamorous for Gemma.

The TV star met Rami before entering the limelight, when she had a very different career. Gemma decided to reveal all in a gushing social media post as she thanked her fiancé for his support over the years as they prepare for a new TV chapter together.

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3 images to be seen

“My FOREVER LOVE,” she declared. “Our own show our exciting journey everything has come to us at the right time. Years ago when I met Rami I was selling cars! I then gave it all up for £50 a day but it was the best risk I took, and wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Gemma continued, “Rami would always tell me that I would be successful and that I would get money for my hair-make-up outfit.”

He would give me £100 each morning to travel to filming, Gemma continued. He gave me some support. Gemma’s post received the following comments: “So happy you have found your forever love and that he supports and cherishes you.”

Another person commented, “That’s lovely Gemma xx.” “Love this Gemma, you two are lovely together, xxx,” another user said. Gemma and Rami rekindled their romance in 2011, then again in 2014, and they got married that year.

They soon split – but reconciled in 2021. Gemma and Rami got engaged once more and are busy preparing for a wedding. While they haven’t set a date, Gemma told the Mirror she is eying up 2026.

She stated, “Absolutely it will be 2026.” The year I spoke with my astrologer is the one to get married. It would actually appeal to me to be very mythical. Fairies would be nice to me. You know the movie Maleficent? I’m obsessed with it. I believe a woodland setting would be appealing. Boho-like but magically both.

Rami is already a father to a son named Tristan, whom Gemma affectionately refers to as a stepson and frequently shares photos and videos of her doting on him online. Over the weekend, Gemma teased a big move for her and her family.

She had enjoyed going to a friend’s 40th birthday party and had taken her step-mother Rami Hawash’s son to the dentist. Gemma shared a life update that might surprise viewers as one of the highlights of her weekend.

She shared a photo of herself lounging on a sofa after Gaurav Lamba’s birthday celebrations. She added the caption “Shattered!!!” to the photo when she uploaded it to Instagram Stories. and tomorrow fly back to Dubai.

Then, she contacted her followers to ask them where they could relocate to in the Middle East. I’m seriously considering moving my family to Dubai; if there are any lovely places to live, please let me know.

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Jade Thirlwall has opened up about the harsh reality of being in Little Mix, revealing she and her bandmates sobbed at the height of their success amid fears they’d be dropped by their label

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Little Mix cried over fears their label would drop them at the height of their fame. The girl group made history when they not only became the first group to win The X Factor in 2011, but also became the first girl group to make it so far in the competition.

Previously, girl groups, including the likes of Belle Amie and 4th Impact, had been voted out of the competition during the early live show rounds. However, with the guidance of their mentor, Tulisa Contostavlos, Little Mix continued to sail through week after week.

Every week, Jade Thirlwall, Jesy Nelson, Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock impressed the public and judges with their renditions of E.T, Don’t Stop the Music and Super Bass. After winning, they went on to become one of the biggest-selling UK girl bands of all time.

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Despite this, Jade has now opened up and feared the girls would be dropped by their record label, while at the height of their success. Prior to the release of their third studio album, Get Weird, in November 2015, the girls had racked up an impressive three Number One singles and seven Top Ten singles.

Jade has now revealed that, ahead of Get Weird’s release, the group worried their career could be over. “It was cut-throat. You were always on a tightrope of success; if you fell out of the Top 10, there was a lot to worry about,” she said. Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar UK, she added: “I look back at times when we were huge, before Get Weird came out, and we had a big sleepover, all crying, ‘If this isn’t a Top 10 song, we’ll get dropped.’ It’s wild to think about now because we were so big at the time.”

However, Jade admits that after the group went on an indefinite hiatus in 2022, she struggled the most. Her bandmates, Perrie and Leigh-Anne, were engaged and had families, while Jade is dating Rizzle Kicks star Jordan Stephens.

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She told the outlet: “I struggled the most to adapt to life after the group – the other girls had better distractions: families, kids. They went into a new chapter willingly. It was just me. I didn’t know what to do with myself. Since I was 18, I lived and breathed Little Mix. It just took me a minute to adjust

“There were so many spirals. I kept thinking, ‘Will I still be relevant by the time I come out? Will everyone forget about me?’ And being 30-plus, you do wonder, ‘Is that old to start as a solo artist?'”

But to Jade’s surprise, she has gone on to achieve astronomical success since her girlband days. She signed as a soloist with RCA, and her debut single, Angel of My Dreams charted at Number 7. Her solo record, That’s Showbiz Baby, released in September this year, saw Jade take home the Number Three spot.

This, however, isn’t all – her solo headline tour, That’s Showbiz Baby: the Tour, is completely sold out, leaving Thirlwall to add extra dates for fans to snap up more tickets. At the BRIT Awards this year, she took home Best Pop Act and was also nominated for Song of the Year for Angel of My Dreams.

Elsewhere, in November last year, she took home the Trailblazer Award at the Rolling Stone UK Awards.

The December/January issue of Harper’s Bazaar UK is on sale from 7 November

Strictly Come Dancing could be facing yet another scandal as reports have claimed there is a video of a married celebrity contestant kissing his female dance partner

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Strictly Come Dancing has been hit with many scandals in recent years, yet the latest could result in “an absolute PR crisis”. The hit BBC dance competition has tried to brush off bullying claims, an alleged drugs scandal and the show’s ‘curse’.

Things had seemingly been going to plan this year until hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their shock exit at the end of the series. However, a new alleged scandal has come to light and could “rock the very foundations of Strictly” if a video were to emerge.

Reports have claimed the release of the clip could implode a long-standing marriage and cast a shadow over the show. A 12-second clip allegedly shows a married former Strictly contestant kissing his female professional dancer.

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It’s claimed that the video was filmed backstage at Elstree Studios by a member of production who saw the pair passionately snogging in a dressing room. It has been claimed that the kiss happened on a previous series but has “been the talk of Strictly”.

“The video itself shows the famous married family man passionately kissing his female dance pro,” a source told the Sun. “She is sitting on his knee, and he has his hand on her back before leaning in for a kiss.

“The kiss only lasts a few seconds, but it would more than likely end his marriage and destroy his carefully cultivated family man image.” They claimed the video has been shared on WhatsApp and people have been “slightly sickened” by the act as they “always knocked down scurrilous romance rumours.”

The source added that if the clip was shared publicly, it would be a crisis for the two stars and the BBC. Staff on the show reportedly met the man’s wife, and described her as “absolutely adorable; such a kind woman.”

It wouldn’t be the first time the family-friendly BBC show has faced scandal in recent years. Ahead of this year’s launch, many feared for the show’s future.

There have been multiple reports of misconduct allegations over the past few seasons of Strictly, resulting in axings. Back in 2023, professional dancer Giovanni Pernice received the boot following claims made by his celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington.

Amanda made allegations of “bullying” and “aggressive behaviour,” but Giovanni has always denied “abusive or threatening behaviour”. Some complaints against him were upheld, but he was cleared of the most serious ones in a probe that lasted months.

In the same series, dancer Graziano Di Prima was axed over claims of misconduct towards partner Zara McDermott during training. He was sacked by BBC bosses amid claims he “hit, spat at and kicked” his celebrity dance partner.

This year, Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans got kicked off the UK tour after being accused of making inappropriate remarks. The 2024 celebrity contestant was filmed making a controversial “spit roast” comment during the Strictly live tour.

Although Evans later said the term referred to fellow contestant Jamie Borthwick and not presenter Janette Manrara, as was reported at the time, he claimed he was forced to apologise and has since parted ways with BBC Radio Wales.

Over the summer, there were reports the BBC had called in the police after lawyers began an inquiry into claims two of its stars had used cocaine. A BBC spokesperson said at the time: “We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us.

“We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.”

The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment.

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