Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy remain in Wimbledon fever in lavish tennis getaway

Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy appeared to be bitten by the Wimbledon bug after taking in the action at SW19 before heading off to a Portuguese getaway and taking to the courts

Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy played tennis in Portugal

Peter Crouch and his wife Abbey Clancy clearly weren’t over their tennis fever after taking in the action at SW19. The married couple were spotted the iconic grass courts this month to watch the Wimbledon finals.

And it seems they have the bug for the sport as they picked up their rackets in a sunshine getaway. The duo were having a wail of a time on their Portuguese break as they took to the courts.

The 6ft7 former Liverpool striker looked like he was intent on getting the better of his other half – and revelled in doing so. Wearing a loose-fitted cream t-shirt and shorts combo, the 44-year-old cheered his shots as he parried them back to his wife, 39. He shielded his eyes with a smart pair of sunglasses, with extra balls stuffed in his pocket for the game.

Peter getting in on the action in Portugal
Peter getting in on the action in Portugal(Image: BACKGRID)

Abbey didn’t appear as into the sports session as her man and was seen resting with a drink in a takeaway coffee cup at the net. She opted for a fitted sportswear outfit of a black crop top and high-waisted leggings, which she tucked into white socks.

She also donned a pair of designer shades for the outing on the blue sports courts. At one point she was seen with her grey sweater tied around her neck.

Abbey Clancy Portugal
Abbey took a breather from the sport(Image: BACKGRID)

Earlier in the month, the pair were seen cheering on their favourite tennis stars at SW19. They put on a very loved up display at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, where they were joined by their eldest daughter, Sophia Ruby.

The pair have three younger kids too, Liberty Rose, Johnny, and Jack. While the couple currently have four kids, Abbey recently revealed she would quite happily have a fifth.

Abbey Clancy
Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch enjoyed the Portuguese sunshine(Image: BACKGRID)

The couple, who tied the knot 14 years ago, have been entertaining fans for years with their hilarious honesty and true affection for each other on their The Therapy Crouch podcast. And last month, Abbey opened up to OK! about her secret hopes to add to their brood.

Revealing the best thing about parenting at this stage, model and former Strictly champion Abbey said at the time: “We’re not walking round with two prams and two nappy bags! I love them when they’re babies but with my sister and brothers and their partners and kids, we’ve got a proper ready-made little gang now.”

Peter Crouch playing tennis
Peter showed off his ball skills(Image: BACKGRID)

However, when probed on if they could ever have baby number five, Abbey laughed: “I’d have 10 kids if I could, but Pete is like, “absolutely not”. I think he said he’ll leave me if I bring another living thing into the house.

“All the kids are in school now, so I could easily have a newborn, but my husband says “no way”.”

Sophia Ruby Crouch, Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch attend day four of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships
Sophia Ruby Crouch, Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch attend day four of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships(Image: WireImage)

Abbey also took aim at the rumour mill surrounding her family. Finding it funny what speculation is shared from their podcast, she said: “Well, it’s very inconsistent, isn’t it?

“One minute we’re living separate lives and the next we’re having a fifth baby! I don’t read the stories though, I only learn about them when I get a call from a relative asking, “Are you and Pete splitting up?” or “Are you having another baby?”

Article continues below

Oasis fans fume as fence put up at Heaton Park to stop ticketless fans from watching gig

Ticketless Oasis fans previously took to ‘Gallagher Hill’ to catch a glimpse of the giant screens that showed the concert in Heaton Park, but the area was soon fenced off

Oasis fans fume as council puts up fence on hill in Heaton Park ahead of gig(Image: GETTY)

Oasis fans were fuming when the council put up fences around ‘Gallagher Hill’ to stop ticketless fans from gathering to watch the Heaton Park gigs from a distance. Over the last few sold-out shows in Manchester, many took to the area to watch the large screens showing the concert.

However, the fun quickly ended as Manchester City Council soon erected fences around the hill to “dissuade people from gathering there” Councillor John Hacking told ticketless fans of the recently reunited group to head to the city centre to enjoy “a real party atmosphere” instead of hanging around the park.

READ MORE: ‘Life changing’ 48p-a-day supplement that gets rid of fatigue and leaves tummy ‘flatter’

The area was fenced off by the council
The area was fenced off by the council(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)

Hacking explained: “The steps being taken ahead of the next concert regretfully mean the distant view of the large screens behind the event stage will no longer be there”.

The council’s hand was “forced” into placing the fences to protect the trees, livestock, grass and the safety of the park, Hacking claimed.

Furious fans rushed to social media to slam the decision, with one fan writing on X/Twitter: “People can’t have fun in the UK anymore,” and another posting: “Gigs sold out, why do they care? Miserable twats.”

Liam and Noel Gallagher
Liam and Noel Gallagher returned to Heaton Park this month(Image: William Lailey / SWNS)

“Shame on Bury/Manchester council for fencing off ‘Gallagher Hill’. Stripping people of as much joy as they can. It’s no different than standing outside Heaton Park or living in a high building where you can still see.

“They can blame it on mess as much as they want,” another angry fan commented.

One added: “Putting fences up on Gallagher Hill is bang out of order.. what harm were they doing? Miserable f**kers.. they’ll find another way to watch from afar and I hope they do so we can go down this weekend!”

READ MORE: Oasis have released new tickets for UK tour – how to buy yours if you missed out

Gallagher Hill caught the attention of Oasis guitarist Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs, who is credited with reuniting Liam and Noel. He shared a video of fans enjoying the concert from outside the venue, alongside the caption: “No tickets needed,” alongside red heart emojis.

Police have already been cracking down on ticketless fans in the area as some even tried to hop the fence in order to see the Gallagher brothers.

Greater Manchester Police reported six people had been arrested for trying to get into the shows with “fake accreditation”, while others had been caught trying to force their way through a perimeter fence. Oasis are set to play another three shows at Heaton Park on 16, 19 and 20 July.

Noel and Liam Gallagher started their reunion tour earlier this month with two dates in Cardiff, Wales.

Article continues below

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: Sol de Janeiro’s Discovery Set sale will get you travel-friendly body mists for £6 each

Jo Bacon dead: Love Actually and EastEnders star dies as tributes flood in

Tributes have been paid after the death of a ‘brilliant’ actor – who appeared in one of the most iconic scenes in Love Actually. Jo Bacon played Natalie’s mum in the 2003 film when the Prime Minister played by Hugh Grant knocked on the door of their south London house looking for Martine McCutcheon’s character.

Bacon who was a hugely popular figure across the world of TV, theatre, film and ballet also made appearances in EastEnders, Casualty, The Bill, Pie in the Sky, Little Britain, A Touch of Frost and New Tricks. And she won rave reviews for her performances in Breeders where she played Jackie the mum of Paul played by Martin Freeman.





Jo Bacon playing Natalie’s mum in Love Actually

Freeman was one of many actors who paid their last respects to Bacon, who has died at the age of 72, at her funeral yesterday.

The celebrant Jo Moore said: “Jo’s talent as an actor was a gift that she shared with the world. On stage and on screen, she brought us joy, laughter, and inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of everyone she reached.

“She was a woman of many talents and facets, and I would like to share with you a description of Jo, given by Gill, one of her lifelong friends: ‘Jo’s life was a wonderful, elaborate, kaleidoscope with different sections for each of her passions and only Jo was at the centre and could see and enjoy the whole kaleidoscope. In many ways Jo was a contradiction – a flamboyant extrovert, a superb wit, a natural communicator and yet, at the same time, an introspective loner.

“We all thought we knew her so well but, in reality, we each only knew and loved one aspect of her.’”





Service programme for funeral of much-loved Jo Bacon


Service programme for funeral of much-loved Jo Bacon

After her cancer diagnosis in January, Jo herself said “I have had a brilliant life. I have been so lucky to do the things I have done and to have met the wonderful people I have met. I have no regrets.”

Bacon’s close friend Patrick Roberts spoke passionately as he recalled Jo’s love of life, love of travel and love of animals. There was applause, laughter and tears as the congregation listened to a string of anecdotes about her life and career.






Jo in Breeders


Jo in Breeders
(
©Avalon ©Sky UK Ltd)

Another friend Barry Bowen said: “The thing I remember and love most about her I suspected in those early local days and it proved true in spades as the years went by…. her unfailing loyalty to her friends. If Jo had wanted to be anything other than the humble person we all knew, she was so well equipped to be a name dropper. Sharing stages and studios with the likes of Redgrave, O’Toole, Mirren, Bates, Rickman, Grant, Firth and Freeman were a silent compliment to her.”





Jo Bacon in New Tricks


Jo Bacon in New Tricks

The congregation heard how Bacon started her career in the 1960s and 1970s at amateur dramatic groups in Hatfield Heath and Harlow, Essex. And as she enjoyed increasing success in her career Bacon remained a steadfast supporter of local groups near her home in Hatfield Heath regularly attending many performances of the Heath Players, Harlow Ballet and at Harlow Playhouse

Her coffin left the venue at GreenAcres Epping to the sounds of the Rolling Stones Honky Tonk Women. A huge animal lover, particularly dogs, she asked for donations to be made to a local charity called Mutts in Distress.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs onTikTok,Snapchat,Instagram,Twitter,Facebook,YouTubeandThreads.

Queen Camilla makes history as she’s handed yet another prestigious title

While attending a ceremony at Devonport naval base, Queen Camilla has been awarded an esteemed title in a historic move, making her the first royal family member and first woman to hold the designation

Queen Camilla has been appointed a unique title that dates back to the mid-16th century, after it was created by Henry VIII(Image: PA)

Queen Camilla has become the first member of the royal family and first woman to be appointed Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom. The honour was given to the Queen during a ceremony at Devonport naval base in Plymouth today, where, as the sponsor of HMS Astute, she joined a ceremony to mark the end of the submarine’s first commission.

Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, said Camilla’s new historic title would “further enhance Her Majesty’s relationship with the service” and reflected the “high regard” she commands with sailors and other Naval officers.

Queen Camilla
Queen Camilla has made history after becoming the first royal family member and the first woman to be appointed Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom(Image: PA)

Arriving at the naval base, Queen Camilla inspected a Guard of Honour consisting of submariners before the ship’s company performed a traditional “Cheer Ship” salute, as the Queen descended onto the submarine’s deck.

As Lady Sponsor of the HMS Astute submarine, the Queen has maintained close ties with the vessel, and the Navy at large, since naming it in 2007. Since taking on the role of Lady Sponsor, she has been considered a key member of the submarine’s ship’s company and has stayed closely connected with the 135-strong crew.

Camilla’s support has come in the form of annual writings to the crew onboard the vessel, as well as the delivery of care packages that include English breakfast tea and shortbread, which were “really well received on board” according to naval sources.

The office and esteemed title of Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom dates back to the mid-16th century, after it was created by Henry VIII in 1513. The most recent holder of the title was Admiral Lord Boyce, the former First Sea Lord and Chief of the Defence Staff, who died in 2022 aged 79.

Queen Camilla
Rear Admiral Andy Perks, head of the submarine service, presented Camilla with the honour(Image: PA)

Rear Admiral Andy Perks, head of the submarine service, presented Camilla with the honour, which included the formal presentation of a burgee, or pennant, to recognise the Queen’s ongoing support for the Royal Navy.

Commander Christopher Bate, HMS Astute’s Commanding Officer, expressed the crew’s pride in the Queen’s sponsorship, as he said: “Her Majesty The Queen has supported us from the very beginning. She has consistently shown a deep commitment to all aspects of our work.”

He added: “It is a proud and memorable moment to welcome Her Majesty to HMS Astute and for her to meet our families as we mark the end of our first commission.”

While at the naval base, Queen Camilla was given a very unusual gift: a roll of cling film. The Queen was presented with the roll of cling film on a wooden stand after the ceremony, which was engraved with the words: “First of class, second to none.”

Queen Camilla
Queen Camilla was given a roll of cling film as a gift by the submariners, as a reference to an inside joke(Image: PA)

The gift marks an inside joke between the submariners as cling film apparently kept the vessel going when they used it to wrap the engines more than two years ago. Camilla found the strange gift very amusing, exclaiming: “The famous clingfilm!” The submariners engraved the gift with a special message: “Clingfilm, keeping Nuclear Submarines at Sea”.

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins met with Queen Camilla earlier today at another event, and expressed his joy over bestowing Camilla with the honour.

He said: “We’re super proud of Her Majesty’s role with HMS Astute, as are the crew, it really matters a lot to us as a Navy and to them as a crew that it’s the Queen’s submarine.”

The Queen then joked to him about not wanting to serve on a submarine, with the head of the Royal Navy saying: “I think we would all recognise that being a submariner is a very special skill set, you have to be really committed to the role and what you do for the country. It can be phenomenally rewarding, it’s an amazing sense of teamwork onboard, but it’s not for everyone.”

Article continues below

Second Israeli Ultra-Orthodox party quits government

A key partner in Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition says it is quitting, leaving the Israeli prime minister with a razor thin majority in parliament.

The Ultra-Orthodox Shas party said on Wednesday that it was leaving the cabinet in protest against lawmakers’ failure to guarantee future exemption from military conscription for religious students.

“Shas representatives … find with a heavy heart that they cannot stay in the government and be a part of it,” said the group in a statement.

Shas, which has long served as a kingmaker in Israeli politics, said it wouldn’t work to undermine the government once outside it and could vote with it on some laws. It also wouldn’t support its collapse.

The departure of Shas comes one day after another ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism (UTJ),  resigned from the government over the same issue, which has sparked an explosive debate in the country after more than 21 months of war with Hamas in Gaza.

However, unlike the UTJ, a Shas spokesman said the party was not leaving the parliamentary coalition, leaving Netanyahu with a slim majority.

While ultra-Orthodox seminary students have long been exempt from mandatory military service, many Israelis are angered by what they see as an unfair burden carried by the mainstream who serve.

The joint move by Shas and UTJ comes just before Parliament starts a three-month summer recess on July 27, giving the Prime Minister several months of little to no legislative activity to bring the parties back into the fold.

‘Cruel and criminal persecution’

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish leaders say full-time devotion to holy scriptures study is sacrosanct and fear their young men will steer away from religious life if they are drafted into the military.

Last year the Supreme Court ordered an end to the exemption. Parliament has been trying to work out a new conscription bill, which has so far failed to meet the demands of both Shas and UTJ.

Religious Services Minister Michael Malkieli, a member of Shas, said on Wednesday that rabbis were angered after Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee chairman Yuli Edelstein reneged on promises regarding the bill, according to a report in the Times of Israel.

Malkieli, reading from a statement by the Council of Torah Sages, also hit out at action taken by the IDF and attorney general to pursue draft dodgers, describing the move as “nothing less than cruel and criminal persecution against yeshiva students”.

The rupture is not expected to usher in immediate elections or undermine efforts to secure a possible Gaza ceasefire.