The actress, best known for playing Eileen Grimshaw in Coronation Street, opened up about a terrifying health battle which left her seriously ill and needing treatment in intensive care. The star is currently appearing on Celebrity MasterChef as she takes on a new challenge away from the cobbles.
But while viewers watch Sue battle it out in the kitchen, the star has previously spoken candidly about a difficult period in her life after undergoing surgery and later becoming seriously unwell. In 2023, Sue revealed she had endured a particularly difficult year after undergoing a hysterectomy before later being rushed to A&E.
Speaking about her health at the time, Sue explained that she had been seriously ill and had required intensive care treatment. “I had a really bad year. I had a hysterectomy in March then a few weeks ago, I ended up in A&E,” Sue said during an appearance on ITV hit chat show Loose Women.
Sue chose not to go into detail about exactly what had happened but admitted it had been an extremely frightening experience.
She explained: “I don’t need to go into details, but I have not been on a diet this year. I have been seriously ill. It was a scary, scary time. I had surgery and ended up in intensive care.”
The star had been subjected to speculation about her changing appearance, with images of her being used in adverts promoting weight-loss products. But Sue made clear that her weight loss had not been the result of following a particular diet. Instead, she had been dealing with serious health problems behind the scenes.
Despite the difficult experience, Sue was able to joke about the attention she had received over her appearance. “I’ve been seriously, seriously ill, but I look amazing!” she quipped.
The health scare came several years after Sue experienced another frightening medical emergency. In 2019, the actress developed sepsis after suffering from a kidney infection.
Sue later recalled becoming extremely unwell while she was working, initially believing that her symptoms could have been caused by flu or another illness.
Her condition deteriorated rapidly and she was eventually taken to hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with sepsis. The actress has since spoken about how serious the situation became and how important it was that she received medical treatment.
Sue has continued working throughout her health battles and has remained a familiar face on British television.
Now, the actress is taking on another challenge as she joins the line-up for Celebrity MasterChef. The cooking competition sees famous faces put their culinary skills to the test as they compete to impress the judges.
For Sue, it marks another chapter in her television career and gives viewers the chance to see a different side of the much-loved soap star.
Celebrity MasterChef is available to stream on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Summer is nearly over and TV is gearing up for winter TV, and this Love Island star could be the new face of the jungle
22:27, 28 Aug 2026Updated 22:47, 28 Aug 2026
Chloe is a firm favourite with ITV fans and bosses think she would be perfect for the I’m A Celeb…(Image: Getty Images for Bauer Media)
Love Island favourite Chloe Burrows has been tipped to be heading Down Under after reportedly entering talks for this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
The 30-year-old shot to fame on Love Island in 2021 and proved a huge hit with viewers, eventually finishing runner-up alongside her then-boyfriend Toby Aromolaran. Now producers are allegedly keen to sign her up for I’m A Celeb, with Chloe said to be enthusiastic about swapping her home comforts for life in camp.
She is said to have held a number of meetings with bosses behind the ITV jungle show ahead of its return to Australia later this year.
A source told The Sun: “Chloe is in advanced talks and they love her. She was hugely popular in Love Island. She made it clear she’d love a chance to go to Australia to be on the show.”
Her sizeable online following is also reportedly attractive to producers as ITV continues to bring social media personalities into the jungle.
The insider added: “She has a very big following on social media too, very much like Angry Ginge and GK Barry, and ITV bosses think she could bring in a younger audience.
“ITV moves with the times. They’ve seen the surge of popularity with influencers.”
YouTuber and streamer Angry Ginge was crowned King of the Jungle last year after securing 13million votes, while podcaster and social media star GK Barry finished fifth in the 2024 series.
Since leaving the Love Island villa, Chloe has successfully built a career away from the dating show. She now hosts her own podcast, Chloe vs The World, and can also be heard on Kiss Breakfast alongside Strictly Come Dancing star Tyler West.
It wouldn’t be her first experience of being pushed outside her comfort zone on reality television either. Last year, she signed up for Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, although her time on the gruelling Channel 4 programme was short-lived. She chose to leave the process during the second episode after struggling with its demanding challenges.
If she does sign on the dotted line for I’m A Celeb, Chloe is expected to fly to Australia’s Gold Coast ahead of filming beginning in November.
She isn’t the only famous face being linked with this year’s line-up. Paralympian and television presenter Ade Adepitan, 53, and Gavin & Stacey actress Joanna Page, 49, have also reportedly been approached about taking part. It’s worth nothing, however, no contestants have yet been officially confirmed.
After The Mirror reached out for comment, ITV said, “Any names suggested for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! are just speculation.”
Zoe Ball appeared on Wednesday’s Celebrity MasterChef as a guest judge, where she set the contestants a food challenge
Zoe Ball appeared on Wednesday’s Celebrity MasterChef as a guest judge, where she set the contestants a food challenge (Image: BBC)
Celebrity MasterChef welcomed Zoe Ball on Wednesday’s episode.
During the latest instalment, the second round of heats continued, with five celebrities facing two more culinary challenges as they battled for a place in this week’s quarter-final.
First up, it was the return of the mystery box before the Who’s Coming to Dinner? round, where each week, a special guest sets a culinary brief for the celebrities. On Wednesday’s episode, Zoe, 55, entered the MasterChef kitchen as a guest judge, asking the celebrities to create the ultimate pudding. It comes as Zoe recently admitted fears for her new radio job.
Hosts, Grace Dent and Giorgio Locatelli, were delighted over Zoe’s appearance in the kitchen with Grace calling her a ‘hero’ of hers.
Talking in a VT about appearing on the show, Zoe joked: “I am so honoured to be in the MasterChef kitchen, but I am a terrible cook. I mentioned to my kids that I might be visiting the studio and the looks of horror.
“[They said] ‘What? They’ve allowed you in?’ So the only way I could ever come here was to be a guest judge. So I’m thrilled and I’m ready to be impressed.”
Talking about setting the ultimate pudding task, Zoe quipped: “A meal is not complete without a pudding. It’s a little bit of naughtiness, a bit of indulgence. I will often order pudding before I’ve even thought about the main.”
She added: “I’ve always been a pudding kind of girl. My family are pudding people. A meal is not finished until you’ve had pudding.
“Puddings make me happy. They’re creamy, they’re rich, they’re a little bit naughty and things that are naughty are good for you, in my opinion.”
Taking to Twitter, now X, viewers were all quick to say the same thing about Zoe’s appearance on the show. One person said: “Zoe’s like a breath of fresh air! Best celeb judge! #MasterChefUK #CelebrityMasterChef.”
A different account wrote: “Loving Zoe’s positivity giving encouragement. She realises these celebs are not professional chefs. #CelebrityMasterChef!” while another viewer said: “Zoe Ball seems really nice. #celebritymasterchef.”
Another fan commented: “Seeing #zoeball on #celebritymasterchef just made me think, #zoeball should have been one of the new presenters of #strictlycomedancing!” while a different viewer added: “Zoe Ball feels like a natural presenter for this show #CelebrityMasterchef!”
At the end of Wednesday’s episode, it was sadly comedian and influencer Tom Simons aka TommyInnit who left the kitchen.
Celebrity MasterChef continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Celebrity Hunted aired a dramatic finale as four ‘fugitives’ successfully managed to outrun the hunters
The celebrity hunters were left feeling defeated as four fugitives managed to escape (Image: Channel 4)
The winners of Celebrity Hunted have been confirmed in a dramatic end to the series, while one fugitive was sent home.
On Tuesday evening (August 25), the grand finale of the Channel 4 show kicked off with five celebrities still on the run from the Hunters. Former EastEnders star Brian Conley and his daughter Lucy were still a team, remaining undetected, along with Strictly Come Dancing pros Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu. It comes as disability advocates JJ Chalmers and Sophie Morgan were caught on Monday’s episode.
And on Tuesday’s episode, television presenter Scarlette Douglas was on her own after her brother Stuart was caught in a previous episode, yet the end was in sight, and she made a bid for the extraction point. As she headed to the motorway in a car being driven by her friend, the Hunters were hot on Scarlette’s heels, and after she tried to run away on foot, she was captured moments later.
“I’m gutted that I didn’t get all the way to the end. But I managed to do three days without my brother, and that has made me super proud”, Scarlette said as she was eliminated from the series.
Across the country, the two remaining teams headed to Birmingham train station to retrieve details of the extraction point from a left luggage facility, and the Hunters wasted no time in following them.
Carlos and Amy tried to dress up in hopes of not being caught on CCTV, while Brian waited in a pub as his trusty daughter headed over to retrieve the information, but they were all captured on camera, and the Hunters closed in.
With details of the extraction point stored on a burner phone, the teams headed to Black Rock Sands beach in North Wales, where they stayed overnight in local B&Bs before heading for the checkpoint.
Amy, Carlos, Brian and Lucy concealed themselves in the sand dunes while they waited for extraction, which came in the form of a small aeroplane that could land directly on the beach.
The teams sprinted to the aircraft as the Hunters raced across the beach on foot and by car, with help from a helicopter.
Amy and Carlos jumped through the doors of the plane, followed by Lucy, but Brian struggled to run across the sand and was seen holding his lower back.
Thankfully, the 65-year-old made it into the aircraft, which began moving down the sand, ready to take off and complete the extraction.
The Hunters made one final push to cut them off, racing alongside the plane in their car, but they failed as the plane took off, leaving Brian, Lucy, Amy, and Carlos as the show’s winners and the Hunters at HQ annoyed.
Celebrity Hunted is available to stream on Channel 4
The Channel 4 challenge has said goodbye to two more celebrities
Ray Howard and his team of hunters have captured two more fugitives (Image: Channel 4)
Two ‘gutted’ Celebrity Hunted stars have been forced to leave the hit show.
A new season of the Channel 4 programme is well underway, challenging a fresh group of stars to go on the run and hide from expert hunters.
The team of hunters is led by Ray Howard and they have a mixture of police and military backgrounds at their disposal. Ray’s agents are also allowed to use everything from CCTV to helicopters in their hunt for the famous faces.
And the hunters added two more victims to their list just minutes into Monday’s (August 24) episode. They caught disability advocates JJ Chalmers and Sophie Morganfollowing a heated car chase.
The duo originally tried to evade the hunters by driving away, but they eventually accepted defeat. Following their capture, Sophie admitted that she was “sad” but still spoke highly of her experience.
Sophie said: “I’m gutted we got caught. We did really well and we just slipped up at the end. Not because of our disabilities.
“If anything, I think it aided us at times. I think it’s been a really lovely experience to just feel [like] disability doesn’t always get in the way.”
JJ also reflected on the challenge fondly, adding: “What I take away from this, more than anything, will just be the kindness of strangers. If you ever doubted that there was goodness in the world, there is more good in this place than there is bad.”
But viewers at home have been left divided by the pair’s eviction.
Some felt they gave up too easily, with one X user posting: “Why didn’t JJ Chalmers and Sophie Morgan just lock the car doors and stay inside the car when the hunter reached the car door? They could have avoided capture yet. #CelebrityHunted.”
Meanwhile, others praised their decision to forfeit: “Sensible decision by JJ and Sophie. They weren’t going to win in a car chase. Well played though. Lovely people. #Hunted #CelebrityHunted.”
Following the latest capture, there are five fugitives still at large including father-daughter duo Brian and Lucy Conley, Strictly’s Amy Dowden MBE and Carlos Gu, as well as lone wolf Scarlette Douglas.
Celebrity Hunted is available to stream on Channel 4.
EXCLUSIVE: Vanessa Feltz has a career spanning over four decades but the talk show legend has confirmed she will not be heading into the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! camp whatever the fee
I’m A Celebrity bosses have tried to sign up a TV legend for years(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
ITV bosses have reportedly been asking one talk show legend to sign up for I’m A Celebrity for years.
Despite the gruelling ITV reality show being one of the biggest shows of television, Vanessa Feltz has revealed that she won’t be heading Down Under anytime soon.
With a career spanning over four decades, it’s no wonder producers are keen to sign up the 64-year-old presenter but she won’t be swapping her life of luxury like Caitlyn Jenner, Coleen Rooney and Noel Edmonds – no matter how much they offer her.
When asked if ITV have been knocking on her door this year, Vanessa confirmed: “Not yet, but they usually are in touch but I have not changed my mind. I would be so appalling at it.”
“Every single thing they would ask me to do, I would be terrible. I think I’d be so terrible, it wouldn’t even be funny. I don’t think people would like it.
“I’d be bored, I’d be fed up, I wouldn’t like being hungry, I wouldn’t like being eaten by mosquitoes, I wouldn’t like the rats, the snakes and I wouldn’t like some horrible rat scuttling over my face.”
Vanessa continued on behalf of BetWright Casino: “I don’t care about seeing Australia or the jungle, I couldn’t care less and I like being where my family are in North West London or in East Cork. So, no, I’m not going to say yes but the funny thing is, every time I say no, they think I’m doing it for the money.
“Every time I say no, they offer me more money but I really mean no. I’m not bargaining. I do not want to go and that’s it. I think it would be absolutely terrible. I think I’d just look like an absolute cretinous idiot.”
Vanessa may not be tempted to take on the dreadful Bushtucker Trials but she is keen to face the roundtables on Celebrity Traitors but she says there’s one problem.
“I wouldn’t mind having a bash at The Traitors but I’m not sure I’d be any good at that because I think I’m so fluent and so many words come tumbling out of my mouth at all times, she explained.
“I never seem to stop for breath and I’m never fishing around for the next word. The vocabulary just runs and runs and I think people never believe a word I say.
“Years ago I did a show called Call My Bluff, where they had to guess are you lying or are you telling the truth?. They kept thinking I was lying when I wasn’t at all.
“So I think if I was on Traitors, people would just think I was a Traitor straight away and I’d be the first person, like Paloma Faith, on the bus going home within ten and a half seconds.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! is due to return to ITV1 and ITVX later this year
The show’s latest run, in aid of Stand Up To Cancer, sees celebs such as Strictly stars Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu, EastEnders‘ Brian Conley and his daughter Lucy and TV star siblings Scarlette and Stuart Douglas trying to hide from the Hunters.
And on Tuesday (August 11) another episode aired, in which Amy had to head to a hospital in Birmingham for the preventive cancer treatment that she has monthly.
The star announced in May 2023 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and she went on to have a mastectomy and chemotherapy.
On the way to the hospital, Amy said: “I’m at a higher risk of the cancer returning because of my age.” Carlos then broke down in tears and explained: “It just brought me back to the time where you suffered but you always had the biggest smile on your face.”
Amy and Carlos then arrived at the appointment and Amy had to have an injection in her stomach. She said: “It’s getting more and more sore every time I have them now.” Amy then told Carlos: “Look at the size of this needle, look how thick that is.”
Before having the injection, Amy said: “I fall asleep sometimes after, because the treatment can make me feel so drowsy.” Watching the injection, Carlos then proclaimed: “Oh my gosh!”
The hunters soon found out about Amy and Carlos being in hospital and quickly headed over. Fortunately, the pair managed to make an escape from the hospital. While in the car though Amy revealed she was feeling “really tired” and the pair quickly headed to a local hotel so Amy could rest.
Meanwhile last week, Amy broke down in tears as she talked about her fears she can’t have children after cancer. “I’ve always wanted the honour to be a mum,” she said. “And obviously I don’t know if that’s going to be possible.”
Amy, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when she was 19, went on: “A cancer diagnosis changes your life forever. I’d just got married, I had my whole life ahead of me, and all of a sudden my world fell apart in front of me. I’ve been given another shot at life, and I want to embrace and take every opportunity that comes my way.”
Strictly Come Dancing pro Amy Dowden is one of the stars on the run on Celebrity Hunted
Amy Dowden was in tears on Celebrity Hunted(Image: Channel 4 screengrab)
Celebrity Hunted viewers were emotional as one of the contestants broke down in tears on the show.
Strictly Come Dancing pro Amy Dowden, who is taking part in the Channel 4 programme with fellow dancer Carlos Gu, started to cry as she talked about her fears she can’t have children after cancer.
The star announced in May 2023 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and she went on to have a mastectomy and chemotherapy.
She opened up about her concerns during the latest instalment of the show, which sees stars on the run and trying to evade capture while being pursued by experts. She and Carlos stayed with fellow Strictly star Neil Jones and his family, including his daughter Havana. When Carlos noted how good Amy was with the three-year-old, she became tearful.
“I’ve always wanted the honour to be a mum,” she said. “And obviously I don’t know if that’s going to be possible.”
Amy, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when she was 19, went on: “A cancer diagnosis changes your life forever. I’d just got married, I had my whole life ahead of me, and all of a sudden my world fell apart in front of me.
“I’ve been given another shot at life, and I want to embrace and take every opportunity that comes my way.”
Viewers were also moved, with one posting on X: “If anyone is in doubt about why Shine & C4 make this show, watch that first part. BRB, something’s in my eye.”
Sharing a teary-eyed emoji on the platform, which was formerly Twitter, someone else said: “Amy Dowden opening up about her cancer journey on Celebrity Hunted. WE LOVE YOU AMY!”
“Awww Amy,” said another moved fan.
The latest series of Celebrity Hunted, which is in aid of Stand Up To Cancer, also features EastEnders‘ Brian Conley and his daughter Lucy, and television personalities Scarlette and Stuart Douglas.
Love Islanders Chris Taylor and Toby Aromolaran, presenters and disability advocates JJ Chalmers and Sophie Morgan, and comedians Jen Brister and Laura Smyth are also striving to escape from lead Hunter Ray Howard and his squad.
Celebrity Hunted is back with a new set of stars heading out on the run in the UK
22:09, 03 Aug 2026Updated 22:22, 03 Aug 2026
Former Love Island stars Toby Aromolaran and Chris Taylor are taking on this year’s Celebrity Hunted (Image: CHANNEL 4)
Celebrity Hunted viewers all had the same response as the new series of the show began.
The programme – which sees stars going on the run and trying to stay hidden as they are hunted by experts – last aired in early 2025, so fans were thrilled as it returned on Channel 4.
The show’s latest run, in aid of Stand Up To Cancer, sees celebs such as Strictly stars Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu, EastEnders‘ Brian Conley and his daughter Lucy and TV star siblings Scarlette and Stuart Douglas trying to hide from the Hunters. Love Islanders Chris Taylor and Toby Aromolaran, presenters and disability advocates JJ Chalmers and Sophie Morgan and comedians Jen Brister and Laura Smyth are also trying to evade capture by Ray Howard and his team.
“So happy Celebrity Hunted is back,” one person wrote on X as the series started.
“The best time of the year is back and I can’t wait,” someone else wrote on the platform, which was formerly Twitter.
“We are so back,” said another, as one fan exclaimed: “Bring it on!” as another view said simply: “Finally.”
“Great to have a new series of Celebrity Hunted!” said someone else. “It’s a show that even after 11 years on air (*civilian and celeb series*) it’s always a must watch. It seems like the civilian series is now aired every 16/22 months. @Channel4 any news about a 2027 civilian series?”
Somebody else quipped: “If I ever become a celebrity, Celebrity Hunted better still be around. It looks like so much fun.”
The celebrities on the show have been tasked with vanishing into mainland Britain, cutting themselves off from their lives – and their fame.
“For 14 relentless days they must stay hidden, think fast and trust no one because the moment they leave a trail, the hunt is on,” said a synopsis.
“Pursuing them is Ray Howard and his elite team of Hunters drawn from policing, military and intelligence backgrounds. They have the full arsenal of the modern state at their disposal including CCTV, ANPR, Facial Recognition, helicopters, drones, search dogs, cyber investigations and media appeals. Every clue, every sighting and every mistake can mean a capture.
“In a world where almost every movement leaves a footprint, can these celebrity fugitives escape the glare of the spotlight and remain under the radar or will the Hunters bring every fugitive into custody before the 14 days are up?”
While viewers were delighted to see the show return, one posted a message on social media questioning whether it was “set up” after the opening sequence, which saw the stars being tracked by helicopters.
They asked: “Has there ever been a more set up show As if the flight plans for these 3 helicopters weren’t submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) weeks ago and are all flying at the legal mandated speed, height and distance between them in London.”
“Obsessed with how fake this is now,” joked someone else, as another viewer wondered: “Hang on… heading east when the lone heli stops the pair but that looks suspiciously like Westminster Bridge under them even though they’ve just flown over the city…”
IF you’ve ever wanted to live like a celebrity, your chance has finally arrived.
A growing number of famous faces – from Hollywood A-listers to royalty – have opened up their lavish homes and cozy cottages to the public.
Alan Carr has announced he is to host luxury glamping trips in the grounds of his new luxury Scottish homeCredit: GettyThe comedian will allow people to camp out on the lawn of Ayton Castle in Berwickshire which he bought earlier this year for more than £3.3 millionCredit: Alamy
Whether you fancy relaxing poolside in a pop star’s hideaway, or spending the night on a royal estate, these exclusive stays let you step right into their world.
Here, we share some of the top celebrity-owned properties you can actually book this summer…
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1. Alan Carr – Ayton Castle Estate Glamping (Scottish Borders)
Fresh off his victory on Celebrity Traitors, comedian Alan Carr snapped up the historic £3.3million Ayton Castle in Berwickshire, Scotland, earlier this year to convert into a luxury retreat.
This summer, guests can stay in fully furnished luxury bell tents right on the 17-bedroom 160-acre castle grounds, just an hour’s drive from Edinburgh.
At a cost of between £140 and £160 a night, the luxury tents sleep up to four people, and are “fully furnished with comfy beds, warm bedding and pillows.”
Visitors have been promised ‘serene walks’ through the estate’s vast woodland and wellness offerings on site including sauna and cold water sessions.
2. George Michael – The Pool House at Mill Cottage (Goring-on-Thames)
You can also book out the late George Michael’s stunning Oxfordshire cottage on AirbnbCredit: GettySoak up the sun at the Mill Cottage pool house’s luxurious swimming poolCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Pop legend George Michael bought Mill Cottage in South Oxfordshire in 2001, where he spent 15 peaceful years living by the River Thames until his passing in 2016.
The current owners transformed the superstar’s private pool house on the estate grounds into an exclusive one-bedroom guest hideaway, which costs around £720 a night over summer.
Sitting right on the riverbank, the retreat features exclusive access to a heated outdoor swimming pool, sun loungers, an outdoor BBQ, and a cozy fireplace.
It has become a dream stay for music fans looking to sip a drink poolside and experience the peaceful surroundings George loved so dearly.
Ex Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher rents out his Stag Cottage in the Peak DistrictCredit: INSTAGRAMKelvin converted a three-bed property on the edge of his 120-acre farmCredit: Sykes CottagesThe cottage comes with a private outdoor hot tub that has incredible viewsCredit: Sykes Cottages
Featured on ITV‘s Fletchers’ Family Farm, the actor converted a stone building on the edge of the property into a luxury three-bedroom holiday home.
The interior combines a cozy country aesthetic with modern comforts, including a traditional AGA stove, flagstone floors, and a wood-burning fireplace.
Outside, guests can soak in their private outdoor hot tub while taking in sweeping views of the surrounding Cheshire countryside and Peak District.
4. Jules Hudson – Mole Hill Hut (Herefordshire)
Escape to the Country’s Jules Hudson runs his own Wye Valley retreatCredit: InstagramHe has a shepherd’s hut and a tiny cabin available to rent out for the nightCredit: molehillhut.co.ukMole Hill Hut is located in a private meadow on Jules’ landCredit: molehillhut.co.uk
As the longtime presenter of BBC’s Escape to the Country, Jules Hudson used his rural expertise to handcraft his very own bespoke shepherd’s hut.
Tucked away in a private meadow on his own land near the scenic Wye Valley, the hut offers a secluded, off-grid retreat designed strictly for two.
It features a cozy double bed, a functional kitchenette, and an adjoining timber lounge area affectionately dubbed “The Trough.”
Guests can spend their evenings around the outdoor wood-burning stove enjoying panoramic views of Herefordshire’s rolling hills.
5. King Charles III – Balmoral cottages (Scottish highlands)
Live like royalty in one of King Charles’ rental propertiesCredit: GettyThe monarch has a number of properties available to hire at Balmoral, including Knocks CottageCredit: Balmoral EstateThere are 10 cottages available on the estate, alongside Knocks CottageCredit: Balmoral Estate
Fancy a stay fit for royalty? It may be easier than you think.
If you want to earn ultimate bragging rights among your pals, these self-catered lodges could be the perfect opportunity.
And you’ve got a few to choose from, as the Balmoral estate has 10 cottages available: Connachat Cottage, Garbh Allt Shiel, Karim Cottage, Knocks Cottage, the three Milton of Braichlie properties (Farmhouse, Mill Cottage, and Stable Cottage), Rhebreck Lodge, Sterinbeg, and Tigh Na Garaidh.
Unfortunately, if you dream of bumping into the likes of King Charles or Prince William and Kate Middleton, you may not be in luck, as you can’t book when the royal family is in residence.
6. Adam Henson – Cotswold Farm Park Lodges (Cotswolds)
Adam Henson has a number of accommodations available at his Cotswold Farm ParkCredit: BBCHe has stylish lodges situated on a corner of the farm – along with glamping pods and safari tentsCredit: Instagram/@cotswoldfarmpark
Countryfile presenter and rare-breed conservationist Adam Henson grew up on the 650-acre working farm in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Each year, thousands of visitors flock to his Cotswold Farm Park, a rare breeds centre and country play park in a picturesque corner of his land.
To give visitors a true taste of country life, he also built a collection of wooden lodges, safari tents, and glamping pods on the grounds.
Each custom-built timber lodge comes with modern amenities, an outdoor deck with a private hot tub, and a fire pit for evening stargazing.
Stays include complimentary admission to the farm park, where guests can meet rare livestock breeds and participate in daily farm activities.
7. Sting & Trudie Styler – Villa Il Palagio (Tuscany, Italy)
Musician Sting and actress wife Trudie Styler have a jaw-dropping Italian villa available to rentCredit: AFPVilla Il Palagio is located in Tuscany and has panoramic views of vineyardsCredit: palagio.com/Take a dip in the property’s pool or try wine produced on the estateCredit: il-palagio.com/villa
Music icon Sting and his film producer wife Trudie Styler bought this sprawling 16th-century Tuscan estate south of Florence back in 1997.
When the couple isn’t residing there, they open up the grand nine-bedroom main villa and surrounding historic guest cottages to private rentals.
The 860-acre organic estate boasts manicured Italian gardens, private swimming pools, a tennis court, and its own wine cellars.
Guests can sample olive oil, honey, and biodynamic wines produced directly on the estate while taking in views of the Chianti hills.
If you want a holiday fit for Leonardo Di Caprio, it is now possible with his rental propertyCredit: GettyLeonardo’s Palm Springs home has six bedrooms and a tennis courtCredit: Not known clear with Features
If you want to get the full Hollywood experience, Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio has provided a way.
The star purchased an iconic mid-century modern architectural masterpiece in Palm Springs back in 2014.
Designed in 1964 by renowned architect Donald Wexler for entertainer Dinah Shore, the six-bedroom estate drips with vintage Hollywood glamour.
The compound features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, sleek stone fireplaces, a cocktail bar, a heated pool, and a private lighted tennis court.
Located in the prestigious Old Las Palmas neighborhood, it offers full luxury estate staffing and concierge services for short-term stays.
How to Book: Book through the official estate manager at 432 Hermosa.
9. Kirstie Allsopp – Meadowgate (North Devon)
Location, Location, Location host Kirstie Allsopp also has her own holiday homeCredit: AlamyMeadowgate Cottage in North Devon can accommodate up to 14 guestsCredit: http://www.classic.co.ukThe transformation of Meadowgate Cottage featured as part of Kirstie’s Homemade Home seriesCredit: http://www.classic.co.uk
Situated in the peaceful village of Welcombe in North Devon, the six-bedroom period cottage accommodates up to 14 guests.
The renovation process was even filmed as part of her Kirstie’s Homemade Home series.
The TV star personally decorated the interior with bold wallpapers, handcrafted details throughout every room, and upcycled vintage furniture.
A short walk through country lanes near the home brings guests directly to the secluded Atlantic beach at Welcombe Mouth.
10. Wayne Rooney – Royal Westmooreland estate (Barbados)
Wayne Rooney and wife Coleen Rooney also have a holiday home in Barbados that you can bookCredit: Tim StewartThe Rooneys’ £3million villa at the Royal Westmoreland estate comes with an extravagant price tagCredit: Refer to SourceThe mansion has five bedrooms and boasts an infinity poolCredit: Refer to Source
If you have lots of cash to spare, you can holiday like Coleen and Wayne Rooney who have a mansion in Barbados.
The £5million villa – located in the gorgeous Royal Westmoreland luxury estate in the Caribbean island – costs up to £25,000 a week to rent.
For that, you can expect a week of luxury at the five-bedroom pad that sleeps up to 14, which includes an infinity pool.
Sitting by idyllic palm trees, Wayne and Coleen’s white mansion opens up with a covered gated entrance.
Inside, the colour scheme is white and summery, with doors opening to the outside and fans situated above the beds to keep things cool.
The line-up for Celebrity Masterchef 2026 has been announced, with stars from Coronation Street, I’m A Celeb and Strictly Come Dancing heading to the kitchen
Comedian Chris Ramsey, who previously competed on Strictly Come Dancing, has reportedly signed up for the upcoming celebrity edition of BBC hit series Gladiators
Chris Ramsey has reportedly signed up for Celebrity Gladiators(Image: Getty Images)
Chris Ramsey has reportedly signed up for Celebrity Gladiators. The comedian, 39, could be about to join the star-studded lineup of an upcoming special of the BBC hit.
All hosted by father-and-son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh, the celebrity edition of their Saturday night series has previously other big names from the comedy world and now it’s thought that Chris, who around his stand up career has competed on Strictly Come Dancing and previously hosted The Chris and Rosie Ramsey show with his wife, is about to enter the strength-endurance game.
A source said: “They love having a comedian on Celebrity Gladiators to ramp up the fun factor, which is why they’ve always tried to sign someone like Chris.
Speaking to The Sun, the source added: “Previous names have included stand up stars Rob Beckett and Joel Dommett who were on the first ever series of the spin-off show in 2024, and they certainly delivered on laughs.”
The outlet previously reported that YouTube star George Clarke, who reached the final of Strictly Come Dancing last year, had also signed up to appear on the programme, along with Big Brother host AJ Odudu.
Both the celebrity edition and the non-celebrity edition will commence production at Sheffield sometime soon, although whilst the regular edition of is expected to air in 2027, the star-studded special is normally broadcast over the festive period.
It’s thought that Bradley and Barney will be back to front the next series as well as the special edition of their programme, which serves as a revival of the 1990s classic, just like they did last year when fitness coach Joe Wicks and I’m A Celebrity… star Vogue Williams reigned supreme when the episode aired on Christmas Day.
The pair succeeded after facing off against other celebrities, Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson and boxing champ Nicola Adams. After winning, Joe, 40, explained that he was truly challenged by the physicality of the special.
He said: “Even though I had a bit of a breather, I still found that travelator hard. It’s much harder doing it in real life than watching it on TV. I’m really chuffed that I won but I have to say Sam has been an amazing partner.”
In defeat, Sam remained gracious and laughed about the self appointed Gladiators name he had awarded himself. He told the Utilita Arena in Sheffield: “El Cockroacho, baby – you can’t stamp him out!”
Meanwhile, Vogue, who won after only being two-hundredths of a second ahead of her opponent Nicola, gushed: “I honestly cannot believe it, I’ve had the best day ever. The crowd when I was doing so badly were so nice to me so thank you.”
And the Olympic gold medallist said in defeat: “I came down on the zipline and landed funny on my ankle and I just couldn’t get it going again. This is the first silver medal I’ve had!”
Celebrity Gogglebox viewers were left less than impressed as the Channel 4 programme began airing on Friday.
Stephen Mangan starred on Celebrity Gogglebox with his lookalike sister (Image: Channel 4)
Gogglebox viewers have been left furious minutes into the episode airing on Friday, July 24.
The beloved Channel 4 series returned with a repeat episode of the celebrity edition.
The likes of Stephen Mangan and his sister Anita, Martin and Roman Kemp, Vicky Pattison and Pete Wicks, and Jordan Banjo and fellow Diversity dancer Perri Kiely appeared in a ‘best bits’ special.
Channel 4 had teased: “The best moments of series 7 as a rolling cast of famous faces tune in for The 1% Club for Soccer Aid, Coronation Street, Open House: The Great Sex Experiment and Match Me Abroad.”
However, viewers were left fuming as they realised the episode was a repeat, with one writing: “This is boring. #CelebrityGogglebox is always c**p. And this is a repeat. So it’s double c**p.”
Another said: “Having déjà vu on this #gogglebox like I’ve seen it before.”
Someone else wrote: “Why don’t you realise we want to watch current shows not old versions – fuming as could have started a film an hour ago instead of waiting for this.”
“Urghhh a repeat,” another echoed.
The new series of Celebrity Gogglebox aired earlier this year, and featured a fresh batch of famous faces.
Joining the programme were the likes of Love Island star Olivia Attwood with her mum, Strictly’s George Clarke and his podcast co-host Max Balegde, and Gladiators Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Matt Morsia.
Ahead of their debut on the show, Olivia shared: “It’s not often that we agree on things, which I think the viewers may find entertaining. My family are huge fans of the show so it’s a real honour to be a part of such an iconic British programme.”
Matt, known as Legend on Gladiators, added: “Everyone knows how good I am at being on TV, but turns out I’m even better at watching it. Wow. Absolutely incredible sofa performance.
“I had a great time on the show and I need to say a massive thank you to Gogglebox for literally paying me to watch TV. What a time to be alive.”
Celebrity Gogglebox is available to watch on Channel 4.
There are several new additions to the new series too, including Olivia Attwood and her mum Jennifer, Harry and Matt aka Nitro and Legend from Gladiators.
However, in the latest instalment, things took an emotional turn when the celebs watched an episode of The Piano. On the show, young pianist Grace, who lost both her fingers and lower legs to meningitis as a child, performed.
The Celebrity Gogglebox cast were left in awe by The Piano scene, with several celebs reduced to tears, including Vernon Kay. He said: “Go on Grace,” before wiping away the tears from his eyes.
His co-star Paddy McGuinness said: “Innit amazing like human beings, what we do or what we go through; resilience,” as Vernon agreed.
Reflecting on the performance, Ellie Simmonds also said: “What people perceive to be how it has to be, it can be done so differently. She is breaking down barriers.”
Josh Homme also added: “This is where you’re like, the world is full of magic. No matter what is going on in the world, it’s out there.”
Meanwhile, talking about being on the new series of Celebrity Gogglebox Olivia Attwood said it “was chaotic but in the best possible way”.
She explained: “It’s not often that we agree on things, which I think the viewers may find entertaining. My family are huge fans of the show so it’s a real honour to be a part of such an iconic British programme.”
Strictly 2025 finalist George Clarke also said: “I loved it, mainly because it gave me a full excuse to take the mick out of Max on national TV. He reacts to everything, so you’re never bored. It’s so easy to get into as well, you just sit there, say exactly what you’re thinking, and before you know it, we’ve gone completely off track!”
Coronation Street legend Nigel Havers also shared: “It’s a dream come true working with Julian on Gogglebox. I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening… (Julian wrote this).”
Celebrity Gogglebox airs every Friday at 9pm on Channel 4.
Elizabeth Kobliha knows her one-eyed cat Likho has more friends than she does. So much so that on his 15th birthday last Saturday, the sidewalk outside her downtown Long Beach store where he spends most of his time transformed into a makeshift fair.
There were vendors selling peach cobbler, watches, hot dogs and offering tattoos and face paint. A DJ spun records in celebration.
“He’s a very good businessman. We’ve got stickers, T-shirts, keychains, and buttons [of him], and it all goes under his account, his name,” Kobliha said of the cat.
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Before Likho roamed the 7,000-square-foot Long Beach Vintage Etc, there was Apollo. The “big rag doll” came in with health problems but was the perfect shop cat. Apollo, a Maine coon who died at 13 following a seizure a year after his arrival in 2015, had curbed the shop’s mouse problem and brought “so much love and energy.”
Similarly, Likho, a one-eyed Russian Blue, also was ailing when Kobilha took him in at 8 years old, but she wanted him anyhow.
“I always wanted to open my own shop so I can have a shop cat,” Kobliha says, adding she was inspired by bookstores with cats “just chilling.”
Vendors line the sidewalk for Likho’s birthday party. The cat is a local celebrity.
(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
In 2016, Kobliha was swiping through Facebook when a video stopped her scroll. In it, a woman inside of a hoarder’s garage bobbed a feather toy in front of Likho, who jumped up to catch it.
The post was made by Sia Barbi in collaboration with animal rescue group Stray Cat Alliance after the cat had been abandoned at the Hancock Park home. During the early ‘90s, Sia and identical twin sister, Shane, made waves in the fashion and pop culture worlds, often modeling for Chanel, Thierry Mugler and Jean Paul Gaultier. Their rise to fame began after the Los Angeles Timescovered a Sunset Boulevard billboard featuring the twins wearing little clothing that had been causing car accidents.
“Guys of a certain generation would get very hot and bothered over them,” Kobliha said of the Barbi twins. As they exited the modeling industry, they pivoted into animal activism and volunteering for rescue groups and trap, neuter and return programs for cats.
Elizabeth Kobliha holds her cat Likho. When she opened her vintage store, she knew she wanted a shop cat just like chill bookstore cats.
(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
Kobliha wanted to adopt Likho, but first he’d need a $3,000 operation to remove an infected eye, paid for by the Stray Cat Alliance.
“They took care of everything, then we had to wait because he had to recuperate,” she recalls. “The whole time I’m thinking, ‘Oh my God, what if it doesn’t work out? What if the cat gets here and is just absolutely bonkers?’”
That fear was for nothing. Likho, who lives at the shop full-time, acclimated within a day. “He has been a beautiful addition ever since then,” Kobliha says.
He’s since become the face of the shop, with a mural dedicated to him outside to welcome customers. That was done by local muralist LaJon Miller, who worked on another on the sidewalk during Likho’s party.
“I got adopted into it,” he says of the Likho fandom. “He’s been my muse on this street for a while. … He just roams around the store, chills, does his little nap thing, and hangs out with everybody, so he’s very social.”
Likho has never harmed the centuries-old objects in her shop, Kobliha says, but he has spooked suspected ghosts.
LaJon Miller, who calls Likho his muse, paints a portrait of the cat on the sidewalk outside of Long Beach Vintage Etc.
(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
Kobliha believes ghosts once connected to shops at the 1922 building — a former patron of a grocery store shamed for his obesity and a former furniture shop owner who died by suicide — still roam her store’s stalls.
“We see shadow figures … there’s a certain area where they pass back and forth. They don’t do anything, but they’re scary as hell,” Kobliha says of unusual sightings. “Likho is very protective, and we do feel really safe when he’s around.”
“It is a little weird, though, when he’s sleeping, and then suddenly he will jump up and look around,” she adds.
Likho’s biggest fan may be a man named Dom Gomez. He lives within walking distance of the shop, and tends to visit after long shifts at a restaurant aboard the Queen Mary. He stopped by the birthday party wearing his work uniform: a white, button-down shirt and black slacks. His hair slicked; his hands behind his back.
Likho’s face graces merchandise at Long Beach Vintage Etc like this fan.
(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
When he speaks of Likho, he speaks with a tender cadence and dignified countenance, as if he were his own.
“Time flies, you know?” he says, smiling, of visiting Likho over the years. “He gets a lot of love from all the ladies that work here and myself … he has a lot of fans. I don’t know who’s more famous, Muhammad Ali or Likho the Cat.”
On a previous birthday, Gomez wanted to get Likho a gift. He settled on a kid’s denim jacket he modified for a cat with a patch for the Cure on the back but, regrettably, it was a “little too big.” Next year, he’ll give it another shot with a sweater.
“That’s my little buddy right there,” he says. “Today is a special day. I didn’t know a cat could live that long, but I think he’s still got a lot of energy to live … maybe another 100 years, I hope.”
Two new stars will be joining the latest Celebrity Gogglebox line-up as they showcase their TV opinions on the popular Channel 4 show
Celebrity Gogglebox has added two new stars to the line up(Image: Channel 4)
Rock stars and longtime friends are joining the Celebrity Gogglebox sofa this week.
Making their debut on the show, Jake Shears and Josh Homme will give their opinions on the week’s biggest TV moments, combining their close friendship with their signature wit.
Best known for fronting Scissor Sisters and Queens of the Stone Age, Jake and Josh have spent years performing to huge crowds around the world and building careers that have sold millions of records.
This time, they’ll be watching from the comfort of the sofa, sharing their candid, entertaining reactions to the programmes that have everyone talking.
Talking about his appearance, Jake said: “Josh and I have spent years making noise for a living, so sitting on a sofa and talking over the television felt surprisingly natural. We laughed far more than we probably should have and somehow got away with calling it work. It was a longtime dream to be part of Celebrity Gogglebox.”
Meanwhile, Josh said: “You’ve never watched anyone watch TV until you’ve watched Josh and Jake watching TV. And then you know you’ve watched it. So set your watch for 9pm on Friday. We are breaking ground that should largely have gone unbroken.”
It’s a busy week for Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh, as the band has unveiled plans for their new album, Everything Under The Sun.
The upcoming release marks the American rock group’s first studio album in three years. They also dropped the lead single, Easy Street, on Tuesday, featuring guest vocals from Nikki Lane.
Fans may already recognise the song after it made its live debut during the band’s Catacombs tour last year.
Elsewhere in the new series of Celebrity Gogglebox, singer Mollie King will be joined on the sofa by her partner, former England cricketer Stuart Broad.
Olivia Attwood has been taking part in the latest series alongside her mum, while her partner Pete Wicks has been appearing separately with his close friend Vicky Pattison.
The new season has also welcomed back a host of familiar faces, including Vernon Kay and Paddy McGuinness, Bez and Shaun, Roman and Martin Kemp, Ashley Banjo and Perri Kiely, Nick Grimshaw with his niece Liv, the Mangans, and Rylan, who once again joins his mum Linda on the sofa.
Celebrity Gogglebox airs this Friday at 9pm on Channel 4.
Two lawsuits already serve as backdrops to the unseemly sequence of events that led to Bryce Harper sending Thanksgiving wishes on behalf of FanDuel to an admitted sports gambling addict.
Could there be a third?
Legal experts say Harper might have grounds to sue FanDuel for false endorsement, misappropriation and invasion of privacy.
The Philadelphia Phillies All-Star first baseman said in a statement posted on Instagram that he created a personalized 21-second video on behalf of FanDuel but would not have done so had he known the online sportsbook allegedly intended to use it to entice VIP customer Terry Thompson to continue gambling.
“I did not know FanDuel would do this,” Harper wrote. “I did not consent to it, and FanDuel had no right to do it.”
Harper said he received a request on Cameo in November 2024 to read a message provided by FanDuel VIP host Bryttanni Morgan for a personal “holiday video for Terry.”
“Hey, Terry? What’s up, brother? Hey, man, your host Bryttanni from FanDuel wanted to make sure your Thanksgiving was extra special,” Harper says in the video.
Thompson sued FanDuel, Morgan, DraftKings and the NFL in March, alleging that the sportsbooks caused him to lose about $1.6 million while betting an estimated $18.5 million over a four-year period.
“Had I known FanDuel’s true intent, I would not have made the video,” Harper said. “The same is true had I known anything about Terry or his situation, or about any alleged ‘partnership’ between Cameo and FanDuel.”
The lawsuit filed by the nonprofit Public Health Advocacy Institute on behalf of Thompson and fellow gambler Christopher Sage alleges that FanDuel and DraftKings intentionally fostered addiction by providing enticements such as Super Bowl tickets, hotel accommodations and access to athletes and celebrities.
Thompson said his home fell into foreclosure after he took out second and third mortgages. He borrowed money from family and friends and burned through his savings, losing his last $10,000 on a DraftKings parlay bet in February.
He describes in the lawsuit feeling so desperate that he reached out to his therapist, who called police officers to his home to prevent him from harming himself.
Harper, an eight-time All-Star and two-time Most Valuable Player, has earned nearly $252 million in salary over his 15-year MLB career and is owed another $75 million before his contract expires after the 2031 season. He also earns about $9 million a year in endorsements, according to Sportico.
In a legal action, Harper could seek monetary damages by alleging that the video tarnished his reputation. The perception that he urged a gambling addict to continue destructive behavior could negatively impact his ability to land endorsement deals.
“Section 43(a) of the federal Lanham Act prohibits false endorsements, including when a business draws from an athlete’s NIL and other identifying characteristics without permission,” McCann wrote. “There can be a viable claim when that unauthorized use leads consumers to believe the athlete endorses the business’s product or service.
“Harper could also sue over unauthorized use of his name, image, voice and other uniquely identifying features. To that end, he could argue the video constitutes misappropriation or invasion of privacy.”
FanDuel, in turn, could counter by pointing out that Harper agreed to create the video as part of his relationship with Cameo, a company that connects fans with celebrities and creators for personalized digital interactions.
“False endorsement and misappropriation, FanDuel could insist, are inapplicable to a personalized video setting where the video’s talent voluntarily assents in exchange for compensation,” McCann wrote. “Further, FanDuel could assert that Harper was, or should have been, aware of a potential connection between the video and FanDuel and, more generally, sports betting.”
FanDuel issued a statement after the Harper video came to light in an investigative story published July 9 in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
“We are committed to fostering a culture of responsible gaming and protecting our customers,” the statement said. “Unlike illegal offshore sportsbooks, FanDuel employees are trained to recognize and flag signs of problem gambling and offer resources and tools, and we continue to review and strengthen our policies to ensure we have the industry’s strongest consumer protection initiatives.”
FanDuel and DraftKings, the leading sportsbooks since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that states could legalize sports betting, have developed lucrative partnerships with leagues in all major sports. The 2022 MLB collective bargaining agreement opened the door for players to do promotional work for sportsbooks.
Yet the collaborations have not come without problems. The MLB players union’s licensing and marketing arm filed a lawsuit in 2024 that accused DraftKings, FanDuel and Bet365 of using without permission or compensation photos of players on its betting app and in social media posts.
Coincidentally, Harper became embroiled in that lawsuit, in which the plaintiffs pointed to images of Harper’s face on the DraftKings app as evidence. The two sides reached a settlement in April ahead of trial.
The full line-up for Celebrity Hunted on Channel 4 has been released, with stars from Strictly Come Dancing, EastEnders, Love Island and more battling the Hunters.
Brian Conley is going on the run(Image: Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty I)
Celebrity Hunted is officially returning to our screens, with a fresh batch of stars going on the run to help raise money for Stand Up To Cancer.
More than a decade after the first series of Hunted aired on Channel 4, the hit show will be returning to our screens very soon – as a string of famous faces will become fugitives in August.
EastEnders icon Brian Conley will be competing with his daughter Lucy, while Strictly Come Dancing stars Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu are also hoping to go unnoticed by Ray Howard and his “elite team of Hunters”.
Love Islanders Chris Taylor and Toby Aromolaran will be taking part, beside JJ Chalmers and Sophie Morgan, and presenters and siblings Scarlette and Stuart Douglas. Comedians Jen Brister and Laura Smythe also make up the line-up.
The celebrity pairs will have to “vanish into mainland Britain, cutting themselves off from the lives – and the fame – they’ve always relied upon. For 14 relentless days they must stay hidden, think fast and trust no one because the moment they leave a trail, the hunt is on.
“In a world where almost every movement leaves a footprint, can these celebrity fugitives escape the glare of the spotlight and remain under the radar, or will the Hunters bring every fugitive into custody before the 14 days are up?”
While Hunted first aired in 2015, the celebrity version began two years later – The Wanted singers Jay McGuinness and Siva Kaneswaran outwitted the Hunters to take home the crown in 2017.
The most recent season aired at the beginning of last year, with Christine McGuinness and Duncan James defeating the Hunters.
Shedding light on the upcoming season of Celebrity Hunted, which will begin filming next month, Factual Entertainment Commissioning Editor for Channel 4 Ian Dunkley said: ”When celebrities go on the run and are forced to engage the help of us mere mortals, chaos and comedy inevitably ensue.
“Hunted down by a motivated team of police and security professionals, this series reveals what it takes to remain hidden when everybody knows what you look like.’’
Matt Bennett, Director of Programmes for Shine TV, added: “Celebrity Hunted is the only TV series – alongside its cousin, Hunted – which continues to remind us of the powers of the state in an entertaining and engaging way.
“This is our most ambitious series yet, beginning with a breathtaking aerial launch amongst the skyscrapers of London, then a daring escape at the end of the run for any who evade capture… with a great deal of entertaining mischief in between.”
Jazz star Jamie Cullum is one of the guest mentors on the new series of Channel 4’s The Piano
16:51, 11 Jul 2026Updated 16:58, 11 Jul 2026
Jamie Cullum is a guest mentor on series 4 of The Piano on Channel 4(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Jamie Cullum has been in the spotlight for decades.
The jazz star was just 20 when he reportedly produced his first album, Heard It All Before, in 1999 with just £480 and only 500 copies made.
Since then he’s enjoyed huge success as a singer and musician, releasing more albums, performing all over the world and amassing awards. The 46-year-old, who was born in Essex and grew up in Wiltshire, is also renowned for fronting The Jazz Show With Jamie Cullum on BBC Radio 2.
Fans will be able to catch Jamie on the new series of Channel 4’s The Piano, which returns on Sunday, July 12 for its fourth run. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Mika, the programmke searches for the UK’s best amateur piano players and Jamie will be one of the guest mentors along with Jools Holland and Hiromi.
Ahead of the show, we take a look at Jamie’s life away from the cameras, including his model wife, famous reation and his real height.
Supermodel wife and children
Jamie has been married to supermodel Sophie Dahl since 2010 and they have two daughters.
Sophie started her career as a teenage fashion model and was famously discovered by British Vogue. She was renowned for her curves and was sought after by the top designers.
She’s gone on to have a successful career as an author, journalist and TV presenter.
Speaking to Red in 2020, Jamie opened up about meeting his wife.
He said: “We just really hit it off. I thought, ‘Man, that is a cool woman,’ but I didn’t really entertain anything else. We were both in relationships and she wasn’t living in the UK, so we were just friends at first.
“Then, a couple of years later, she moved back here and that’s when our friendship became something else.
“We had a very immediate connection. While we both worked in a public way, our lives were purposefully quite private.”
Links to famous author
Sophie is the granddaughter of the late great author Roald Dahl who is renowned for children’s classics like Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr Fox and Matilda. Sophie was said to be the inspiration behind his work, The BFG.
He was born in Cardiff to Norwegian parents and served in the Royal Air Force. His first children’s book was The Gremlins, published in 1943, about mischievous little creatures that were part of Royal Air Force folklore
As well as his children’s books, he also had a successful parallel career as the writer of macabre adult short stories, which often blended humour and innocence with surprising plot twists.
Roald died in 1990, long before his granddaughter met and married Jamie.
Height
Seven years ago, Jamie released the album Taller, which some people saw as rather ironic as Jamie, himself, has described himself as “short”.
There are several new additions to the new series too, including Olivia Attwood and her mum Jennifer, Harry and Matt aka Nitro and Legend from Gladiators.
And now, it’s been confirmed that radio DJ and The Saturdays singer Mollie King will make an appearance on Friday’s episode (July 9) with her partner, former cricketer Stuart Broad.
Mollie is best known for being a member of chart-topping girl group The Saturdays. She also appeared on Strictly in 2017 and partnered with AJ Pritchard. Mollie was eliminated in the semi-final in December, finishing in fifth place.
As well as telly work, Mollie also has her own BBC Radio 1 alongside Matt Edmondson, in which they co-host from Mondays to Thursdays. Talking about her Gogglebox appearance, Mollie said: “Getting to do Celebrity Gogglebox with Stuart was such a lovely experience.
“Between juggling busy schedules, there’s nothing I enjoy more than switching off together in front of the TV, so it felt really special to share a little bit of that with viewers.”
Mollie added: “We had so many laughs filming it and, although I can’t promise we agreed on every programme, we had the best time.”
Meanwhile Stuart said about his appearance: “Celebrity Gogglebox was a genuinely enjoyable experience and a chance to show what Mollie and I are really like when the remote control is up for grabs. We had plenty of opinions, a few disagreements and a lot of laughs along the way.”
Other new faces on the latest series of Gogglebox include Strictly star George Clark and content creator Max Balegde comedian and actor, Julian Clary and actor and television presenter, Nigel Havers.
Talking about being on Celebrity Gogglebox Strictly 2025 finalist George Clarke also said: “I loved it, mainly because it gave me a full excuse to take the mick out of Max on national TV.
“He reacts to everything, so you’re never bored. It’s so easy to get into as well, you just sit there, say exactly what you’re thinking, and before you know it, we’ve gone completely off track!”
Coronation Street legend Nigel Havers also shared: “It’s a dream come true working with Julian on Gogglebox. I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening… (Julian wrote this).”
Celebrity Gogglebox airs every Friday at 9pm on Channel 4.
Celebrity Gogglebox fans were left baffled after a famous face failed to make an appearance on the programme
Celebrity Gogglebox fans confused as favourite ‘goes missing’ and replaced(Image: Channel 4)
A familiar face on Celebrity Gogglebox was missing from the latest instalment.
The Channel 4 spin-off show returned to screens on Friday (July 3) for a brand new episode, welcoming back firm favourites, such as Denise Van Outen and Johnny Vaughan, Nick Grimshaw and niece Liv and pals Richie Anderson and Ellie Simmonds.
There are several new additions to the new series too, including Olivia Attwood and her mum Jennifer, and Harry and Matt aka Nitro and Legend from Gladiators.
Finishing off the line-up are Strictly star George Clark and content creator Max Balegde, as well as comedian and actor, Julian Clary and actor and television presenter, Nigel Havers.
But for the latest instalment of the beloved show, instead of comedians Babatunde Aleshe and Mo Gilligan – who film in South London – making an appearance, Mo was with fellow comedian and I’m A Celebrity star Eddie Kadi, with Babatunde absent.
Reacting to Babatunde being missing, one confused person wrote on X: “Where’s @BabatundeComedy tonight @MoTheComedian?” Meanwhile on Gogglebox’s Instagram, Mo shared a video of him and Eddie which also left fans puzzled by Babatunde’s absence. “BABATUNDE?! WHERE THE HELL IS HE?!” declared a second fan. A third wrote: “Where’s Babatunde?”
Meanwhile, talking about being on Celebrity Gogglebox, new star Olivia Attwood said it “was chaotic but in the best possible way”. She explained: “It’s not often that we agree on things which I think the viewers may find entertaining.
“My family are huge fans of the show so it’s a real honour to be a part of such an iconic British programme.”
Strictly 2025 finalist George Clarke also said: “I loved it, mainly because it gave me a full excuse to take the mick out of Max on national TV.
“He reacts to everything, so you’re never bored. It’s so easy to get into as well, you just sit there, say exactly what you’re thinking, and before you know it, we’ve gone completely off track!”
Coronation Street legend Nigel Havers also shared: “It’s a dream come true working with Julian on Gogglebox. I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening… (Julian wrote this).”
Celebrity Gogglebox airs at 9pm on Friday at Channel 4
One of the Celebrity Gogglebox stars had to take a minute after watching a terrifying scene
22:31, 03 Jul 2026Updated 22:58, 03 Jul 2026
Jordan Banjo had a fright watching a horror film(Image: Channel 4 screengrab)
A Celebrity Gogglebox star walked off camera after viewing a creepy horror film that left everyone squealing.
The instalment of the Channel 4 show that aired on Friday (July 3) saw the celebrity armchair critics watching a range of programmes, from Countdown to Clarkson’s Farm. But many looked horrified as they tuned into horror film, Weapons.
The film is about 17 children from the same classroom who mysteriously disappear on the same night at the same time, and Jordan Banjo had to leave the sofa for a breather after watching scenes from the movie with fellow Diversity star Perri Kiely.
Many of the stars on the celebrity edition of the programme were seen looked terrified as they watched a scene where a creepy character called Aunt Gladys (played by Amy Madigan) visited a house and asked for a bowl instead of a glass of water.
Things took a nasty turn when she took a wooden stick she had been fiddling with and dragged it across her hand, cutting it open, which left Jordan gasping.
He held a cushion up to block the screen as a man in the film was then seen opening his mouth and vomiting streams of back liquid.
“I need a break, I need a break,” Jordan said, as Perri exclaimed: “No!”
But the dancer then stood up and moved away from the chair, explaining: “I need a drink. Do you want anything?”
However, he soon rushed back, explaining to Perri that he when he had got to the kitchen he had spotted a bowel of water on the side and it had given him a fright. “No!” he said, sitting back down without having poured the drinks.
Fans were tickled by the scenes, with one posting on X: “So funny.”
Someone else posted on the platform, which was formerly Twitter: “Who doesn’t just love a bit of Celebrity Gogglebox. Always such an entertaining way to spend the time.” “The perfect switch your brain off TV this time of night needs,” they added.
