Celebs Go Dating

Gogglebox star Stephen Webb has opened up after feeling “really conscious”

Stephen Webb has avoided cataracts after having vision correction surgery, revealing it has made him feel like a “new person”.

In August, the former Gogglebox star underwent Laser Lens Replacement/Refractive Lens Exchange – a common procedure that involves replacing the natural lens inside the eye with a synthetic implant, starting at £3,497 per eye.

Stephen, 54, felt “conscious” by how “bulgy” his eyes looked in glasses – of which the lenses kept “getting thicker” due to how bad his sight was getting.

The TV personality had a “15-minute per eye” treatment with Sheraz Daya at Centre for Sight’s hospital facility in Oxshott, Surrey, and the result of sharper vision has had a huge impact on Stephen.

Stephen, who appeared on the Channel 4 reality programme with his ex-partner Daniel Lustig until they quit in September 2023, exclusively told BANG Showbiz: “I’ve been wearing glasses since I was, like, 20.

“And every year, I’d go and get my eyes checked, and my prescription was just – the last sort of like 10 years, they’re just getting worse and worse and worse. So my prescription was going up, so that meant my glasses were getting thicker.

“So in the end, the last pair of glasses I bought just made my eyes look like the bottom of two bear glasses – really magnified.

“And I was really conscious about it – especially when people would look at you from side on, it would kind of make your eyes look really bulgy.

“So that was one of the reasons, pure vanity. I’m just sick of wearing [glasses]. They’re so expensive – every year I’d have to pay at least £6/700 for a pair of glasses.

“I’ve got really nice frames, they were always between 2 and 300 quid, the lenses are [£]400, and I was just finding that they just weren’t lasting, they were scratching a lot quickly.

“And I just thought, ‘I’m 54, I’m never going to get cataracts now.’ So I guess it was just preventative as well from stopping [my eyes] from getting even worse.”

Asked if he feels like a new person since his Laser Lens Replacement/Refractive Lens Exchange, Stephen continued: “Yeah, I do. Just because I’m really active, I do a lot of running, I horse ride, and wearing glasses is just a hindrance.

“When you’re running, they steam up; you can’t see through them. And it’s the same horse riding, I have to wear my helmet, and [glasses] just always got in the way.

“But glasses are always an issue. So, it’s just nice to be free of them.”

Now that he no longer wears glasses, Stephen revealed that people are not recognising him as much.

Speaking about his recent trip to Benidorm, Spain, the Celebs Go Dating star said: “People who tend to go to Benidorm are definitely my demographic – that’s my core fan base!

“And, yeah, it was just so lovely to go away for – I was only there four days to get some sun and not get recognised … it was just nice to have a break from that.”

However, Stephen’s distinctive voice is his “second” giveaway, as he quipped: “My big giveaway was my glasses. But my second giveaway is my voice.

“So if I speak too loudly, I’d see a few people look, they recognise – and people that approach me go, ‘I heard the voice.’ So I still had to [talk] quiet.”

Stephen was treated by Mr. Sheraz Daya at the Centre for Sight, the UK’s leading, trusted centre of excellence for advanced eye care, innovation and life-changing results. For more information, visit centreforsight.com.

A DJ and reality TV star has paid tribute to his late friend – champion Ricky Hatton.

The music producer – who is best known for his songs Darlin’ and You Want Me – shared a sentimental snap with boxer Ricky taken just weeks before his shock death.

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Former Celebs Go Dating star Tom Zanetti posted the picture alongside his friend and wrote a touching tribute.

He penned: “So horrible. I was with him two weeks ago and speaking on Insta just recently.

“What a nice talented man, a natural comedian and obvs huge legend in boxing.

“So sad. Love and strength to Ricky’s family and friends.

“We never know what’s round the corner. We have to enjoy every day, take care of ourselves and each other.”

It comes after Ricky, 46, was found dead at his home over the weekend.

It’s thought pals called the police after they were unable to contact him.

Friends were ‘initially worried’ after The Hitman missed a gym session on Friday and was absent for an event in Bolton on Saturday, featuring one of his young boxers.

They then made a “concern for welfare” call to the police.

Cops discovered Ricky’s body at his £1.75million mansion in Hyde, Gtr Manchester, just before 7am.

Police yesterday said that the death was not being treated as suspicious.

Friend DJ Tom found love earlier this year with model Hope Phillips after being single for four years.

He was last in a relationship with Made In Chelsea star Sophie Hermann.

Tom last dated Sophie after meeting her on Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion in early 2021.

Fans watched them fall for each other, with Tom joining her show Made In Chelsea that year.

However, just six months after they got together The Sun exclusively revealed how the couple had split up.

In the past, Tom has been open and honest about the tragic death of his girlfriend when he was in his early 20s.

He previously admitted to The Sun how he had spent years “trying to replace” his late girlfriend Lizzie.

The star’s world was rocked in 2010, aged 21, when his girlfriend of three years died in a car crash.

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THIS IS the awkward moment Kerry Katona’s toyboy lover met her daughter Heidi for the first time on Celebs Go Dating.

This comes as the couple go official on the long-running Channel 4 reality series.

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Over the years, Kerry Katona, has had a turbulent love life, divorcing Brian McFadden in 2004 and Mark Croft in 2011.

She also previously split from fiance Ryan Mahoney in November last year after six years together.

She had five children with three different partners, which includes her 18-year-old daughter Heidi.

On Celebs Go Dating, the teenager went face-to-face with her mum’s new toyboy lover Paolo Margaglione, 33, for the first time as they went public.

Her lover – who is 11-years younger – also faced up to Kerry’s best friend Danielle Brown, sister of Scary Spice, Mel B.

In agonising scenes, the former Atomic Kitten star confessed: “I am absolutely s******* myself only because I really like Paolo.

“I want them to really like him too. So getting their approval means everything to me, but I’m a nervous wreck.”

As Paolo went to give the pair a hug, he only received a tentative embrace from Heidi as Kerry was seen aggressively pointing at her daughter.

He confidently exclaimed: “Nice to see you,” as Heidi gave off a nervous giggle.

“Nice to see you too,” she replied back, but it was Danielle who took charge of the grilling.

“We’ve been friends for like 16 years. Is it? So I’m ride or die, got her back.”

Paolo replied: “Obviously, I really like Kerry. We get on very well. The fact that I’ve met her was like mind blowing.”

This is when Kerry asked her daughter why she was being “so quiet,” who declared that she was ‘nervous’.

It seems Kerry was feeling the exact same way as she admitted: “I’m sorry, I’m sweating so much. Honestly, no. Don’t touch me. I’m really dripping.”

Celebs Go Dating 2025 cast

But Danielle confidently carried on with the questioning as she said: “So, I’m just saying she’s my best, best friend. So I’ve got questions.

“The whole fame thing, because Kerry does get papped a lot when you’re out and stuff like that.

“You need to know what you’re dealing with, really, don’t you?Because for me, as a friend in 16 years, I’ve seen so, like many people, trying to get with Kerry, and they’re on the fame and they’re on the money and they’re on the attention.”

However, Paolo admitted that his intentions are only admirable as he already has daughters and he just wants to settle down.

I want them to really like him too. So getting their approval means everything to me, but I’m a nervous wreck.

Kerry KatonaCelebs Go Dating

He explained: “This sounds really weird, but I already feel like the richest man in the world, I’ve got my daughters.

“So my daughter’s made that and then I’ve met somebody that I really connect with as well.

“So for me, I don’t need anything from anyone. I’ve been fully transparent from the beginning. So yeah, I think that’s really important.”

Paolo added” “I think if we just have the conversations, the awkward ones or whatever, get to know each other straight away, all your cards on the table.

Channel 4’s best competition shows

Channel 4 boasts a number impressive competition shows, but which ones are really the best?

Four in a Bed

• Reality competition show Four in a Bed has been airing on Channel 4 since 2010. It follows four couples as they take turns to stay at each others B&Bs and hotels, rating their stays along the way. The couple with the establishment voted best value for money are the winners.

Come Dine With Me

• Come Dine With Me has been staple British viewing since 2005, providing some outrageous telly moments over the years. Like Four in a Bed, the series moves around to different properties as it follows four contestants as they each host a (supposedly) gourmet dinner party for each other. After each dinner the guests score the host out of 10, will the winner being revealed on the final evening.

The Great British Bake Off

• Another national treasure, The Great British Bake Off welcomes a group of 12 amateur bakers to put their culinary skills to the test with Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith judging their efforts. One contestant is eliminated each week until the final three face off in the last week.

Bake Off: The Professionals

• Bake Off: The Professionals puts a twist on GBBO, pitting two teams of professional pastry chefs against each other in every episode. It’s up to judges Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden to determine who has what it takes to make it through to the final.

Admiring his remarks, Heidi noted: “He’s very emotionally mature.”

To finish off the interrogation, Danielle asked Paolo what Kerry’s ideal weekend would look like in one final test.

He answered: “Her ideal day off would be to just get cozy, watch some movies and chill.”

Danielle admired his response as she then replied: “You know her well then.”

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Celebs Go Dating continues on Channel 4.

Celebs Go Dating descended into a tense row on Wednesday’s episode as The Chase star Mark Labbett insulted dating expert Paul C. Brunson

Celebs Go Dating descended into a tense row on Wednesday’s episode. The hit E4 dating show is this year following the likes of Kerry Katona, S Club singer Jon Lee and Celebrity Big Brother’s Donna Preston amongst a host of others on their quest for love.

Champion quizzer Mark Labbett, who is best known for showcasing his knowledge on The Chase, has recently struck up a connection with beautician Deanne, and it shows no signs of stopping now.

In the latest episode, the pair were invited to a brunch where they had to tell the others what they thought of each other. Mark said: “We thought we’d get on, it’s been great and we are just seeing how it goes!” Both parties confirmed they would like to go on another date with one another.

READ MORE: Kerry Katona says ‘this is why my marriage with Brian McFadden ended’ as she shares truth

READ MORE: Lorraine Kelly issues brutal one word insult to Love Is Blind grooms

But things took a sour turn when Mark, 60, turned to the dating experts Paul C. Brunson, Anna Williamson and Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn to claim that he had known better than them all along.

He said: “We have just enjoyed each other’s company and sometimes there’s a little bit of overthinking it. We’ve not been the master strategists that you are, but, let’s face it, we’re smarter than you!”

Paul did not take kindly to the comment and things turned tense as he shot back: “Do you know why you always insult us? Because your emotional intelligence is on zero.”

Mark hit back sarcastically: “Sorry, but I’m nice to the people that count!” Paul would not let it drop and said: “When you get nervous, you insult people,” and Mark joked: “No just you!” and tried to say that it was some kind of ‘teaching response’.

Paul continued to lay into Mark but as the TV quizzer checked his watch to indicate boredom, Paul raged: “What you did right there, that’s contempt. You wanna be a teacher? Try being a damn student first!”

Things seemed to simmer down a bit when Mark, who previously dated TV presenter Hayley Palmer before she claimed he had split up with her on the phone, and prior to that was married to his second cousin Katie, 34, apologised for what he said.

In a confessional, Mark said: “I’ve upset Paul. I didn’t mean to but I don’t like talking about my feelings, especially in front of a lot of people.”

Back at the brunch, Mark eventually said: “I’m sorry,” but Paul demanded to know whether his apology was ‘genuine’. Mark said: “It is!” and the pair agreed to put it behind them.

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Sparks continued to fly between Kerry Katona and Paolo Margaglione during tonight’s Celebs Go Dating as she revealed her new boyfriends sweet gesture days after meeting

Despite joking, she had returned to Celebs Go Dating for free therapy, Kerry Katona seems to have come away with much more than that—meeting her now-boyfriend, Paolo Margaglione.

We’re on week three at the agency, and viewers are watching the couples love story unfold – and tonight, Kerry revealed exactly how she knew her boyfriend was the one.

During Wednesday night’s episode, Kerry told the agents she wanted to carry on dating Paolo, as she revealed that sparks had continued to fly off-camera after their date.

Spilling all to the agents and the fellow celebrities on the date at brunch, father of two Paolo said: “It was lovely. Kerry is a beautiful person. She’s got a great energy about her. As a person, she’s incredible.”

READ MORE: Donna Preston fumes ‘I’m out’ after Celebs Go Dating star’s vile commentsREAD MORE: Kerry Katona takes ‘savage swipe’ at exes days after meeting new boyfriend

Kerry couldn’t help but blush as she revealed that their relationship had been growing outside of the agency. “In fact, we’ve actually kept in touch,” she said, as Celebrity Big Brother star Donna Preston let out a huge gasp.

“We have actually spoken everyday and he actually sent me a care package,” which the celebs and agents cheering in delight, and Paul screaming, “what!” with a great big smile on his face.

Later catching up with Paul and Anna in the agency privately, Kerry continued to gush over her date, who is know her boyfriend. Continuing to gush, Kerry revealed she was ‘excited’ about what was to come in the future with the fitness instructor – who DM’d her on Instagram after their first date.

The pair then went on their second date, and the sparks continued to fly, with Kerry saying he was “saying all the right things.” Despite still being concerned about the 11 year age gap, Kerry told the cameras she didn’t want to date anyone else – and it looked like her wish continued.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the couple had moved in together, although Kerry was wary about going public with her new beau.

“Kerry is being very cautious with this romance,” a source told the Mirror. “She has been very wary about going public with Paolo and it impacting their relationship.

“She’s been down the route of high-profile, public relationships before and she doesn’t want anything to ruin things this time.”

The source added: “Kerry’s worries have caused some tense moments as she doesn’t want any exterior drama getting in the way.

“But Paolo isn’t overthinking it – he’s just really happy to be with her. He doesn’t see the problem and is telling her not to worry, they’re great together and should just enjoy what they’ve got.”

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CELEBS Go Dating fans were left unimpressed last night when new recruit Donna Preston’s date turned X-rated.

Comedian Donna, 39, joined the Celebs Go Dating agency in Tuesday night’s episode.

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She was thrown straight in at the deep end when she was blindfolded and sent on a date with Damian.

After he asked if she had pets, Donna replied: “I’ve got a cat.”

She then told Damian her pet is called Mr Big, to which he replied: “Mr Big? A nice, big pussy.”

But, rather than being turned off by his obvious innuendo, Donna quizzed Damian on his sex drive.

After claiming it’s “through the roof”, Damian admitted to having had “threesomes and a fivesome”.

Donna said: “A fivesome? Isn’t that a g*** b***? How was that?”

Damian replied: “It was good, I enjoyed it.”

But some viewers at home didn’t enjoy the exchange, with one writing on social media: “omg at Donna’s blind date tonight …. Their conversation was so risqué lol …. I was flabbergasted.”

And another said: “Donna & Damian are a bit much. Who has those chats on a first date?”

Ahead of her Celebs Go Dating debut, Donna spoke to The Sun about her previous relationships – confessing she once dated a murderer who is now in jail.

She said: “I’ve been in two long-term relationships and when I got out of that I went on a date and they ended up being a murderer.

“A real life murderer! He’s in jail though, so that’s nice.”

Kerry Katona was seen taking a brutal swipe at her exes during tonight’s episode of Celebs Go Dating, which saw her attend a blind date days after dating new boyfriend Paolo

It was another eventful night in tonight’s Celebs Go Dating, as the celebrities all went on a blind date – but not the traditional kind.

The celebrities all gathered for another brunch, in which they were introduced to yet another new date by the experts. However, they were unable to see who was in front of them, as the agents made sure they were all blindfolded before hand.

The tactic seemed to work however, as it gave the celebrities the chance to really get to know their dates, without judging what they look like. Kerry Katona was paired with music producer Furkan – and it wasn’t long before she threw in a savage dig about her exes.

READ MORE: Celebs Go Dating star Olivia Hawkins reveals vile trolling after horror car crashREAD MORE: S Club star feared they’d end up a ‘spinster’ after substance issues and family loss

Speaking to the camera about how she felt about the dates, the former Atomic Kitten star said: “This is way out of my comfort zone. But I guess the agents know what they’re doing, so I’ll give it a crack!

“I don’t think I’ve ever been blindfolded before, though I might as well have been, have you seen half of the exes?” she laughed.

Despite the date looking pleasant, it seemed like Kerry’s mind may have been elsewhere, as on Thursday night’s episode, Kerry went on a date with now boyfriend, fitness coach Paolo Margaglione.

The two connected from the start, although Kerry, 44, did express her concerns about the age difference with father of two Paolo, who is 33.

However, it looks like Kerry has seen past the age gap, as before the series aired, it was revealed that Kerry had found love with the fitness coach on the show, and things are moving fast for the couple, who have reportedly already moved in together.

“Kerry is being very cautious with this romance,” they told the Mirror. “She has been very wary about going public with Paolo and it impacting their relationship.

“She’s been down the route of high-profile, public relationships before and she doesn’t want anything to ruin things this time.”

Kerry’s new relationship with Paolo comes seven months after her split with ex-fiancé Ryan Mahoney. At the time, Kerry cited a “breach of trust” in their decision to go their separate ways.

Opening up further about the split during the first few episodes of the E4 show, Kerry said: “We were arguing quite a lot because he wasn’t there for me emotionally and that used to get to me. It’s the little things, just the little things that I want – I don’t want diamond rings,” as relationship coach Anna agreed.

“So I kicked off, ‘That’s it, we’re done’, and he said, ‘Look, I just don’t know if I love you anymore,” the mum of five revealed. Clarifying, Anna asked: “He said doesn’t think he loved you?”

“He said to me he doesn’t think he loves me anymore, he doesn’t know what he wants,” Kerry confirmed. “I was devastated.”

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CHRISTINE McGuinness was seen breaking down in tears tonight, as she quit Celebs Go Dating and said she just “wanted to go home”.

The model – who was married to comedian Paddy McGuinness, 51, until their split in 2022 – made the shock decision to leave the show on the latest episode.

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Tonight Celebs Go Dating viewers watched a tearful Christine, 37, announce she “wanted to go home”

Speaking to the show’s agents, she said: “Well, I’ve been thinking quite a lot whilst we’ve been in Ibiza and I think I need to date in more of a natural environment.

“I think I just would love to meet somebody and date more privately. It’s where I’m kind of feeling myself going back, when I want to go freely forward.

“Right. And I’ve made the decision to leave the agency.”

Continuing she said: “But as much as I am very, very comfortable talking about my sexuality and being me, and I know that I want to continue dating women, I’ve found that outside attention far too much.

“And I’ve found myself feeling like I’m hiding more. And I don’t want that. That’s not what I want.”

Christine then began to cry as she revealed she just wanted to “go home” and “be with her children”.

The tearful star said: “”I’ve been missing the kids loads this week. I think all the love I need right now is waiting for me at home.”

AGENTS SPEAK OUT

Meanwhile, one of the Celebs Got Dating agents recently shed more light on why Christine decided to walk away from the show.

In an exclusive interview with The Sun earlier this month, love guru Anna Williamson opened up Paddy’s ex-wife’s sudden exit.

The star admitted Christine’s decision to join the show after her public split was a “brave” move, and it equally took courage for her exit the process after discovering it “wasn’t the right time” for her.

Anna explained: “It wasn’t the right time for Christine to continue her journey in the agency.

“I think this is the absolute beauty of what the Celebrity Dating agency does – yes it’s a TV show, but it’s also real.”

Anna added: “She realised that perhaps this actually wasn’t quite the right time for her to be doing that and took a great deal of confidence and bravery inside to recognise and actually now is not the right time.”

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The Sun were first to reveal in May that Christine decided to quit the show during filming.

In a statement, she said at the time: “I joined Celebs Go Dating with great intentions but have realised that dating on a public platform and the attention that brings is just too soon for me.

“They’ve said the door is always open for me, which I’m so grateful for, but for now I’m returning home to my family.”

PADDY SPLIT

Christine and her ex, comedian Paddy announced they had separated in 2022 after 15 years together.

The couple first met through a mutual friend in 2007, when she was 19 and he was 33.

Two years later, he popped the question and they married in 2011 at Merseyside’s Thornton Manor Estate.

However, they have now been divorced three years, but continue to live together for the sake of their three kids.

Celebs Go Dating 2025 cast

Tonight, fans saw Christine McGuinness leave Celebs Go Dating after a rollercoaster week of emotions – as a PR expert explains why it was a great decision for the mother of three

Earlier this year, Christine McGuinness signed up for E4 dating series, Celebs Go Dating, almost three years after her shock split from TV host, Paddy McGuinness, 52.

Before the series aired – it was revealed Christine had left the series, but despite her short stint, PR expert Rebecca May, founder of RM Publicity, says the star “won’t be short of offers” due to the strength and resilience she showed throughout.

From the first episode, it was evident that the 37-year-old mum of three was uncomfortable dating in the public eye – as she struggled to decide on who to take to Ibiza after the first mixer.

However, the star pushed through and ended up having a great date with mother of three Leanne, although she admitted she wasn’t sure if the relationship could flourish.

READ MORE: Kerry Katona slams Brooklyn Beckham in scathing rant amid family feudREAD MORE: Christine McGuinness was ‘so nervous’ on Celebs Go Dating as she speaks out

In emotional chat with dating experts Anna Williamson and Paul C Brunson, Christine made the decision that it was time for her to leave the process.

Despite only being onscreen for a week – Christine made a huge impact in the agency, as she opened up about the reasoning behind her divorce with Paddy for the first time. In her emotional deep dive with agents Anna Williamson and Paul C Brunson, Christine confirmed there had been a “breach of trust” with Paddy, and she was the one to end things.

After the episode aired last week, the star’s social media was filled with positive comments.

And PR expert Rebecca May, founder of RM Publicity, says this is just the beginning. “Christine has seen her profile soar because she wears her heart on her sleeve in a very authentic and natural way, which is why people can relate to her.

“Fans are rooting for her and brands will be drawn to her because they see she is real. Her strength and resilience also shines through, and after recent events she has gained even more followers. She has great TV presence – and after Celebs Go Dating she certainly won’t be short of offers.”

Appearing to suggest Paddy had made ‘mistakes,’ during her deep dive, Christine said: “Anyone can make mistakes but I think the trust was broken,” she explained. “I’ll always love him, he’s the father of my children and I think he’s the only man that I’ll ever love.

“A lot of people make mistakes and mess up, and when you’re in a couple who is quite well known in the industry, obviously then everyone knows your business. He was getting a really, really difficult time in the press,” she continued – although she didn’t expand on the ‘mistakes’.

After meeting in 2007, at the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament where Christine was modelling, the couple went from strength to strength.

Christine was just 19 at the time, and described meeting Paddy as “perfect timing” as she “struggled a lot” as a teenager, not knowing where she fitted or belonged.

They tied the knot just four years later, and went on to have three children, twins Leo and Penelope, 12, and eight year old daughter Felicity.

However, things came crashing down in 2022, when the couple released a shock joint statement informing the public on their split.

The couple have remained amicable, and are still living under the same roof. Recently, the couple jetted off on a family holiday with the kids, while Christine’s stint on the dating show airs on E4.

On the timing of the holiday, PR expert Rebecca added: “Interestingly, the timing of the holiday suggests it may have been tactfully timed just before the episode airs.

“This underlines that family is important to her and she wants to show a strong bond still with her ex husband by going on a big family holiday together.

“It suggests she most certainly wants that narrative to stand out before the episode drops, highlighting that they remain amicable and that co-parenting is a real priority for them.

“Ultimately – it is this balance of vulnerability and strength that makes her not only relatable, but deeply admired by her fans.”

Despite the two remaining amicable, and even still living together, it hasn’t stopped Christine from dating after the split.

Christine, who dated women before and after Paddy, has been romantically linked to a number of high profile partners including singer Chelcee Grimes and model, rapper and DJ Roxxxan.

In June 2024, Christine revealed she had started dating someone and was the ‘happiest she’d ever been.’

Things didn’t quite work out, and Christine turned to reality TV to help her find love, however, the process of Celebs Go Dating was a completely new experience for the mother of three.

During her first date in Ibiza with Leanne, Christine mentioned that she’d never been on a date with someone completely new before, revealing that she’d already been familiar with everyone she’d been linked to prior to the split – before opening up about her autism and ADHD diagnosis

Christine informed her date Leanne that finds it difficult to make decisions, as we saw during the first mixer.

However, just a day before her exit, Christine was told she’d be going on a blind date. Although she didn’t have to make the decision herself, she revealed she also “hated surprises,” and it was evident she was having second thoughts about the process.

Christine was diagnosed with ADHD and autism in her early thirties, after her three children were also diagnosed with autism. She received the diagnosis in 2021, when she was 33 years old, and has been open about her diagnosis ever since.

“Routine is a huge part of our life. It gives them structure and comfort,” she said about her children. “Even small changes can feel really big for them, so we plan everything carefully.”

Before her own diagnosis, Christine told OK!: “I felt very distant, like I didn’t understand people – and like I didn’t really understand myself.”

“I now feel so connected, so in-tune, so intuitive… I understand myself completely.”

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Former S Club 7 star emotionally opened up about his father’s death during tonight’s Celebs Go Dating, and how he didn’t speak to his mum for two years while he was grieving

It was former S Club 7 star Jon Lee who became emotional during tonight’s episode of Celebs Go Dating, as he opened up about his father’s tragic death.

Jon’s sadly lost his father in 2014, after he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. The star, who was very close to his dad, told dating experts Anna Williamson and Dr Tara that he “lost the plot” after his fathers death.

Opening up to the agents in Ibiza, the star opened up about how his dad had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease at the same time he found out his boyfriend had been unfaithful the entire time they were together.

READ MORE: Kerry Katona sobs as she shares ‘devastating’ truth behind split from Ryan MahoneyREAD MORE: Celebs Go Dating’s Jon Lee makes shock sex confession moments into new series

“I had an emotional slap from this relationship, and then that happened. And I hadn’t quite recovered myself from that, and then that happened as well and everything fell apart.”

Opening up further, Jon expressed how close he was to his father, as he was seen tearing up in front of the agents. “Within the first year, he’d completely lost the ability to move, he couldn’t speak, he had to be fed through a tube in his stomach. He couldn’t talk to me. To go out like that, I literally lost the plot. I thought, ‘What the f**k is the point?’ It broke my heart.

Explaining on how he dealt with the grief, Jon continued: “I went out, I was taking loads of drugs. I went completely off the rails. That got to a point where I had to make a decision. I had to sort myself out or it wasn’t going to end well.”

Jon then recalled packing a bag, and never going back to his home. “I wrote to my mum, I sent her my front door key. I wrote her a note saying I don’t know where I’m going, I don’t know what I’m doing, but I need to sort myself out.”

The former popstar then left the country for four years, telling the agents how he didn’t even speak to his mum for two of them. “She didn’t know where I was. She said every time the phone rang she thought it was going to be the police saying, ‘We found Jon and he’s dead.’ That’s my biggest regret, that I caused her…” he said as he broke down in tears.

Earlier in the conversation, Jon opened up about how he felt he had to hide his sexuality while in the band, and didn’t really get to experience dating until they broke up in 2003. Jon was just 15 when the band started, as he told the agents he didn’t have an opportunity to figure out who he was in the real world.

Although Jon’s S Club 7 bandmades and his family knew he was gay, the star never spoke about it publicly. “Throughout the band, I wasn’t comfortable with my sexuality at all, so it would happen when I was drunk,” he explained.

“I didn’t feel comfortable enough to be in a relationship until after the band and when I went back into musical theatre,” he admitted. “It felt like I was out of the limelight then and no one cared about me anymore. That’s when I started my dating life, so I was massively behind and very emotionally immature.”

Jon’s time in the agency comes after a six year break from dating, as he told the cameras during the first episode that he had been celibate for six years.

In a chat while filming, Dr Tara told the Mirror that Jon was the celebrity that surprised her most in the Agency, and he was set to make a “shocking revelation”.

“Jon has had a really interesting journey since S Club and I know a lot of it hasn’t been shared anywhere else. It’s a really interesting and insightful investigation into what really has been happening in his life since S Club and what he’s been doing in the recent years,” she told us.

“One of his revelations I was shocked,” Tara exclaimed, as she revealed Jon was the celebrity who surprised her the most in the agency. “I thought Jon would come in a lot more guarded but he’s not,” Tara said. “He’s ready to bare it all emotionally and it’s a beautiful thing. I’ve been learning a lot about him already, and I have to say it’s a very touching story.”

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As Celebs Go Dating returns for a new series, Kerry Katona is desperate for love, while Christine McGuinness is looking to date a woman and S Club pop star Jon Lee tackles his ‘car crash’ love life…

With plenty of cheek, Celebs Go Dating is back tonight on E4 at 9pm, as more famous people volunteer to be filmed as they look for love. Guided by expert agents Paul C Brunson, Anna Williamson and Dr Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, there is plenty of drama and lust as the celebs go dating.

This season kicks off with a mixer in London, hosted by Tom Read Wilson.

On the hunt for love in this latest series are Atomic Kitten blonde bombshell Kerry Katona (not her first time on the show), S Club pop star Jon Lee, Too Hot to Handle lothario Louis Russell, TV personality Christine McGuinness and Love Island sensation Olivia Hawkins.

READ MORE: Jessie J says cancer diagnosis was sent to ‘slow her down’ and make her ‘reassess’ lifeREAD MORE: Kerry Katona compares herself to Britney Spears after sharing fears for singer

Kerry says: “I’m best known for being a singer, a mother, a reality star and a car crash. People think I’m this crazy, partying wild person, when in fact I’m a bit of a loner. In fact, I’m just really boring.”

She adds: “The whole dating thing is just not something I do.”

Kerry explains: “I just meet somebody and get married. I was very young when I met my first husband, I was 18. We got divorced when I was 25. I got married straight away after that, got divorced, then got married again.

“Then I met my last fiance, but I never actually got up the aisle that time.”

Kerry sighs: “I keep getting rejected, that’s what it is, I’m never good enough. They always want something else. I just want to be loved. I’m so desperate to be loved.”

She doesn’t fare too well though, with Anna Williamson noting that Kerry comes across as “insincere” when she’s talking to potential dates.

Meanwhile model, author and mum-of-three Christine says: “I’ve been separated from my ex husband for around three years. I met Paddy McGuinness when I was 19.

“I describe my sexuality as being a free spirit. When I was a teenager I dated men and women before I was married and now I’m really, really just enjoying spending time with women.”

While Jon reveals: “My dating has been a complete car crash, I’ve been single and celibate for six years. I want a man who’s rough around the edges.” Getting their flirt on and testing their dating skills, the celebs work the room and try to look for instant chemistry and sparks.

As the agents watch on, they find out just how hard they’re going to have to work to get their famous clients on the path to romance. Paul Brunson says: “We can see how they operate and gather information.”

Then a secret is revealed – the celebs must choose someone for a first date and it will be in Ibiza. “How can I go abroad with someone I don’t know? This is not normal,” says Christine, finally realising that she is on a reality show. A flash forward shows people swinging their tops around their heads, jumping on lilos, clinking glasses… It’s going to be messy.

*Celebs Go Dating airs tonight (Aug 11) on E4 at 9pm

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