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Victorian English seaside town with no arcades or loud rides that has one of the UK’s best beaches & is loved by celebs

A PICTURESQUE town in Devon is home to one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches – complete without arcades and rides.

The Victorian town of Sidmouth in east Devon has a 200million-year-old coastline, being the gateway to the Jurassic Coast.

Shoppers and tourists on Old Fore Street in Sidmouth, beside The Anchor Inn.

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The Victorian town of Sidmouth in east Devon has a pretty beach and even has no arcadesCredit: Alamy
Panoramic view of Sidmouth's seafront, beach, and coastline.

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The town and beach are part of the Jurassic CoastCredit: Alamy

What’s more is that the town is also loved by celebs including Jeremy Vine and Stephen Fry.

Fry stayed nearby the town when starring in the TV adaptation of Jeeves and Wooster.

As for Jeremy Vine, the radio presenter got married nearby and spends summers returning to the town.

In fact, when he set his first whodunnit novel called Murder on Line, in the town, he included a scene where a wave sweeps a radio station manager and her just-sacked DJ into the water together.

Vine noted in The Guardian: “What I love most about Sidmouth is that it feels like a town going places.

“It’s chintzy in places, drab in others, but it feels real.

“And real by the sea is a different kind of beauty.”

But celebrity visitors also extended to literary legends and royalty.

Jane Austen – famous for her novels Pride and Prejudice and Northanger Abbey – spent the summer of 1801 in Sidmouth.

The town had become a popular spot among high society due to its spa waters, mild climate and calming atmosphere.

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During the summer Austen was in Sidmouth, she had a fling with a young man – however, it had a tragic end.

Her suitor caught typhus and died, ending the fleeting relationship.

Austen isn’t the only writer to have spent some time in the town – JRR Tolkien, the creator of Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit also holidayed at the seaside resort.

Tolkien used to stay at Kennaway House, which is rumoured to be the location where he wrote the first parts of Lord of the Rings.

And in the town itself, one of the pubs is believed to have inspired Aragon’s introduction.

Later, in April 1908, Beatrix Potter was also in Sidmouth.

On family holidays, the popular children’s writer would stay at the Hylton – where there is now even a plaque commemorating her stays.

Potter used to talk of the views, her local walks in the area and also the atmosphere – which helped her to complete the Tale of Little Pig Robinson.

Sidmouth Esplanade and beach front in East Devon, England.

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Celebrities including Jeremy Vine and royalty such as Queen Victoria have visited the townCredit: Alamy

As for royalty, Queen Victoria (who at the time of visiting was Princess Alexandrina) also frequented the town.

In 1819, she stayed at Woolbrook Cottage – now known as the Royal Glen Hotel.

However, the holiday was not particularly happy as her father became ill and died.

For things to do in Sidmouth, there is plenty of choice, with the beach undoubtedly being the main attraction.

This year Sidmouth Town Beach was awarded a Blue Flag for the sixth year in a row – recognising the pebble beach as being under excellent management including beach safety and water quality.

Being amongst the cleanest beaches in the UK, it is a great spot to go for a dip when the sun is shining before heading into the town and grabbing an ice cream.

My own experience of Sidmouth

GROWING up, I always associated Sidmouth with ‘that place that had donkeys’.

This is due to Sidmouth being home to the free-to-visit Donkey Sanctuary that has over 100 donkeys that they have improved the lives of.

It’s a great spot for children and learning about animal welfare.

Away from the sanctuary, I also visited the beach on occasions growing up.

Sidmouth is pretty, but I often think people also forget how impressive it is with the dramatic cliffs dating back 200million years.

They are part of the Jurassic Coast – which is made of vibrant reed sandstone cliffs from the Triassic period.

They are a wonder to see and within the area, there are many places to go and things to do where families can learn more about the Jurassic Coast.

But if you aren’t done with exploring, you could always head over to Hill View along the coastal walk, which boast amazing views across the sea.

One particularly special thing about Sidmouth though, is that it doesn’t have any amusement arcades, loud sports bars or dodgy street food vendors.

Instead, the places that these would usually be have been filled with galleries and antiques shops, independent retailers and tearooms.

To get to the quaint town, from London it takes around four hours to drive.

Alternatively, also from London, you could hop on a train to Honiton, taking around two-and-a-half hours before catching a bus from Honiton to Sidmouth.

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Families sunbathing and swimming on a beach.

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Reporter Cyann Fielding has been to the town and loves it for it’s unique feelCredit: Alamy

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Celebs Go Dating chaos as Mark Labbett ‘storms off set after having enough of E4 show’

The Chase star and quizzer Mark Labbett is said to have become so frustrated at filming E4 show Celebs Go Dating that he stormed off set leaving show bosses scrambling

Mark Labbett
The Chase star Mark Labbett reportedly wasn’t happy with filming Celebs Go Dating

Celebs Go Dating was reportedly thrown into chaos when The Chase’s Mark Labbett became so fed up he stormed off the set. The professional quizzer, aka The Beast, turned to the E4 dating experts for help in his love life.

He joins Atomic Kitten’s Kerry Katona, Too Hot To Handle’s Louis Russell, Love Island All Stars’ Olivia Hawkins and S Club 7 star Jon Lee. Mark, 58, has had a rocky love life having tied the knot with second cousin Katie in 2014 but called it quits after six years.

He then dated TV host Hayley Palmer and the pair appeared head over heels for each other however, the couple split after just one year together. Despite wanting to find love again, it seemed things became a little too intense for Mark on the dating show.

Mark Labbett and Hayley Palmer a
Mark has been single since his split from presenter Hayley Palmer(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

According to reports, Mark was far from pleased when filming began on the series, and things took longer than he had expected. The quizzer got so frustrated he reportedly “threw a strop” and walked off set.

“It was a really long day, around 11 hours, and none of them expected it to go on for so long,” a source told the Sun. “The others put up with it, but Mark isn’t one to hide what he was feeling. He made it clear he’d had enough and stormed out, leaving filming altogether.”

Bosses are said to have had to scramble behind the scenes over the future of the series, leaving everyone “really stressed”. Thankfully, Mark took time away from the situation and after a good sleep he returned refreshed for another day of filming.

However, it wasn’t the first time Mark had reportedly shared his frustrations at the show. He is said to have shockingly dozed off while out on a date as he was so bored.

A source told the publication: “Mark was yawning a lot and drifted off briefly. It was a bit of an awkward moment. It’s safe to say there wasn’t much of a spark between them.”

Mark Labbett and Olivia Hawkins
He is taking part in Celebs Go Dating alongside Olivia Hawkins(Image: livhawkinss/Instagram)

Mark blamed his age on the reason for his split from Hayley and said he was “lucky to date her for a year”. Opening up on his live life previously, he told the paper: “I was single, not coincidentally, for a long, long time when I was a 29st maths teacher who knew it was quite hard to attract a partner then. So I’m quite comfortable without a partner.”

The TV star also reflected on his new “content” single life, yet his comments seemed to rile ex Hayley as she branded them “heartless”. Taking to Instagram, she told fans: “I think it’s a shame that someone could say something so heartless over a relationship that lasted over a year.

“I have moved on and working to be the best version of myself. I think what is actually serious is Mental Health and we should all be working together towards a caring Christmas. X.”

Her response appeared to be aimed at Mark saying he is “quite content” on his own as he branded “people complicated”. Hayley had announced their last year, taking to social media to reveal: “It is with regret I announce that myself and Mark have gone our separate ways.

“We had the best year together, and I truly wish him all the very best for the future.” She went on to reveal she was turning to music to try to lift her spirits, writing: “Off I go to listen to Taylor Swift” accompanied by a broken heart emoji.

The Mirror has contacted Mark’s representative and Channel 4 for comment.

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ITV The Chase star Mark Labbett commits ultimate blunder during Celebs Go Dating

Mark Labbett, best known to The Chase fans as quizmaster “The Beast”, was reportedly spotted committing the faux pas during a date with a mystery woman while filming Celebs Go Dating

“The Beast” from The Chase, real name Mark Labbett, found himself in an amusing pickle on Celebs Go Dating after reportedly dozing off during a date.

Labbett, 58, well-known for his sharp intellect and straight-talking on the hit ITV quiz show, seemingly succumbed to sleepiness while the cameras captured the moment mid-date.

The latest series of Celebs Go Dating, which was filmed last month, saw an insider reveal that there wasn’t much spark between the quizzing legend and his suitor.

An anonymous tipster dished:

“Mark was yawning a lot and drifted off briefly. It was a bit of an awkward moment. It’s safe to say there wasn’t much of a spark between them.”

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Previously weighing as much as 29 stone, Mark Labbett tied the knot with second cousin Katie in 2014 but called it quits after six years.

He then dated TV host Hayley Palmer in 2023; however, the couple split after just one year together, reports the Express.

A source said: "Mark was yawning a lot and drifted off briefly. It was a bit of an awkward moment. It's safe to say there wasn't much of a spark between them."
A source said: “Mark was yawning a lot and drifted off briefly. It was a bit of an awkward moment. It’s safe to say there wasn’t much of a spark between them.”(Image: IG)

Discussing his break up with Hayley, 43, Labbett confided in The Sun:

“She’s a lovely lady and I was very lucky to date her for a year, and as I said: it’s me, I got old.”

He continued: “There’s been no one since Hayley. I’m not saying there won’t be another one. But I’m certainly not looking.”

Delving into his love life, Labbett reminisced:

“I was single, not coincidentally, for a long, long time when I was a 29st maths teacher who knew it was quite hard to attract a partner then. So I’m quite comfortable without a partner.”

Mark’s representative quipped a witty retort when questioned about the drowsy date:

“If his date was as boring as you have suggested, I’m surprised he didn’t take a pillow with him!”.

Celebs Go Dating chose to remain tight-lipped regarding the incident.

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Celebs in ITV’s Shark! taught about ‘real danger’ by instructor with missing arm and leg

The celebrities were said to be taking a big risk as they swam with ever-increasing sized sharks in the Bahamas in a new ITV series to mark the 50th anniversary of Jaws

Shark!
The seven celebrities took their lives in their hands to dive with top predators for new TV series(Image: ITV)

The seven celebrities who agreed to swim with sharks in an ITV series which marks the 50th anniversary of Jaws, were taught to dive by an instructor with missing limbs.

The seven stars – who all admit to being scared of the sea – were Call the Midwife’s Helen George, comedians Sir Lenny Henry and Ross Noble, Countdown’s Rachel Riley, McFly’s Dougie Poynter, Amandaland’s Lucy Punch and TV presenter Ade Adepitan.

All have now returned from filming Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters with their lives intact, but were constantly reminded of the dangers involved by their Australian instructor – who was missing an arm and a leg, courtesy of a tiger shark.

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hammerhead shark
The celebs swam will many fearsome sharks including Hammerheads (Image: Getty Images/Image Source)

For the five-part series, due to start next month, the celebs were challenged to confront their greatest fear and flown to the island on Bimini in the Bahamas, home to around 10 different species of shark. Once there, they took the plunge together alongside hammerhead, bull and tiger sharks.

While there is no voting or elimination process in the show, the dives got progressively harder, with each involving a bigger and tougher breed of shark, and the celebrities were allowed to sit out if they felt overwhelmed.

One insider said: “The sharks they were free diving with were definitely dangerous and they were shocked when they realised what had happened to the expert, who’d had an arm and a leg bitten off.”

Bimini, Bahamas
The island of Bimini is a sanctuary for sharks and often has 10 different types in its waters(Image: Getty Images)

Despite the series being shown as tribute to half a century since the Oscar-winning Jaws was released in 1975, the “ocean-phobic” stars did not attempt to recreate the movie scenes. “There were no Great Whites involved in the making of this show,” the source said. “But it was not for the faint-hearted, that’s for sure. Some were more scared than others.”

Viewers will have to wait to see if any of the stars sustained injuries during the making of the programme, which was filmed last year.

Yesterday presenter Rachel said that taking part was a “dream come true” adding: “It was the best trip, the best experience, the best everything, of my life.” Describing it as “wet and wild” she added: “Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters is a totally new type of entertainment show, with so much integrity and a love of sharks and conservation at its heart. And with the best bunch of people you could hope to work with.”

hammerhead shark
Hammerhead sharks are fearsome looking when viewed from beneath(Image: Getty Images)

The mum-of-two said she’d first been asked to take part a year ago. “They said we’re thinking of sending some celebrities out to the Bahamas for a few weeks to swim with some of the biggest, scariest wild sharks in the world.”

Helen agreed that it had been brilliant, saying: “One of the most insane experiences of my life, learning about this incredible creatures, with equally incredible humans.”

Ross described it as a “great adventure” and quipped: “No, it’s not a wind up, it’s a real thing.” And pop star Dougie marvelled that it was the closest he’d ever get to a “real Jurassic Park experience”.

ITV entertainment boss Katie Rawcliffe said audiences should enjoy the combination of blue chip natural history programming with ITV’s skill at entertainment, and called the famous faces taking part “some of the bravest celebrities out there”.

Karen Plumb, of Plimsoll Productions, said the aim was to give viewers a new perspective on sharks. “We’re constantly looking for innovative approaches to wildlife storytelling and are certain that our fish-out-of-water spin – delivering 50 years after Jaws – will transform the world’s perception of these critical predators before it’s too late.”

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I’m A Celebrity star ‘signs up’ for Celebrity Bake Off alongside two huge celebs

A former star of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here has reportedly signed up for the latest edition of the Bake Off in a Stand Up To Cancer special

Prue Leith has revealed her husband, John Playfair, is overshadowing her
Bake Off is gearing up for a Stand Up To Cancer special(Image: PA)

The latest famous face to be signed up for the Great British Bake Off is said to have been confirmed. Former I’m A Celebrity star Babatunde Aleshe has reportedly agreed to another reality TV show following his stint in the jungle.

The comedian, 38, starred on the ITV show Down Under in 2022, and is now said to be ready to test his culinary skills. It’s claimed Babatunde will take part in the Stand Up To Cancer special of the hit Channel 4 show.

“Babatunde is guaranteed to be hilarious and will no doubt have plenty of banter with Paul, Noel, Caroline and Alison,” a source said.

Babatunde in I'm A Celebrity in 2022
Babatunde in I’m A Celebrity in 2022(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Speaking to the Sun, the TV insider continued: “‘He’s not known for his prowess in the kitchen so there’s sure to be some panicky moments laced with the good humour he’s known for.

“His energy on the Gogglebox sofa has always been pure positivity and very infectious, and bosses are hoping he’ll bring that to the tent.”

Other names reportedly signed up for the unique edition include JoJo Siwa. and Molly Mae Hague. Hot on the heels of her Celebrity Big Brother appearance – where she met Chris Hughes – the Dance Moms star is claimed to be set for another UK reality TV show.

The 22-year-old American singer boosted her profile on the opposite side of the Atlantic in April when she was a contestant on ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother – she already had a huge stateside following.

Now it has been reported that JoJo will be popping up on Channel 4 and testing out her culinary skills. A source claimed: “This is a bit of a coup for the Bake Off because Jojo is currently one of the most talked about young stars on TV right now.

“She’s barely had time to catch her breath, leaving CBB last month amid huge media attention and heading straight into another huge show this month. It’s also a fantastic gig for her because although she already has a fanbase over here, the cookery contest also introduces her to a wider British audience,” the source added to The Sun.

Jojo Siwa on Sunday Brunch
JoJo Siwa is tipped to take part in the celebrity version of Bake Off(Image: Channel 4)

“Plus she got plenty of experience of cooking in front of the cameras while she was on Celebrity Big Brother, though this time she won’t have hunky Chris to distract her.”

JoJo and Chris’ budding friendship stole the show in the Big Brother house. Speculation was rife they were more than just friends, with JoJo revealed to have dumped fiance Kath Ebbs at the wrap party.

Snaps have since emerged of the singer kissing the 32-year-old former Love Island star while they were on holiday together in Mexico. They have continued to pair special mentions to each other on social media following their exit from the CBB house.

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Christine McGuinness’ Celebs Go Dating replacement makes bold promise ahead filming

Celebs Go Dating have made a late addition to their lineup for the upcoming E4 series, adding a Celebrity Big Brother star following the surprise withdrawal of Christine McGuinness

Celebs Go Dating logo
The Celebs Go Dating lineup is complete(Image: E4 )

A Celebrity Big Brother star has become a late addition to the latest Celebs Go Dating lineup – and made a bold promise. Donna Preston is ready to swap one reality TV show for another and dip her toe in the on-screen dating world on the E4 show.

However, she has admitted she won’t be easily pleased and will make her feelings known if she feels her match isn’t up to scratch. Donna, 38, is set to appear alongside Atomic Kitten’s Kerry Katona, The Chase’s Mark Labbett, S Club 7’s Jon Lee, Love Island’s Olivia Hawkins and Too Hot To Handle’s Louis Russell.

Donna’s late addition comes following the shock exit of Christine McGuinness. The ex-wife of Paddy McGuinness had initially signed up, but quickly realised she wasn’t ready for the scrutiny that came with it.

Donna Preston in Big Brother Diary Room
Donna was recently on Celebrity Big Brother(Image: ITV/Celebrity Big Brother)

Donna’s fellow CBB housemate, Chris Hughes, had also been lined up to take part, but shunned the opportunity shortly after leaving the house.

Opening up about her inclusion, Donna said: “I’m buzzing to be joining the show and finally crack the code on what men really want, besides snacks and not being asked what they’re thinking.

“I’m intrigued to meet new people, but let’s be honest, if a date’s boring, I won’t waste anyone’s time. Life’s too short to sit through tales of someone’s coin collection, I’ll be gone before the starter arrives.”

While she was a late name to join the series, there had been talk of her taking part prior to her spell in ITV’s Big Brother house. Before last month’s show, a source had said: “Donna was toying with dipping her toe in the dating pool on TV and had been in talks with bosses on the E4 show, but then she was also offered CBB.”

Speaking to the Sun, the source added: “She felt it was the better career move.”

Earlier this month while speaking to the Mirror at the BAFTA TV Awards, Christine opened up on her decision to step back from the show. She also teased her inclusion in a new project.

Speaking on the red carpet at the event, she admitted she focusing on work which takes her mind off wanting to find a companion in the future.

She went on to add: “There’s going to be an announcement in a few weeks which i’m very, very excited about for a new project I’ve been working on.”

She had previously said: “I joined Celebs Go Dating with great intentions but have realised that dating on a public platform and the attention is brings is just too soon for me.”

Without ruling out the possibility of returning to the show in the future, she added: “They’ve said the door is always open for me which I’m so grateful but for now I’m returning home to my family.”

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Rise of dangerous ‘Barbie waist’ surgery as women spend thousands having ribs REMOVED to look like red carpet celebs

IT’S an invasive, extremely high-risk procedure that could leave patients with a lung puncture, nerve damage and chronic pain.

But despite the eye-watering risks, more women than ever are opting for ‘Barbie rib’ surgery – that’s having one or more ribs taken out – to achieve a tiny waist.

Woman with a 21-inch waist wearing a waist trainer.

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Essex mum Kerry Miles said she planned to pay £15k for her rib removal surgeryCredit: Caters News Agency
Woman's waist measured at 21 inches with tape measure.

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Kerry’s waist shrank to a shockingly small 21 inchesCredit: Caters News Agency
Six rib bones in a plastic bag.

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Influencer Emily James shared a stomach-churning pic of the ribs she had removedCredit: Caters
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 06: Kim Kardashian attends The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Aliah Anderson/Getty Images)

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Kim Kardashian sparked rib removal rumours after the 2024 Met Gala – something she has deniedCredit: GETTY

In the 1950s, stars of the silver screen such as Marilyn Monroe wowed with their tiny hourglass figures.

But in 2025, women are going one step further by opting for the latest surgery trend.

When Kim Kardashian graced the Met Gala’s red carpet last March wearing a tightly cinched silver corset, it sparked rumours that the A-lister may have gone under the knife.

While getting ready for the event, she told Vogue: “I’ll feel so snatched I won’t even be able to communicate to you how snatched I feel.”

She fiercely denied rumours of rib removal, later saying: “I don’t even know if that’s possible.”

Well, the shocking surgery IS possible, with many women now going under the knife to achieve the same look as their favourite red carpet celebs.

The surgery, performed under general anaesthesia, involves the surgeon detaching the rib bone and removing it or partially removing to give the appearance of a slimmer waistline.

The ribs can also be repositioned, and a rib brace is then worn to compress the midsection.

It’s an incredibly dangerous procedure that could cause the lungs to collapse or damage other internal organs, with few experienced surgeons willing to carry out the op.

Hazim Sadideen, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at the Cadogan Clinic, told The Sun: “There’s been a lot of noise around the ‘Barbie rib’ procedure, and I think it’s important to separate fact from fiction.

“First off, rib modification and rib removal are very different things.

“True rib removal, where one or more of the floating ribs are completely taken out, is an invasive and high-risk procedure. I would never recommend it purely for cosmetic reasons.

“The risks include lung puncture, nerve damage and chronic pain. There are long-term asymmetry risks too.”

I had my ribs removed to get a Barbie waist

Other celebs have also been rumoured to have had the surgery, including Cher and singer Prince, while other A-listers have donned corsets and tight dresses on the red carpet to achieve a cinched look – a body ideal that has seeped onto social media.

Under the knife

Despite the controversy, Essex Mum Kerry Miles, 41, still planned to spend £15,000 on the procedure after using a corset to shrink her waist to just 21 inches.

Belgian performer Jada Sparks spent over £14,000 having ribs removed. The former nurse said: “I’ve done it for the cosmetic reason, but also the thrill of it to be honest.

“I went down about 2.5 inches from the start until now.

“I think I have reached my ultimate result now. In the beginning, it felt weird, but your body is an odd thing, it can adapt really quick.

“So, I like the feeling right now of having something ‘missing’.”

Kim Kardashian shows off her very small waist as it becomes the buzz of the Met Gala 2024 in New York City. Pictured: Kim Kardashian Ref: SPL10825404 060524 NON-EXCLUSIVE Picture by: SplashNews.com Splash News and Pictures **USE CHILD PIXELATED IMAGES OR FOOTAGE IF YOUR TERRITORY REQUIRES IT** USA: 310-525-5808 UK: 020 8126 1009 eamteam@shutterstock.com World Rights,

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Kim K stunned fans with her corseted, minuscule waistCredit: GETTY
Woman with pink hair answering the question, "How much does it cost?"

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Emily James spent £13k having six ribs removed in a bid to achieve a Barbie-like waistCredit: Caters
Person's back with scars circled.

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Emily’s ribs were removed from her back, and she’s left with two small scarsCredit: INSTAGRAM
Woman with purple hair wearing a waist trainer and attempting to zip up her jeans.

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Emily shows off the results of her surgery on InstagramCredit: Instagram

Emily James, an influencer from Kansas City, Missouri, spent £13,000 having six of her ribs removed last year – and claims it is no different to a Brazilian Butt Lift.

Emily told The Sun she’d researched her procedure thoroughly and defended her decision. 

She says: “I absolutely think that it’s important to make informed, well-thought-out decisions before you get plastic surgery.

“People should not just be going into random like garages, getting oil pumped into their bodies for like a BBL or getting veneered by some girl that you found on Instagram.

“It’s important to make well-informed decisions, and if you’re going into it with the mindset knowing the risks and the benefits, then you absolutely should do what you want to do.

“But just keep in mind that it is plastic surgery, and there are dangers involved, and there are risks and complications that can arise from getting these kinds of surgeries.”

‘Barbie waist’

The iconic Barbie doll has impossible proportions – which in real life would be 39″ bust, 18″ waist and 33″ hips.

Her terrifyingly tiny waist measurement would in reality be smaller than that of the average three-year-old.

A Google search of “Barbie rib procedure” yields over 135,000 results.

But while Mr Sadideen believes filtered images don’t reveal the truth about invasive procedures, Emily, who had post-surgery complications with a catheter, was able to get the surgery without any psychological evaluation or counselling.

“There was nothing like that,” she says. “But it was a really hard process to find someone that I felt comfortable going to.

“There were lots that were certified to do the surgery, but I didn’t feel they were qualified. I wanted someone who really understood me.” 

Emily flew almost 800 miles for the surgery in Cleveland, Ohio.

But with the trend taking off on social media and celebrities in the US, Germany and UK reportedly having it done, increasing numbers of women are attending clinics asking for their ribs to be removed.

Megan Fox at the GQ Men of the Year Party.

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Megan Fox dons a corset dress that enhances her slim figure – she has admitted to having some plastic surgery but not a rib opCredit: Getty
Cardi B at the Met Gala in a green velvet suit.

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Cardi B attending the 2025 Met Gala, showcasing her slender waist – the star has always denied plastic surgery rumoursCredit: Getty
Georgia Steel at a birthday event.

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Towie star Abi Clarke is rumoured to have had rib surgeryCredit: Eroteme
Promotional portrait of American singer and actress Cher (born Cherilyn Sarkisian LaPiere) for the television variety show 'The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour,' 1972. (Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)

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Cher has always denied having her ribs removedCredit: GETTY

While Towie’s Abigail Clarke is also rumoured to have had the procedure, Emily says the invasive and risky surgery, which she’s still recovering from, was more painful than she imagined.

“I got there about 6.30 in the morning and honestly, I was really scared,” she says. “I knew my rib removal was going to be painful because I’d done a lot of research.

“I had my boobs done at the same time, but coming out of surgery, I was super swollen, and I couldn’t sit up or lay down by myself.

“I had to have someone help me stand up, lay down, pretty much do everything.

“It was a really intense surgery, and I had a lot of numbness and pain for a long time.”

‘Emotional toll’

While Emily has documented her journey online, Mr Sadideen says social media could be to blame for the increase in requests for these types of invasive procedures.

“What really worries me is how social media glamorises extreme body transformations without showing the full story – the recovery, the risks, or the emotional toll,” he says.

“The rise of these trends is often driven by filtered images and unattainable ideals, which can feed into body dysmorphia and lead people to believe something drastic is the only solution.”

While Emily had no psychological evaluation at all prior to the procedure which altered her skeleton, he believes the mental capacity of a patient should factor into every surgical evaluation.

Just because something is technically possible doesn’t mean it’s the right choice

Mr Hazim Sadideen

“Any patient considering a procedure like this should undergo a thorough psychological assessment to ensure they’re making this choice for the right reasons, not due to pressure or distorted self-image,” he says.

“As surgeons, we have a duty to protect our patients.

“Just because something is technically possible doesn’t mean it’s the right choice.”

Despite having the support of her loved ones, Emily is aware that she entered into the procedure without any long-term idea of how her rib removal might affect her body in the future.

“I knew going into surgery, the ribs I was having removed do serve some protection of my kidneys and my liver,” she says.

“I don’t think that I regret any of my surgeries, but who knows when I’m 60 if I’ll have complications from my rib removal.

“I’ve noticed already there has been one weird complication that whenever I get sick or cough, my muscles separate. So yeah, there might be complications later down the road.”

Mr Sadideen says there is a less invasive option that can be considered without needing to go to the dangerous extremes Emily has.

“There is a more conservative alternative sometimes referred to as rib reshaping or rib modification,” he says.

“In very carefully selected cases, surgeons may use a controlled mini-fracture technique to slightly bend a rib inward.

“It’s a method already used in nose reshaping – known as rhinoplasty – and orthopaedic surgery.

“But it must be done with the utmost precision, using detailed scans, ultrasound guidance during surgery, and specific tools to reduce risk and avoid complications.

“Even so, the data is still emerging, and we don’t yet have a full picture of long-term safety or outcomes.”

Illustration of eight people who have undergone extreme plastic surgery, with descriptions of their modifications.

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While Emily – who plans to make a crown out of the ribs she’s had removed – has received a barrage of online hate for her surgery choices, she says it doesn’t bother her.

“I’ve had a lot of people say that I worship the devil, or that I’m like, controlled by Satan because I am making a crown out of my rib bones, which is really silly,” she says.

While there are plenty of celebrities who are rumoured to have had the procedure done – from Cher to Prince to Kim Kardashian and Demi Moore, Mr Sadideen says society’s obsession with filters could be resulting in the dangerous trend growing in popularity.

“Extreme procedures like rib removal should be a last resort, not a trend,” he says.

“And we should all be asking: are we doing this to feel better, or just to look better on a screen?”

Barbie doll in a pink and yellow bikini.

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Barbie’s proportions in real life would be 39″ bust, 18″ waist and 33″ hipsCredit: Collects
Dr. Hazim Sadideen, Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeon, sitting at his desk.

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Hazim Sadideen, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at the Cadogan Clinic says the surgery is dangerousCredit: drhazlondon.com

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