Gogglebox star Ken Harwood from County Durham has died aged 77 following a short illness, with Channel 4 and fans remembering the beloved TV personality as a “legend”
13:27, 15 May 2026Updated 13:28, 15 May 2026
Who was Gogglebox’s Ken? Inside star’s life after tragic death aged 77(Image: CHANNEL 4)
The Gogglebox family is mourning the devastating loss of beloved former cast member Ken, but what do we know about the cherished TV personality?
Ken made his debut on the enduring Channel 4 series in 2021 during the opening episode of series 17, appearing alongside his wife Anne – and the pair swiftly captured viewers’ hearts.
The County Durham duo graced our screens for five series before departing in 2022. Tragically, this week brought news that Ken had passed away following a brief illness, at the age of 77.
But what’s the story behind Anne and Ken’s enduring marriage? And what touching moment did Ken create during their Gogglebox debut? Here’s what we know about Ken.
Born in Consett, County Durham in 1948, Ken dedicated three decades to working as a postmaster before transitioning into local council work. He eventually stepped back from public life in 2013, reports Chronicle Live.
While details about Anne remain relatively private, she shared more than half a century of marriage with Ken. Their inaugural appearance on the programme featured a particularly heartwarming scene when Ken surprised Anne with a stunning bouquet of roses.
During the episode, Anne graciously accepted the gorgeous arrangement, exclaiming: “God they are beautiful.” Ken then revealed there were 50 roses, representing each year of their life together.
Anne responded: “You have put me to shame now with a card and roses, and I got you nothing. But you have me and that’s all you need.”
In a separate episode, Anne had viewers in stitches with her brilliant reaction to Ken’s ill-timed sneezing bout. As the sneezes began, Anne attempted to halt them by reciting a rhyme, where each sneeze supposedly brought him something special.
Anne reckoned Ken had bagged a wish, a kiss, a letter and something better. But then she drew a blank on how it continued. In the end, she quipped: “Oh hell, here we go.”
Gogglebox announced Ken’s passing on Friday (May 15). In their statement, they shared: “Ken will be dearly missed by his wife Anne, sons Simon and Ross, daughter-in-law, Elle, grandchildren Freya and Tristram, and all who knew him.”
They added: “There will be a tribute to Ken at the end of Channel 4’s episode on Gogglebox tonight.” As word spread of the devastating news, fans poured out their grief. One wrote: “Sad news.” While another commented: “Rest easy legend.”
Married at First Sight Australia star Alissa opened up about the ‘mean girl treatment’ she faced from fellow brides during Season 13
Alissa revealed she could barely get out of bed because of her co-stars’ treatment(Image: Channel 4)
A Married At First Sight Australia bride has revealed she “couldn’t get out of bed” after enduring “mean girl treatment” from fellow cast members.
The thirteenth series of the popular social experiment has finally wrapped up, but not without the couples facing one last interrogation from the relationship experts.
During Thursday’s (May 14) finale, Alissa was given the opportunity to speak out about the text message controversy involving co-stars Gia and Bec.
Fans will recall that the pair were exposed sharing vicious messages about Alissa and her husband David in a private group chat. One message suggested the couple’s relationship was fake, while another branded Alissa a “rat b****”.
In a final bid to defend herself, Alissa confronted Bec and Gia, the only two members from the group chat who attended the reunion, reports OK!.
“What did I do to you? What did I actually do to you? Mean girls, just mean girls,” she said.
When questioned about how their remarks impacted her, Alissa emotionally confessed: “I couldn’t get out of bed. If it wasn’t for him [David]. He was with me, he stood by me.”
She continued: “And he was like ‘You’re strong, you got this.’ I remember that second dinner party, I sat there and I was shaking under the table.
“My arms were shaking and that was one of the hardest days of my life. And I didn’t shed one tear, and I sat there and I called out a bully.”
The heartfelt admission left the entire cast visibly moved, with even Bec appearing distressed. Despite clashing throughout the E4 experiment, the two female contestants have since buried the hatchet.
Both Gia and Bec offered sincere apologies during the reunion episode.
Bec was first to speak up, saying: “The way I treated you was disgusting. And I vow to you and promise you that I will never, ever, ever, ever treat you or another woman without speaking to them about it [first],” before adding: “That was just unfair and I’m sincerely sorry.”
Gia then responded: “Obviously we’re leaving the experiment so you’ve no way to judge if my behaviour’s going to change, but all I can say is I’m really truly sorry for anything I’ve ever said.”
Married at First Sight Australia is streaming now on Channel 4 online
The true text messages between Steph and Danny have now been exposed following the dinner party chaos
MAFS Australia viewers witnessed yet another explosive dinner party(Image: E4)
The Married At First Sight Australia reunion is proving to be an absolute rollercoaster, with no shortage of explosive moments.
During last night’s instalment (May 12), fans of the reality phenomenon were treated to yet more fireworks when Bec unleashed a shocking revelation, alleging her ex Danny had been swapping flirty messages with fellow participant Steph.
On the programme, Steph had tied the knot with Tyson, though their romance fizzled out ahead of the final vows, while Danny similarly pulled ended his own relationship during the ultimate final commitment.
Yet behind the scenes, it emerged Danny and Steph had been messaging one another, with whispers suggesting Steph had even forwarded a bikini snap of herself.
During last night’s broadcast (May 12), word spread about the bikini images, prompting Bec to erupt: “You’re contacting my ex-husband, you’re meant to be my friend … Who do you think you are?”
Bec further alleged the duo had traded voice messages, with Danny also sending Steph love heart emojis – though he insisted he shares the symbol with everyone, reports OK!.
Eventually, a tearful Bec walked out of the Dinner Party, confessing that despite Danny shattering her heart, she remained in love with him – sentiments he did not share.
Speaking to producers on the programme, Steph confessed she felt no attraction towards Danny and would not pursue anything with him. But what really transpired between the two? The text messages between the pair have now come to light.
Woman’s Day reports that Stephanie made the first move, checking in on Danny’s wellbeing. Steph revealed she’d been “working, walking and working out man. Dating. Having fun”.
In one exchange, Steph urged Danny to attend the reunion, hoping he’d help her “go hard” on ex Tyson following their turbulent split. One message read: “I think you should come and if it gets too much, just leave. But I say that because I wanna see everyone and I’m just being selfish.”
Other messages saw them poking fun at contestants who’d left their jobs for the show, with Danny writing: “Living in dream world thinking you’ll make good coin off the back of mafs haha.”
The duo also swapped voice notes, while Steph sent Danny a series of snaps from a recent getaway, including the bikini shot that Bec had questioned.
Nine.com.au reports that Steph had previously posted the photograph herself on Instagram stories, labelling it the “bikini photo in question”, linked to a November 2025 upload. The image shows her sporting a bikini top paired with shorts.
Her caption, which accompanied various sightseeing shots plus another bikini snap, read: “Sunbaking/burnt, bug/gies, saunas, sightseeing, HPC, Hamilton.”
Speaking to Nine, Steph insisted the exchange was completely innocent, saying: “I went to Hamilton Island with work, and he said he’d never been there. I sent him a couple of photos, one of which was me in a bikini, which had already been posted on social media.”
Married At First Sight Australia can be streamed on Channel 4.
SUN, sea, sand and an Irish bar – it sounds like a dream and less of a reality to most of us living in the UK.
But for Sean and Aine Rice, this is actually the case, and the two are set to star in an upcoming episode of Channel 4‘s Escape to Florida.
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Sean and Aine Rice made the moved from Northern Ireland to FloridaCredit: Sean and Aine RiceThey’ve turned their home into a mini-resortCredit: Sean and Aine Rice
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When it comes to swapping life in the UK for a sun-soaked destination, it seems that most nowadays are heading to the likes of Portugal or far-flung Australia.
But Sean and Aine Rice who are from Northern Ireland, headed the other way across the Atlantic and settled in the USA.
The couple first called New York their home, but in the year 2000 moved to the ‘Sunshine State’ where they settled in Brandon near Tampa before heading to Apollo Beach.
Talking to Sun Travel, Sean revealed just why he loves Florida so much and reveals that of course, the weather plays a big part in it.
He said: “Any day in the year is good day in Florida, we get great weather throughout the year.
“Even when the extreme heat arrives, Florida is catered for it, so you suffer from the humidity too much.”
Their Apollo Beach home has an outdoor kitchen and boat dockCredit: Sean and Aine Rice
Sean has lived in the States for 40 years, and Aine for 27 – together they share two sons and a two-year-old granddaughter.
Both confess that moving to Florida might be a little different now from when they bought their Floridan family home 26 years ago.
Sean told us: “It was extremely cheap back then, you certainly got a lot more house for your buck back in the day.
“Our first house was around £125,000, and it’s around doubled or tripled in price now.”
Inside the couple can still enjoy the sunny viewsCredit: Sean and Aine Rice
The couple now live in Apollo Beach which is south of Tampa and is referred to as a ‘boater’s paradise’.
It has over 55 miles of canals and direct access to Tampa Bay with plenty of wildlife swimming around the bay like dolphins and manatees.
There are some disadvantages to life in Florida though as Sean and Aine found in 2024 when their home was severely flooded by Hurricane Helene.
But the couple took repairing their house in their stride and have completely transformed it.
Outdoor living and being on the water is a huge bonus to living in FloridaCredit: Sean and Aine Rice
Sean told us: “Home is what you make it, and we turned ours into a mini resort.
“Originally it was a 1,700 square foot house with over 200 feet of water front and we’ve really modernised it.
“We’ve got our own dock, an outdoor shower, a driving range, putting green, space for our kayaks, we have an outdoor kitchen, and we plan on putting a sauna out there too.
“It’s somewhere you can hang out and relax, and there are palm trees that keep you out of the sun.
“We want to enjoy all the elements and the only time we really have to leave is to go shopping – it’s pretty cool.”
As for work, the pair run the Salty Shamrock, an Irish pub in the heart of Apollo Beach.
The pair live down the road from Tampa and two-hours from the Orlando theme parksCredit: Alamy
It serves up classic American meals as well as Irish classics like chicken pot pie, sausage and mash and seaside favourite, fish and chips.
The pub hosts live events and celebrate St Patrick’s Day when it comes around in March.
There’s plenty to do as well, especially when it comes to daytrip.
He said: “When we can, we like to jump on the boat to Fort Myers, have lunch, a few drinks – I’m an avid golfer and there are hundreds of golf courses in Florida.
“I love old Florida too which are the swamps and the everglades with the alligators out there.
“We’re also two hours from Orlando where the theme parks are, and we’re close to Tampa – there’s lots more to do there now especially when it comes to the food scene.
“But mostly, I love to fish on the water.”
Aine agreed adding: “There’s always something to do here, especially if you’re an outdoorsy person from fishing to boating, exploring the state parks or playing sports – I love pickleball at the moment.”
Now they have an outdoor shower and are planning to add a saunaCredit: Sean and Aine Rice
She continued: “I never feel guilty about being indoors when the sun is out like I did in Ireland – there’s a real urge to be outside and I enjoy it very much.”
The couple return to Northern Ireland multiple times a year, so what do they miss the most about their home country?
Aine said: “I miss family and a sense of community because that’s what I feel is missing in Florida, which is why we’ve created that with our bar.”
Sean added: “The people – Irish people are unique, when tourists ask me about Ireland, I say rent a car, get lost and talk to everyone.
“We travel a lot, but I’ve never experienced any place quite like Ireland. I love the coast of Donegal and how rural it all is and that it hasn’t been commercialised.
“I always look forward to going back.”
For keen golfer Sean, there’s also a putting greenCredit: Sean and Aine Rice
For anyone keen to make the move from the UK to the US, Sean has some advice to pass on.
He said: “Florida is a great place to live, as long as you do your homework.
“I’d say to come here, you do need some sort of career in mind, or get transferred with a sister company. For someone to come out and just ‘wing it’, it would be a huge uphill battle
“It can be quite the culture shock too in the likes of Apollo Beach – it’s much less fast-paced than New York or London.
“Remember that you don’t get things like free health care, and schools are very different from the UK too.
“And down in Florida, we have a lot of Spanish and Cuban neighbours, so I’d encourage anyone moving here to try and learn Spanish – although I’ve never have.
“Life in Florida has its ups and downs of course, but I’d recommend it to this day.”
The cast and sex experts of Virgin Island spoke at the BAFTA TV Awards after the Channel 4 show was hit with criticism
Virgin Island aired for the first time last year(Image: Channel 4)
The Virgin Island cast made a huge splash when the series first aired last year and instantly became a watercooler TV show, with many left questioning whether it was groundbreaking or exploitative.
The premise of the Channel 4 programme followed 12 adult virgins as they explored intimacy in a pressure-free environment, surrounded by experts helping to guide them towards breaking down barriers.
It led to emotional breakthroughs for the brave contestants, and sparked conversations across the UK, resulting in a BAFTA TV nomination in the reality category – which was eventually won by the Celebrity Traitors.
Speaking to the Mirror and other press on the red carpet at the annual ceremony, the cast and experts took the opportunity to hit back at the critics. Addressing the backlash, sex and relationship coach Celeste Hirschman told us: “The proof is in the pudding! The transformations are unbelievable, and in the second season as well!
Dr Danielle Harel agreed: “Exactly! There’s a little bit of a discomfort to see the methods, but honestly, when people see how it helps, they’ll really fall into it, they’ll love it. They’ll really understand why it’s so important.”
“I think they were much more ready in season two, so they dove in the deep end right away. And we had a little more time, which was nice,” Celeste continued. “And we have play time! We have a BDSM specialist coming in for episode five, so watch out!”
Dr Danielle interjected: “I think people came in more ready for the show, so they were ready to move faster.”
The contestants themselves also couldn’t rave about the series enough. Emma was met with cheers when she shared: “Well, I lost my virginity, so that’s an update, I think!
“Ever since, I’ve been exploring more with intimacy and getting more comfortable with it. Finding out what I like and don’t like. I’ve built so much more confidence and I’ve opened up so many more doors! It’s incredible!
“The pros taught us how it was done, I’m a free woman now thanks to these girls! I didn’t realise that would happen on a two week retreat but these are experts, so they know what they’re doing!”
Emma revealed that she first became intimate “about six months after” filming, during a “self-love journey” in Australia.
“That’s when I started to meet people and try it a bit more. I took away a lot of skills these girls gave me and I did my own learning in my own time, and then I blossomed in the outside world.”
Jason Thompson, who was also a guest at the sex retreat, proudly flashed a bejewelled cherry pin on his suit as he added:“I’m still a virgin, cherry is still in tact. I love myself again, a whole other level of confidence, I’m just all-round happier. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”
A BAFTA winner broke the fourth wall during the awards’ ceremony to ask BBC bosses if they would cut footage of Gaza: Doctors Under Attack winning the prize for best film about current affairs
22:35, 10 May 2026Updated 22:35, 10 May 2026
The executive producer of a BAFTA-winning documentary took aim at the BBC during the awards ceremony(Image: Getty Images for BAFTA)
A BAFTA winner took aim at the BBC during the ceremony after a documentary about Gaza triumphed at the prestigious television awards ceremony.
The current affairs film Gaza: Doctors Under Attack picked up a major prize at the BAFTA Television Awards tonight (Sunday, 10 May). But the moment quickly turned political when executive producer Ben De Pear used his acceptance speech to question the broadcaster that originally commissioned the programme.
The one-off documentary, which features testimonies from Palestinian healthcare workers and documents attacks on medical facilities in Gaza, was initially commissioned by the BBC before being shelved over impartiality concerns. It was later broadcast by Channel 4 instead.
When he took to the stage after the film won in the current affairs category, Ben thanked the journalists involved in making the documentary before addressing the BBC directly.
He fired his parting shot, asking: “Finally, just a question for the BBC: given you dropped our film, will you drop us from the Bafta screening later tonight?”
BBC One was responsible for the TV coverage of the BAFTA Awards night, but did not air the ceremony live. The reception of each award was broadcast to the public around two hours after the actual events took place.
Ben was joined on stage by journalist Ramita Navia, who delivered a powerful speech about the findings of the investigation featured in the film.
He shared: ” Israel has killed over 47,000 children and women in Gaza. So far, Israel has bombed and targeted every single one of Gaza’s hospitals.
“It’s killed over 1,700 Palestinian doctors and health care workers. It has imprisoned over 400 in what the UN now calls the medicide. These are the findings of our investigation that the BBC paid for but refused to show.
“But we refuse to be silenced and censored. We thank Channel 4 for showing this film. Right now, there are over 80 Palestinian doctors and healthcare workers being held in detention centres that Israeli human rights groups describe as torture camps. We dedicate this award to them.”
The documentary was originally commissioned over a year ago by the BBC via their independent production company Basement Films.
However, the broadcaster delayed its release while an internal review into a separate Gaza-related programme was carried out. After that review process, the corporation ultimately decided not to air the film.
At the time, the BBC said it had concerns the programme could create “a perception of partiality that would not meet the high standards that the public rightly expect”.
The corporation also confirmed that production on the documentary had been paused while the review was was being conducted. Despite dropping the programme, the BBC said it remained committed to reporting on the conflict.
In a statement previously issued by the BBC, the broadcaster said it was “committed to covering the conflict in Gaza and has produced powerful coverage”.
Greg Davies has been called up to host the BAFTA TV Awards for the first time1
16:18, 10 May 2026Updated 16:19, 10 May 2026
Greg Davies said he’s looking for a wife(Image: Rex)
Greg Davies is back on our screens tonight as he hosts the BAFTA TV Awards for the very first time.
The 57-year old, known for co-hosting the hit comedy gameshow Taskmaster, follows in the footsteps of Graham Norton, Lenny Henry and Michael Parkinson in his MC role and said it was an opportunity he could not turn down.
“I used to watch Stephen Fry at the Baftas and marvel at his cool, intellectual charm. I won’t be bringing that,” laughed Greg ahead of the show.
The 6ft 8in funnyman shot to fame after starring as headteacher Mr Gilbert in The Inbetweeners and has since become a regular fixture on our screens, thanks to his TV roles in The Cleaner, Brassic, Cuckoo and Man Down.
Speaking as a guest at the BAFTAs last year, Greg gave a rare update on his personal life as he said he was ‘ready for a wife’.
The Taskmaster star and his co-host Alex Horne were nominated in the Entertainment category for their Channel 4 programme alongside The 1% Club, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show and Would I Lie to You?
Speaking on the red carpet, Alex said: “We’re an unlikely couple,” with Greg piping up: “That’s why we’re a good team.”
Alex then added: “And I would like to thank my wife for getting us here tonight,” before Greg joked: “I don’t have a wife so maybe I can thank Alex’s wife.”
Tom insisted he could meet his wife at the star-studded event, with Greg responding: “Maybe I will, I’m open to it. It would be so lovely, it’s been too long and I’m ready now.”
Alex simply quipped: “Lonely”,” as Greg added: “Oh god, the horrible hot lonely tears.”
The Cleaner star was in a relationship with Labour Party politician Liz Kendall between 2007 and 2015, but usually keeps his love life under wraps.
Liz told previously The Mirror about their romance: “I am not going to be the sort of politician who does all that stuff about their private life because it’s very precious to me and really important to me that I have that space that’s personal and just to me. We are not together any more but we remain really good friends.”
In the past Greg has made jokes about his disastrous single life and previously said he ‘gave up’ on romance while on The Graham Norton Show.
Greg said his grandfather once caught him in an embrace with his first girlfriend and the experience left him mortified. “It’s not for me, romance… that was the day I gave up on romance,” he explained. However, Greg counts one ex-girlfriend of changing the course of his life. His former partner, who he has not named, convinced him to switch from his teaching career to one in comedy. Speaking to The Times, he said: “I’ve been doing comedy for about 15 years now. I always wanted to do it, I just never had thick enough skin.
“A girlfriend I had while teaching was a pragmatist and always told me that if you want to do something, then go for it. So eventually I made the switch. Comedy is definitely where I’m happiest.”
Mortified Greg recalled: “I met Janet Ellis once in a fish and chip shop. I used to have a terrible crush on her, all throughout my childhood. Then I finally met her and said something humiliating, I think chips-based, that guaranteed I would never end up in the relationship I craved.” He added: “I met her daughter Sophie on a show once and told her I fancied her mum and she rolled her eyes and said ‘everyone does’.”
While he was known for playing doting dad Ken in the sitcom Cuckoo, the actor himself does not have any children. He does, however, have lots of experience looking after kids as he was a secondary school drama and English teacher for 13 years before moving into comedy.
That’s not Greg’s only transformation. In recent years the funnyman has admitted to using Ozempic to lose weight after receiving concerning health news from his doctor.
The host claimed to have lost three stone – and named the diabetic medication in an interview. Ozempic is not designed as a weight loss drug and is used instead as a treatment for type 2 diabetes in adults – however, many patients have experienced weight loss as a side effect.
He told The Times: “[I] lost three stone on the old Ozempic, in about four months, before putting most of it back on.” The interview also notes that his doctor warned him that if he was shorter, he would “look obese” – and that he is now considering turning to fasting in an attempt to maintain his weight.
Noting that he is not concerned about ageing, he added: “I think that’s probably good in my game, isn’t it?”
The popular crime drama, featuring Kris Marshall returning to his Death in Paradise character DI Humphrey Goodman alongside Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd, debuted in 2023 and was an instant hit.
Audiences will be hoping the BBC will soon release more information on new episodes of Beyond Paradise, but in the meantime, crime drama fans are urged to watch Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, which can be streamed on Channel4.com.
The detective period drama follows the personal and professional life of Phryne Fisher (Essie Davis), a private detective operating in Melbourne, Australia, in the 1920s.
Not only is the wealthy, sharp-witted Fisher incredibly glamorous, but she also has the talent to solve cases that police can’t crack. She is often paired with Detective Inspector Jack Robinson (Nathan Page), and the duo uses each other’s expertise to investigate crimes.
However, Fisher remains haunted by the tragedy surrounding her younger sister, often wrestling with the question of whether she could have done more to prevent it. The first series aired on ABC in 2012 and was followed by two more, concluding in 2015
The show is inspired by Kerry Greenwood’s historical mystery novels, which brought the iconic Phryne Fisher to life. The series began with the 1989 novel Cocaine Blues and spanned 23 books.
The first series aired on ABC in 2012 and was followed by two more, concluding in 2015. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries was followed up by a feature film, Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears, released in 2020.
The show is rated 8.2/10 on IMDB with one fan calling the show “another excellent offering”, adding “The story lines, characters, writing, acting, sets, period ambiance… whatever else… are all superb.”
Another explained: “Sultry and stunning period mystery series. As a lifelong mystery buff, I find “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries” to be a real treat.”
“Lots of fun, and looks gorgeous. I happened upon Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries quite by accident”, added another.
Who else stars in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries? The cast of the crime drama includes:
Essie Davis as Phryne Fisher
Nathan Page as Detective Inspector Jack Robinson
Ashleigh Cummings as Dorothy ‘Dot’ Williams
Hugo Johnstone-Burt as Constable Hugh Collins
Richard Bligh as Mr. Tobias Butler
Travis McMahon as Bert Johnson
Anthony Sharpe as Cecil ‘Cec’ Yates
Tammy MacIntosh as Dr. Elizabeth ‘Mac’ Macmillan
Miriam Margolyes as Prudence Elizabeth Stanley
Ruby Rees-Wemyss as Jane Ross
Nicholas Bell as Murdoch Foyle
Pip Miller as The Baron of Richmond, Henry George Fisher
Beyond Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries can be streamed on Channel 4.
She is appearing on the Channel 4 show as a surrogate partner therapist, a professional who can offer two-way touch with the cast and even engage in full sex if deemed appropriate. She is the third so-called ‘sex surrogate’ on the show alongside Kat Slade, 35, and Andre Lazarus, 42.
In tonight’s episode (May 4) fans will get a glimpse at Risdon’s work with 25-year-old accountant Tegan, with the pair trying out directed gazing. This involves staring at different parts of the body in a bid to stir up feelings of desire.
As Risdon gets more screen time, fans may be curious about the star’s background and her path to appearing on the Channel 4 reality series. Here’s everything to know.
How old is Risdon Roberts?
Risdon is 42 years old and was born in Japan. She is same age as fellow surrogate partner therapist, Andre, who she already knew before the show.
She is usually based in Los Angeles where she works as a surrogate partner therapist and an intimacy expert, also advising for events, film and TV. Her specialism is working with people new to intimacy, experiencing sexual dysfunction or who are coming out later in life. She herself identifies as a queer woman.
Explaining she she signed up for Season 2, she shared: “I was very impressed with Kat [Slade] on the show and how the show supported her when the work with one of her clients shifted, as that is something that comes up a lot in Surrogate Partner Therapy.
“Seeing Kat’s incredible work on the first season really inspired me to want to participate. Andre and I have been friends and colleagues for years as well, so his positive experience during the first season was a major reason why I signed on.”
She added: “As a queer woman I also appreciated how there was so much room on the show for the cast to explore their divergent identities, attractions, and sexualities. I also really enjoyed the sex education elements of the show because those are some of my favourite parts of the work.”
Why does Risdon Roberts look familiar?
If fans recognise Risdon already, it’s likely due to her background in acting. She started her career in film and TV and trained as an intimacy coordinator before switching to her current career path.
Her first big acting role was in the online web series, Bite Me, in which she starred as a character called Lauren. The show centred around three gamers who try and survive a zombie outbreak using their gaming skills.
According to her IMDB page, her most recent TV work outside of Virgin Island is a 2017 TV mini series titled This Place Is Weird where she is credited as ‘Risdon’ as well as an appearance as ‘Lulu’ in 2023 comedy short, Surprise!
Virgin Island airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 9pm on Channel 4.
The Great British Bake Off host Alison Hammond appeared on ITV’s Lorraine on Monday
Nigella Lawson has entered the Bake Off tent(Image: Instagram/@nigellalawson)
A Great British Bake Off star has opened up about Nigella Lawson’s chemistry with Paul Hollywood.
Nigella has taken over from Prue Leith as the latest judge, where she will join Paul, Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding in the tent for the upcoming season that’s set to air later this year.
Alison appeared on ITV’s Lorraine on Monday (May 4), where she spoke to Lorraine Kelly about the new series, which has begun filming.
Lorraine said: “There’s a new judge. How’s that all going? Have you met up?”
Alison replied: “She’s so lovely. Nigella is incredible. Obviously we’ve started, so I’ve been watching.”
She added: “I’m telling you, the chemistry between her and Paul is unbelievable,” before clarifying: “Not in that sort of way!”
A picture of Paul and Nigella was then shown on screen, with Alison saying: “Don’t they look good looking?”
Lorraine jokingly added: “Do you know what, that looks like a crime scene, doesn’t it?!”
Alison continued: “But honestly, they’re so good together! I’ll be honest with you, they don’t always agree – it’s so good,” with Lorraine concluding: “No, that’s fine, and that works.”
Prue Leith announced her exit from the hit competition back in January after nine years. The 85-year-old restaurateur and broadcaster first joined the series in 2017 when it moved from the BBC to Channel 4, and has been a beloved fixture on it ever since.
In a statement, she said: “Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life for nine years. I have genuinely loved it and I’m sure I’ll miss working with my fellow judge Paul, Alison and Noel, and the teams at Love Productions and Channel 4.”
Speaking about stepping into Prue’s shoes, Nigella said: “I’m uncharacteristically rather lost for words right now. Of course it’s daunting to be following in the footsteps of Prue Leith and Mary Berry before her, great dames both, but I’m also bubbling with excitement.”
She added: “The Great British Bake Off is more than a television programme, it’s a National Treasure – and it’s a huge honour to be entrusted with it.
“I’m just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come, I wish the marvellous Prue all the best, and am giddily grateful for the opportunity!”
The Great British Bake Off returns to Channel 4 later this year
This Is Not A Murder Mystery follows a group of young Surrealist artists in the 1930s.
The Belgian English-language crime drama is now available to watch on Channel 4, after first airing last year.
Set in England in a lavish country estate, it sees a collection of famous artists finding themselves trapped with a serial killer.
The cast features Pierre Gervais as Rene Magritte, Inaki Mur as Salvador Dali, Florence Hall as Lee Miller, Frank Rourke as Man Ray and Mike Hoffman as Max Ernst.
The synopsis for This Is Not A Murder Mystery, taken from Magritte’s The Treachery of Images painting, reads: “Crime drama set in the flamboyant 1930s, following a group of young Surrealist artists, including Dali and Magritte, who are trapped in a lavish mansion with a serial killer on the loose.”
Viewers were left gripped by the unique period drama, with one person writing: “This series is a delightful and stylish twist on the classic whodunit. Set in the opulent 1930s with a gathering of legendary surrealist artists, it plays masterfully with suspense and visual flair.” They added: “For anyone looking for an intelligent drama wrapped in atmosphere and intrigue, this series is a must-watch.”
Another person branded it “worth watching” while someone else called it “charming”. When the trailer dropped, fans rushed to share their excitement, with one writing: “This looks *rilly* good, as another said: “This looks fun!”
Someone else said: “I’m so glad Agatha Christie-ish stories has taken ahold of media for now. It’s such a fun genre.”
Another added: “I’ve been itching for another story like this ever since Knives Out came out years ago! And I’m also really excited to see a cast where I don’t recognize anyone I’m sick of Hollywood only casting the same “trendy” actors in roles they’re ill-suited for so this is a nice chance to see other talent shine!”
Producer Kristoffel Mertens and Elly Vervloet previously spoke to Variety about turning their surrealist idea into this drama, with Mertens saying: “It started as the typical cliché idea that goes around in production companies.
“Everyone is very enthusiastic about it, but at the same time we would never be able to make it. Yet for this one, it remained with us and we kept going back to it, so in the end, we thought we could try to at least get it into development. And it turns out that “This is Not a Murder Mystery’ became one of the biggest shows ever made in Flanders.”
It’s definitely the biggest series we have ever done”, Vervloet added.
“We usually commission Flemish series for our local audience, creating a mix of domestic series and high-end TV shows as well.
“But at that level, it becomes a matter of dreaming big, being bold, and daring to make this choice as a public broadcaster to bring this English-spoken series to our audience and beyond.”
This Is Not A Murder Mystery is available to watch on Channel 4.
It will be the first time that a famous trans person has competed on Channel 4’s military challenge show, which films its ninth series this summer.
Meanwhile Freddy Brazier is also in talks to compete on the show – following in the footsteps of his dad Jeff Brazier, who starred on the show in 2019.
Former Special Forces big dogsBilly Billingham, Jason Fox, Rudy Reyes, and Chris Oliver will all be on hand to push the stars to their limit.
Series eight, which went out in January, was given a Team UK v Team Australia theme and produced in conjunction with Aussie broadcaster Channel 7.
Seven stars from each country were pitted against each other to find out which of them were capable of completing the course.
Former Love Islanders Dani Dyer and Gabby Allen as well as retired Australian swimmer Emily Seebohm were crowned the winners.
Scarlett Moffatt is reaping the benefits of her popularity during her latest I’m A Celeb stint with her already being offered huge deals thanks to her on-screen success
Scarlett Moffatt has been offered a huge new ITV deal(Image: Getty Images)
Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt has landed a huge new deal with ITV following her I’m A Celeb success.
The popular TV personality missed out on being part of the I’m a Celebrity South Africa final after she was given the boot from the camp following a Bushtucker Trial that saw her have to count coloured balls. Fans were disappointed to see Scarlett, 35, axed before reaching the finale which ended up being an all-male line-up.
However, the exit has done her no harm with ITV bosses among an array of channels and brands who are keen to work with her following her latest stint. Scarlett said: “I have got something coming up with ITV and I’ve just done a photoshoot in Barcelona.”
She continued to The Sun: “It’s been a whirlwind recently. It feels like the first time I came out of the jungle ten years ago — the same thing is happening again.”
Scarlett was just 25 years old when she was crowned the Queen of the Jungle in 2016, two years after she found fame on Gogglebox. She went on to become a TV presenter in joining Ant and Dec on their hit show Saturday Night Takeaway, before diverting to Channel 4 to reboot Davina McCall ’s dating show Streetmate.
Scarlett also served as a host of I’m a Celeb spin-off Extra Camp. She welcomed her son Jude in June 2023 and took some time away from the world of entertainment, however her fresh stint on the I’m a Celebrity all-stars series has placed her firmly back in the spotlight cementing her popularity with the public.
A source said: “Scarlett might not have reached the final of I’m a Celebrity but she’s shone this series and it’s reminded everyone how funny, kind and brilliant she is. Her diary is packed with offers but she’s thrilled to have a big new project with ITV booked.”
Meanwhile, Scarlett revealed earlier this week that she and fiancé Scott Dobson are now expecting their second child. Speaking at ITV’s Showcase event on Thursday night, she said: “I’m so excited to be pregnant again.
“I didn’t know if it would happen again so I’m so grateful that I get to be a mammy for two. When I first had my little boy Jude, I decided to take two years off. Then I’ve come back into it head first and I’m pregnant again.
“But I don’t know if I’d want to take another two-year break — I love this job. I feel so grateful that I get to call this my career. I hope I’ll do lots of new things.”
The baby news came after viewers saw Scarlett talking about her fertility struggles in heart-wrenching scenes shown on I’m a Celebrity last week.
Tyler and Chloe made an appearance on the latest episode of Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch (April 19), where they spoke to hosts Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer about their radio show.
The pair excitedly spoke about meeting a variety of A-list stars through their new show, including Halle Berry, Margot Robbie and Chris Hemsworth. Chloe said: “They were so lovely. Everyone’s been really nice.”
Tim then asked: “Who are the rotten ones?” with Tyler issuing a very candid reply.
“Do you know what I’m going to say, I’m not going to say rotten ones. We had a really awkward one, I’m just going to say it, with Ryan Gosling,” he shared.
Chloe added: “Oh god, it was awful! I think he was really jet lagged and we were his first interview of the day, and we are kind of like a massive ball of energy. We’re like punchline, punchline, punchline, and he looked slightly bewildered.”
Tyler said: “He looked so confused. It literally got to the point where we had three minutes left of the interview and [we were] like, ‘Anything you want to chat about?'”
Chloe continued: “He looked for help,” before adding: “He asked us at one point if we’d actually seen the film, so that was good. And we had.”
Tim then noted: “I reckon if you interviewed him tomorrow, he’d be a lovely bloke, do you know what I mean? That’s how it is.”
Following the announcement of his role at KISS, Tyler previously said in a statement: “KISS FAM! The mornings are gonna be unreal! Taking over from my boys Jordan and Perri is huge… but trust me, I’m ready to bring it! It’s time for big laughs and bigger tunes. KISS is where home is – this is your new breakfast show where the door is always open. It’s gonna be carnage!”
Chloe added: “I can’t believe I’m saying this – I’m joining KISS! While I know I’ve got big shoes to fill, stepping into the station that I’ve been a HUGE fan of growing up will feel like being launched into my dream job at 100 miles an hour.
“Being the newbie, I know that working alongside Tyler and a world-class team of producers will give me the perfect introduction. I’m more than ready to bring the laughs and every ounce of energy I’ve got for the KISS Breakfast listeners. I’m buzzing!”
As well as hosting the morning show on KISS, Chloe also recently attended Coachella in California, with the star posting smiling snaps with her best friend Millie Court on social media. They were also joined by Love Island: All Stars winner Samie Elishi, and Sophie Piper.
Sunday Brunch is available to stream on Channel 4, while KISS Breakfast airs weekdays from 6am
Claudia Winkleman explains it was a very emotional moment when she left Strictly Come Dancing with Tess Daly last year
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly bowed out of the hit BBC show together(Image: PA)
They will be watching the new series of Strictly Come Dancing together. But Claudia Winkleman says she and Tess Daly decided to bow out from the BBC show because they worried about becoming complacent in their roles.
No one ever doubted the pair loved BBC’s ballroom series. But speaking in-depth about their decision to leave, Claudia says she started to see signs that they needed to go ahead with their pact to quit at the same time.
“You want to leave on a high,” says Claudia. “And you want to leave when you are loving it. We were tiny cogs in this huge sparkly, glittery thing. We were tiny as we had props guys holding Eiffel Towers, the amazing band, the dancers, the costume and hair and make-up and everything else and the lighting.
“We thought it was time to leave. Years earlier they said Gloria Estefan was playing in Blackpool and we were like ‘I cant believe it’. I phoned my husband and said ‘I have to practice the Conga’.”
By then end of their run though, even big names and learning new dances were commonplace. She explains: “We thought it was time to leave. You know, not that I was not excited at the end, but both of us were a bit like ‘Oh yeah…cool. Alright, so then I do that…(routine)’.
“It deserves ‘new’ (change). But what shocked me was, we did the last live show. All week was like ‘We are fine’ but I could not stop crying as it has been my entire life. You know sometimes when you decide something like ‘Let’s move house’. Then you pick up the final box. Not that you have done something wrong but it just feels big.”
For Strictly’s launch in 2026, it will be all change in terms of hosts but also with some things still be the same. Claudia and Tess will be together, but snuggled up away from the cameras.
“Tess and I have already planned. We are having jacket potatoes and I am having the salmon. She is coming to ours, her and Vern(husband Vernon Kay). I am not joking. I am going to set her up with a nightie and we are going to watch and support and love it.”
For many years now, pretty much every TV show Claudia Winkleman has touched turned to gold.
Her Strictly Come Dancing stint on the main show for 15 years, hosting The Traitors and now huge spin off hit Celebrity Traitors too, as well as smaller shows like The Piano which won critical acclaim for Channel 4.
For her other major project The Traitors, Claudia says it requires very different skills compared to fronting Strictly, where she says a lot of the credit should go to Tess.
“Tess did all the heavy lifting on Strictly and I am grateful for it. But on Traitors I had to be strict. I was worried about that. I am in life a cheerleader like if my kids fill the dishwasher I am like ‘Lets film it’. So I am a cheerleader and I am able do that on Traitors when they do the missions. I want to feed them chocolate as I am on their side.
“But I have to get a bit strict like when my kids have not done their homework. I love the game so much so that is how I have to be. The producers did tell me to push it.”
Whilst she will continue to front the series, she admits it has made her more thoughtful about lying and deceit in real life.
“Traitors makes me cry. I am not that harsh. I want the traitors to win and the faithful to get them in equal measure. Also it is a lot of money if it is for charity or for them individually.
I have learned a lot of things that I wish I had not. It has made me realise there is no such thing as gut instinct. It is all about what you tell yourself afterwards. And I have learnt you can know the truth but you can persuade people to follow you and that makes me heartbroken. Will I do a children’s version? No.”
After referencing her kids, Claudia, at a charity Q&A event, is asked more about her own family.
She has been married to film producer Kris Thykier since 2000, and they have three children: Jake, Matilda, and Arthur. But there appears to be no risk of nepo babies in the Winkleman household.
With a grin Claudia says: “I told them to nepo up. One wants to work in hospitality, one wants to be a doctor and one wants to be a chemist. I said ‘I can navigate you work experience’ and they were like ‘No thanks mum.’ They are not interested in film (husband’s work) like they say ‘Not unless it comes in a test tube’. So no. That is not what they have asked for.”
Claudia was giving a rare interview to TV director Ben Winston at St John’s Wood Synagogue in London in aid of Lira Winston Fellowships, which focus on identifying and nurturing Jewish school educators
Asked about her thoughts on rising anti semitism, she said: “How do I navigate the industry? The industry itself does not feel anti-Semitic to me. That is my experience. But the growing anti-Semitism and the growing Islamophobia and racism that we see everywhere is really, really terrifying I suppose.
“I don’t want to say terrifying in front of my kids, but it is worrying. And that is why it is so important that we have got to look after each other and people from other communities.”