Channel 4

The Great British Bake Off viewers have worked out ‘who Iain’s lookalike is’

The Great British Bake Off star Iain Ross has been a firm fan favourite on the Channel 4 baking show, but some viewers have only just noticed one thing about him

The beloved Channel 4 programme The Great British Bake Off has returned to our television screens as hopeful contestants compete to claim the title of Britain’s finest amateur baker, with Iain Ross, from County Derry, Northern Ireland, already capturing the hearts of countless viewers. Yet some are only now cottoning on to exactly who the 29-year-old software engineer bears a striking resemblance to.

Iain, who harbours a passion for live music alongside his sourdough obsession, originally had zero intentions of gracing the show with his presence, but when his girlfriend Dervla refused to accept defeat, he eventually submitted his application. Channel 4 audiences are undoubtedly thrilled he did, with legions branding him ‘adorable’ across social media platforms.

However, others are now spotting another fascinating detail about him – his uncanny likeness to a particular children’s television character.

Which character might that be, you wonder? None other than Sir Gadabout from the beloved children’s tale Zog, which has since been transformed into an animated BBC production.

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A viewer named Katie recently took to X to highlight the remarkable similarity, penning: “For weeks I’ve struggled to think of who Iain reminds me of and it took my son wearing his Zog pyjamas for me to finally realise that it’s Sir Gadabout. #GBBO.”

Clearly, numerous others shared her observation, as the post accumulated over 66,000 views alongside thousands of likes.

One individual responded: “Thank you. I’ve been thinking exactly the same thing!”.

Meanwhile, another chimed in: “Oh my goodness! Absolutely nailed it!”

A third chimed in: “Thank you, I’ve been so confused why he looked so familiar,” while a fourth said: “You are not wrong!”

A further fan exclaimed: “It’s literally him,” while another simply concurred: “Yes!”

Speaking about securing his spot on the programme, Iain told Radio Times: “Every step of the way I kept it a secret from everyone apart from Dervla, I didn’t think I’d make it to the following stage and I didn’t want to let anyone down.

“Then when I got the call to confirm my place I was in sheer disbelief, I had no idea it would actually happen.”

He added: “I thought it was a prank at first, I got a call a few minutes after being told and I thought they were going to tell me they made a mistake and I wasn’t actually on the show!”.

“I was in the office at work and had to go out to the foyer to take the call and speak in code, everyone who was walking past heading to the toilet looked very concerned and confused.”

Iain, who lives in Belfast with Dervla and their cat Victor, disclosed on the programme that he was planning to pop the question to her, and has since announced on his social media pages that she said yes.

His heartfelt post featured Dervla flaunting a dazzling ring with Crawfordsburn waterfall in Northern Ireland as the stunning backdrop.

Captioning the snap, he penned: “Don’t suppose you know anyone who can make a decent wedding cake?”

He then added: “A picture at this waterfall every year for the past 8 years, and a special lil one to complete the frame.”

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Hollyoaks recast three key characters in huge shake-up for Channel 4 soap

Ro, Ant and Dee Dee Hutchinson have been recast in Hollyoaks by newcomers Leo Cole, Brook Debio and Chloe Atkinson and their first scenes on the Channel 4 soap will air next week

Three new actors have joined Hollyoaks as the Channel 4 soap marks its 30th anniversary.

Leo Cole, Brook Debio and Chloe Atkinson have taken over the roles of Tony (Nick Pickard) and Diane Hutchinson’s children Ro, Ant, and Dee Dee Hutchinson.

Last week, it was announced that Leo will be taking on the role of Ro, previously played by Ava Webster and bosses have now confirmed that Brook and Chloe will also be joining the cast, taking over the roles of Ant and Dee Dee, previously played by Lacey Findlow and William Thompson.

Chloe, Leo and Brook will make their Hollyoaks debut on Monday (October 20) during the Channel 4 soap’s 30th anniversary week as their characters attend their parents wedding.

Aubrey Burgess continues her role as Tony and Diane’s youngest daughter, Eva Hutchinson.

Talking about her new role, Chloe said: “I am so excited and grateful to be joining the cast of Hollyoaks as Dee Dee Hutchinson.

“My time here so far has been truly amazing, and I cannot wait to continue the journey.

“The rest of the cast has welcomed me with open arms. I couldn’t finish this message without mentioning Lacey Findlow and how lucky I feel to show you a different side to the character she brought to life and played so incredibly well.”

Brook added “It’s been so exciting joining the cast of Hollyoaks as Ant Hutchinson. It’s a real privilege to be part of a well-established and welcoming family.

“Filming has been a blast- especially with some of the intense scenes we’ve been shooting. I’m really grateful to have been trusted with such an important storyline.”

Brook has previously appeared in a special episode of Coronation Street earlier this year as a young Kit Green.

Taking to social media, Leo said about joining Hollyoaks: “”Big news… I’m on Hollyoaks. A massive thank you to my incredible agency @bsatalent, my amazing agent @hayleysoraya , @peterhuntcasting , Gill Charnock, and everyone at @hollyoaksofficial for this incredible opportunity.

“I’m so excited to continue Ro’s journey in the show, and I am so lucky to have this opportunity. Of course, the biggest thanks to my Mum for always believing in me and supporting me every step of the way.”

Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am

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‘I’ve hosted A Place in the Sun for 13 years and three destinations stand out’

A Place in the Sun host Laura Hamilton has been at the helm of the Channel 4 programme for more than a decade and has visited some breathtaking locations over the years

Laura Hamilton has looked back on her 13-year stint presenting A Place in the Sun and revealed her three top destinations. It’s fair to say that Laura, having hosted the sun-soaked Channel 4 property-hunting show for over a decade, has clocked up some serious air miles.

You would also expect that, after more than ten years of globetrotting, picking a favourite spot would prove tricky. But thankfully, for curious fans, Laura has whittled it down to just three choices.

During a recent chat where Laura discussed the programme’s enduring popularity, she was quizzed about her most cherished locations.

She told Woman magazine how the first holds special family significance.

South Africa

“I loved filming in South Africa,” Laura revealed. “My dad was born there. It was great to get to see that.” South Africa, perched at the southern tip of the African continent, boasts one of Africa’s largest and most developed economies.

The nation has 12 official languages, encompassing Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, and IsiNdebele. It’s also renowned as a wildlife paradise, home to everything from lions and elephants to vervet monkeys and baboons.

Meanwhile, along the coastline, adventurous tourists might even glimpse great white sharks and dolphins.

Morzine, France

Laura’s second choice was considerably nearer to home. She revealed: “I also loved filming in Morzine, in the mountains of France. I’m a big skier and it was great to see it in the summer months.

Morzine is an alpine village nestled within the Chablais mountain range, positioned between the towering 4,800-metre Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. This bustling ski resort boasts a rich history spanning more than 1,000 years.

In earlier centuries, monks and miners made Morzine their home. However, by the 1800s, with advancing technology, the area became renowned for its slate mining operations, an industry that brought wealth to the town.

Granada, Spain

Lastly, Laura selected Spain’s stunning city of Granada and its encompassing mountain range. She went on: “Granada, Sierra Nevada, was amazing. Being on the beach in the morning and the slopes in the afternoon – that’s amazing. There are places I’ve seen that I would probably not have got to go to.”

Sierra Nevada describes a mountain range in Spain, located in the Andalusian province of Granada. It’s reportedly also the location of Europe’s most southerly ski resort, providing spectacular views across the Mediterranean.

This comes after reports revealed how Laura admitted to occasionally feeling exasperated by some “crazy” buyers on the programme. Speaking in the same interview, she was questioned whether people ever participate in the show simply to secure a free trip.

She dismissed this idea, explaining how it’s a “week’s work” and a massive decision for those taking part. Nevertheless, she also described how she has presented properties to people and thought “you’re crazy” when they choose not to purchase them.

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MAFS newcomers bring the drama in first look at explosive dinner party as groom says he’s been ‘disrespected’ by wife

MAFS newcomers bring the drama with them as the groom says he’s been “disrespected” by his wife at an explosive dinner party.

Reiss and Leisha walked down the aisle on the E4 show last week but its been a bumpy ride.

A man in a black t-shirt and grey shorts walks next to a woman in a red dress who waves.

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MAFS newcomers bring the drama with them at an explosive dinner party as the groom says he’s been ‘disrespected’ by his wifeCredit: channel 4
A woman with dark hair and a red top speaks at a table.

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Reiss and Leisha walked down the aisle on the E4 show last week but its been a bumpy rideCredit: channel 4
A woman with dark curly hair, hoop earrings, and a nose ring, looks to her right with a slightly confused or displeased expression.

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Leisha was pulled up about chatting to another guy on a plane

They got off to a bad start at their wedding reception when Leisha pummelled him with questions about his life.

But after a in-depth conversation in tonight’s show the couple seemed to have put their differences aside and appeared happy again.

Reiss explained: “I like the stage I am at with Leisha, she’s got a heart of gold.”

Leisha agreed: “I’m happy. Complete. I’ve fallen for Reiss hard.

“He’s everything I have asked for.”

However, in a preview for tomorrow night’s dinner party things seem to have gone off the boil again.

The couple steal the spotlight as Leisha complains to Reiss: “Everyone else is holding hands.”

“I stopped holding your hand because you said don’t hold my f***ing hand and stormed off.” replies Reiss.

Then things take a turn for the worse when Leisha is asked: “Do you think you should be sat on a plane talking to a boy?”

Leisha replies: “I’ve had past relationships. That’s never been a problem.”

Watch awkward moment bride asks gobsmacked new husband if he’s ‘falling for her’ just days after wedding

Julia-Ruth chimes in: “Babe, you’ve just had a honeymoon with this man.”

Then Reiss snaps: “I felt disrespected.”

Earlier in last night’s show, Leisha’s questions continued to baffle painter and decorator Reiss.

In an effort to get her husband to open up she asked: “Do you feel like you are falling for me though? Do you like me?”

Married at First Sight’s best moments

Married at First sight has brought eight explosive series of drama to the small screen. These are some of the best moments

  • When series 8 couple Rozz Darlington and Thomas Kriaras brought secretly brought a sex toy to the couple’s dinner party. Unbeknownst to their fellow cast members who they were having dinner with, Rozz wore a vibrating egg gadget whilst husband Thomas had the controls.
  • Nikita’s exit in series 6. Nikita was removed from the show early on due to her behaviour, which led to her husband Ant re-entering the experiment with Alexis.
  • A slightly more heart warming highlight from series 6 was watching Dan and Matt’s relationship unfold. Dan and Matt were the first same-sex couple on the show, and their relationship was both ground-breaking and adorable.
  • Emma and James’ wedding in series 1. They were the first couple to ever get married on the UK version of the show. Emma and James, had a beautiful ceremony that set the tone for the series.
  • The dinner party showdowns are always a MAFs highlight with explosive arguments and unexpected alliances forming.

The question was met with an awkward silence until Reiss giggled and said: “Easy girl. It’s been two days.”

Then during a boat trip she asked: “”Do you visualise me in your future?”

An annoyed Reiss threw an epic strop and responded: “I can’t cope! You’re too much.

“I don’t need pressure yet, it’s so early.

“I don’t like it. I know you’re saying you want to see the real me you aint going to find that out over night.

“You know I’m a closed book. If you’re constantly pressuring me you’re just going to keep me closed.”

Fans will have to wait until tomorrow night to see if the couple can patch things up after their latest row.

A man with dark hair holding his chin, looking contemplative.

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Reiss explains to the group that he felt disrespected by his wife’s actionsCredit: channel 4
A man in a black shirt gestures while speaking to a woman in a red lace top across a flower-decorated table, with the subtitle "To me that's immature."

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Leisha explains that it has never been a problem before

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Gogglebox star says filming is ‘chaos’ as she’s forced to tell boyfriend to take kids out

Gogglebox star Georgia Bell has opened up about the ‘chaos’ of filming the hit Channel 4 show

Recording Gogglebox proves utterly chaotic for Georgia Bell, with the mum frequently allowing her two youngsters to join her on the settee – and they don’t always play ball.

She told the Daily Star: “It’s good fun having the kids with me. But sometimes it is chaos. I have to tell my boyfriend to take them out.”

Georgia’s co-star and mate Abbie Lynn revealed: “It’s hard for a three-year-old to sit and focus on The Traitors. They’d rather have Bluey on. Mind you, they do love Britain’s Got Talent!”

Despite the difficulties of having children present during recording, Georgia remains delighted she’s included them, as the programme provides her with precious footage she can treasure forever.

She explained: “In years to come, I’ll be like, ‘Sit down boys, this is you two when you were so young’.

“Ralphie was only a few weeks old when he was first on the show and Hugh was a few months old. I just think it will be an amazing thing to be able to look back on when they’re older.”

Georgia and Abbie have featured on the programme for seven years and remain eager to continue, with Abbie declaring: “I will stay on the show until I die.”

Last year Georgia revealed that she had welcomed her second child, sharing a snap of the tiny tot whilst radiating happiness as she provided an update on how he was getting on. In the photograph, the tiny bundle was spotted tucked up in a white baby grow with little white fluffy socks and a sweet little collar round his neck to keep him cosy.

He was pictured having a snooze in a Moses basket wrapped in a soft woollen blanket as he slumbered peacefully after arriving into the world.

Penning the caption, Georgia revealed all the crucial details fans would have been desperate for.

“Ralphie James Newby,” she wrote, “our precious boy – born November 10th at 11:27pm, weighing 7lbs 10oz.

“Settling into the life of a family of 5, we all love you unbelievable amounts little one,” Georgia continued.

Followers were thrilled to discover that the Geordie star had finally welcomed her baby into the world after months of anticipation, but this wasn’t the first time it was suggested she had given birth.

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A Place In The Sun boss warns don’t apply for show if you can’t make one ‘genuine’ move

There is one very strict rule for would-be homebuyers applying to take part in the long-running Channel 4 show, producer Siobhan O’Gorman has revealed

Siobhan O’Gorman, the TV producer who leads the A Place In The Sun team, has lifted the lid on how the hit Channel 4 show picks would-be house buyers to appear on the series.

She points out that some things have changed a lot since A Place In The Sun first aired 25 years ago: “The first-ever episode 25 years ago featured a couple looking for a holiday home in the French Pyrenees with a budget of £40,000,’ she told the Daily Mail. “That wasn’t a bad budget then, but today you wouldn’t get much for that.”

But other aspects are still very much the same, Siobhan adds: “We need to be sure every applicant is in a position to put in a genuine offer,” she says. “We have great relationships with estate agents all over Europe and beyond, so it’s important to maintain that.”

While something like two-thirds of applicants are hoping for a new home in Spain, many others get in touch with dreams of finding properties in Cyprus, Portugal and Greece.

“But we’re also seeing increased interest in countries such as Croatia, Turkey and Dubai,” Siobhan says.

Wherever they want to end up, applicants start by filling in a 12-page application form. Then Siobhan and the team go through every one, to identify house-hunters who are looking for properties in the areas that align with countries that the show is planning to visit in the coming season.

The next stage is an on-camera interview to assess whether the applicants will make for good TV, and whether their aspirations are realistic.

Competition is intense, Siobhan says: “‘It’s fair to say we have at least ten applications for every show and it’s 20 for some of the more popular resorts.”

Siobhan adds: “We like to reflect a variety of budgets and areas in each country, though, so we wouldn’t do six shows with the same budget and the same wish list in Mijas Costa in Spain, but we may do two shows there with differing budgets.”

All of this behind-the-scenes work helps A Place In The Sun look smooth and well-organised on screen. However, presenter Laura Hamilton, who has been with the show since 2012, describes one incident that she playfully christened “Mudgate” where anything that could go wrong, did go wrong.

As the team were trying to help a would-be expat find a retirement home in Abruzzo, Italy, a massive downpour caused mayhem.

The team were in multiple vehicles for social distancing reasons, and one by one, each one of them become mired down in slippery mud.

“We were there for three hours and had to have tractors pull us out,” Laura recalled. “I’m known for wearing high heels on the show because I’m quite short. I remember having these ridiculously high heels on and they got caked in mud.

“House hunter Sue was “mortified,” Laura recalled, blaming herself for choosing a remote rural location that didn’t even have proper tarmac roads. house. Laura tried to reassure Sue, telling her “It’s not your fault – and I always say you’ve got to love a house come rain or shine,” to which the embarrassed homebuyer replied: “Well, I definitely don’t love this one!”

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Towie’s Dani Imbert hints she reunited with MAFS groom Reiss just weeks ago – as he marries wife Leisha on TV

TOWIE star Dani Imbert has hinted that she was still dating Married At First Sight groom Reiss Boyce just weeks ago.

 E4 viewers were left doing a double take when Reiss entered the matchmaking experiment as one of six intruder contestants.

Dani Imbert in a gold chainmail mini dress.

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Dani Imbert hinted that she was still dating MAFS groom Reiss Boyce just weeks agoCredit: Instagram
Reiss looking uncomfortable as he is grilled by his bride.

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It has been claimed the painter and decorator told Dani she was ‘The One’Credit: Channel 4
A couple, a man and a woman, are seated and holding hands.

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Dani has enjoyed an on/’off romance with Reiss since 2023

The 33-year-old previously enjoyed a brush with fame thanks to his romance with ITVBe beauty Dani, 27.

Dani dated Reiss on and off since summer 2023 after a fling with her Towie castmate Roman Hackett.

The pair were smitten with each other before abruptly calling things off.

And now Dani appeared to hint that she was still seeing Reiss up until a few weeks ago.

Dani took to her Instagram Story and shared a screenshot someone wrote, which read: “I saw him with that bird from Towie last month.”

Alongside the post, Dani added the side eyes emoji, hinting there was some truth to it.

Speaking on the show last night, Reiss gave an insight as to why his previous relationship ended.

He admitted it came to an end “because the bickering became too much”.

He also said: “When a girl leaves you, you feel abandoned and lost.”

Dani previously confessed that she and Reiss had known each other for a while and were an item before she started seeing Towie co-star Roman.

Shock moment MAFS UK groom squirms as he’s grilled by ‘turned on’ bride seconds after walking up the aisle

She told The Sun: “I am seeing someone else now to be completely honest.

“We knew each other before the whole me and Roman situation, we were kind of seeing each other.

“I called it off with him because I started seeing Roman – then this whole stuff happened off camera since we’ve been filming that stopped me and Roman from speaking again and then I started seeing the boy that I started seeing before.”

Now, after Reiss has married 31-year-old Leisha on the reality series, it has been claimed the painter and decorator told Dani she was “the One” – and that he was heading on holiday rather than filming for the programme.

MailOnline claims Reiss told the beauty they would rekindle their romance after he had gone travelling – with scenes showing him getting hitched now leaving her “hurt.”

A source told the publication: “Dani had been dating Reiss from early 2023 until May 2024, when they briefly split because she feared he was more interested in fame than their relationship.

“Despite the split, they continued seeing each other in secret and were still together in March 2025, when, without Dani knowing, he began filming Married At First Sight UK.

“Reiss told Dani he was going travelling and promised they would reconnect and become official again.

“Dani now feels hurt and betrayed; they had been in a long-term relationship, and Reiss had led her to believe they had a future together.

“In reality, he was filming a dating show and would go on to marry another woman.”

A source told us of the relationship timeline and said: “Reiss and Dani have had an on/off relationship and were close for a while.

“They had split up last year, way before Married at First Sight started, and he was single at the time he signed up to the show.”

Reiss then told The Sun: “Dani is a great girl but it didn’t work out for us romantically.

“I will always think a lot of her and wish her the best, but when I signed up for Married at First Sight I was single and ready for commitment.”

Mafs couples that have stood the test of time

Loved-up Tayah Victoria and Adam Aveling of series six fame had the first Mafs baby.

The pair couldn’t keep their hands off each other on the programme and quickly found their feet in the outside world, moving into Adam’s Doncaster home.

Just 18 months after meeting, the couple welcomed their daughter Beau.

Season five couple Michelle Walder and Owen Jenkins also managed to make their marriage work away from the cameras and had their first child in December.

Teacher Michelle, 29, has no regrets about taking part in the experiment. She told us: “I just feel very lucky and thankful that it has worked out – and excited for everything to come.”

Michelle and Owen were both sick of dating apps when they applied in 2019.

Owen recalled: “I had been out for some drinks with a friend after work.

“While he was out for a cigarette I was scrolling on Instagram waiting for him to come back in.

“The MAFS advert was the last thing I saw, and I joked, ‘Wouldn’t it be funny if I signed up?’

“A few beers later when I was back at home I sent in the application, and the rest is history.”

Another couple to make Mafs UK history is Zoe Clifton and Jenna Robinson.

Despite a slight rocky start, where they clashed over Jenna’s vegan lifestyle, the show’s first same sex pairing are still going strong.

They even have a successful podcast together called Life With a Pod.

Jenna shed light on being involved in the show earlier this year when she told us: “We’re not legally married, and I never felt like we were. I definitely feel the process makes you take the relationship a lot more seriously and having the help of the experts… if you can survive that process it sets a firm foundation for a long-lasting relationship.”

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Married at First Sight UK groom shares sad reason reality show ‘has to work’

Newcomers Reiss Boyce and Leisha Lightbody tied the knot in Tuesday night’s episode

A groom from Married at First Sight has revealed the heart-wrenching reason why he believes the show’s matchmaking “has to work”.

Tuesday’s episode (7 October) introduced us to newbies Reiss Boyce and Leisha Lightbody, who said their vows. The pair joined the programme on Monday, along with four other latecomers.

The couple were matched by experts Paul C Brunson, Charlene Douglas and Mel Schilling, and are now set to experience married life over the next few weeks.

Before his nuptials, 33-year-old decorator Reiss confessed that people often perceive him as a “pretty boy”. However, the lad from Essex was quick to point out that there’s much more to him than meets the eye.

Discussing his dream relationship, Reiss stressed the importance of family to him. He then revealed that he found out his dad wasn’t his biological father when he was just seven years old, reports OK!

Reiss stated: “When I get married, I don’t want to be having kids and breaking up. No way!”

He went on to say: “I want to do my best to keep it that [his family] all bonded and sealed together forever. When I was seven years old I found out that my dad wasn’t actually my real dad.”

Reflecting on this tough revelation, he added: “Looking back, at the time, I was only a young nipper. I didn’t really know what was going on. It was just a bit of a whirlwind, it was a lot to take in.

“That’s why I’ve got to do it properly. I’ve got one shot here, it’s got to work.”

Despite this, the new groom appears to share a close bond with his grandparents and is searching for a love story similar to theirs.

Sadly, Reiss’ MAFS experience has got off to a bumpy beginning.

Whilst he’s physically drawn to his new bride, the groom considers her “quite loud” and “a little bit over the top”.

The pair even clashed following the ceremony when Leisha challenged her new spouse for only pecking her on the cheek in front of their wedding guests.

They subsequently shared a kiss that Leisha appeared to relish but Reiss criticised because “there was no passion”.

Married at First Sight UK continues on E4 tomorrow night at 8pm

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Piers Morgan reveals Paul O’Grady was BGT’s original host but lost role for sour reason

Comedian and TV star Paul O’Grady was set to be the host of Britain’s Got Talent and even have the show named after him until things got very heated behind the scenes

Former Britain’s Got Talent judge Piers Morgan has revealed Paul O’Grady was meant to be the host for the hit talent show, until things went very wrong. The controversial broadcaster was part of the original line up on Simon Cowell’s talent show back in 2007.

Music mogul Simon was inspired by former talent shows including Opportunity Knocks and New Faces as he wanted to create a competition for people of any age and location to enter. He wanted a range of personalities on the judging panel with him, and first settled on Piers and Fern Britton.

Simon set his sights on comedian Paul as host and even planned to name the show, Paul O’Grady’s Got Talent. He met with Piers for lunch in Kensington, London to get him on board.

READ MORE: Britain’s Got Talent’s scramble to film auditions after Simon Cowell’s illnessREAD MORE: Simon Cowell’s real reason for pulling out of Britain’s Got Talent after head injury

Piers admitted: “I owe him a lot actually because I would not have had any career in America without him. He has been great for me. He said ‘I am going to bring back an old all-round talent show like New Faces, Opportunity Knocks and The Gong Show in America. It can be any talent’.”

The broadcaster explained: “We did a pilot at ITV. Paul O’Grady was the host. The judging panel was Simon Cowell, me, and Fern Britton. It was about to be greenlit as a prime-time ITV show.”

Piers said he was ready “to get back in the game” but things quickly took a turn and the production was halted. He said: “Then Paul O’Grady had a massive falling out with ITV, told them to shove it and went to Channel 4.”

At the time, the Paul O’Grady Show moved over to Channel 4 and ITV stopped him being able to rent their studios. Paul decided to refuse all work with the network following the row.

He explained years later: “I did the pilot for Britain’s Got Talent – which was originally going to be called Paul O’Grady’s Got Talent. But I told the producers they were having a joke if they thought I would front a show with that title.

“The original panel of judges was going to be Simon Cowell, Fern Britton and Piers Morgan. I was the host. Then when I had the row with ITV I was banned from the studios.

“I remember I rang Simon and told him he had a huge hit on his hands, but there was no way I could do it. I said, if I am banned I have to be banned from everything. I can’t be a hypocrite and come in and do this. I had to bow out.”

Paul added: “I don’t regret what I did. Not in the slightest. Good luck to them.” He did also manage to patch things up with ITV and returned years later with Paul O’Grady Live!.

Paul’s decision to boycott ITV meant Britain’s Got Talent was hit with a huge delay and Simon decided to kick off with America’s Got Talent first. Simon enlisted Piers again as he wanted “someone who is judgmental, opinionated, obnoxious and arrogant” as him.

Britain’s Got Talent hit screens a year later with Simon, Piers and Amanda Holden as judges and Ant and Dec as hosts. Piers said on The Overlap and Betfair’s Stick to Cricket show: “He had literally come up with the entire concept of Got Talent on a napkin at the Ivy in Kensington.

“Bring back a talent show. Have a tough mean judge, a mother hen figure, a funny person and any talent goes. Now the Got Talent franchise is in more than 60 countries around the world. It changed my life.”

READ MORE: Shoppers ditch cheap tights for pair that ‘feel soft, warm and comfortable’

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Producers of beloved Paddington films sue Spitting Image after portrayal of cocaine-using ‘Pablo Esca-Bear’ parody – The Sun

PADDINGTON Bear bosses have sued Spitting Image over its parody of the nation’s beloved character.

The satirical puppet show has come under fire for the latest episode of its YouTube series.

Paddington Bear wearing a red hat and blue coat, holding an umbrella, in the mountains of Peru.

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Paddington Bear in Sony Pictures film, Paddington in PeruCredit: Alamy
Illustration of Paddington Bear and Prince Harry puppets in a podcast scene with a screen displaying "THE REST IS BULLS*!T".

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Spitting image scene of Paddington Bear and Prince HarryCredit: Avalon Promotions

Comedians Al Murray and Matt Forde are behind the online spin-off of the TV show, which was a must-watch in the 1980s and ’90s.

Titled, The Rest is Bulls**t, Paddington is portrayed as a cocaine-using ‘Pablo Esca-Bear’.

Prince Harry was also parodied and portrayed as the co-host.

His puppet says at one point: “I’m here to tell my truth and make a s–t tonne of money out of podcasting as I don’t have any discernible talent.”

Meanwhile the deranged marmalade-loving creature boasts: “I am from Peru, motherf—–s. I am Paddington Bear from Peru.”

The red-eyed bear also says he enjoys “100 per cent Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine”.

In the skit he interviews Elon Musk, advertises guns, robotic sex dolls, and refers to himself as Pablo Esco-bear in an upcoming Netflix show.

As reported by Deadline, StudioCanal has now filed a High Court complaint over the sketch.

Documents revealed the producer is claiming there were concerns with copyright.

The episode also faced fierce backlash from Paddington fans, who claimed the iconic children’s character had been “disrespected” and “ruined”.

The controversial puppet performance was similar to one in recent years which again portrayed Paddington as an erratic drug-user.

Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical, featured the quote: “Cocaine bear has got nothing on Paddington in Peru.

“Paddington’s back… and he’s been through a lot recently.”

In another advertisement on social media, Spitting Image creators wrote: “Are we sure it’s just marmalade in those sandwiches, Paddington?”

US President Donald Trump — in a baby’s bib — also featured beside the King in The Rest is Bulls*** episode, following the State Banquet in September.

Latex lookalikes of the Duke of Sussex and wife Meghan were also royally skewered in the episode.

An Angela Rayner puppet also gave property advice in the sketch, launching a website called Wrongmove.

An ad warns: “Your Cabinet position may be at risk if you don’t heed proper instructions and keep up your correct stamp duty payments.”

It came after the ethics watchdog ruled the real Ms Rayner, who had three homes including a grace-and-favour London flat, breached the ministerial code over £40,000 of unpaid stamp duty.

Studio Canal and Spitting Image were contacted for comment.

Illustration of a puppet resembling Prince Harry, wearing a grey zip-up top over a pink t-shirt.

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A balding Prince Harry puppet featured in the new Spitting Image spin-off, The Rest is Bullsh*t
A puppet version of the Duchess of Sussex with a wide smile, wearing an apron, and holding a bowl of colorful flowers.

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A latex lookalike of wife Meghan was also on the showCredit: PA
Illustration of Spitting Image puppets of Donald Trump and King Charles III, with Trump wearing a bib with chips and Charles holding a hamburger.

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US President Donald Trump could be seen offering King Charles a burgerCredit: PA
Illustration of a puppet version of Angela Rayner from "Spitting Image" in front of a construction site for a commercial for "Wrong Move."

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Rayner is seen launching a website called WrongmoveCredit: TNI Press

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Channel 4 Educating Yorkshire’s Mr Burton breaks down in tears as he says ‘it’s heartbreaking’

Channel 4 viewers were left emotional on Sunday night as Educating Yorkshire headteacher Mr Burton broke down in tears

Educating Yorkshire viewers were left in tears on Sunday evening after witnessing headmaster Mr Burton break down following a harrowing incident.

The devastating scenes played out after a pupil made threats against Mr Burton’s family and vowed to “burn down the school”.

Mr. Burton was subsequently told to return to his office, while the youngster was removed from the premises.

“You never know what kind of day you’re gonna have when you arrive,” the headmaster reflected. “You have your good days and you have your bad.

“Certainly, early in teaching, you go through those weeks or half terms when you think, ‘Oh, my goodness me, is there something easier you can do?”” reports Leeds Live.

He continued, “The minute that you think the job is easy, or you’ve got a really easy day in front of you, something will happen to change that.”

The programme then showed another teacher speaking to the youngster as he led him away from the school grounds, saying, “I can see you’re angry, mate, all right. I just want you to sit, that’s all I’m asking.”

A fellow staff member then informed Mr Burton he must head back to his office because of the menacing words directed at him. They said, “Threats to you, threats to your house, threats to burn the school down.”

Speaking to cameras, Mr Burton said, “The hardest things to deal with are when you feel as if you can’t be the advocate for the child that you want to be, and that’s heartbreaking.”

The headteacher was visibly emotional as he confided in a colleague, “C*** that, isn’t it? You just think of the kids.

“I know he’s going through a lot. his grief… but I have got three little’uns at home. You deal with it, don’t you? But threats to burn my house down.”

Fans took to social media to share their reactions, with one saying, “Nobody should be reduced to tears at work (coming from someone who cries at work most days.”

Another commented, “Comes to something when the headmaster starts crying.”

Viewers were also moved when Year 7 student Ismaeel won Year Rep..

“I’ve never been happier or more invested in someone I’ve never met before,” one viewer gushed.

“The next stop for Ismaael is No. 10,” another tweeted, while a third added with a crying face emoji, “Yes, Ismaeel.”

Another fan shared, “Him getting his fellow candidates an applause. So many people could learn a thing or two about kindness from this kid.

“In flipping tears here. That little boy is an inspiration. Bless him,” one fan enthused.

Educating Yorkshire is available to watch on All4.

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‘Hyacinth “Bouquet” was grotesque!’ Beloved Dame Patricia Routledge threw her all into iconic snob – but hid secret pain

DAME PATRICIA ROUTLEDGE created a monster, and we loved her for it.

The actress, who has died aged 96, turned Hyacinth Bucket – pronounced “Bouquet” – into one of the most memorable TV characters of all time.

Patricia Routledge and Clive Swift from "Keeping Up Appearances" in 1992.

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Dame Patricia Routledge with Keeping Up Appearances co-star Clive SwiftCredit: Shutterstock
Portrait of Patricia Routledge with short grey hair, wearing a grey shirt and pearl necklace.

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The actress passed away aged 96Credit: Alamy
Actress Patricia Routledge at the Chichester Festival Theatre.

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The star portrayed one of the most memorable TV characters of all timeCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

Decades on from Nineties sitcom Keeping Up Appearances the pearl-wearing snob, with her candlelight suppers and white slimline telephone, is still as embedded in the national psyche as a character from Charles Dickens.

In Patricia’s own words: “She was grotesque.”

But the actress, like viewers, could not help but admire her: “She was always getting it wrong and slipping on the banana skin, and then coming back and flying the flag.”

By the time the sitcom first hit screens, Patricia had been acting for nearly 40 years, in roles from Coronation Street to Broadway musicals, with co-stars from Sidney Poitier to Jerry Lewis.

She was also a favourite of writer Alan Bennett, who wrote his first great TV monologue especially for her in 1982.

Its success led to the landmark series Talking Heads, in which she also starred.

Alan said in 1998: “She has an enormous amount of zest and brio and she puts a lot of air into the language, so it lifts dialogue which might otherwise seem quite banal.”

After leaving Keeping Up Appearances, Patricia had a second smash-hit with Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, and in 1996 was voted the nation’s favourite actress of all time.

But Patricia managed to keep her private life out of the spotlight.

She never married or had children, and for years refused to discuss her relationships except to say: “I do know what it is to have loved and suffered.”

Only Fools & Horses legend Patrick Murray had died aged 68

Eventually, she revealed she had had three great love affairs, including one with a married man, which tormented her as a devout Christian.

She also admitted: “I didn’t make a decision not to be married and not to be a mother -– life just turned out like that because my involvement with acting was so total.

“Now I think it’s a pity I didn’t have children. But I’m not sure you can have a career and a family and do both satisfactorily. I always knew, deep down, that everything has a cost.”

But whenever she was asked how to become a success, she had the same answer: “I say, I can give you a tip. It’s called risk. And if you’re prepared to risk everything, then you can do anything.”

The cast of Keeping Up Appearances poses on a lawn, including Patricia Routledge, Clive Swift, Geoffry Hughes, Judy Cornwell & Mary Miller.

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Dame Patricia, Clive Swift, Geoffry Hughes, Judy Cornwell & Mary MillerCredit: Alamy
Patricia Routledge as Hyacinth Bucket holding a teacup.

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The icon as Hyacinth BucketCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Patricia Routledge as Hyacinth Bucket in "Keeping Up Appearances."

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The 90’s sitcom ran for five yearsCredit: Alamy

Katherine Patricia Routledge was born on February 17, 1929, in Birkenhead, Wirral, and grew up in a house behind father Isaac’s “high-class gentlemen’s outfitters” shop.

The family was theatre-mad and Patricia acted in school plays but never saw it as her future: “I always intended to be a go-ahead headmistress in a red sports car who had romances all over Europe in the holidays.”

With that in mind, she studied English at the University of Liverpool but spent so much time in the student drama club that older brother Graham urged her to audition for the Liverpool Playhouse.

She said: “He was the one who said, ‘That’s what you ought to do.’”
In 1952, aged 23, she made her professional debut with the company as Hippolyta in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Just two years later she was in the West End, showing off her roof-raising contralto singing voice in musical comedy The Duenna.

By early 1961 she was so well known on stage stage that the makers of Coronation Street, which had begun a couple of months earlier, pounced: “They created a character for me – Sylvia Snape. She had a little cafe.”

Their idea was for the no-nonsense proprietor to become one of the cobbles’ stalwarts, but after just three episodes Patricia quit.

She recalled: “I just knew inside that I needed to have other adventures.”

That included belting out satirical songs on That Was The Week It Was, as well as her big-screen debut in 1967’s To Sir with Love.

She played a teacher who offers support to Sidney Poitier’s character, and years later recalled the actor’s generosity: “I just had one scene alone with him, and he gave it to me.”

Patricia had less happy memories of working with Jerry Lewis in 1968’s Don’t Raise the Bridge, Lower the River: “An absolute nightmare. And I’m afraid I didn’t find him funny at all.”

BROADWAY DEBUT

That year Patricia also took Broadway by storm, with the New York Times critic describing her performance in Darling of the Day as “the most spectacular, most scrumptious, most embraceable musical comedy debut since Beatrice Lillie and Gertrude Lawrence came to the country.”

It landed her a Tony Award, presented by Groucho Marx.

Back at home, Alan Bennett had been a long-time fan and so when he wrote his first ground-breaking TV monologue, he wrote it for her.

Initially, Patricia turned him down: the piece was 47 minutes of just one character speaking directly to the camera.

Patricia recalled: “I said it wouldn’t work – people would switch off in their thousands.”

But Alan told her: “If you don’t do it, nobody will. I’ve written it for you.”

A Woman of No Importance screened on BBC2 in November 1982, with Patricia as Miss Schofield, who bubbled away about office gossip and the goings on at a hospital where, it slowly dawned on viewers, she was dying.

It was a sensation, and won Patricia a British Press Guild award for best actress. She later said of the writer: “He turns cliche into poetry.
“He sees a world in a grain of sand – the sympathy, the humanity.”

Its success led to 1988’s beloved Talking Heads series of six monologues, with Patricia in A Lady of Letters as a lonely busybody who finally finds friendship when she is sent to prison.

She said: “It’s about salvation, about learning to love at a tremendous cost. Oh, it was a joyous thing to do.”

Patricia Routledge attends A Celebration of the Arts.

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Dame Patricia received a Tony Award for her stage performancesCredit: Getty – Contributor
Patricia Routledge, CBE, holding her award at Buckingham Palace.

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The legend was awarded and MBE in 2004Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Patricia Routledge at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, London.

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The icon was born on February 17, 1929 in Tranmere in Birkenhead, CheshireCredit: Rex Features

A second series was made in 1998, with Patricia’s monologue this time about a shop assistant who ends up in the thrall of her chiropodist.

In 2004 she admitted she found that part “very kinky”: “I didn’t really enjoy it. I didn’t understand it, deep down.”

Alan said later: “Patricia has a very strong moral streak and very strong views, and I think if a part doesn’t conform with those she’s very dubious about it.”

In between all this, she showed off her comedy brilliance again in Victoria Wood’s series As Seen on TV, playing an overconfident recurring character called Kitty who came out with lines like: “I’m something of a celebrity having walked the entire length of the Pennine Way in slingbacks, to publicise mental health.”

But when sitcom writer Roy Clarke, already famous for Last of the Summer Wine, presented the BBC with scripts for a new series about a suburban social climber, he did not have a lead actress in mind.

He recalled in 2004: “People do assume I must have written Keeping Up Appearances for Patricia Routledge, but I didn’t.”

It was director and producer Harold Snoad who Roy credited for “that perfect bit of casting”.

Harold said: “I wanted the character of Hyacinth to be a sort of stately galleon. I didn’t want somebody lightweight, either in size or vocal terms.”

Patricia said of the character: “She leapt from the page.”

GLOBAL HIT

The first series began on BBC1 in October 1990; soon 13million people a week were tuning in, including superfan the Queen Mum.

Nobody could have delivered lines like her (“I hope that’s a first-class stamp. I object to having second-class stamps thrust through my letterbox”) but she also brought a bursting energy to the role that was unmatchable.

The late Clive Swift, who played Hyacinth’s long-suffering husband Richard, said in 1998: “I can’t think of an another actress who could have brought the physical clowning to the part, which isn’t there particularly in the script.”

It was a global hit, but in 1995 after five series Patricia announced she would not do any more, despite the BBC’s pleas: “There were other adventures to have.”

They included, at the time, a new relationship.

Speaking to The Sun in 1996 she opened up about her private life for the first time, admitting: “A corner of my heart is taken. I’ve got a sneaking feeling that I might have almost everything in the end.

“He’s someone I’ve known for years and years. He’s in theatrical management but we hadn’t seen each other for a long time and then we met again.

“Life is full of the most wonderful surprises.”

Patricia Routledge in Guildford for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

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In 2017 she was made a dame for services to the theatre and charityCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Patricia Routledge and Clive Swift as Hyacinth and Richard in "Keeping Up Appearances"

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Patricia was once voted Britain’s favourite actressCredit: Alamy
Actress Patricia Routledge as Laura Partridge, making a sour face, during a photocall for 'The Solid Gold Cadillac'.

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Patricia as Laura Partridge, during a photocall for the production of 1950s comedy ‘The Solid Gold Cadillac’ at The Garrick TheatreCredit: PA:Press Association

Patricia moved to Chichester, West Sussex, in 1999 to be closer to this new love, whose identity was never revealed, and lived there for the rest of her life.

She also told The Sun: “I had my heart broken when I was young. It was a grand passion, but it was complicated because he was married and, of course, I felt very guilty.

“I would gladly have lived with him and I wanted his children. But I couldn’t do it because I thought it would kill my parents.”

Her second great passion came in the late Eighties, when she least expected it: “Out of the blue this enchanting person appeared.

“He was a theatre director – a very funny and delightful man. But he had a heart condition, which I didn’t know about for a while.

“One day I went to rehearsal and was told he’d died in the night. This dear man was no more. I was just so hurt, so sore with the pain of loss.”

‘ILLUMINATING LIFE’

Work was always a refuge. In 1996 she was back on screen in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates as pensioner-turned-crime fighter, who was a down-to-earth, proud working-class opposite of Hyacinth.

Patricia later said of that character: “I loved her.”

It was another hit and the actress never forgave the BBC for axing the programme after four series without telling the cast: “No word ever came – how rude.”

Hetty was her last major TV role; afterwards she focused on theatre.
Her final role was in Oscar Wilde’s play An Ideal Husband in 2014 in her adopted hometown of Chichester, where she worshipped at the cathedral each week.

In 2017 she was made a dame for services to the theatre and charity.

On getting the news, she said: “I started to laugh, and then I started to cry. It was extraordinary.”

But Patricia believed her profession was important.

She once said: “It sounds a bit high-faluting, but I think acting is the physicalisation of the imagination.

“If the word becomes flesh, then you are illuminating life for other people.”

Clive Swift and Patricia Routledge from the TV series 'Keeping Up Appearances'.

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Patricia never married and leaves behind no childrenCredit: Shutterstock
Mary Millar, Patricia Routledge and Judy Cornwell posing at a photocall for "Keeping Up Appearances."

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Mary Millar, Patricia and Judy CornwellCredit: Getty
Chef Michael Newton-Young and actress Patricia Routledge posing together in a restaurant.

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She surprised diners after being spotted at a restaurant more than 30 years after her hit show endedCredit: michaelnewtonyoung / instagram

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Wedding celebrant shares ‘shocking truth’ about Married At First Sight UK

Kelly Hawes, who has appeared on Channel 4’s Married At First Sight UK, has advised viewers of an important legal matter to bear in mind when watching the show

A wedding celebrant has shared the “shocking truth” about Married At First Sight UK after series 10 of the social experiment saw the introduction of nine new newlywedded couples. The Channel 4 show first aired in 2015 shortly after the success of its Australian counterpart and has grown in popularity ever since.

Hertfordshire-based celebrant Kelly Hawes, who has appeared on the programme herself, has taken to TikTok to point out a key legal matter when it comes to the nuptials. “One question I am often asked is do they actually get married on Married At First Sight UK?” she began in a video.

She continued: “Well, no. They don’t do the legal registration of marriage. What they are having is a commitment ceremony.”

Kelly acknowledged that this is a “good thing”, however, as she declared: “The last thing we want to do is add to the number of divorced couples.

“This way, if the relationship doesn’t pan out, then really it’s just a relationship that hasn’t worked – rather than a marriage.”

Content cannot be displayed without consent

One sceptic penned in response: “So they’re [sic] not actually getting married then. So it’s not marriage at first sight then.”

A second person noted: “So the very title is misleading? ‘Married’ at first sight. As opposed to ‘Committed’ at first sight.”

It prompted Kelly to explain: “TV is for entertainment value remember – and the title is to catch attention. At the end of the day the experiment is to match two people who should be compatible for marriage.”

Another TikTok viewer added: “They used to in the very early days, the problem was they then had to get legally divorced, the divorce meeting was shown on the show. That was back when the people on the show were genuinely looking for love and not wannabes wanting airtime and publicity.”

McAlister Family Law explains that for the first five series in the UK, couples were in fact legally married. Partner, Lisa Brown says for the purposes of the show, the audience need only buy into the principle – but legally, getting married is very complex.

“Being married is a change to your legal status and if things don’t work out you have to apply to the court to either have that marriage annulled or get divorced,” she explained. “Further, when couples get married, they gain the ability to make a financial claim against the other person under Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.”

Brown continued: “One of the peculiarities of the law as it stands is that a couple could live together for 25 years but not be able to make a financial claim against each other (save in limited circumstances) but somebody can get legally married at first sight, never live together and divorce as soon as they can and they would be able to make a claim.

“That claim could include property being transferred to them, a share of the other’s pension, a lump sum of money being paid and/or monthly sums being paid (spousal maintenance). In Married At First Sight circumstances, the reality is that it is unlikely that such a claim would be particularly fruitful and generally the expectation would be that they would exit the marriage with what they brought in but the ability to do it remains.”

Married at First Sight UK Season 10 continues on Sunday night on E4.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.



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Watch furious MAFS expert Paul C Brunson slam bride over awful behaviour as she breaks down in floods of tears

MARRIED At First Sight expert Paul C Brunson tonight slammed a bride over her awful behaviour towards her groom, as she broke down in tears.

Over the past week viewers have been left fuming after Sarah has openly slammed her husband Dean for not being her usual type – and last night’s dinner party was no different.

Paul C Brunson, wearing a black leather jacket, speaking and gesturing with his hands.

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Paul C Brunson called MAFS bride Sarah out on her behaviourCredit: Channel 4
Sarah crying and wiping away tears with a tissue.

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Sarah began to cry following Paul’s commentsCredit: Channel 4
Paul C Brunson and Sarah on a sofa.

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Sarah tried to justify her behaviour to DeanCredit: Channel 4
A blonde woman with dark eyeliner and eye shadow looks to her right.

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The MAFS experts pulled Sarah up for her behaviour towards Dean at last night’s dinner partyCredit: E4

Tonight the experts called Sarah out at the first Commitment Ceremony.

They were left disgusted at her behaviour during last night’s dinner party, as they thought she had acted disrespectfully towards Dean, after she complained to the other couples about her husband’s appearance.

It came after Sarah told everyone she spoke to that there was “no spark” or “attraction there” and doesn’t think there ever will be.

The girls confirmed that she had the “ick” while the boys persuaded her to give him a chance as he is a “lovely guy”.

But Sarah was having none of it.

This evening, viewers watched as Married At First Sight expert Paul pulled her up on her behaviour.

“What are you willing to change?,” he asked Sarah.

“Do you think that you were rude while talking about your partner at the dinner party?”

Not holding back Paul continued: “| get the challenge around physical attraction, but where you absolutely lost me is when you went around gossiping about your husband to other people and you were laughing at it.”

But Sarah didn’t take well to the criticism and she started to cry after she and Dean made the decision to “stay” in the experiment.

MAFS ‘most hated bride’ breaks down in tears after fat-shaming groom

Sobbing she said: “It was really hard to hear what Paul had to say and I apologize, and yeah, I’m sorry, it’s not me, it’s not who I am.

“And maybe if I did have that spark, I wouldn’t have said anything like that because I wouldn’t have.

But there’s not the spark there, so that’s, that was the only reason why I said it.”

Fully crying now, Sarah continued: “I haven’t meant it maliciously at all. I don’t want to hurt anyone.

“I’m being true to myself, but then it’s coming across really badly.”

This is not the first time that Sarah has landed herself in hot water on the show due to the alleged ‘fat shaming’.

On her wedding day, she admitted that Dean wasn’t her dream man – as she branded him “over the top” and saying she “didn’t fancy him” or want to “rip his clothes off”.

Sarah confessed on their honeymoon that she has never dated anyone as “big” as Dean, which came as a huge blow.

In order to feel a “spark” with Dean, Sarah said he would have to “get some tattoos, lose some weight,” as droves of viewers slammed her cruel delivery.

Married at First Sight airs Sunday to Thursday at 9pm on E4.

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Scarlett Moffatt shows off her incredible weight loss after ditching size 18 clothes as fans rave ‘you look amazing’

SCARLETT Moffatt has wowed fans after showing off her incredible weight loss – revealing she’s ditched her size 18 clothes for good.

The former Gogglebox star, 31, left viewers stunned as she unveiled her slimmer figure on Big Brother Late and Live on Sunday.

Scarlett Moffatt in a dark green feathered top and matching skirt with leopard print heels.

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Scarlett Moffatt stunned fans with her incredible weight lossCredit: Instagram/scarlettmoffatt
Scarlett Moffatt smiling in a dark green two-piece outfit with feather trim and leopard print heels.

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She previously opened up about the gruelling bootcamps and rigourous exerciseCredit: Instagram/scarlettmoffatt
Scarlett Moffatt on BB Late and Live on Sunday.

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She appeared on Big Brother Late & Live on SundayCredit: ITV

Scarlett looked happier than ever as she wowed viewers in a dark green co-ord top and mini skirt with feather deatiling at the trims.

She oozed confidence wearing a pair of leopard print block high heels and styled her dark hair in classy loose curls.

The reality star posted her look on Instagram, with the caption: “Always been a huge fan of big brother, in fact my guilty pleasure will forever be a chicken kebab and watching reality tv!

“So glad I got to do a major tick off my bucket list and be at a launch night at @bbuk“.

Fans flooded the comments gushing over her transformation, with one saying: “You look amazing.”

Another added: “Stunning!!🔥 😍😍 need outfit drop pls!”

A third penned: “Looking beautiful gal.”

This comes after Scarlett revealed she finally feels “happier” than ever after years of yo-yo dieting, brutal bootcamps and body battles.

She admitted she once dropped to a size 8 after punishing herself with 700-calorie days and a gruelling Swiss bootcamp involving six hours of exercise – all in a bid to stay slim after releasing her controversial fitness DVD in 2016.

But despite shedding three stone, Scarlett confessed she was still miserable and wracked with body image issues.

Scarlett Moffatt reveals when she plans to marry policeman partner Scott as star opens up on wedding plans

Now, she says she’s proud to embrace her curves – and is finally comfortable in her own skin.

“The thing with being body positive and having body confidence is just celebrating everybody’s body,” Scarlett previously told The Sun.

“As long as you are healthy, being yourself and you’re being nice to people, you do you.”

The I’m A Celeb star said she regrets the years she “missed out” on life because of low self-esteem, but now urges fans to stop being so hard on themselves.

Scarlett even revealed her own trick – imagining she’s speaking to her younger self whenever negative thoughts creep in.

“Would you ever say horrible things to a six-year-old?” she said. “Of course not. So don’t say it to yourself either.”

Now proudly flying the flag as a plus-size TV presenter, Scarlett says she’s thrilled kids today get to see more diverse faces and body types on screen.

Since bursting onto Gogglebox in 2014 aged just 23, Scarlett has carved out a successful career in telly.

And now she’s moving into hard-hitting documentaries, with her latest, Britain’s Tourette’s Mystery: Scarlett Moffatt Investigates, airing soon on Channel 4.

Scarlett Moffatt smiling at the Joma Jewellery 'Lets's Chat Motherhood' event.

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Scarlett admitted she was 18 stoneCredit: Getty
Scarlett Moffatt attends the Attitude Awards 2019.

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She said her weight effected her self-esteemCredit: Getty
Scarlett Moffatt on the "This Morning" TV show.

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But now she is proudly flying the flag as a plus-size TV presenterCredit: Rex

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MAFS bride makes another ‘fat shaming’ comment at first dinner party – leaving experts seriously unimpressed

A BRIDE on MAFS UK has made another ‘fat shaming’ comment about her husband at the first dinner party.

The experts, Paul Brunson, Mel Schilling and Charlene Douglas were left seriously unimpressed on the E4 show.

A young woman with blonde hair grimacing, appearing to react to the dramatic scenes described in the accompanying text.

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Sarah was again left unimpressed at DeanCredit: E4
A blonde woman in a magenta top looking displeased.

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Mel Schilling was not happy at her latest commentsCredit: E4
A man with a beard, wearing a beige jacket and black shirt, holds a silver cup and looks up to the right with his mouth open in an excited expression.

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A preview for the next episode showed Dean breaking into one of his rapsCredit: E4

Viewers of Married At First Sight UK tuned in tonight to see the last of the honeymoon scenes.

Next week, all the couples will land back in Blighty for the first dinner party of the series.

A preview for the next episode was shown to the audience at the end of the episode to give them a taste of what they can look forward to.

At the table, Dean, 31, stood up as he broke into one of his custom raps for the rest of the contestants at the table.

The team building host rapped: “Here we are on this mad experiment, seeing things not in our element.”

His bride Sarah, also 31, later made it clear on their honeymoon that she was not a fan of his spontaneous performances.

At the time she said: “The outburst of song and rapping is beginning to grate on me.”

Once again, her expression indicated that she had still not warmed up to aspects of his personality as she was left grimacing.

Then, the voiceover artist teased that Sarah served a ‘scathing review‘ of her new husband after his rap.

Turning to Maeve, she remarked: “He asked me if I ever slept with anyone fat before.”

Watch the horrifying moment MAFS bride tells groom ‘lose some weight’ as he confronts her over fancying him

Before she added: “He’s calling himself the funny fat kid, he’s like a care bear.”

The experts were all seen to be watching all the action unfold in another room.

Mel was left completely unimpressed by those words as she remarked: “That’s not a very hot thing to say about your partner.”

More jibes

This is not the first time that Sarah has landed herself in hot water on the show due to the alleged ‘fat shaming’.

On her wedding day, Sarah admitted that Dean wasn’t her dream man – as she branded him “over the top” and saying she “didn’t fancy him” or want to “rip his clothes off”.

Sarah confessed on their honeymoon that she has never dated anyone as “big” as Dean, which came as a huge blow.

A devastated Dean admitted at the time: “It’s hard to hear, that has left me feeling empty,” as droves of viewers slammed her cruel delivery.

He’s calling himself the funny fat kid, he’s like a care bear.

SarahMAFS UK

She was later heard talking to the camera about what it would take to get a “spark” with Dean.

The recruitment consultant bluntly replied: “Get some tattoos, lose some weight.”

People clapping at a table.

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The rest of the cast had their hands in the air as Dean spat his rhyming lyricsCredit: E4
Two women are shown, one with blonde hair smiling, and another with dark hair looking away.

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Sarah hit out at her husband as she said he was ‘like a care bear’Credit: E4
Three people, two women and one man, seated at a wooden table.

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All three of the experts seemed concerned as they watched in another roomCredit: E4

Married At First Sight UK continues on E4 and is available to stream back on Channel 4.

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Stunning ‘Norwegian’ house was watched by millions in popular Netflix drama – but do you recognise it?

AN ICONIC Norwegian-style house featured in a TV show watched by millions – but do you recognise it?

Nestled in the picture postcard landscape of the Wye Valley in Hertfordshire, the wooden home appeared in a hit Netflix series.

Norwegian former fishing lodge in red and white surrounded by green foliage.

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This iconic Norwegian house featured in a hit TV show on NetflixCredit: Knight Frank
The red house from the TV series Sex Education with a river in the background.

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It can be found nestled on the slopes of the Wye Valley in HertfordshireCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Asa Butterfield and Gillian Anderson on a red couch in "Sex Education".

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The property featured in high school comedy drama Sex Education
Three people enjoying drinks and food on a balcony overlooking a river and forested hills.

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It features prominently throughout the popular series

The Edwardian building features in Netflix’s high school comedy drama, Sex Education, which first aired in 2019.

It features prominently throughout the series and fans may have recognised it as the home of high schooler Otis Milburn and his mum Jean, played by Gillian Anderson.

The Scandinavian inspired property has room for 10 people and is located near the Forest of Dean with cycle trails and a river nearby for canoeing and fishing.

Fans will recognise certain rooms in the house from many of the scenes between Otis and Jean.

Built in 1912, it was initially used as a fishing lodge and also featured in Extraordinary Escapes on Channel 4.

With five bedrooms over three floors, the property has breathtaking panoramic views of the valley.

And the main bedroom can be found at the top of the house, spanning the entire floor.

As you approach the Norwegian-inspired home, you are immediately struck by it’s distinctive exterior.

It’s comprised of red wooden slats and white detailing amidst the expansive greenery on the slopes overlooking the River Wye.

It has a winding drive lined with trees leading up to a garage.

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Viewers had the chance to own it in 2023 where it hit the market for an eye-watering £1.5 million.

It was renovated in 2002 that saw the conservatory dining room extended and a bespoke painted wood kitchen installed alongside a contemporary bathroom and shower rooms.

It was done in such a way that it blends effortlessly into the rest of the house.

Move outside and you’ll notice it’s beautiful gardens where there are steps that lead straight down to the river.

It also has a decked balcony where a Swedish hot back and stone pizza oven can be used as you take in the spectacular views.

The property’s 4.5 acres of land includes two greenhouses, a stone and tile outbuilding and an orchard.

It’s currently a private residence but fans used to be able to rent the whole house for £75 per person a night – but you can still admire its beauty from afar.

Other properties

There’s also this very famous house from an iconic 90s kids TV show that’s just hit the market for £1.1 million.

The property is located next to an breathtaking ocean view and was regularly featured in the Australian comedy drama.

And this breathtaking beachfront house featured in a beloved BBC drama

The stunning waterfront property on the Scottish west coast has picture postcard views of Loch Long and the Firth of Clyde.

Millions of Brits also grew up watching this iconic house on another beloved kids TV show.

If you need a clue, the character of Miss Hoolie lived in the property in the BBC series.

Red Norwegian former fishing lodge with views overlooking the Wye Gorge.

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The decked balcony has stunning views of the River WyeCredit: Knight Frank
A dining room with green walls and glass ceilings, a long table set for dining, and many potted plants.

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The conservatory dining room was extended in 2002Credit: Knight Frank
Otis' House from the series Sex Education, a red house nestled in autumn trees.

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The property comes with 4.5 acres

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Gogglebox star Giles Woods opens up on death as he makes makes unusual request

Channel 4 viewers have seen husband and wife duo Giles Wood and Mary Killen on Gogglebox since 2015.

On Friday night, Channel 4 viewers tuned in for a brand new episode of Gogglebox, which opened with husband and wife duo Giles Wood and Mary Killen.

The pair, who have been part of the programme since 2015, have become firm fan-favourites on the series for their hilarious dynamic and witty remarks.

Recently, Giles left people in disbelief after sharing a throwback photo of himself online.

However, during the most recent episode, he made an unusual demand when it came to his funeral plans.

He told his wife: “By the way, if I do die, Mary, I want to insist on something. I don’t want Frank Sinatra’s song ‘I did it my way’.”

She replied: “You didn’t do it at all, let alone doing it your way!” The Channel 4 star also told his wife he didn’t want the song Bohemian Rhapsody played.

Mary asked: “No? What do you want?” He commented: “I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday,=.”

Laughing at his remark, she said: “You wouldn’t want that! That would be so annoying.” He added: “Annoying right until the last minute!”

It wasn’t long before people commented on his hilarious request, with one person on X saying: “Giles wanting, ‘I wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’ as his funeral song is just the most Giles thing ever. I love it, but pray it doesn’t come for many, many more years to come.”

Although Mary and Giles have been regulars on the series for 10 years, this series welcomed a plethora of fresh faces, including mother and daughter-in-law Sara and Lara, mates Jake and Calum, and family Andre, Sarah and daughter Chee.

This comes as the show bid farewell to Scottish couple Roisin and Joe, who first appeared on Gogglebox in 2022. Earlier this year, they announced they won’t be in the new series as they weren’t asked to return.

In a statement at the time, they wrote: “After three and a half years of sitting on the sofa Channel 4 have decided it’s time for Joe and I to stretch out legs and have not asked us back for season 26.

“Therefore we are leaving the Gogglebox family. We couldn’t be more grateful to Studio Lambert for the opportunity, the experience has actually been so mad and we will miss watching TV with you all on Friday nights!

“It’s been an honour to represent Scotland as some of the first Scottish people on the show and prove we don’t actually need subtitles.”

Gogglebox is available to watch on Channel 4.

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Ibiza Final Boss Jack Kay looks unrecognisable in photo before famous haircut

Ibiza Final Boss Jack Kay looks completely unrecognisable in an unearthed snap that was taken before his incredible rise to fame on social media over the summer

Ibiza Final Boss Jack Kay looks completely unrecognisable in an unearthed snap that was taken before his incredible rise to fame. The 26-year-old construction worker, who hails from Newcastle, has become instantly known thanks to an eight second video posted on TikTok that has landed him a Channel 4 documentary and a multi-figure brand deal.

The viral social media star is known for his famous haircut, but in a newly-resurfaced photograph, the influencer looks totally different with a style that is worlds away from his signature look.

Standing on the right end in a snap taken in a pub, Jack can posing in front of a pint and is sporting with a much-less defined fringe whilst his beard and chain are nowhere to be seen.

READ MORE: Ibiza Final Boss’s real reason for haircut as he reveals how much he spends weekly at barberREAD MORE: Ibiza Final Boss star Jack Kay’s secret daughter revealed

Speaking about his incredible rise to fame, he said: “Where I’m from is like a council estate. Not much happens round there for people like me. People like me don’t get the chance to make it to this level, do you know what I mean? To make it to this level is like a dream, honest to god!”

On August 3, Jack was dancing at a party when he caught the attention of clothing label Zero Six West Ibiza. He had black and gold sunglasses on to match his black vest and massive gold chain. His muscled arms were on display and his now iconic bowl haircut had been shaped to perfection. The clothing label posted an eight-second clip of Jack dancing, and asked: “Does anyone know this absolute legend coz we’ve got 2 free guestlist with his name on it!”

On TikTok alone, the video has had almost 30million views and Jack became a meme, dubbed the Ibiza Final Boss. He captured the attention of many and soon signed with a talent agency and embarking on a club appearance tour, which one PR expert estimated could earn him £1k-5k per night. With at least eight appearances under his belt, that is an estimated earning of anywhere between £8k and £40k from club appearances.

The new film follows Jack as he adjusts to life in the spotlight and tries to find longevity in his newfound career as an internet personality. When asked why millions went wild for his unique look, Jack said: “I think why people love that video because it’s just my aura.

“I think no one has seen us before. When I’ve just stepped in the dance, looking the way I’m looking with my shades and my hair. My tattoos, my muscles, my beard and stuff. People think, ‘Who’s he?’ That’s what I think.”

He went onto reveal that he now goes to the hairdresser three times a week to keep up his look – and spends nearly £80 weekly.

“Before the fame, it was twice a week but now it’s three times,” he said. “I’ve got to keep myself on point.

“Three, four years ago, I had long hair, like a slick-back. I got sick of it and changed it to a Scouse trim. It’s basically just a low fade. Brush my hair to the side, put a bit of hairspray on. It’s got to be spot on.”

He added: “It looks fresh doesn’t it? Everyone loves it. Especially the birds. They loved it before the fame and now.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.



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Gogglebox Siddiqui family reveal rarely-seen member and fans all say same thing

The beloved Gogglebox family have been on the show since the very first series – but there’s one member who doesn’t often feature

Gogglebox fans have been thrilled after a seldom-seen member of the Siddiqui household made a surprise appearance in a social media clip.

The cherished family became part of the inaugural series of the Channel 4 programme back in 2013, featuring Baasit alongside his two siblings, Umar and Raza, plus their dad Sid. However, mum Nasreen has remained absent from the show.

It’s safe to say the Derby-based Siddiqui clan quickly established themselves as viewer favourites. Throughout the years, the family have left audiences in hysterics with their witty remarks and amusing reactions to television moments.

Recently, Sid posted a video on the family’s Instagram account. Yet it was an infrequently-spotted member appearing with Sid that sparked considerable discussion, reports the Manchester Evening News.

During the footage, Sid encouraged supporters to watch the fresh Gogglebox instalment and was joined by the household’s adored feline Rocky. He informed watchers: “You’ll see me and him [the cat].”

Within the comments area, supporters were effusive about Rocky’s cameo. One individual commented: “Love you and your family and Rocky!” Someone else contributed: “Aw Rocky.” A third person remarked: “Love Rocky and your family.”

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Meanwhile in other Gogglebox developments, Baasit recently marked his birthday, prompting his spouse Mel to post a touching tribute. Mel, who is mother to Baasit’s two youngsters, used Instagram to publish a moving birthday message for her partner.

She wrote: “Happy birthday @baasit_siddiqui, Wishing you the most wonderful birthday, we all love you to the moon and back and are so proud of everything you do, Love you always xxx.”

She posted a photograph of him sporting a ‘Best. Daddy. Ever’ t-shirt, alongside some sweet family photographs.

Fans flocked to send their birthday wishes to Baasit, including fellow Gogglebox personality Tristan Daine Plummer, who features on Gogglebox alongside his brothers.

“Happy birthday poppet xxx all the way from Hilton,” one wrote, as another said: “Have a fantastic day.” A third echoed: “Happy birthday mate, hope you have a great day!”

Gogglebox airs on Friday at 9pm on Channel 4.

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