Dating

Pop star and recreational astronaut Katy Perry has found a new flame in former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in an unexpected romance that feels like a “Mad Libs” page come to life.

The “California Gurls” hitmaker and the longtime politician publicly debuted their relationship over the weekend, shutting down months of speculation. Perry, 41, and Trudeau, 53, were photographed holding hands during a date night in Paris on Saturday.

The singer, in a red body-hugging dress, and Trudeau in a black suit were seen exiting cabaret club Crazy Horse Paris, where they celebrated Perry’s birthday. Video shared by Backgrid shows Perry accepting a rose from a bystander and Trudeau placing his hand on her back as they walk to their SUV.

Perry and Trudeau first sparked relationship rumors in late July, when they were seen sharing a meal and some good conversation at an upscale restaurant in Montreal. They met up for their rendezvous, captured by TMZ, a month after Perry and “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Lord of the Rings” star Orlando Bloom ended their engagement. The former couple welcomed a daughter in 2020 and continue to co-parent.

At the time, the split with Bloom was the latest blow to Perry’s public image. Prior to their separation, the Grammy-nominated singer’s album “143” faced backlash and scathing reviews, her participation in Blue Origin‘s flashy all-female crew flight was subject to scrutiny and her Lifetimes world tour proved divisive. Trudeau seemed to be all smiles at the latter in late July.

Fans spotted the former Canadian leader, who resigned in January after nearly a decade in power, dancing and singing at Perry’s tour stop in Montreal. Earlier this month paparazzi snapped pictures of the then-rumored couple packing on the PDA on the singer’s yacht off the coast of Santa Barbara, Perry’s hometown.

Trudeau began his romance with Perry after he and ex-wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau announced their separation in 2023. The Trudeaus were married for 18 years and share three children. Though they are legally separated, their divorce is not yet final.

Neither Trudeau nor Perry has publicly addressed their relationship, save for one cheeky comment the singer made during a concert in London this month. When a fan tried shooting his shot and proposed to the singer, she responded, “You know you really should have asked me about 48 hours ago,” seemingly referring to her yacht outing with her new beau.

Perry continues the European leg of her Lifetimes tour Monday, performing at the MVM Dome in Budapest. Information about her remaining tour stops and future gigs can be found on her website.

X FACTOR winner Joe McElderry says he’ll be ‘eternally single’ while opening up on his dating life.

The talented 34-year-old became a household name after he won the show in 2009, as a fresh-faced 18-year-old with Cheryl as his mentor.

But where his career has thrived, Joe’s not had the same success when it comes to dating. 

Joe referred to himself as “eternally single” in a chat with The Sun, while adding: “I’ve been single for a very, very long time. 

“And I mean I listen, I’m open to meeting somebody and I’d love to meet somebody, but I think dating is so hard now.

“Online dating is a minefield, and I don’t think people meet people unless it’s on dating apps now, which is crazy. It’s kind of sad in a way.” 

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And if he is to meet someone, they’d have to get the green light from his grandma Hilda. 

Joe continued: “She’s a very good judge of character. You’ll know if she doesn’t trust somebody or she doesn’t like somebody. 

“In our industry, you can come across some dodgy people, but she can call it out in seconds of somebody walking in a room and I’m like, that’s a wise woman.”

Joe shares a very close bond with his grandma Hilda, with the pair set to do a live recording of their popular podcast That’s Ridiculous, on October 23rd. 

The booked and busy star is also delighting audiences across the North East with his autumn tour, culminating in his one-night-only Festive Party at Newcastle’s O2 City Hall on 1st December.

Sharing more about tour life, the Climb singer told us: “It’s a very short tour in comparison to what I normally do, but I’ve been on the road with Joseph the musical since January. 

“We finished that in August, and the original plan was to kind of just have October off, and chill out, and then I got halfway through the year and I was like, I feel like I’m gonna miss touring. 

“So we managed to kind of shoehorn in about 10 shows, it’s been great.  We’ve done three of them already and it’s been lovely and it’s my favourite thing to do, just to be in the room with people that support me and know my music.” 

The star shared his pre-show ritual which he has stuck by for years – but admits it’s “not for everyone.” 

Joe continued: “The weirdest thing I do is I gargle bicarbonate of soda. 

“Years ago, a wonderful supporter of mine sent a letter in and he was saying how it’s like an remedy, and so I read this letter and I thought that sounds a bit strange, but I’m going to give it a go and honestly, I mean I’m not a doctor, so if anybody reads this as advice, do it at your own risk, but it’s like a miracle cure for the voice, it’s like a natural antiseptic. 

“You don’t swallow it or anything, it’s just a gargle on your voice. But I swear by it. I have it half an hour before the show. I sometimes have it in the interval of a show. And I even have it in a quick change if I’m struggling on a show day.” 

The 34-year-old admits huge singers have taken his advice in the past after asking what could work to help their vocal chords. 

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“It does taste disgusting, but honestly not one person has ever come back and gone, #that didn’t work,’” Joe added. 

Tickets for both the tour and the festive show at O2 City Hall are available via Joe’s official website and venue box offices – www.joemcelderryofficial.com.

British vloggers Dan Howell and Phil Lester — known for their gaming and comedic slice-of-life style videos — are taking ownership of their long-rumored romance after more than a decade of incessant fan “shipping” online.

The longtime collaborators revealed Monday that they have been dating for more than a decade, pretty much since they gained popularity in the late aughts. The YouTubers confirmed they have been an item in a 46-minute video titled “Are Dan and Phil in a Relationship?”

“We fell into it hard and fast in 2009,” Howell, 34, said. “And here we are almost 16 years later.”

Before Howell and Lester, 38, spoke about the origins of their couple-dom, the YouTubers— who both came out as gay in 2019 — talked extensively about why they waited go public with their relationship. First, they tackled some fans’ obsessive behavior.

Howell and Lester began appearing in each other’s YouTube videos in the late aughts and eventually, in 2014, launched their shared gaming channel — that page currently boasts 2.95 million subscribers. The pair documented their lives together, opening the door for fans to speculate on their relationship and foster a parasocial connection, Howell explained in the video. Among the most prominent internet personalities at the time, Howell and Lester often became the subject of fan fiction and fan edits on Tumblr.

“Some think that shipping real-life people is problematic. I think that humans cannot stop this natural tendency,” Howell said, later adding that “a line gets crossed” when fan speculation turns into investigation.

The pair recalled fans combing through their old social media posts, reaching out to their loved ones and filming them out in the real world. “If all this digging, investigating was small it could’ve been ignored,” Lester said.

“The problem is this became so big we could not ignore it,” Howell continued.

Howell and Lester also recalled fans dissecting their on-camera interactions and spreading the romance rumors during live events. Ultimately, the rumors became “too loud to ignore,” Lester said.

Howell said he was wary about how going public with Lester would impact their professional dynamic and spoke candidly about how his struggles with his sexuality affected their relationship.

“I had an extremely homophobic childhood,” Howell said, adding that the constant fan pressure to address the rumors took a toll on his mental health. He said that when he and Lester gained popularity he felt he “had to hide the relationship because I was still hiding who I was to my friends, family, myself.”

Online chatter didn’t help and “hit a nerve,” he said. Howell said Lester was “like a literal ray of light in my life back then” and committed to protecting their relationship.

“So when other people tried to grab it and drag it into the light, I felt completely violated,” Howell continued. “Having all of these people trying to out us and being so hostile to me when I tried to hide it was so triggering. Honestly, it could’ve killed me.”

Lester added: “It’s sad because those should’ve been the happiest times of our life. It was so amazing and we were having so much fun personally.”

Invasive fan behavior hung over their success “like a curse” and that led to anxiety and panic attacks, Howell said. Lester also recalled a “breaking point” in their relationship where a personal video leaked on YouTube and spread online, with re-posters refusing to take it down.

As they acknowledged the negative impact of some fans’ invasive behavior, the YouTubers said they don’t hold a grudge. Howell said the skeptics “were just young people that had absolutely no idea what the effects of their actions were.”

“In the same way that we all want people in our lives to give us patience and grace and benefit of the doubt if we ever make a mistake, I have to extend that to the world in regards to this story,” he added. “So I understand and I forgive.”

Howell and Lester, whose work also includes BBC Radio programming and several live tours, ended their video announcing the launch of a new podcast.

CHEATING doesn’t necessarily happen on obvious apps like WhatsApp or Snapchat – as I pretty brutally found out.

In fact, red flags on your partner’s phone could be staring you right in the face without you even realising. But luckily, I know just the places to look – and most of them will surprise you.

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And not all apps are necessarily hiding messages either – some point towards secret spending or unknown locations a love rat has been visiting.

Obviously I’m not advising you to go digging around on your other half’s phone.

Your first port of call should always be to speak with your partner about any concerns.

In my case, I had already done this still spotted countless big signs that something was wrong, which is when I heard about dating apps you can disguise.

One night I noticed an extra calculator app on my ex’s iPhone (pretty telling because who really needs an extra calculator beyond the pre-installed one?).

As I feared, when I tapped the app it wasn’t a calculator at all, but a dating app – filled with countless messages with streams of other men, and not to mention the dreaded d**k pics too.

A determined cheater isn’t going to leave evidence on chat apps like WhatsApp or Instagram (texts can be easily deleted too), so here are some of the less obvious apps which might hide their dirty little secrets.

#1 Notes app

The humble Notes app on iPhone and Android may seem like the last place you expect to find cheating.

Surely that’s just where people jot down the odd password or their shopping list, right?

Well, not quite – little do most people realise, it can actually be used to secretly communicate with others.

You can share Notes with other people and both collaborate on them, meaning cheaters can essentially use it to write back and forth without arousing suspicion.

“Yes, this happened to one of my best friends. Her boyfriend’s Notes app was open on his laptop and that’s how she found out,” one person explained on TikTok.

#2 Storage apps

Apps which store your pics and videos can be used to secretly message too, though it’s a lot more hassle.

However, storage apps are a great place to keep incriminating photos out of sight.

This is another problem I’ve been stung with by my ex, who kept a hidden stash of photos he’d got from secret flings on there.

Photos stored in the cloud are kept in a data centre, so you can easily log out and keep them away from being visible in normal photo gallery apps.

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#3 Mapping apps

Mapping and navigation apps could also hold clues of cheating.

Whether you use Google Maps or Waze to drive around, all the places you’ve got directions too will be stored in the app.

Unknown places which are visited a lot could be a red flag.

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#4 Wallet apps

Similar to mapping and navigation apps, the wallet apps on your phone may have signs your partner is up to no good.

Whether you’re using Apple Pay or Google Pay, you can see previous transactions – unlike standard banking apps that are heavily locked down.

This may reveal a fancy dinner out you weren’t aware of or even a big spend in a jewellery shop.

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ANOTHER wife of the Manchester synagogue terrorist said the attacker “raped” her and lied about being married with a child.

The woman, whose identity is being protected, told how Jihad Al-Shamie abused her mentally and sexually after they first met on Muslim dating app Muzz.

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She had converted to Islam in 2012, ten years before meeting Al-Shamie.

The woman became trapped in a volatile cycle in which he would flip between being “vile” and then “nice” to draw her back in to their on-and-off relationship.

Eventually, Al-Shamie told the woman he was married and had a son, but confessed to keeping them secret.

In text messages seen by the M.E.N, he wrote: “I didn’t tell u because I really like you and wanted u to be my 2nd wife.”

But Al-Shamie told her men can have four wives in Islamic culture and that his first wife “accepts” it.

Within a month of entering into a relationship with him, the pair married in January 2022.

The woman said their Islamic ceremony took place over a video call because of Covid restrictions.

But the marriage was soon filled with coercive and controlling behaviour.

She claimed Al-Shamie raped her, but she did not report it to police.

The attacker’s abuse is laid out in Facebook messages between the couple.

He tells her: “Good luck getting any guy to deal with your rubbish.”

And: “You’re not worth it and I can do better – don’t need someone with your baggage and mental issues.”

To try and win her back, Al-Shamie would promise grand gestures, such as buying a property close to where she lived, although these never came into fruition.

The woman told M.E.N she thought she loved him at the beginning of their partnership.

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“He was caring and understanding and didn’t judge my kids for their needs,” she said.

“He would say ‘I love you, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that’. He was controlling and abusive.

“He did rape me multiple times, but to us we just fulfil what our husband’s say.

“He was one of them where you have got to do it there and then.”

She categorized their relationship as “his way or no way” and described him as constantly being “pushy” – telling her wives had to “obey” their husbands.

The Sun previously reported how Al-Shamie was a teenage drop-out who smoked weed and was obsessed with violent video games.

A former friend told The Sun on Sunday that killer Al-Shamie would smoke around 2g of strong skunk a day when he was a teen and frequently felt the wrath of his parents.

His obsession led him to dropping out of Liverpool John Moores University a year into his English, media and cultural studies degree course in 2011.

Meanwhile neighbours said he would spend his time lifting weights in his garage or wander around in his pyjamas and flip flops.

The woman also reflected this portrayal in her tales of Al-Shamie, who she claimed was always “between jobs” and “living with his parents”.

After their relationship ended, the last time Al-Shamie contacted her was April earlier this year, but she ignored him.

The woman also recalled her horror when she discovered he had committed the Manchester synagogue terror attack.

“My first thought was just ‘why’. He would never preach anything. The only thing he would do was pray,” she said.

“He never showed me, or said anything about, terrorism, or joining anything. It was all about the mosque and praying.”

This comes as another wife of Al-Shamie also came forward with her story after meeting him on the same Muslim dating app.

Born in Syria, Al-Shamie was granted British citizenship in 2006 when he was around 16, having entered the UK as a young child.

The 35-year-old was on police bail accused of rape when he carried out the car and knife terror attack in Manchester on October 2.

He claimed to be a devout father but cheated on his wife and married a second woman days after meeting her, The Telegraph reported.

The newspaper said that he met a young woman from Manchester after the Covid lockdown.

It’s believed that he moved in with the woman and her family in May 2022 and they married in an Islamic ceremony.

But he was unfaithful and used a dating app to meet several other women.

Al-Shamie’s first marriage reportedly fell apart six months ago after he married a second woman – but it is not known if this was legal.

Elizabeth Davis, 46, is said to have married the killer in secret and only told her family about him only after the synagogue attack.

A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Liz converted to Islam four years ago.

“Her conversion caused tensions with her family, they say she became a totally different person after that.

“She stopped communicating with relatives and friends.

“It was like she had been brainwashed.

“The family only found out that she had got married to Al-Shamie after the synagogue attack on Thursday.

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“The family are horrified that she has been involved with someone like that.

“It’s possible she got married to him in an Islamic law ceremony.”

Another woman said she was just 18 when she dated Al-Shamie, who she said lied to her about his age.

He told her he was in his mid-twenties and reportedly encouraged her to watch “extreme videos”.

During their four-month relationship, she said he hit her and ordered her to dress more conservatively.

She even said he referenced possibly wanting to join the Islamic State.

She said he stalked her and told her about his rape fantasises.

The Times reported that Al-Shamie used fake name on his dating app accounts but kept getting banned because of his “speech and what he was sending”.

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THE real ‘Da Vinci Code’ is close to finally being solved after a major scientific breakthrough.

Experts are racing to crack the mystery of DNA, death and burial tied to legendary artist, scientist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci.

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The world was captivated by 2003 novel and 2006 movie The Da Dinvci Code.

It saw Tom Hanks playing a professor looking to uncover a religious mystery around the Holy Grail with clues hidden in Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting The Last Supper.

But the real Da Vinci Code that scientists are trying to solve involves mapping out the artist’s genome.

That’s the entire collection of DNA in da Vinci’s body – all of the genetic instructions needed to make and maintain him.

Now scientists say that they’ve confirmed a male bloodline that they can date all the way back to 1331.

This family tree spans 21 generations and involves as many as 400 individuals.

And they’ve found at least six descendants who, after DNA testing, can be traced directly to Leonardo da Vinci, who was born in 1452 in Anchiano, Vinci, Florence and died in 1519.

As part of the research, the scientists have also confirmed the existence of a da Vinci family tomb, in the Church of Santa Croce in Vinci.

The experts think this may be where several of Leonardo da Vinci’s family members are buried.

That includes his grandfather Antonio, uncle Francesco, and half-brothers Antonio, Pandolfo, and Giovanni.

“Further detailed analyses are necessary to determine whether the DNA extracted is sufficiently preserved,” said David Caramelli, of the University of Florence.

“Based on the results, we can proceed with analysis of Y chromosome fragments for comparison with current descendants.”

Now scientists hope to analyse the remains in the Vinci church tombs to find a match with the Y chromosome of the living descendants.

And scientists are also hoping to look for traces left on his original works.

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This could allow scientists to fully reconstruct da Vinci’s DNA.

“Our goal in reconstructing the Da Vinci family’s lineage up to the present day,” said Alessandro Vezzosi, of the Leonardo da Vinci Heritage Association.

“While also preserving and valuing the places connected to Leonardo, is to enable scientific research on his DNA.

“Through the recovery of Leonardo’s DNA, we hope to understand the biological roots of his extraordinary visual acuity, creativity, and possibly even aspects of his health and causes of death.”

Scientists may be able to use this information to confirm da Vinci’s final resting place.

The Renaissance painter was originally said to have been buried in Amboise, France in the Saint Florentin church.

This church was severely damaged during the French Revolution.

And bones believed to belong to him were moved to the Chapel of St Hubert in Amboise.

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But there have been doubts over whether these bones really do belong to da Vinci – a puzzle that could be solved using his DNA.

So scientists are probing what remains of da Vinci in terms of his works and descendants to crack the real code.

“Even a tiny fingerprint on a page could contain cells to sequence,” says Jesse H. Ausubel, of The Rockefeller University, who is director of the DNA project.

“21st-century biology is moving the boundary between the unknowable and the unknown.

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“Soon we may gain information about Leonardo and other historical figures once believed lost forever.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celebs Go Dating 2025 cast

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

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

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

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

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

Kerry KatonaCelebs Go Dating

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

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

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

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

Channel 4’s best competition shows

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

Four in a Bed

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

Come Dine With Me

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

The Great British Bake Off

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

Bake Off: The Professionals

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

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

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

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

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

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Celebs Go Dating continues on Channel 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The BBC’s latest dating series is set to air but it’s thought bosses have been so impressed that they have already signed off a second run

A brand new dating show is set for a second series even though the first is yet to air. The new BBC show is set to rival ITV’s Love Island and bosses are so sure it will be a hit that they have reportedly authorised another series.

Stranded On Honeymoon Island kicks off tomorrow on BBC, with Davina McCall taking on hosting duties. But even before the show airs it’s maiden episode, it’s claimed it has been sanctioned for another series that could be filmed later this year before being aired in 2026.

“The Beeb has long wanted some kind of dating show that can begin to challenge the dominance of Love Island,” a source said.

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Speaking to The Sun, the source added: “It doesn’t want the exact same format, just something that can provide a similar kind of tropical, steamy vibe — and bosses think that’s what they’ve got on their hands here.

“Of course, they’ll wait to see what the audience reaction is, but execs have already cast their eye over early versions of the series and are feeling confident.”

And the source claimed bosses are keen to “renew their vows” with another series of the show.

The series sees total strangers marry. After the 12 singles meet for the first time during a speed-dating event, the matchmakers then assign them a spouse.

Later that day, the assigned couples tie the knot and head straight to a remote island with nothing but the clothes they wed in, an outdoor loo, and three weeks to test their connection.

Prior to it airing, Davina admitted of her role and her own romance: “I like to think I’m not too high-maintenance.” But she said one thing on the show is something she would struggle with. “The loo.

“I’d have a whopper problem with the poo! I don’t want to hear farting and pooing – I still want to be fancied!”

Explaining why she chose to be a part of the show, Davina said: “These couples are taking a massive leap of faith – literally off a boat. It’s such an extreme way to fast-track a relationship.

“You see who someone really is when things get tough – how they handle problems, whether they’re resourceful. That’s attractive! Confidence is key in this experiment.”

And explaining what she believes makes this show different from the rest, Davina said it’s the heart: “There’s deep learning – about yourself, about relationships. Even if they don’t find The One, they come away knowing what they want and need.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are taking their love story to the next chapter.

The Grammy-winning “Love Story” pop icon and the Kansas City Chiefs tight end are engaged, the couple announced Tuesday in a joint Instagram post.

“Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” Swift captioned photos from the garden engagement.

Weeks before getting engaged, the pair hit another personal milestone: They finally finally appeared together on Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, retired Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce. The podcast was also where Travis Kelce took his shot at a romance with the singer-songwriter back in 2023.

During the “New Heights” episode, which marked Swift’s podcasting debut, she said her relationship with Kelce “is sort of what I’ve been writing songs about wanting to happen to me since I was a teenager.”

Swift also announced her upcoming album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” on the podcast.

With marriage on the horizon, it seems Swift and Kelce have come a long way since officially becoming an item in fall 2023. Their romance can be traced back to July 2023, when Kelce attended an Eras tour concert at Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs’ house. The NFL star managed to get a friendship bracelet with his phone number to Swift’s camp and the two eventually got in touch.

Their rumored romance quickly became commentary fodder for NFL broadcasts (sometimes to sports fans’ chagrin). Then things took a turn when Swift seemingly accepted Kelce’s personal invitation to a home game in September 2023 and was seen cheering for him in a private box alongside his mother, Donna Kelce. Soon enough, Swift became a staple in the Chiefs audience.

Swift and Kelce’s relationship dominated the news cycle and most coverage of the NFL season. Feeding into the obsession, both Swifties and sports fans on social media created memes, TikTok videos and other social media content dissecting nearly every detail of the couple’s interactions and public appearances.

From late 2023 to early 2024, their blooming relationship also proved to be a boon as Swift carried on with her blockbuster, career-spanning Eras tour and Kelce prepared for Super Bowl LVIII, where the Chiefs faced the San Fransisco 49ers. When the Chiefs won, Swift joined Kelce on the field, kissing and hugging her athlete boyfriend.

Swift and Kelce’s love didn’t just play out on the field. During a November 2023 show, Swift changed lyrics to her hit “Karma” to mention “the guy on the Chiefs, coming straight home to me,” sending fans and Kelce into a frenzy. Then in June 2024, as Swift‘s tour continued, Kelce joined his superstar girlfriend on stage in London.

When the 2024-25 NFL season began in September, Swift returned regularly to Arrowhead Stadium for Chiefs home games.

Swift brought her Eras tour to an end in December 2024 and hosted a private wrap party to celebrate her musical marathon. As photos from the party went public, eagle-eyed fans noticed more than Swift, Kelce and their VIP attendees. Social media sleuths claimed photos of Swift’s hands had been Photoshopped to conceal the presence of an engagement ring, Page Six reported at the time.

A WOMAN has revealed that men are “ashamed” to be seen in public with her because of her plus-size body – but says she always gets the last laugh.

Alex Aspasia is well-known for her body-positive attitude, where she embraces her curves no matter what.

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But when it comes to dating, it’s proving to be quite a challenge.

The 31-year-old, who got divorced last year, has been searching high and low for Mr Right – and while she’s had many suitors, there’s been a recurring issue.

They are “too ashamed” to be seen in public with her.

In a clip, which has racked up 987,000 views and over 199,000 likes, she revealed how she gets the last laugh by staying single.

“I’ve been back in the dating world and it’s been an eye-opening experience,” the size 26 model, who is 6ft tall and weighs 385lbs, told What’s The Jam.

“Despite the online hate I receive, I’ve found that plenty of men are interested in dating me.

“For most, that interest stays behind closed doors, as if they’re ashamed to be seen with a larger woman.

“I dated one guy who admitted that he doesn’t want anyone to know about us.

“And said that his family wouldn’t approve because of my size.

“It’s pretty traumatising when you get to know someone, develop feelings, and then they tell you you’re not good enough to be introduced on their arm simply because of how much you weigh.

“I’ve had professional athletes and rappers in my DMs, which proves that the idea you have to fit into a certain body to be liked isn’t true.”

Alex, who hails from Miami, US, says that men are “drawn” to her “unapologetic confidence” as it’s “rare” to find that nowadays – especially in those plus-size.

She said: “I know that kind of confidence can be magnetic.

“But I’m looking for someone who wants me for who I am, not my curves.

“I want a relationship built on genuine connection, not just attraction.”

In the video, Alex sits by herself in a restaurant, with the caption: “Another Saturday night alone because men love fat girls in [their] bed and not in public.”

Users have flocked to the comments to share their reactions.

“Don’t let them have you in private if they don’t want you in public,” someone commented. [sic]

Ana said: “Ur too beautiful for them either way.” [sic]

“So true. But claim to love big girls only to hide us,” Nicole added. [sic]

Brooke said: “Facts. My 20s were full of closet chubby chasers. I found a man who loves every inch of me in the bedroom and in public. He DGAF what anybody thinks. He’s proud to have me.” [sic]

“If one man doesn’t want you, five others will. Don’t ever settle,” added Shelly.

Alex added: “Dating as a plus-size woman is harder because men just lust after you.

“And the majority want to experience you, but don’t know how to fit you into their world because of the harsh judgment we receive.

“I still have hope that I will find somebody, and I want to tell people not to settle.

“It’s complicated.

“But I refuse to entertain anyone who would keep me a secret.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AGENTS SPEAK OUT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PADDY SPLIT

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

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

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

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

Celebs Go Dating 2025 cast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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