JOHN Torode’s wife Lisa Faulkner has given fans an emotional update after revealing her shock breast cancer diagnosis.
The 54-year-old announced the news on Thursday and divulged that she had already undergone surgery and will be moving onto a course of radiotherapy.
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John Torode’s wife Lisa Faulkner has shared an emotional update after revealing her cancer diagnosisCredit: GettyShe took to Instagram today to thank fans for their supportCredit: Instagram
She took to her Instagram stories today to thank her fans for all of their support over the last 24 hours.
Lisa penned: “Thank you for all of your support and your lovely messages. i promise I will read every word.
“So many of you going through this or someone who is. Your love and kindness has really touched me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The former EastEnders actress told her fans yesterday why she’d been quiet on social media.
She divulged: “I know I’ve been very quiet on here, reason being I have had to have surgery for the early stages of breast cancer.
“I had surgery two weeks ago, it was quite a big op but it’s all good and I’ve my results back and they’ve got everything out.
“So it’s all clear and I just need now to have some radiotherapy in a few weeks.
“I just wanted to say I’ve got a bit of healing to do but I’m good. I’m well and feeling so much better and I’m so grateful I went for my mammogram.
“I just wanted to say don’t put them off, go, because they found this and without that mammogram it wouldn’t have been picked up.
“Thank you to our wonderful NHS and the fact we can have these mammograms and we can get treatment early.”
Lisa announced the shock news on ThursdayCredit: InstagramShe told fans she’d already undergone surgery and will be starting radiotherapyCredit: Instagram
Within moments of her sharing the difficult news, Lisa was inundated with support from her famous pals and followers.
Actress Tamzin Outhwaite said: “Love you Lise. You’ve got this my darling.”
Another added: “Sending so much love your way, lovely xx.”
Before a third said: “Sending love and hugs.”
Lisa is best known for her various acting roles and in recent years has become prolific as a TV chef.
Her famous telly husband John Torode has yet to comment on the gutting news about his partner.
It is the latest in a long line of blows for John who was sacked from his role on MasterChef following an investigation at the BBC.
He was given the boot from the programme following an investigation which was launched based upon the conduct of his co-star, Gregg Wallace.
KATIE Price has made a rare sentimental remark about ex-husband Peter Andre in her new Sky documentary.
The reality TV star, 48, shared a sweet comment about ex Peter and how shy he used to make her feel in her latest series, Katie Price: Nothing To Hide.
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Katie Price made a sweet comment about her ex-husband Peter Andre in her new documentaryCredit: GettyThe pair were together between 2004 and 2009Credit: Getty
She then opened up about just how much she felt for Peter, calling him her “Prince”.
Katie said: “If I like someone like I liked him, I go all shy. I can’t look at them, and I go all like giddy. It’s pathetic, but that’s what I was like.
“You could see we were into each other and it is so cute to look at. By the end of it I was smitten with him.
Katie married fourth husband Lee Andrews in JanuaryCredit: Backgrid/InstagramKatie’s documentary is a tell-all type, delving into aspects of her private lifeCredit: Getty
“Meeting Pete and being with Pete were the best times of my life, without a doubt.
“I had my prince, I knew I would be with him forever.”
Katie and Peter met in 2004 and started dating shortly after their time on I’m A Celeb ended.
They got engaged later that same year and tied the knot in 2005.
They went on to have two children, Princess and Junior, before divorcing in 2009.
Sam Thompson was snapped crying on Pete Wicks’ shoulder in an emotional moment after the TRIC Awards show last night, just after snagging the award for Best Podcast
12:39, 24 Jun 2026Updated 12:40, 24 Jun 2026
Sam Thompson got emotional at the TRIC awards(Image: JAMES CURLEY AND MAGICMOMENTSUK)
Sam Thompson could not hold back the tears as he was snapped hugging his best friend Pete Wicks‘ and seeming rather emotional. The pair were in town for the TRIC (Television and Radio Industries Club) Awards with a host of other celebs.
Sam, 33, and Pete, 37, won Best Podcast for Staying Relevant. After cinching the award, Pete and Sam stepped outside with Pete holding onto a cigarette as Sam could be seen having an emotional conversation. During the chat Sam was gesticulating wildly and then wrapped Pete in an embrace, resting his head on his best friend’s shoulder.
Sam’s face was red and slightly puffy, suggesting he’d been rather moved by emotion during the awards ceremony.
A representative for Sam told The Mirror after the awards: “Sam and Pete were absolutely thrilled and very emotional to have won Best Podcast Award at the TRICS for the second year running.
“Staying Relevant is such a passion project for them so to receive such a special accolade twice felt all the more special. Happy tears were flowing from the whole team.”
After winning the awards, the Made in Chelsea star sent a chair flying as he jumped around in excitement and bounced around the table. Accepting the prize, he said: “That’s mad! Wahey!” He then accidentally swore as he said: “No! I just didn’t wanna say the word f***, oop!”
He then clapped his hand over his mouth as Pete brushed off the moment, saying: “Don’t do that!”
The duo shared the moment they won on Instagram in a hilarious video captioned: “SECOND YEAR IN A ROW BABY. Thank you Relevanters for every single vote, we wouldn’t be here without you. As Sam would say, we are a community (sorry @p_wicks01 ) See you next year @tricawardsuk.”
This isn’t the first time Sam has been snapped crying on Pete’s shoulder during at the TRIC Awards, but previously the star wasn’t shedding tears of joy.
Pete was snapped comforting Sam in 2024 as Sam visibly shed tears while in the smoking area after the awards. Addressing his tears, Sam later revealed on his podcast that he had heard some bad news. “Firstly, there’s no way of getting around it, I had actually received some bad news, so I actually was really sad, I’m not going to lie about it, but I was.”
“I wasn’t crying though, I wasn’t actually crying. I just want to let everyone know that now,” he added. “There was a paparazzi shot which said ‘Sam Thompson crying after THAT argument with girlfriend Zara’, after the Soccer Aid thing. They linked both of them together.”
Sam continued: “There’s a few things here, I was really sad, and Pete being my best mate, he took me outside and the beauty of it was that Pete said we can’t go out the front because there were a lot of paps there. So, we went through the back. I let it go, I let it all out. I’m literally head-butting Pete’s shoulder – I’m literally caressed into his armpit.
“He’s being such a good mate and saying he’s always there for me and I’m feeling really sorry for myself. I thought, ‘at least nobody is going to see this’, but little did I know that later that day the pictures were everywhere.”
It’s unclear why Sam was emotional on this occasion, but it could have been tears of happiness after clearly being full of joy during the event. Sam is also now dating model and DJ Talitha Balinska, 25, with the pair frequently posting about one another on social media.
JESY Nelson has shared her twin daughters’ spinal braces with an emotional message ahead of the upcoming Parliament debate.
The mum-of-twomade a candid post explaining her daughters now have to wear them every day.
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Jesy Nelson has shared her twin daughters’ spinal braces with an emotional message ahead of the upcoming Parliament debateCredit: Tiktok/JesynelsonThe mum-of-two appeared on social media in an emotional post explaining her daughters now have to wear them every dayCredit: Instagram/Jesynelson
Jesy shared a snap of her twin daughters Ocean and Story’s spinal braces as she urged fans to attend the Parliament debate on SMA screening.
She captioned the image: “Just a reminder that future SMA babies’ lives don’t need to look like this!
“These are Ocean and Story’s spinal braces that [they] now have to wear every day.”
Jesy also shared a snap of the Parliament debate poster and wrote: “I hope to see as many of you there tomorrow. It’s going to be a big day.”
Jesy also shared a snap of the Parliament debate posterCredit: Instagram/JesynelsonOcean Jade and Story Monroe were born prematurely in May last year and were diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1Credit: Instagram/JesynelsonJesy recently spoke out about the unjust and “nsane” SMA “postcode lottery” – which “decides if children will be disabled or not”Credit: InstagramJesy has fought hard to get SMA heel prick testing on the mapCredit: Instagram/Jesynelson
It comes after Jesy spoke out about the unjust and “nsane” SMA “postcode lottery” – which “decides if children will be disabled or not.”
The loving mum appeared on social media in a candid video expressing her deep frustrations over ‘unfair’ Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) heel prick testing.
The X Factor star – who has racked up over 150k signatures – is calling for SMA to be tested for at birth regardless of where you live.
The debate is set to take place tomorrow, June 22, and, if granted, SMA screenings will be added for newborns.
Jesy is calling for SMA screenings to be added for newborns all over EnglandCredit: InstagramThe singer shared the areas currently missing out on screeningCredit: Tiktok/Jesynelson
In the emotional video, the singer said: “I just wanted to come on here to basically chat about a few things that are just so incredibly important to me and I know so many other people.
“Some of you may be aware of the fact that I’ve been trying to get SMA as part of the heel prick test here in England, and thank God for you guys, the signatures got over 150,000 and because of that, it is now going to get debated in parliament this Monday coming up, which is just crazy to me to know that we did that and I just need you guys to know that this has never been debated in parliament before.
“There has been a whole community of people that have been screaming and shouting about this for years and years and years, and it’s never been able to get this far, because it’s been ignored every single time.
“But you guys did it, because you made enough noise and you supported this and you got it there and I cannot thank you guys enough…
“So many thoughts have been going through my mind over this week, because every time I think about it, I’m like, how am I going to Parliament on Monday to debate whether children, future children, are going to be disabled or not?
“That’s how deep it is, because if your child gets this treatment from birth with a simple heel prick test and they get this treatment, you would not even know that they have SMA.
“That’s how deep it is, right? That is how life-changing this treatment is. You would not even know that your child has SMA, but if they don’t get this treatment and they don’t get the heel prick test, they will go on to be disabled…
“And not only be disabled, but they will go on to have breathing machines, coughing machines, constant operations. It never ever ends.
“And I still can’t believe that in this day and age, when we’ve had three life-changing treatments now for nearly six years, it’s still a thing. It’s still not here in England.
“It is being rolled out in October, but only in certain parts of England.
“How does that make sense? How are we playing postcode lottery with children’s lives? How is that okay? I cannot stress you how important this is.
“This is our future, future children we are deciding on. Mums now that are currently pregnant and maybe about to have a baby that could potentially have this disease. We’re basically going to decide whether they’re going to be disabled or not, like it blows my mind.
“And I just seem to stress this so much, because that’s how deep it is. We are playing with children’s lives and it is not okay.
“It’s not okay to be like, if you live in this area, your child won’t be disabled, but if you live in this area, yeah, they’ll be disabled.
“We’re not doing this anymore. We’ve made too much noise now for this to be ignored.
“Anyway, sorry for getting irate about this, but it makes me so sad to think that my children’s lives could look so different and not only my children’s lives, but so many other families and children are dealing with this across the whole of England.”
Alongside the tear-jerking post, she added: “We have had some amazing news that screening is due to start in October this year, which is a huge step forward!
“But there’s still a big problem… it will only cover 72% of England. That means some babies won’t be screened simply because of where they live.
“A postcode lottery like that just isn’t fair. Every baby deserves the same chance, everybaby’ss life matters!
“On Monday 22nd June, the petition will be debated by MPs in Parliament. I’ll be there alongside @gileslomax from SMA UK and we’re hoping this debate will help push for screening to be available for every newborn across England.
“We’ll be arriving at 5pm on Monday, and it would mean so much to see as many of you there as possible. We’d love to get a photo together outside Parliament before we head inside.
“Please if you can, tag your MP in the comments and ask them to attend the debate and support universal newborn screening for SMA.
“No baby should miss out because of their postcode. Let’s keep fighting until every newborn has the same opportunity. Thank you for standing with us every step of the way!”
Vanessa Feltz has addressed some of her struggles in the early 2000s and argued that while people were very excited by the introduction of reality TV, vetting is now too ‘sketchy’
Vanessa Feltz has described reality TV as ‘sordid’(Image: CHANNEL 5)
Vanessa Feltz has called for an end to “sordid” reality TV shows which she said gave her some of her lowest moments in her career.
The broadcaster, 64, shared her thoughts on how the format has changed over the past two decades, while reflecting on some incidents involving reality stars. According to Vanessa, vetting processes on some shows were “sketchy at best.”
In an article for You, the journalist said reality shows often recruit “individuals desperate for exposure” from social media – with women often asked whether they are looking for love, and men asked whether they are hoping to have some fun. Describing the reality genre as “sordid,” Vanessa said things have significantly changed since the early 2000s.
At the time, the idea of having “real people, doing real things, in real time” on TV seemed “revolutionary”, she argued, as demonstrated by the success of Big Brother. “We wanted ‘ordinary’ people scratching their armpits, pairing socks, quarrelling, vying, lying, picking their toenails and getting their rocks off,” Vanessa, who famously broke down and told Big Brother to “f*** off” during the first-ever Celebrity Big Brother in 2001, wrote.
Back then, mental health wasn’t given the same importance it has now, Vanessa said, meaning that many people – including herself – didn’t realise that reality TV posed any risk to participants. But she wrote: “When I said I’d had enough and please could I pack my case and go – we weren’t being paid, we were doing it free for Comic Relief – Big Brother replied: ‘If you leave, Vanessa, you’ll be the most hated woman in Britain.'”
She said that after being evicted, she “shook uncontrollably” and was “disorientated, trembling” until she was able to reunite with her daughters, which made her “remember how it felt to be myself.” She said: “A quarter of a century later people still ask, what the beep happened? I tell them, when you are on a reality TV show it isn’t a game.
Opening up on her experience of filming Celebrity Fit Club in 2004, Vanessa said she was “so scared” of letting her team down that she “stopped all food and water on Friday mornings” and after the weigh-in on Saturday afternoon, contestants “were all shaky and faint with hunger.”
She said that after drinking a glass of water and eating a couple of Ryvita crackers, they would go back on the scales and find they had already gained back the weight presenter Dale Winton had announced they had lost. “It was hell,” Vanessa reflected.
Giving the example of reality star Sinitta, who appeared on her Channel 5 show Vanessa on June 1 and said she needed therapy after I’m A Celebrity…South Africa due to the amount of trolling she faced, the broadcaster said reality TV is capably of leaving people damaged.
Vanessa’s reflection comes after her Channel 5 daytime chat show was cancelled only a year after its debut. According to reports, the presenter was blindsided and left furious by the news. The chat show sees Vanessa talk to guests and people at home who had called in to share their experiences of whichever topic was on the agenda.
But this week, a 5 spokesperson confirmed to the Mirror that the show would be coming off air, saying: “Due to afternoon scheduling changes, ‘Vanessa’ will be rested from July 17th. We thank Vanessa and her team at ITN for 18 months of warm, witty, wise and searingly honest shows. Vanessa remains a valued member of the 5 family and we are discussing future projects together.”
Following the cancellation, a source told the Mail that Vanessa was blindsided when she was told that the show had been axed. They said: “Vanessa was brought into a meeting after her show came off air this week. She had no idea what the meeting was about and certainly didn’t expect to be told it was not being renewed. She feels so blindsided but also let down by bosses.”
The cancellation is thought to be linked to low ratings for the programme, as well as an inability to get the scam callers under control. The source said that producers “tried their best to crack down” on the pranks, but it couldn’t be done.
MYLES Smith reveals he was physically abused by his father in his heartbreaking debut album My Mess, My Heart, My Life.
The Luton-born star, who was raised by his mother Deborah, recalls his difficult childhood in emotional tracks My Mess and Grandma’s House.
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Myles Smith’s debut album My Mess, My Heart, My Life, delivers a powerful and honest record inspired by pain and life’s struggleCredit: GettyHeaven is sure to become a live staple for Myles, who has more than proven he can go up against the greats when it comes to writing about love and lossCredit: Splash
Created over the past three years, as Myles’ career went stellar thanks to his 2024 runaway hit Stargazing, the star takes his fans back to his beginnings.
Lead track My Mess reduced me to tears as Myles regaled his relationship with his father against a backdrop of an upbeat, acoustic guitar.
He sings, “I was born into a fractured family, where a word can start a war.
“Lost my tongue, when I spoke my peace, yeah he grabbed my shirt and he bruised my cheek.
“Sad a man had to go toe to toe with a boy thirteen.”
Emotion-packed Grandma’s House, where Myles, 28, recalls finding his safe space as his mum Deborah worked to make ends meet, is packed with emotion and reflection.
On the track he sings: “Take me back to my Grandma’s place.
“I was 7 years old when I learnt how to cook, and 10 when I started to sing.
“Oh she’d bring me to church, and she’d cover my ears, when my Dad would scream horrible things.”
Myles’ signature acoustic guitar underpins every track, with Hate You untangling the realities of navigating love and Sertraline seeing Myles exploring mental health and complexities surrounding it.
This is an album for the brokenhearted and the hopeful, with the beautifully worded Lifetime and the dreamy vocals on Heaven – which is my favourite song on the record – seemingly bringing Myles’ the happy ending he’s been searching for.
Over the past two years, Myles has grown in prominence – winning the Brit Awards Rising Star gong as well as earning an Ivor Novello Award for Stargazing.
To date Myles has amassed over 4.7billion streams worldwide and is one of our country’s most exciting new stars.
Opening up about the record, Myles said the album was born out of “therapy notes, old memories, relationships, insecurities, heartbreaks, mistakes and all the moments that shaped me.”
The latter half of the album moves towards a positive note, with Nice To Meet You and Gold showing Myles coming out on the other side.
Myles said: “It was important to end the album, and particularly this project on a high.
“I feel like I always try to mirror my music with my live shows and my live shows are always about taking people on an emotional journey and then sending you home happy.
“It is that sense of hope which lingers on as Gold closes the album.
“Even though I may appear miserable for a lot of this album, I genuinely always walk with hope and I walk with joy at the end of the day.”
Heaven, mark my words, will become a live show staple for Myles, who with My Mess, My Heart, My Life has more than proven he can hold up against the greats when it comes to writing songs about love and loss.
★★★★★
Lotts of stars at V&A
It was all-white on the night for Pixie Lott at the V&A Museum’s summer partyCredit: GettyMaya Jama also chose white to impressCredit: GettyJessie Ware sang live at the bashCredit: Getty
It was all-white on the night for Maya Jama and Pixie Lott as they stood out in these dresses at the V&A Museum’s summer party.
They were joined at the bash by model Leomie Anderson, in an open white suit with gold jewellery, Ellie Goulding sporting a blazer dress, and Sir Mick Jagger with his fiancee Melanie Hamrick.
Once inside the museum, in London’s South Kensington, guests got the chance to schmooze around the exhibits, while Jessie Ware sang live in a sequin gown.
With tickets flying for her autumn tour, they were lucky to see her.
But access to the fundraiser, for those who did pay, cost £3,999. That is one expensive night out.
Ellie Goulding was sporting a blazer dressCredit: GettyModel Leomie Anderson wore an open white suit with gold jewelleryCredit: Getty
KAISER CHIEFS frontman Ricky Wilson will play Teen Angel in Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical.
The show is being put on by Secret Cinema from July to September at Evolution London in Battersea Park.
Singer Ricky Wilson will play Teen Angel in Grease: The Immersive Movie MusicalCredit: Getty
Ricky, left, said: “At school I was in Grease. I was not yet the pop sensation I am today and I only really wanted to do it because I fancied the girl who played Frenchie,
“I was Doody, so this is my chance to show everyone I should’ve got a bigger part.
“I don’t believe anyone from that production is now a professional singer – so in short, I win.”
Sian’s up for toy techover
Capital Breakfast’s Jordan North and Sian Welby, above, have landed roles in Toy Story 5Credit: Getty
You will hear some surprisingly familiar voices in Toy Story 5 if you head to the cinema this weekend – as Capital Breakfast’s Jordan North and Sian Welby have landed roles.
They voice a garden gnome and inflatable flamingo in the long-awaited Pixar sequel, and mum-of-one Sian has high hopes for its impact.
Speaking about the film, which is about tech replacing toys, Sian, right, said: “I do think it’s going to start a massive conversation about screen time.
“It made me want to smash every bit of tech in my house and just get out in the grass and play all the games that I did growing up.
“I think a lot of us are going to watch it and feel guilt. It’s sad we have to grow up so fast because there’s so much magic when you’re younger.”
Best-selling novel One Day is coming to the West End as a musical.
The David Nicholls love story – which has previously been adapted for both the big and small screen – will premiere at London’s Garrick Theatre on November 17, following shows in Edinburgh earlier this year.
Tissues and jazz hands at the ready.
MNEK is back in reverse
MNEK is releasing his first album for eight yearsCredit: Maja Smiejkowska
MNEK is returning with his first album in eight years.
The singer has today released the single Reverse!!, which samples Lethal Bizzle’s Pow! (Forward) and will be on his Bulldozer record this autumn.
Also out now is Jax Jones’ Pulling Me Back, Tiny Habits’ Anything He Was featuring Matty Healy from The 1975 and Grow Down by Luca George.
Ahead of his opening night in Jesus Christ Super-star in London, Sam Ryder has released What’s The Buzz.
And to support England’s World Cup efforts, Kerry Katona has re-recorded Atomic Kitten’s Whole Again as Home Again to raise cash for kids in care.
She said: “Even if you think it’s s***, please download it so we can give back.”
Olivia Rodrigo has officially begun her new era, and this time she invited her fans to experience it alongside her.
To celebrate the release of her latest album, “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love,” Rodrigo collaborated with American Express to re-create the set of her music video for “The Cure.” The pop-up event, which opened last Thursday and ran until Sunday at Mica Studios, featured props from the video, storyboards, exclusive merchandise and several photo ops for fans.
With a beating felt heart and lab beakers to pose with, the pop-up transformed an industrial studio space in the Arts District into a pastel-painted cardboard hospital. Ahead of the public opening, Rodrigo surprised a small group of AMEX cardholders and select fans.
“I have an album that’s coming out today in about one hour, which is crazy,” Rodrigo said, wearing a blue “Nurses Do It Better” baby tee. “I figured since we’re all here, maybe we should just listen to a few of them together? Would that be cool?”
A little over an hour before the album’s release, Rodrigo played four songs from the album as the room brewed with excitement. She began with “Maggots for Brains,” a song about being so infatuated you can’t focus when your partner is away. Although it was their first listen, the song’s catchy chorus already had fans dancing along.
Banner for Rodridgo’s pop-up event hands above Mica Studios
(American Express)
Rodrigo explained that her next song, “Purple,” paid homage to the aesthetics of her previous albums, “Guts” and “Sour.”
“Obviously, this is my first non-purple album, but I just had to shout out purple somehow,” Rodrigo joked. “This song started out as a love song and sort of devolved from there, so I’ll let you guys be the judge.”
Playing off the somber vibes of “Purple,” Rodrigo played “Less” next. The piano ballad follows the dissolution of a relationship as the couple grows apart.
“I’ve been going back and forth on what the saddest song on the record is, but I think this one might be it,” Rodrigo said.
In a room full of fans, the song struck an emotional chord with many of the listeners. To bring the mood back up, Rodrigo finished the night by playing her new single, “Stupid Song.”
“This next one is a happy one, and it actually has a music video that comes out tonight,” Rodrigo said. “I love this song so much. It’s basically about having such an intense crush on someone that it drives you totally f— insane. I feel like we’ve all been there at some point in our lives.”
Rodrigo was all smiles at her event celebrating her latest album steeped in heartbreak and romance.
(American Express)
After Rodrigo previewed her music, “The Cure” music video exhibition was opened up to the fans. The showcase ranged from interactive photo ops to gallery walls featuring behind-the-scenes photos from the video shoot and Rodrigo’s nurse costume on display. The video’s props, which were primarily designed using cardboard and felt, were displayed in glass cases for visitors to admire.
Dressed in fun fashion including light pink and polka-dot outfits, fans posed throughout the set, re-creating scenes from the music video as “The Cure” played overhead. Many had thrown on a piece of the Los Angeles-exclusive merchandise on sale at the pop-up, with shirts and hats reading “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl in Los Angeles.”
So while some fans teared up at her lyrics and others beamed with excitement, everyone was hyped to experience Rodrigo’s new album.
“I really hope you enjoy this little exhibition. It is so gorgeous, and I am so proud of it,” Rodrigo said. “Thank you guys for being here, and I really hope you love ‘You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love’ as much as I do.”
KATIE Price has emotionally reunited with her husband Lee Andrews just days after his release from prison.
The Sun revealed how the self-proclaimed ‘billionaire businessman’ – who has spent the last month locked up in Dubai’s notorious Al-Awir prison –was freed on Friday.
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Katie Price has been reunited with her husband Lee Andrews after over a month apart while he was in prisonCredit: BackGridThe married couple had an emotional reunion which saw Katie jump into his armsCredit: BackGrid
Sharing an emotional reunion on Sunday evening, the former glamour model jumped into Lee’s arms as he picked her up and hugged her.
The beaming couple were pictured kissing, hugging and holding hands as they headed to Vox Dubai, an outdoor rooftop cinema, to catch a World Cup football game.
While Katie previously told The Sun she had plenty of questions for her elusive husband upon their reunion, it appeared those could wait as the couple got straight back to PDA – with the reconciliation appearing to be a far cry from crisis talks.
Despite the many questions surrounding Lee and the untruths he has told over recent months, all appeared to be forgiven between the coupleCredit: BackGridA beaming Katie appeared overjoyed to be back with Lee after touching down in DubaiCredit: BackGridIt comes after Katie said she would be confronting the ‘businessman’ with an onslaught of questions and grilling him upon their reunionCredit: BackGridThe couple headed to an outdoor rooftop cinema to watch a World Cup game during their first outing togetherCredit: BackGrid
The mum-of-five said earlier this month that she will only divorce the suspected conman once she has questioned him herself.
She said: “I cannot just walk away from my marriage without seeing him again.”
The Sun previously reported how Lee had been locked up in Al-Awir over a “private civil matter”, believed to be related to allegations of fraud, on May 14.
Among the claims, one of the cases against the self-proclaimed businessman is understood to be over a bounced cheque.
He initially claimed to Katie that he had been arrested on suspicion of spying. Authorities in Dubai later confirmed to The Sun that this was not the case.
Failed actor is just another title to add toLee’s questionable CV, after he claimed to have once worked as the Director of Philanthropy at The Prince’s Trust (now The King’s Trust)
Lee also shared images – since proven to be AI – of him working with Elon Musk and Kim Kardashian
It’s been revealed shameless Lee told former girlfriends that he had studied at Cambridge University, and has a PhD in biotechnology science
But The Sun has seen a response from the university explaining it could not find a record of Lee being registered as a student with a date of birth they had provided
His LinkedIn profile says Lee has been a Member of the Board of Advisors to the Labour Party since 2015
Lee was also mocked for repeating theexact same wedding proposalon Katie – that he did for another woman just four months ago.
Katie’s return to the UAE comes just a week after she headed out there in the hopes of freeing him from prison, but was told she’d need a hefty £140,000 to bail him out – which she refused.
She gave The Sun exclusive access to the trip, with Showbiz Editor Clemmie Moodie joining her.
During which, Clemmie sat Katie down to confront her about Lee and the many untruths he has told over recent months – with the full 56 minute sit down available to watchhere.
At the time, Katie admitted there were several questions she didn’t know the answer to, and was waiting for Lee to exit prison to quiz him.
MEXICO CITY — FIFA president Gianni Infantino described Mexico City Stadium as a venue “blessed by the gods” and a “true cathedral of soccer.”
Azteca Stadium, as most people know it, is steeped in soccer history and is now the only venue to host three World Cup opening ceremonies. But the Mexican national team had never much World Cup success at the venue.
On Thursday, spurred on by most of the 80,824 fans in attendance and forwards Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, Mexico managed to defeat South Africa 2-0 and securing its first opening match victory.
Mexico opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Quiñones capitalized on a defensive error by South Africa and fired a shot down the middle, between the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. The striker, a top scorer in the Saudi Pro League, immediately ran off to celebrate with the bench, marking the first goal of the tournament. The crowd responded by throwing beer into the air.
Mexico continued to press with numerous chances in the first half, including another shot by Quiñones that hit the post and another great save by Williams, who was South Africa’s best player.
“We were far superior in the first half; we could have been up 3-0,” Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said.
South Africa was reduced to 10 men just as the second half began when Sphephelo Sithole brought down Brian Gutiérrez, who was heading toward the goal unmarked. Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio showed a red card.
“We played well; there were moments when Mexico didn’t know what to do and our organization was very good,” said Hugo Broos, South Africa’s coach.
It seemed the match was going to be easier for the Mexicans with South Africa short-handed, but fans began to boo the Mexican players after they stopped attacking and appeared nervous.
Seeing his players’ lackluster performance on the field, Aguirre responded with substitutions: bringing on 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, a fan favorite, as well as Luis Chávez, to reshape the midfield.
Mexico’s Raúl Jiménez cries while hugging teammate Roberto Alvarado after scoring against South Africa in Mexico City on Thursday to open the World Cup.
(Natacha Pisarenko / Ap Photo/natacha Pisarenko)
“[It was] the start of the World Cup. It’s an intense atmosphere,” Aguirre said.
“In 25 games, we’ve never had players with cramps — today we had three. It was a very intense, emotional state. It shows that the setting weighed on them a little. Not on everyone.”
Shortly after the substitutions, Roberto Álvarado crossed the ball from the right to Raúl Jiménez, who headed it past South Africa’s goalkeeper, Williams, in the 67th minute.
South Africa was reduced to nine men after Themba Zwane struck Álvarado off the ball. After consulting the video assisted referee, the official gave Zwane a red card.
“I think you can accept the first red card,” said Broos. “I think the second one is debatable. It was a bit harsh on the referee’s part. We have two players who won’t be able to play in the next match.”
After the second red card, Mexico took its foot off the gas again and was met with whistles from the crowd, who were hungry for more goals.
Mexico and South Africa faced off in front of 80,824 fans at Mexico City Stadium, more commonly known as Azteca Stadium, on Thursday to open the World Cup.
(David Ramos / Getty Images)
Mexico’s César Montes was sent off in stoppage time for bringing down Khuliso Mudau outside the box as he was heading toward the goal.
With the win, Mexico leads its group with three points and waited to see the result of South Korea versus the Czech Republic in Guadalajara later Thursday. South Africa has zero points. Mexico’s next match is in Guadalajara on June 18 against South Korea, while South Africa faces the Czech Republic in Atlanta.
“We need the next three days to get over the disappointment and fatigue,” Broos said, before addressing his team’s mere two shots on goal. “We have to work on our offense because it wasn’t enough today.”
The match marked the debut of Mora, the youngest player in the World Cup.
“For his first game, he didn’t disappoint,” said Aguirre.
Arne Slot says he is leaving Liverpool “exactly where it belongs: among Europe’s elite” after he was sacked as head coach on Saturday.
The Dutchman, 47, won the Premier League title in his first campaign but was dismissed by the club’s hierarchy after the Reds finished fifth in the league this season, 25 points behind champions Arsenal.
In an emotional open letter published in the Liverpool Echo, external, Slot said fans made him feel welcome from the start and helped him on his path. “That is something I cherish,” he added.
“I leave with complete confidence in what lies ahead.
“The players who have given so much to this club, who have upheld its values and helped create so many unforgettable moments, have built foundations that will endure.”
Despite suffering 20 defeats in all competitions, Slot secured Liverpool‘s place in next season’s Champions League.
“Securing Champions League football was an important responsibility and one that ensures Liverpool can continue competing at the highest level next season and beyond,” he added.
“Change is part of football, but I know that this club will continue to make its people proud.
“When I first stood beneath that sign in the Anfield tunnel, I knew what this club demanded. I leave knowing we never stopped striving for it.”
Vinnie Jones is best known for playing villains on screen, but the actor and former footballer has shown a touching side.
Vinnie Jones bought the land in 2022(Image: DISCOVERY+)
Fans of Vinnie Jones are not used to seeing this side of him in his documentary series.
Celebrated actor and footballer Vinnie Jones is primarily recognised for portraying violent offenders and hardmen, but he has subsequently revealed a gentler nature.
In the third series of the programme, which broadcasts on Discovery+, he discussed acquiring the estate from its former owner and the commitments he made to her.
He was filmed clearing the barn at the property’s perimeter when he discovered some vintage photographs which had been abandoned by the woman. He explained how the former owner acknowledged it was a “struggle” to maintain it, noting: “She was terrified of losing her legacy.
“She didn’t want people coming in and splitting it up,” he stated. Numerous individuals had expressed interest in the property, but the owner was determined to sell to Jones.
He purchased the property while she remained alive and promised she could reside there until her death.
Handyman Paul Worby remarked on his friend’s compassionate character, observing: “That is a side of Vincent that not a lot of people see. He has got a very kind side.
“You know, he was very good to me when I was down. He kind of resonates with people who are at a bad stage in their life and tries to give them a bit of a pat on the back.”
Jones revealed one of the touching gestures he made honouring the former owner, explaining: “Part of the deal was, there is a little field down there called Mum’s Field. Her mum is buried down there. I put the ashes down there with her mum.”
While Worby and Jones examined the woman’s belongings, Worby remarked: “It’s someone’s life isn’t it, it’s someone’s memories.
“That’s why I get emotional about it all,” Jones responded. The actor purchased the property in Petworth, West Sussex, in 2022, several years following the death of his wife, Tanya.
She passed away after a battle with cancer and Jones has previously spoken about how relocating to the countryside “saved him”.
Vinnie Jones in the Country is available to stream on Discovery+
Divers in Laos have rescued four more villagers trapped in a flooded cave. The first survivor was pulled out on Friday. Two more men remain missing. They entered the cave to look for gold before flash floods blocked their escape 10 days ago.
Karen Hauer has spoken for the first time in length about her emotional exit from Strictly Come Dancing after 14 years on the BBC show
Karen’s new chapter has begun(Image: Zoë Birkbeck Photography)
Karen Hauer’s exit from Strictly Come Dancing after 14 years on the show, in the midst of a dramatic shake-up for the 2026 series, stunned fans. But in an exclusive interview, in which she talks about her shock departure for the first time, she says she’s ready for whatever’s next.
The pro dancer, 44, felt like part of the furniture on the BBC show. She was the longest-serving female professional, having graced the famous dance floor with stars including Mark Wright and Jamie Laing – reaching the final with both – and the late Hairy Biker Dave Myers, who she once said was her most “cherished” partnership. So it’s not surprising that the announcement in March that she was quitting evoked some strong feelings.
“It was very emotional, but it did feel like I was ready to get my teeth stuck into other projects and continue evolving. I learned so much from every single celebrity that I came across,” she tells us, with a warm smile. “It’s always about growth. It was a beautiful decision that came from a good place in my heart.”
The Venezuelan-American, who is a Latin dance specialist and World Mambo Champion, decided to keep her decision quiet from everyone, including her fellow pros, except her very closest pals, as she knew they would try to convince her to stay.
“I didn’t say anything because I know it would have been hard for them to digest and they’d have been like, ‘No, definitely no, not you,” she laughs. “I kept it within my tightest circle. But you know what? When I announced it, I’ve never felt such an outpouring of love. So many people were reaching out to me, and just being so kind.”
Karen’s exit is one of many ahead of the new series, with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepping down and a string of other pros waving goodbye to the show, including Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas. Meanwhile, Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are set to shake things up as the show’s new hosts.
Karen, who moved to the countryside near Preston, Lancashire in 2025 for a quieter life, after years of calling London home, believes Strictly will continue to evolve. “Even before I was on the show, when we saw Bruce Forsyth leave and then Len Goodman, it’s always got bigger and better – that’s the beauty of it,” she says. “Now, there’s new energy coming in. The next generation is only going to lift it even more.”
Karen is excited, she says, to see where the dramatically changed team takes the show. “I’ll be watching, 100%. And I know I’ll miss the people – the camera crew, hair and make-up, the costume ladies, our runners, the producers that make the show work.”
She’ll also miss her fellow pros, with whom she admits, she took on a protective, maternal role. “Ah, my professional dancers – my kids!” she says fondly. “I felt like I was a mother goose and everybody was always so beautiful backstage. I’ll miss the dance floor when it was all quiet and there was nobody around and we were all rehearsing with no lights. Just us there.”
She adds, a little wistfully, “Strictly will always be my home, you know? I will always have a deep connection to it, no matter what.”
After so long on one show, no one would blame Karen for wanting to take a break to recharge her batteries. But no, she’s jumping headfirst into a new project – and that’s just the way she likes it.
Karen will be touring the UK this summer in a revival of feel-good comedy Stepping Out, which follows a group of seemingly mismatched amateur tap dancers as they prepare for a charity gala performance. She will play Mavis, the group’s teacher – a role last played in 2017 by Tamzin Outhwaite, and by the legendary Liza Minnelli in the 1991 film version.
When she thinks of all the famous faces she’s put through their dancing paces, Karen says it feels tailor-made for her. “It just fell into my lap at exactly the right time, after closing a massive chapter of my life with Strictly,” she says. “The fact that Mavis is a dance teacher, dealing with so many different personalities and stories just resonated with me so much.”
It’s not the star’s first brush with the stage. Over the years she’s had acclaimed stints in the West End and on Broadway. “I’ve always loved theatre,” she says. “I mean, live TV and stage shows are equally nerve-wracking, but when you’re on TV, it’s a one-hit wonder because you don’t get to repeat, you just have to perform and leave it there. In theatre, you evolve each time within the character.”
“When you’re doing a show like Strictly, there’s a certain part of you that you protect,” she adds. “It’s okay to hold back certain things about yourself, to protect yourself in a way. That’s completely okay. I think that’s how you need to be to be able to function. Acting is a completely different demon.”
Karen clearly has boundless energy as she will also be joining fellow Strictly pro Nikita Kuzmin on his Burn The Floor extravaganza, Supernova. The brainchild of Strictly’s director of choreography Jason Gilkison, she says it will always hold a special place in her heart as she was the principal female dancer in the original Broadway cast and toured the world with the ground-breaking show.
“I turned into the performer I was always meant to be because of Jason and Burn The Floor. He gave me that confidence, that belief in myself,” she tells us. “Nikita’s energy and charisma is just… beyond. I did not see it coming, so it was really nice to be asked. It’s almost like going home again.”
Away from work, Karen – who split from her third husband in 2023 – found love again two years ago with former rugby coach Simon Davidson. Smiling, she says her favourite thing to do when she’s not working is spend quality time with her handsome other half – and their four adorable rescue dogs.
“I have an amazing support network of friends, my family, my dogs, my partner at home,” she says. “He just turned 40, I’m 44, and there’s a different mindset when it comes to that stage of life – the enjoyment of life and making sure we’re taking care of each other.
“Our lives are very chaotic and we both travel a lot, so when we get back together, we have that total peace at home with our dogs. Just enjoying the little things in life is really important for both of us.”
Karen is the first to admit she’s had a rollercoaster love life. She was married to her ex-dance partner Matthew Hauer for nine years and went on to wed Strictly’s Kevin Clifton, who she then split from in 2018. She tied the knot with fitness professional Jordan Wyn-Jones in 2022, but they called it a day just 16 months later.
“I’ve definitely had my ups and downs in relationships,” she says softly. “But I think this one’s definitely an up for me, and for him as well. I think we can sense our emotions and our energy very quickly as well. We’re very aware of what makes the other tick.”
Her relationship advice? “It’s important to communicate with each another on even the smallest things. Life is too good to be hung up on little things.”
A year and a half ago, Karen decided to stop drinking alcohol, which, she says, has been transformative. “It’s completely changed my emotional state and boosted my energy levels. I’ve made so many little tweaks for self-improvement, from the inside.”
Her social media is full of posts about fitness, and Simon is even hoping to convince her to sign up to gruelling fitness competition Hyrox one day.
As for what the future may hold, Karen says, “The world’s my oyster. I don’t want to be afraid to try new things, so anything that comes my way, I’ll go for it. Because what’s the worst thing that can happen?”
With a new chapter beginning, what would Karen tell her 30-year-old self on the first day of her Strictly journey? She flashes a huge grin. “Strap in, put the seat belt on, you’re gonna fly!”