There are some big names that will be on show at London Stadium for Soccer Aid including some famous celebrities and plenty of former international footballers.
England squad in full: Robbie Williams (Manager), Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott, Tom Hiddleston, Danny Dyer, Paddy McGuinness, Olly Murs, Joe Marler (GK), Theo Walcott, Toni Duggan, Steph Houghton, Jordan North, Angry Ginge, GK Barry, Jack Wilshere, Joe Hart, Sam Thompson, Chloe Burrows, Jack Whitehall and Owen Cooper.
World XI squad in full: Usain Bolt (Manager), Edwin van der Sar, Michael Essien, Jordi Alba, Leonardo Bonucci, Dimitar Berbatov, Nemanja Matic, Maisie Adam, Big Zuu, Nabhaan Rizwan, Nitro, Ali Krieger, Jen Beattie, Nicky Byrne, Dermot Kennedy, Chris O’Dowd, Richard Gadd, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Tobi Brown and Behzinga.
Tom Hiddleston and Olly Murs will be playing for England XI at Soccer Aid For UNICEF 2026(Image: (Photo by Jo Hale/Getty Images))
There have been 18 winners of BGT so far – seven music acts, two dog acts, two magicians, three comedians and four dancers/dance groups.
The first winner was crowned in 2007, when opera singer Paul Potts impressed with his rendition of Nessun Dorma. The following year, 14 year-old George Sampson won after showing off his break dancing skills.
The third winner was Diversity, who are perhaps one the best known BGT acts. Their leader, Ashley Banjo, has gone on to become a TV presenter. Dancing seemed to be a big hitter with audiences, as dance group Spellbound won the following year.
In 2011, singer Jai McDowall broke the dancers’ winning streak, and the next year, the crown went to Ashleigh Baker and her dog Pudsey. But, in 2013, the winners were once again dancers, as Attraction, a dance troupe that used movement to create images and tell a story came first.
2014 saw singing group Collabro win with their musical theatre performances. Jules and Matisse, another dog act, won the next year’s series. The first magician to win was Richard Jones, who won in 2016, while in 2017, pianist Tokio Myers won next.
Comedian Lee Ridley, who went by Lost Voice Guy, won in 2018. Singer Colin Thackery won in 2019. Comedy singer Jon Courtenay won in 2020 and comedy continued to be winner in 2022 and 2023, when Axel Blake and Viggo Venn were announced as the winner.
2024’swinner was musical theatre singer Sydnie Christmas and the most recent winner was musician Harry Moulding.
Acrobatic group Spellbound won in 2010(Image: ITV)
Jamie Vardy had left Cremonese after one season with them relegated from Serie A and his time in Italy a struggle for the family in terms of finding schools and home comfort foods.
The Vardys Italian adventure did not go as planned.(Image: ITV)
Pensive Rebekah Vardy admits the future for her family is up in the air after their return from Italy – as her husband weighs up where to play football next.
The Mirror told yesterday how Jamie Vardy had left Cremonese after one season with them relegated from Serie A and his time in Italy a struggle for the family in terms of finding schools and home comfort foods.
On their future she joked: “Is there ever a f**king plan?” Before she went on to say she did not see Jamie returning to Leicester City. Other reports suggest he could join Sheffield Wednesday or go to play in the Netherlands or even return to the Premier League.
In an interview with the Times to promote their new ITV reality series about their time in Italy, Rebekah spoke of her public persona after losing the Agatha Christie trial against Coleen Rooney.
She said: “I accept that I am very Marmite. I’ve been portrayed as a villain since I met Jamie — they called me a gold-digger and said I’d leave when his football career ended — and to an extent I’ve played up to being that villain.
“I don’t do emotions; that’s genuine. Someone once said I have a ‘resting bitch face’ and I ran with it. It gets me into trouble because my face doesn’t portray the feelings I have inside. I am not a bitch. I find it hard to show vulnerability because of my childhood [Vardy’s family were Jehovah’s Witnesses], and the church forces you to suppress how you feel.
“That cycle is hard to break. So yes, I do come across as cold, but when you look at the bigger picture there’s a reason. At the same time, I am not a victim. I will not play the victim card.”
She also says abuse from trolls and losing the court case against Coleen, leaving her with legal bills of millions of pounds, have taken their toll in the past.
Rebekah added: “There were times when I questioned the point of existing. I didn’t want to be here any more. It was a horrendous time. What got me through was the life we have together and our children. Always the kids. They are our world.”
ITV will next week profile the family’s time in Italy in three-part series The Vardys. The new ITV documentary was supposed to celebrate a great new chapter in their life.
But instead the cameras show Rebecca struggling to find accommodation and schools for their children; Olivia, six, Finley, nine, Sofia 12, Taylor 16.
It was not the Italian dream they hoped for and lasted less time than expected. Once positive is Rebekah will get Jamie at home this Summer as at 39 he is too old to make it into the England squad.
And she insists she won’t miss not being at the World Cup. She said: “It’s actually quite lonely. You go to support your husband or boyfriend but you don’t get to be near them very much. And Russia was terrifying. It was not an easy place to be.”
* The Vardys airs at 9pm on Tuesday June 2nd on ITV1 & ITVX. All three episodes will be immediately available to stream as a boxset online.
Katie has appeared in a clip with mate and TV presenter Olivia Attwood as she insisted she still has no idea where Lee is.
Katie turned to Olivia and said: “We’re missing something,” to which Olivia replied: “Yeah, I have looked for him but…”
Katie continued: “Well mine’s missing, so at the moment it doesn’t look good, does it?” Olivia, who split from husband Bradley Dack earlier this year, replied: “No, we’ll keep looking I guess.”
Katie looked at the camera and said:” We’re missing our husbands,” which prompted Olivia to burst out laughing. They followed it up with a picture of them looking shocked with their hands covering their mouth. Olivia captioned it: “2 gals. Not a husband in sight.”
The town has been named one of the best places to live in the UK thanks to its thriving art galleries, yoga studios, range of shops and easy access to London,
Many of the shops and cafes in the town are independent(Image: Millie Bull/REACH PLC)
In recent years, I’ve made it my personal quest to discover towns and villages right on my doorstep. I’m lucky enough to call Kent home – also dubbed the Garden of England – which means I’m absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to stunning towns and villages. One town that keeps pulling me back is Royal Tunbridge Wells. My most recent trip was my third visit to the town – and it certainly lived up to expectations.
Located just 30 miles from London, this spa town has become a go-to location for commuters and boasts a rich history stretching back to the Iron Age. Its famous chalybeate spring transformed it into a fashionable retreat during the Restoration era, attracting visitors seeking its healing waters and the legendary Pantiles. Today, tourists still pour in, lured by the Pantiles – a stunning Georgian colonnade sitting at the town’s centre – alongside its boutiques, quirky cafes, restaurants, bars, and the chalybeate spring.
What really makes the town stand out is its exceptional ‘Royal’ title, a distinction held by just three towns in England. King Edward VII granted the prefix in 1909 to acknowledge its enduring appeal with the Royal Family.
With all this going for it, it’s little surprise Tunbridge Wells was crowned one of the best places to live in the UK for 2026 by Muddy Stilettos.
The town earned praise for its thriving art galleries, yoga studios, range of shops, easy access to London, and, naturally, the legendary Pantiles.
The publication stated: “Forget those letter-writing retired colonels: this spa town now pulls in well-families chasing a best-of-both-worlds commuter lifestyle. With yoga studios, art galleries galore and the Garden of England’s apple orchards on the doorstep, this town has it all.”
The town also secured 10th place in the UK in last year’s Better Lives Index.
Compiled by the International Longevity Centre, the index assessed 359 UK districts across nine measures: gross domestic household income, life expectancy at birth and at 65, economic activity for over-16s, inactivity among 50 to 64-year-olds, pollution density, child poverty rate, avoidable mortality, and the ratio of house prices to earnings.
Despite somewhat changeable weather during my visit, I made the most of the driest day to wander through the town centre and soak up the atmosphere.
For the rest of my trip, I unwound at The Spa Hotel – a historic sanctuary nestled within 14 acres of beautiful grounds just beyond the town centre.
This was our third visit to the hotel, which has firmly established itself as a personal favourite, owing to its tranquil spa facilities, mouth-watering dining options, welcoming staff and luxurious rooms.
On this occasion, I was fortunate enough to wander the grounds, uncovering breathtaking countryside vistas, a picturesque pond and spring flowers just waiting to burst into bloom.
It comes as little surprise that the hotel has become a sought-after wedding venue, something we witnessed first-hand on the second day of our stay.
The stunning hotel boasts a restaurant and bar, a heated indoor pool, a gym, steam room, sauna, and a brand-new Wellness Suite.
So, should the weather prove unsuitable for venturing into town, there’s still a wealth of activities to enjoy within the hotel itself. On earlier visits, snow and thunderstorms had confined us indoors for entire weekends, yet with room service, superb spa amenities and a cosy bar, being kept inside felt far from a hardship.
Despite feeling delightfully secluded in the countryside, the hotel is just a stone’s throw from the town centre. A short five-minute drive brings you into town, with ample parking on hand. Alternatively, you can take a leisurely 20-minute stroll downhill, or, as we opted to do, catch a local bus from right outside the hotel entrance.
The town itself ranks among the most stunning I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. The Pantiles are a particular highlight — a collonaded walkway that transports you back in time, with the majority of its buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Many of the shops and cafes in the Pantiles are independent, with Collared, a dog accessory and gift shop; Trevor Mottram, a kitchenware shop; and the cosy cafe Eggs Eleven among my top picks.
During this trip, we finally sampled the celebrated water from the chalybeate spring. At the far end of the Pantiles, a vending machine dispenses glass bottles of this distinctive, iron-rich mineral water, renowned for its unique flavour.
Uncovered by Lord North in 1606, the mineral spring rapidly earned a reputation for its extraordinary healing properties, thought to remedy everything from ailments and infertility to hangovers and obesity.
In 1629, the Queen of England drank the spring water and shortly afterwards gave birth to Charles II, who was said to owe his life to the famous waters. The spring also drew other royals, including James I, Queen Anne, and Queen Victoria.
The water itself tasted remarkably pure – considerably better than tap or many bottled waters, without any of the usual chemical aftertaste. The glass bottles also make delightful keepsakes, ideal for reusing as vases or candleholders.
The remainder of the day I spent wandering around the town, browsing shops and enjoying the sunshine. If you’re eager to shop, Tunbridge Wells has plenty on offer, from independent boutiques to familiar brands like Anthropologie, Space NK, LUSH and Fenwick, many of which are located in the town’s shopping centre, Royal Victoria Place.
After spending the day browsing the shops, we headed to Roddy Burger, a local independent eatery renowned for its freshly prepared food. Arriving among the first customers, we ordered a succulent chicken burger, a halloumi burger, chips, and beer-battered pickles. Both burgers were exceptional, washed down with a non-alcoholic lager for me and an ale for my husband. It was my first experience of battered pickles, and I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious they were – the salty, sharp pickle worked brilliantly with the crispy batter.
The team were genuinely lovely, and the restaurant’s quirky interior and lively music created a chilled, inviting atmosphere. If you’re after a laid-back dinner venue, I’d absolutely recommend popping in.
While I didn’t manage to visit Halstead Bakery on this occasion, I’ve only ever heard glowing reports about it. Situated on the same road as Roddy Burger, this independent bakery is celebrated for its handcrafted bread, pastries, and baked treats made using local, seasonal produce. It holds an impressive 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google, with customers singing its praises for “incredible pastries and great coffee.”
One review states: “Delicious fresh bakes with innovative and vibrant flavour combinations. We’ve had so many different things from this bakery – the croissants are crispy, puffy and cooked to perfection; their speciality scones are not to be missed; and the cardamom buns are fragrant and moist. Friendly atmosphere and helpful staff. Highly recommend!”
I’ve also popped into Fine Grind on the High Street during a previous trip, a delightful coffee shop that boasts it has served “the best brews in town for 13 years,” according to its Instagram. The coffee is truly outstanding, particularly when enjoyed alongside one of their cakes or pastries. A word of warning: it becomes extremely busy at weekends!
One of the greatest advantages of visiting Tunbridge Wells is its excellent transport links. Regular buses operate in and out of the town centre, while trains can reach London in roughly 45 minutes. Although my journey from the Kent coast takes over two hours, those travelling from Canterbury, Ashford, or Maidstone can arrive in just 60 to 90 minutes, depending on their chosen route.
The local taxi services in Tunbridge Wells are also excellent, though Uber operates in the area too if you’ve got the app.
While I thoroughly enjoy my visits to Tunbridge Wells, one aspect consistently lets it down: the general reception of locals. Although hotel and hospitality workers are invariably pleasant and accommodating, I discovered the atmosphere around town to be rather less welcoming. People frequently barged past without apologising or acknowledging when I held doors open, which left me feeling somewhat unwelcome.
Hailing from a small town, I’m accustomed to a neighbourly environment; people smile while passing and chat at the till. Perhaps I’m simply unaccustomed to the more distant character of larger towns, where residents are less acquainted with each other.
If you’re thinking about a laid-back staycation this summer, Royal Tunbridge Wells is a brilliant option — ideal for browsing shops, exploring historic sights, or just taking it easy without venturing far. Just bear in mind, you might not receive the warmest welcome from residents…
A Loose Women panellist spoke about her health problems after rushing for help before the live show.
The Loose Women presenters addressed dentist troubles (Image: ITV)
Loose Women panellist Jane Moore has revealed she rushed to medics for help before a live show.
The panellist joined Christine Lampard, Judi Love and GK Barry on Friday’s programme, where the presenters were discussing dentist appointments.
At one point after a break, Christine teased: “Do you fear losing your teeth as dentists warn they’re overwhelmed?” before jokingly adding: “Jane is here to tell us all about nearly having to rush a dentist onto the studio floor, that was only a couple of weeks ago… it was touch and go, wasn’t it?”
Laughing it off, Jane explained that she had turned up to the studio one morning, and as she was eating, a tooth “fell” into her mouth.
“I thought, ‘What the hell’s that?'” she went on, saying the others had been laughing at her during their morning meeting.
Jane continued: “So I then had to get on a bike and go to the dentist in the middle of the meeting, he was on holiday!
“Anyway, it was a whole thing, so I came back with the tooth, got some gummy stuff and literally put it in.
“People might have noticed – I’m normally quite gobby – [but] I barely said a word. I thought, if I say anything slightly emphatic, my tooth is going to go!”
She added that her loose tooth resulted from receding gums, and she’s now waiting to get it properly fixed after a temporary solution.
This comes after fellow ITV star Kate Garraway made an emergency dash to a dentist after her teeth fell out moments before Good Morning Britain.
She later took to Instagram to explain she’d had an “unfortunate collision” resulting in two front teeth getting cracked.
She said: “Letting you in on the horror behind the scenes on Monday’s show…
“After an unfortunate collision with a taxi window at the weekend I cracked my two front teeth caps.. of course. They then fell out just before going on air.
“All I can say is it’s hard to appear young and cool in front of a whole new team of trendy producers when you are reduced to gluing your teeth on with denture fixative at three in the morning!!!”
Kate continued: “An emergency trip to the dentist means now I have a temporary set of fake teeth … but they are soooo massive.
“Just hoping they hold for @gmb tmrw from 6am with @richardmadeleyofficial – glue at the ready!”
Loose Women airs weekdays from 12.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
The singer, whose real name is Darina Yotova, said at a press conference after her win: “I want to thank my husband, because he was the one to push me to come to Eurovision.
Because in the beginning I was not sure if I want to come or not, because I had anxiety and doubt with myself, and he was the one that he just pushed me, and he was like, ‘you need to go right now to Eurovision, right now, pick up your phone tell them you’re going’.”
A BEAUTIFUL countryside town is getting a luxury hotel and country club in a bespoke multi-million pound revamp.
The current site will be knocked down and replaced with a new hotel with a spa and restaurants.
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Gatton Manor Hotel & Country Club, based in Surrey, is getting a major refurbishmentCredit: MVDCDevelopment plans include a spa and fitness facilities, and a fine dining restaurantCredit: MVDC
Gatton Manor Hotel & Country Club, nestled in Ockley, near Dorking, Surrey, will demolish its closed hotel and golf course and replace them with a high-end luxury resort.
The new countryside retreat will include 81 guest rooms, two restaurants, a spa with both indoor and wild swimming pools, and a luxury gym with treatment and relaxation areas.
One restaurant will serve fine-dining food, a plan that is earmarked to be a highlight of the refurbishment.
Up to 100 memberships to the gym will be offered to residents within a 3km radius of the new site, given at a preferential rate.
Spanning 6,629 yards and being operational for over 60 years, this stretch of greenery will be rewilded into a mixed wood pasture with a wildflower meadow and wetland habitats.
The 22-hectare site is located near Dorking, a historic market town in the heart of the Surrey Hills.
It is an affluent area, named one of the best places to live in the UK by The Sunday Times, with its leafy environment and charming villages hailing it as a “Hollywood” of country life.
The plans will also introduce 290 construction jobs in the area for the two-year building phase, as well as 145 positions once completed.
Cllr Roger Adams for Bookham West said: “With global warming and rising temperatures I suspect a lot of people seeking a holiday will no longer be heading to the Mediterranean but may well seek to have staycations, and where better to stay for a holiday than Surrey.
“We’ve got beautiful country here and we do need developments such as this. It will provide employment and enhance the visitor schemes.”
Cllr Monica Weller, also for Bookham West, said: “It really is quite fantastic as far as I’m concerned. A business like this has got to bring something really quite fantastic to our area and that is really to be welcomed.”
