marriage

Escorts. Surveillance. Blackmail. Sex parties?

Jessi Draper of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” is accusing her estranged second husband, Jordan Ngatikaura, of being involved in pretty much all of the above.

Ngatikaura filed for divorce Thursday in Utah after five years of marriage to Draper. Though that was far from the start of their marital problems, she told Alex Cooper during Wednesday’s episode of “Call Her Daddy” — which was taped Friday — that the dissolution filing was something they had agreed to do together. Then he changed his mind, she said, and she got the news via TMZ.

“I’m the one who ended it. I told him on Friday the 13th, so not that long ago, and I just said I want a divorce. He definitely didn’t want it. And now he’s the one rushing to do it, which is a little strange,” Draper told Cooper.

Also strange, in her view, was his choice to state on the documents that she had had an affair, though they had agreed previously that the reason would be the tried-and-true and totally non-gossipy “irreconcilable differences.” Plus Draper had only kissed another man twice, she said. She never had a physical affair with Marciano Brunette of “Vanderpump Villa,” though their emotional affair was a big part of the third season of “Mormon Wives.” Also, Utah is a no-fault state when it comes to divorce.

The Times was unable to contact Ngatikaura on Wednesday for comment on Draper’s allegations.

During the chat, Draper called her estranged husband “calculated” and “emotionally abusive” and said he told her he had been advised by someone to file on his own. She also admitted to Cooper that their marriage most likely was what it was because she went too quickly from divorcing her first husband to starting a relationship with her second.

That said, Draper said that right before Season 1 of “Mormon Wives” dropped on Hulu in September 2024, she was given “proof” that Ngatikaura had been using an escort service in Texas. At the time, she presented her evidence to him, she said, only to have him say it had probably been generated by AI.

Draper also said she had heard rumors of “sex parties” that he allegedly attended, though her sourcing on that allegation was definitely of the friend-of-a-friend-who-was-there variety. She further claimed that Ngatikaura had listened in on her personal conversations via cameras in her house — cameras she said he unplugged when he moved back into the house and she moved to a hotel — and had blackmailed her, threatening to post texts between her and Brunette online.

“Any time he was mad at me, he’s like, ‘I’m going to post them. I’m going to ruin your life,’” Draper told Cooper.

One day, she said, Ngatikaura told her he believed in traditional gender roles and that he should be in his masculine and she in her feminine, and therefore she should do Pilates every day. That led to a fight, during which he threatened to post the texts he had been keeping in a draft in his phone. Nobody knew yet what had happened between her and Brunette, and she worried that exposing everything would hurt her business, where she employs dozens of people.

“I went to go grab his phone. I was like, ‘Jordan, no … This could ruin everything.’ And he goes, ‘OK.’ And I’m freaking out. So, I’m trying to get his phone. I’m kind of chasing him, trying to get it. He pulls out his phone, starts recording me, and he’s like, ‘What are you going to do? What are you going to do? Are you going to be like, “Taylor, should I call the cops?”’ (referring to her embattled co-star and best friend, Taylor Frankie Paul, whose season of “The Bachelorette” was nixed before it aired).

“I was like, ‘Whoa,’ ‘cause he’s friends with Dakota [Mortenson, Paul’s on-and-off boyfriend], so he’s like hearing things like that, obviously, and he’s baiting me and he’s trying to be like, ‘Oh, oh, what are you doing?’ And that was the moment where, for me, I was like, ‘What am I doing? I am chasing around my husband trying to get his phone so he doesn’t blackmail me. This is not healthy.’ And I literally left him the next day,” she said.

“I was like, this can’t happen anymore.”

THE secret son of late Bee Gees star Maurice Gibb has refuted singer Lulu’s claims that he was conceived during the time she was married to him.

Sixties icon Lulu told Louis Theroux on his latest podcast that she only recently learned Maurice had another son and that he might have been the product of a one-night stand during their marriage.

But Nick Endacott-Gibb, 57, insists he was conceived around two years before Lulu and Maurice’s romance began.

He told the Mirror: “I was born in April 1968, conceived in August 1967. Lulu and Maurice weren’t married until 1969, after what has been described for decades as a ‘whirlwind’ romance.

“Were you together with him, Lulu? Two years does not a whirlwind make. I’m as curious as she is about whether Maurice was with her at the time I was conceived. It was the summer of love, after all!”

Hove-based Nick was adopted from a children’s home at 18 months old by secretary Peggy and her chartered quantity surveyor husband David.

READ MORE ON THE BEE GEES

STAYIN’ ALIVE

Brit comic to star in Bee Gees film after failing to land role Mercury role

DOUBLE LOSS

Second Bee Gees star dies just days before fellow drummer as tributes pour in

Nick’s biological mum is former music studio manager Patti Nolder, who he met for the first time in 2003 after uploading his details onto the Missing You database — a long-running message board style online community that helps reunite families.

Initially, she told him his dad was Chris Andrews, guitarist and vocalist of 60s psych-pop band The Fleur de Lys, but a DNA test confirmed this was not the case.

It was Patti’s sister who threw Maurice’s name into the mix and, after uploading his DNA to an ancestry website, he matched 100 per cent with Maurice’s other son Adam, who had uploaded his own DNA.

Further matches with cousins of the Gibb brothers followed and Nick struck up a close relationship with their older sister Lesley and her daughter Debbie, who live in New South Wales, Australia.

Nick never got the chance to meet Maurice before his death from a heart attack in 2003, but he said: “I’m sad he died before I got the chance to meet him, but his memory lives on in the songs.”

Lulu was married to Maurice for six years, with their relationship officially ending in 1975. They never had children together.

She admitted the news of Nick’s existence came as a complete surprise decades after their relationship ended.

Louis said: “You know, we’re not always our best selves and that Maurice, I think it’s openly acknowledged now, had a fling with Barbara Windsor while he was with you.”

Lulu admitted: “I think he’s got a son. It might have happened when we were married.”

She continued: “I just found out someone showed me something with a guy, and I can’t remember the year he impregnated this girl after a one-night stand, and she has a son who has had his genes taken.

“It’s proven he’s 100 per cent Maurice.”

A shocked Louis asked: “While he was with you?”

Lulu answered: “I didn’t do the math because it wasn’t that important.”

Louis replied: “Why isn’t it important?”

Lulu responded: “Today, c’est la vie.”

The Bee Gees are one of the most successful bands of all time, dominating the charts with a string of global hits.

From disco anthems like Stayin’ Alive and Night Fever to timeless ballads, the group sold over 200 million records worldwide and helped define an entire era of music.

He had two children — daughter Samantha and son Adam — with his second wife, Yvonne Spenceley.

Following her divorce, Lulu went on to date celebrity stylist John Frieda but the romance was rocked by a short-lived affair with David Bowie.

She continues to perform live, with shows lined up in the UK, including a major concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2026.

As well as music, she’s been opening up about her life in recent years, releasing her memoir, If Only You Knew, and speaking candidly about her past struggles, including her battle with alcoholism and journey to sobriety.

Katie Price appeared on Good Morning Britain on Monday, where she said no topic was ‘off limit’ during the bombshell interview

Katie Price appeared on Good Morning Britain on Monday to set the record straight on several details in her life, insisting no topic was ‘off limit’.

Katie, 47, recently left her family reeling when she announced she’d got hitched for the fourth time to businessman Lee Andrews, 43, who she had only known for a week. Her shocked mum and sister only found out after she announced the news on social media.

Since the reveal of her new relationship and marriage, the couple have been forced to hit back at a series of claims. Only recently, Katie spoke out to defend her husband Lee, hitting back at claims he’s a conman and insisting she has seen proof of his wealth.

Appearing on Monday’s Good Morning Britain, Katie encouraged hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls to grill her, insisting that no topic was ‘off limit’.

Real marriage date and Lee Andrews relationship

Katie said: “I’m doing really good. Really good. Really happy. I’m so excited to be here today for you to ask me anything you want”, adding: “The reason I say that is because there’s been so much speculation in the media, online, and no one can really hear my voice. So I’m glad I’ve got you guys. As you know, you can ask me anything.”

Talking about marrying Lee so quickly, she said: “Now, do you ever really know anyone? If you look at my past marriages, did I ever know they would be what they would be? And sometimes, I don’t think you can ever know who anyone is.”

She added: “So for me, I’ve gone through so much, as everyone knows, so much, so many different relationships. And I normally went from one to the other, to the other. And I recently, well, two years ago, I did relationships, healthy relationships”, adding that before then, she had always been in “toxic” relationships.

Katie continued: “But now, like two years ago, I now know signs of red flags. And you know, all of this, I’ve been there, done it. Now, I am older, I can make my own decisions. And there’s nothing to say that you have to wait for anything. So I’ve met Lee. It’s hard for anyone to understand.”

It was at this point that Katie revealed when she first met Lee, which was January, and when they got married, saying: “We got married two weeks ago. Although it looked like we did the ceremony in January, we did get engaged then.”

Meanwhile, over the weekend, Lee denied a claim that he sent a voice note begging for cash, days after Katie claimed she’s seen proof he’s a millionaire.

Lee has been accused of sending desperate voice notes of him begging for cash and complaining about surviving on 20 ready meals days before his lavish proposal to Katie in January and whirwild wedding. It has been claimed that in one voice note, Lee claims he’s “desperate” and “trying to survive”.

Lee has denied the claims in an Instagram post, simply commenting on a post making the claims: “This is not me”.

Meanwhile, Lee also took to his Instagram story to double down on claims that fake voice notes featuring his voice are circulating. He shared a screenshot of three Instagram accounts pretending to be him and wrote on top: “Warning Ignore the fake accounts and fake voice notes”.

This is a breaking showbiz story and is being constantly updated. Please refresh the page regularly to get the latest news, pictures and videos.You can also get email updates on the day’s biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters.

Good Morning Britain continues on weekdays at 6am on ITV and ITV X.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.

Virgin River star Tim Matheson teased the upcoming eighth season of the Netflix show and the fallout from Doc’s decision to partner with Grace Valley

Warning – this article contains spoilers for Virgin River season 7.

Virgin River’s Tim Matheson has teased a turbulent path ahead for Vernon ‘Doc’ Mullins and his wife, Mayor Hope McCrea (portrayed by Annette O’Toole ) in the Netflix drama’s forthcoming eighth season.

The series made its comeback for its seventh run last Thursday (12th March), witnessing Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack Sheridan’s (Martin Henderson) honeymoon period disrupted by fresh obstacles.

After Charmaine’s (Lauren Hammersley) abrupt vanishing, the pair encountered a difficult predicament when Marley (Rachel Drance) presented them with a chance to adopt her infant, before the baby’s father unexpectedly returned.

Simultaneously, Mel’s boss Doc carried on battling the medical board following the revocation of his licence for a dangerous yet life-preserving procedure, whilst competing hospital Grace Valley encroaches on his patch, reports the Express.

The season finale delivered a shock revelation, though, as Doc started contemplating a collaboration with Grace Valley despite his conflict with Dr Hayes (Kaj-Erik Eriksen), a move that enrages Hope.

In an exclusive conversation with Reach, Matheson verified that Virgin River’s confirmed eighth season will address the aftermath of their row directly from the outset.

“Well, it focuses a great deal on [that challenge] in season eight,” he revealed. “Like in any relationship there are changes and bumps and adjustments that need to be made. So, that continues on and it’s all about people finding their true path in life. And we all know that changes from day to day.

“So, things get a little bumpy, perhaps. I’ve only seen the first two episodes in script form, but… strap on your seatbelt. It’s going to be a wild ride.”

Production for series eight is set to commence in April, meaning viewers potentially won’t have long to wait before fresh information about the next instalment begins to emerge.

The forthcoming chapter will probably see Doc legally practising medicine once more but, following the strain of defending his licence and the prospect of Grace Valley taking control, could retirement be a possibility?

Matheson was swift to dismiss this theory, stating: “I don’t see that right now, no.

“Basically, he just keeps adjusting and in season seven, he actually came to a conclusion which threatened his relationship with Hope, that it’s better for his patients to try and adjust to more modern ways to help the patients by partnering with Grace Valley hospital.

“And using some of their improved equipment in the clinic and providing more immediate service to the patients, maybe through an ambulance and more modern care. And more money because a hospital can provide more modern equipment.

Get Netflix free with Sky for Bridgerton Season 4

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

from £15

Sky

Get the deal here

‘Dearest gentle reader’, as the fourth season of Bridgerton follows second son Benedict love story, there’s a way to watch this fairytale-like season for less.

Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan. This lets customers watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes the new season of Bridgerton.

“So I think he’s going to try that and see how that works, because really his goal is to be of service to the patient and whatever’s better for the patient is worth trying. And that may or may not have a deleterious effect on his relationships, and people have strong feelings one way or the other about bringing in an outside medical facility to help the clinic.

“He has mixed feelings about it, so that’s the thing that he’s going to be weighing throughout season eight.”

Will Doc and Hayes’ partnership prove harmonious or will Virgin River’s steadfast physician live to rue his choice? Keep watching for more small town drama arriving shortly.

Virgin River is available to stream on Netflix.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.

Believed to be one of the country’s most haunted houses, the stunning castle offers guided tours, grade I listed gardens and even bed and breakfast stays

A genuine reflection of Wales‘s magnificent historic landmarks, this castle certainly deserves its place amongst the ‘must-visit’ destinations topping everyone’s travel lists.

Nestled peacefully in the stunning Conwy Valley, the castle sits within the foothills of Snowdonia and is frequently described as one of Britain’s finest Tudor houses.

Fortunately for visitors, the impressive Gwydir Castle welcomes the public from April to September three days weekly to discover its splendour through guided tours.

Originally built as the grand ancestral residence of the influential Wynn family, it was first built in the 15th century. Today it holds grade I listed status after previously falling into a state of disrepair.

While the castle is celebrated for its beautiful peacocks wandering the grounds, it’s equally notorious for its eerie ambience.

Gwydir is thought to be amongst Wales’s most haunted properties, though this hasn’t deterred royal visits over the years, with King Charles making a return in July 2018, then as Prince of Wales, two decades after his earlier visit.

Best holiday cottage deals in Wales

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From £35 per night

Sykes Cottages

See the deals

Wales is renowned for its stunning mountains, picturesque coastline and rich Celtic history. Sykes has a wide and varied collection of holiday cottages, houses and apartments across the country. Prices start from £35 per night with current deals.

Restoration

By 1994, the property had languished in a derelict state for years and desperately needed some serious attention, which was provided by its new owners, Peter Welford and Judy Corbett.

Though restoring this historic building has been far from straightforward, it’s a project to which they have essentially devoted their lives.

The restoration remains an ongoing endeavour, but the achievements so far have been remarkable, with the project funded almost entirely from their own pockets, apart from a modest grant from Cadw.

The work has been methodical yet painstaking, carried out with such dedication and devotion by its custodians that visitors can now appreciate the results.

This remarkable journey included repurchasing what was legitimately theirs and returning it to where it truly belonged – crucial architectural elements from the original dining room.

The fireplaces, wood panelling, and doorframes were removed and transported overseas after being purchased by William Randolph Hearst, the renowned newspaper tycoon.

Yet in 1995 they discovered Gwydir’s missing dining room features, languishing in a storage facility unused by the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

Following extensive negotiations and 75 years in America, they were finally restored to their rightful place at Gwydir Castle. To commemorate this restoration triumph, the Dining Room wing was officially reopened by King Charles himself in 1998, whilst he served as Prince of Wales.

Present day

Visitors aren’t limited to simply exploring the grounds – they can actually lodge in its magnificent accommodation, which provides a bed and breakfast service. What’s more, the property can also be booked for weddings and special occasions.

What truly enables visitors to fully appreciate the venue, however, is through its guided tours, which are available for groups of 15 people or more.

The attraction opens between 11am and 4pm, and is currently welcoming day-trippers at an entry fee of £12 for adults and £5 for children.

One recent guest described their visit to the castle on TripAdvisor, writing: “Without doubt anyone visiting this castle would be amazed by the history of the site and the surrounding grade I listed gardens beautifully kept.

“They also have beautiful peacocks roaming free all around the castle and are fantastic to watch.”

Another visitor said: “Absolutely fabulous! Highly recommend. The house is lovely, and the gardens are terrific. The period furniture throughout the house is beautiful. A lovely revisit of a special holiday after so many years.”

Those passionate about horticulture will delight in the outdoor areas, which hold the prestigious distinction of being among Wales’ only grade I listed gardens, effortlessly combining influences from the Renaissance, Tudor, and Stuart eras. During their visit, nature lovers can spot yew trees, Cedars of Lebanon, and wisteria alongside numerous elegantly crafted fountains scattered throughout.

A further visitor added: “This beautifully restored 17th-century castle is a hidden gem that deserves to be much better known. The house and gardens are magical. They also have holiday accommodation, but it is a perfect day-visit.”

Jonathan Creek and QI star Alan Davies has been married to his famous wife since 2007

Alan Davies is a cherished British comedian, actor and broadcaster – but who is his famous wife?

The 60-year-old star is perhaps most recognised for playing the lead character in the BBC mystery drama series Jonathan Creek, which aired from 1997 through to 2016. He’s also been the only regular panellist on the BBC quiz show QI since it launched in 2003, remaining longer than its initial presenter, Stephen Fry.

Alan launched his career in stand-up comedy, and has embarked on numerous live tours, with his latest taking place last year. The entertainer has also penned three well-received memoirs: My Favourite People and Me (2009), Just Ignore Him (2020), and White Male Stand-Up (2025).

Alan is scheduled to feature on James Martin’s Saturday Morning later today (March 7). Today’s instalment will also showcase chef Sami Tamimi and horticulturist David Domoney, alongside James preparing dishes in his Hampshire kitchen, reports the Express.

Ahead of his appearance on James Martin’s ITV programme, fans might be intrigued to discover that Alan has a famous wife.

The comic is married to writer and former literary agent Katie Maskell. Katie studied English and Drama at Warwick University, before finishing a one-year postgraduate qualification at London drama school, East 15.

She notably won Waterstones’ £5,000 Children’s Book Prize in 2010 for her novel, The Great Hamster Massacre. Alan and Katie’s paths crossed backstage during a QI recording in 2005, with the couple getting engaged six months later.

Their wedding took place in 2007, with comedian and Strictly Come Dancing champion Bill Bailey serving as Alan’s best man. The pair share three children. Their eldest daughter, Susie, arrived in 2009, their son, Robert, in 2011, and their youngest, Francis, was born in 2016.

Alan previously revealed how he first met his wife during an appearance on The One Show last year. In the episode, presenter Alex Jones remarked: “Everybody loves, of course, QI. And we heard the story that that’s where you actually met your wife.”

“Yeah, it’s true. 20 years ago,” Alan confirmed. An image of the couple then flashed up on screen, prompting Alex to joke: “She’s beautiful. [You’re] punching, Alan… She’s stunning.”

Alan then elaborated: “I saw her in the audience at QI and just as I saw her, this is what happened right, we had a stunt set up with a sugar glass, which is a glass that can smash, right? And then Arthur Smith, a brilliant comedian, was on the other team and he had a glass, and he thought that was a sugar glass. It wasn’t a sugar glass.

“He threw it in our direction, I forget who was on my team. And as it came towards me, I thought, ‘I’ve just spotted someone in the audience I wanna talk to afterwards and this could end my career. This could finish me.'”

The star concluded: “I nearly died, but in fact, it hit the desk and broke. It was very funny, and I met her in the green room afterwards. Luckily for me, she wasn’t wearing her glasses, so she couldn’t see what I looked like.”

James Martin’s Saturday Morning will air at 9.30am on ITV1 today (Saturday, March 7), whilst QI is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new Everything Gossip website

The Hotel Inspector Alex Polizzi was married to her husband several years before their divorce, with Alex admitting she felt “bereft” following their split

The Hotel Inspector host Alex Polizzi has candidly opened up about the end of her marriage to her long-term partner.

The Channel 5 show returned to screens on Thursday evening (March 5) for another instalment and Alex was back at the helm to visit a struggling hotel to try and turn things around for the business.

In the latest instalment, she headed to The Navigator in Sussex, a seafront hotel now fighting for survival and with the owner Kathleen drowning in debt, battling constant leaks and crumbling rooms, things were not looking good.

During the episode though, Alex confided in Kathleen about the struggles of running a hotel, revealing the impact it even had on her marriage to ex-husband Marcus Miller.

“I opened a hotel four years ago. It signalled the end of my marriage, I almost lost my mind and it’s quite hard work” she candidly admitted. Alex went on: “And I’m a professional.”

Alex was previously married to Marcus Miller, a professional baker. The former couple got married in 2007 after a 12-year engagement. She and Marcus are parents to two children, teenagers Olga and Rocco.

In 2025 though Alex revealed she had gotten divorced a year prior, revealing she felt “bereft”.

Talking to Great British Life Alex said:”“I have a 16-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son and I got divorced last year and I felt so bereft, and that everything was on my shoulders, and yet their father is still alive.”

Meanwhile speaking to The Sun about why she decided to wait to marry Marcus, she confessed in 2017: “I still wanted to f*** around, if I’m honest! Who wants to get married at 22? I’m a much better wife than I was 10 years ago.

“Partly, you really realise that this is the person you’re with for the rest of your life, so there’s no point p****** them off.”

Alex has also spoke candidly over the years about her heartache after suffering several miscarriages. The TV star revealed that after welcoming her first child, Olga, she had three miscarriages, including one that came just over five months into her pregnancy.

“It is just so shocking to find out that one’s body lets them down in this way,” she told MailOnline in 2013. Alex went on: “Once you’ve had a child, it seems unusual that one couldn’t have another one. You’re not expecting it, and it comes as such a wallop.”

**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website**

The Hotel Inspector airs every Thursday at 9pm on Channel 5.

KATIE Price has confirmed her family were livid upon hearing she had married for a fourth time.

The star wed Lee Andrews in Dubai in January in a whirlwind marriage that took everyone – including her own family – by surprise.

Now, chatting to The Sun for the first time about the romance in a wide-ranging interview, Katie has revealed just exactly what her family thought – and confirmed that her sudden marriage to Lee was hard on her wider family.

She says: “Of course my family are going to worry, I wouldn’t expect anything different.

Watch more of Clemmie’s interview with Katie Price on The Sun’s Showbiz YouTube channel

“They love me and they’ve seen me go through so much heartache, and the most horrific times.

“So I don’t blame them for being p***ed off and angry. They love me and I love them too.

“But I’m not a kid any more, I am 47, I can make my own choices, and I will. They have to give me that chance to go and find out for myself.

“You just got to let me be me; my life isn’t normal. There’s no textbook to any of this.

“Just let me enjoy the moment and enjoy my relationship.”

Despite the family worries, Katie has admitted she wants to take her marriage slowly despite affirming that Lee is “the one”.

She told The Sun she won’t introduce Lee to her children for a “year” if that’s how long it takes for the dust to settle.

Katie said: “Even if it takes a year they [the children] need stability.”

The former glamour model also reaffirmed her faith in her fourth marriage.

“I’ve gone for a beautiful human being who genuinely makes me happy, who I’m so in love with.

“And if I’m happy, please be happy for me.”

LEIGH-ANNE Pinnock has opened up on her marriage again to reveal she and her husband are “stronger” than ever after his betrayal.

The former Little Mix singer candidly confessed earlier this year that she and footballer hubby Andre Gray experience a rocky patch in their marriage in which she admitted they had to work together to “overcome betrayal”.

The popstar, who has just released her debut solo album My Ego Told Me To, revealed she needed to learn to trust her husband again following the undefined betrayal.

Now, in a new interview, she had discussed her personal life once more in order to give a fresh update on her family unit.

Confirming that Andre sought out therapy following the betrayal, Leigh-Anne told People magazine: “The main thing for me was him just changing, really.

“He got therapy, he moved abroad as well.

BACK PINN CONTROL

Leigh-Anne Pinnock soars up the charts with debut solo album

running high

Emotional Leigh-Anne breaks down in tears on radio amid band reunion doubts

“Even just him being alone, he did so much self-reflection on that. That was a massive thing for us. I think he just did the work.”

The singer continued: “It really does mean a lot when you can go through something, come out the other end, and just you automatically become stronger for it.

“Now, obviously, we’ve been through our stuff.

“We’re married, we have kids, and we can just have a soft life.”

Previously, Leigh-Anne has been open about the fact she and Andre have always had a long-distance relationship due to his career seeing him play football across the world with the star having only recently relocated back to England to play for a UK team.

The pair, who share two twin daughters together, have admitted this distance has helped to keep their marriage going.

In the interview, Leigh-Anne said: “A big thing for us is distance. As s*** as it is, it’s been three years of long distance.

“It’s actually, I think, helped to keep the flame alight as well, you know?

“You can’t wait to see them. It’s actually really healthy to miss someone, I think.”

It’s a foodie hotspot in Cumbria, with Michelin-starred restaurants boasting a ‘farm to table’ philosophy and famous sticky toffee pudding, ideal for a UK holiday

Despite its modest size, this Cumbrian gem wields considerable sway over travellers heading to the Lake District in need of excellent food and somewhere to lay their heads.

Cartmel has earned quite a name for itself amongst walkers, cyclists and visitors to the region as a culinary hotspot. Whilst the village boasts a rich heritage centred around Cartmel Priory and its agricultural roots, it has since carved out an entirely fresh identity.

Situated less than 20 minutes’ drive from the Lake District National Park, there’s no shortage of attractions on the village’s doorstep.

With Greendale National Forest nearby and the River Eea within easy reach, it’s an idyllic spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a base from which to venture forth.

Best Lancashire holiday cottage deals

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From £42 a night

Sykes Cottages

See the deals

Lancashire is known for its wide open skies, stunning landscapes and lively coastal resorts. Sykes Cottages has a wide range of self catering accommodation across the county from £42 a night.

Michelin Restaurants

For those demanding nothing less than exceptional cuisine following a day’s rambling or sightseeing, the village boasts a prestigious Michelin-starred establishment, L’Enclume.

Led by chef Simon Rogan, the restaurant features a constantly evolving menu that shifts with the seasons – embodying the chef’s ‘farm to table’ ethos.

Also holding Michelin star status is Rogan and Co, a neighbourhood eatery situated in the village centre, likewise operated by the celebrated chef.

They provide a set lunch menu priced at £49 for three courses, offered Wednesday through Saturday, alongside evening dining options.

After dining at L’Enclume, which specialises in French and European fare, one visitor hailed it as the “best dining experience ever” in a TripAdvisor review.

They said: “We went for our wedding anniversary for a special experience. It delivered. Every one of the many dishes was made with the best quality ingredients and put together with great imagination and cooked perfectly.”

Similarly, diners are unanimous in their praise for the food and service at its sister establishment, Rogan and Co. One review states: “Rogan and Co gives you a more traditional à la carte (choose your meal) three-course deal.

“But that isn’t to say this is basic dining. You are still getting snacks, interludes, great drink pairings and, much like L’Enclume, absolutely top-drawer service.”

Pubs

Beyond the Michelin-starred offerings, the culinary delights continue. True to form for a quintessentially English village, Cartmel boasts several traditional, welcoming pubs.

Indeed, several feature amongst the village’s TripAdvisor top 10 dining destinations – quite an achievement given the stiff competition. All within easy walking distance, visitors can devise their own pub crawl following a day of exploration, or simply settle into one favourite spot.

The Pig and Whistle proves particularly appealing during summer months, thanks to its expansive beer garden offering picturesque vistas across the village and the surrounding Cumbrian fells.

Inside, the establishment has been given something of a revamp, including its menu which offers pub classics with a distinctive ‘twist’.

Numerous patrons sing the praises of their Sunday roast, with some describing it as “divine” and others deeming it “excellent”.

Alongside it are The Royal Oak, The Kings Arms and the Cavendish Arms, which prides itself on making considerable efforts to source exclusively from local producers and suppliers. This commitment shines through in its glowing reviews, with one declaring: “This place is truly on top of its game.

“Amazing varied exquisite food from all over the word but definitely with a French twist. Lovely cosy setting with candles on each table and quality wines. Could not ask for more.”

Shops

The village boasts numerous shops selling local produce, with the Cartmel Village Shop standing out as one of the most notable – renowned for its sticky toffee pudding. The family-run shop sells homemade toffee and the beloved Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Cartmel’s “superb little shop” draws food fans from far and wide, all seeking a treat to satisfy their sweet cravings. One satisfied customer said: “Famous as the home of sticky toffee pudding, this delightful little shop is in the centre of this lovely village.

“As well as foodstuffs, they stock a good selection of deli produce and gifts. They also prepare a good selection of hot and cold sandwiches to take away, and we enjoyed some excellent, generously filled baps. The prices were most reasonable, and the service was charming.”

Another local gem is the Cartmel Food Shed, offering a delightful array of homemade soups, sandwiches, sausage rolls and sweet treats for takeaway or to enjoy in their welcoming dining space. Like many establishments dotted around the village, it’s very much a family-run operation with homemade produce at its core.

One thrilled customer raved in a review: “Delicious sandwiches, delicious cakes, scotch eggs. Possibly the best steak and ale pie I’ve ever had.”

They added: “Sandwiches are packed to the brim with quality produce. Everything is made with care and love. You can tell the owner takes pride in everything she makes.”

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

FANS of Benny Blanco have been left feeling queasy after noticing a “disgusting” detail from his new podcast.

On Tuesday, the musician – who is married to Selena Gomez -launched his new multimedia podcast, Friends Keep Secrets; but fans were more taken by the host’s hygiene than the show itself.

Just minutes into the first episode, which features Benny and his co-hosts Lil Dicky and Kristin Batalucco, the record producer kicked back on a couch with no socks on.

And fans quickly noticed that he the soles of his feet appeared dirty, quickly taking to social media.

“EW! benny, get off the couch and go take ,a shower. you’re not a toddler,” wrote one fan to X.

Another horrified user said: “The fact that his feet are ACTUALLY that filthy makes me sick to my stomach like selena girl what’s going on”.

SAD UPDATE

Christina Applegate reveals she spends most of day in bed amid battle with MS

“Yikes! That’s definitely a “don’t look down” moment.

Sounds like Benny Blanco didn’t expect his feet to make a cameo on the podcast. The joys of live recordings sometimes the unexpected gets all the attention!,” said a third.

“Benny blanco go wash your damn feet,” simply echoed another.

With Benny’s feet garnering more attention that the podcast itself, others shared messages directly for his wife Selena.

“How is Selena dealing with this?” one social media user said.

One even went as far to say: “Selena needs to divorce him and find someone better”.

Benny and his co-hosts are set to welcome a string of A-listers on the new podcast series, with the producer teasing that Selena will also come onto the show.

The couple have been together since June 2023 and married back in September.

At the time, we reported how they hosted their guests at the luxury El Encanto Hotel in Santa Barbara, and held their ceremony at a residence nearby.

Before things turned romantic, the couple actually knew one another for over a decade – meeting back in 2008 when Selena was beginning her career.

The pop star previously had a very public romance with Justin Bieber, before dating The WKEND for around a year.