POP icon Nelly Furtado has announced at she’s no longer going to be performing her music after a huge comeback last year.
It comes after she hit back at a flood of cruel comments about her figure after returning to the spotlight.
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Nelly Furtado is stepping back from performing after a huge comeback last yearCredit: SplashNelly is a pop music iconCredit: Getty
Nelly proudly embraced her natural curves while headlining Manchester Pride earlier this year.
Taking to Instagram, the Grammy winner made an emotional post expressing gratitude for all her career gave her and that she feels it’s now time for her to “step down”.
She celebrated 25 years in the industry, before adding: “I have decided to step away from performance for the foreseeable future and pursue some other creative and personal endeavours that I feel would better suit this next phase of my life.
“I have enjoyed my career immensely, and I still love writing music as I have always seen it as a hobby I was lucky enough to make into a career. I’ll identify as a songwriter forever.”
The star, 46, took over radio stations throughout the 2000s, well-known for her song Promiscuous as well as her feature on James Morrison’s ‘Broken Strings’.
Michelle Gayle played Hattie Tavernier in the BBC One soap and also had a pop career – and, unbelievably, she hardly seems to have changed more than 30 years later
Michelle was part of the groundbreaking Tavernier family(Image: BBC)
EastEnders’ Michelle Gayle appears to have defied the ageing process, looking as youthful as ever despite her stint on the BBC One soap being more than three decades ago. The London-born actress, now 54 years old, was part of the groundbreaking Tavernier family – the first Black family to join the soap.
Her character, Hattie, was a waitress and then Ian Beale’s PA at his catering company, The Meal Machine. She was a hit with EastEnders viewers, navigating through intense storylines involving miscarriage and sexual harassment – famously kneeing Ian in the groin. She also frequently clashed with Cindy, Ian’s wife, who was jealous of their close working relationship.
But the star left Albert Square in 1993 to pursue a music career, enjoying seven top 40 singles on the UK Singles Chart, including hits like Sweetness, Looking Up and Do You Know. She also released two top 40 albums before parting ways with her record company in 1997.
Michelle stepped out at a charity ball last year, looking super-glamorous as she sported a black satin dress paired with a chic black bag, red lipstick and gold earrings, posing against a beautiful floral backdrop.
Previously, Michelle had set X, formerly Twitter, buzzing with her age-defying photos, prompting comments such as: “I’ve literally just had to google how old you are……as you look about 20! ! You look amazing! ! X,” and, “There is no way you’re in the 50+ bracket! ! My goodness.”
She went on to appear on stage at Mighty Hoopla 2024 at London’s Brockwell Park, singing a few of her biggest hits.
After EastEnders, Michelle made a return to television, making guest appearances on Doctors and Holby City, before landing a role in Channel 5’s short-lived soap Family Affairs in 2005. She’s also been a familiar face on various reality TV shows, such as ITV’s Reborn In The USA, where she competed against 80s popstars Sonia and Tony Hadley, and Channel 4’s The Games.
In 2007, she became a guest panellist for ITV’s Loose Women and ventured into writing in 2011, releasing her debut novel titled Pride and Premiership.
In 2019, she went on to play the role of Hermione Granger in the West End production of the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. At the time, Michelle revealed the hardest part of her job was her unusual working hours, saying: “My ‘weekend’ is Monday and Tuesday and all my friends outside of the show are working.”
She was married to ex-professional footballer Mark Bright for 13 years, and they have a son, Isaiah, together. Michelle also has another son, Luke.
If I didn’t know better, I might have thought Intermountain Power Plant was already dead.
When I visited last month, most of the desks had been torn from the administrative building, leaving behind scattered piles of boxes and office supplies. A whiteboard featured photos of dozens of newly retired employees. Perhaps most tellingly, the coal pile in the yard out back was tiny compared with my previous visit in 2022.
“Our target is to have no coal left on the floor,” said Kevin Peng, manager of external generation for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
Peng was my tour guide at this hulking coal-fired power plant in central Utah, over 500 miles from the city it has powered for the last 40 years. And no, it wasn’t dead yet. One of two massive steam turbines, a General Electric unit installed in 1986, was still sending small amounts of electricity to L.A. and several other Southern California cities following a required air quality test. Soon Unit 1 would shut off, probably for the final time.
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Unit 2 would carry Intermountain through its final act. At the moment it was slowly preparing to generate power, releasing puffy white steam through a small vertical pipe near the main smokestack. I stood on the roof for a few minutes near the pipe, letting water droplets fall gently on my face and reporter’s notebook.
“We create our own rain,” Peng with a smile.
Come November, the rain will cease. Same goes for the planet-warming carbon emissions. Los Angeles is closing Intermountain, a watershed moment that will mark the end of coal power in California.
The 710-foot smokestack towers over the rest of Intermountain Power Plant.
(Niki Chan Wylie / For The Times)
To hear President Trump tell it, coal is needed for economic prosperity. Just this week, his administration said it would open 13 million acres of public land to coal mining and offer $625 million in handouts to coal plant owners.
Trump & Co. — including Energy Secretary Chris Wright, a former fossil fuel executive, who insisted the handouts “will be vital to keeping electricity prices low and the lights on without interruption” — are battling the free market. Coal plants generated 16.2% of U.S. electricity in 2023, down from 48.5% in 2007. The main culprit? Competition from cheaper solar, wind and natural gas.
In California, just 2.2% of electricity came from coal in 2024 — nearly all of it from Intermountain. Over 60% was generated by solar panels, wind turbines and other climate-friendly sources that don’t fuel deadly wildfires, heat waves and floods. Thanks to a surge in lithium-ion batteries, there have been no power shortages since 2020.
The L.A. Department of Water and Power, meanwhile, has been making big investments in low-cost renewables, including a record-cheap solar-plus-storage plant that opened this summer. DWP has fired up Intermountain less and less, relying on the plant for 21% of the city’s power in 2019 and just 10% in 2023.
Jason Rondou, the utility’s assistant general manager for power planning and operations, said the coal plant has supplied affordable, reliable electricity for decades. But now there are better options.
“It’s come at a pretty significant external cost — the cost of the carbon emissions,” he said. “For us to move beyond that and move to a cleaner, innovative technology, I think is very exciting.”
The new turbines are designed to burn a mix of 70% natural gas and 30% hydrogen. Although gas is a fossil fuel that exacerbates global warming, hydrogen isn’t. That mix alone is unique for a plant of this scale. But over time, as technology improves, DWP plans to transition to 100% hydrogen — an unprecedented undertaking.
The newly built gas/hydrogen power plant known as IPP Renewed, seen from the roof of the Intermountain coal plant.
(Niki Chan Wylie / For The Times)
Even better, the hydrogen will be “green,” meaning it’s made from renewable electricity rather than fossil fuels.
At times of day when DWP has extra renewable power — such as mild spring afternoons, when the sun is shining and Angelenos aren’t blasting their air conditioners — the utility can use that energy to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen atoms. DWP and its partners have hired a private company to store the hydrogen in giant underground salt caverns just down the road from Intermountain.
Then, when DWP needs extra power — during a heat wave months later, for instance — it can pull hydrogen from the caverns and fire up the turbines. Basically, the hydrogen will function like a long-term battery.
“It’s very different from lithium-ion [batteries],” Rondou said. “For that seasonal storage, that’s where hydrogen can really provide significant benefit.”
Among environmentalists, hydrogen is controversial. Some share DWP’s view that it’s a necessary piece of the clean energy puzzle. Others consider it a distraction from cheaper, more proven technologies, and a threat to air quality, especially in low-income communities of color. They’ve slammed DWP’s goal of eventually converting four L.A.-area gas plants to hydrogen, citing nitrogen oxide pollution and potential methane leaks.
In Utah’s Millard County, conservative local officials have embraced the newfangled technology, along with solar and wind. Unlike Trump, who has slashed hydrogen funding, they have little aversion to clean energy.
“Energy development is really important in our portfolio. And we will talk to everybody. We’re open for business,” said County Commissioner Bill Wright.
Sitting in his living room, as dogs and grandkids wandered past, Wright reflected on his rural county’s long relationship with Los Angeles. The massive tax revenues, the hundreds of jobs. The lack of local control. The fact that nearly all the power goes to California.
Wright would have liked to see DWP keep the coal plant running. But the closure has been in the works for years, so he and his neighbors have had time to adjust. He’s glad L.A. isn’t leaving town entirely — even though the new plant will be smaller, with fewer jobs and a smaller tax base.
“Absolutely, this is a better solution,” he said.
Millard County Commissioner Bill Wright poses for a portrait near Intermountain Power Plant outside Delta, Utah, on Sept. 16.
(Niki Chan Wylie / For The Times)
Wright is hopeful that the Utah Legislature will find a buyer for the coal plant, possibly a data center. One of his colleagues on the county commission, Vicki Lyman, is less optimistic. She’s worked at Intermountain for a dozen years and sees major technical and economic hurdles to restarting a mothballed power plant.
“I’m kind of excited just to see how all this technology’s going to work out,” Lyman said.
It’s still not entirely clear when DWP will start combusting hydrogen. The new plant will burn 100% gas when the coal turbines power off in November, utility officials say, because there won’t be enough hydrogen banked in the salt caverns yet. DWP is targeting the second quarter of 2026 to mix in 30% hydrogen.
For employees, DWP has tried to make the transition as painless as possible. It’s limited layoffs by not replacing retiring staffers, and by offering tuition reimbursement to anyone who chooses to go back to school.
Still, change can be bittersweet. While touring Intermountain, I bumped into plant manager Jon Finlinson, who’s worked there since 1983 and would have retired already if the gas/hydrogen units weren’t running a few months behind schedule. He professed excitement for the new facility. But when I asked him how he’d commemorate the final day of coal combustion, he offered the verbal equivalent of a shrug.
“Oh, I don’t know,” he said. “We don’t have a plan for that yet.”
Really? After 40 years, nothing?
“It’ll be a sad day for all the people that have worked here for their whole life,” he acknowledged.
Intermountain staff member Carl Watson offers a peek into the coal furnace.
(Niki Chan Wylie / For The Times)
Technically, even after Intermountain stops sending coal power to L.A. — as well as Anaheim, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena and Riverside — there will still be tiny amounts of coal in California’s energy mix. A Riverside County electric cooperative imports coal from out of state, as does Berkshire Hathaway-owned Pacific Power in Northern California. In San Bernardino County, two small coal plants fuel a mining operation.
Together, those coal generators supplied less than 0.2% of the state’s electricity in 2024. (If you want to get really technical, an additional 1.5% came from “unspecified” out-of-state sources, most likely gas and coal.)
But why quibble when there’s cause for celebration? Change is never easy; no solution is perfect; there will always be caveats.
Next month, California is quitting coal. Raise a glass.
The coal pile at Intermountain Power Plant, seen on Sept. 17.
(Niki Chan Wylie / For The Times)
This is the latest edition of Boiling Point, a newsletter about climate change and the environment in the American West. Sign up here to get it in your inbox. And listen to our Boiling Point podcast here.
Correction: Last week’s edition of this newsletter referred to Revolution Wind as a floating offshore wind farm. The project’s turbines are attached directly to the sea floor.
A former Coronation Street star is set to make his debut in Casualty tonight less than a year after leaving the Manchester based soap three years after joining
18:02, 30 Aug 2025Updated 18:02, 30 Aug 2025
Bill Fellows is set to make his debut in Casualty tonight(Image: ITV)
A former Coronation Street star is set to star in rival BBC soap Casualty less than a year after leaving the Manchester based soap.
Bill Fellows, who played Stu Carpenter in Corrie, is set to star in tonight’s episode of Casualty, starring as pharmacy delivery driver, Terry. It comes a few months after it was announced that Fellows would be making a guest stint in the soap.
The star is set for a dramatic storyline, with his character set to be brutally attacked by a gang during the delivery, spoilers reveal. It comes after last week’s dramatic events, in which it was revealed that pharmacist Sunny was stealing missing morphine.
Bill Fellows will be starring as delivery driver Terry – as he’s brutally attacked (Image: BBC)
Things are set to take a darker turn, as spoilers reveal that Rash finds out all – as Sunny explains she’s been doing it to protect her son Jake, who has been groomed by the gang.
It later unravels that Terry’s injuries are due to Sunny telling the gang about the drop-off, but how will things unfold?
The star teased his dramatic role back in February, where he posted a selfie of himself wearing an NHS pass around his neck with the caption: “Another day , Another Casualty.” Days later, he posted an image of himself with special effect make up that showed him with arm and head injuries.
The character of Terry is a far cry from his role as Stu in Coronation Street. ITV fans will remember the character joining the soap in 2021, later growing close to Yasmeen, and becoming a chef at Speed Daal.
However, in 2024, the character decided to leave the street and head to Germany for a fresh start with his granddaughter.
During his three years on the soap, Billy’s character Stu had been involved in a number of hard hitting storylines, including homelessness and wrongful imprisonment.
Stu grew close to Yasmeen during his time on the cobbles
The character was previously imprisoned for 27 years for the death of Charlie Walter. It was later confirmed that it was actually his daughter Bridget that was responsible for the death. Stu took in his granddaughter Eliza, and later left for Germany with her.
Speaking about his departure at the time, Bill said: “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved with Stu’s character.
“He started as a man struggling to survive, and now he’s a man who has rebuilt his life, found love, and made a difference. It’s been a complete story arc, and I’m pleased with how it’s all come together.”
He later said it had been ‘surreal’ to work alongside legends such as William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow. “Growing up, I watched it with my family, so being part of it has been surreal,” he said. “I’ve worked alongside legends like William Roache, and it’s been an incredible experience.”
EXCLUSIVE: The 25-year-old actor, who plays the son of shopkeeper Dev, Aadi Alahan, left the soap on Wednesday night – but says it was his decision to ‘spread his wings’ and play other characters
21:15, 27 Aug 2025Updated 21:20, 27 Aug 2025
Adam Hussain has now left Coronation Street, but admits it was his decision
After an emotional farewell last night as his character, Aadi Alahan, left Coronation Street’s famous cobbles to start a new life in India, actor Adam Hussain reveals it was his decision to quit.
Having joined Corrie in April 2020 as Dev and Sunita’s son, Aadi, Adam took over from Zennon Ditchett, who had left Weatherfield to concentrate on his A-levels. Prior to that, Aadi and his twin sister Asha were played by triplets Hannah, Harris and Ria Ahmed.
But after five years, the actor says he decided to leave to “spread his wings” and play other characters. And his brave move has clearly proved to be a good one as Adam reveals today he has already bagged himself a role in a new feature film, overseen by award-winning horror director Richard Stanley.
Adam joined Coronation Street in 2020
In his only newspaper interview talking about his departure, the actor, 24, tells the Mirror: “My life has changed for the better since I joined Corrie and it has been such an honour to be part of the amazing cast.
“I joined during the Covid pandemic, which was a weird and surreal time to take on a new character. I’ve loved playing Aadi, I have made good friends on the set, and I am going to miss Corrie dearly.
“But I am going to be 25 in October, and I felt it was the right time to leave. It was my decision, and the producers were so understanding.
“I want to spread my wings a little, go out in the big world and see what else I can do. I am really excited as I’ve got a new role in a horror feature film. I can’t say too much yet, but I am looking forward to it.
There were emotional scenes on the Cobbles as Aadi left to live in India
“I feel lucky as I’ve also been to lots of other auditions since I finished filming my Corrie scenes in June, and I’ve filmed a part in a short film, Spice For Life, too. We are sending it off to film festivals at the moment. It’s an exploration of cultures coming together.”
He is, however, glad Corrie bosses decided not to kill Aadi off. “It’s very relieving to know I can always return whenever I want to,” smiles Adam. “And they’ve told me the door will always be left open if I ever want to come back. My friends on set were gutted when I first told them, but they also understood. They now have high aspirations about what I am going to get up to in the coming years!”
Over the past few weeks, Aadi’s life has spiralled out of control as he turned to booze to get over the guilt of Lauren accidentally drinking his laced drink and the stress of running a business.
It was his dad, Dev, who told him to go and start a fresh life in India with his cousin, Vikram. Initially, Aadi was opposed to the idea, but eventually he came to the realisation that it was the perfect chance to wipe the slate clean.
Aadi’s decision came after he was questioned by police regarding a drug mix-up at a party
“He has been really struggling financially with keeping the business running,” explains the star. “But his life spiralled because he also felt so guilty about what happened to Lauren. He started drinking a lot. At first, Aadi was distraught that his dad wanted to send him away, but he knew eventually it was the right decision to get away and have a fresh start.”
Adam says he had mixed emotions filming his final scenes. “It was both scary and exciting,” he adds. “I had a whole mix of emotions because I did get very nostalgic. I also knew it was the right decision to go.”
But thankfully, he says he didn’t fall to pieces shooting the emotional farewell scenes. “I actually had to use a tear stick for when Aadi started crying,” he reveals. “It’s been fun to film this storyline and I also think it has been good to show business owners who are struggling that they aren’t alone. It can be really tough running a business, as Aadi found.”
Admitting he has grown up a lot during his time on Corrie, Adam says he is particularly proud to have been involved in some gritty storylines. From being shot at while protecting his fiancée, Kelly Neelan, and accidentally letting Lauren Bolton drink LCD to having an affair with married woman Courtney Vance and staging a fake robbery at the corner shop, the actor says he has loved the many twists and turns his character has faced.
“I was 20 when I joined Corrie and I’ve learnt so much,” he says. “I still feel like a kid at heart but I am older now and these five years have flown by. It seems like only yesterday I was arriving on set for the first time to play Aadi. I’ve grown in confidence and I’ve learnt so much about how it works on a soap set as well as the industry as a whole.”
Adam says one of his favourite plotlines was a car explosion in 2021 that saw him fight for his life
He picks out a car explosion in 2021 that saw Aadi fight for his life as one of his favourite plotlines. He also loved filming scenes a year later with Millie Gibson, who played Aadi’s fiancée, Kelly. She had been kidnapped by her dad’s criminal associates and was about to be shot. But loved-up Aadi jumped in to save her and took the bullet. Thankfully, the gunshot missed vital organs, but he was then left distraught when Kelly decided to leave Weatherfield for good.
“Aadi got shot trying to protect Kelly,” he recalls fondly. “It was such an honour and pleasure to work alongside Millie. We used Hollywood-style equipment, which was exciting. It was also great fun filming the car explosion stunt in the countryside.
“Filming in the pandemic was also obviously a surreal time, too. We had to keep a seven-metre distance with only two people in each scene at a time, which made filming quite difficult.
“But it’s been fun playing Aadi. I like how he enjoys playing the hero, but he has a flawed side as well. I love his awkwardness!” He also admits he is going to miss Jimmi Harkishin, who plays his on-screen dad, terribly. “I find Jimmi so funny,” he says. “He took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. I learned a lot from him, and he became my second dad – my work dad.
“I’ve kept the ‘golf ball’ set Dev gave Aadi when he asked him to be his best man as a memento. It’s in a chest at home, along with other mementoes from all my other acting jobs.
“I grew up watching Corrie and it’s been so surreal to be able to say I’ve been part of the cast. I have to pinch myself sometimes!” Both his charity shop worker mum, Nora, and dad, Azark, a retired hospitality worker, are very supportive of his decision to leave and have even let him move back in with them in Manchester.
Aadi and Courtney shared a passionate kiss in September 2023
Adam – one of four siblings – says they’ve always encouraged him to follow his dreams. “I got into acting when I was in secondary school. I was a quiet child and getting up on the stage was therapeutic for me. It helped me come out of my shell. Mum and Dad are so proud and we watched last night’s scenes together at home.”
After dropping out of college to attend an acting class run by his now-agent Darren Gordon, Adam landed several TV roles including playing Josh Nubhai in ITV’s The Bay for two seasons. He also starred in Absentia and No Man’s Land.
Adam, who is single, says he hopes to one day travel the world with his job. “I’ve already travelled quite a lot before I took on the Corrie role,” he explains. “I would love to travel everywhere, especially America. I want to get into films and the feature film I’ve been signed up to do is a great stepping stone.
“I am single at the moment. I want to concentrate on my work.” However, he stresses he’s not about to change careers. One newspaper report suggested he was working for his family tailoring business in between roles. “My brother-in-law owns a tailor,” he explains. “So, every now and again I go and help out!”
As for whether he thinks he will ever return to Corrie’s cobbles in the future and the actor smiles as he stresses: “Never say never! But I do hope Aadi does get a second chance in India. He is going to live with his rich aunt, so you never know, he might turn out to be the new Prince of Mumbai!”
– Coronation Street runs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1. Episodes can also be downloaded on ITVX.
Vanessa Feltz quit This Morning in March this year after 33 years to launch her own rival show on Channel 5
12:09, 26 Aug 2025Updated 12:09, 26 Aug 2025
(Image: CHANNEL 5)
Vanessa Feltz has had the last laugh after quitting This Morning. Her Channel 5 lunchtime show has been extended by bosses. While her former colleagues at ITV are facing brutal spending cuts with the budget for shows and staff, Vanessa has been granted more time on air.
The talk show Vanessa was originally planned to air for “six months”, but now the TV presenter has confirmed the programme will run for “eight months at least”.
Vanessa, 63, told the new issue of Woman’s Own magazine: “We’ve just had an extension.
“We were commissioned for six months, but we’re running about eight months at least, there’ll be a Christmas break, and then we’re very much hoping to come back in the new year. We’re thrilled.”
The show – which sees Vanessa have straight-talking discussions on relationships, parenting, gossip, fashion, and other topics with celebrity guests – launched in March.
However, one show that month only raked in 83,000 viewers – a big contrast to rival, ITV’s Loose Women, which drew in 686,000 people.
Vanessa Feltz has shared her delight in having her Channel 5 show extended (Image: Channel 5)
And it has been reported that bosses at Channel 5 were thinking of ways to “revamp” Vanessa to attract more viewers.
A TV Insider claimed to the magazine: “Bosses have been locked in crisis talks and have been planning ways to immediately revamp the programme if there is to be a chance that it could be saved.”
The show also raised attention when it became the centre of an Ofcom storm after guest Karen Millen said that feeding children past six months breast milk was ‘weird‘ and selfish.’ The designer’s comments led to more than 2000 people complaining with Millen apologising for her comments.
However, Vanessa is proving popular as the show took home the prestigious Talk Show gong at the National Reality TV Awards on July 30 – beating the likes of BBC’s The Graham Norton Show and ITV’s The Jonathan Ross Show.
Reacting to the award, Vanessa told London Beautiful Life Media: “I’m beside myself!”
Ben Shepherd, Cat Deeley, Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary pose up ahead of This Morning’s core presenting team returning from their summer break(Image: ITV)
Asked if she expected to win, the TV star continued: “Definitely not – you must be joking! The show’s only been going since the last week of March, it’s only July!
“And we’re up against all the greats – Graham Norton, Jonathan Ross, Alan Titchmarsh, absolutely everybody! So I was not. I was thinking – I had this knot in my stomach of nerves, and I was trying to give myself a sharp talking to like, ‘Don’t be silly, absolutely don’t stand a chance, the show’s brand-new, we’re never going to,’ and then here it is, we did!
“So, it’s one of those extraordinary moments. I’m shaking, and I’m thrilled to bits, and it’s lovely for the team, and it’s lovely for me, and it’s lovely for the audience. And I’m just delighted.”
Vanessa quit This Morning after 33 years in March this year.
Vanessa told the Daily Star newspaper: “I’ve been on ‘ This Morning ‘ since 1992. It’s been a long time . But I’m now doing my own show and I can’t do both.”
As she made her announcement, Vanessa praised the presenters and crew on This Morning for being “so lovely” about her decision.
She added: “When I told everyone I wouldn’t be able to do the show anymore, they were lovely about it. I heard from Alison Hammond and Holly Willoughby immediately and the bosses were charming. I’ll miss working with them all.”
Speaking to The Times, Robert reflected that he’d accepted the Strictly offer as “these opportunities don’t come along very often.”
He said: “They don’t happen to everyone.
“And I’d just nearly died, so I thought, “This is no time to be sitting on the edges; why don’t you contribute and participate?”
“It all sounded like a good idea at the time.”
Robert added: “It all added up to a big mistake.”
Although he was in “quite good shape” on paper, the star struggled with Strictly’s intense schedule.
He explained: “That schedule is a law unto itself, and I just wasn’t anywhere close to being able to do that.
“I don’t even know if I could now. I don’t think it’d be a very good idea.”
New Strictly celeb Lewis Cope’s experience as a three-time world champion dance finalist
Robert said in a statement at the time of his exit: “I’m extremely sorry to have to announce that I’m withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing due to ill health.
“Two years ago I had open heart surgery and although I believed I was fit enough to take on Strictly and its demanding schedule, it became clear that I had bitten off way more than I could chew for this stage in my recovery.
“I had begun to feel symptoms that led me to seek an urgent consultation with my heart specialist, and it was her view that it would be better for the sake of my health to step back from the show.”
Strictly Come Dancing star Kristian Nairn has quit the BBC show just a week into training – as sources now reveal to us why he decided to leave the programme
17:18, 21 Aug 2025Updated 17:18, 21 Aug 2025
Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn has quit Strictly due to medical reasons (Image: BBC)
The Game of Thrones actor and DJ was confirmed today to not be taking on the Latin and ballroom competition for an undisclosed health complaint. Kristian will be replaced by another celebrity, due to be announced later today.
He said in a statement: “With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unexpected medical reasons. I was truly looking forward to the journey, and I’m deeply sorry to disappoint anyone who was looking forward to seeing me on the dance floor. Thank you all for your support, and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense. Love to all, Kristian.”
Krstian said Strictly would be a “huge challenge”(Image: John Lamparski/Getty Images)
Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios, added in a statement: “We’ve absolutely loved getting to know Kristian in this short time, and he has all the makings of a brilliant Strictly Come Dancing contestant. We’re incredibly sorry to lose him from this year’s series and we all wish him a speedy recovery.”
Now, a source has revealed to The Mirror just why Kristian had quit the competition so early into training. A BBC source told us: “Kristian sadly just wasn’t up to competing on Strictly and so he had to pull out.
“The celebrities have not been paired up yet but he had a couple sessions doing the group number and they were a real shock to the system. I think by his own admission he found them a struggle and may have been surprised how much of a challenge it was physically for him. He wasn’t feeling great and the best option for everyone was for him to leave the show at this stage. It has been a bit of a scramble but we have got a replacement.”
When he was announced for the show, Kristian said he was excited for the physical challenge. He said: This will be a huge challenge for me physically, but I’m ready to rise to it! It’s a surreal and wonderful opportunity to shed one of my left feet!”
The new celebrity joining Strictly Come Dancing will be announced on Thursday’s (21.08.25) episode of The One Show. Strictly will return in just a few weeks time – with the celebrities and their professional dance partners being announced in a special launch show.
Coronation Street star Adam Hussain could be about sign up for the jungle as he has become a favourite of the bookies to brave the reality show amid his soap exit
20:01, 18 Aug 2025Updated 20:02, 18 Aug 2025
Adam Hussain has quit his role as Aadi Alahan on Coronation Street and could be about to sign up for the jungle
Coronation Street star Adam Hussain could be about sign up for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! The actor, 24, has played the role of Aadi Alahan on the world’s longest-running television soap since 2020 but recently quit the cobbles and his final scenes are yet to air.
But speculation suggests that Adam could be about to trade the the fictional Manchester backstreet for the Australian Outback, when the reality show returns to screens later this year.
The son of Weatherfield tycoon Dev Alahan has been through a dramatic time recently
If Adam, who took over the part of shopkeeper Aadi from Zennon Ditchett, does end up venturing off into the jungle, he will certainly not be the first famous face from the soap to take part in Ant and Dec’s long-running reality show, which first aired in 2002. Antony Cotton, who plays knicker stitcher Sean Tully, entered the jungle in 2011 and just missed out on a place in the final, where McFly star Dougie Poynter was crowned winner.
In 2012, Helen Flanagan (Rosie Webster) was voted by the public to face seven consecutive Bushtucker trials, which, at the time, was a record for the programme. And ever since Jennie McAlpine (Fiz Dobbs) joined the jungle in 2017, it has become almost an annual occurrence for a star from the soap to appear.
The news comes just days after Aadi’s exit was teased in sad scenes. As views will know, character has been embroiled in various conflicts over the last few months. Earlier this year, he was unintentionally responsible for Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton) becoming a victim of spiking when he threw a house party that went wrong, and, amid their budding romance, he has lied to her about the events of that fateful night.
Adam currently stars as the son of Weatherfield business tycoon Dev Alahan but is set to be waving goodbye to the cobbles in upcoming scenes
After all that failed, Aadi finally fessed up to Dev, and his dad learned that his partner Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove) had been in on the initial attempt to cover it all up as well, when she brought forward their wedding in the hopes of getting a rich relative to pay for it.
Having been branded a ‘failure’ by Dev, who has owned and operated multiple Weatherfield businesses since he arrived in 1999, things came to a head for the teenager as he hit a new low. Clearly unsure what to do next, Aadi decided to drink his problems away as he ignored calls and text from Lauren, who had been hoping to meet him that day.
Eventually, he was spotted by builders Gary Windass (Mikey North) and Theo Silverton (James Cartwright). He was blocking their van and it all ended in calamity when he refused to move, as he fell and hit his head on a brick wall. Dev, desperate to find his son after he wasn’t in bed after Lauren came calling for him, swooped onto the scene to see what had happened to his son, but Aadi refused any help from him whatsoever and stormed off.
That night, Dev asked him: “What happened with us? You always used to make me so proud of you. Did I not tell you enough? Is that why you’re punishing me?”
Aadi admitted: “It’s not always easy, trying to live up to you. You’re always going on about everything you achieved. I’m not saying you never praised me but it was only when it made you look good. It was never enough to just be me.” Acknowledging that things have to change, Dev revealed that he had been in touch with his cousin Vikram and has arranged for him to go and work with him in India.
Through tears, Aadi protested: “I’m not moving to India!” but Dev said he ‘could not support him anymore. “You’re just kicking me out?” Aadi shot back, to which Dev confessed through tears of his own: “I don’t want to. But you have left me no choice.” Viewers then saw Aadi and Amy Barlow (Elle Mulvaney) act on their true feelings for each other, but even that went wrong in the end, and the character looks set to depart Weatherfield for good in the coming weeks.
The legendary character is back in Albert Square for good, just weeks after it was confirmed that Jake Wood agreed to reprise his role as the iconic Max Branning in the show
EastEnders star makes permanent return after 27 years ahead of devastating plotline(Image: BBC)
EastEnders legend Karen Henthorn has confirmed she is returning permanently to Albert Square, 27 years after her character was written out. The actress, who plays Julie Bates, follows Jake Wood as he makes a comeback on the show with his character Max Branning.
Julie soft-launched her return in January, when her character was heard speaking on a voice note to her husband Nigel. Unbeknownst to Julie, Nigel, played by Paul Bradley, had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia. But instead of facing up to the reality of what had happened, he walked out on her 27 years after the family moved to Scotland to start a new life.
Having told his long-standing pal Phil Mitchell that they had divorced, he moved back to Walford. But now his condition has started to deteriorate, Julie is set to go up against Phil as they decide on the best care option.
Karen said of what’s coming up for her character, almost three decades after she was last seen: “Even with the Phil situation, Julie knows that as long as she’s with Nigel – and he knows how much she loves him – that’s what matters. They are facing a hard road ahead, but they’ve got each other now.
Karen Henthorn was last seen on the Square in 1998, before moving to start a new life in Scotland(Image: BBC)
“Julie loves Nigel more than anyone else, and she’ll go above and beyond to help him. Phil can be as difficult as he wants to Julie, she’s not going anywhere.”
But things go south when Julie decides she wants to take Nigel back home to Scotland, leaving Phil furious. Karen explained that Julie is angry with the Mitchell brother, who has been dealing with health concerns of his own, as she wasn’t told about her husband’s diagnosis, and she believes Phil is trying to cut her out.
Karen was first introduced to EastEnders fans in 1997, when she was the the adoptive stepmother of Clare Bates. Along with her son Josh Saunders, Karen and Nigel took off up north with their two children to start afresh.
Back in January, Julie’s voice made a shock cameo in the soap, when she was heard by viewers for the first time since the 90s. It came after it was revealed Nigel was lying to Phil – and he hadn’t split up with Julie after all.
Karen has some difficult decisions to make as she battles with Phil Mitchell over her husband’s care(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
He played a voice message, in which Julie could be heard saying: “Nigel, it’s Julie again. I don’t know if you got my last message or… Listen, Nigel, I promise I’m not cross, whatever reason you walked out and disappeared, I just really need to know if you’re alright mate.”
Karen previously spoke of her delight at being reunited with her on-screen hubby, played by Paul Bradley. She said: “It’s very surreal to be back in Albert Square after 27 years and working with the delightful Paul Bradley again – it’s scary how fast the time has gone!”
“Julie has got some awful surprises ahead of her after the initial relief she feels to discover Nigel is still alive,” she continued. “It’s been great to film with Paul and Steve (McFadden), who are such lovely actors, as Julie discovers Nigel’s dementia diagnosis and why he chose to hide it from her.”
Speaking about Julie’s return to the Square, Executive Producer Ben Wadey said: “We are delighted to have Karen Henthorn returning to reprise her role as Julie, who arrives looking for Nigel. Julie hasn’t seen Nigel in almost two years and is unaware of his diagnosis and reasons for leaving, so her arrival will pose questions for the pair of them.”
Stuart Miles is barely-recognisable as the fresh-faced Blue Peter icon of the 90s, when he starred alongside names including Tim Vincent and Konnie Huq – and now has a new career
Stuart Miles famously quit Blue Peter after slamming the TV series for being “out of touch” with its young BBC viewers. It had been just three months since his friend and co-star Richard Bacon had been sacked for taking cocaine, and Stuart was arguing that children were no longer interested in sticky back plastic and pets.
“With the year 2000 nearly here we’ve got to make Blue Peter more relevant to modern-thinking children,” he said. “Less twee, more hard-hitting. I know it’s like a comfort blanket for a lot of people, a programme that will never shock or offend you, but we err on the side of caution.”
Stuart Miles joined Blue Peter alongside presenters Katy Hill and Tim Vincent(Image: ExpressStar)
Then 27 years old, Stuart was, at the time, Blue Peter’s longest-serving presenter, with his exit coming as a huge blow to the corporation, who had been wrestling with the drug-taking expose of Richard Bacon and his replacement on the show.
But, 26 years later, what has become of Stuart?
He went on to guest-present shows including This Morning and Holiday and also became a regular on Sky Vegas, an interactive TV gambling channel. He went on to present a breakfast show for Heart FM alongside his former co-star, Katy Hill.
Also in the line-up were Konnie Huq and Richard Bacon, who was later sacked(Image: PA)
And in 2008, he launched a drag show at Edinburgh Fringe, The Adventures of Pink Peter, dressing up as Vera Singleton who was portrayed as sister of Valerie Singleton, one of the show’s early presenters.
A decade later, Stuart spoke about his regret over not coming out as gay during his time on Blue Peter. Speaking to Metro, he said: “I only have one regret and that is I spent a lot of my time on the show feeling conflicted about my sexuality. I was frightened of the reaction I may get both in the press and from the parents of children who watched the show if I came out as a gay man.
He launched a drag show at Edinburgh Fringe, The Adventures of Pink Peter, dressing up as Vera Singleton
This may seem daft to someone growing up gay in 2018 but it’s easy to forget how, as little as 20 years ago, we were in a very different place.”
In fact, Blue Peter had sacked one of its presenters in 1985, Michael Sundin, with many claiming it was because of his sexuality. This was refuted by the show’s then-Editor, Biddy Baxter, who said it was simply that Michael was unpopular with viewers. He sadly died of an Aids-related illness in 1989.
Now aged 56, Stuart is barely recognisable from his Blue Peter days and also has a new career, as a professional speaker for Great British Speakers.
Stuart now has a new career in voiceovers(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Ex-Labour MP Zarah Sultana has announced she is resigning from the party, saying she will be founding a new party with her former leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Sultana, the Coventry South MP stripped of the Labour whip last year for backing a move to scrap the two-child benefit cap, said the new party would be formed with other independent MPs and activists, aiming to challenge a “broken” Westminster system.
Corbyn has been contacted but has not confirmed his involvement to the BBC.
However last night, he had hinted he may form a new party, telling ITV’s Peston “there is a thirst for an alternative” and that a “grouping will come together”.
In a social media post, Sultana said the government is “an active participant in genocide” in Gaza – and highlighted growing poverty, the government’s position on welfare, and the cost of living as reasons for establishing her new party.
“Labour has completely failed to improve people’s lives. And across the political establishment, from Farage to Starmer, they smear people of conscience trying to stop a genocide in Gaza as terrorists.
“But the truth is clear: this government is an active participant in genocide. And the British people oppose it.”
Israel has strenuously denied accusations it is committing genocide or genocidal acts in Gaza.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has described the situation in Gaza as “appalling and intolerable” and repeatedly called for a ceasefire, as well as the release of hostages.
But some MPs want him to go further and describe the situation in Gaza as a genocide, claims currently being examined by the International Court of Justice.
Sultana also referenced the government’s welfare bill that passed this week, adding: “The government wants to make disabled people suffer; they just can’t decide how much.”
“We’re not an island of strangers,” she says, referencing a speech given by the prime minister in May about immigration, which he has since said he regrets. And she says at the next election, “the choice will be stark: socialism or barbarism”.
Asked for a response to her resignation and comments, a Labour Party spokesperson said: “In just 12 months, this Labour government has boosted wages, delivered an extra four million NHS appointments, opened 750 free breakfast clubs, secured three trade deals and four interest rate cuts lowering mortgage payments for millions.
“Only Labour can deliver the change needed to renew Britain.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told Sky News that Sultana had “always taken a very different view” from the Labour government on a range of issues.
Cooper rejected the Coventry South MP’s accusation that Labour was failing to improve people’s lives.
She cited falling waiting times in the NHS, the announcement of additional neighbourhood police officers, extending free school meals and strengthening renters’ rights as areas where the government was acting.
“These are real changes (that) have a real impact on people’s lives,” Cooper said.
Alastair Campbell, the former director of communications under Prime Minister Tony Blair, told the BBC he would not underestimate “how much the government’s handling of Gaza has really played into this sense of what is Labour about?”.
He said: “There feels to me to be a gap between the scale of the challenges facing the country as the public feel them, and the sorts of policy responses coming forward.”
Sultana was elected as a Labour MP at the 2024 general election but was suspended not long after, and has since sat in the Commons as an independent.
She was suspended with seven other Labour MPs, including former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, for defying the government over its two-child benefit cap.
Four of the rebels have since returned to Labour, but Sultana and McDonnell remain independents.
Despite her suspension, she had remained a member of the Labour Party.
Responding to Sultana’s announcement, McDonnell posted on social media: “I am dreadfully sorry to lose Zarah from the Labour Party.
“The people running Labour at the moment need to ask themselves why a young, articulate, talented, extremely dedicated socialist feels she now has no home in the Labour Party and has to leave.”
The BBC understands McDonnell will not be joining the new party.
Labour MP Kim Johnson, who sits on the left of the party, voted alongside Sultana to oppose the government on its welfare bill and its decision to ban the Palestine Action group.
She said it was “sad that the party is losing a young and passionate politician” but added that she was committed to remaining in Labour.
Last year, Corbyn united with four other MPs elected as independents to establish an alliance in the House of Commons.
All five of the group beat Labour candidates in July’s election with their pro-Palestinian stance in constituencies with large Muslim populations.
Speaking to ITV’s Peston programme, he said he and fellow pro-Gaza independents would “come together” and “there will be an alternative”.
He said it would be based on “peace rather than war”.
His alliance includes MPs Shockat Adam, Ayoub Khan, Adnan Hussain, and Iqbal Mohamed.
TV star Jon Richardson has reportedly signed up to a hit Channel 4 show despite giving up comedy for a very different career after his divorce from Lucy Beaumont
21:54, 14 Jun 2025Updated 21:54, 14 Jun 2025
Jon Richardson is said to have landed a spot on a huge TV show(Image: Rob Parfitt/ Channel 4)
Comedian Jon Richardson is said to have signed up to take part in a popular Channel 4 show after “quitting comedy”. The TV star issued a surprise announcement earlier this year where he revealed he was changing careers.
His unexpected move came just months after his split from wife of nine years Lucy Beaumont. Jon and fellow comedian Lucy starred in their hit series Meet the Richardsons, but were forced to quit following their divorce.
He is now said to have signed up to take part in Celebrity Bake Off for their next Stand Up to Cancer campaign. A source said: “Bosses are over the moon that they signed up Jon. He is hilarious, so will bring the laughs to the tent, and he’s hugely popular with viewers.”
“It’s been a tough year for Jon following his split from Lucy, so this has given him some light relief and it’s all for charity, so that’s an added bonus,” they added to the Sun.
Posting on social media earlier this year, Jon made his bombshell revelation. He said: “I just thought I’d give you a little update. I don’t really do social media updates, and I’ll tell you why – because I don’t think anyone cares.
“But I have a little bit of news. I’ve obviously been taking a little bit of a break from stand-up and it’s really made me… want to carry on taking a break from stand-up.”
He added: “I’ve been thinking a lot about a diary entry that I found from 1997.” An excerpt of his old diary then popped on screen, as the BBC Radio 6 star explained: “It’s this one. I was 14 years old, it says although I would love to be a stand-up comedian, I’ll probably end up being a teacher. And I’ve been thinking a lot about that.”
He split from wife Lucy last year(Image: BAFTA via Getty Images)
Jon revealed: “I’ve loved being a comedian, it was absolutely the right choice. But I’ve decided it would’ve been nice to try the other option, so that’s exactly what I’m gonna do.”
The comedian shared that he’d already accepted a teaching job, stating: “I’ve been doing some training, I’ve taken a teaching position. I will update you as and when I can. but that’s all from me for now, just to let you know where I’ve been. I’ll keep you posted.”
Jon and Lucy tied the knot in April 2015, and share eight-year-old daughter Elsie. At the time of their break-up, a joint statement read: “We have jointly and amicably made the difficult decision to divorce and go our separate ways.
“As our only priority is managing this difficult transition for our daughter, we would ask that our privacy is respected at this sensitive time to protect her well-being. We will be making no further comment. Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont.”
In September it was revealed the pair had come to an agreement in their divorce payout as Jon handed Lucy an eye-watering amount. He gave Lucy a whopping £1.625 million. Lucy is also ready to make a return to TV, having signed up to take part in the first celebrity edition of The Traitors.
The Mirror has contacted Jon’s representatives and Channel 4 for comment.
Justin Fletcher has been a staple of children’s television for well over two decades, but away from the bright lights and cameras, the much-loved TV star keeps his private life out of the spotlight
Kelly Smith Screen Time Reporter
14:15, 11 Jun 2025
There’s not a tot across the nation who wouldn’t recognise Mr Tumble, having entertained and assisted countless children over the years.
Despite his immense popularity among young viewers due to his work on CBeebies and his sell-out tours across the country, little is known about television personality Justin Fletcher when he’s off duty.
In fact, the highly acclaimed star, who was honoured with an MBE by the late Queen Elizabeth II, generally keeps his personal life out of the spotlight, although he has occasionally offered glimpses into his home life and upbringing.
As a youngster, Justin frequently moved around with his parents due to his father’s successful career as a music writer, which often necessitated relocation and brought some very famous faces to their family home.
The beloved TV personality is actually the second oldest of five siblings – with a 12-year age gap between him and his youngest sibling – and Justin once told Metro: “There was always someone to play games with while we were growing up. My dad is a songwriter and my mum was a housewife,” reports Surrey Live.
At a tender age, the CBeebies star confided in his father, Guy Fletcher, expressing his desire to pursue acting and further his drama studies. His father warned him of the challenges he would face in the industry but gave him his “full support”, something Justin continues to appreciate to this day.
Net Worth
Mr Tumble is estimated to be worth £1.5 million(Image: (Image: BBC))
The 54 year old entertainer has been the face of popular CBeebies shows like Gigglebiz and Justin’s House. However, his most notable achievement is the programme Something Special, specifically designed to assist children with communication by integrating Makaton signs, speech and symbols throughout.
Having been a hit on children’s TV for over two decades, it’s no surprise that his endearing characters have evolved into a multi-million-pound industry.
Past reports suggest that his Something Special DVD sold over 100,000 copies, raking in more than £1 million, and an accompanying magazine generated a monthly income of £180,000. As a result, it’s estimated that his net worth is around £1.5 million.
Stepping down from BBC role
Mr Tumble is stepping down from his much-loved Something Special show(Image: BBC)
Earlier this year, the television legend shocked fans when he announced he was stepping back from his proudest creation, Something Special, confirming he was passing the baton to three other presenters.
After an impressive 22-year stint, during which the programme produced 12 series and five specials, Justin decided it was time to hand over the reins to TV stars Maddie Moate, Ben Cajee, and George Webster, who confirmed the news on social media.
Relationship status and plans for starting a family
Mr Tumble would love to start a family
The Bafta Award-winner, who voiced beloved characters such as Doodle and Jake in Tweenies, Shaun the Sheep and Harold from Thomas the Tank Engine, has dedicated his life to children’s TV, so much so, that he’s been too busy for romance.
Back in 2012, kids’ TV favourite Justin Fletcher, known to many as Mr Tumble, confided in The Mirror about the numerous romantic proposals he’d received from enthusiastic mums writing to him.
He spilled to the publication: “I have had emails,” and revealed his bachelor status with: “I’m not married, live alone and have been single for a while now because I’ve been a workaholic filming Something Special, Justin’s House and Gigglebiz.”
Although his diary’s chock-a-block with showbiz commitments, Justin has got his heart set on fatherhood, sharing with the outlet his aspiration: “I do want to free up some time for myself and my family. I would love to have children so need to find someone who likes kids. A couple of kids would be lovely.”
He echoed this sentiment to the Metro in 2013, saying: “I’d love to have a family of my own in the future – I’d like to do that in the next few years but, at the moment, I’m producing three TV shows and do live tours. I can’t keep doing this forever but if I finished next week, I’d feel I’d achieved a lot.”
Famous father
Mr Tumble isn’t the only famous face in his family(Image: CBeebies/BBC)
Justin isn’t just any entertainer; he’s got showbiz in his blood, being the son of legendary songwriter Guy Fletcher, whose tunes graced the repertoires of icons like Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, and Joe Cocker.
Chatting with BBC 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins, Justin opened up about his musically rich upbringing and even revealed that his beloved character Mr ‘Cliff’ Tumble is an homage to Sir Cliff Richard.
He shared: “I was always brought up around musicians and we had a recording studio built onto the house. My character Cliff Tumble is a homage to Sir Cliff, who I’ve met a lot and is lovely, very charming.
“Dad wrote his Eurovision entry Power to All Our Friends. The biggest hit he wrote for Elvis was Just Pretend, which he used to perform in his Vegas shows. Pretty cool, really,” Justin remarked.
Something Special is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
A much loved EastEnders star is tipped to return to the BBC show this year – reprising her role as one of the soap’s most iconic characters a full 20 years after she walked away
HOLLYOAKS legend Jamie Lomas has signed up for BBC’s Celebrity MasterChef after quitting the Channel 4 soap.
Jamie, 50, is best known for his long-running role as bad boy Warren Fox – but now he’s trading street brawls for saucepans in the hit cooking competition.
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Hollyoaks star Jamie Lomas has signed up for Celebrity MasterChefCredit: Getty
Filming has already wrapped, and insiders say viewers will get to see a very different side to the actor.
A source told The Sun: “Jamie was looking to do something where fans could meet the real him – not just Hollyoaks hardman Warren Fox!
“He’s actually quite good in the kitchen and he’s really competitive too. It’s already been filmed but he’s not telling anyone how far he got.”
Jamie will join the likes of Love Island star Chris Hughes, Blue singer Antony Costa, Corrie actress Katie McGlynn and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Ginger Johnson when the hit show returns later this year.
Jamie has also made headlines for his offbeat acting choices, including a divisive role in Jafaican, the Peter Andre-fronted film that raised eyebrows among critics and fans alike.
While the soap star hasn’t come under fire, Peter wears a dreadlock wig and puts on a Jamaican accent in toe-curling scenes.
Kym Marsh gushes over ex husband Jamie Lomas’ new baby after he welcomes daughter with new fiance
Viewers watched his character Warren flee abroad after leaving Mercedes McQueen behind with her children, unwilling to force them all to live on the run.
Jamie briefly returned last month for a flashback episode, which we were first to reveal
But will return for ANOTHER short stint on the show, which will no doubt delight fans.
A source told us: “Jamie’s returning for a limited stint later this month.
“He loves the show and could fit it in so jumped at the chance. It will see
“Warren return to the village in the present day but who will he come face to face with and what will happen?
“It’s definitely going to be a treat for fans.”
Celebrity Masterchef Previous Winners
The previous Celebrity Masterchef winners so far in the show
At the time, he revealed on Mancs on the Mic: “It’s hard for me. I started off acting, I started off in that game and I really lost the bug for it.
Corrie cash crisis: shock exits for 2025
ITV bosses are locked in a battle to save the cash-strapped soap.
This means that a number of stars have either been axed from or have abandoned the long-running serial drama.
Colson Smith – Craig Tinker
The character of Craig Tinker has been axed by bosses after 14 years. After he was told of the news in Autumn 2024, Colson Smith confirmed that would be written out of the show with scenes to air later this year. Craig’s on-screen mum, Beth Tinker, also left the show in the summer when actress Lisa George was written out from the role.
Sue Cleaver – Eileen Grimshaw
After 25 years playing Eileen Grimshaw, former I’m A Celebrity campmate Sue Cleaver will quit the show. The Sun on Sunday reported in January that she’s already begun to film her exit scenes. However the character will not be killed off in case Sue opts to make a return in the future.
The actress became the fifth star to leave Coronation Street in just one month. We revealed that she will bow out of the ITV soap later this year after four years on-screen. Charlotte told sources that she’s hungry to see what other opportunities await.
There will be no parade in the event of a win against Tottenham. Instead celebrations will be restricted to a low-key barbeque at the club’s Carrington training ground when Amorim’s squad return on Thursday.
Evidently, Amorim and his players have the financial muscle to pay for their friends and family to get to Bilbao if needed.
However, others who work closely with the first team are not in the same fortunate financial position.
So, at a time when a second round of up to 200 redundancies are planned following the 250 jobs that were axed last year, Amorim and his players have decided to help out by paying for some tickets for the backroom team’s families.
“The situation is simple,” he said. “We have a lot of things, with people leaving and a lot of changes in the staff, so at this moment in our club sometimes it is hard to know when to give and when to take.
“We have to respect the people whose jobs are being taken to survive and rebuild.
“It is complicated for the club to start giving to other members of staff, which makes it a really hard position.
“That situation was explained so my reaction was to help.
“It is not going to change my life [financially]. To help the staff be there and comfortable means they will be better staff for the final.
“We talk to the players and the players have the same reaction – everybody wants their families there.”
Amorim has his own experience of a Europa League final, as a player in the Benfica side beaten on penalties by Sevilla in Turin in 2014.
Aside from the £100m financial windfall that qualification for the Champions League would bring, as a straightforward football match Amorim knows next week is not a game to lose.
“I will never say I was a finalist,” he said. “The feeling has to be ‘what a waste of time’.
“My message to the players is we have to win or it doesn’t matter.”
